On July 30, 1965, Medicare was signed into law. This landmark program dramatically improved the lives of America’s seniors by providing major medical coverage and real financial protection for marginalized patients.
Our vision is to improve this popular program by expanding benefits, totally eliminating cost-sharing, and expanding enrollment to include all U.S. residents. Improved Medicare for All is the only solution to our ongoing health care crisis.
Our 2019 Medicare Week of Action included the following:
Monday, July 29: Webinar: Medicare’s effect on the disability community (view on YouTube)
Tuesday, July 30: Writing op-eds in support of single payer (guidelines here)
- “Misinformation is poisoning the debate over health care,” Albany (N.Y.) Times Union, 7/30/19, Dr. David Ray
- “Happy birthday, Medicare! Let’s improve it, make it available to all,” Lower Hudson Valley (N.Y.) Journal News, 7/31/19, Dr. Betsy Rosenthal
- “Healthcare for all not so scary or unusual,” Traverse City (Mich.) Record Eagle, 7/31/19, Dr. Timothy Lambert
- “A for-profit company bought, then closed, a Philadelphia hospital. Medicare for All could have saved it.” Tarbell, 8/1/19, Dr. Walter Tsou
- “Medicare For All is answer to our morbid heath system,” Laconia (N.H.) Daily Sun, 8/1/19, Dr. Marcosa J. Santiago
- “We know Medicare works ā expand it,” Las Vegas Sun / The Journal (Durango, Colo.), 8/1/19, Dr. Joan MacEachen
- “We overpay for broken health care. Medicare for All would be much better and cost less.” USA Today, 8/2/19, Dr. Marcia Angell
- “Why Americans canāt afford health care: the history,” Baltimore Sun, 8/2/19, Dr. Laura Kaplan-Weisman
- “Single-payer healthcare best choice for U.S., Ga.” 8/3/19, Atlanta Journal Constitution,Ā Jack Bernard
- “Listen to ‘single payer’ experts,” The News and Advance (Lynchburg, Va.), 8/5/19, Bev Jordan
Wednesday, July 31: Twitter discussion: Medicare’s effect on segregated hospitals (follow @PNHP on Twitter)
In the late 1960s, Medicare played a key role in desegregating U.S. hospitals. But racism still looms large over American health care. How can #SinglePayer #MedicareForAll advance the cause of racial justice? Ask questions and join our discussion below. #MedicareRacialJustice
ā PNHP (@PNHP) July 31, 2019
Thursday, August 1: Flyering in your community (handouts here)
Friday, August 2: Pre-recorded webinar: Forming a relationship with your representative (view on YouTube)
Saturday, August 3: Medicare birthday parties
Sunday, August 4: Medicare birthday parties
More information can be found in our comprehensive online toolkit, including links to relevant resources and contact information for PNHP leaders, health justice advocates, and national office staff involved in each day’s activities.
Although our Medicare Week is Action is complete, we encourage you to visit our Take Action page for even more suggestions on how you can get active in the fight for single payer.