Why does Health Care Reform matter to victims?
by Julie Lawson
Executive Director
Despite where you may fall on the political spectrum, most Americans can agree that health care reform is
needed. Our focus is, and should be, on the vast need for health care services for the under- and
uninsured. What you may not know is that many of these people are victims of crime, and their health care
needs are directly a result of violence.
The direct health care cost of crime exceeds $105 billion annually. Adding in mental health care needs and
loss of quality of life, this amount soars over $465 billion. Crime causes immediate physical health
problems such as broken bones, wounds and the need for expensive medication, but it also causes
long-term and/or permanent paralysis, disability and death. Medicaid and Medicare do not always cover
health care expenses related to crime, and the cost of receiving intensive care exceeds the amount
awarded through Crime Victim Compensation programs. Crime is a significant and pervasive burden on
victims, insurance programs, the health care system and the American tax payer.
When working with legislators and community members on health care reform, please remember victims.
We must not victimize them further with significant health care costs associated with crime.