The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County hosted a panel discussion about single payer health insurance on Thursday, Nov. 16 in the Sequoia Room of the Humboldt County Office of Education. The panel included Kathy Hayes, Regional Director of Community Benefits for St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt County; Dr. Ann Lindsay, Humboldt County Health Officer; Dr. Scott Sattler; and Kathy Sattler, FNP. HCA’s DVD “The Healthcare Solution: California OneCare” was shown.

A lively discussion followed with many questions about how this legislation would affect Humboldt County in particular and rural areas in general. Physician and hospital reimbursement, and the importance of supporting health care facilities in rural areas were explored. Difficulties physicians have in communicating with insurance companies were noted. Some teachers among the audience observed that single payer would help greatly to lift the cost burden on local school districts. There was general dismay about the poor ranking of the U.S. as compared to other industrialized nations.

People ended the evening asking what they could do to help spread the word, and committing to the grassroots effort to provide healthcare for everyone in the state.

An interesting and educational evening for all the more than 50 people who participated!