Single-Payer Healthcare Alliance Forms in Washington, D.C.

[DogPoundPup]

by David Swanson
November 15, 2008

With Barack Obama about to assume the presidency and take up the healthcare issue, leaders of single-payer healthcare organizations met for two days, November 11 - 12, at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. The California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC), Physicians for a National Health Plan (PNHP), Healthcare-NOW! , and Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) convened the meeting. Providing healthcare to the millions of Americans who lack it was a centerpiece of the presidential campaigns.

Approximately sixty people representing over a dozen organizations and three members of Congress were in attendance. The agenda included a political overview, developing a legislative strategy, and alliance-building discussions. Among the represented groups were Healthcare-NOW!, the AFL-CIO, All Unions Committee for Single-Payer, American Medical Students Association, Rep. John Conyers, and aides from the offices of Reps. Bernie Sanders and Dennis Kucinich.

There was broad agreement among the participants that a single-payer healthcare plan, H.R. 676 specifically, is not only the solution to solving the problem of providing healthcare to every American, but is also a sensible part of any economic stimulus package and lasting economic recovery.

Concern was expressed that a plan similar to the Massachusetts health plan will be offered by Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, which could pass out of respect for his service in the Senate. The law, enacted in 2006, subsidizes healthcare corporations with taxpayer dollars and mandates that Massachusetts citizens buy health insurance.

Read more @ http://www.opednews.com/articles/Single-Payer-Healthcare-Al-by-David-Swanson-081115-667.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. I hope this is good news..

[dtotire]

2. If We Get A Single-Payer System

I would not mind a small co-payment for Doctor visits. It would prevent seeing a doctor for every small complaint. I pay $15 for doctor visits, nothing for hospital stays.

[eridani]

4. Our local single payer group has argued about that extensively

I always say it's like arguing about the best recipe for rabbit stew when you haven't caught the rabbit yet.

[drm604]

3. K&R

I think that something like this is going to happen. The current economic crisis will almost force it to.

[annabanana]

5. American's are SO ready for this now.

Everyone's afraid that one accident, one protracted illness, will send them into penury..

[creeksneakers2]

6. Is the alliance going to be part of a compromise,

or are they going to derail anything that isn't single payer enough for them? David Swanson only attacks his potential allies, so its probably the latter.

[undeterred]

7. David Swanson is the most amazing intelligent and passionate

progressive Democrat in the United States, IMHO. We are lucky he posts here occasionally.