Sanders will introduce universal health care, backed by 15 Democrats

[workinclasszero]

Sanders will introduce universal health care, backed by 15 Democrats
By David Weigel September 12 at 10:00 PM

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will introduce legislation on Wednesday that would expand Medicare into a universal health insurance program with the backing of at least 15 Democratic senators — a record level of support for an idea that had been relegated to the fringes during the last Democratic presidency.

“This is where the country has got to go,” Sanders said in an interview at his Senate office. “Right now, if we want to move away from a dysfunctional, wasteful, bureaucratic system into a rational health-care system that guarantees coverage to everyone in a cost-effective way, the only way to do it is Medicare for All.”

The bill would revolutionize America’s health-care system, replacing it with a public system that would be paid for by higher taxes. Everything from emergency surgery to prescription drugs, from mental health to eye care, would be covered, with no co-payments. Americans younger than 18 would immediately obtain “universal Medicare cards,” while Americans not currently eligible for Medicare would be phased into the program over four years. Employer-provided health care would be replaced, with the employers paying higher taxes but no longer on the hook for insurance.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/sanders-will-introduce-universal-health-care-backed-by-15-democrats/2017/09/12/d590ef26-97b7-11e7-87fc-c3f7ee4035c9_story.html?utm_term=.71513052c567

[RandiFan1290]

1. Thank you all!!

Glad to see them standing up for all of the people and not just their wealthy constituents.

[democrank]

2. K & R

Thanks to Bernie and all courageous Democratic senators who support this important step toward universal health care.

[Trust Buster]

3. He never supported the ACA. Millions will lose health insurance because of Sanders' ego IMO.

[ehrnst]

7. If I thought it had a chance to pass, I'd agree. But it's as likely as Repeal and Replace.

Because the details haven't been considered, and lord knows talking about what happened in Vermont is VERBOTEN, let alone the lessons learned from it.

I believe that many Democrats are doing what GOP leaders have done who really didn't think that defunding Planned Parenthood was going to produce the result of fewer abortions, and would in fact do the opposite, but knew if they didn't jump on that train, they would be primaried.

[Trust Buster]

9. I agree. What irony it will be if it turns out that the Dems end up killing the ACA.

President Obama was a sober thinking president. He knew how to extract the optimum good for the people relative to the political environment. I fear that millions will lose health insurance because some politicians are chasing a dream that is not politically viable at this time.

[KPN]

11. Really? So it won't be bacause the GOP has rabidly had it in for the ACA

from the get go? It won't be because the ACA was put in place by a guy named Barack Obama, an African-American President? Millions will lose health access all because Bernie Sanders is an ego maniac?

That's silly. Just stop it please.

[Trust Buster]

15. I am merely saying, if the Dems turn away from the ACA and chase single payer, then Republicans

Will be free to de-fund and kill the ACA. After repeal and replace failed, many Repubs are warming up to the idea of fixing the ACA. In that context, I don't think Sanders' timing could be worse.

[KPN]

22. Guess I see it exactly the opposite based on my interactions with

people of all stripes. The timing is perfect. This just shores up the ACA further for now.

[Trust Buster]

31. I can already hear the Repubs talking point in response to this legislation.

They will claim that even the Dems don't support the ACA anymore. After repeal and replace failed, we now have the opportunity to fix the ACA with Republican support. We would be foolish to take our eyes off of that ball. Let's fix the ACA first and then Sanders can cry from the mountain tops about single payer for all I care.

[KPN]

43. They already do claim that and have from the get go. They've already labeled it

socialism and communism. The momentum is with us and single payer. I just got back from a wildfire where I talked with southern good old boys from Mississippi who were saying the health system (not ACA) is broke and needs to be fixed because "health shouldn't be a commodity" subject to capitalistic goals. We need to promote what is right. The majority are with us -- we need to be with them. Not being with them is how we got to where we are as a party. Time to move forward man.

[Trust Buster]

44. We don't have the numbers in Congress. Forward is a fixed ACA IMO.

[KPN]

45. Do you think I am/we are stupid?

Of course we don't have the numbers in Congress. But we will, especially if we push and promote this now. Not doing so would be the Party's death knell ... and most of the nails are already in the coffin as far as I can tell.

Time to get on board man ... or step aside please. I'm just one old man who intends like millions of others to take the party back to its roots come hell or highwater. Why not come with us? We need you.

[tiredtoo]

51. good points here thank you N/T

[Warren DeMontague]

54. ...

[Demsrule86]

71. No, it will Sen. Sanders fault for not introducing a bill that fights for the ACA and a public

option instead of going for something that can't happen and wasting time the ACA doesn't have. The GOP tried to kill the ACA and couldn't , but Sen. Sander may succeed...God help us.

[Autumn]

33. Millions will lose health insurance because the GOP will kill the ACA. One way or the other.

If they can't repeal it they will work on other ways to get rid of it. The GOP will do whatever it takes to get rid of it.

[Voltaire2]

67. You do know he has voted consistently for the ACA, right?

[Demsrule86]

72. We need all hands on deck now to fight for the ACA ...not a single payer bill

[Voltaire2]

74. Those are not exclusive.

We will defend the ACA. We need to win big in 2018. This is one way to do that. That is why many Democratic leaders are getting on board.

[Demsrule86]

77. Show me where any Democrat or Sen Sanders is working on the ACA right now.

And now is a critical time.

[Voltaire2]

78. uh what? At this point in time all we can do is vote against repeal.

There were some feelers put out about actual repairs, but they pretty much went nowhere. It still might happen after the tax cut disaster wraps up.

The point is to change the narrative entirely. We will continue to defend the ACA and we are going to make Medicare for All a campaign theme for 2018. It reframes the whole debate. It is a great way to unbalance the Republicans.

[Demsrule86]

69. I agree.

[Lee Adama]

4. And it will promptly be dead because the Republicans control the Congress.

At least it is out there as an issue to shore up blue districts and perhaps become a swaying point in certain swing districts.

Then maybe we can get it passed in 2019 and have the Cheeto Mussolini veto it and help sway the 2020 election.

[George II]

8. Right - it won't even make it to the floor.

[sacto95834]

18. Baby Steps

You are likely right, but at least the issue is being talked about. Look how long it took to get the ACA....it was seriously discussed during the Clinton era and almost two decades latter it was passed into law by Obama.

Regardless of what happens to this particular bill, it becomes a issue that can be taken to the 2018 mid term elections. It can only help the Democrats. If you can't have the law, you want the issue to run on and keep on going until it does become law. The American public favors single payer, it's only a matter of time.

[George II]

56. The issue has been talked about for decades. John Dingel has introduced legislation...

...every year that he was in Congress. In fact, his father, who he succeeded, first introduced single payer in 1943 during the heat of WWII.

That's at least 74 years that it's been talked about.

As to your last sentence, I really don't think the American public really even knows what it is. Have you seen the "man on the street" interviews regarding health care? Just about every late-night talk show has done them - they ask Americans which is better - the Affordable Care Act of "Obamacare". Almost unanimously they said the ACA, not realizing that they're the same! That's how ignorant people are of real issues.

[HarmonyRockets]

68. And now we have Senators

and probably the 2020 candidate. It's being talked about much more seriously now. No offense to John Dingel.

And instead of relying on late-night talk show "man on the street" interviews, why don't you consult actual scientific surveys? Data has shown for years that a majority of Americans support universal healthcare.

[greatauntoftriplets]

80. IMO, too many Americans simply don't understand how insurance works in the first place.

The "spreading around the risk" part seems a foreign concept to a lot of people.

[dalton99a]

5. Kick

[IronLionZion]

6. It's the pro-jobs pro-business plan

since it is the best deal for employers.

[workinclasszero]

10. Plus it gives voters a clear choice

Republican rich only healthcare/deathcare for the 99% or universal healthcare for all?

[IronLionZion]

14. Wealthy people can still buy luxurious plans if they want to

and pay extra for luxury services to avoid sitting in the waiting rooms with us common folks

[workinclasszero]

16. Fine by me

They can buy Tesla's and Cadillacs too.

I'll still drive my 35mpg beater.

[mountain grammy]

23. Yep!

[IronLionZion]

24. I'll continue to take metro or bus

while the wealthy pay for insurance and parking for their fancy cars.

[workinclasszero]

28. You got it!

[pangaia]

40. To say nothing about Emirates First Class "Suite", Airport Lounge

and chauffeur driven Mercedes at your arrival

[IronLionZion]

63. There are Americans who fly overseas for surgery

since it is so much cheaper even including airfare and recovery/rehab time

[Demsrule86]

73. And they did not choose single payer in the 90's and they won't now either.

It cost too much (taxes) and those with work insurance won't give it up...but we could fix the ACA and get a public option which will lead to universal coverage.

[KPN]

12. Excellent!

We are getting there -- helped in large part by Bernie's persistence and positive thinking. Yes we can! Maybe not his year or next, but it's coming. Naysayers will dwindle and step aside in time.

[workinclasszero]

13. The thousand mile journey starts with the first step right?

[KPN]

19. Exactly --

and then the next one, and the next one, and the next .... Bernie's gotta be on about step 5000 by now. Some of us have only taken a few, some just one, and some have yet to take one (but they will if we keep stepping).

[workinclasszero]

26. More people are joining the walk daily it seems

Some poll said 60% are ready for this. I don't give a damn if the republicans controlled government will pass it or not!

We must do the right thing for the vast majority of Americans and F the damn republicans!

It will give lots of people a real good and personal reason to get off the sofa and go vote against those scumball anti american traitors in 2018 IMO!

[KPN]

27. Like your spirit and style.

[workinclasszero]

30. TY

It's sad that some folks think we should not do whats right because the republicans won't pass it.

We should fight the good fight ALWAYS!

F the odds!

How has this defeatism crept into our thoughts and actions?

It's sad and wrong IMO.

[KPN]

34. It's how we got to where we are IMO.

[workinclasszero]

36. I think you..

..are right.

[Demsrule86]

75. And if we lose the ACA what then?

[UCmeNdc]

17. K&R

[mountain grammy]

20. Is this or is this not what Democrats should be doing?

My answer is YES.. This is what we stand for and have for a long time. The ACA was a bandaid and we all know it. It was Romney's plan. Come on, DUers surely you don't hate Bernie Sanders so much that you would be negative about this. Sometimes I think we're our own worst enemies.

I'm calling my Dem Senator Bennet again today to ask him to get on board with this bill.

[KPN]

29. THIS

And I'm calling Ron Wyden (Merkley's already on board and has been from the get go).

[Autumn]

37. Yes. This is just what the Democrats should be doing.

[Duppers]

38. +100

[workinclasszero]

60. YES it is!

24/7/365!

[Kosey]

21. Bernie and the ACA

Just stop the Bernie bashing.

Bernie helped write the ACA. He was responsible for the inclusion of the health clinics in the bill that are so desperately needed.

The idea of a Medicare for all bill diminishes the ACA is total nonsense.

What we have now is unsustainable. Now 15 democrats support this idea. It's progress and we need universal healthcare no matter how we get there

[KPN]

32. Yes --

I suspect there'd be more support here at DU if this wasn't Bernie's bill. We need to get over the past and move forward united. How can any Democrat be against single payer or any effort to give the notion more life? "Now is not the time" strikes me as just a foil. There will never be a good time given the rationales I've heard for that sort of thinking.

[Duppers]

39. Precisely.

Thank you.

[Kosey]

25. Bernie and the ACA

[Warren DeMontague]

35. Hooray for SENATOR SANDERS and the other SOLID PROGRESSIVE SENATORS supporting this!!!

[Bradical79]

47. +1

[mountain grammy]

58. +2

and a million more.

[judesedit]

41. What about dental care? It can greatly affect your health

[Bradical79]

46. Hmm... not sure about this specific plan he has in mind

With other nations on single payer and hybrid universal healthcare systems, it varies.

[HarmonyRockets]

70. Dental Care is included

as well as vision.

[judesedit]

42. What about dental care? It can greatly affect your health

[KTM]

48. Dental is in there too.

The proposal, which Sanders is calling the “Medicare for All Act of 2017,” looks a lot like the plan Sanders touted as a presidential candidate. As the name implies, it envisions giving everybody living in the U.S., including undocumented immigrants, an enhanced version of Medicare with virtually no out-of-pocket spending as well as dental, vision and hearing aid coverage.

From Hufflepuff article here.

[Joe941]

49. I can't afford ACA so I'm all for this.

ACA is dead no one can afford it. Its time to make healthcare free and a human right.

[SeloverB]

53. Nothing is Free

You'll still pay, but you won't be paying "youge" amounts to profits for the insurance and drug companies, and their CEO's.

[workinclasszero]

61. I'm in the same boat

There needs to be a better answer for people like you and me and many others no doubt.

[SeloverB]

50. About Dental Care

Read the NYTimes OpEd by Bernie in today's NYTimes. Dental, Vision and Hearing are all expanded in the first year, the eligibility age dropped to 55, and everyone younger than 18 included. In the second year the age drops to 45, third year 35, and fourth year everyone is covered.

I just sent $10 bucks to support Bernie and this legislation, and e-mailed my Dem Senator asking WHY he wasn't listed as a co-sponsor. I recommend everyone do the same. If they see a surge in donations as this legislation is introduced, it will send a more powerful message than any number of e-mails will.

[nini]

52. At the very least it'll get the discussion going as to what all this is

Most Americans don't even understand what universal health care is.

[Autumn]

57. Most Americans do understand Medicare which is why Bernie calls it Medicare for All. nt

[nini]

59. Don't be so sure they'll understand that

You give the masses far too much credit.

They think Medicare is for old farts only.. they won't get why everyone can jump onboard unless it is drilled into their heads how it can work.

[Autumn]

62. Family members of those who have it know what it does, that's a lot of people.

Those who don't know can easily grasp it. Which is why talking about it and pushing it like Bernie and the Dems are doing is a good thing.

[Not Ruth]

55. Can we please call it Berniecare?

[ucrdem]

64. Yeah that's gonna happen. Meanwhile the GOP will find a way to wreck ACA while we're gloating.

Sometimes I wonder.

[Arazi]

65. 16 Senators now. Jeanne Shaheen just signed on

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bernie-sanders-single-payer-bill-major-support-senate_us_59b87dc1e4b02da0e13d465f

[workinclasszero]

66. Yay!

[Demsrule86]

76. It doesn't matter. The GOP controls the Senate, House and presidency.

[MontanaMama]

79. I'm hearing lots of nay-saying

about the chances of this bill passing. It may not pass but these conversations are worth having and after a time, one day, it just might be the law of the land. In the mean time, let's keep health care in the fore and let the repukes spout their crazy, exclusive "I've got mine who cares about you" rhetoric. Let them keep showing us who they are. It won't help them with many voters in the long run. I believe we'll get universal health care someday. I think people are ready to talk about what is possible.