Sen. Bernie Sanders's Medicare for all amendment, SA 2837, is being read on the Senate floor now.
This may be one of our final opportunities to send an unmistakeable message to the insurance industry, Congress, and the White House that we are tired of all the compromises and bowing to the industry giants, blue dogs and red dogs.
Please call now.
Call the Senate switchboard, 202-224-3121.
Urge your Senator to vote:
For a full debate on the amendment.
Support SA 2837 -- for our patients, for our families, for our nation.
Why Medicare for all/single payer?
Sure it's not likely to pass, especially in a climate when so many seem obsessed with passing a bill no matter how many compromises to the right and the healthcare industry are made.
The latest? The absurd rejection of the amendment promoting the direct import of prescription drugs just because it "jeopardized" the seedy deal between the White House and the pharmaceutical giants.
Despite the fact that, as Sanders noted, prescription drugs are far cheaper in nations with single payer or national health systems. For example, the cholesterol-lowering statin Lipitor:
"
In Canada, it costs $33; France, $53; Germany, $48; Netherlands, $63; Spain, $32; the United Kingdom, $40; USA, $125 — four times as much as it cost in Canada. Now, you explain that to me," says Sanders.
Why Medicare for all?
It's the most universal, most cost effective, most humane reform of all. Unlike the present bills, it eliminates all the loopholes insurers use to jack up prices and deny care. It is the best solution for ending our healthcare nightmare.
Why SA 2837?
A big vote for the amendment would be heard around the world, especially in insurance CEO board rooms, and in the clubby rooms where all the concessionary deals have been cut.
Updated note per comments:
Yes, those who oppose it are requiring the whole amendment to be read.
A strong vote for the amendment would provide encouragement for the thousands of grassroots activists around the country who will continue to fight for single payer/Medicare for all in Congress, and in state capitols.
It's a vote against the cynical process that has characterized so much of the debate this year.
Update 2- Huffington has a report on Coburn's tactics on reading the bill. Also Sen. Sanders' summary:
Sanders provided a summary of his amendment to colleagues: "This amendment would establish a single payer health insurance system that would cover every person legally residing in the United States. The single payer system would be regulated and funded by the federal government through a payroll tax and an income tax, but it would be administered by the states. It would replace the coverage and revenue titles of the current bill, but it would leave in place most of the provisions in the quality, prevention, and workforce titles of the bill. This amendment starts from the premise that health care is a human right, and that every citizen, rich or poor, should have access to health care, just as every citizen has access to the fire department, the police, or public schools."
Please call now.