Read on Twitter
1/7 The U.S. is the only developed country where most people’s health insurance is tied to their job. It began in WW2 when labor shortages forced a wage freeze, so companies offered healthcare to entice workers. Then the IRS made employer-provided coverage a tax-free benefit.
2/7
Obamacare improved the system, yet 30 million Americans still have no health insurance—on a good day. And in a pandemic, there are no good days.
Obamacare improved the system, yet 30 million Americans still have no health insurance—on a good day. And in a pandemic, there are no good days.
3/7 Changing the system would be difficult, disruptive & expensive, with no guarantee of immediate success. Worst of all, some Americans have been conditioned to think of it as socialism, eliminating the for-profit, free market upon which America is built.
4/7
The U.S. remains alone among the world's richest countries to not offer near universal coverage. And, between employer costs for insurance, your co-pays, and all other costs, the U.S. spends 2x – 3x as much on healthcare than its peers without achieving better results.
The U.S. remains alone among the world's richest countries to not offer near universal coverage. And, between employer costs for insurance, your co-pays, and all other costs, the U.S. spends 2x – 3x as much on healthcare than its peers without achieving better results.
5/7
Now IS the time to ask the question "Why should your health insurance be tied to your job?" As this virus continues to sweep across America, it's clear that something has to change.
Now IS the time to ask the question "Why should your health insurance be tied to your job?" As this virus continues to sweep across America, it's clear that something has to change.
6/7
In the U.S. & worldwide, landlord profiteering during WW1 led to rent control. The Depression ushered in policies like the Works Progress Administration that built dams, roads & buildings. In Europe, WW2 led to massive social welfare spending, including universal healthcare.
In the U.S. & worldwide, landlord profiteering during WW1 led to rent control. The Depression ushered in policies like the Works Progress Administration that built dams, roads & buildings. In Europe, WW2 led to massive social welfare spending, including universal healthcare.
7/7
Now, more than ever, it is critical that we do what we failed to do so many times before: create a healthcare system that protects all our people, all of the time, regardless of their employment.
Now, more than ever, it is critical that we do what we failed to do so many times before: create a healthcare system that protects all our people, all of the time, regardless of their employment.
