At the national level, this proposal is called Medicare for All, and it is embodied in Congress as Bill HR676. In New York state, it is called Single Payer New York, and it is one of the options now being studied by the governor in Albany.

The propagandists call it “socialized medicine.” But it is not — because most doctors and hospitals would be private and working in their own facilities.

How could covering more people decrease total expenditures? The difference is in “administrative costs.” Private insurance companies have such costs totaling 15 percent to 30 percent. Medicaid is at 5 percent and Medicare at 1 to 2 percent. “Administrative costs” include advertising and shareholders’ profits, as well as the billing and collecting costs of hospitals, doctors’ offices, labs and X-ray facilities. These become a nightmare as patients change among a variety of insurers, or when they lose insurance by changing or losing their jobs.

The New York Health Act — single payer for every person in the state – would be an enormous win for all New Yorkers, as it would not only save money but more importantly save lives. As well, it would encourage other states to protect their residents from the eventual repeal of the ACA.

The IDC says they support single payer and Alcantara and Avella have cosponsored it, but they + Felder give the Republicans control over committees that can kill single payer before it ever receives a vote. Cuomo makes it worse by not doing anything to stop the IDC & Felder from enabling the Party of Trump.

You can make a difference by doing these 3 simple things: 

1.) Please share the following information with your friends, family and the members of your group:

a.) 6-HealthcareSinglePayerlinks 

b.) LettertotheEditorguide

2.) Encourage them to post video selfies of their health care horror stories (such as Corinne’s friend who died of diabetes in his 20’s): http://bit.ly/2pY7ZT3  on social media and use these hashtags: #SinglePayer #SinglePayerNY  #NY4Health  #MedicareForAll

3.) Please, everyone, call your State Senator, the IDC, Cuomo and the Republican State Senators who will make or break this bill (S4840)

–Kemp Hannon, Chair of the Health Committee: 518-455-2200
–Catharine Young, Chair of the Finance Committee: 518-455-3563
–John Flanagan, Senate Majority Leader: 518-455-2071
–Governor Cuomo: 1-518-474-8390