Vermont is closer to winning single payer
Former PNHP President Dr. Deb Richter reports that Peter Shumlin, a strong advocate for single-payer health reform, won his race for governor. Since the election he has reaffirmed his commitment to implementing a single-payer plan in Vermont and has already spoken to President Obama and Kathleen Sebelius, the head of Health and Human Services, about getting the required federal waivers.
Shumlin's win, combined with (1) the support of other pro-single-payer lawmakers in the state, (2) an impending report to the state Legislature by Harvard health economist William Hsiao about the merits of three health reform models, one of which is single payer, and (3) the existence of a vibrant movement for single payer in the Green Mountain State, has laid the basis for a historic breakthrough there.
Why Not Ohio?
If it works for Vermont, and a majority of its residents want it, then by all means implement single payer. Each state should be free to manage its affairs as it feels appropriate. That is the very essence of states' rights!