Emboldened By Win, Some Democrats Begin To Dream Big Over Single Payer System
Now that the Republican health plan has failed, some lawmakers look to pull health care further left, including Sen. Bernie Sanders who plans to introduce a "Medicare-for-all" bill.
The Washington Post:
With AHCA Defeat, Some Democrats See Chance To Push For Universal Coverage
At their first town meeting since the Republicans’ surprise surrender on the Affordable Care Act, progressives in blue America celebrated — then asked for more. Rhode Island’s two Democratic senators, joined by Rep. Jim Langevin, told several hundred happy constituents that the next step in health reform had to mean expanded coverage, provided by the government. “We have to look harder at a single-payer system,” said Langevin (D-R.I.), using a term for universal coverage. (Weigel, 3/26)
Politico:
Sanders To Offer Single-Payer Health Care Plan
Sen. Bernie Sanders said Sunday he planned to introduce a single-payer health care plan to Congress, inviting Republican leaders to negotiate the measure. “I'm going to introduce a Medicare-for-all single-payer program," Sanders told anchor Dana Bash on CNN's "State of the Union." The Vermont senator, who has repeatedly stated his support for such a plan in the past, said he hoped to garner bipartisan support for the plan. (Lima, 3/26)
The Hill:
Sanders Says He Will Introduce 'Medicare For All' Bill
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is planning to introduce a single-payer healthcare bill in Congress. The Vermont senator said during a town hall Saturday he plans to introduce a "Medicare for all" bill "within a couple of weeks," Vermont Public Radio reported. “It is a commonsense proposal, and I think once the American people understand it, we can go forward with it,” Sanders said after the town hall meeting. (Savransky, 3/26)