It’s been over two decades since my late husband, Dr. John Shearer, wrote a column in The Press Democrat advocating for a national “Medicare for All” system in the U.S. As a family doctor in Petaluma, he saw firsthand how patients suffered when insurers denied necessary treatments.
Initially mild-mannered, John transformed into a passionate advocate for health care reform. His frustration grew when insurance companies turned down life-saving treatment requests. He would later speak on panels across California, highlighting the shame of denying basic health care to people in one of the richest countries in the world.
Back in 2002, he called for a universal health system funded by a payroll tax and a small progressive income tax. John believed this approach would save money compared to the current system, which is weighed down by high administrative costs and big executive salaries. Today, some CEO salaries in the insurance industry reach tens of millions, accumulating to billions every year.
We’ve learned that health insurers often profit by denying coverage. They now even use AI to quickly reject claims. In 2009, Wendell Potter, a former CIGNA executive, testified to Congress about this troubling trend, revealing how the industry spends vast sums on lobbying and PR to boost profits at the expense of patient care. In a recent piece for Stat, he pointed out that the insurance industry allocates customer funds to manipulate public perception rather than improve health services.
Public discussions around “Medicare for All” often include misconceptions. For instance, a Washington Post editorial recently likened it to “socialized medicine,” yet it overlooked Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical, a health provider utilizing AI to cut costs. This points to a growing concern: while many Americans support universal health care, the conversation is often clouded by misinformation.
It’s been years since John’s commentary and, unfortunately, the U.S. still lacks a robust health care system that matches those of other advanced nations. But there’s hope. In recent polls, a significant number of Americans are backing “Medicare for All,” showing a strong desire for change. Perhaps citizens will band together and push this initiative into reality, making affordable health care accessible to all.
Donna Brasset-Shearer, a cultural anthropologist, continues to advocate for health care reform, drawing on her late husband’s legacy.
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sonoma county, health insurance, medicare for all, john shearer
