Congresswoman Jacobs Joins Colleagues as an Original Co-Sponsor of Medicare for All Legislation
Today, the Medicare for All Act of 2021 was officially filed in the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) is a proud original co-sponsor of Medicare for All, legislation which guarantees health care coverage to everyone as a human right. Congresswoman Jacobs is also a member of the Medicare for All Caucus.
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs releases the following statement:
“I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of Medicare for All and to join my colleagues in introducing this vitally important legislation today.
“As a millennial, I believe we must demand a better future for everyone, and Medicare for All puts us on a path to a more just, equitable, and healthy society.
“In the wealthiest country in the world, there is no reason people shouldn’t have the health care coverage they need. No parent should have to choose between feeding their kid and having health care.
“This past year has proven that now is the time for Medicare for All. As millions of Americans continue to face economic hardship and urgent health care needs, the flaws and fault lines of our current system have never been more clear. Medicare for All is an opportunity to build something better.”
The Medicare for All Act expands access to comprehensive health care benefits to every person in the United States. This includes primary care, vision, dental, mental health, substance abuse, prescription drugs, reproductive health, and more. Upon receiving care, patients would not be charged with co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs.
The Medicare for All Act of 2021 includes universal coverage of long-term care with no cost-sharing for older Americans and individuals with disabilities. Under the legislation, the health care system would also have the ability to negotiate drug prices and operate under a streamlined administrative model, reducing costs for patients. Additionally, Medicare for All provides patients with the freedom to choose the doctors, hospitals, and other providers they wish to see without worrying about whether a provider is in-network.
Under the legislation, veterans and uniformed service members and retirees would maintain their ability to use existing VA and TRICARE services and medical benefits.
Over 100 Members of the House of Representatives have joined Congresswoman Jacobs as co-sponsors of the legislation, which was filed by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07) and endorsed by over 300 national, state, and local groups and organizations.