Sen. Bernie Sanders thinks the arrival of the coronavirus in the United States has exposed the country's biggest weaknesses and should spark meaningful change to American institutions.

"In the midst of the twin crises that we face — the coronavirus pandemic and the meltdown of our economy — it’s imperative that we re-examine some of the foundations of American society, understand why they are failing us, and fight for a fairer and more just nation," Sanders wrote Monday in an op-ed for the New York Times. "If there is any silver lining in the horrible pandemic and economic collapse we’re experiencing, it is that many in our country are now beginning to rethink the basic assumptions underlying the American value system."

Sanders, a former candidate for president and a vocal proponent of "Medicare for all," said the disparities and inequalities in America's healthcare system are on display during the pandemic.

"The absurdity and cruelty of our employer-based, private health insurance system should now be apparent to all. As tens of millions of Americans are losing their jobs and incomes as a result of the pandemic, many of them are also losing their health insurance. That is what happens when health care is seen as an employee benefit, not a guaranteed right," Sanders wrote. "In truth, we don’t have a health care 'system.' We have a byzantine network of medical institutions dominated by the profit-making interests of insurance and drug companies. The goal of a new, long-overdue health care system, Medicare for All, must be to provide health care to all, in every region of the country — not billions in profits for Wall Street and the health care industry."

Sanders, who has been critical of President Trump's response to the virus, said change to America's healthcare, education, and social services programs must be made before another pandemic or financial crisis hits the U.S.

"Simply opposing Mr. Trump will not be enough — we will need to articulate a new direction for America," Sanders wrote. "I get very tired of the politicians and pundits who tell us how difficult it is to bring about fundamental changes in our society. Let’s get to work and get it done."

