From Health for All Human Beings - articles of note/late...

9.2 Million people already insured by a single payer system in this country

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/6/26/746576/-NEWSFLASH:-42-Million-people-already-insured-by-a-single-payer-system-in-this-country

Quoted from the article:

"I am watching with acute interest the current healthcare debate that has consumed many words and opinions. I by no means claim to be an expert in legislating or policy making or all things political positioning, as a physician in the Armed Services I would like to comment on some of my experiences and perspective.

"One obvious omission in the discussion, both on interwebs and tv tubes to me is the current single payer healthcare system that the government is currently funding . . .

"9.2 Million active duty and retired uniformed service member and their families receive their healthcare from the federal government. My family and I receive free healthcare from the federal government. 9 million citizens already receive their healthcare from the federal government. I provide healthcare for the federal government. I'm an active duty obstetrician/gynecologist in a major medical facility on the East Coast. I'd like to share a couple of observations regarding the current single payer healthcare system that I work in and for which my family receives its care.

1. "Rationing" of healthcare in this single payer system is simply not reality. .

 2. Single payer healthcare does not eliminate scientific inquiry, research, or the pursuit of evidence based medicine. In fact, quite the opposite. . .

3. Pre existing conditions don't prevent patients from receiving care in our system. . .

 4. When a patient sees me, she is my patient. If she wishes to see someone else, she can see one of my colleagues. I believe that is called choice. . .

5. I can prescribe any medications I wish if I believe it is the best for my patient . .

6. There are many issues that could make this system better. .

"I am struck however that nobody has brought up the simple fact that the government already provides free healthcare in a single payer model to over 9 million of its population. While this system is not perfect, I believe I provide that same quality of care, offering empathetic, evidence based (one more time for good measure) care as any other physician who practices at any hospital in the country. . Let's get universal healthcare for all! Peace."

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SENATORS WHO SIGNED LETTER OPPOSING PUBLIC HEALTH PLAN TOOK $17.7 MILLION IN CAMPAIGN CASH FROM HEALTH CARE/INSURANCE INDUSTRIES

http://www.campaignmoney.org/pressroom/2009/06/08/senators-who-signed-letter-opposing-public-health-plan-took-17-7-million-in-campaign-cash-from-health-care-

Quoted from the article:

"The Senators have collectively taken $17.7 million from insurance and health care interests, according to data analyzed at the Center for Responsive Politics website, opensecrets.org. That amounts to nearly $2 million per Senator over their careers.

"Americans want a government that is responsive to our needs, not a Congress that listens to its donors from the insurance and health care industry," commented David Donnelly, national campaigns director of Public Campaign Action Fund. "These Senators appear to be carrying water for their donors at the expense of advancing health care reform."

All nine Senators sit on the Senate Finance Committee, which is actively engaged in debating health care reform. The nine signers include

 Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa),

Orrin Hatch (R-Utah),

Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.),

Jim Bunning (R-Ky.),

Mike Crapo (R-Idaho),

Pat Roberts (R-Kan.),

John Ensign (R-Nev.),

Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and

John Cornyn (R-Texas).

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) was the committee's only Republican Senator not to sign. Sen. Snowe has taken $1.1 million from the same interests, less than all but two of the signers."