Matt Ready

Work has been completed drafting a resolution supporting single payer healthcare and encouraging the Washington Health Security Trust bill be included in the 2015 legislative session.  Barring any unforeseen obstacles, I intend to make a motion at the December 3 hospital commission meeting for the board to discuss and take action on this resolution.  Here is the resolution content:

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO. 2

RESOLUTION # TBD

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE

 

WHEREAS it is critical for the long term sustainability of high quality healthcare services in our district, that the overall healthcare payment system of our State is designed in a rational, balanced, and consistent manner; and

WHEREAS it is clear from objective study of healthcare payment systems around the world, that a single payer healthcare system is less costly and is capable of producing superior health outcomes and greater overall population health than the current Washington State and US healthcare systems;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Jefferson County Public Hospital District #2 Board of Commissioners support the continued study of the development and implementation of a single payer healthcare system at either the State or Federal level.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Jefferson County Public Hospital District #2 Board of Commissioners support that the Washington Health Security Trust bill, a bill designed as a foundation for a transition to Washington State single payer healthcare, be included in the 2015 Washington State legislative session.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Jefferson County Public Hospital District #2 Board of Commissioners call upon all elected local, state, and federal leaders to work together in a spirit of cooperation to objectively study the design and implementation of a balanced and sustainable single payer system that will serve the long-term healthcare interests of all people in our hospital district and beyond.

If you wish to attend this hospital commission meeting, it will begin at 3:30pm in the Jefferson Healthcare Auditorium.  I do not yet know exactly when during the commission meeting the motion for considering this resolution will happen.

As I have said before, I do not believe hospital commissioners or any local officials should remain silent in the dialogue surrounding how to improve our healthcare system and bring it in line with other countries in terms of cost and health benefits to the community.  The road to true healthcare reform in our state and country at large is going to be messy with all the special interest money that spreads so much misinformation about the relevant issues.  I believe public hospital commissioners, healthcare leaders such as doctors and nurses, as well as other local leaders, can all help become a collective voice of reason in this discussion.  My hope is that if we can spark enough rational reasonable discussion, we can all come together around sensible solutions for creating a truly sustainable and world class healthcare system that benefits everyone.