BREAKING NEWS: BIG BREAKTHROUGHS FOR SINGLE PAYER HEALTH CARE

[Joanne98]

Less than a month after 13 single payer advocates were arrested protesting the exclusion of single payer, it is at the table in both Houses, making progress while the multi-payer pro-insurance reform is faltering.

When we started our campaign one month ago to put single payer national health insurance on the table, we were ignored.

When we stood up and demanded that single payer be part of the debate, we were arrested.

Today, single payer is breaking through, while the multi-payer pro-health insurance reform is faltering.


Here’s the news, single payer national health insurance will be at the table in the Senate with a witness participating in a hearing this Thursday. And, on Wednesday a hearing is being held on single payer in the House of Representatives.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education and Pensions has invited Margaret Flowers, MD of Physicians for National Health Policy to testify this Thursday at 3:00 PM in a hearing on health care reform. Flowers was one of the Baucus 13 I was arrested with three weeks ago protesting the exclusion of single payer from Senate Finance Committee hearings.

And, on Wednesday, the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee of the House Education & Labor Committee will hold a hearing titled “Examining the
Single Payer Health Care Option” this Wednesday, June 10th at 10:30 am in
2175 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Single payer is making advances while the multi-payer pro-insurance industry reform bill is faltering.

continued>>>
http://www.opednews.com/articles/BREAKING-NEWS-BIG-BREAKTH-by-Kevin-Zeese-090609-881.html

[comtec]

1. Please don't tease me and get my hopes up

I can't handle that kind of let down right now.

Some damn bullshit thing or another will happen and kill single payer, probably some bull shit rider bill or pork the rethugs will put in =<[br />
I just.. I just can't get my hopes up anymore, i've been disappointed by this administration, and the democraps in the congress too many times =<.[br />
but ... still... please, please, oh dear sweet thingie in the universe, PLEASE let single payer pass!

if the rich want their own private system fine!

but they're still paying whatever taxes are demanded to pay for Single payer, they're still Americans, and they will still get the benefit of a well work force...


now if only we could get more vacation time mandatory. we have 26 days here in holland, and that's considered low! :)

[The Doctor.]

12. Not to worry...

Sure, it may not pass. The insurance industry will fight tooth and nail to prevent it.

I can tell you that their days are nonetheless numbered, and there will be a form of universal health care to bring greater prosperity to the nation.

[NewJeffCT]

26. I hope you are right

but, universal healthcare is really needed for the long term health of the nation's economy.

[The Doctor.]

46. Yes, but there is another way.

And the likelyhood these companies fail only increases as they squeeze.

If I'm still around in a couple years, I'm sure you'll see something interesting happen.

[John Q. Citizen]

39. They will fight just as hard to prevent a strong public option. Tooth and nail, don't

you think?

[JohnWxy]

71. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN BY ITSELF. IF PEOPLE WANT IT THEY MUST TELL THERE SENATORS & REPRESENTATIVES.

This will NOT happen unless EVERYBODY calls, writes, emails their Senators and Representatives. If you leave it to somebody else then the insurance companies and the pharmaceutical firms have already won. If we do not make it very clear to those in Congress that we adamantly want this, they aren't going to fight the powerful interest groups by themselves. (if they stick their necks out and the people don't show up for the fight the Republicans make the Democrats 'pay' for it.)

IF YOU WANT IT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x455594

[The Doctor.]

72. Never said it would.

If they don't kill single payer, they will eventually perish.

If they do kill it, they will only speed their demise.

They simply cannot win.

[JohnWxy]

73. I would like people to try to make that happen this year. I do not think it will ever happen unless

each person asks himself is he/she "up to" sending an email or a letter (phone-calls don't count as much).

www.congress.org will send a hard copy letter of your message if you click on that option. ALL FOR FREE!!

If we don't demand it, I do not think it will happen. MOney plus Republicans makes for very bad government. Unless we are prepared to fight for what's right ... LIKE OUR LIVES DEPEND ON IT.

[EJSTES2005]

37. At this point

we should be happy as pigs in shit if we even get a govt option. The crooks in CON-gress make their decisions based on one thing. We are all kidding our selves if we think for a second that most of these bums care about anything other then the money they need to keep their seat. Especially considering everyone of them has free health care for life. Sometimes for as little as two years of work....I mean 2 years at the pig trough.

Until we have federally funded elections and some god damn term limits we might as well be talking to a brick *&%#ing wall.

[Strong Atheist]

62. Very Belated Welcome to DU!

:toast:

[EJSTES2005]

63. TYVM

Very glad to be here !!!!

[Strong Atheist]

70. It is a really well-designed web site, with a lot of good people. Enjoy! nt.

[fascisthunter]

2. keep up the pressure and never EVER give up

no matter what. This is our own revolution, lets give it the same determination our forefathers gave to theirs.

[alfredo]

16. I have socialized medicine and I love it. VA and Medicare.

[fascisthunter]

19. I'm Glad to Hear That Alfredo

didn't know you were a veteran... hope I don't sound patronizing, but I seriously appreciate your service and all others who have served. Veterans should should get the best for the rest of their lives... it's the least we tax payers can do.

[alfredo]

22. Thanks. I beat the draft, I joined.

[SkyDaddy7]

23. I too am on Medicare and I go to the VA...

Do you have Medicare Part D...If so, do you mind if I PM you as I am dying in the donut hole!!!

[bertman]

31. When I and another vet tried to get set up for VA coverage we were told it's means tested

and our incomes were too high. So much for veterans' health coverage.

[JDPriestly]

40. My husband gets VA coverage, but pays for it. The VA gives

great service. My husband also has Medicare but goes to the VA for a lot of things. Eligibility may depend on when you served. My husband was pre-Viet Nam.

[John Q. Citizen]

41. Can you get it with a co-pay?

[alfredo]

49. I was means tested and because I am on SS I got a good rating. All I pay

is $8 for my medicine.

If your situation changes, go back and try again.

[SkyDaddy7]

61. Yeah, unless you have "service connected disability"

It can be extremely difficult to get treatment...Which is truly disgusting because all vets should have health care paid for! Whether you have been to a combat zone or not you do give up a portion of your life serving your country and that service should have some life long benefits. At least Health Care & Education for the Vet and maybe even their dependents. IMHO.

[alfredo]

65. Not true. When I signed up I was not diagnosed with a service related

injury. I was not in a combat zone. I've never had trouble getting treatment. Recently I was awarded service related status for bilateral Tinnitus and hearing loss. I requested the testing for disability.

I have had nothing but good experiences with the VA since I signed up several years ago.

[SkyDaddy7]

67. You confused me..

You say you were not diagnosed with a service connected injury and then in the next sentence you say you were?

Regardless the availability of treatment varies depending on which VA facility you use...Like I could get more treatment and not wait near as long if I traveled 2hrs south of Atlanta to Columbus, Ga. They would actually treat basic problems for almost any Vet the walked through the door because they could...Atlanta tries but they are extremely packed!!!

So, what I said is true for where I live and many if not most major VA facilities. I know they are trying harder and harder to see as many Vets as they can but they do have budgets.

And I never said you had to be in a combat zone...However, I do think combat injuries get priority as they should!!!!

[alfredo]

69. Only later did I request a hearing on disability. When I signed up I didn't

claim any disability. My Army buddies urged me to be tested. Combat vets deserve to be at the front of the line.


Treating the new wave of veterans will be very costly. It's worth the cost.


I'm here in Lexington Ky and we have a large VA hospital. We are also associated with the University of Ky hospital. Many UofK doctors moonlight at the VA. You can walk from one hospital to the other without leaving the building. UofK doctors come to the VA for the Starbucks in the VA. VA doctors go to UofK for the cute nurses.

[alfredo]

48. No, I don't. I have regular insurance so my wife can be covered. She

can't get her own because she is uninsurable.

[SkyDaddy7]

60. I understand...

I was on my wife's Insurance "Principal" and after my Spinal Cord Injury I had this "INSANE" burning sensation down my left side that no pain meds would touch. So, I was going through a series of different Intrathecal drug trials, spinal stimulator and IV treatments that got very expensive...And YES, I was dropped by my wife's insurance which I had been on for 10yrs. There was something written into the Medicare Part D bill which allowed Insurance companies to force people who were collecting Social Security Disability onto Medicare and that is what they did.

In my cancellation letter I had info on how to apply for Medicare and Medicare Part D.

This is why I laugh every time I hear some dumb ignorant freeper scream Socialism when it comes to tax dollars allocated to help everyday Americans while corporate America has been on welfare for who knows how long.


To be honest Medicare is not bad...But Medicare Part D is simply a $1700 discount on my nearly $6000 annual drug bill. Not that I am not thankful to have that savings paid for by tax dollars you guys and gals who work hard as hell for to support your family but it is extremely hard to pay for my meds and pay the house payment.

Plus, my wife and I had to get divorced so that I could apply for Medicare without paying this huge penalty. It is long story but when I first started collecting my SS Disability I was offered the chance to enroll in Medicare but I was on my wife's Insurance so I declined. Once you decline the one time offer then you are subjected to a penalty if you change your mind...There are was around this and divorce was my quickest way considering I did not have the time to go through the appeals process.

I am currently searching for help dealing with drug cost and the problem I am running into now is to qualify for additional help from various other programs I need to meet the so-called poverty income levels of around $10,000 annual income...My SS Disability payments total $13,000 so I am to rich! LOL!

One last thing...Believe it or not Pfizer has just started a new program for one of the most expensive drugs I take. And after going through the first interview it appears I might qualify but I am not holding my breath. Wish me luck!

[alfredo]

64. Are you a veteran? If you are get down to the VA.

[SkyDaddy7]

66. Yes...I am a Disabled Vet

I have been to the VA and have received care there for my service connected disability. I have also taken advantage of there Vocational Program that allowed me to test for a College Scholarship that paid for all my Tuition, Books and most of my monthly house note...However, I suffered a spinal cord injury that is NOT service connected and the medicine & treatment I need is not carried by the VA. Matter of fact here in Atlanta I go to the Shepherd Center (Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Hospital/Rehab) for my care with my team of doctors...Well, the military is sending those military people with spinal cord and brain injuries to the Shepherd Center for care as the VA in Atlanta is either overwhelmed or lacks the proper facilities to care for such delicate and serious injuries of the Brain & Spinal Cord.

Thanks for the advice but I just wanted to let you know the reality of using the VA for me.

[alfredo]

68. When they told me they didn't carry the medicine I normally used they

said I could request it. I used Imitrex but they only carried Zomig. Zomig worked for me so I didn't need to make the request.

The pain you have reminds me of shingles. I have a spine injury too, but without the level of pain you describe.

[jwirr]

33. Absolutely - I am in that boat also with Medicare/Medicaid. It works.

[mucifer]

3. anyway we can bribe the members of congress? I think that's the true

way to win this battle. Any billionaires out there?

[Celtic Merlin]

15. We need not BRIBE them, all we REALLY need to do is...

...make public campaign finance the law of the land. When we eliminate the congresscritters' need to raise campaign money from corporations, we make them 100% responsible to the people who VOTE, not responsible to the people who pay for their re-election campaigns. Lobbyists become useless when they have no cash to shovel at our elected officials.

You wanna see real change in America? Get that reform passed and buckle up for the change "ride of your life".

Celtic Merlin
Carlinist

[jwirr]

34. This is so true. The basic problem with out entire system is the bought

and paid for legislation that we have in both houses.

[varelse]

45. This deserves a thread of its own (nt)

[Celtic Merlin]

47. Thank you. Most sincerely. (n/t)

[dorkulon]

55. Yes, but how do you get congress to pass it?

They get rich off the system as is, which is essentially legalized corruption. So how do you get a corrupt congress to end corruption?

[BR_Parkway]

59. True enough - but how are you going to get them to vote for that?

It's gotten pretty standard that they'll vote against our interests in favor of the corporations/lobbyists - but I'm not expecting them to vote against their own.

[Doctor_J]

4. Anyone know why this is finally tracking?

My perusal of Big Media (admittedly minimal) has revealed the typical pro-corporate, anti-American bias that they offer on every issue. The only place one even hears about not-for-profit health care is on Schultz, Hartmann, and Olbermann. Why is this suddenly progressing?

[Cleita]

8. Yes, many of us have been registering our desires and complaints to our

Senators and Reps. The more who do this today and in the next twenty four hours, the more they will realize we mean business.

[John Q. Citizen]

42. And the White House. Tell Obama you are disappointed he wouldn't listen to all ideas.

[EC]

25. From what I can see, they have been keeping things

under wrap until the last minute to keep the hype from Repugs to a minimum before a vote...

[1monster]

5. To paraphrase: From your post to God's eyes......

Disclaimer: This post in no way endorses or detracts from any religious belief, philosophy, faith, or other means of making sense of life as we know it.

[caseymoz]

6. It doesn't mean anything yet.

It means they'll hold a few hearings. It doesn't mean that it's going anywhere yet. We must keep on going after Congress on this one.

[Cleita]

7. Tune into Thom Hartmann right now. He is pushing calling our Senators

and Congressional Reps right now. Tell them you want single payer. If there has to be a compromise, we need a comprehensive public option that won't need private insurance to plug holes in it. I suggest HR676 or extended Medicare for all for both options as the Senators and Congressional Reps are familiar with it and exactly how we want this legislation take shape. Then he is asking to call him after you do this and he is putting people on the air to recount their experiences talking to those offices. Also, some people said their senators were redirecting them to their website, but insist on them recording your opinion. I also suggest that you fax them if you have access to a fax machine if they don't want to take down your information.

[bjobotts]

9. Don't kid yourself, the pro-ins industry will throw billions to make sure we don't get SP.

[bjobotts]

10. They lose $trillions if we get SP so will do anything to prevent it.They can't stop millions of voic

[Kermitt Gribble]

11. Its good that they're finally giving single payer attention, but

knowing the history of our representation in DC (which at this point consists of less than a handful of elected officials), it's most likely a dog and pony show.

[keepCAblue]

13. Thank you for fighting for all the millions who so desperately need SP!

:yourock:

[MindMatter]

14. Are the Republicans afraid of a little competition?

I thought competition was The American Way.

And I thought the blessings of competition would always produce a better and cheaper result than anything any big government bureaucracy could possibly come up with.

So what are they afraid about? It seems to me every free-market Republican should WELCOME a big lumbering bureaucracy as the competition because surely any marginally well run for-profit corporation go do better than that.

Why isn't anybody challenging the Republicans on this?

What the heck does this mean, "A government-run health care option has an unfair advantage?" How can any free-market Republican even explain such a statement, let alone defend it.

If a government run system has an unfair advantage, that sounds good to me. I'll take it.

Once again, I am in awe of the Obama zen. He seems to be maneuvering his opponents right where he wants them.

[zipplewrath]

17. Capitalization

The government could for one thing play by different rules. They wouldn't have any obstacles with respect to monopoly or other laws that prevent them from cooperating with competitors. But more importantly is the capitalization issues. The government doesn't have to present the same capitalization requirements that private insurers would have to provide. Insurers have to demonstate a certain amount of "cash on hand" to deal with potential claims. Furthemore, they can't run multi-year deficits in the manner that the feds can.

Don't get me wrong, I don't give a crap. I don't think the companies have any "right" to the market. I think Americans are free to solve this common issue through the use of their government to "secure the blessings of liberty". I don't see it all that different from roads, schools, or fire departments. But don't kid yourself that the federal government could be a formidable competitor in the market place. The ability to issue tax free bonds alone is a powerful instrument. It would have very little to do with the "quality of care" or "customer service" and everything to do with the governments ability to underwrite any price they wish.

[MindMatter]

53. Since when has any provider had to worry about monopoly laws?

Not since Ronald Reagan at least. It is a cartel. There is no competition in the marketplace.

What we have today are all the drawbacks of a single, monolithic, bureaucratic provider (the insurance cartel) without any of the benefits that come from the economy of scale. The cartel has no incentive to provide good service. They have no incentive to provide healthy outcomes. In fact, they are better off if we get sick and die quickly.

[diane in sf]

18. Just called Pelosi, Boxer and Feinstein's offices. Told them we should have single

payer to ensure financial prosperity and access to care. Private Insurance companies should not be offering basic health insurance because their financial interest is to deny care. Health care insurance should be removed from employers and employment. And the funding should come from increasing taxation on the upper 1% as they have been dodging their taxes the last thirty years. The income limit on taxation for ssi should be removed to fund social security as well.

[kmac3]

20. Health Care Dilemma

We MUST stop allowing lobbyist to buy our Congressional votes .... As long as these greedy politicians keep getting payola from BIG INSURANCE COMPANIES & PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES a successful single payer health insurance plan for all Americans will never be accomplished. I am totally disgusted and very embarrassed to say we have a corrupt government ruled by money. Where's our promised change? and when will the people again rule this supposedly democratic nation.

[The Wizard]

21. my recent missive to the DSCC

It is with great disgust that I watch my party go down in flames. Your failure to lead is hitting every American who worked for change in the past two elections.
Health care with the public option is not debatable. It is required. If you fail to include the public option in health care reform you will lose the grass roots of the Democratic Party. This may sound trivial in light of all the campaign contributions made by the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies, but in the end the people will triumph.
The Iraq occupation must end and our troops must come home now, not ten years from now. The immoral invasion and occupation of a country that neither harmed nor threatened to harm the United States is a national black eye that must be rectified.
The resources going into insurance company and pharmaceutical coffers combined with the squandered resources usurped by the military is sinking us into the quicksand and paralyzing the economy.
Only a radical change in direction will save this nation, and if the Democratic leadership refuses to do the people's work, we the people will let the Republicans seize power and push this nation into History's dust bin. It's time to legislate for the people not against us. We may not be able to make large campaign contributions like the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies, but we vote, and we'll vote in numbers that even Karl Rove can't fix if you neglect the needs of the voters.

[mckara]

24. Hurray! Activism Has Its Rewards!

It probably didn't hurt when President Obama told Congress to put single payer on the table!

[groundloop]

27. I'd be communicating to my congrss critters right now also...

but I'd just be wasting my breath. Issakson, Gingrey, and Chambliss, they're already bought, paid for, and delivered to big business.

Anyway, thanks to all who have been contacting their representatives. And if anyone hasn't done so yet be sure to sign Howard Dean's petition.
http://StandwithDrDean.com

[earth mom]

28. I'm scared to get my hopes up too.

I have great health insurance but I hate the insurance companies with a passion and believe that health care should be a basic human right, not something greedy bastards can profit on.

So...Fingers crossed....

[John Q. Citizen]

43. Uncross your fingers and call your reps and the white house. That's what they need to hear.

[BREMPRO]

29. right on! thanks to all who worked so hard for getting SP on the table!

i was so dispirited to hear it had been excluded, but the arguments for single payer are so compelling, the health care corporate dollars couldn't supress it any longer. I sure hope the testimony is not just to appease the groups, but that the senators actually listen, and the clear benifits of single payer are outlined in a way that make it the logical ultimate goal. The Refucklicans are so off base on this one- using examples of denial of service etc.. in "socialized" medical systems. The American people have suffered with the profit centered (as opposed to people centered) insurance industry long enought to know that THEY deny services more often than the european systems, and it costs us MORE, 30% in overhead and profit taking to run our "privatized" health care system. The truth is coming out, and people are angry, and want a system the works for all americans. KEEP UP THE FIGHT!!!

[kevsters]

30. Let's hope progressives can overcome the right wing talkers.

Here is Ron Christie saying "what the heck is the rush" when it comes to reforming health care.

He obviously must have health care.

Here's the clip.

http://progressnotcongress.org/?p=1701

[Wednesdays]

32. K&R

:kick:

[demigoddess]

35. talked to somebody today who is on medicare and they were worried that

any "health care reform that is being considered would force us to choose new doctors". Where does this nonsense come from??? None of these plans have any effect on Medicare, do they? I just don't get it.

[Cleita]

50. Are you sure this person is on Medicare? Or, did he sign away his

rights to a Medicare advantage health plan. On traditional Medicare you can go to any doctor you want as long as they accept assignment. I haven't had a doctor turn me down yet.

[demigoddess]

58. they were talking about what they had heard and what they had heard is

propaganda from the right

[dccrossman]

36. Hoping...

:kick:

[colsohlibgal]

38. Keep Them On The Defensive

I just watched today's House hearing and it was so awesome. Doctor Flowers and Ms Jenkins were both great, and Dennis Kucinich took no prisoners, he really called out a hack doctor against single payer, I almost felt sorry for this shill.

The arguments against single payer are weak and tiresome. But they'll keep on with this garbage as long as cash from the lobbyists is still rolling in.

I'm still waiting for someone to explain why profit based health care makes any sense at all. I mean, how much health care could be provided just with the United Health Care CEO's compensation package alone.

Republicans better wake up if they don't want to go the way of the Whigs - though the democratic party could get there first thanks to blue dogs and leaders with afraid of their own shadow, bi partisan with right wing tools disease.

[MasonJar]

44. I wish I could be as excited as y'all, but unfortunately having one hearing in the House

and one invitee in the Senate does not a single payer make. Yesterday the news was that the insurance companies were gaining ground. However, that said, if Obama, who quite obviously no longer want single payer (he got a lot of insurance/pharmaceutical money for his campaign), pays attention to the people when he goes out to town hall meetings Obama may get an earful and find out we the people do NOT want to protect the insurance companies, who have greedily sounded their own death knell. I hope!!!!!!!

[mzmolly]

51. Fabulous! Thanks to all who have worked so hard

to see this option seriously considered. :toast:

[defendandprotect]

52. Are we all working hard enough on this -- calls, etc?

[chknltl]

54. Thom Hartmann called his Reps today on the air...

...POLITELY voicing his desire to have Single Payer Health Care for all America. He did this live, saying a short prepared statement each time, it took him perhaps 5 minutes. His point for doing this? To show just how simple it is to make a call to one's Senators and Congressmen and to show how simple it is for us to practice in our democratic system. He did this to start out his show this morning and before his show was over Thom noted that there were Representatives across the nation wondering why their phone lines were blowing up on this topic.

[AllyCat]

56. I heard that. I've already called Kohl and tried for a long time to get through

to Feingold. I've delivered petitions for single-payer to their offices with my 3 year old son handing over the letter. I got put on hold with Baldwin too...never on hold for her before...are people making waves about this??? Call people!!! Call, call, call! It's a piece of cake. If you can get to their offices, it makes an even bigger statement.

[rpannier]

57. I'd like to believe it

But I just don't trust our elected representatives