The Nation - News from June 28, 1988

A coalition of 172 public and private sector groups established under the leadership of the American Medical Assn. announced a blueprint for minimum health care benefits for all Americans, especially the 70 million who are uninsured or have inadequate coverage. The coalition, Health Policy Agenda for the American People, said basic benefits for health maintenance should include maternal and child care, immunizations and periodic medical and dental examinations. Medical services for short-term treatment should cover hospital room and board, laboratory, emergency and operating rooms, therapy services, physicians and other professionals inside and outside the hospital. Long-term care services should include home care and nursing home care, officials said.