Fifty years ago, on July 1, 1962, Saskatchewan introduced the first universal health insurance program in North America. The United States Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a fitting birthday present. Even though the Act was passed two years ago it now has legs.
Granted the American plan may be better for the insurance companies and private hospital chains than the population. Nonetheless, it establishes that the Untied States can make health care accessible to all. It is a step towards a more functional, equitable, democratic and sustainable system.
Congratulations to the CCF-NDP and those prairie activists who started a movement that has now spread across North America.
