Medicare for All Act
Medicare for All Act
Plain Language Summary
# Medicare for All Act Summary **What It Would Do:** The Medicare for All Act would create a single, government-run health insurance program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services that would cover all U.S. residents. The program would automatically enroll people upon birth or when they become residents. It would cover a comprehensive range of services including hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, dental and vision services, long-term care, and reproductive care—with no out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or copayments.
Private insurance would still exist but only to supplement this national program, not replace it. **Who It Affects:** This bill would affect virtually every American, as it would replace the current mixed system of private insurance, employer-based coverage, and government programs (Medicare, Medicaid) with one unified system. It would eliminate private health insurance as the primary coverage option, though insurers could continue offering supplemental plans. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee in the 119th Congress and was introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). It has not yet been voted on by the full House. Similar versions of this bill have been introduced in previous congressional sessions but have not become law.
CRS Official Summary
Medicare for All Act This bill establishes a national health insurance program that is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Among other requirements, the program must (1) cover all U.S. residents; (2) provide for automatic enrollment of individuals upon birth or residency in the United States; and (3) cover items and services that are medically necessary or appropriate to maintain health or to diagnose, treat, or rehabilitate a health condition, including hospital services, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, dental and vision services, long-term care, gender affirming care, and reproductive care, including contraception and abortions. The bill prohibits cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments) and other charges for covered services. Additionally, private health insurers and employers may only offer coverage that is supplemental to, and not duplicative of, benefits provided under the program. Health insurance exchanges and specified federal health programs terminate upon program implementation. However, the program does not affect coverage provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Indian Health Service. The bill also establishes a series of implementing provisions relating to (1) health care provider participation; (2) HHS administration; and (3) payments and costs, including the requirement that HHS negotiate prices for prescription drugs. Individuals who are age 18 or younger, age 55 or older, or already enrolled in Medicare may enroll in the program starting one year after enactment of this bill; other individuals may buy into the program at this time. The program must be fully implemented two years after enactment.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Workforce, Rules, Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.