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Delegate Ruth proposes study commission on single‑payer/universal health care
Summary
House Bill 4-17 would create a commission to study the feasibility of a universal single‑payer system in Maryland; sponsor said prior estimates showed potential state savings but stressed the need for detailed, modern analysis.
Delegate Sheila Ruth presented House Bill 4-17 to create a commission to study a potential universal single-payer or other comprehensive universal health care options for Maryland. Ruth said the bill does not itself create a single‑payer system but directs a broad-based study to examine costs, legal and federal funding issues and the practical steps for implementation.
Ruth cited a prior Lewin Group study (circa 25 years ago) that estimated a multi‑hundred‑million dollar annual saving under a single‑payer model and said that modernized analysis is warranted because of changes in federal funding and the structure of U.S. health financing. Ken Phelps, speaking for the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and faith groups, urged the panel to “take the first step” and examine the policy.
Committee members asked for a robust fiscal and legal plan; the sponsor said she would seek an academic partner (for example, a university research center) to produce a detailed, nonpartisan assessment to inform further policy work. No votes were taken at the hearing.
Speakers: Delegate Sheila Ruth (sponsor); Ken Phelps (faith community).
