Universal Healthcare, yes we will.

Today I saw a news item that inspired me to write my first RK diary post, even though it's not going to be a Virginia-centric one.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, has unveiled a sweeping plan to bring universal health coverage to the U.S.

Baucus actually released his blueprint on Nov. 12. A rundown of some of his principles is here. My favorite part is the bit about prevention. Imagine that, promoting health rather than treating disease. A tangible, real, positive change that could result directly from the Big Blue Swing of 2008 would be that more Americans can be healthy.

The first plan we enact won't be perfect. But if we wait on the perfect plan to come along, nothing will ever happen. Baucus clearly recognizes the importance of just starting; he stated in the intro to the 98-page report: "The health system is so complex that any solution will demand time and attention to make sure that we get it right. This plan is most certainly a work in progress. But this Call to Action is intended to encourage constructive input by policymakers, stakeholders, and health policy thought leaders to move us forward."

The National Center for Policy Analysis, a conservative think tank that is officially nonpartisan, but which has a mission statement that promotes the private sector, has already issued a press release with the stale fearmongering threat:

(flip on down for more)

Today I saw a news item that inspired me to write my first RK diary post, even though it's not going to be a Virginia-centric one.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, has unveiled a sweeping plan to bring universal health coverage to the U.S.

Baucus actually released his blueprint on Nov. 12. A rundown of some of his principles is here. My favorite part is the bit about prevention. Imagine that, promoting health rather than treating disease. A tangible, real, positive change that could result directly from the Big Blue Swing of 2008 would be that more Americans can be healthy.

The first plan we enact won't be perfect. But if we wait on the perfect plan to come along, nothing will ever happen. Baucus clearly recognizes the importance of just starting; he stated in the intro to the 98-page report: "The health system is so complex that any solution will demand time and attention to make sure that we get it right. This plan is most certainly a work in progress. But this Call to Action is intended to encourage constructive input by policymakers, stakeholders, and health policy thought leaders to move us forward."

The National Center for Policy Analysis, a conservative think tank that is officially nonpartisan, but which has a mission statement that promotes the private sector, has already issued a press release with the stale fearmongering threat:

"The end result of Baucus' plan would destroy any choices that consumers have to select health coverage that meets their individual needs. We would be stuck with a government-designed and regulated health plan that will drive up costs and limit access for too many consumers. ... Mandated coverage would force consumers to buy plans with benefits they may not want at prices they cannot afford."

Nevermind that Baucus said: "Those who cannot afford coverage will not be required to purchase it — there will be other options for them." 

The U.S. Oncology association and the Center for Children and Families have already put out statements applauding Baucus, and I exect many more of these to follow.

 Now is the time for a groundswell of support in Virginia for universal heathcare - time for letters to the editor of local papers, blogging, letters and phone calls to our public servants, and telling everyone you know that universal healthcare is almost here.

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