Not to be outdone by Democrats in the U.S. House (here), Senator Sanders (I-VT) yesterday released his latest version of “Medicare for All.” (here) Four other senators running for president in 2020 joined him in sponsoring the bill. The proposal includes:

• U.S. “residents” get free health care. The HHS secretary decides who qualifies.
• There would be a four year transition.
• The young (<19) and old (>55) can enroll first.
• The Hyde Amendment banning federal funding for abortions would not apply.
• Long term care is included.
• Alternative and experimental medicine would be included.
• Essentially all private insurance would be illegal.
• The Indian Health Service and the Veterans Health Administration would stay in place.
• The government would negotiate for cheaper drug prices.
• Some people would get free transportation to medical appointments.
• There would be no wait for disability coverage.
• Conflicts of interest on boards, etc., would be stricter.

There is no specific fiscal note, but the addition of long term care would add massively to the overall unsustainable cost. The bill clearly would outlaw employer-paid health insurance, other private health insurance, and the current Medicaid program. It would force seniors to compete with all Americans for health care access.

Although this Senate plan is very similar to the House version, neither have a realistic chance of passing in the current Republican-controlled Senate.

Having played defense on health care in the 2018 mid-term election, Senate Republicans led by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) released their latest health care bill yesterday, as well. (here) As stated in the press release, “The Protect Act amends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to:

• Guarantee the availability of health insurance coverage in the individual or group market, regardless of pre-existing conditions;
• Prohibit discrimination against patients based on health status – including prohibiting increased premiums for patients due to pre-existing conditions; and
• Prohibit insurance companies from excluding coverage of treatments for a beneficiary’s pre-existing condition. “

So rather than a comprehensive reform bill, The Protect Act only addresses the pre-existing condition issue. This is the most popular part of the Affordable Care Act with the American public. Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) is opposed to dealing with any health care legislation before the 2020 election. It is unclear whether the Senate will consider The Protect Act. The Democrat-controlled House would certainly not pass a companion bill.

Bottom line, the “Medicare for All” crowd continues to try and expand the reach of government, while no significant health care legislation will happen until after the 2020 election.