A growing popular movement besieges a health policy status quo near financial as well as moral bankruptcy. A single-payer, Canadian-style national health program would assure universal, egalitarian coverage; democratic, rather than corporate, control of key policy choices; financing based on ability to pay; and cost controls that spare needed care as well as health workers' standard of living. Despite a misinformation campaign (generously funded by insurance and pharmaceutical firms) that slanders the Canadian experience, most Americans favor a national health program. The public health community should fight for no less.
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