First an Arizona lawmaker proposed to yank Medicaid and other social services from poverty-stricken folks caught enjoying an adult beverage, buying any junk food, or driving a car or watching a TV costing more than a bargain-basement amount. Now there’s a new proposal to yank free Medicaid benefits from the poorest Arizonans, period. Arizona has more than earned its latest THR Healthcare Hall of Shame Award.
Senator Michael Bennett is gathering co-sponsors for his letter asking Harry Reid to pass a public option via reconciliation. Now Democracy for America is giving you the chance to join 10 Senators and 119 Representatives by becoming a citizen co-sponsor of the letter. Sign it here, and find out the latest Congressional representatives to sign on to this critical measure.
California is a leader in technology, the environment, and citywide indigent healthcare. Now it’s setting its sights on innovative statewide healthcare leadership. The state senate brought that goal one step closer today, passing universal healthcare bill SB 810 by a vote of 22-14. The US House might want to take notice of what happens when you actually bring a quality single-payer bill to a vote.
Last time I made my case that having a health insurance mandate up front in the reform process actually gives you the upper hand in future debate. It can also accelerate real change by exposing market dysfunction as the real driver behind exorbitant costs. As in, “Hey, we’re all in the insurance pool now but costs keep rising. Do something about it, Congress.” But you don’t need to take my word for it. Maine has already been down that path. Follow along as we trace the state’s experience in avoiding a health insurance mandate.
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If you’re feeling torn about the health insurance mandate in the face of – in all likelihood – no public health insurance option to go with it, I’m with you. But I’m also out to change your mind. Lest this play out like a Pace picante sauce commercial (gulp), do NOT get a rope. Otherwise you might not understand how a mandate gives you the upper hand in future debate. Ready? Read on and find out why we need a mandate to stay one step ahead of private health insurers.
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