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This argument that “unions broke their neck to get” employer-based insurance” is an OLD argument that isn’t relevant today. Here are a sampling of unions who support @SenSanders & my #MedicareForAll bill: @AFTunion, @SEIU, @MachinistsUnion, @UAW, @NationalNurses, @APWUnational..
...United Mineworkers, ILWU & so many more. These unions understand several things: 1) workers are paying more & more for their employer-insurance b/c for-profit insurance companies are raising premiums hugely for employer healthcare as well. Employers push much of that down.
2) More & more services aren’t being covered even WITH employer covered healthcare. More surprise billings, more challenges to claims by these for-profit insurance companies. Employees see that even with covered healthcare, they end up paying enormous out-of-pocket costs.
3) Unions understand that when they have to bargain for healthcare, they give up money that should be used for wages. That’s part of why we see enormous wage stagnation. They’ve foregone $$$ to pay for-profit insurance premiums instead of workers’ wages.
4) Unions see current for-profit healthcare system as essentially as an internal “tariff” that stomps on competitiveness of American workers & businesses. #MedicareForAll actually lets US businesses compete on a level playing field.
4A. Imagine, for ex, the healthcare “tariff” on a US car! Automakers spending on healthcare for hourly workers & families in 2015 topped $2 BILLION. @WarrenBuffett has called current HC system the “tapeworm of American competitiveness.”
The thing that people who continue to cut down #MedicareForAll simply do not understand is that healthcare is a crisis of massive scale, caused by the for-profit insurance companies & pharma companies that are milking people’s illnesses.
Major hosp CEO recently told me that for-profit insurance companies have 1000s of ppl who just challenge claims submitted to them. Therefore, his hospital & other businesses either have to have armies dedicated just to this admin waste or accept the denials at employees’ peril.
In 2012, @GM said HC costs add $1,500-$2,000 PER VEHICLE to sticker price. Let’s talk abt THOSE taxes. It’s ludicrous to keep subsidizing for-profit insurance at the cost of HC for every American. #MedicareForAll is a real plan. That’s why industry keeps trying to beat it down.
5. #LaborUnions understand solidarity & standing w/least amongst us. Even unions who have may good HC understand that 70 mm Americans are uninsured or underinsured, & tens of millions more cannot afford insurance they have. They’re ready to fight for ALL OF US. #MedicareForAll
