Illinois may offer "universal" healthcare for residents . . .

[DollyM]

Some Illinois Lawmakers Pushing Mandated State Run Health Insurance
4/12/11 @ 11:13:11 am


(Springfield, IL) -- Some Illinois lawmakers are pushing for a single payer health care system in the state - which would wipe out private healthcare altogether.



Chicago Democrat Mary Flowers says this plan will contribute to the overall health of the people in the state by improving preventative health care. "If we had House Bill 311 we could negotiate the prices and bring down the price of prescription drugs. If we had House Bill 311 there would be fewer people going to the emergency room because all of them would all have quality care," Flowers explained.

Flowers says the insurance industry has become a big business that denies healthcare to the nation's most vulnerable people. If her proposal becomes law, it will be mandatory for all Illinois residents. Basically, that means everyone will pay into a dedicated fund set up to pay for the healthcare needs of the people in the state. The state then, becomes the "insurance company." Right now, the bill has yet to be heard in committee.

[Rochester]

1. I want this.

[murielm99]

2. Me too. n/t

[jdm9955]

12. same here.

[madrchsod]

3. good idea

[lunasun]

4. who can we contact to state our support ? our state reps or who?

Illinois being a great blue state should move forward on this

[murielm99]

5. I would say contact Mary Flowers. n/t

[mucifer]

6. Check out this link:

http://www.ilsinglepayercoalition.org/site/index.php

[greatauntoftriplets]

7. I'd love it.

Vermont is already moving in that direction, but it's a small state and easier to do there. If this is implemented, Illinois could be a leader in the movement towards single payer.

[wclarkfan_1978]

9. +1

[murphyj87]

13. it's my impression...

There is a strong movement toward single payer in California as well. California is not that small... :-)

[whathehell]

8. Good....Now maybe I won't have to move to Vermont. n/t

[mopinko]

10. this will be a huge job generator.

it will expand the healthcare sector enormously. but i think it will also make it a mecca for small business creation. on top of our great higher education base, it will make us all around very attractive.

[WildEyedLiberal]

11. YESSS

This makes me VERY HAPPY. From Rep. Flowers' lips to God's (or at least Gov. Quinn's) ears...

[vmata]

14. Good for us

Finally! Let Illinois and Chicago lead the way for other states!