For 80 years, Republicans have blocked us from fixing our health care system.
It’s astonishing, isn’t it? The sheer longevity of this struggle. Eighty years ago, the seeds of a national health system were sown, a vision of healthcare for all, paid for through payroll taxes. President Truman championed this idea, a system that would have covered everything, from doctor visits to hospital stays. But the Republican response? A resounding “no.” They decried it as “socialized medicine,” and aligned themselves with the American Medical Association, which had its own plan, one that preserved the dominance of private insurance. It’s a pattern that has sadly repeated itself throughout the decades.… Continue reading
Exclusive: Drugmakers raise US prices on 350 medicines despite pressure from Trump. This is a real head-scratcher, isn’t it? We’re hearing about drug prices going up, even though there was supposed to be some sort of intervention. It’s almost like the opposite of what was claimed is happening. It’s as though there was talk, maybe even a “stern talking to,” but the actual outcome is a hike in prices.
It’s tempting to think that maybe we were misled, or that the numbers weren’t quite what they seemed. Remember those claims about significant price reductions? Well, when you crunch the numbers, the reality is a little different.… Continue reading
The Senate has approved a $901 billion military policy bill, authorizing defense programs and a 3.8% troop pay increase. The legislation represents a compromise between parties, reflecting some of President Trump’s proposals while also addressing congressional concerns. Key provisions include enhanced oversight of the Department of Defense, repeal of outdated war authorizations, and a push to require Secretary Pete Hegseth to provide video of strikes on alleged drug boats near Venezuela. Further, the bill codifies cuts to diversity and climate initiatives while providing military aid to Ukraine and lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria.
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A recent Pew Research survey revealed that roughly two-thirds of Americans believe the government should provide healthcare coverage for all citizens. While opinions are split on how to achieve this, 35% favor a single-payer system, and 31% support a mix of private and government programs. This survey arrives as over 22 million Americans anticipate higher healthcare costs, particularly with the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Furthermore, political divisions persist, with Democrats largely supporting government-provided healthcare, while Republicans are more divided on the issue.
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A recent Pew Research Center survey conducted in November 2025 revealed that 66% of Americans believe the federal government has a responsibility to ensure healthcare coverage for all citizens. Among those who support government involvement, opinions are split between a single national health insurance program (35%) and a mix of government and private programs (31%). Notably, 59% of Republicans do not believe the government should be involved in ensuring healthcare for all Americans, however, opinions have been shifting over time. These views vary across demographics, with lower-income Republicans more likely to support government responsibility than higher-income Republicans.
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Health insurance premiums are expected to experience a significant surge, potentially the largest in years, attributed to factors such as Republican actions and trade war threats. According to reports, costs could rise substantially without congressional intervention to renew enhanced subsidies. In response, advocates of Medicare for All are urging Americans to consider this alternative as a cost-saving measure, citing potential savings in both finances and lives. They emphasize that a universal healthcare system could eliminate the need for private insurance and its associated costs.
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Healthcare for all is a growing movement, with Oregon taking steps towards implementing a universal healthcare system. The state’s Universal Health Plan Governance Board has researched the impacts of such a system and found it would improve health outcomes and be more cost-effective. Despite potential pushback, the plan is scheduled to be completed by September 2026 and could go to a vote as early as January 2027. Supporters, organized through groups like Healthcare for All Oregon (HCAO), are working to raise awareness and ensure the legislation’s success.
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Recent polling reveals significant support for Medicare for All in the United States, with nearly 60% of Americans backing the concept. The Economist/YouGov poll indicated majority support across various income levels, with opposition primarily concentrated among Republican, conservative, and Trump-supportive voters. Notably, a substantial portion of Trump voters still recognize the inadequacy of the current healthcare system, and the poll also found that over half of Americans want increased federal funding for both Medicare and Medicaid. This data aligns with previous surveys and highlights a growing desire for universal health care coverage, in stark contrast to policies like the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which proposes cuts to vital programs.
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Insurance is what makes U.S. health-care prices so high. The sheer profit margins of insurance companies are staggering. They extract a significant portion of every healthcare dollar spent, far exceeding the administrative costs of government programs like Medicare. This stark contrast undermines the frequent claim that private corporations are inherently more efficient than government.
Insurance is what makes U.S. health-care prices so high because the system incentivizes cost inflation. Regulations like the Affordable Care Act’s 80/20 rule, while intending to control costs, inadvertently contribute to the problem. The rule mandates that insurers spend at least 80% of premiums on healthcare; however, the remaining 20% – allocated for administrative costs, overhead, and marketing – also includes profits.… Continue reading
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah’s denial of coverage for the FDA-approved cancer drug Perjeta, prescribed by a specialist for a patient’s breast cancer treatment, exemplifies a critical flaw in the healthcare system. This denial contradicts established clinical guidelines and expert consensus, forcing the family to potentially shoulder over $160,000 in out-of-pocket costs. This case highlights how insurance companies obstruct access to necessary life-saving treatments, leaving patients in a precarious situation. The urgent need for systemic reform, including universal healthcare, is underscored by this and countless similar experiences.
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