Universal Healthcare and Cannabis Tax Act
Section 1: Title
This bill shall be referred to as the "Universal Healthcare and Cannabis Tax Act".
Section 2: Purpose
To establish a universal healthcare system in the United States, modeled after Canada's healthcare plan, ensuring all citizens have access to comprehensive, equitable, and high-quality healthcare services. The bill also seeks to legalize and regulate cannabis nationwide to generate tax revenue for funding the program.
Section 3: Key Provisions
1. Universal Healthcare System
Establishment of "United States Health Program (USHP):"
- A single-payer healthcare system managed by the federal government.
- Coverage includes doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, mental health services, maternity care, prescription drugs, and more.
- Healthcare services are publicly funded and free at the point of service for all citizens and lawful residents.
Implementation at State Level:
- States will administer healthcare services with federal oversight to ensure consistent standards of care.
Private Insurance:
- Supplemental private insurance will be permitted for non-essential services, such as cosmetic surgery.
2. Cannabis Legalization and Regulation
National Legalization:
- Cannabis will be legalized for recreational and medical use nationwide.
- Age restrictions will apply (21+ for recreational use, medical access as prescribed).
Taxation:
- A federal excise tax of 20% will be applied to recreational cannabis sales.
- Additional state taxes may apply, provided they do not exceed 10% of the sale price.
Regulation:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will regulate cannabis safety and labeling.
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will oversee compliance and distribution.
3. Funding Mechanism
Revenue Sources:
- Cannabis Tax Revenue: Projected to generate $20 billion annually within the first 5 years based on market growth and sales data from legal states.
- Reallocation of Existing Healthcare Expenditures: Transition from private and employer-based systems to USHP will reduce administrative costs and redirect existing federal healthcare spending.
- Wealth Tax: A 1% tax on individuals earning $10 million or more annually to supplement healthcare funding.
- Medicare/Medicaid Redirection: These programs will be absorbed into the new USHP, freeing up federal funds.
Estimated Cost and Coverage:
- Estimated annual cost: $1.5 trillion.
- Projected savings from administrative simplification and negotiated drug prices: $450 billion annually.
- Combined cannabis tax revenue and wealth tax projected to cover $250 billion annually.
4. Transition Plan
- A five-year phased rollout will allow for:
- Training and hiring of medical professionals.
- Infrastructure upgrades to hospitals and clinics.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the new healthcare system.
Section 4: Accountability and Oversight
- An independent federal commission will audit the program annually to ensure efficient use of funds.
- A citizen advisory board will provide feedback to ensure the system remains responsive to public needs.
Section 5: Benefits
- Healthcare Equity:
- All Americans, regardless of income or employment status, will have access to quality healthcare.
- Economic Relief:
- Reduces financial strain from medical debt and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
- Job Creation:
- The cannabis industry will create jobs in agriculture, retail, and regulation.
- Public Health Improvement:
- Legalization reduces the criminal justice burden and ensures safe, regulated cannabis products.
Section 6: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect one year after passed into law, following a comprehensive transition plan.
