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Obama Transition Team Wants to Hear from You on Health Care |
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How’s this for change in Washington? Instead of listening exclusively to the heath insurance industry and other corporate interests, as the Bush administration did for eight painful years, the soon-to-be Obama administration wants to hear from you on how the nation’s health care system can be reformed to provide health care for all.
President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team last week launched the online health care reform discussion. In a video introduction, Dora Hughes, a transition team health care adviser, says:
A critical part of our health reform efforts is making sure that every American voice is heard.
When Congress gets back to work in January, drug companies, big health insurance interests and other corporate lobbyists will try hard to protect and preserve their profits. This is your chance to make sure the health care worries, concerns and ideas of working families are not drowned out.
Obama has said reforming the nation’s health care system is essential to fixing the faltering economy.
The question isn’t “how we can afford to focus on health care?” The question is, “How can we afford not to?” Because in order to fix our economic crisis, and rebuild our middle class, we need to fix our health care system too….It is clear that the time has come—right now—to solve this problem.
Post-election surveys showed that health care was one of the top issues on the minds of voters when they cast their ballots. According to Lake Research, 82 percent of voters said health care was “extremely” or “very important” in deciding for whom they voted for president.
Click here to tell the Obama transition team what worries you most about the nation’s health care system.
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Supporters of ‘Medicare for All’ Prepare for Health Care Showdown
— Jane Slaughter
Organizers of the Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Healthcare plan a January 10 conference to kick off the project. They hope to mobilize a grassroots movement that politicians (and union leaders) cannot ignore. Photo: Jaclyn Kelley Higgs/CNA/NNOCUnion advocates of “Medicare for all” are organizing to make labor a united voice on health care reform—and to pressure Democrats to do the right thing.
Discussed in conference calls for months and officially launched in mid-November, the Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Healthcare aims to mobilize a grassroots movement of union members that politicians (and union leaders) cannot ignore.
Organizers plan a January 10 founding conference in St. Louis to bring together supporters, especially those who can put the weight of their locals, central labor councils, and state federations behind the project.
“We’re trying to avoid a repeat of 1993,” says Mark Dudzic, the campaign’s coordinator, “when one month after the inauguration, the AFL-CIO abandoned any support for a single-payer solution, and a year later they endorsed the Clinton plan.”
That plan, which suffered humiliating defeat, would have maintained private insurance companies’ grip on the health care system—as would proposals being discussed in Washington today.
JOINING THE BATTLE
It appears that next year both President Obama and Senator Ted Kennedy will back a bill for “individual mandates,” a concept that requires all residents to have their own insurance.
Such a law was passed in Massachusetts in 2006. There, the profit-making insurance companies and their expensive bureaucracies remain in place, and health care is still high-priced and hard for many to get. When it was passed, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney criticized the Massachusetts plan as “unconscionable” and “misguided.”
Some at the top of the labor movement, however, will feel privileged to be behind the closed doors in D.C. when a national bill for individual mandates is hammered out. Supporters of the Labor Campaign feel a sense of urgency to build heat from below, so Beltway compromisers can’t claim to speak for all of labor in settling for half-measures.
More than 600 labor bodies have already endorsed Rep. John Conyers’s single-payer bill, HR 676, including 20 national unions, 119 central labor councils, and 39 AFL-CIO state federations. “That number includes six state feds since Sweeney sent out a letter requesting the state feds to join up with HCAN,” points out Jerry Tucker, a retired United Auto Workers official active in the movement.
HCAN, Health Care for America Now, is a coalition that backs measures that keep insurance companies in the game. The AFL-CIO, the Service Employees union (SEIU), and Jobs with Justice belong to HCAN, for example, even though all have also endorsed single payer.
“There are real differences among national unions,” says Dudzic. “SEIU and AFSCME are solidly behind the HCAN approach. The Steelworkers and UAW are trying to look for some space. And there’s a small group of national unions that are really trying to push the envelope.”
The latter group includes the Machinists and the California Nurses Association.
The AFL-CIO seems to want a foot in both camps. A resolution passed last year mentioned single payer as one reform among many that the federation could support.
SEIZE THE DAY
“Given the severity of the current crisis, isn’t it time to build a grassroots movement that can actually change the balance of forces on health care?” asks Tucker. “Care-for-profit is a toxic prescription. If we buy into a watered-down plan, it won’t help anyone but the insurance companies.”
Tucker recalled repeated betrayals of labor’s trust in Democratic Congresses: a labor law reform bill went down to defeat under Jimmy Carter, as did a ban on striker replacements under Bill Clinton.
Donna Dewitt, president of the South Carolina AFL-CIO, thinks the reason some labor leaders are backing half-measures is that they have been “so desensitized by an administration where nothing could be accomplished.
“Labor was organized around this election,” Dewitt says. “Why should we at this point start backing up? You don’t go into bargaining asking for the least amount you think you can get. I don’t know why they don’t think the way they do in negotiations.”
Says Jos Williams, president of the metro labor council in Washington, D.C., “Let’s not put a compromise on the table. Let’s put what we want on the table.”
A GOOD BASE TO START FROM
One organizing model for the Labor Campaign is U.S. Labor Against the War, founded in 2003 to mobilize union members against the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Some of the same leaders are involved in the new group.
The Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Healthcare, however, starts from a much broader base, with a history of unions working together.
On conference calls this fall, reports came in that in Southern California 25 locals were coordinating action. All eight central labor councils in New Jersey are pro-single-payer, as is a network of teachers locals in New York state.
“What’s different from ’93-’94,” says Dudzic, “is that there’s incredible support for single payer at the grassroots of the labor movement, and it’s sophisticated support. People understand the differences among the proposals.”
One unknown factor is the effect of the economic crisis on the political process. “Things that were seen as impossible are now possible,” Dudzic said, adding that advocates will use the moment to stress single payer’s significant cost savings.
The Labor Campaign will work closely with another coalition formed in November, the Leadership Conference on Guaranteed Health Care, a group of labor and health activists.
This group met November 10 and 11 at the AFL-CIO’s Washington headquarters.
Asked whether the fact that this coalition met inside the AFL-CIO was a good omen, Williams said, “I wouldn’t presume to speak for my federation president. I would say I draw encouragement from the fact that these organizations held their meeting not far from the White House.”
Ever since labor began its retreat under the “leadership” of ideologically-challenged cold-warriors and red-baiters, we haven’t stopped running.
In 1955 over 35% of the U.S. workforce was organized. Rather than continuing the CIO’s proud tradition of organizing the unorganized, much of labor started collaborating…and running from worthy battles.
By the time Reagan busted the air traffic controllers, union density had dropped to 22%. Labor ran again.
When Clinton and a Democratic Congress jammed NAFTA down our throats we were down to 16%. And once again we beat a hasty retreat.
By the time Bush became resident of the White House we were down to 12% (7% in the private sector). When he unveiled his anti-union, anti-civil liberties agenda, labor just sniveled.
Every retreat has severely disadvantaged America’s working class. It seems that some of the cats who sit in their cushy, dues-supported offices don’t get it. Either that or they believe they have more in common with their Ivy League, MBA-sporting buddies than they do with the working stiffs they are supposed to represent.
The only solution to our nation’s health care crisis is HR 676. Nothing else will do.
HCAN is yet another example of the retreat that began fifty or so years ago.
We should never, ever have our hats in our hands when we advocate for health care for all! We must DEMAND health care justice!
Poll after credible poll shows that 66% of the people in this country favor publicly funded, privately delivered health care, as long as they get to choose their own doctors. Well, folks, that’s what HR 676 guarantees!
Under HR 676, every resident of the U.S. would be covered for all medically-necessary care. Everybody in, nobody out.
How can anyone claim that a “democracy” may ignore the will of 2/3 of the people? Nonetheless, we let it happen time and again!
Apologists for the status quo will tell us that HR 676 is not “politically feasible”. They say it’s too costly. (Actually we’d spend less but cover everyone!) Their excuses are code for “we don’t want to bite the hands that feed us”.
Gluttonous Members of Congress who feed from the medical-industry trough must be challenged!
Economist Lester Thurow, PhD stated: “Health care costs are being treated as if they were largely an economic problem, but they are not. To be solved they will have to be treated as an ethical problem”.
There we have it. Are recalcitrant *labor leaders and *Congressional lawmakers now willing to act ethically? That is the question they must be made to answer. If they come up short it is up to us to take action in order to secure health care justice. If we continue running, we’ll continue paying dearly for our acquiescence.
HR 676 is the solution!
P.S. I’m a sixty-seven year old working stiff, now retired, who had the good fortune to grow up in a true working class – union – environment. My parents were both activists. Both were arrested for doing nothing more than advocating for social and economic justice. My father walked picket lines with fellow workers and was one of the many victims of employer-sponsored, government-aided violence against working men and women. What were the workers striking for? Nothing more than a fair shake. I, too, have made the bucket a few times, and participated in some picket line skirmishes while doing my part to fulfill our motto, “an injury to one is an injury to all”. I do not need any lessons from apologists for do-nothing unionism! I’m union through and through, but I have to say that some of the “leaders” running around today couldn’t have carried the water cans for the leaders of yore. We need to reclaim our heritage and vow to help any worker in distress!
* These people already enjoy primo health insurance.
Attention: Dora Huges and President Elect Obama,
It’s time we talk about issues that are not being talked about from ANY Advocate in this Healthcare Debate, and that would be the serious issues of Abuse, Denial and Failure within the Healthcare Delivery system of our Workmen’s Compensation Schemes.
Healthcare Delivery is about serving the Injured. There is no question that within our economic activity the push for production often leads to Injury on the Job. Today, instead of receiving the promise of Timely Medical Care, Lost Wage Compensation, and Benefits, Injured Workers are all to often faced with constant and never ending Abuse, Delays and Denials for Medical Treatment, Compensation and Benefits.
This constant theme has created a “Hostile Workplace Environment” for the lawful filing and timely claim administration of workplace injuries. As a result, the original intent of a “No Fault System” of Health Care Service Delivery has instead become a “Corporate Cost Containment Scheme” meant to reduce the cost of Workplace Injury and “Cost Shift” these Lawful Obligations upon the backs of others, the already Injured and the Private Medical Service Delivery System. This irresponsible condition of defiance within Commerce has resulted in not only “Cost Shifting” but the production of “Fraudulent Insurance Claims” which are placed against private insurers that were not accepting or insuring the element of Risk from Workplace Injury.
Over the last 10 years I have experienced and witnessed first hand the never ending waves of Abuse, Denial and Constant Irresponsible Litigation within a system called the “Sole and Exclusive Remedy” for issues related to “Contested Workmen’s Compensation Claims.” If you have no direct experience with this scheme of Legislative Resolution, let me welcome you to the 21st Century version of “Klan Trials!” It will Kill You!
These self contained “Exclusive Remedy” environments have become nothing more that the Front Line on showing the divide within a Class Warfare Battle Ground. A War between Corporate Economic Resources and the simple access for an Injured Worker to Healthcare and the Life Sustaining Elements required to Live.
If citizens are expected to help drive the economy of the state and the country through the Dignity that comes from Work, then both the state and the country has an Obligation to make sure that same Dignity is represented when our hard working citizens are injured on the job. We do not come to work to DIE, we come to work to make a better Life by being in service to others. The Protections we were expecting to receive has become a Fraud and Nightmare upon simple and law abiding citizens, injured on the job.
This is a reality of the American Health Care Delivery System TODAY! This is the ONLY Lawful Protection for ALL Injuries which occur “During and in the Course of Employment.” This has become a Fraud upon the Engine of the American Economic Landscape. It is a “Cruel and Unusual Punishment” to the American Working Family. This failure to provide Timely Medical Treatment Kills People, PERIOD!! It threatens the long term health of the injured. It affects the injured directly, their family, spouse, children, family and loved ones. It is a violation of our moral duty to others and a violation of law, but it is “Profitable” to Corporations!
So why is this “Dirty Healthcare Secrete” not a part of the discussion? How could it be that this aspect of Healthcare Delivery, the delivery of Hundreds of Billions of Dollars spent every year in Medical Treatment to Injured Workers, does not even result in a “Blip” on the Radar Screen? Could it be that this one single delivery system is so “Profitable” to Commerce that Legislator’s can’t address responsible reform? Can it be that the Economics of Power, Money and Influence are so one sided in this conflict that no party is willing to take on the opposition in favor of standing up for Working Men and Women Injured at Work? Is this a reason that NO PLAN has addressed the Workplace Injury side of the Greater Health Care Delivery Reform Issue?
I have been in this fight for well over 10 years because I have seen first hand how this is a Fraud to the simple working Men and Women of this country. It is time that this issue and my voice be heard so that this scheme can be placed responsibly in service to Injured Workers as was the original intent of the law.
Please contact me directly and I will be happy to provide you a tour of the Abuse, Delay and Denial of the Healthcare Delivery System awaiting the American Worker, should they be Injured “During and in the Course of Employment!” More Importantly, Contact me for the ANSWERS and PATHWAYS out of these DARK AGES of Industrial Corruption and Abuse, I am but a phone call or e-mail message away!
Thank you in advance for your time, comments and follow-up!
Craig Michie
NvVIAW@aol.com - Nevada Voters Injured At Work
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 896-0808
Dear cmichie -
Please understand, under HR 676 every person - injured or not - would be free to go to the doctor of their choice! They wouldn’t need anyone’s approval! Medical decision would be between the patient and the doctor. No “third party” bureaucracy would be involved.
Try reading HR 676. Go to Healthcare-NOW.org
By the way, I have been an active advocate for health care justice for decades.
Thank you for your comment. Please be advised that Workplace Injuries and Employment Related Medical Exams are not covered by the Doctor/Patient Relationship. Check out the AMA Ethics Guidelines under Section 10, that is… if you can find a copy of the document. This Ethics Guideline is not easily found in Public!
Injuries that happen at work, and their treatment, are now covered under the laws of the state which requires that, ALL injuries which occur “During and in the course of Employment” are covered under the Act. Therefore, unless HR 676 specifically addresses the issue of “Workplace Injuries,” these injuries must conform to the existing laws under the state.
Further, because the primary issue is really one about “Cost Containment,” Employers will not be willing to give up control over this measure unless they can gain an beneficial economic advantage in the long run. And by the way, the cost of National Healthcare does not look as if it will become less costly as time goes on.
Finally, All corners of the current argument are looking at “Electronic Medical Records” as a route to great economic savings in reducing the overall cost of healthcare. Until we are granted full and permanent access to protection from “Denials” of “Pre-Existing” issues, access to this information will remain a barrier that will still be used to discriminate against providing care to sick and injured people who need treatment. With the current “FOR PROFIT” Medical Scheme in place today, what provider would want to be forced to take on patients that are in need of costly care?
Medical Service Delivery is an easy game when you are only treating healthy patients, and it’s VERY PROFITABLE!! But it does not address the real Healthcare RISK we face in life. It’s when you have to do the Heavy Lifting of addressing all the health issues we face as a community that the job becomes difficult and costly! This is the real need we must address when Curing the Nations Healthcare Issues, it’s Reducing Sickness and Injuries, not Reducing the size of the Populations Access to Treatment.
Just today the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada was told that the Cancer Center was going to be closed! They treat many that have no resources within the community. What will happen to many of these cases… they will DIE if they do not have access to treatment and care. PROFIT now will only be left to the undertaker, the cemetery and the florist! PROFIT are driving decisions!! This IS a matter of ETHICS!!
Dear cmichie -
Once again, your concerns are addressed in HR 676.
Of course NHI costs will increase over time. So will everything else! With HR 676, however, every resident of our nation will be covered for everything. “Premiums” will be 4.75% of wages. If people are unemployed, without incomes, they would pay zero.
Current state health financing delivery systems will be abandoned, and all care for everything will be funded by NHI. It would be an expanded and improved Medicare for all health insurance plan, but without deductibles, co-pays, or third party interference. Decisions would be made by doctors and patients. People would be free to go to the providers and hospitals of their choice.
Currently, $2.3 trillion is spent on health care in the U.S each year, yet 47 million people are uninsured, and tens of millions more are either underinsured, or anxiously insured. If HR 676 were the law of the land today, everyone would be insured for everything, but the cost for universal, comprehensive coverage would be less than $2.3 trillion.
One totally repugnant reality is that “administrative costs” in the private sector are now between 26% - 31% !!! Included in “administrative costs” are endless trails of intrusive and unnecessary paper work, executive salaries and bonuses, rides on corporate jets, and advertising.
And, of course, there are the generous dividends collected by preferred stockholders.
A few years ago, United Health Group awarded its CEO $1.6 billion in stock options on top of his multi-million dollar annual salary. The Board of Directors rewarded themselves too. And what did they do to “deserve” all that generosity? They cherry-picked their customers in order to assure that only the healthy would be covered; they raised premiums; denied (covered) benefits, and otherwise erected impediments to care.
United Health (and many other carriers) are routinely investigated and prosecuted by state insurance commissioners. Despite all that, AARP shills for United. No wonder! AARP raises more money marketing brands than it raises through membership participation.
Medicare, on the other hand, has administrative costs of between 3% - 4%.
There is a reservoir of credible information available. Please go to Healthcare-Now.org.
Your commitment to health care justice is evident, and if HR 676 was in place today, the U.S. would be a healthier, more ethical nation.