Today’s action is from our friends at Health Care is a Human Right – Washington (http://www.healthcareisarightwa.org)
On Monday, we have a chance to raise our voices for universal health care. After a year in which our world, our communities, and our families have been rattled by a historic public health crisis, it’s never been more clear that we need universal coverage – and our state should lead the way. The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee has scheduled a hearing for a bill that could get our state to full coverage sooner than many thought possible. Building on the work of the Universal Health Care Workgroup, SB 5399 establishes a commission charged with planning and implementing a universal coverage plan that will include every individual and family in Washington, control costs, and ensure all of us have a better opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. The Universal Health Care Commission will design a health care system that will serve as an innovative model for every other state. This may be the most important universal coverage hearing this session. Make sure your voice is heard.
Bill Summary here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5399&Year=2021&Initiative=false
Action 1: Sign In “Pro”
Sign In Pro here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/CSIRemote/Testimony/Form?chamber=Senate&meetingFamilyId=28581&agendaItemFamilyId=139880&remoteLocationId=50&testify=False
You won’t need to testify!
Action 2: Tell your State Legislators to Support this Bill
Comment on the bill: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5399
Position: Support
Sample script:
Hi, I hope you will support SB 5399. This bill establishes a commission charged with planning and implementing a universal coverage plan that will include every individual and family in Washington, control costs, and ensure all of us have a better opportunity to live a healthy and productive life. The Universal Health Care Commission will design a health care system that will serve as an innovative model for every other state. This may be the most important universal coverage hearing this session.
{INCLUDE A POINT OR TWO FROM THE TALKING POINTS BELOW}
Thanks,
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Talking Points:
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The health of Washington’s citizens is the wealth of our state
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Economic instability and job loss has led to thousands losing coverage this year
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Many immigrants and low- and middle-income families cannot afford coverage
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Multiple analyses show a universal health care system is less expensive, more equitable and has the potential to save our state billions of dollars year over year.
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This bill puts our state on a path to achieve universal coverage by 2026
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It will control health care spending to keep it affordable to families, employers, and taxpayers
