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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"

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