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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz advocates Comprehensive Healthcare for all Americans during NSU Commencement address
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. –U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Weston) urged Congress to pass healthcare legislation that ensures all Americans will receive health coverage.
Wasserman Schultz’ remarks came during her Nova Southeastern University commencement address on Sunday.
Wasserman Schultz spoke to 791 graduating students at NSU’s Health Professions Division’s at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise.
Graduating students came from the Health Profession Division’s colleges of dental medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, medical sciences and allied health and nursing.
Wasserman Schultz told the graduates healthcare legislation that Congress will pass this year must include “a public option that can compete fairly and equitably with private insurers to increase innovation and cost savings”.
“Some private insurers will balk or seek ways to ‘game’ the system to their economic advantage and to the expense of healthcare providers and their patients,” the congresswoman said. “Well, I believe the ultimate legislation that emerges from Congress must contain certain fundamental principles. First, no one, regardless of their health should ever be denied coverage.”
Wasserman Schultz said guaranteed health insurance is imperative.
“No one, regardless of financial or employment status, should go without coverage because they cannot afford it,” she said. “No insurance policy should ever exclude pre-existing conditions.”
If private insurance providers want to participate in this new vision of healthcare, Wasserman Schultz said, they must offer a comprehensive policy without exclusions to anyone that wants to sign up.
She said that “no one should ever have to lose their coverage, or be forced to change their policy simply because they change jobs.”
“I will continue to work with my colleagues to meet President Obama’s call to action to deliver a quality, comprehensive plan to his desk this year,” Wasserman Schultz said.
Wasserman Schultz, who received an honorary degree from NSU, was the youngest woman ever elected to the Florida House of Representatives at age 26. She was elected to the Florida Senate in 2000 and sworn in into the U.S. House of Representatives in 2005.
Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D, Chancellor of NSU’s Health Professions Division, said it was an honor to have Wasserman Schultz speak about healthcare during the commencement.
“Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has always been a tireless fighter for Floridians and all Americans,” Lippman said. “Her commitment to healthcare will positively impact the lives of many for generations.”
Contact:
Ken Ma, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5354 Office, 954-830-4177 Cell, kennma@nova.edu