Received this e-mail today from Democracy for America:
Republicans -- and even some Democrats -- don't want to admit it but Medicare is the most cost-effective health care system in America today.
Patients who are on Medicare love it. They consistently report a high level of satisfaction with their health care, especially compared to their experiences with private health insurance.
So it would make sense that the very least our country can do is open access to Medicare for everyone, right?
It's simple: Let any American choose to buy into Medicare. Let any employer buy Medicare for their workers.
And, even if you don't buy into Medicare, you will benefit from all Americans having access to it. Because increasing the pool of Medicare recipients increases its buying power, which will increase competition in the market and bring the cost of health care down for everyone.
Sign the petition and tell Congress: It's time to provide a Medicare option for all.
There is strong momentum behind this new front in the Medicare for All movement. This week, Senators Jeff Merkley and Chris Murphy introduced new legislation called the "Choose Medicare Act" that will finally provide access to Medicare for all Americans.
If passed, the "Choose Medicare Act" would enable individuals and businesses to buy into Medicare -- which already covers roughly 14% of the population. Increasing the number of Americans in Medicare increases its negotiating power, helps to lower costs, and would provide fierce competition to private health insurance companies and their never-ending profit-driven increases to premiums and deductibles.
Alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, Democracy for America has been a long-time supporter of Medicare for All. The “Choose Medicare Act” is an important stepping stone on the path to passage of Medicare for All that helps us:
- Welcome new potential leaders into our fight to end our broken, for-profit healthcare system, and;
- Continue to build momentum toward our ultimate goal of a single, universal system with comprehensive coverage that is free at the point of service.
With the midterm elections around the corner -- and Democrats in a position to potentially flip control of Congress -- now is the time to push for a wide-range of big, bold ideas that clearly articulate the inclusive populist vision the Democratic Party needs to build a lasting Congressional majority with a mandate for fundamental change.
Sign the petition and tell Congress now: All Americans should have access to Medicare.
Thank you for adding your name today.
- Eden
Eden James, Political Director
Democracy for America