Single payer advocates in New York State are vowing to continue to push Congress to move to an expanded and Improve Medicare for All program.
WBFO's Eileen Buckley talked to a member of the statewide group for reaction to Thursday's historic Supreme Court healthcare decision.
Single payer advocates say they will urge Congress to amend the Affordable Care Act to allow states to implement their own healthcare plans in 2014.
Rebecca Elgie is coordinator with Single Payer for the Southern Tier and Ithaca regions. Elgie said "Medicare for All" was never on the table during the President's health bill.
"We feel that was a big mistake," said Elgie. :We feel President Obama missed a golden opportunity to accomplish what we need for the country."
Elgie said those 50-to-65-years old without insurance. Elgie noted many in that age group suffer the most, putting off needed medical care for a hip replacement until the are eligible for Medicare.
The organization is critical of the law that allows health insurers to remain in control.
"So we really have....this model of Medicare has never been challenged....it's ironic that ACA, which has kept with private insurance companies, is the one that has bee n questioned," said Elgie.
Four years ago a state-funded study indicated a single payer system could save up to $28-billion a year.
There is proposed state legislation to publicly finance a single payer system --that's is something advocates now hope will get attention in the on-going healthcare debate.