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By Kathy Rallings
Chair, Health Care for All-San Diego Chapter
Recently, Anthem Blue Cross made the case for the California Universal Health Care Act (SB 810) by raising its rates 39% this year while pulling in record profits. The company blames rising health care costs, yet overall health care has only increased by 6%. Insurance companies like Anthem do not contribute anything to our health care and take billions of dollars out to satisfy their stockholders.
Critics of SB 810 say it will cost 200 billion dollars to fund, yet the insurance companies collect far more then this and ensure very little for Californians. Instead of paying premiums to a for-profit company we could make contributions into the system that will cover us all from birth to death.
I have health insurance through my employer that provides coverage for me and my children. I’ve been paying into this system for over 20 years. It’s great unless I get sick and can’t work. Then all of those premium dollars that I have paid to ensure I will not go bankrupt due to illness are gone and I‘m stuck without health care when I need it the most. Isn’t that why we have insurance to protect us when we get sick?
In addition, California is the eighth largest economy in the world. In order for us to compete in the global market we need a health care system similar to that of other industrialized nations. These other countries provide, Not- for -Profit Universal Health Care where decisions are made based on medical need not the ability to pay. Our main competitors in the world are Japan, Germany, Italy, and the UK. If we expect to keep up with these countries it’s time that we come together in California and guarantee health care for all our citizens.
Imagine the freedom we could feel not having to worry about losing our jobs and therefore losing health care. Our children would be free to follow their dreams instead of following the insurance. They could become entrepreneurs, small business owners or artists without having to worry about getting sick and going bankrupt. This will not only stimulate our economy but will prove that we value human life over profits.
Visit www.CaliforniaOnecare.org , http://www.healthcareforall.org/ or http://www.meetup.com/Health-Care-for-All-San-Diego/ for more information and get involved in this important movement.
The opinions expressed in this editorial reflect the views of its author. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
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