Democrat Pramila Jayapal Introduces Medicare Bill for All



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The measure nonetheless marks a victory for activists and the party's left wing, who have called for more radical action to expand coverage and cut costs. Jayapal says the "Medicare-for-all" bill has more than 100 co-sponsors.

"Is it a daring and ambitious plan? Damn it, that's right, because it has to be it," said the representative in introducing the bill. She called health care a "human right," adding that "whether you are rich or poor, you should have the same quality of guaranteed health care."

The Democrats gained control of the House last year largely by attacking Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with pre-existing health conditions. Since the party took control in January, the debate has focused on how best to expand insurance coverage and reduce the coverage and cost of drugs for consumers.

Several Democratic candidates for the presidential candidacy of 2020 have adopted the program "Medicare for all". The presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Helped bring "health insurance for all" into the political political current when he applied for 2016. He presented a draft of Similar legislation to Jayapal's 2017 law and four other candidates in the 2020 presidential election: Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Senator Kamala Harris of California and Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts – co-chair. sponsored.

Others have called for additional measures, such as an optional membership to Medicare or Medicaid, as some Democrats fear that a too radical appearance will hurt their chances in the presidential and legislative elections. Wednesday, Jayapal responded to those who would say that the proposal is too expensive.

"Just remember that the only companies that can not afford to pass this bill are those pharmaceutical and insurance companies that can not afford to lose huge profits if we adopt this project. law, "she said.

According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 56% of Americans were in favor of a "Medicare for all" system, against 42% who opposed it. However, support for such a plan diminishes when Americans are told that most Americans might be forced to pay more taxes or eliminate private insurance companies.

Jayapal highlighted the support of various unions and public interest groups on Wednesday. She also challenged the notion that ideologically balanced members of the House of Districts would not support the plan. A congressional member who won an electoral district last year – California representative Josh Harder – appeared with Jayapal to support his plan on Wednesday.

The Republicans quickly attacked the proposal. Even though the House, owned by the Democrats, votes and passes the bill, it is unlikely that the Senate controlled by the GOP will approve it.

The National Committee of the Republican Congress – the GOP campaign arm of the House – called Wednesday the "latest socialist idea" of the regime of the House of Democrats.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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