Co-sponsors legislation to move national debate toward ultimate goal of universal coverage

Washington (September 13, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today joined his Democratic colleagues in support for the Medicare for All Act of 2017. Senator Markey is an original co-sponsor of the legislation introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), which would create a federal single-payer health care system to provide comprehensive health insurance to every resident of the United States. Specifically, the Medicare for All Act of 2017 establishes a national health insurance program called the Universal Medicare Program. Under this legislation, every resident of the United States will receive health insurance through an expanded Medicare program with improved and comprehensive benefits.

“Most wealthy countries in the world provide universal health insurance coverage, except the United States. That’s just plain wrong,” said Senator Markey. “As we work to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and build upon the important progress we have made, we must also set our sights toward achieving our ultimate goal: universal health care coverage for all.

“Whether you live in Boston, Massachusetts or Bakersfield, California, everyone deserves the chance to lead a life free of the economic insecurity caused by unforeseen medical emergencies or devastating diagnoses. That’s why I support the Medicare for All Act, a bill that will help ensure all Americans have quality, affordable health insurance.”

Other senators co-sponsoring the legislation include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
 
The legislation is supported by: Social Security Works, Our Revolution, National Nurses United, Progressive Campaign Change Committee, Democracy for America, Labor Campaign for Single Payer, LULAC, Working Families Party, MoveOn, All of Us, Demand Progress, Health Care Now, Progressive Democrats of America, CREDO, Public Citizen, Latinos for Healthcare Equality, Americans for Democratic Action, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, DailyKos, Food and Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, 350.org, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, American Sustainable Business Council, Rights and Democracy, Vermont NEA

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