· 3 issues
The September 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the healthcare crisis in New York City, highlighting the dominance of large medical institutions, referred to as 'Medical Empires,' and their impact on healthcare access and costs. The editorial critiques Blue Cross for its recent rate increases and its failure to address rising hospital costs, despite being a major financier of healthcare. The issue also discusses the growing consumer and health worker movements advocating for better healthcare services and community control over health resources, as exemplified by protests against Blue Cross. Notable figures include Governor Rockefeller, who advocates for universal health insurance, and the Medical Liberation Front, which actively challenges Blue Cross's practices.
The November-December 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses critical issues in healthcare, particularly focusing on outpatient dumping in Chicago and the implications of Medicare policies on low-income patients. A notable article discusses the challenges faced by a rural physician who opts out of Medicare assignment due to inadequate reimbursement rates, highlighting the broader issue of class disparities in healthcare access. The issue also critiques the Reagan Administration's healthcare policies, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing to advocate for healthcare as a human right. The publication calls for action against the increasing corporatization of healthcare and the negative impact on vulnerable populations.
The Winter 1987 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the intersection of health care and economic crises, particularly in light of the stock market crash and its implications for health care access. Key articles include a critique of the Dukakis proposal for universal coverage in Massachusetts and an analysis of the ongoing struggle for occupational safety and health led by industrial unions. The issue also highlights the National Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, emphasizing grassroots activism in response to the AIDS epidemic and the need for comprehensive health reform. The publication calls for a shift away from profit-driven health care towards a system that prioritizes public health and equity.