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Even though many states are considering or implementing universal health insurance initiatives, the economic environment will make them a tough sell in state capitols. Hence, it is very important to be able to make clear arguments in favor of universal coverage.
A principal motivation is the recognition that the usual form of healthcare for uninsured persons--the emergency room--is among the most expensive offered to any segment of our population. For an uninsured person with a mental illness, the ER has become the new inpatient ward. Stories of people spending five to six days in ERs are becoming common, as other alternatives simply are not available.
