Insurance for minority AIDS patients

Abstract: Callie Crossley reports that the state of Massachusetts has decided to allow businesses and insurance companies to test people for the AIDS antibody. Crossley reports that critics complain that the proposed policy favors insurance companies over patients. Crossley's report includes footage of Paula Gold (Secretary of Consumer Affairs) at a press conference. Gold says that testing will be allowed under limited circumstances and controlled conditions. Crossley notes that the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts is a strong opponent of the policy. Crossley's report includes footage of Don Polk (Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts) at a press conference. Polk condemns involuntary testing except for clear public health reasons. Crossley reports that Polk believes that the policy does not contain appropriate measures to ensure patient confidentiality. She adds that Polk believes the policy to be discriminatory against African American life insurance policy holders. At the press conference, Polk says that the proposed policy fails to take into account the discrepancy in life expectancy between African American AIDS victims and white AIDS victims. Crossley reports the Urban League believes that the new state policy de-emphasizes public health education campaigns, which are important in minority communities. Crossley's story is accompanied by shots of public health informational brochures and by shots of African Americans at a bus stop. This tape includes additional shots of public health education literature. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Boston City Council has delayed voting on the school reform package proposed by Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston)Boston City Council delays vote on school reform

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