Why the State-Based Universal Health Care Act appeals to the general public
The State-Based Universal Health Care Act (HR 6270) allows states to experiment effectively in creating universal healthcare programs.* American healthcare is too expensive, excludes too many, and is too complex. Since Congress has been unable to fix it, permitting states to try various new approaches with federal dollars could really help.
Throughout American history, states have introduced major improvements in social justice, often leading to approaches adopted by other states and the nation.** Likewise, we can allow states to create Universal, Simple, and Affordable (USA) health plans for their residents. HR6270 will help protect states from legal challenges by waiving specific federal healthcare program rules. The Act provides a clear process for applying for the waiver.
But why not move directly to a national universal system? There is no question that a national universal program, as Medicare was originally envisioned in 1964, is the best option. Unfortunately, Congress has stalled the movement toward this goal for decades. Throughout American history, states have served as laboratories to develop social innovations for the entire nation, including slavery abolishment, women’s suffrage, Social Security, direct election of Senators, child labor laws, prohibition of indoor smoking, same-sex marriage, and even the Affordable Care Act. So it’s likely that if one or more states were to model a successful program, a national, Improved Medicare for All plan would follow.
Advocates in at least nineteen states are actively pursuing state-based universal healthcare plans. Most have done economic feasibility studies. These advocates have in common the desire to expand benefits to every resident, make quality health care truly affordable, and end the massive amounts of administrative waste and price gouging. The HR 6270 Act would greatly help states reach these goals. Two or more states could collaborate under a waiver.
Can we trust states to use the Act appropriately? The Act has a number of guardrails to prevent abuse. For example, coverage must be as comprehensive and affordable as the federal programs for which residents would otherwise be eligible.
"Medical costs are the tapeworm of American economic competitiveness." - Warren Buffett***
More information? Chuck Pennacchio, cpennacchio@gmail.com, (215) 828-5055, onepayerstates.org
Text of HR 6270: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6270/text
** https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/state-based-single-payer-healthcare
*** https://www.wsj.com/articles/warren-buffett-sure-does-like-to-say-tapeworm-1517325314