Dr. Margaret Flowers testifies before the Catfood Commission

[eridani]

http://www.pnhp.org/news/2010/july/improve-and-strengthen-medicare-by-expanding-it-to-all

Given these multiple economic benefits – and I have not begun to describe the ways in which national improved Medicare for All would improve patient choice and quality of health care – it is no surprise that the single payer approach is supported by the majority of those in the U.S. and the majority of American physicians. This was evident once again last Saturday in the town meetings sponsored by America Speaks when participants across the nation demanded single payer as an option to solving the health care crisis and 71 percent voted not to cut Medicaid and Medicare.

Private health insurance is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. There is a steady trend in fewer people being enrolled in employee-sponsored health plans. This is expected to increase under PPACA as businesses have an incentive to drop insurance benefits and pay the lower cost penalty.
There is a steady trend in people choosing high deductible plans which leave them financially vulnerable in their time of need. As people enter the individual market, those with health conditions will find it difficult to afford adequate insurance.

The trends for those who are uninsured and underinsured will continue upward. Under PPACA, billions of public dollars will be used to subsidize rising private insurance premiums for policies that cover fewer and fewer services. The result is a flow of patient and public dollars into the coffers of private insurance corporations with declining return in terms of health care. This trend is not sustainable.

The alternative scenario of a national improved Medicare for All will save lives and save money. National improved Medicare for All will place our nation on the path of becoming one of the best health systems in the world – something of which we can all be proud.

This commission has the ability to recommend creating a financially sustainable universal health system. I urge the members of this commission to recommend addressing the deficit through adopting this most popular approach: national improved Medicare for All. Don’t cut Medicare. Protect it, improve it and expand it to cover everyone.

[Ken Burch]

1. Hear, Hear!

That's what a REAL government would do!

[mmonk]

2. Recommended.

The new legislation does not address the core issues we face. With costs still going up, even the new bill is unsustainable.

video of Dr, Flowers from the United national Peace Conference on the 24th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I42qif7G44

[Vinca]

3. I imagine the Catfood Commission prefers the Republican plan for us.

If you get sick, die quickly.

[aquart]

4. Seriously, they don't care how long it takes.

They will make every effort to see you don't receive a dime of care until you're dead.

[blindpig]

5. k&r

[glitch]

6. It's really not about fixing a problem, it's about continuing the looting

and "winning" (destroying their nemesis -- the evil socialism).