SEIU, Lupus Foundation, Future of Music Coalition Hosted Hip-Hop 'HealthCare Remix' Discussion on Reform

Washington, DC - Today hip-hop artists joined workers and a major disease research foundation at the "Healthcare Remix" to discuss healthcare reform and why it is so important that Congress gets it done this year. Specifically, the event was held in honor of, J-Dilla an influential hip-hop producer and rising artist whose promising life was cut short by complications stemming from his battle with Lupus. After he lost his insurance coverage, the costs associated with his care reached six-digit levels. In the United States, 60% of uninsured Americans are self-employed or employed by a small business that does not offer health benefits. Participants discussed how healthcare reform can prevent the kind of financial stress and hardship the Yancey family has endured due to the high cost of medical treatment.

"The consequences of more delay are grave. Too many Americans are excluded from the life-saving care they need because of prohibitively high costs," said Dr. L. Toni Lewis President of the Committee of Interns and Residents (SEIU). "J Dilla's tragic and untimely death should be a lesson to the Congress: We must act now to reform a system that costs too much and covers too few."

The event shed a bright light on the need for reform that does more than just expand insurance coverage. Even with insurance many Americans can't afford the care they need because of high deductibles or out of pocket costs. And the strain on family budgets gets worse every year.

"My son had insurance, and even with that coverage, it wasn't enough," said Maureen Yancey, mother of J-Dilla and Chair of the Maureen Yancey Fund. "The costs of J-Dilla's care spiraled out of control until we just couldn't afford it anymore. No family should have to face those kinds of bills when they are seeking life-saving treatment. We need reform."

The day's events culminated with the fourth annual J-Dilla Tribute and Fundraiser at DC's Liv Niteclub with special performances by hip-hop artists. The Lupus Foundation and the Maureen Yancey Fund were the beneficiaries of the proceeds.

As Congress continues to debate health reform, it is imperative that every community has a voice at the decision-making table. These events raised awareness of the urgency of the problem and urged participants to action by entreating them become informed and contact their Members of Congress.