Sample Resolution to Submit to Town for Supporting ‘Medicare for All’ bill in Massachusetts

WHEREAS access to health care has become one of the biggest political issues of the day and is of great concern to ourselves and our neighbors; and

Whereas: The U.S. remains one of the few countries that does not provide universal publicly funded health care; and

Whereas: the cost of health care keeps increasing thereby creating a burden and a concern to us all; and

Whereas: the number of people who do not have affordable access to quality health care increases, the health of our communities decreases, and

Whereas: the cost of health insurance increases and the policies include up front costs of co-pays and deductibles that are a burden for employers and employees.

Whereas, in particular, the money spent by Cities and Towns to cover their employees is a large cost to both the employer and the employees; and

Whereas these funds could be better spent by Towns to improve the overall quality of life, and by employees to increase wages and salaries and other benefits; and

Whereas Massachusetts has been a leader in providing coverage for quality health care for its people; and

Whereas there is an alternative means of providing health care for all that also provides better coverage,without co-pays and deductibles, and includes medical, dental and preventative care.

That this bill is the “Improved Medicare for All,” House Bill #____ Senate Bill #______

THEREFORE be it Resolved:    (Use either one of the resolves as is appropriate for you)

That the Town of ______________ will study the current costs and coverage of Health Insurance for its employees and the effect those costs have had on the Town Budgets and on employee compensation for the last two years; and compare those costs to estimated costs and benefits under the Improved Medicare for All Bill now in the State Legislature.

That the Town of ____________ make public the results of such a study and hold a meeting to determine whether support for the “Improved Medicare for All” Bill is warranted.

Or

That the Town of __________  endorses the House and Senate Bill, “Improved Medicare for All,” and will communicate its support to the State Representative and State Senator.