UNIVERSAL PRIMARY CARE—Saves Money, Saves Lives

What is primary care? “Primary care,” as defined in the Universal Primary Care study, means health services provided by health care professionals who are specifically trained for and skilled in first-contact and continuing care for individuals with signs, symptoms, or health concerns not limited by problem origin, organ system, or diagnosis, and includes pediatrics, internal […]

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Primary Care for All: Frequently Asked Questions

Why is primary care a good place to start in making health care a public good (the goal of Act 48)? Primary care is most of the care that most people receive, most of the time Primary care is inexpensive, averaging $44/person/month Primary care, when accessible to a population, is the only sector of care […]

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Talking Points for Universal Primary Care Bills

1. Universal publicly financed primary care would reduce the need for expensive hospitalizations and emergency room visits by preventing disease and treating conditions earlier. 2. It would lower health care premiums for all! (Vermont law does not allow premium rates to reflect services private insurers do not pay for). 3. Primary care could be financed […]

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Read about consequences of medical debt on families – even those with insurance

A report by the financial education website Nerdwallet.com released today shines new light on medical debt’s crippling effect on American households. Between 2010 and 2013, American households lost $2,300 in median income, but their healthcare expenses rose by $1,814, according to Nerdwallet. Out-of-pocket healthcare costs are expected to accelerate to a 5.5% annual growth rate by 2023 – more than twice as fast as the national economy, which grew by 1.9% last year.

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