Maine passes single-payer health bill

Author: Tony Del Plato

Topic: General News

I am writing, with great exhilaration, to acknowledge the victory of the progressive forces in Maine that has resulted in the enactment of a bill to move toward a single-payer system in our State. We know this is the result of hard work by many people, and given the enormous power of our opponents, it is magnificent that the victory was achieved in the current political climate.

We understand that the first step in this legislation is the creation of a commission that is charged with presenting to the March 2002 legislative session the plan for a new system. Thereafter, the legislature will have the responsibility for enactment.

One thing is certain, if recent history is repeated a la Clinton's ill-starred proposal, proposition 186 in California, and most recently the Massachusetts single-payer referendum, it will be a difficult battle. As we bitterly learned, the billionaire opponents to these reforms assured all the resources necessary were provided to mislead the public with "Harry and Louise"-type disinformation as well as unlimited financial support to the campaigns of the legislators where necessary. The State of Maine's initiative will unquestionably evoke a torrent, a powerful counterattack.

I believe that the enactment was not expected and, as you know, the Governor was expected to veto it. This didn't happen. Be prepared for an assault!

PNHP nationwide will do everything it can to support the popular will of the people of Maine. To members in the State, I make the most ardent plea that you start right now to build support for the tough struggle ahead:

• Communicate with your legislators urging support for the process
• Work with your colleagues individually and in medical organizations to assure a strong physician participation in this popular development
• Write letters to the editors or your newspapers and seek opportunities to express your opinions on radio and television talk shows
• Find ways to educate your patients about the opportunity to be first in the nation.

By all means, communicate with the Maine Peoples' Alliance, (Executive Director John Deiffenbach-Krall). Their phone number is (207) 990-0672. Call to offer your support.

To the best of your ability, be prepared to offer financial support (we will seek to extend this appeal to PNHP members and other supporters across the country).

Finally encourage people to volunteer for the enormous educational effort that this law will require to assure wide popular approval in the face of unrelenting opposition.

In my opinion, when the history is written, the events in Maine may well be recognized as the starting point for a single-payer national health system in our country.

With gratitude to the people of Maine,

Quentin Young, M.D.

National Coordinator Physicians for a National Health Plan