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REGULAR MEETING June 22nd, 2020
<br /> a profound toll on our community's mental health, all of which is placing significant demands on
<br /> the health care system and the State of Indiana's Medicaid program; and, Whereas, the ever-
<br /> increasing costs of health care, which are further elevated due to the pandemic,may challenge our
<br /> state and municipal budgets;and,Whereas, COVID-19 related treatment is likely to cost uninsured
<br /> patients tens of thousands of dollars; and;
<br /> Councilmember Henry Davis Jr., 5117 Idlewood Drive, South Bend, IN, served as a presenter for
<br /> this bill. Councilmember Henry Davis Jr. stated, Whereas, in order to equitably and effectively
<br /> address the health care needs in the City of South Bend and State of Indiana, including the
<br /> additional burden created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must urge the U.S. Congress to expand
<br /> health insurance coverage to provide comprehensive coverage to every resident of the United
<br /> States without any cost sharing; and, Whereas, the global COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to
<br /> cause physical, emotional, and economic hardships for nearly every resident in the United States;
<br /> and, Whereas, although the United States Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and
<br /> Security Act (CARES) in an attempt to ease the suffering of many residents of the United States,
<br /> residents are entitled to more than financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic; and,
<br /> Whereas, because the Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act (H.R. 6906) would guarantee all
<br /> residents full coverage for medically necessary health care without copays, deductibles, or other
<br /> out-of-pocket costs only until an approved COVID-19 vaccine is widely available to the public
<br /> and is therefore limited in its duration, a more permanent remedy is also required; and, Whereas,
<br /> the Medicare Act for All of 2019 (H.R. 1384) would provide similarly expanded coverage, but
<br /> would make that coverage available in perpetuity, and not limited to the duration of the COVID-
<br /> 19 crisis; and, Whereas, other COVID-19 relief legislation packages will be and are being
<br /> considered for adoption by Congress, some of which will provide sufficient health care coverage
<br /> as provided above and some of which will not; and, Whereas, only comprehensive coverage can
<br /> assure people that,no matter what health condition is ultimately responsible for symptoms,or what
<br /> treatment turns out to be necessary, patients will be financially protected. Now, therefore, be it
<br /> resolved by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section One (I)
<br /> The South Bend Common Council hereby endorses and urges federal legislation to provide
<br /> universal, comprehensive health coverage with zero cost-sharing for patients during the current
<br /> crisis, such as the Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act. Section Two (II) The South Bend
<br /> Common Council also hereby endorses and urges federal legislation to provide universal,
<br /> comprehensive health coverage with zero cost-sharing for patients extending beyond the
<br /> immediate COVID-19 crisis into perpetuity such as the Medicare for All Act of 2019. Section
<br /> Three (III) The South Bend Common Council calls on Congress to work toward the immediate
<br /> enactment of this, or substantially similar legislation, to ensure appropriate health care coverage
<br /> for all residents of the United States during the current crisis and beyond. Section Four(IV) The
<br /> South Bend Common Council requests the Clerk of Council to submit a copy of this Resolution to
<br /> the City's U.S. Congressional delegation.
<br /> Council Vice President Karen L. White then opened the floor to questions from Council Members.
<br /> There were none.
<br /> This being the time heretofore set for the Public Hearing on the above bill, proponents and
<br /> opponents were given an opportunity to be heard.
<br /> Bill Price, 50640 Wyandotte Drive, Granger, IN, spoke in favor of the above resolution.
<br /> Matthew Henderson, 1707 Crestwood Boulevard, South Bend, IN, spoke in favor of the above
<br /> resolution.
<br /> Ogechi Ike, 50655 Tarrington Way, Granger, IN, spoke in favor of the above resolution.
<br /> Larissa DeMeester, 512 East Oakside Street, South Bend, IN, spoke in favor of the above
<br /> resolution.
<br /> Noelia Rodriguez, 135 West Grove Street, Mishawaka, IN, spoke in favor of the above resolution.
<br /> Council Vice President Karen L. White then turned the floor back to the Council for further
<br /> comments or main motions.
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