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Real health care reform is an absolute necessity, but we've been told that single-payer health care "isn't feasible." As a nation, we spend more than twice the amount of money, per person, for health care than the average industrialized nation...and we have worse outcomes. We already have an efficient, effective single-payer system: it's called Medicare. Medicare currently spends approximately 3% of its budget on overhead, compared to the 30% that a private insurer spends on overhead and profit.
As with all health care systems, the bigger the pool of individuals in the system, the more spread out the risk, and the lower the cost. Currently Medicare is limited to those over 65, the most expensive cohort group to insure. Limiting Medicare to this expensive minority also effectively subsidizes the insurance companies, because they don't have to insure this group.
By showing your support of our current system for those over 65, we can tell our representatives that universal, single-payer health care is not only within reach, but it would actually save us money. We'll have to pay for it in tax dollars, but it will cost less than our premiums and co-pays. Expanding Medicare will also take the burden off our employers. The money that our employers are paying for insurers can now go directly to their employees (us). Additionally, this will allow small businesses to compete on a more level playing field with corporate giants.
Show your support by signing this petition and sending a letter to your representatives and the list of "Blue Dogs" (the group of Democrats responsible for obstructing real health care reform) attached. You're encouraged to add your age to the letter. Tell Congress that efficient, effective single-payer health care isn't just for those over 65 and those in Congress, tell them to count you in!
Extended Medicare: Count me in!
Dear Representative
Real health care reform is an absolute necessity. As a nation, we spend more than twice the amount of money, per person, for health care than the average industrialized nation...and we have worse outcomes. Medicare currently spends approximately 3% of its budget on overhead, compared to the 30% that a private insurer spends on overhead and profit.
As with all health care systems, the bigger the pool of individuals in the system, the more spread out the risk, and the lower the cost. Currently Medicare is limited to those over 65, the most expensive cohort group to insure. Limiting Medicare to this expensive minority also effectively subsidizes the insurance companies, because they don't have to insure this group.
No more handouts to the insurance companies. I'm under 65 and I want it! I urge you to expand Medicare to include everyone. By including younger and healthier individuals, Medicare will become even cheaper for everyone, and will end the unnecessary subsidy for insurance companies. As an elected representative, you enjoy efficient and effective single-payer health care--and as a citizen, I demand the same!
I recognize that expanding Medicare will require tax dollars, and I'm happy to pay higher taxes and eliminate the need for outrageous premiums and co-pays, because I know my taxes won't go to advertising and underwriting, as they do with private insurers. A government system would be accountable to voters, just as you are. Allow me to vote on health care by joining an expanded Medicare system like the one proposed in HR 676, and the system you are currently enjoying, and I will gladly sign up.
[Your name]