Rae Vogeler on Health Care

Single-payer system eliminates administrative waste

A: Yes, I strongly favor that. Under a universal national single-payer health care system, the administrative waste of private insurance corporations would be redirected to patient care. If the US were to shift to a system of universal coverage and a single payer plan, as in Canada, the savings in administrative costs would be more than enough to offset the cost. Expenses for businesses currently providing coverage would be reduced. State and local governments would pay less because they would cease to be the "dumping ground" for high-risk patients and those rejected by HMOs when they become disabled and unemployed. Most importantly, people will gain peace of mind in knowing that needed health care will always be available to them. No longer will people have to worry about facing financial disaster if they become seriously ill, are laid off their jobs, or are injured in an accident.

Supports universal national single-payer health care system

A universal, comprehensive, national single-payer health plan can provide the following with no increase in cost:
• Publicly funded health care insurance, administered at the state and local levels.
• Lifetime benefits. No one will lose coverage for any reason.
• Freedom to choose the type of health care provider, with a wide range of health care choices.
• Decision-making in the hands of health providers and their patients.
• Comprehensive benefits, including dental, vision, mental health care, hospice, long-term care, substance abuse treatment and medication coverage.
• Participation of all licensed and/or certified health providers.
• Focus on primary and preventive care, including wellness education about diet, nutrition and exercise.
• Greatly reduced paperwork for both patients and providers.
• Fair and full reimbursement to providers for their services.
• Cost controls via national fee schedules; Prices of medications must be publicly supervised.

Single-payer provides better health at same cost

• Publicly funded health care insurance, administered at the state and local levels.
• Lifetime benefits. No one will lose coverage for any reason.
• Freedom to choose the type of health care provider, with a wide range of health care choices.
• Decision-making in the hands of health providers and their patients.
• Focus on primary and preventive care.
• Greatly reduced paperwork for both patients and providers.
• Fair and full reimbursement to providers for their services.
• Cost controls via streamlined administration, national fee schedules, bulk purchases of drugs and medical equipment, and coordination of capital expenditures. Prices of medications must be publicly supervised.

Health care should not be a privilege