What is ‘Medicare for All’ and how would it work?

The far-reaching health care proposal has touched off a fierce debate. Here’s an explanation of what it is and where the candidates stand on it.

The highlights of the plan

A single-payer, government-run health care program in which all Americans are covered and which replaces almost all other existing public and private plans.

Many Democratic presidential candidates back some version of “Medicare for All,” although there are differences in their approaches.

Supporters say it’s the best way to cover all Americans and hold down the costs.

Critics say the cost will be astronomical, ask how it will be paid for, and question whether the government can effectively manage such a massive undertaking.

The nuts and bolts

“Medicare for All” typically refers to a single-payer health care program in which all Americans are covered by a more generous version of Medicare, the health-insurance program for the elderly, that would replace all other existing public and private plans, with few exceptions.

Several 2020 Democratic candidates have campaigned on instituting single-payer health care. Other candidates have described a single-payer health care system as a broad goal and even co-sponsored Medicare for All legislation in the Senate and the House, but have campaigned on less-sweeping alternatives. This can make discerning their position confusing, especially because some argue that their incremental approach will eventually lead to Medicare becoming the default insurance option.

Under a single-payer bill sponsored by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Medicare for All would cover essential treatment with no premiums or deductibles. It would also expand the categories of benefits under the current Medicare system to include areas such as dental and vision coverage, as well as long-term care.

After a four-year transition, private insurers would be barred from selling plans that offered similar coverage, effectively banning them as an alternative. Instead, private insurers could offer supplemental plans that cover items excluded from Medicare, such as cosmetic surgery. Some federal health programs, such as the Veterans Health Administration and Indian Health Service, would continue. Read more

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