Important report, which begs the question: Since M4A (even if ultimately passable) won't happen in first 2 years, would Sanders or Warren immediately offer public option to folks in states that didn't expand Medicaid, so as to save these lives, or hold out for M4A on principle?
2/ This is a valid question to ask, but I'm sure for even asking it I'll be attacked by some for daring to question the political movement to eradicate private insurance...asking questions = Neo-liberal shill apparently in the minds of some...
3/ Let me be clear: I support single payer. I also know how to count House/Senate votes and I support saving lives now, when we can. Anyone who eschews stop-gap measures that would benefit those in states w/o Medicaid expansion, bc it would 'sap the will for M4A' is an asshole...
4/ Why can't we make this simple? M4A as the goal, but immediately rescue folks in these states who are dying or paying way too much bc the GOP screwed them by not expanding Medicaid? It would save lives and be excellent politics as well...
5/ It would show people in these states how much better it is when you have an alternative to profit-driven insurers, which could then build base support for M4A. And by reminding them which party screwed them, and which stood up for them now, it would scramble some allegiances
6/ And THEN, on the back end of a 4-year term you might see real movement for M4A. But even if not, it will improve millions of people's lives and re-establish the principle that government/public initiatives can make things better. In the long run this is critical to establish..
7/ Not only for any hope at single payer health care, but for virtually any other big, government-funded initiative desired by folks on the left: jobs programs, higher ed funding, Green New Deal, etc...
8/ Ultimately, an immediate push for public option in those states would almost surly pass Congress, bc GOPers would have a hard time explaining to constituents why they were denying them more affordable access...it would be a plan aimed precisely at their states/constituents...
