Weiner Fights for Single Payer on the Floor

[hms08KY]

Wow--no one explains it better!

When Repubs say Medicare is going broke-here's a response: "If you want to kill a program, starve it for funding." That's what supporters of a for-profit all-private system have been trying to do Medicare.

Yesterday, Sen Grassley, speaking against the public option, actually made the case for a single payer system.

Rep. Weiner explains how Medicare works for seniors in Brooklyn. How would Medicare-for-all work for farm families in in Iowa?

[thomasw78]

Only a Democrat could think a program that is bleeding money is successful.

[twist676]

and only a republican would think that a program that suck money out of his pocket, increase his cost annually, denies him the services he's already paid for, and makes a profit off the suffering of the sick is good for him and his fellow American's. That's the goal of the health insurance industry.

[thomasw78]

True... that's why I'm a libertarian. The only thing forcing me to send money to worthless insurance companies is our perverse government incentive system that ties health insurance with employment and crowds out the millions of self-employed that can't get it through their employer.

[Samalabear]

Thank God for Rep Weiner. He is working harder than anyone on this issue right now. Disappointed in Conyers not coming out strong for his own bill at this point, this bill that Weiner is talking about. It's time. Explain Medicare for All to people and there will be a huge groundswell. Actually, the recent polls are majority for at least a Medicare for All option, not a crappy "sliver" public option.

[HollyM]

THANK YOU REP WEINER!!!

[scbluesman13]

I'd rather figure out a way to fix a program that's delivering good service but needs financial help, than give billions more dollars in premiums to a private insurance infrastructure that's designed to pay out as few claims and offer as little service as possible in order to maximize profits. Americans are gonna be cash strapped either way. But the private route just funnels more money into empty overhead and inflated salaries.

[quickboat22]

These guys in Washington one dont have to worry about the plan's care sucking ,they wont be on it and two, the extra cost because these jobs yeild them life long financial security.

[twist676]

well if we had the same insurance they have then you wouldn't have too worry just like they don't now would we?

[quickboat22]

That is correct though I'm sure they pay way more then the policy is worth.

[twist676]

but wait you just contradicted yourself. you say that the solution isn't the gov't but the insurance companies that will lower cost then in the same breath you say that the insurance that the gov't politicians get from the same insurance companies your advocating for are probably paying too much for the coverage help me out here with your logic. So let me get this straight, you believe that the politicians health care which is far better then what you and i can get is still over priced?

[quickboat22]

I would bet my bottom dollar that the politicians health policies (we pay for) are way over priced. The plans are top tier plans and even if priced right I doubt we could afford them for all. Everything tax payers pay for is over priced. Government takeover is not the solution, but the solution cannot be done without government involvement. We must walk a fine line between government and liberty. Too many times liberty is the last thing that is considered.

[quickboat22]

I think the main problem is, we would be expanding a program that is now way over budget at a time when everyone is cash strapped. That is the core issue. Plus we know that if government cuts Medicare payments to doctors anymore they will quit covering those patients or get out of medicine all together. Working people are tired of more and more government programs that they ultimately get strapped paying for without any improvement in their existing lives. Just more costs over and over again.

[twist676]

you offer criticism but no solution. So i guess you like paying millions of dollars in salary to CEO's of the health care industry. how about that money go to medicare patients and the doctors.

[quickboat22]

Partly because there is no easy answer. We can hold our elected officials accountable by forcing them to be participants in every way that we are first. Then we can look at getting the state regulations to overlap each other to help in portability. Then we can try similar tort reforms that have saved many states from totally unreasonable suits. We should look at a version of Medicare Advantage that works better then medicare and is a combination of public and private systems. Start with these.

[twist676]

so i guess you condone the doughnut hole that is medicare advantage which is nothing more then a addon insurance premium that exploits seniors and does not cover half of what it was suppose to and in fact uses the name "medicare" to fool them into believing it's from the the gov't when it isn't.

[FlowerClown]

Come on everybody, let's jump on the Weiner Mobile.

Thank You. Medicare for all is the way to go.

[3slimdog]

Keep up the good fight.

[wayindie]

this guy rocks! i see a very bright political future for him.

Weiner for President!

what he says is logical.

i am a fiscal conservative, very small business owner and the current system is totally flawed, individuals & small businesses don't get the group discounts for health insurance that big companies do. the cost is disproportionate to pay.

i simply can't offer health insurance as a benefit to my employees & it's that much harder to recruit & retain employees.

[SundaysCybele]

Those were great speeches he gave yesterday. Too bad the whole room was empty and no one was there to listen.

[dejahthoris]

I really admire him. I am getting my toes wet in local politics and its time we all did and stand up for whats right instead of the status quo.

[Yankhadenough]

When Weiner talks people listen... keep talking Representative Weiner !!!

[tengyang2001]

Thank you Representative Weiner.

[kelsbackonyoutub]

Please, please, please keep up the fight. I don't expect single-payer, but I want to believe I'll be able to see it in my lifetime.

[DrJHM]

Thank you Mr. Weiner. You truly repsent those who elected you. President Obama needs to do the same.

[witchbippy]

Thank you so much for keeping up the good fight for single payer Mr. Weiner. We are watching and we really appreciate that you are speaking out for the people. Keep it up!

[treid100182]

Anthony Weiner is the coolest Politician around!!!!

Its good to see that somebody cares for us everyday people.

Weiner for President 2012!!!!!!

[joshTheGoods]

How about 2016 instead? =)

[JesusSavesAtCitibank]

Absolutely superb!!