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News Items
Single-payer
solution myths and facts*
Myth:
Single-payer would cost too much.
Fact: Because of our patchwork system of private insurance, more
than 30% of every health care dollar is spent on administration
rather than on care. This includes underwriting, marketing, billing,
denying claims, profit and paper-pushing that is foisted on
hospitals and physician offices. By eliminating private insurance, a
single-payer system would reduce administrative spending by roughly
half (nearly $400 billion annually). These savings are enough to
provide every American with comprehensive health insurance, without
increasing total spending.
Myth: Single-payer would cost businesses too much.
Fact: Because a single-payer system is more efficient than our
current system, health care costs would be lower, and businesses
that already provide health care benefits would save money. In
Canada, the three major auto manufacturers (Ford, GM and
Daimler-Chrysler) have all publicly endorsed Canada's single-payer
health system from a business and financial standpoint. In the U.S.,
Ford pays more for its workers' health insurance than for the steel
to make its cars.
Myth: Lines for care would be extremely long.
Fact: In countries with single-payer, urgently needed care is always
provided immediately. People in these countries may have to wait for
some elective procedures like cataract removal or knee replacement
for arthritis, but because the U.S. spends double what they do on
health care -- and would continue to spend this much under a
single-payer system -- access to care here would be better and our
waits would be much shorter.
Myth: People would overuse the system.
Fact: Most estimates do indicate that there would be some increased
use of the system, mostly by the nearly 50 million people who
currently do not have health insurance. However, the dramatic
savings from a single-payer system would easily cover the increased
use of some services. Remember, doctors would still control most
health care utilization - patients don't typically receive
prescriptions or tests just because they want them, but because
their doctors have deemed them appropriate.
Myth: Government programs are wasteful and inefficient.
Fact: Some are better than others, just as some businesses are
better than others. Just to name a few of the most successful and
helpful: the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, and Social Security. Consider Medicare,
which is national health insurance for the elderly; its overhead is
approximately 3% of every health care dollar spent on
administration, while overhead and profits for private insurance can
add up to more than 15%.
Myth: The government would make health care decisions for patients
and dictate how physicians practice medicine.
Fact: In countries with a national health insurance system,
physicians are rarely questioned about their medical practices, and
usually only in cases of suspected fraud. Compare this to our
system, where patients and doctors routinely must ask insurance
companies for permission for certain procedures, tests and
treatments.
*Information compiled from Physicians for a National Health Program,
part of the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Health Care
Visit Public Citizen for more information about single-payer heatlh
care and how you can help:
http://www.citizen.org/singlepayersolution.
Asset Independence
Coalition (AIC) Free tax preparation
service. Please spread the word that people can call 800-561-2500
to schedule an appointment for help with their taxes and find out
if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Kids Repair Program
Curt "Granddad" Eure has developed a program to teach children
responsibility through bike ownership, safety and maintenance. Now
located at Hill Center for Advanced Technology, the program grew
from modest beginnings to serving children ages 9 to 17 in the
Tri-County area. Please consider "recycling" your bikes, in any
condition, to the kids in the Kids Repair Program so they may learn
how to repair them and use them safely. Call 517-755-4174 or email
grandadkrp@yahoo.com
for more information.
SUPPORTING TEEN OPPORTUNITIES MENTORING PROGRAM (STOMP) for Eaton
County
You Don't Need to be a Superhero in Order to be a Mentor!
Studies have shown that youth benefit from having a stable
one-on-one relationship. The relationship involves activities and
interests that both the mentor and mentee already share. There is
no need to be a superhero or a parent or a teacher. All you need to
do is show up and be yourself!!! STOMP is responsible for creating
the best match possible, so you don't have to worry about a
relationship with no common interests.
Mentor Requirements:
Age: 21 years or older
Residency: Live in or near the Eaton County area or be
willing to travel in or near the Eaton County area.
Training: STOMP provides training both before and during the
relationship to make sure mentors are confident and prepared to deal
with any situation. Mandatory six hours before relationship begins.
Commitment: Studies have shown that in order for a
one-on-one mentoring relationship to be effective, the youth must be
engaged for at least four hours a month during a one year
commitment.
Background Check: For the safety of the mentee, all mentors
must be screened and fingerprinted.
Become a Mentor Today! Every child has the right to a stable,
caring adult in his or her life.Mentoring will not only change the
youth's life, but it will positively enhance yours as well.
All you need to do is share your time with a youth in order to make
a difference. There is no need to change the same fun activities
you already participate in such as watching or playing sports,
shopping, going to the movies, cooking, watching live music, going
to the zoo, libarary, or theater, etc.
Fill out an application with STOMP today with no
obligations. Contact Roger Tijerina at 517-543-2310, email: tigerin3@msu.edu,
website
www.msue.msu.edu\eaton
Victory 2008!!!
Election 2008 was outstanding for
Democrats in Eaton County. We have a new Democratic Congressman in
Mark Schauer, we gained a seat on the County Commission, and now
have 9 of the 15 spots, and we have the majority of the Delta
Township Board, with two new officers and two new trustees. This is
the second election in two years to make history in Eaton County.
In 2006 we gained the majority on the county commission, and this
year we have achieved majority status on the Delta Township board.
Buy Your Democratic
Supplies!
A great website to buy your
democratic gear and Obama apparel. American and Union made! Go to
www.democraticstuff.com for more
information.
Eaton County Charities
Need Your Help
Eaton County Dems and Friends support
many charities in Eaton County here's a list of the few that need
our help and yours. Please
Download this PDF to
find out more.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport"
For more meeting minutes and new archives click here
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