‘Medicare for All’ bill introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal

After much political back-and-forth over Medicare for All, Washington state U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal is introducing legislation aimed at making it happen.

“It is time to ensure that health care is right, and not a privilege, guaranteed to every person in our country,” Jayapal said early Wednesday morning at a press conference in Washington DC. “It is time for Medicare for all.”

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Nobody should have to choose between their health and their livelihoods. It’s time for change. It’s time for #MedicareforAll. Wednesday, I’m leading over 100 of my colleagues in ushering a new era of #MedicareforAll. Let’s make history. pic.twitter.com/znmLTUMgkw

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) February 25, 2019

The Medicare for All Act is a proposal for single-payer health care, which is government funded. The Seattle Times reports that Jayapal’s plan is “more ambitious in scope” than previous, similar bills. The bill has 107 co-sponsors. It proposes services to be covered such as primary care, dental, eye care, mental health, prescription drugs, reproductive health, and substance abuse care.

The Times also notes that Senator Bernie Sanders’ previously-failed Medicare for All proposal would have increased government health care spending by $32 trillion over 10 years. It is not yet known how Jayapal’s health care proposal would be funded, though she has talked about higher taxes on wealthy Americans and knocking down the Trump tax cuts.

Among the supporters are fellow Washington Rep. Adam Smith. Proponents argue the plan could save American families up to 14 percent on health care costs each year.

Health care is a right, not a privilege. Far too many people in our country do not have affordable, quality health care, and this must change. I am proud to join @RepJayapal and over 100 of our colleagues as co-sponsors of the #MedicareforAll Act again this Congress. pic.twitter.com/sWpXgeQAcw

— Rep. Adam Smith (@RepAdamSmith) February 27, 2019

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