Support Medicare-for-All

Because the government owns the hospitals and pays the staff, the Veterans Administration could be considered “socialized” medicine, but Medicare definitely is not because it is merely a payment/quality-control system.

Numerous studies show Medicare to be way more efficient and cost-effective than private health insurance. Economists have predicted that expanding Medicare to cover all Americans would yield more than $500 billion in savings in the first year of operation. Yet providers have been selling out to corporations like Providence Health Care and Community Health Systems, which masquerade as saviors while converting formerly independent, high-quality practices and agencies into health care factories.

Conversion to a single-payer Medicare-for-All system is the only remaining option that will provide accessible, affordable and comprehensive health care coverage for everyone. It will also pave the way for a standardized, open-source electronic medical record, so vital for continuity of care.

HB 1025 in Washington and HR 676 at the federal level would expand Medicare to all. What stands in the way is the small army of insurance, hospital conglomerate and drug company multi-millionaire corporate executives who consider health care a commodity instead of a right. It’s time for health care justice. Support single-payer and throw out the insurance companies.

Cris Currie, RN

Mead