Rep. Grayson (D-FL) introduces HR 4789- Medicare Buy In
Introduced only days ago on March 9th and already up to 65 cosponsors!
Excerpts from Rep. Grayson's Blog Diary:
"Let's face it. Health insurance companies charge as much money as possible, and they provide as little care as possible. The difference is called profit. You can't blame them for it; that's what a corporation does. Birds got to fly, fish got to swim, health insurers got to rip you off. And if you get really expensive, they've got to pull the plug on you. So for those of us who would like to stay alive, we need a public option...
...And they face no real competition because it costs billions of dollars just to set up a national health care network. In fact, the only one that's nationwide is . . . Medicare. And we limit that to one-eight of the population. It's like saying that only seniors can drive on federal highways..."
Act Now to Remove Barriers to State Single Payer in Federal Reforms
OUR LAST CHANCE FOR STATE SINGLE PAYER IN THE FEDERAL BILL-CALL NOW!
The Senate reform bill mandates that each state set up an insurance exchange through which private insurers would sell their plans to individuals and small businesses. The bill, as written, prevents states from creating alternatives, such as a single payer system until 2017, three years after the implementation of the insurance exchanges. Please contact your Congressman/Congresswoman and Senators to ask that Section 1332 be changed to allow state waivers immediately! For detailed information read this brief. Find your Congressional Representatives here
MN Health Plan Passes House Health Policy Committee!
The House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee took the Minnesota Health Plan off the table on February 23, 2010 and voted to pass it. . No testifiers were called, but the bill received vigorous debate as House chief author David Bly fielded questions from Committee members. 
The hearing room was packed to overflowing with advocates who erupted in spontaneous applause on a number of occasions. A number of legislators including Liebling, Laine, Hayden, Fritz, Ruud, Gardner and Loeffler spoke positively about the bill and declared their intention to vote affirmatively, in advance of the vote. Jeers and snickers broke out when Rep. Steve Gottwalt (HD15A- St.Cloud) criticized the plan as "socialist".
Final Vote: 11-6
In Favor: Fritz (26B), Gardner (53A), Hayden (61B), Huntley (7A), Laine (50A), Liebling (30A), Loeffler (59A), E. Murphy (64A), Ruud (42A), Thao (65A), Thissen (63A)
Opposed: Abeler (48B), Bunn (56A), Gottwalt (15A), Kelly (28A), Mack (37A), Torkelson (21B)
Pass: Norton (29B)
President Obama Releases His Health Care Proposal
February 22, 2010
President Obama released hs health care proposal in advance of his televised bipartisan summit scheduled for Thursday February 25th, 2010.
The proposal bridges some of the differences between the Senate and House bills, and incorporates some Republican provisions. Republicans immediately denounce the proposal as a "government takeover", progressives decry absence of a public option, and some are just demanding "get it done". Democrats are likely to pursue "reconciliation" a path that requires a simple majority to enact legislation instead of the 60 vote threshold to overcome a fillibuster.
Gubernatorial Candidates Reply to MUHCC Survey on Health Care- Most Support MN Health Plan!
Surveys were distributed to 10 DFL candidates and 5 GOP candidates for Governor. Responses were provided to MUHCC in December and January.
Nine Candidates Reply that they Would Sign the Minnesota Health Plan if Passed!
Their responses demonstrate a firm commitment to addressing health care in Minnesota with a range of approaches.
Read abridged answers to entire survey
Read complete answers to entire survey
The Minnesota Universal Health Care Coalition is a non-partisan organization working to enact single-payer health care for the state of Minnesota. We do not endorse candidates. Our efforts, the Campaign for the Minnesota Health Plan, are focused on passage of the Minnesota Health Act (SF 118/HF 135). We believe it is important for our members and the general public to know where the gubernatorial candidates stand on health care.
Press Coverage of survey results:
MinnPost
Minnesota Independent
MPR
Senate District and County Conventions- Support Single-Payer
Senate District and County Conventions are happening across the state!
If you are planning to attend to run for a state delegate spot or are interested in volunteering, please let us know. We want our single-payer resolution to be a adopted at every convention.
To find information about the Conventions:
Green Party (No Conventions Listed)
Independence Party (No Conventions Listed)
Download a handout on the single-payer resolution and the Minnesota Health Plan.
Print double sided. Cut into 4 handouts each page. Please distribute these at your convention- make sure the MN Health Plan is on the Platform!
Bust the Health Care Trusts
By Robert Reich
New York Times
February 23, 2010
...Rates are soaring all over the country. Insurers have been seeking to raise premiums 24 percent in Connecticut, 23 percent in Maine, 20 percent in Oregon and a wallet-popping 56 percent in Michigan. How can insurers raise prices as much as they want without fear of losing customers? Astonishingly, the health insurance industry is exempt from federal antitrust laws, which is why a handful of insurers have become so dominant in their markets that their customers simply have nowhere else to go. But that protection could soon end... Read full article
Note: On February 24th the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to eliminate the insurance industry's antitrust exemption.
Marty Looks to Future With Single-Payer Bill
StarTribune February 26, 2010
Lori Sturdevant
The possibility that Americans would join hands and buy health care all together has found no traction in Washington. But at the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature, the idea has been quietly marching through committees, three in the Senate, one in the House.
The Minnesota Health Plan is propelled in the Senate by former and current DFL gubernatorial candidate John Marty, a seven-term legislator from Roseville... Read More
Volunteer for a Phone Bank to Mobilize Single-Payer Supporters
Phone banks are a very effective way to build political power. MUHCC hosts twice monthly phone banks to update and mobilize single-payer supporters in Minnesota. Phoning is a vital tool in our campaign; by reaching out to constituents we can influence legislators to support the Minnesota Health Act. Phone banks are FUN, people are happy to hear from us, and ready to take action on health care. Training is provided.
All phone banks take place at COACT - 2469 University Ave. West, Suite W150, St. Paul, MN 55114. COACT is in the Strommen Building; there is a free parking lot in back.
Thursday April 1st, 6:00-8:00 pm
Sign up to participate
Thursday April 15th, 6:00-8:00 pm
Sign up to participate
More phone bank photos below.
