In 2006, before the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, and before Medicare for All came into common usage, I had to get health insurance for my family and myself on the open market. It cost about $825 per month for a five people. The next year, 2007, saw it rise to about $1500 per month. In 2008, it rose to almost $2400 per month. In three years my premium had nearly tripled. I thought there had to be a better way!
I started investigating health care, health policy, and health insurance. Medicare for All or single-payer was barely on the radar. In spite of this, it became obvious to me in 2008, that single-payer was the best way to solve the problems with our health care system.These problems include people without coverage, denial of claims, rescissions, high deductibles and copays.
Last summer, my wife and I were visiting my oldest daughter. She had some questions about why we need Medicare for All. After we were done, she said dad, you did a really good job explaining this. You should do a podcast.
That is how this podcast was born. My guests and I will explain the benefits of Medicare for All and why it is much better than our current system. Hopefully, I can live up to the high standard I set with my daughter.
Joe Sparks
November 2018