BY ROGER LeCOURS
News Correspondent – the Caledonian-Record
A referendum calling on the Vermont Legislature to enact a universal, single-payer program to provide quality health-care coverage to every Vermonter received a unanimous vote of support from 50 area residents. The spirited, two-hour forum was held Tuesday night in Fellowship Hall of the United Church of Christ in Greensboro.
There were no dissenting votes when Dr. Deborah Richter of Cambridge asked how many favor a single-payer health insurance plan. Richter, who is on leave from her physician’s duties, has been traveling all around the state calling for legislative action on the universal health-care proposal. The passionate call for action provides a boost to the referendum article that will be presented to Greensboro voters at their annual meeting March 2.
The referendum asks selectmen, Gov. Jim Douglas and the state Legislature to support and actively work for the creation of a universal and comprehensive health-care system based on a single, statewide plan with administration supervised by a non-partisan commission with every Vermonter covered without regard to age, income, employment or medical condition.
It also stipulates that all appropriate and necessary medical services covered will include prescription drugs and long-term care; that the consumer has a free choice of health-care providers; that the program will be financed primarily through taxes; and that there will be accountability to the public for financial performance and for quality of service.
Participating in the forum along with Richter were Paulette Thabault and Herbert Olsen, deputy commissioner and general counsel, respectively, of the state Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration; and three state legislators, Rep. John Rodgers, D-Glover, Rep. David Bolduc, R-Orleans, and Rep. Michael Fisher, D-Lincoln.
Some blunt comments were directed at the legislators and state officials as the forum participants expressed their dissatisfaction with the Republican health-care plan proposed by Gov. Douglas and another plan put forward by some House Democrats.
Thabault briefly reviewed the Douglas proposal which includes a Small Market Access Reinvestment Trust (SMART) Insurance plan which would give immediate insurance premium relief (up to 10 percent) to individuals and small business; and a small-employer health-care incentive plan for small businesses with 25 employees or less by offering a tax credit so that health care to every worker becomes an affordable option.
Also included is a proposal to stimulate and strengthen health-care information accessibility through Internet-based solutions that will encourage wide usage.
Rep. Fisher explained the Democratic proposal, titled “The Vermont Small Business Health Plan,” which would provide relief to small business and self-employed Vermonters who choose to offer health coverage for their employees.
“I cannot sit on my heels and wait until there is enough pressure to do something,” Fisher said. “I have put the plan on the table to start the idea that the state can offer a good insurance plan. It doesn’t do what the single-payer plan does and it doesn’t bring the cost down enough but it’s a start.” Rodgers said he is a freshman legislator who is still in the difficult stage of becoming acclimated while listening.
Bolduc said the single-payer plan sounds good, but studies show that caution is needed. “I’m not sure that’s the way to go,” he said.
Peter Romans expressed his frustration that there has to be sides on the issue. Why can’t both sides get together and come up with a workable program, he asked. “Why aren’t we intelligent enough to figure this out?” he wondered.
Wayne Young, a member of the school board for Lakeview School, used the metaphor of a freight train to describe the health-care crisis.
“Let’s get going here,” Young said. “If we have a train wreck coming, let’s get going.” Bobbie Nisbet, the nurse at Hardwick Elementary School, spoke of her own heart-rending experiences working with children whose parents cannot afford to pay for health insurance.
“It gives me great pause,” Nisbet said. “Is it possible that children in our district will not have coverage under the Dr. Dynasaur Program because of a rate increase?” Many others at the forum spoke of their personal experiences with illness and their fear that they may not be able to acquire insurance or continue paying for what they now have.
“My family runs Willey’s Store,” said Tom Hurst. “We have 30 employees. About half do not have coverage.”
Addressing the legislators, Hurst said, “I want you guys to get on board now. Why wouldn’t you? Do it quick.”
“We have a small group here tonight,” Rep. Rodgers replied.
“Most seem interested in universal insurance,” Rodgers said. “Remember this is a small group. We hear from some who aren’t interested in single-payer insurance.”
Lisa Sammet asked if there could be a statewide referendum on the single-payer plan.
Rep. Fisher replied: “We don’t have a statewide referendum process in the state but we have town meetings. This tonight is an impressive showing of passionate support for single-payer. There are Republicans who could go in favor of it. We need to help educate them. Push them!”
“You all need to put on pressure,” Richter said. “I’m talking all over the state. They need to hear from you.”
The forum was moderated by Tim Nisbet. When the session ended there was a round of applause for organizer Nancy Potak of Greensboro, who has worked tirelessly on health-care issues for several years. The event was sponsored by Reps. Bolduc and Rodgers along with the Vermont Health Care for All organization, Willey’s Store, Highland Lodge, Greensboro Early Education Center, Greensboro Nursing Home and Greensboro Garage.