Healthcare-NOW

Pushing WellPoint Back to Nonprofit?

By Linda Greene for Counterpunch.org – When it comes to health care reform, single-payer advocate Rob Stone, M.D., says, “We’re still for it, and we’re not done yet.” The need is undeniable. Over 46 million Americans are uninsured, and a recent study reported in the American Journal of Public Health showed that 45,000 die each…

Health Insurance Restructuring: Women’s Status Declines, The Battle Continues

By Ethel Long-Scott – From Oakland, CA to the slums of Cairo, Egypt, to the earthquake torn shores of Haiti, Women are not just more likely to be poor than men, they also tend to need more health care than men. A recent New York Times article attributed that to the demands of pregnancy and…

Now That the Theater Has Ended, Real Talk about Real Health Care Reform

Featuring Dr. Margaret Flowers and Kevin Zeese, Esq. When: Monday, April 12, 5:30 PM (Pacific) / 8:30 PM (Eastern) Three ways to participate: 1. CONFERENCE CALL: First, RSVP by email with “Health Care Reform” in the subject line, so we can reserve a spot for you on the call and send you instructions for cueing…

Vermont Senate passes health care bill that includes provision for a single payer option

Bill calls for custom-designed health care system MONTPELIER, VT — With an overwhelming 28-2 vote, the Senate today passed the Healthy Vermont bill (S.88). Senator Doug Racine (D-Chittenden) and the Health and Welfare Committee brought the bill to the Senate floor. The bill empowers the Health Care Reform Commission to hire a team of experts…

How Single-Payer Could Have Saved Newburgh, New York

By Billy Wharton for Counterpunch – New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli recently completed an audit of the city of Newburgh, New York. What he discovered set off budgetary alarms –a $6.3 million deficit. “Newburgh’s financial problems are severe,” said DiNapoli. “This is a very serious budget imbalance that could have severe consequences for the…

Where We Are Now on Health Reform

By Dr. Quentin Young – With the passage of the Democrats’ health bill, Congress and President Obama have created a new (and not so new) legislative framework for health care finance in the United States. Now that we’ve officially entered the post-legislative period, it’s worth noting how we got to where we are. The for-profit…

Onward to Medicare for All

While many celebrate the passage of the health bill, Healthcare-NOW! remains committed to building the movement for the health care we need in an expanded and improved Medicare-for-all system. The new health bill closely resembles the legislation written by Liz Fowler, former Vice President of Public Policy for Well Point, one of the nation’s largest…

Big Pharma Wins Big With Health Care Reform Bill

By Alan Fram for AP – Chalk one up for the pharmaceutical lobby. The U.S. drug industry fended off price curbs and other hefty restrictions in President Barack Obama’s health care law even as it prepares for plenty of new business when an estimated 32 million uninsured Americans gain health coverage. To be sure, the…

Health Care: What Did We Get? Where Are We? And, Where Do We Go From Here?

By Kevin Zeese for Prosperity Agenda – A year ago health care was in crisis. Its cost burdened individuals, businesses, and all levels of government. Americans were dying at a rate of 45,000 per year due to lack of access to health care, health care bankruptcies were rising. Change was urgently needed. The crisis was…

Progressives debate health care “victory” (Video)

From the Real News Network – On Tuesday, President Obama signed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. The bill has been proclaimed historic, and the media, following administration’s lead, called the House vote a victory. But supporters of the health reform are divided on the merits of the legislation. A day before the…