Green Party of Pennsylvania
applauds State Senator James Ferlo and Healthcare 4 All PA for persistence regarding
state-based Single Payer Legislation.
Pittsburgh-area legislator to introduce Family and
Business Healthcare Security bill in current legislative session, while Healthcare
4 All releases results of Economic Impact Study.
The Green Party of Pennsylvania extends its sincere
gratitude to Senator James Ferlo of Pittsburgh for his continued work toward a
state-based single payer plan. During
past legislative sessions Senator Ferlo has been the lead legislator in the
Pennsylvania Senate on this issue. The
Greens also extend congratulations and appreciation to the non-profit organization,
Healthcare 4 All PA, which has worked tirelessly to help Pennsylvanians on a
path to meaningful and civilized health coverage. In recent years Healthcare 4 All PA has
provided information on the savings single payer offers Pennsylvania
municipalities and school districts.
Many in the organization have also requested the Pennsylvania Legislature
fund a study to determine the impact on the entire state economy, a request
that was ignored. So the group, through
its own funding, commissioned an Economic Impact Study, conducted by Professor
Gerald Friedman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The results, released last week, are
significant in the savings for individuals, government and business. In all, Pennsylvania would save $17 billion
yearly in health related expenditures, while providing full and comprehensive
coverage to all Pennsylvanians.
“The Green Party stands in solidarity with those working towards state
sponsored single payer health care legislation. We are often critical of
politicians for doing wrong, but, Senator Ferlo is right in this case and we
support his efforts. We encourage both houses of the General Assembly to
work quickly to pass this legislation. Health Care for All Pa's Economic
Impact Study proves the economic benefit. In fact, passage of this
legislation would provide real economic stimulus for the Commonwealth,” said
Green Party Chair, Jay Sweeney.
“Various forms of single payer exist in dozens of
countries around the world. It is time
for Pennsylvanians to have that same healthcare security. If passed, single payer healthcare would be
the most significant anti-poverty legislation ever passed here. Also, Pennsylvania workers would have more
flexibility in employment, since health coverage would not be linked to
specific employers,” suggested Katrina Brabham , Chair, Alleghany County Green
Party.
If passed, single payer would create a system in which a
Pennsylvania Healthcare Trust will be the administrator of an all-inclusive
health insurance. The plan would provide
coverage that includes medical care, prescription coverage, emergency transport,
long-term care, addiction treatment, mental health, physical therapy, dental,
vision and more. The cost would be a 3%
tax of income ($30 on every $1,000 earned) for those with income, and a 10% tax
on gross payroll as the employer contribution.
In addition, state and federal funds used for medical purposes in
Pennsylvania, would also go into the trust fund. Study available at www.Healthcare4allpa.org
“The model is effective, and quite simple to
understand. Currently our state wastes
tremendous amounts of money on administration, while for-profit insurance
companies cash in on complex rules that often deny needed coverage to its
policyholders. A single payer plan has
one risk pool of 13 million Pennsylvanians, with one administrator. As opposed to the current private insurance
system with dozens of companies, offering hundreds of plans; none of which are
as complete single payer coverage. Such
comprehensive coverage is not available now, at any price,” said Green Party
Steering Committee member, Carl Romanelli.
Among findings of Economic Impact Study:
If enacted, the
Pennsylvania Health Plan would save $33 billion dollars in 2014, allowing for
coverage of all Pennsylvanians while still netting $17 billion in savings over
current costs.
The 3% tax on an
individual’s income would provide a lower premium cost for more than 80% of
Pennsylvania citizens.
Plan would have no
additional premiums, deductibles or co-payments.
Plan would save local
government and school districts 40 to 60% of current costs; more for
municipalities or school districts with health insurance pension obligations.
Plan would create 120,000
to 200,000 new jobs.
Plan would allow patients
access to doctors and hospitals of their choice, as opposed to the restrictive
limitations placed on individuals by for-profit insurance.
Healthcare costs would be
controlled and more predictable and prescription drugs could be purchased in
larger quantities, thereby saving significantly over current practices.
Plan would put
Pennsylvania on a path to sustainable healthcare for the future. For example, during the past 20 years
Pennsylvania healthcare costs have risen by $60 billion dollars. However, the area of most pronounced growth
has been in billing and administration, as opposed to actual improvements in
healthcare.
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