[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 62 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SINGLE-PAYER PLAN FOR THE STATES

  (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KUCINICH. As the effort to reform health care gathers momentum, 
States have taken it upon themselves to enact their own reforms out of 
desperation to increase quality, provide care for the uninsured and 
underinsured, and rein in uncontrolled cost increases. Many have turned 
to the model that has proven to meet those goals inside and outside the 
U.S., the single-payer health care model.
  In the last 3 years, the California State legislature has twice 
passed a single-payer bill. Pennsylvania, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, 
New York, Washington, Ohio, and Minnesota are also home to single-payer 
bills with strong grassroots movements. Unfortunately, if the bills 
were to pass, Federal barriers would need to be overcome. ERISA could 
preempt the States from enacting their own health care reform. Waivers 
would need to be granted that would allow the States to redirect the 
Federal funds they currently receive for health care. Federal financial 
assistance, if necessary, could also be imperative.
  Enabling the States to meet their own needs would be a strong 
complement to a national health care reform plan. Congress should call 
for language that allows the States to implement a single-payer plan if 
they so choose.

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