Support rises for Medicare as anniversary nears

June 2, 2011

Dear PNHP colleagues and friends,

The nation is rallying in support of Medicare and advocacy for single payer is on the rise. Please join us in protecting Medicare from privatization and celebrating the work of our activists in Vermont.

The popular Medicare program will turn 46 this July. We encourage you to write letters to the editor and opinion articles to your local paper in anticipation of Medicare’s anniversary next month. Now is the time to expand and improve - not cut - Medicare. For tips on how to write letters to the editor and opinion articles, please visit the Get Active section of our website. I recommend Dr. Quentin Young’s wonderful article from last year on the history and impact of Medicare to give you an idea of how this public program changed the lives of millions overnight. If you would like assistance on editing or pitching an article, please write organizer@pnhp.org. We’re happy to help!

Last week Dr. Quentin Young wrote a scathing “thank you” note to Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.). As you know, Rep. Ryan put forth a proposal to destroy Medicare as we know it, effectively rallying the public. PNHP Past President Dr. Oliver Fein calls the plan “Medicare for no one.” We say, “Expand and Improve Medicare for All.” Here’s an excerpt from Dr. Young’s letter-

“Since you succeeded in securing virtual unanimous support from the Republican majority in the House of Representatives for your voucher program, the rejection of your plan has been demonstrated nationwide. The spectacular defeat of Ms. Corwin in the 26th district of New York on May 24, 2011, is clearly the earliest expression of the vital importance our nation attaches to a single-payer comprehensive health plan for the elderly, Medicare.” Read more here.

In other news, I’ve just returned from a visit to our PNHP Upstate New York Chapter where I met with local activists and the media, and presented Grand Rounds. It was a fantastic visit and I want to thank all of the activists who worked to make it possible. We at PNHP are redoubling our outreach through our Grand Rounds program. If you’re a scheduler of Grand Rounds at your hospital and interested in hosting a PNHP speaker, please click here.

Wendell Potter recently wrote a great article, “Health Insurers Have Had Their Chance,” showing the support for single payer from California to Ohio to Vermont. As Vermont moves forward with its recently-passed health reform bill, activists on the ground are working hard to ensure that a single-payer system is implemented. There is great news that PNHP Past President Dr. Deb Richter, was recently appointed to the Vermont nominating committee for the Green Mountain Care board!

We’re heartened to see so much activism around the country and the growing physician voice calling for single-payer health insurance.

Cordially,

Garrett Adams, MD, MPH
President

PS- PNHP is proud to announce a new series of special conference calls dedicated to dilating on a particular aspect of health policy. Stay tuned for dates and more information.