Thank you all for your support since I became HCA chair this year. I want to introduce myself and our goals so please read more.
Past HCA chair Ellen Karel (r) and I are captured here in our HCA t-shirts after a hearing for SB 770. More on the bill below. Please enjoy our new format with stories you can link to and share. If you have feedback for us, please email me! ~Devra Dallman.
The Struggle Continues with Energy and Hope
Crossroads: 2003 and 2023
As we celebrate new Medicare for All bills, we recall the first one in 2003. If only... Instead, Congress put the welcome mat out for private insurers. They walked right in. Twenty years later, rampant privatization is spurring fierce new activism to reverse course.
"The energy just exploded!" Interview with Dr. Ana Malinow
Six months ago, a handful of activists turned outrage into action to stop the latest plan to further privatize Medicare. They launched a movement, enlisting and mentoring others, passing resolutions, and working with Congress.
The Dangerous Escalation of Medicare Privatization
For background, here's the news post from the HCA website that announced first plans to organize against ACO REACH. The post has a brief overview, some links, and reference to a great video*.
*HCA-PNHP Dr. Corinne Frugoni tells the story in this video of how the new ACO REACH program came to pass and what’s terribly horribly wrong with it.
State Movement Update
With two bills in the state legislature--one building steam and the other already on track--expectations are mounting that we may finally see an official commitment to universal health care in California by next year.
Sacré bleu!An American in France describes the comfort and security she experienced living in a country with well-run universal health care. Thanks to longtime HCA member Lindy Rice for this story. Please send yours, either for publication or to use in our public outreach.
Talking About Single Payer
"How are we going to pay for it?"
Some people just want the financing facts. Others wonder what makes the system viable. Still others have deeper concerns. Click here for different answers to this key question. And on the right find a helpful tool to use (and share!) which estimates one's personal savings based on information from recent proposals.
Events
Upcoming
Straight talk from former industry exec Wendell Potter
Pulling Back the Curtain:Lies, Fraud, and Naked Profiteering inMedicare Privatization Schemes. Webinar featuring former Cigna PR head and single payer champion Wendell Potter.
Sponsored by Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA).
In case you missed it...
Understanding Universal Healthcare
Lots of clear information from academic and activist experts in this April 20 webinar video recording. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley and West Contra Costa County.
That's if for now. Stay tuned for news and action alerts between newsletters.
With thanks to HCA newsletter contributors:
Millie Braunstein, Devra Dallman, Ellen Karel, Lindy Rice, and Nel Benningshof
There are many ways to get involved. We would love to welcome you as a member.If you have time to volunteer then please complete our volunteer surveyand see our take action page for suggestions. And of course donations are always welcome.
