Vermont one step closer to single payer HC

[Her3tiK]

www.npr.org/2011/05/22/136502764/vermont-steps-closer-to-single-payer-health-care?ft=1&f=1001

Vermont is about to accomplish something the federal government couldn't.

Once Gov. Peter Shumlin signs a bill on May 26, the state will be on track to having a single-payer health care system.

"We're actually trying to design the first single-payer health care system for America," Shumlin told Guy Raz, host of weekends on All Things Considered.

While the logistics behind this plan haven't been finalized yet, it's nice to see at least one state moving forward with a single payer system.

The basic outline looks like this: The federal government, Vermont's state government and employers will all still pay in for health insurance. That money will then all flow through Green Mountain Care, Vermont's official health insurance. To equalize the rates consumers pay, the state will ask the federal government for Medicaid waivers. The state government must also court national employers that do business in Vermont to put their employees on Green Mountain Care.

I really hope this works, especially with the inevitable Republican wrench that's bound to be tossed into the plan. Proving that single payer is cheaper and more efficient than for-profit insurance should open many peoples' eyes to just how much better such a system is.

[Smurfette Principle]

...and suddenly I regret deciding to go to college in Virginia.

[Her3tiK]

Going to Virginia wasn't enough to regret?

[devilschaplain2]

Alright, time to move to Vermont.

[ironbite]

What's wrong ith Virginia?

Ironbite-*puts on the boxing gloves*

[Tiberius]

Well. This one raptor lives there. also, CWC.

[Her3tiK]

It's too close to the South. Also what Tiberius said.

[DeadpanDoubter]

Fuck y'all.

I'm still totally moving to Vermont, though.

[gyeonghwa]

Vermont. The only state with actual socialist in government.

[booley]

Compare Vermont with the health care plans in states run by conservatives.

Their plan being putting things back to the old status quo.

[rookie]

May 22, 2011 20:09:49 GMT -5 Her3tiK said:

I really hope this works, especially with the inevitable Republican wrench that's bound to be tossed into the plan. Proving that single payer is cheaper and more efficient than for-profit insurance should open many peoples' eyes to just how much better such a system is.

You know, I hope it works too. But I wouldn't count on proof of any kind winning too many hearts, minds, or eyes. Those who want (or need) it, they want (or need) it. Those who are opposed will be opposed till the day they die. It's just like gay rights, abortions, differing religious beliefs, etc. As long as Fox News (or something similar) exists, the assholes will keep their eyes screwed shut.

"The doctor tells me with a smile oh so bright/ He says in a little while you'll be alright/ He only gives me a humble pill/ Just a dose of dope and great big bill/ Tell me, how can a poor man stand such times and live."
Now, that is from a Depression era song. The Health Care situation (crisis?) is nothing new. We have people who not only want to change it, but are in a position to do so. So we have that going for us. But if it will be done, it will be done in spite of those who oppose, well, the poor. Not because of any grand flawless arguments or proofs of any kind.