Commentary: Today, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) put the Medicare for All bill on the table alongside 106 original cosponsors. The Medicare for Act of 2019 paves a path for universal health care enrollment for all United States residents.
“Everyone deserves to see the doctor without breaking the bank. Everyone deserves to afford medication without having to wonder if they’ll be able to put food on the table. However, the current system of health care in this country is outrageously expensive and inefficient. Medicare for All will ensure that every person living in our country has access to quality health care and comprehensive benefits,” said Congresswoman Deb Haaland.
According to the New Mexico Department of Health approximately 21.5% of New Mexicans surveyed chose not to see a doctor when they needed to because of cost. New Mexico continues to be challenged with healthcare coverage and costs with premiums and out of pocket costs increasing by more than $2,000 over the past decade.
Specifically, the Medicare for All Act of 2019:
- Establishes the Medicare for All program entitling all United States residents to benefits for health care services;
- Allows any individual entitled to benefits to obtain services from any provider qualified to participate under the bill;
- Prohibits discrimination by providers or entities administering the program on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, primary language use, genetic conditions, previous or existing medical conditions, religion, or sex, including sex stereotyping, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or related medical conditions;
- Includes comprehensive primary care benefits, preventive benefits, long-term care support and services; dental, audiology, vision services, prescription coverage, hospital services, mental health and substance abuse treatment; reproductive, maternity, and newborn care;
- Maintains existing medical benefits or services under the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Indian Health Service;
- Empowers health care professionals to provide the appropriate care taking into account the patient’s best interest, and;
- Establishes an Office of Primary Health Care, which develops and coordinates national goals related to education of health care professionals while expanding the number of primary care practitioners.