Medicare for All in Massachusetts?

Vote “ YES ”  on Question 4

A non-binding ballot question about Single Payer healthcare will appear on the November 6th ballot in six Western Mass. legislative districts including those currently represented by Kulik,   Mark,   Vega,   Solomon-Rose,   Scibak   and   Kocot (formerly).  Here is the question:

“Shall the Representative from this District be instructed to vote  for  legislation to create  a  single-payer  system  of universal health care that would provide all Massachusetts residents   with   comprehensive   health   care   coverage including the freedom to choose doctors and other health care professionals, facilities, and services, and that would eliminate the role of insurance companies in health care by creating a publicly administered insurance trust fund?”

The  results  of  this  ballot  question  will  demonstrate  the strength  of  support  for  Single  Payer  among  voters  in  a particular    legislator’s    district    and    will    advise    that representative to support Single-Payer legislation.  The vote, however, does not require any action by the legislator or by the state legislature as a whole.

WHAT IS SINGLE PAYER?

Single  Payer  is  a  system  of  financing  private  health  care through  a  publicly  funded  Health  Care  Trust.  People  may continue to see their current providers or may choose new ones because  there  would  be  no  more  “in-network”  or  “out-of- network” barriers to those choices.

With  a  Single  Payer  System,  we  would  pay  no  premiums, deductibles,  co-pays  or other out-of-pocket  fees.   Instead,  a fair and affordable tax on payroll and unearned  income would secure  lifetime  benefits  for  everyone  and  result  in  savings  for almost every Massachusetts resident.

WHY THIS QUESTION MATTERS

Health care costs in Massachusetts are extremely high and rising,  straining  town,  state,  school,  employer  and  household budgets.  This draws money away from other critical needs such as public education and infrastructure.  In addition, many people can’t  afford  health  care,  even  if  they are  insured,  due  to  high deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Single Payer saves money and improves health outcomes by vastly simplifying administration and putting people before profits.  A recent study by UMass Prof. Gerald Friedman shows that Single Payer would not only achieve universal coverage in our state but also significantly reduce overall spending.

Contact us for more info or to get involved!

WESTERN MASS. MEDICARE FOR ALL Email:  info@wmMedicareforall.org Website:  www.wmMedicareforall.org Facebook:  WMM4A