Health Care
Health care has dominated the Democratic presidential campaign since the race began. Democratic candidates agree on the need for more government involvement in health care but disagree over how much.
By Megan Duzor | VOA News
(Reuters)
All the Democratic candidates support universal heath care. They differ, however, on how to accomplish this. The most ambitious plan is Medicare for All, a bill proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders and co-sponsored by several 2020 Democratic candidates, which calls for a government-funded single-payer health care system, similar to the Canadian health care model. Sanders’ plan lays out a path for eliminating private health insurance, however, not all Democratic candidates who support Medicare for All seek that same goal. Medicare, a federal government program, currently only provides health care coverage for older Americans.
Do you favor Medicare for All or a public option?
Those opposed to Medicare for All support a public option, in which individuals could buy into a government-run health program, like Medicare, or remain on a health plan offered by private insurers. Supporters of a public option argue that those who want private health insurance should be allowed to keep it.
Would you abolish private insurance?
President Donald Trump’s position: President Donald Trump has called Medicare for All a “socialist” plan that would cost the government too much money and would lead to a reduction in health services for seniors. “Every major Democrat in Washington has backed a massive government health care takeover that would totally obliterate Medicare,” he said. His administration has rolled back key provisions of “Obamacare” – the signature health care legislation championed by former President Barack Obama – including a mandate that requires Americans to buy health insurance or pay a tax penalty.
Public opinion
Do you support Medicare-for-all proposals that also allow for private insurance?
25%
No
70%
5%
Yes
Unsure
Do you support Medicare-for-all proposals without the option of private insurance?
41%
54%
Yes
No
5% Unsure
70%
Yes
No
25%
5% Unsure
Do you support Medicare-for-all proposals without the option of private insurance?
41%
Yes
No
54%
5% Unsure
70%
Yes
No
25%
5% Unsure
Do you support Medicare-for-all proposals without the option of private insurance?
41%
Yes
No
54%
5% Unsure
Source: PBS NewsHour / NPR / Marist poll (released July 22, 2019)