ANALYSIS: Bernie's Single Payer Healthcare Proposal

[Progressive2020]

9. Wealthy People

Wealthy People will still be free to spend their money on advanced medical care. Medicare for All is a baseline. It provides basic care for all Americans. Plans that offer more than baseline coverage will probably still be available to people who want to pay extra for extra coverage. I believe that these are called Medicare Advantage Plans under the current Medicare system.

If the wealthy want to fly to Switzerland to get highly advanced medical care unavailable to others, no one is stopping them. Furthermore, the wealthy would probably also save under Medicare for All. Basic care will be provided to all, and will be more cost effective with a reduction in administrative costs and a focus on preventive care versus more expensive sick care.

I am not saying that Medicare for All would be a magic bullet, but I am really not concerned about the health care for the Rich. They are going to continue to do well. They already have access to the best care, and that would not change if average people get covered under Medicare for All. The wealthy will do fine under any circumstance. They are wealthy, and will have the resources regardless of what everyone else has.