At last Kaiser is mentioned!

Posted by Carolan Gladden at 8/22/2009 5:07 PM
Categories: Passions, Protesting, Current Events, Life, Ideas, Experiences
Through all the stupidity on exhibit and and the outright lies spewed forth during the so-called health care "debate" -- (on your guard, death squads around every  corner!) I have wondered why on earth someone doesn't hold Kaiser Permanente up as the shining example it is of a provider of excellent preventive-mode medicine? A system that WORKS for more than 8 million members, as well as for its salaried partner physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, hospitals, clinics and staff of all kinds -- and all in a non-profit environment! As my hip surgeon said, "We don't get famous at Kaiser; we don't get rich at Kaiser -- we just do a lot of good medicine."

Henry J. Kaiser was the "Western Colossus" (a great book!) but to be sure, he didn't conceive of the idea of prepaid health insurance, However, he did pioneer the way for kicking a fledgling concept into high gear during WW II.

Not long ago I -- a second-generation Kaiser member and true believer -- actually sent an email to the White House, asking that Kaiser either be encouraged to expand their system nationwide or that the government duplicate their system to the benefit of all. And then I was asked by AARP to tell my Congressional Representatives and Senators why they must pass health care reform. Here's what I said:

I know my California representatives and senators are for comprehensive health care reform that MUST include a Public Option to keep profit-making insurance companies faithful to the people they serve.

I would hope they are also spreading the word how successful the not-for-profit Kaiser Permanente is, not only in California but several other states. Kaiser should be encouraged to expand or at least its methods copied by forward-looking entities everywhere.

The insane lies being propagated by special interest groups are taking the country in a very dangerous direction where everybody shows up with anger and guns -- if sanity does not prevail, we may all succumb.

Keep the factual messages going -- tell constituents the truth -- that: health reform will not hurt Medicare, will not be "socialized medicine," will not ration health care and will not be a government takeover. 

Please don't let the scare tactics prevent ensuring that everyone has access to their choice of health care plans. And do work in a bipartisan fashion -- if that is possible. If not, Democrats, please ram this important legislation through in spite of the loony tune Republicans.

Positively,
Carolan


 

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