May 19, 2021 By

Contributor  Caroline Corum, R.N.

State-based SP organizations

(none known)

National Affiliations:

Progressive Democrats of America-VA https://pdamerica.org/chapters/#VA

National Nurses Union

State-based SP bills

None

Related legislation

None pending.

During the 2021 legislative session, Del. Ibraheem Samirah (D-Herndon) proposed the Study bill HB2271, with 4 co-sponsors (number limited by law).  Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to enter into a contract with a qualified entity to study options for financing universal health care in the Commonwealth. The Joint Commission shall report the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the qualified entity to the General Assembly by October 1, 2022.

Mandates study of “(i) a publicly funded single-payer model administered by the Commonwealth for the delivery of health care that is decoupled from employment and (ii) a publicly funded single-payer model administered by private entities pursuant to a contract with the Commonwealth that is decoupled from employment. Such study shall include an analysis of financing mechanisms and costs associated with each model and analysis of legal and logistical barriers to implementation of each model, including identification of any waivers that may be necessary to allow use of federal funds available pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1315 and 42 U.S.C. §

No action on the bill was taken.

Obstacles to SP in the current context

The SP movement in Virginia lost its legislative “champion” when Del Ibraheem Samirah (D-Herndon) was not re-elected in Nov. 2021.  Ongoing problems remain getting it through the legislature; well financed opposition/entrenched health care industrial complex. The possibility of SP does not seem to have captured significant media attention in Virginia.

Goals for SP movement in VA 2022-2023

Seek to identify a sympathetic legislator to reintroduce a study bill and garner enough support to bring it out of committee.  Continue actions to increase awareness..

Where can people find news about Single Payer in your state and/or join a group?

NNU, PNHP, Public Citizen (city and town M4A resolutions), chapters of Our Revolution
Virginia chapter of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)