Democrats in US House Introduce Radical Medicare Bill for All

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrats in the US House of Commons on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious proposal to integrate all Americans into the Medicare government health insurance program, exploiting public frustration at the rising cost of health care. , become a key issue for the party. he seeks to take control of Congress and the White House in 2020.

The bill, introduced by Washington Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, would move the US health care system to a two-year government-funded "Medicare for All" program. The legislation is the proposal of the most prominent and ambitious single payer party of the new Congress. It has more than 100 co-authors, many of whom belong to the party's progressive flank.

It is unlikely that he would get support from Republicans in the House or Senate, who scoffed at single payer health care as a socialist policy and opposed the government. government interference in health care. It is also unclear whether the Speaker of the Democratic House, Nancy Pelosi, will put the bill to a vote.

"Americans literally die because they can not buy insulin or get the cancer treatment they need," Jayapal said on a phone call with reporters. "Some things should not be provided in the for-profit market."

Medicare currently serves approximately 60 million Americans aged 65 and over, or disabled. Jayapal's legislation would eliminate the age threshold. The new health insurance system would not require any beneficiary to pay premiums or deductibles and would not charge patients for co-payment or patient fees after receiving care.

It does not include new or increased taxes or other additional income to pay for health care overhaul. Jayapal said the possible ways to pay the bill include a tax on millionaires and billionaires, employer bonuses and the removal of tax loopholes for the rich.

The idea of ​​Medicare for all was first proposed by the Independent Bernie Sanders in 2017 as a single payer system that would largely replace private insurance. . It has gained popularity among Democrats who have run for congressional membership in 2018 and is now a central campaigning issue for party members vying for the 2020 presidential nomination.

A Reuters / IPSOS survey in August found that 70% of Americans favor a single payer system.

The health industry is opposed to single payer proposals, claiming that they would ultimately lead to less access to care. Critics include the American Hospital Association and the American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the largest occupational group in the health insurance industry.

"This bill will hurt patients, consumers and taxpayers: Americans will pay more, wait longer, for worse care," AHIP said in a statement. "Let's focus on real solutions that deliver real results, not a single government system."

The House's proposal unveiled Tuesday would not completely eliminate private health insurance, as it would allow patients to take out additional coverage. Many Americans under the age of 65 use private insurance provided by their employer.

A single payer system is variously understood as a system in which the government pays for health care for more people, or a system in which the government has health service providers and manages all aspects of care, such as in the UK -United.

Several US lawmakers have introduced different versions of Extended Medicare, allowing people aged 50 and over to purchase this program.

The new House proposal would cover most aspects of patient care, including primary care, hospital and outpatient services, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, audiology, women's reproductive health, maternity and newborn care.