Guaranteed Healthcare

Hundreds of people recently waited in line overnight in the bitter cold to receive health care. From the elderly, to students, to women who hadn't seen a doctor in years; All lined up to receive healthcare from Remote Area Medical (RAM). And many of the people in line wanted to know, why can't the United States provide health care for everyone? Hear it first hand from Jasmine.

Legislation to provide health care for every American through a Medicare-for-all type single-payer system was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bernie Sanders and in the House by Rep. Jim McDermott. Their twin bills would provide better care for more patients at less cost by eliminating the middle-man role played by private insurance companies that rake off billions of dollars in profits. The American Health Security Act of 2011 would provide federal guidelines and strong minimum standards for states to establish and administer single-payer health care programs. At a press conference outside the Capitol, Sanders applauded the Vermont Legislature for voting to put the state on the path toward a single-payer system. Vermont, he said, could become a model for the nation.

Speaking for Controlled Healthcare Insurance Corp., the incomparable Ernestine tells a patient, “Life itself is a pre-existing condition. Our prescription for it: Don’t get sick!” That’s the only way to stay ahead of the insurance companies who’s only concern is profits. As Ernestine says, “It takes big bucks to run an insurance company, medical care is the least of it.”

Award-winning film maker Michael Moore holds the U.S. Premiere of his highly anticipated latest film, Capitalism:  A Love Story, at the AFL-CIO national convention in Pittsburgh. August 2009.

<p> &nbsp; </p> <p> Single Payer RNs and Doctors Volunteer at Remote Area Medical-LA-The Forum<br /> Providers call on lawmakers to do the right thing on health reform </p> <p> Two single payer proponent organizations, the California Physicians Alliance (CaPA) and the California Nurses Association (CNA), sent physicians and registered nurses to staff the Remote Area Medical (RAM) expedition at the Inglewood Forum from August 11-18. </p>

<span>RNs and single payer activists from across the country gathered in DC for three days of action to guarantee healthcare, fighting for single payer and national ratios. CNA/NNOC RNs staged a silent protest and five single payer activists, including two RNs, were arrested at Senator Baucus&#39; Healthcare Hearings after calling for Baucus to bring single payer to the table. The next day, nurses marched to and rallied at the Capitol. </span>