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	<title>Comments on: National Lobby Day and Rally for Single-Payer in DC</title>
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	<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/</link>
	<description>Organizing for a national, single-payer healthcare system.</description>
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		<title>By: Greg DeGraf</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2608</link>
		<dc:creator>Greg DeGraf</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 20:39:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2608</guid>
		<description>1) When health care is tied to the job, people are stuck at that job. Employers can, and often do, use this as leverage. The boss knows you (and your family) would never risk living without insurance, so he/she can take advantage. You&#039;re stuck. If health care is not tied to the employer, an employee is free to leave to pursue better opportunities elsewhere, across the state or across the country. As for me, I left an employer after 18 years (I&#039;m 58) because I was being jerked around. I am now on COBRA. If I move out of the area to look for work, there&#039;s every chance that the insurer will cancel my policy. So I am still stuck. The insurance companies know this. They keep us stuck, so they can feed off us. So the next time your boss humiliates you, or you don&#039;t get that raise, or your fellow employees for whatever arbitrary reason might take a disliking to you---remember---next time you feel stuck---a single payer system would give you the freedom to leave the situation with dignity. And healthcare. Yes, folks, freedom. Freedom to ditch that surly boss and dead end job to pursue happiness elsewhere. How about a class action law suit?  It&#039;s &quot;life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, right? Can&#039;t very well pursue happiness (a better job) if we&#039;re shackled to the job by the insurance industry. Aren&#039;t we being denied a right we are entitled to?  The pursuit of happiness? 2) My rates just went up 20 per cent. No reason given. 3) Yesterday I had a colonoscopy on the recommendation of my doctor (I had cancer a while back) Before agreeing to the procedure, I called the insurance company to ask if the procedure would be covered. I was told that they would tell me the answer to this question only AFTER I HAD THE PROCEDURE. (Gee, that&#039;s fair!)</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>1) When health care is tied to the job, people are stuck at that job. Employers can, and often do, use this as leverage. The boss knows you (and your family) would never risk living without insurance, so he/she can take advantage. You&#8217;re stuck. If health care is not tied to the employer, an employee is free to leave to pursue better opportunities elsewhere, across the state or across the country. As for me, I left an employer after 18 years (I&#8217;m 58) because I was being jerked around. I am now on COBRA. If I move out of the area to look for work, there&#8217;s every chance that the insurer will cancel my policy. So I am still stuck. The insurance companies know this. They keep us stuck, so they can feed off us. So the next time your boss humiliates you, or you don&#8217;t get that raise, or your fellow employees for whatever arbitrary reason might take a disliking to you&#8212;remember&#8212;next time you feel stuck&#8212;a single payer system would give you the freedom to leave the situation with dignity. And healthcare. Yes, folks, freedom. Freedom to ditch that surly boss and dead end job to pursue happiness elsewhere. How about a class action law suit?  It&#8217;s &#8220;life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, right? Can&#8217;t very well pursue happiness (a better job) if we&#8217;re shackled to the job by the insurance industry. Aren&#8217;t we being denied a right we are entitled to?  The pursuit of happiness? 2) My rates just went up 20 per cent. No reason given. 3) Yesterday I had a colonoscopy on the recommendation of my doctor (I had cancer a while back) Before agreeing to the procedure, I called the insurance company to ask if the procedure would be covered. I was told that they would tell me the answer to this question only AFTER I HAD THE PROCEDURE. (Gee, that&#8217;s fair!)</p>
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		<title>By: Steve</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2598</link>
		<dc:creator>Steve</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 14:24:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2598</guid>
		<description>The scare advertisements have already begun.  On CNN and FOX there have been commercials by opponents to any change in the health insurance system.  It starts out with somber music and says &quot;In (name of a country with universal health care) - this person was denied treatment that could have saved his life.  Do you you want the government choosing which care you get?&quot;

Those groups go and search out the few cases that have slipped through the cracks, and make it sound like it is the norm.  

Regardless of what changes are going to be implemented, there had better be plan to fight these adverts, otherwise, the public will be scared into doing nothing.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The scare advertisements have already begun.  On CNN and FOX there have been commercials by opponents to any change in the health insurance system.  It starts out with somber music and says &#8220;In (name of a country with universal health care) &#8211; this person was denied treatment that could have saved his life.  Do you you want the government choosing which care you get?&#8221;</p>
<p>Those groups go and search out the few cases that have slipped through the cracks, and make it sound like it is the norm.  </p>
<p>Regardless of what changes are going to be implemented, there had better be plan to fight these adverts, otherwise, the public will be scared into doing nothing.</p>
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		<title>By: Ila Jones</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2581</link>
		<dc:creator>Ila Jones</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 06:32:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2581</guid>
		<description>If Obama REALLY wants health reform with a NATIONAL HEALTH OPTION like Medicare...WHY DOESN&#039;T HE &#039;TRUST&#039; US AND have a rally in front of the Jefferson Memorial? 

LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK.

 What happened to his promise of a policy for everyone which is the same as that which the congress has?  

Now that he got our votes, it seems he&#039;s forgotten who gave him his job...AND WHY!  

Personally, our whole family voted for him due to his promise of national health insurance for all....and we all have insurance!  

In addition, WHERE ARE THE UNIONS?   WHY ARE THE LEADERS AFRAID OF THE INSURANCE CARTEL?

 Other than the Nurses and Doctors, I haven&#039;t seen a single person from AFL-CIO, SEIU OR UNITED AUTO WORKERS voicing support for HR 676  OR A NATIONAL OPTION PLAN from the audience!  

WHY ARE THE UNIONS SO SILENT ON THE HEALTHCARE ISSUE?  All I&#039;ve seen so far is &#039;mincing politeness (fear)&#039; from union leaders!  

AFL-CIO IN NEW JERSEY HAS OVER 1,000,000 Members..and 1,000 locals!!  SURELY THIS UNION COULD SEND IN A FEW &#039;TROOPS&#039; TO FIGHT FOR AMERICANS.  Have American Unions, like American citizens gotten so lazy and afraid that they won&#039;t even speak up for themselves?

Also, WHERE IS BUSINESS..naw...I don&#039;t mean the Chamber of Commerce (which is simply another shill for the insurance cartel)...

I MEAN &#039;BUSINESS&#039;...FROM EMPLOYERS SUCH AS, KMART, SHOPKO, COSTCO,JCPENNEYS, SEARS?   Surely, they&#039;d be more competitive if they didn&#039;t have to be responsible for health insurance costs for employees.  Why don&#039;t they speak up?

AS regards this two trillion &#039;savings&#039; which the insurance criminals offered the racketeer Baucus on Monday---what are they going to &#039;save&#039; this from?   GEE, I BET IT&#039;LL COME FROM CUTTING SERVICES!!  WHAT DO YOU THINK?  

Or, it just could be that they&#039;ve been overcharging ALL ALONG!

1.  CHARGE MAX BAUCUS WITH RACKETEERING (HE RECEIVED 500,000 DOLLARS FOR &#039;CAMPAIGN&#039; FUNDS FROM THE INSURANCE CORPS)...Then refused to allow a single spokesperson for HR 676 to speak!   If THAT&#039;S not covered by RICO laws, I don&#039;t know what is!

2.  HAVE A GIANT DEMONSTRATION (NOT &#039;RALLY&#039;-GOD, I HATE THAT WORD)...in JUNE ... when school is out-in WASHINGTON, D.C.  Invite some celebrities to speak.  INVITE DENNIS KUCINICH.  Invite Michael Moore.  Invite Ezra Klein.  Invite Ariana Huffington.  

These &#039;teeny&#039; meetings around the U.S. in individual states are merely a divide and conquer-&#039;feel good&#039; thingy which makes us think someone is out there listening!  I GUARANTEE THEY ARE NOT LISTENING.  Baucus is LAUGHING!

3.  Send in Union Leaders to the Baucus fake hearings, have them accompany BRAVE CONGRESSMEN who have co-sponsored HR 676...to speak and have RACKETEER MAX BAUCUS call his police to arrest them!!  See if we hear about that on CNN.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If Obama REALLY wants health reform with a NATIONAL HEALTH OPTION like Medicare&#8230;WHY DOESN&#8217;T HE &#8216;TRUST&#8217; US AND have a rally in front of the Jefferson Memorial? </p>
<p>LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK.</p>
<p> What happened to his promise of a policy for everyone which is the same as that which the congress has?  </p>
<p>Now that he got our votes, it seems he&#8217;s forgotten who gave him his job&#8230;AND WHY!  </p>
<p>Personally, our whole family voted for him due to his promise of national health insurance for all&#8230;.and we all have insurance!  </p>
<p>In addition, WHERE ARE THE UNIONS?   WHY ARE THE LEADERS AFRAID OF THE INSURANCE CARTEL?</p>
<p> Other than the Nurses and Doctors, I haven&#8217;t seen a single person from AFL-CIO, SEIU OR UNITED AUTO WORKERS voicing support for HR 676  OR A NATIONAL OPTION PLAN from the audience!  </p>
<p>WHY ARE THE UNIONS SO SILENT ON THE HEALTHCARE ISSUE?  All I&#8217;ve seen so far is &#8216;mincing politeness (fear)&#8217; from union leaders!  </p>
<p>AFL-CIO IN NEW JERSEY HAS OVER 1,000,000 Members..and 1,000 locals!!  SURELY THIS UNION COULD SEND IN A FEW &#8216;TROOPS&#8217; TO FIGHT FOR AMERICANS.  Have American Unions, like American citizens gotten so lazy and afraid that they won&#8217;t even speak up for themselves?</p>
<p>Also, WHERE IS BUSINESS..naw&#8230;I don&#8217;t mean the Chamber of Commerce (which is simply another shill for the insurance cartel)&#8230;</p>
<p>I MEAN &#8216;BUSINESS&#8217;&#8230;FROM EMPLOYERS SUCH AS, KMART, SHOPKO, COSTCO,JCPENNEYS, SEARS?   Surely, they&#8217;d be more competitive if they didn&#8217;t have to be responsible for health insurance costs for employees.  Why don&#8217;t they speak up?</p>
<p>AS regards this two trillion &#8216;savings&#8217; which the insurance criminals offered the racketeer Baucus on Monday&#8212;what are they going to &#8216;save&#8217; this from?   GEE, I BET IT&#8217;LL COME FROM CUTTING SERVICES!!  WHAT DO YOU THINK?  </p>
<p>Or, it just could be that they&#8217;ve been overcharging ALL ALONG!</p>
<p>1.  CHARGE MAX BAUCUS WITH RACKETEERING (HE RECEIVED 500,000 DOLLARS FOR &#8216;CAMPAIGN&#8217; FUNDS FROM THE INSURANCE CORPS)&#8230;Then refused to allow a single spokesperson for HR 676 to speak!   If THAT&#8217;S not covered by RICO laws, I don&#8217;t know what is!</p>
<p>2.  HAVE A GIANT DEMONSTRATION (NOT &#8216;RALLY&#8217;-GOD, I HATE THAT WORD)&#8230;in JUNE &#8230; when school is out-in WASHINGTON, D.C.  Invite some celebrities to speak.  INVITE DENNIS KUCINICH.  Invite Michael Moore.  Invite Ezra Klein.  Invite Ariana Huffington.  </p>
<p>These &#8216;teeny&#8217; meetings around the U.S. in individual states are merely a divide and conquer-&#8217;feel good&#8217; thingy which makes us think someone is out there listening!  I GUARANTEE THEY ARE NOT LISTENING.  Baucus is LAUGHING!</p>
<p>3.  Send in Union Leaders to the Baucus fake hearings, have them accompany BRAVE CONGRESSMEN who have co-sponsored HR 676&#8230;to speak and have RACKETEER MAX BAUCUS call his police to arrest them!!  See if we hear about that on CNN.</p>
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		<title>By: M. Darnit</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2577</link>
		<dc:creator>M. Darnit</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 23:29:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2577</guid>
		<description>Interesting ideas Don Z. tell them about it at healthreform.gov</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Interesting ideas Don Z. tell them about it at healthreform.gov</p>
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		<title>By: Eliza Jane Dodd</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2569</link>
		<dc:creator>Eliza Jane Dodd</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 18:42:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2569</guid>
		<description>Hey Health Care Friends , Cant we take this Petition to the President ? The one we had on the OLD Web site and this one ? Why cant we get a GOV. Online Petition ? Because on Pres.Obamas web site health care reform the insurance companies employees are working over time SPAMMING the Site I have called the White House and told them do something and Not a DAM thing is ever done ...And when I call to tell my Health Care problems ....the woman I laways talk to tells me go to the Dept .Of Human Services ...I am so PISSED because I have told her many times for over 100 days the story of how the Dept tells me I do Not Qualify ! And the woman has the nerve....I want to slap her ! I want to slap lots of people and Baucus is at the top of the list ! We Need American Indian Movement ! They get things done !</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey Health Care Friends , Cant we take this Petition to the President ? The one we had on the OLD Web site and this one ? Why cant we get a GOV. Online Petition ? Because on Pres.Obamas web site health care reform the insurance companies employees are working over time SPAMMING the Site I have called the White House and told them do something and Not a DAM thing is ever done &#8230;And when I call to tell my Health Care problems &#8230;.the woman I laways talk to tells me go to the Dept .Of Human Services &#8230;I am so PISSED because I have told her many times for over 100 days the story of how the Dept tells me I do Not Qualify ! And the woman has the nerve&#8230;.I want to slap her ! I want to slap lots of people and Baucus is at the top of the list ! We Need American Indian Movement ! They get things done !</p>
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		<title>By: Sylvia</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2534</link>
		<dc:creator>Sylvia</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 18:49:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2534</guid>
		<description>I agree. Who is questioning this? And to whom would we address the question?  I wonder how he got appointed? And why this critical roundtable discussion on healthcare reform being moderated by the FINANCE committee of all committees? Shouldn&#039;t possible financial scenarios be discussed last, or at least second? My fear is they are trying to position healthcare reform as simply ways to cut down on cost. It&#039;s more easily achievable and less controversial than the idea of healthcare as a right and removing the insurance companies from the picture.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I agree. Who is questioning this? And to whom would we address the question?  I wonder how he got appointed? And why this critical roundtable discussion on healthcare reform being moderated by the FINANCE committee of all committees? Shouldn&#8217;t possible financial scenarios be discussed last, or at least second? My fear is they are trying to position healthcare reform as simply ways to cut down on cost. It&#8217;s more easily achievable and less controversial than the idea of healthcare as a right and removing the insurance companies from the picture.</p>
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		<title>By: Don Zwiers</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2521</link>
		<dc:creator>Don Zwiers</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 00:48:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2521</guid>
		<description>I have been following health reform for over 2 years now and being a retired engineer, I connected with the problems happening in our present Health Care System.  I have watched the discussions of the Health Care Forum our President put together and read the transcripts of all the sessions.  I assume these are all qualified people to talk on health care.  I agree with most of their views and especially President Obama’s outline of the 8 principles he would like to see happen.

I am frustrated that no one is looking at a National Sales tax to fund the system.  Mike Huckelby brought up a consumption tax during the primaries.  When I looked up sales tax, it made sense that this is the type tax we need for health care.  It brings in money daily and health care uses money daily.  Everybody who spends money pays a tax, and everyone that uses health care spends money.  It is the easiest to implement and the hardest to avoid.  The tax itself is very small when paid, thereby doesn’t hurt people paying a tax in small increments.  The only problem I found was it is disproportionate between the rich and poor, based on the available money to spend.  I figured to make it fairer to everyone, 4 tax rates could be implemented on money used to fund the National Health care System.  The lowest rate for what is necessary to life healthy, the second would for what makes life more enjoyable and easier, the third for what we would all like if we could afford it.  Then there is a penalty tax above the other three tha would be for what makes health care more expensive, like some foods, tobacco, illegal drugs, etc. This sales tax would even cover all purchases over the internet. (Explained in my plan)  With all the money going into the US Treasury, they can write the checks to pay for the health care when the hospitals and medical people send them the invoice.  Also, since the government should never make a profit, but also, never take a loss, the tax rates can be adjusted like a spigot to bring in more money when we have an emergency like the H1N1 flu scare.  Also as health care becomes more effective and the costs go down, the rates can be adjusted down at a moments notice.  This would be a sustainable system forever.

Now, if everyone is paying for their own health care, everyone will have the same health care our Presidential candidates were suggesting.  The tax payer will be paying for everyone’s health care before they need it, but when they do need it, it’s is already paid for.  Universal Health Care would then be achieved. 

The record system becomes very simple when only one data base is used.  Everyone enters their data electronically as soon as the event happens, like many medical facilities do now.  Just make sure everyone is on the same page, one system.

All the problems the Health Care Forum participants were describing would be eliminated.  Veterans would have the best care they need when they need it, the American Indian will be paying their fair share as they spend their money, the Auto Industry and every other business would be relieved of the burden on health care and use that money to reduce the cost of their products and hire more people.  They can also reduce a lot of expensive contract labor.  Our government spending would be reduced because health care insurance is not a liability to the schools, firemen, police, all government employees, etc.

If we look at the scenarios of everyone paying for their own health insurance thru a sales tax, just the overhead reduction of all the employers, would help reduce the costs of business.  The auto industry, for example, could reduce the price of their cars $1500 while not affecting their present wages.

The plan I put together, puts all this together.  All the Medicare and Medicaid debts can be eliminated forever.  The overall health care system will save $600+ Billion/year.  This means the American people, as a whole, will be paying $600+ Billion less for better service.  This is a WIN/WIN situation.  Employers can keep more workers, keeping more people spending money, increasing demand for more products, creating more jobs, reducing unemployment, etc.  These are all positive directions without really spending money.

Small businesses can operate more profitably without the uncontrollable health care costs.  People can work closer to home, drive less, save energy.  People can work at jobs they enjoy, not worrying about who is paying for their health insurance.  These people will be better employees and more productive.

The IT information system becomes less complicated because all the records are in one place.  Privacy controls are much simpler with one system.  Researchers in the health fields can tap into the record system and gain a wealth of information.  Results from treatments can be evaluated much easier and will be more meaningful, because it removes the profit issue and only has health improvement and efficiency as the targets.  Malpractice insurance will become a thing of the past, because doctors will be doing their best for the patient all the time.

Our government can get back to governing and never worry about health care, unless asked.

Without politicians and insurance people making health care decisions based on profit, the Medical Industry can now focus on good health practices and do what they were trained to do, take care of people’s health. 

Greed for money will have its price.  You can’t take it with you, but you can lose a lot of friends over it.

Those earning the most money are the ones that are the most wasteful of our natural resources.  They should be the ones leading the quest for a better environment.

AN OVERALL GOAL WE SHOULD SET:  Without health care part of the employer’s responsibility, the new goal would be to reduce work hours, share the jobs we have, increase employment opportunities to earn more money to spend, leave more free time to spend money and enjoy life.
Benefits:
1.	Provide jobs and opportunities for our youth, which may reduce Gang Activity.
2.	Eliminate the need for Overtime and provide more family time doing fun things together.
3.	Quality of life will improve with more travel and fun activities.
4.	Retirement becomes a thing to look forward to and enjoy.
5.	Retirees can volunteer more teaching what they have learned to help the next generation do better. 
6.	Another big benefit would be the potential control of selling over the internet, drugs, sex, etc.

Please contact me for my complete plan.

Don Zwiers
PS: Social Security could be handled the same as health care by making the trust fund sustainable forever and eliminating the SS debt forever.

With health care and SS taken care of, the energy problem becomes the third biggest challenge.  With the entrepreneurial spirit in America and not having to worry about health care for self and employees, we should really take off.  I am hearing a lot of good ideas on energy and we just have to give them a chance.  It doesn’t have to be just the big guys.  We don’t even need the governments help.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have been following health reform for over 2 years now and being a retired engineer, I connected with the problems happening in our present Health Care System.  I have watched the discussions of the Health Care Forum our President put together and read the transcripts of all the sessions.  I assume these are all qualified people to talk on health care.  I agree with most of their views and especially President Obama’s outline of the 8 principles he would like to see happen.</p>
<p>I am frustrated that no one is looking at a National Sales tax to fund the system.  Mike Huckelby brought up a consumption tax during the primaries.  When I looked up sales tax, it made sense that this is the type tax we need for health care.  It brings in money daily and health care uses money daily.  Everybody who spends money pays a tax, and everyone that uses health care spends money.  It is the easiest to implement and the hardest to avoid.  The tax itself is very small when paid, thereby doesn’t hurt people paying a tax in small increments.  The only problem I found was it is disproportionate between the rich and poor, based on the available money to spend.  I figured to make it fairer to everyone, 4 tax rates could be implemented on money used to fund the National Health care System.  The lowest rate for what is necessary to life healthy, the second would for what makes life more enjoyable and easier, the third for what we would all like if we could afford it.  Then there is a penalty tax above the other three tha would be for what makes health care more expensive, like some foods, tobacco, illegal drugs, etc. This sales tax would even cover all purchases over the internet. (Explained in my plan)  With all the money going into the US Treasury, they can write the checks to pay for the health care when the hospitals and medical people send them the invoice.  Also, since the government should never make a profit, but also, never take a loss, the tax rates can be adjusted like a spigot to bring in more money when we have an emergency like the H1N1 flu scare.  Also as health care becomes more effective and the costs go down, the rates can be adjusted down at a moments notice.  This would be a sustainable system forever.</p>
<p>Now, if everyone is paying for their own health care, everyone will have the same health care our Presidential candidates were suggesting.  The tax payer will be paying for everyone’s health care before they need it, but when they do need it, it’s is already paid for.  Universal Health Care would then be achieved. </p>
<p>The record system becomes very simple when only one data base is used.  Everyone enters their data electronically as soon as the event happens, like many medical facilities do now.  Just make sure everyone is on the same page, one system.</p>
<p>All the problems the Health Care Forum participants were describing would be eliminated.  Veterans would have the best care they need when they need it, the American Indian will be paying their fair share as they spend their money, the Auto Industry and every other business would be relieved of the burden on health care and use that money to reduce the cost of their products and hire more people.  They can also reduce a lot of expensive contract labor.  Our government spending would be reduced because health care insurance is not a liability to the schools, firemen, police, all government employees, etc.</p>
<p>If we look at the scenarios of everyone paying for their own health insurance thru a sales tax, just the overhead reduction of all the employers, would help reduce the costs of business.  The auto industry, for example, could reduce the price of their cars $1500 while not affecting their present wages.</p>
<p>The plan I put together, puts all this together.  All the Medicare and Medicaid debts can be eliminated forever.  The overall health care system will save $600+ Billion/year.  This means the American people, as a whole, will be paying $600+ Billion less for better service.  This is a WIN/WIN situation.  Employers can keep more workers, keeping more people spending money, increasing demand for more products, creating more jobs, reducing unemployment, etc.  These are all positive directions without really spending money.</p>
<p>Small businesses can operate more profitably without the uncontrollable health care costs.  People can work closer to home, drive less, save energy.  People can work at jobs they enjoy, not worrying about who is paying for their health insurance.  These people will be better employees and more productive.</p>
<p>The IT information system becomes less complicated because all the records are in one place.  Privacy controls are much simpler with one system.  Researchers in the health fields can tap into the record system and gain a wealth of information.  Results from treatments can be evaluated much easier and will be more meaningful, because it removes the profit issue and only has health improvement and efficiency as the targets.  Malpractice insurance will become a thing of the past, because doctors will be doing their best for the patient all the time.</p>
<p>Our government can get back to governing and never worry about health care, unless asked.</p>
<p>Without politicians and insurance people making health care decisions based on profit, the Medical Industry can now focus on good health practices and do what they were trained to do, take care of people’s health. </p>
<p>Greed for money will have its price.  You can’t take it with you, but you can lose a lot of friends over it.</p>
<p>Those earning the most money are the ones that are the most wasteful of our natural resources.  They should be the ones leading the quest for a better environment.</p>
<p>AN OVERALL GOAL WE SHOULD SET:  Without health care part of the employer’s responsibility, the new goal would be to reduce work hours, share the jobs we have, increase employment opportunities to earn more money to spend, leave more free time to spend money and enjoy life.<br />
Benefits:<br />
1.	Provide jobs and opportunities for our youth, which may reduce Gang Activity.<br />
2.	Eliminate the need for Overtime and provide more family time doing fun things together.<br />
3.	Quality of life will improve with more travel and fun activities.<br />
4.	Retirement becomes a thing to look forward to and enjoy.<br />
5.	Retirees can volunteer more teaching what they have learned to help the next generation do better.<br />
6.	Another big benefit would be the potential control of selling over the internet, drugs, sex, etc.</p>
<p>Please contact me for my complete plan.</p>
<p>Don Zwiers<br />
PS: Social Security could be handled the same as health care by making the trust fund sustainable forever and eliminating the SS debt forever.</p>
<p>With health care and SS taken care of, the energy problem becomes the third biggest challenge.  With the entrepreneurial spirit in America and not having to worry about health care for self and employees, we should really take off.  I am hearing a lot of good ideas on energy and we just have to give them a chance.  It doesn’t have to be just the big guys.  We don’t even need the governments help.</p>
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		<title>By: Blanca Gomez</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2512</link>
		<dc:creator>Blanca Gomez</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 11:34:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2512</guid>
		<description>Being able to have affordable health care to all it is the most salient thing you can do for all citizen in America... To have health insurance is a right for us because families, grandparent, individual, single parent we have to have this gift to be access to healthcare.... And with that say our health facilities need to treat other with more respect.  It does not matter the gender, color of our skin, our finacial status we have this priveligedto endure within ourselves and we need you guys to support this matter, because it is affecting everyone....We need to have quality healthcare for everyone not just for the rich everyone because everyone is equal....thank you</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Being able to have affordable health care to all it is the most salient thing you can do for all citizen in America&#8230; To have health insurance is a right for us because families, grandparent, individual, single parent we have to have this gift to be access to healthcare&#8230;. And with that say our health facilities need to treat other with more respect.  It does not matter the gender, color of our skin, our finacial status we have this priveligedto endure within ourselves and we need you guys to support this matter, because it is affecting everyone&#8230;.We need to have quality healthcare for everyone not just for the rich everyone because everyone is equal&#8230;.thank you</p>
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		<title>By: Teresa Renberg</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2504</link>
		<dc:creator>Teresa Renberg</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 20:32:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2504</guid>
		<description>Since its a National Health Insurance plan, Single Payer allows you to freely chose the doctor who is right for you. You do not have to ever worry that you will be denied coverage.

In a single payer system Doctors are free from HMO restrictions. They are more apt to promote preventative care, and pursue drug free solutions for illness. A good example is my children who have ear problems were seen by a doctor in Scandinavia, he prescribed a fun balloon trick the kids do to open the eustation tube. It works better than all those drugs prescribed to us by doctors previously.

Since the government will have the power of collective bargaining, the pharmacudical and medical device companies must compete for the government contracts. Prices are reduced in a way that makes capitalism works for us! Administrative costs are reduced significantly.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Since its a National Health Insurance plan, Single Payer allows you to freely chose the doctor who is right for you. You do not have to ever worry that you will be denied coverage.</p>
<p>In a single payer system Doctors are free from HMO restrictions. They are more apt to promote preventative care, and pursue drug free solutions for illness. A good example is my children who have ear problems were seen by a doctor in Scandinavia, he prescribed a fun balloon trick the kids do to open the eustation tube. It works better than all those drugs prescribed to us by doctors previously.</p>
<p>Since the government will have the power of collective bargaining, the pharmacudical and medical device companies must compete for the government contracts. Prices are reduced in a way that makes capitalism works for us! Administrative costs are reduced significantly.</p>
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		<title>By: Chris</title>
		<link>http://www.healthcare-now.org/national-lobby-day-and-rally-for-single-payer-in-dc/comment-page-1/#comment-2500</link>
		<dc:creator>Chris</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 15:51:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.healthcare-now.org/?p=1553#comment-2500</guid>
		<description>Why does, France, England, Canada, and CUBA. All have universal healthcare, and live good. There taxes are not out of control.Our country is the most powerful, and we can&#039;t seem to take care of our citizens, because insurance companies pharmicudical companies are so greedy. This makes me ashamed of being an American. SHAME ON OUR GOVERNMENT. I watched a movie called SICKO, ( and so should you, don&#039;t be affraid of the truth! )and I plan on telling everyone I meet to watch it. It is time we as a people take our country back, and lead it in a standard of excellence. BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. When people really see how we are played for as fouls, by our elected officials. I can only pray we all get together and stop this great country of ours to fall, while a very few, get wealthy beyond all comprehension.  SHAME ON YOU.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Why does, France, England, Canada, and CUBA. All have universal healthcare, and live good. There taxes are not out of control.Our country is the most powerful, and we can&#8217;t seem to take care of our citizens, because insurance companies pharmicudical companies are so greedy. This makes me ashamed of being an American. SHAME ON OUR GOVERNMENT. I watched a movie called SICKO, ( and so should you, don&#8217;t be affraid of the truth! )and I plan on telling everyone I meet to watch it. It is time we as a people take our country back, and lead it in a standard of excellence. BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE. When people really see how we are played for as fouls, by our elected officials. I can only pray we all get together and stop this great country of ours to fall, while a very few, get wealthy beyond all comprehension.  SHAME ON YOU.</p>
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