The recently released report by Washington, D.C., consultants Avalere calls into question promised savings from a single-payer health care system. Skeptics and opponents of Green Mountain Care want to see the money: where are the savings promised by Dr. Hsaio when he urged Vermont to go for single payer?
Are the savings in all Vermonters having access to health care for the same amount of money being spent now?
Are the savings in a healthier and more productive Vermont?
Are the savings in employers being able to invest in their businesses and employees instead of in insurance companies?
Based on a two-year study, the League of Women Voters strongly supports single payer, publicly funded health insurance for Vermont.
Remember that we’re all paying for everybody’s health care now, through a complicated mix of Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, insurance premiums and cost shifting that still leaves many un- or underinsured.
The transitional problems experienced by Vermont Connect have been exploited by opponents to insurance reform, and should not be confused with single payer. Don’t let those afraid of needed change make us lose sight of the goal of affordable, universal health care for Vermont.
CATHERINE RADER
East Montpelier