The Social Medicine Portal

The Single Payer Solution: A model in California can be a model for the nation, by Janice Markham

It’s no secret there is a health care crisis in this country. And, many health care advocates believe that one way to deal with this crucial issue is to “take it to the state.” Now you may ask, “take what to the state?” Well, a very vigilant group of tireless activists is pushing for a single-payer solution that would not only improve health care for Californians, but could potentially be a model for a national health plan.

One problem advocates of a single payer plan face is educating citizens and policy makers. Thus, the San Gabriel Valley chapter of Health Care for All is presenting an educational conference on health care entitled: THE SINGLE PAYER SOLUTION. This conference will take place Saturday, May 9th, from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Ray Heer, chairperson of the conference planning committee. The Rev. Dr. Ray Heer, in addition to having been a pastor, has served as a Presbytery Executive and Associate Executive in the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii of the Presbyterian Church.

For many years, he administered a community center now known as the Human Services Center in Bell Gardens. In his work with the poverty community, he became sensitized to the medical and health problems of the poor and the daunting problems of their receiving services.

Now retired, Rev. Dr. Ray Heer gives his time and energy in the pursuit of Single Payer health care.

JM: Dr. Heer, how did this conference come about?

RH: Last June, my wife and I attended the biennial General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church (USA) in San Jose, California. I was thrilled when they endorsed in principle the provision of single-payer universal health care reform, and provided grants for educational conferences.

Through our local Health Care for All-San Gabriel Valley Chapter, we received a grant to help us increase our educational opportunities.

JM: Could you give an overview of the day? Who will be speaking and leading panels?

RH: Our leading keynote speaker is the well-known former California State Senator Sheila J. Kuehl, who introduced single-payer health care legislation that has twice passed the California Legislature.  Sara Rogers, the Health Consultant to Senator Mark Leno who has introduced the current bill (SB810) and Elizabeth Sholes, Director of Public Policy of California Church IMPACT, will also make presentations.

Nine seminars covering current single payer state and national proposals will be led by an outstanding group of experts in their fields including medical, church, business, labor, and community groups.  Over 30 groups are co-sponsoring the conference.

JM: What do you hope to achieve with this conference?

RH: It is our hope to spread information about what single-payer actually is. This will involve debunking the erroneous view that single-payer is socialized medicine. At this time, the success of our health care program with insurance companies in charge, is predicated on not providing care. Our health care policy needs to reflect what the majority of the public wants: a publicly funded program like Medicare. We plan to conclude the conference with an action plan for participants to spread the word and express their wishes to appropriate legislators.

The Conference is FREE! However, a reservation is required by May 1 to indicate seminar choices and make meal reservations.  People may contact me for an invitation that includes the reservation form at 626.356.0166 or email rheerhca@charter.net

THE SINGLE PAYER SOLUTION:

Pasadena Presbyterian Church: 585 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA

Saturday, May 9th, from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

(Come early for the limited free parking.)