Bernie Sanders Pushes New Democratic Congress to Expand Medicare for All
Summary
Bernie Sanders urged Democrats, who are set to control both chambers of Congress in January, to lower Medicare eligibility to age 55, add dental, vision and hearing benefits, and cover children through age 19. He described those changes as an initial step toward universal coverage, but Democrats are divided over Medicare for All and President Donald Trump could veto legislation.Key Facts
- Sanders is an independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats.
- Sanders said the proposed changes could pass the Senate through budget reconciliation, which can allow legislation to pass with a simple majority.
- The article says Democrats are expected to take control of the House and Senate in January following the midterms.
- Trump has veto power and previously vowed to veto legislation if Democrats took Congress, though he has also said he is open to making deals.
- Some incoming Democratic lawmakers support Medicare for All or other government-run insurance options, but party leaders have not endorsed Medicare for All as the party’s healthcare plan.
- Sanders’ Medicare for All proposal would enroll nearly all U.S. residents in a federal health plan and largely eliminate premiums, deductibles and co-payments.
- The article describes lowering the Medicare age and adding benefits as narrower measures than Sanders’ broader single-payer proposal.
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