Health policy
Ruiz says Medicare for All is unrealistic as Sanders presses coverage expansion
Ruiz said Medicare for All lacks consensus, while Sanders wants to lower Medicare eligibility from 65 to 55 and expand coverage.
Rep. Raul Ruiz said passing Medicare for All is not realistic in the next Congress and lacks consensus, as Sen. Bernie Sanders renewed his push to expand Medicare and pursue universal coverage. STAT reported that Sanders wants to lower the eligibility age by 10 years.
Sanders said Democrats’ immediate first step should be to lower Medicare eligibility from 65 to 55, expand Medicare coverage and guarantee universal coverage for children younger than 19 years, The Hill reported. Ruiz urged “bite-sized approaches” while pursuing universal coverage. He also called for reversing Medicaid cuts, reinstating Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and supporting rural hospitals.
