healthinsurance.org » Single-payer

book examines battles over health reform - book review: "Remedy and Reaction: The Peculiar Struggle over Health Reform" by Paul Starr

healthinsurance.org contributor — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:16:08 +0000

For anyone who wonders how the battle over health reform came to dominate so much of the nation's attention over the past few years – and whether the battle will ever end – Paul Starr provides answers in Remedy and Reaction: The Peculiar American Struggle over Health Reform.

2011: a very good year for health reform - the ACA improved Americans' access to health coverage this year - in more ways than you may have realized

healthinsurance.org contributor — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:51:49 +0000

You will hear a lot of bashing of "Obamacare" during the current political season. But while we wait for full implementation of health reform in 2014, there have been meaningful changes that are helping American families every day.

Vermont moves toward single-payer - GMC could be shining example for other states

Arlene Karidis — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:37:43 +0000

Vermont is a signature away from adopting an ambitious plan that would put the state on a path toward a single-payer health care system and ultimately, universal health care for its residents. When State House Bill 202 is signed by Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin on May 26th, it will be a big deal: a big [...]

when more is simply more - america's bloated per capita health expenditures are simply the cost of "free" enterprise

Chuck Smith-Dewey — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:07:39 +0000

We Americans pay more dollars, and live shorter lives, than our counterparts in most other modern countries. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, in 2008 America spent $7,538 per capita on health care, while the other 33 nations surveyed spent an average of $3,000. The reason is clear: it’s how we pay [...]

north dakota dems cry “bad (blue) dog!” – hit senator on nose with newspaper

Chuck Smith-Dewey — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:34:18 +0000

hit senator on nose with newspaper" title="north dakota dems cry “bad (blue) dog!” –
hit senator on nose with newspaper" style="float:right;" />Okay, we know that it’s the conservative members of the House that are called “Blue Dogs” (not members of the Senate), but what a perfect visual for the actions of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL party’s put-down of its own senator, Kent Conrad (D-ND). The party’s members recently reaffirmed a commitment to an even much more progressive [...]

before you oppose a ‘government plan,’ make sure you don’t already have one.

Steve Anderson — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:33:33 +0000

make sure you don’t already have one." title="before you oppose a ‘government plan,’
make sure you don’t already have one." style="float:right;" />One of the most interesting reactions to the ongoing health reform debate has to be the public’s revulsion at the prospect of increased government control of the health care system. I understand concerns about additional financial burdens that come with new government programs … and concerns about adding to the nation’s deficit. I get that. [...]

a tale of two chucks

Chuck Smith-Dewey — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:35:47 +0000

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is claiming a public option in upcoming health care legislation is now a slam-dunk with the long-awaited seating of Al Franken of Minnesota. Across the aisle, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is saying a public option will succeed only with bipartisan support. While we like bipartisan support as much as the next [...]

congressman declares public option “too good”

Chuck Smith-Dewey — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:24 +0000

public option “too good”" title="congressman declares
public option “too good”" style="float:right;" />Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), newly appointed as ranking minority member of the House Education and Labor Committee, is giving Rep. Michelle Bachmann a run-for-her-money as the looniest representative from the land of 10,000 lakes. Interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio, Kline says as far as he’s concerned, a health reform bill with a public option is [...]

no time to wait: another 4 million lose coverage

Chuck Smith-Dewey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:36:53 +0000

The Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank, has reported that an estimated 4 million Americans have lost their health insurance since the recession began – and half of those remain uninsured. Furthermore, according to the report, another 14,000 more people lose their coverage with each passing day as Americans continue to lose their [...]