Maine doctors speak up for publicly funded, universal health care
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| The Maine Medical Association adopted a new policy on health care reform at their annual meeting in Portland in early September, calling for a national single-payer plan, or failing that, action at the state level for publicly funded, universal health care.
This is a big step, as only four other state medical associations have adopted similar resolutions and we consider the MMA’s new policy to be the most detailed and robust of all of these.
Learn more about the MMA statement and annual meeting, including a presentation by author and filmmaker T.R. Reid and panels with physicians from countries around the world that have universal health care.
Photo: T.R. Reid holds a Maine AllCare bumper sticker at the Maine Medical Association annual meeting in September 2023. Credit: Karen Foster |
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Penobscot voters to consider ballot initiative on November 7
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| In addition to the eight state referenda on the ballot this November, voters in the town of Penobscot will consider their own ballot question: “Shall the citizens of Penobscot call on the Maine Legislature to create a publicly funded health-care plan that provides every Maine resident with comprehensive medical care?”
Towns and cities across the state have passed similar resolutions through their select boards or city councils, and in two places at town meetings. The Penobscot initiative is a pilot project that gives residents the opportunity to vote on the referendum in a regular election.
The Ellsworth American published a commentary on October 23 by David Jolly, Penobscot resident and Maine AllCare board member, about the Penobscot ballot question, the state of health care in Maine and the U.S., and why we need universal health care. |
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“Comprehensive reform of health care is unlikely any time soon at the federal level. But change is possible at the state level. Maine AllCare wants our state legislators to make that happen here. That’s why we hope the people of Penobscot will vote yes on this referendum, and why we ask all Maine residents to work with us for high-quality, affordable health care for all.”
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Save the date!
Our next statewide Maine AllCare meeting will be Sunday, November 12, 4-5 pm over Zoom.
We’ll have updates on the Maine Medical Association’s bold new statement on health care reform, the pilot town ballot initiative in Penobscot, and also time for open discussion and questions.
Please join us live if you can. The meeting will also be recorded for those who cannot make it.
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Good energy and lots of support at Common Ground Country Fair
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| More than 60,000 people attended the Common Ground Country Fair from September 22–24, and it seemed like most of them came through the Social and Political Action tent!
Our table was busy much of the time, we had many good conversations, made new and nurtured ongoing connections. We also heard painful stories from people who are struggling to access and pay for health care, here in Maine.
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped at the fair!
Photo: Dr. Phil Caper, Liz Solet, and Michael Glover at the Maine AllCare table. Credit: Karen Foster |
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Our work toward universal health care for all in Maine would not be possible
without your support. Whether it’s a one-time or monthly donation,
every gift, at every level, keeps us going.
Thank you!
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Maine AllCare promotes the establishment of publicly funded health care coverage for all Maine residents.
This system must be efficient, financially sound, politically sustainable and must provide benefits fairly distributed to all.
We advocate that health care, a basic necessity, be treated as a public good, since it is fundamental to our
well-being as individuals and as a democratic nation.
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