Single-Payer and HR 676

IIn 2003, U.S. Congressman John Conyers (D-Michigan) introduced HR 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act. Under HR 676, Medicare would be extended and improved so that all individuals residing in the United States would receive high quality and affordable health care services.

Everyone would receive all medically necessary services by the physicians of their choice, with no restrictions on what providers they could visit. If implemented, the United States National Health Insurance Act would cover primary care, dental, mental health, prescription drugs, and long term care.

The United States National Health Insurance Act (USNHI) establishes an American national health insurance program. The bill would create a publicly financed, privately delivered health care system that uses the already existing Medicare program by expanding it to all U.S. residents, and all residents living in U.S. territories.

The goal of the legislation is to ensure that all Americans have access, guaranteed by law, to the highest quality and most cost effective health care services regardless of their employment, income, or health status.

USNHI would be funded through a modest payroll tax on all employers of 3.3%, a 5% health tax on the top 5% of income earners, a small tax on stock & bond transfers, closing corporate tax loop-holes, and repealing the Bush tax cut.

Resources

More information available at Congressman John Conyers website.