Healthcare Is A Human Right - Not A Commodity

For months, volunteers for the Vermont Workers' Center have been surveying Vermonters from across the state about their experiences with the healthcare system. The results have been clear: Vermonters believe that healthcare is a human right, and many are suffering because of lack of access to affordable, quality healthcare.

The crisis continues to worsen as the state's budget problems may lead to painful cuts to State health programs, exacerbating the crisis for thousands of Vermont families. By establishing healthcare as a public good it will not only be more just, but by eliminating the waste of private insurers, we will save tens of millions of dollars.

After conducting over 1,200 surveys and holding hearings in Brattleboro, Burlington, St. Albans, Lyndonville, Rutland, and Barre, on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2008, the Vermont Workers' Center issued a report "Voices of the Vermont Healthcare Crisis: Healthcare Is A Human Right." The report and accompanying video can be downloaded online.

Download print report
Watch 7-minute video

Join a historic rally on Friday, May 1, 2009. 

We understand that fully realizing this effort could take years. Fighting to stop the harmful state budget cuts and supporting current healthcare legislation are important pieces as we work toward winning healthcare as a human right. At the May 1st rally we will address these current issues while building our long term capacity to win a truly just healthcare system. Please join us and help get others to the rally on May 1st to show that we are sick of this unjust healthcare system and demand that "healthcare is a human right". 

National legislation HR 676, or state legislation like H100, recognize the principle that Healthcare is a Human Right. On January 26th, Congressman John Conyers re-introduced HR 676. Because this is a new Congress, representatives who co-sponsored HR 676 in the 110th Congress need to sign on again. Plus we are looking forward to Senator Bernie Sanders co-sponsoring a version of HR 676 in the Senate.

Rep. Welch has told us he supports HR 676, but he did not think it was politically viable. Since then, polls have shown that the majority of Americans support making healthcare a public good - and the economic crisis demands bold solutions. We're asking Rep. Welch to listen to Vermonters, and not to the lobbyists from the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. Senator Bernie Sanders has long demonstrated leadership in advancing the single payer concept.

Please call and email to urge Rep. Peter Welch - who co-sponsored HR 676 in the 110th Congress - to sign on again. And thank Senator Bernie Sanders for his leadership; and that you look forward to his co-sponsoring a version of HR 676 in the Senate.

Rep. Peter Welch: (888) 605-7270; (802) 652-2450; (202) 225-4115
Sen. Bernie Sanders: 802-862-0697; 800-339-9834 (202) 224-5141

The "Healthcare is a Human Right" campaign, is coordinated by the Workers' Center, to build a movement that can help reform the healthcare system so it will guarantee care to all of us regardless of income. Contact us at 802-272-0882 or email James

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Healthcare Is A Human Right - Not A Commodity

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Vermonters believe that healthcare is a human right, and many are suffering because of lack of access to affordable, quality healthcare. We're seeing an avalanche of layoffs which are causing families to lose their employer provided healthcare coverage.

By establishing healthcare as a public good it will not only be more just, but by eliminating the waste of private insurers, we will save tens of millions of dollars.

In the past we've been told that HR 676, wasn't politically viable. Since then, polls have shown that the majority of Americans support making healthcare a public good - and the economic crisis demands bold solutions.

We can guarantee quality healthcare, replacing insurance companies with a non-profit risk pool providing everyone with the care we need. That's a solution that will control costs, increase access, improve the quality of care, and help us out of the state budget crisis.

Now that would be a stimulus! We really need to act on the principle that health care is a human right.

Both of you have supported HR 676 in the past. I urge Rep. Peter Welch to sign on again. I want to thank Senator Bernie Sanders for his leadership; and I look forward to your co-sponsoring a version of HR 676 in the Senate.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 19, 2009


Background Information

 HR 676 would guarantee health care system to everyone residing in the U.S. It would mean that no one would ever be without health care. Not first time job seekers, not workers changing jobs, not laid off or striking workers. Everyone would be covered.

HR 676 would cover every person for all necessary medical care including prescription drugs, hospital, surgical, outpatient services, primary and preventive care, emergency services, dental, mental health, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation (including for substance abuse), vision care, hearing services including hearing aids, chiropractic, durable medical equipment, palliative care, and long term care.

HR 676 ends deductibles and co-payments. HR 676 would save hundreds of billions annually by eliminating the high overhead and profits of the private health insurance industry and HMOs.

HR 676 has been endorsed by the Vermont NEA and the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, as well as 38 other state AFL-CIO federations, 118 Central Labor Councils, and more than 400 local unions. Last year, the bill had 93 co-sponsors in Congress, more than any other health care reform bill.

The Labor Campaign for Single-Payer Healthcare (to which the Vermont Workers Center is affiliated) is encouraging its member organizations to support this action.