Single-Payer, Universal Health Care

Our for-profit health care system has put this country in serious trouble. It has left more than 47 million U.S. citizens without health care. Many more pay out-of-control monthly premiums for insurance, only to find that, when they do get illnesses, their insurance companies refuse to pay, or they get dropped from coverage.

I advocate for a universal, single payer health care system — the most cost-effective, highest quality health care system available. Universal single-payer works for other industrialized nations, such as Canada, France and England, and it can work for us, and I am willing to fight to get it in Congress. Until we get serious about reform, our current system will continue to be a burden on families of all income levels, hinder business of all sizes, especially small business, and be a drain on our health and our economy as a whole.

For me, this issue is personal. My late fiance Kathleen was diagnosed with late stage melanoma in December and died of cancer just a few months ago. After her diagnosis, she had to fight just to keep her employer-based health benefits so she could get the treatment she needed.

We can do better in this country, but doing better requires political will and courage, something that cannot be found in the Democrats and Republicans who control Congress. We can make single-payer health care happen, but it all starts with your vote.