Forum addresses needs of uninsured

Another forum in Des Moines today as “Cover the Un-Insured week” continues. Spokeswoman Sara Leonard says today’s event is sponsored by business and industry leaders.Businesses and labor leaders don’t always agree, but they do agree this it’s a major problem that the rising cost of healthcare makes it harder for their workers to afford health coverage, and for businesses to provide it for them. She says Iowa businesses saw a twelve-point-seven percent increase in healthcare costs from 2001 to 2002, meaning they either had to pay for it, make workers pay, or drop the health plan. She says the number-one reason businesses offer benefits like health insurance is they think it’ll help them attract a higher-quality workforce. Tomorrow, “Cover the Un-Insured” week concludes with events including an Interfaith prayer breakfast at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines.