Axios · U.S. · New York · Axios
Democratic socialists give new life to Medicare for All
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Democratic socialist and progressives' success in this year's primaries is evidence of new enthusiasm for Medicare for All plans that many centrists have long dismissed as costly pipe dreams.
Key facts
- In Colorado last week, Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old attorney backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated 15-term Rep
- Reality check: The Medicare for All cause is mostly a vessel to showcase public frustration with the health system, since Republicans and President Trump would block any single-payer legislation
- Some Democratic insurgents are going beyond Medicare for All and floating other sweeping health care changes to tap into voter frustrations
- The intrigue: Incumbents like DeGette and New York Reps
Summary
The health affordability crisis and widespread frustration with the medical system are fueling a new appetite for big-government solutions to address drug prices, insurance premiums and long-term care costs. "This does feel like a moment where the Democratic base is looking for bigger ideas that go beyond incremental policies," said Larry Levitt, executive vice president of policy at KFF. In Colorado last week, Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old attorney backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated 15-term Rep. Kiros called for a single-payer health system and accused DeGette, herself a backer of Medicare for All, of being in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies and big health insurers.