On November 15, 2023, the Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution in support of single-payer national health insurance. Ernest Ciambarella, MD (Ped Res 1977), and Philip Lichtenstein, MD (Ped Res 1980), worked closely with City Council Members, Jeff Cramerding, and Vice-Mayor, Jan-Michelle Lemon Kearney to craft this resolution. They also worked with many other healthcare organizations and medical professionals around the Cincinnati area to complete this project. Cincinnati is one of 129 cities across the United States to pass such a resolution since 2018. 

The “City Council Resolution in Support of Single Payer,” outlines the city’s support for state bills that are currently pending in the State Legislature in Ohio and federal bills that are pending in Congress: 

• “The Ohio Health Care Act of 2023,” which is Ohio House Bill 174, House Bill 466, and accompanying Senate Bill 253.  

• “Medicare For All Act of 2022,” which are House Resolution 1976 and Senate Bill 4204 of 2022 at the federal level.  

The resolution is non-binding in nature, but it does indicate the city's advocacy for the expansion of healthcare coverage to a wider population and the prioritization of the overall well-being of its constituents. When presenting the resolution to the Cincinnati City Council, Dr. Ciambarella and Dr. Lichtenstein also provided testimony to a subcommittee for further review and discussion. Dr. Ciambarella remarks, “It took about a year to get done. It was interesting because, along the way, we received advice from Drs. [Uma] Kotagal, [Grant] Mussman, and [James] Greenburg,” along with many other healthcare providers. Students from the University of Cincinnati Medical School were actively involved with this project. Students for a National Health Program, or SNaHP, is the student arm of the Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). Working with this range of specialties and generations proved there was ample support for this resolution.  

PNHP and SNaHP are advocacy groups specifically geared toward helping healthcare providers reach out to their local legislators. According to their website, the mission statement for PNHP is “to educate physicians, other health workers, and the general public on the need for a comprehensive, high-quality, publicly-funded health care program, equitably accessible to all residents of the United States.”  

There are PNHP chapters across the country and include over 17,000 members. The Cincinnati Chapter is headed by James Binder, MD. PNHP is a “single-issue organization advocating a universal, comprehensive, single-payer national health program.” According to their website, the group conducts pioneering research on the healthcare crisis and advocates for fundamental reforms. They engage in a range of activities in their capacity as experts, including organizing speaking engagements and forums, participating in town hall meetings and debates, contributing scholarly articles to peer-reviewed medical journals, and making regular appearances on nationally broadcasted television and news programs. Dr. Ciambarella commented, “the website has significant resources to help craft resolutions for local governments, including evidence-based facts available to help support physicians testimonies to government officials.” 

According to the website, Medicare For All Resolutions, and as Drs. Ciambarella and Lichtenstein learned in working on the resolution, local governments are often the ones who deal with the consequences of our current health insurance system. Due to the rising health insurance premiums, municipal budgets, and local businesses, are increasingly under pressure and have to respond when community members face financial difficulties due to medical debt. Therefore, local governments can play a critical role in highlighting the urgent need for an expanded and improved Medicare for All. By passing resolutions, local governments can help to shape the national public narrative.  

“Imagine a healthcare system where everyone in the United States has access to all medically necessary services. A system where preventive care, mental health, long-term care, and prescription drugs are all covered,” said Dr. Lichtenstein. “This is the vision of a single-payer national health insurance system, also known as "Medicare for all." Under this system, a single public or quasi-public agency would manage healthcare financing, while healthcare delivery remains primarily in private hands. It's a bold and inspiring vision for a healthier and more equitable society.” 

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved in the Physicians for National Health Program at the national level, or to find your local chapter, visit the PNHP website. For more information about the Cincinnati Chapter, or for questions in how to advocate in your area, reach out to James Binder, MD over email: jamesbinder3@gmail.com or call (513) 680-3691.