Our Healthcare System Is Broken

 

The cost of healthcare is out of control in America. The U.S. anually spends more on healthcare than any other nation, but our healthcare outcomes are worse than those of other economically advanced nations.

 

Over 1 million New Yorkers currently have no healthcare coverage at all.

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Many people can't afford to access the health insurance they do have.

 

Almost all of us who do have coverage are actually underinsured and

will be in trouble if we develop a medical issue which is expensive to treat..

 

Unlike other developed nations the United States does not consider access to good healthcare as a right to which all people are entitled. Unlike other wealthier nations America has not created a way for the government to control the cost of healthcare.

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Changes must be made. We believe the quickest and most efficient way to make our health care system work for all Americans is to convert it into a single-payer or Medicare for All system. Therefore, we support the federal bills sponsored by Bernie Sanders and Pramila Jayapal which would do this on the national level.

 

We also support both federal and state legislation which does not overhaul the entire healthcare system, but which would improve what we have now.  

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Since we are New Yorkers, we are concentrating on a bill in the New York State Legislature called the New York Health Act which would create a single-payer or Medicare-for-All healthcare system for our state. If New York or one of the other states where there is a statewide movement to pass such legislation were to succeed, other states would follow suit and eventually it would spread to the entire nation.

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You can learn more about that bill and the flaws in our current healthcare system by looking over the information below.

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People who have some form of coverage may feel safe but if something terrible happens, chances are they will be in deep trouble. They may not be able to afford the care doctors say they or their loved ones need. Almost all New Yorkers could be plunged into medical bankruptcy. Since most of us will become patients at some point the cost of medical care is something we all should be concerned about.

 

​There is a bill in the New York State Legislature called the New York Health Act which would change this for all New Yorkers. It would save lives, prevent needless suffering, and save money for both taxpayers and patients. If it became law in New York, it would become a model for improved healthcare which would eventually spread to the whole nation. The bill is called:

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​The New York Health Act

 

You can find out how it would work by reading this article which was written by retired New York State Assembly member Richard Gottfried who isthe original sonsor of the bill. The New York Health Act Explained​

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​​You Can Help Get The New York Health Act Passed

 

1) Sign up for our Patients Before Profits email newsletter. Your inbox won't be flooded. It's free and you can unsubscribe easily. Newsletters are emailed when we come across a new article or video about problems with our healthcare system, or when there is an action you can take aimed at fixing those problems. Democracy works best when voters are informed. If you read the articles and view the videos, you will be an informed healthcare voter. Sign Up For The Patients Before Profits Newsletter

 

2) Develop a simple habit which will only take a minute or two of your time a week. Pick a time and day of the week when you can make a short phone call each week. It could be just before breakfast on Monday or before you go to bed on Wednesday. The idea is to make your phone call a habit. If you say I'll call each week without having a set time your week will probably go by without phoning. Call up your New York State assembly member the first week, The next week call your New York  State senator. The third week call Governor Hochul.

Begin the cycle again during the fourth week. You can call at any time. Weekends are fine. You can even call in the the middle of the night. They all have voicemail so you don't have to call during office hours.The message can be as simple as "Pass the New York Health Act." This wonderful link from the League of Women Voters will give you the names and contact information of all your elected officials from president on down.. All you need to do is enter your street address and your zip code. Click Here To Use The Link

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Check Out These Statewide Organizations Working To Get This Bill Passed

Click On The Links Below

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Physicians for a National Health Plan           Campaign for New York Health

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​A LOOK AT THE BROKEN US HEALTHCARE SYSTEM​​​

 

​​We Have A Broken Healthcare System--This video compares the American healthcare system with those in other economically advanced countries: Fix It​​

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INSURANCE COMPANIES

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An Insurance Indider Blows The Whistle--Wendell Potter worked for Humana and Cigna. He reached a point when no could longer keep quiet about what is really happening: The Whistle Blower

 

Do We Need Health Insurance Companies?--Insurance companies add a huge amount to the cost of healthcare. Watch as this amusing video which makes the point that insurance companies just don't make sense: Do We Really Need Them?

 

A Way Healthcare Insurance Companies Make $--The article explains a potentialy devastating practice: Denying Claims​

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OUT-OF-CONTROL HOSPITAL COSTS

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A Deep Dive--into the out-of-control cost of hospitals and their transformation into a money-driven big business: American Hospitals

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Big Hospital Chains--Scoop up the $$$: Quietly

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MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

 

Medicare Advantage Is Not The Same Thing As Medicare--It can be detrimental to patients, often rips off the taxpayers, and has the potential to destroy Medicare. This video explains why Medicare Advantage should be called Medicare Disadvantage

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BIG PHARMA VS. LITTLE YOU

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Why Medications Are So Expensive--This video explains why pharmaceuticals cost more in the United States than anywhere else: In The World

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IN US HEALTHCARE MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

​People Get Very Rich--Here's a look at how much: Healthcare Executives Can Make

Special Interests--Under our political system there are many ways to legally brib a politician: Big $$$$$

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