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.
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& #39;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& #39;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.
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.
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