The "public option" sell-out of single payer is allegedly a form of competition for the private insurance industry. Under capitalist theory, industry works more efficiently, innovation is fostered, and consumers have more choices when competition is promoted. But what do you want to bet that the "public option" will draw the poorest and sickest people, i.e., those who under the current system are deemed uninsurable, or who can't afford what insurance they could get, leaving the prime customers, i.e., the young, healthy and well-off people who will make fewer claims, to the private companies. The public option will be underfunded in these "hard times", and the mainstream media will sniff everywhere for stories of how people on public insurance had to wait for their care (to reinforce the "private good - government bad" brainwashing), while stories of private insurance companies delaying or denying care will be buried, sometimes along with the patients.
The only true health care reform is universal single-payer health care. Health insurance is a scam! Public option is a sham!
Ke'llia Ramares, 53, a freelance journalist in Oakland, CA, is and has been uninsured most of her adult life. She has worked a variety of temporary, part-time and freelance jobs that did not offer insurance. She asks: Why should your access to health care depend on what kind of job you have?
Copyleft 2009, Ke'llia Ramares. Non-profit distribution with credit is highly encouraged.
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