On March 30th we asked our supporters to encourage key elected official to stick with Act 48, Vermont’s road map to a single payer health care plan. In less than 24 hours over 100 people had sent in letters. The responses were a powerful testament to the broad support of Vermonters to accomplish this historic task. Below are two letters that were submitted.
Vermont Can Lead the Nation
By: Steve Cota, Barnard
Once again Vermont can lead the Nation toward better living by instituting a Single Payer Health care system. The USA is the only Industrialized country in the world that doesn’t have some sort of socialized medicine available to all it’s citizens, not just the VA and people over 65. Why do we continue to let private Insurance companies rake in profits on younger insured’s and then use taxpayer money to pay for our care when we get old and actually need care? We need everyone to pay into one single system from their first paycheck on, and have that money grow until we need to use it in our old age. At the very least we need to get away from the absurd idea that somehow our Employers should be responsible for our healthcare! We can provide the template for other States, and the Nation to follow. Let’s get this done!
Please Support Act 48, Vermont’s road map to Single Payer
By: Dr. Jack Mayer, Middlebury
I am a Vermont physician, since 1976. I support a single payer plan and Act 48. I am writing to ask you to please support Act 48, Vermont’s road map to a single payer health care plan. I believe this is the only way to ensure all Vermonters have access to health care and that it is financed in an affordable and fair way.
Many of us have been working toward a single payer system for over 20 years. Since 2001, five official studies have all confirmed that there is no other way to provide guaranteed health care to all Vermonters and to contain costs than single payer. Please help us achieve universal health care by supporting Act 48 and the creation of Green Mountain Care as a publicly financed system available to all Vermonters.
Please, do not quit or compromise before we’ve started! Let’s move on and create a publicly financed, guaranteed health care system for all Vermonters. I support all elected officials in rising to this historic task.
I am writing to ask you to please support Act 48, Vermont’s road map to a single payer health care plan. I believe this is the only way to ensure all Vermonters have access to health care and that it is financed in an affordable and fair way.
I now have insurance because of Vermont Health Connect but it is very
expensive for my family. Yet it is less than the 1400.00 we would
have had to pay, for less coverage,before VHC. We fall in the middle. Not
poor enough
to get much help and not rich enough to be able to go it alone. I have
always been really healthy,as well as my husband, but we are both
facing surgeries in the near future. Gallbladder for me and a hernia
for him. Because it will cost us less overall we chose the platinum
plan. This will save us money in the long run. But it is way outside
our budget and we are struggling. We had to make a choice between
guarenteed ruin or trying to make the high premium payment. It
has quickly taken a toll on our budget. There is now nothing extra. No
savings left as well as no money to save. It’s tough.
My only hope is that this is temporary. That you legislators will stay strong
and not falter on your path to single payer. Please remember why you
started. The need has not changed! It is still impossible to get sick
and not be financially devastated in our state and country. I implore
you to work harder than you ever have to see this thru. We are
counting on you.
The true test of bravery is before you now. You must find the courage to be brave!
We’re floundering out here. Do your best. Do your very best. We still need you
to fight for us. Please.
Many of us have been working toward a single payer system for over 20 years. Since 2001, five official studies have all confirmed that there is no other way to provide guaranteed health care to all Vermonters and to contain costs than single payer. Please help us achieve universal health care by supporting Act 48 and the creation of Green Mountain Care as a publicly financed system available to all Vermonters.
Please, do not quit or compromise before we’ve started! Let’s move on and create a publicly financed, guaranteed health care system for all Vermonters. I support you and all elected officials in rising to this historic task.