Single payer to Senate floor--call to support Amendment 2837 now!

Last week, Sen. Bernie Sanders, filed Amendment 2837 to the Senate health reform bill. The Amendment creates a universal single payer health care system. The amendment was co-sponsored by Sen. Roland Burris (D-Il) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

The vote on the measure could take place very soon, so it's urgent that you call your Senators to demand they join you in supporting Sanders's amendment and single payer health care.

The amendment delivers care through a single non-profit public funding agency, and is based on Sanders's single payer bill, S. 703. The amendment allows patient choice of doctor or hospital, coverage for dental care, mental health services and prescription drugs, and fully funds community health centers.

The program will be paid for by combining current government health care spending with new payroll and income taxes, which will total less than what most businesses and individuals currently pay for private insurance premiums and/or out of pocket expenses.

Call, email, or fax your senators in support of 2387.You can reach the Capitol Switchboard toll free at 866-220-0044, or email from this page on Change.org.

Remember that actions in support of single payer health care, including sit-ins at some senate district offices, are being planned for Human Rights Day, December 10, by Mobilization for Health Care for All. If there's one near you, be there! If you're far from the halls of power, speak truth to your neighbors by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. See this page for info on the Sanders Amendment, this great piece by Donna Smith of Progressive Democrats of America Healthcare Not Warfare campaign for inspiration, and our Health Care Truths and Myths brochure for the facts on single payer health care.