Bernie Sanders to Unveil Updated 'Medicare for All' Proposal Wednesday

By Jessie Hellmann, The Hill

09 April 19

en. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will roll out an updated version of his "Medicare for all" plan Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

Sanders, who is again seeking the Democratic nomination for president, will unveil the bill alongside Senate co-sponsors, some of whom are also candidates for president.

Sanders last introduced the bill in 2017, with support from presidential candidates Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)

A spokesperson for Booker said he would again cosponsor the bill, but Gillibrand, Harris and Warren's offices did not reply to requests for comment.

Sanders's bill would largely eliminate private insurance and institute a single-payer system managed by the government.

The updated version will also include long-term care, such as nursing homes, which is currently not covered by the Medicare program.

Home and community based care which also be covered.

Medicare for all, and its embrace by some 2020 candidates for president, has been highlighted by Republicans and President Trump, who argue the Democratic Party is moving toward socialism.

Harris faced criticism when she said earlier this year about private insurance "let's eliminate all of that. Let's move on."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), who is also running for president, has not backed Medicare for all, and supports proposals that would create a Medicare public option, allowing individuals who aren't yet 65 to buy into the program.