President Trump Is Protecting Americans’ Healthcare From The Democrats’ Disaster

 

Under The Trump Administration, Americans Are Being Offered More Healthcare Solutions And A Lifeline From Obamacare

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TOP TAKEAWAYS

• President Trump has made it his mission to lower healthcare costs and offer Americans more affordable options for getting the care they need.
  • Under Obamacare, healthcare premiums have been exceedingly high for the American people, increasing on average by 105 percent.
• The Trump Administration has issued a rule allowing Americans to carry Short-Term Limited-Duration (STLD) insurance plans for up to three years, a move that could save Americans "thousands of dollars."
  • Individuals who purchase Short-Term Limited-Duration Insurance can potentially pay premiums that are up to 80 percent cheaper than the average Obamacare premium.
• During the 2016 election, Donald Trump campaigned on bringing "flexibility" to state Medicaid programs to allow states to manage their programs "without federal overhead."
  • Under current law, states can request Medicaid waivers and Medicaid amendments to tailor the program to better meet the needs of their enrollees.
  • As of 2018, the Trump Administration has successfully achieved a "significant improvement" in the approval times of these waivers and amendments.
  • This achievement has allowed states to apply more innovative techniques to improve their state Medicaid programs.
• While the Trump Administration is improving America's healthcare, Democrats have proposed a single-payer, government run, healthcare bill that would eliminate private insurance.
  • Although initially in denial, Democrats have now openly supported the elimination of private insurance, which would put upwards of 200 million Americans in jeopardy of losing their health insurance.

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THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS TAKEN STEPS TO PROVIDE AMERICANS WITH MORE AFFORDABLE INSURANCE

In August 2018, President Trump Fulfilled His Promise To Bring More Affordable Healthcare Options To The Market By Allowing Consumers To Purchase Short-Term Limited-Duration Plans

In January 2017, President-Elect Donald Trump Stated That Under New Healthcare Laws, Americans Would Have "Great Health Care" That Was "Less Expensive And Much Better." "'We're going to have insurance for everybody,' Trump said. 'There was a philosophy in some circles that if you can't pay for it, you don't get it. That's not going to happen with us.' People covered under the law 'can expect to have great health care. It will be in a much simplified form. Much less expensive and much better.'" (Robert Costa and Amy Goldstein, "Trump Vows 'Insurance For Everybody' In Obamacare Replacement Plan," The Washington Post , 1/15/17)

In October 2017, President Trump Issued An Executive Order That His Administration Consider Short-Term, Limited-Duration Health Insurance. "In October, President Trump issued an Executive Order instructing the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury to consider proposing regulations or revising guidance to promote healthcare choice and competition by expanding the availability of short-term, limited-duration insurance." (Press Release, "Fact Sheet: Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Proposed Rule," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 2/20/18)

In February 2018, The Trump Administration Decided To Propose An Extension Of The Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Plans To Up To A Year. "As a direct result of this, the Departments issued a proposed rule on Tuesday, February 20, that would change the maximum duration of such coverage to less than 12 months, as opposed to the current maximum duration of less than three months." (Press Release, "Fact Sheet: Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Proposed Rule," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 2/20/18)

In August 2018, The Departments Of Health And Human Services, Labor And Treasury Finalized A Rule That Would Establish Short-Term Limited Duration Plans To Cover Up To 12 Months Of Insurance And Last Up To 36 Months In Total. "On Wednesday, the departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury issued a final rule to help Americans struggling to afford health coverage find new, more affordable options. The rule allows for the sale and renewal of short-term, limited-duration plans that cover longer periods than the previous maximum period of less than three months. Such coverage can now cover an initial period of less than 12 months, and, taking into account any extensions, a maximum duration of no longer than 36 months in total. This action will help increase choices for Americans faced with escalating premiums and dwindling options in the individual insurance market." (Press Release, "Trump Administration Delivers On Promise Of More Affordable Health Insurance Options," The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services , 8/1/18)

Obamacare Insurance Premiums Have Been Crippling For Americans' Wallets, With Healthcare Premiums On The Exchanges Increasing On Average By 105 Percent

In 2017, Individual Healthcare Premiums On The Healthcare.gov Exchange Were On Average 105 Percent Higher Than Average Individual Market Premiums In 2013. "Comparing the average premiums found in 2013 MLR data and 2017 CMS MIDAS data shows average exchange premiums were 105% higher in the 39 states using Healthcare.gov in 2017 than average individual market premiums in 2013." ("Individual Market Premium Changes: 2013 - 2017," The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services , 5/23/17, p. 1)

According To The Department Of Health And Human Services, The Average Monthly Premium Rose From $232 In 2013 To $476 In 2017. ("Individual Market Premium Changes: 2013 - 2017," The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services , 5/23/17, p. 1)

In 2017, 62 Percent Of Healthcare.gov States Experienced An Average Monthly Premium That Was At Least Doubled From The 2013 Average Premium Rate. "Average monthly premiums increased from $232 in 2013 to $476 in 2017, and 62% of those states had 2017 exchange premiums at least double the 2013 average." ("Individual Market Premium Changes: 2013 - 2017," The U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services , 5/23/17, p. 1)

Short-Term, Limited-Duration Plans Offer Americans Cheaper Options For Healthcare Coverage, With Savings Potentially In The Thousands Of Dollars

Short-Term Limited-Duration Insurance Is "Generally More Affordable" Than Obamacare-Compliant Plans, With Some Plans Costing Almost Half The Amount Of A Regular Unsubsidized ACA-Compliant Plan. "Short-term, limited-duration insurance is generally more affordable than ACA-compliant plans. In the fourth quarter of 2016, a short-term, limited-duration policy cost approximately $124 a month compared to $393 for an unsubsidized ACA-compliant plan." (Press Release, "Fact Sheet: Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Proposed Rule," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 2/20/18)

Short-Term Limited Duration Health Care Coverage Offers Limited Coverage And Costs Less Than ACA-Compliant Plans, With Some Plans With Premiums Almost 20 Percent Less Than Bronze Plan Premiums. "Due to these limitations in coverage, short-term policies, not surprisingly, cost less than ACA-compliant major medical health insurance policies. A review of short-term policies offered on two websites, ehealthinsurance.com and agilehealth.com, shows it is not uncommon to find the cheapest short-term policy priced at 20% or less of the premium for the lowest cost ACA-compliant bronze plan in an area." (Karen Pollitz, "Understanding Short-Term Limited-Duration Health Insurance," Kaiser Family Foundation , 2/9/18)

• For Example, In The Fourth Quarter of 2018, A Short-Term Limited-Duration Plan Cost Around $124 A Month Versus An Unsubsidized ACA-Compliant Plan That Cost $393 A Month. "In the fourth quarter of 2016, a short-term, limited-duration policy cost approximately $124 a month compared to $393 for an unsubsidized ACA-compliant plan." (Press Release, "Fact Sheet: Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance Proposed Rule," Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services , 2/20/18)

In 2018, A Study By eHealth Found That Short-Term Health Insurance Premiums Were Around 80 Percent Less Costly On Average Than Affordable Care Act Qualified Health Plans. "Short-term health insurance premiums are 80 percent less costly, on average, than Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) qualified health plans, according to an analysis conducted by eHealth. The eHealth study compared the monthly premiums for the lowest cost short-term health plan to the lowest cost ACA plan available at Healthcare.gov or CoveredCa.com in 40 metropolitan areas served by eHealth.com in June 2018." ("Affordable Coverage: Short-Term Health Insurance And The ACA," eHealth , Accessed 8/3/18, p.2)

In 2018, The Lowest-Priced ACA Bronze Plan For A Family Of Three Averaged $10,340 A Year In Comparison To An Average Lowest-Priced Short-Term Plan That Cost Only $1,394. "According to the eHealth analysis, the lowest-priced ACA bronze plan for a family of three averaged $10,340 a year ($862 per month). The average, lowest-priced short-term plan, by comparison, cost nearly $9,000 less or $1,394 annually ($116 per month)." ("Affordable Coverage: Short-Term Health Insurance And The ACA," eHealth , Accessed 8/3/18, p.3)

Beginning In 2019, Short-Term Limited-Duration Gross Premiums Are Estimated To Decrease By 43 Percent And Up To 49 Percent In 2028. ("Estimated Financial Effects Of The Short-Term, Limited-Duration Policy Proposed Rule," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid , 4/16/18­)

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS SUPPORTED INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS AT THE STATE LEVEL THAT PROVIDE BETTER CARE

The Trump Administration Has Promoted "Flexibility" With State Medicaid Programs In Order To Produce The Best Result For Americans Nationwide

President Trump Campaigned On The Fact That "State Governments Know Their People Best And Can Manage The Administration Of Medicaid Far Better Without Federal Overhead." "Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead." ("Healthcare Reform To Make America Great Again," Donald J. Trump For President , Accessed 8/27/18)

• Trump Pledged That Under His Administration, States Would Have "Incentives To Seek Out And Eliminate Fraud, Waste And Abuse" In Medicaid Programs. "States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources." ("Healthcare Reform To Make America Great Again," Donald J. Trump For President , Accessed 8/27/18)

At The 2017 National Association Of Medicaid Directors, Administrator Of The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services (CMS) Seema Verma Stated It Was A Goal For CMS To "Reset The Federal-State Relationship," Modernize The Medicaid Program, And "Ensure That We Are Building A Medicaid Program That Is Sound And Solvent And Helps All Beneficiaries Reach Their Highest Potential." "Our vision for the future of Medicaid is to reset the federal-state relationship, and restore the partnership, while at the same time modernizing the program to deliver better outcomes for the people we serve. It's what I believe we all want. We have an obligation to help those who need it most, and we need to ensure that we are building a Medicaid program that is sound and solvent and helps all beneficiaries reach their highest potential." (Seema Verma, Remarks At The National Association Of Medicaid Directors 2017 Fall Conference , Washington D.C., 11/7/17)

• Verma Stated That There Should Not Be A "Cookie Cutter Medicaid Program" And That CMS Will Work On "Empowering States To Work With Their Communities, Their Providers, And Citizens To Design A Program That Meets Their Diverse Needs." "That's why Washington shouldn't design a cookie cutter Medicaid program. Instead, we need to respond to this diversity by empowering states to work with their communities, their providers, and citizens to design a program that meets their diverse needs." (Seema Verma, Remarks At The National Association Of Medicaid Directors 2017 Fall Conference , Washington D.C., 11/7/17)
• Verma Stated That She Hoped States Would "Create Innovative Programs For The People You Serve, Because We Believe You Know What Is Best." " As we turn the page in the Medicaid program, CMS wants to support states in their efforts, we want you to create innovative programs for the people you serve, because we believe you know what is best." (Seema Verma, Remarks At The National Association Of Medicaid Directors 2017 Fall Conference , Washington D.C., 11/7/17)

In 2018, Verma Continued To Support The Belief That The Medicaid Program Needed To Be "More Flexible So States Can Best Address The Needs Of This Population," So That The Program Will Make A "Positive And Lasting Difference." "'Medicaid needs to be more flexible so that states can best address the needs of this population. Our fundamental goal is to make a positive and lasting difference in the health and wellness of our beneficiaries, and today's announcement is a step in that direction,' said Seema Verma, CMS Administrator." (Press Release, "CMS Announces New Policy Guidance For States To Test Community Engagement For Able-Bodied Adults," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 1/11/18)

Under Current Law, States Can Request Various Medicaid Waivers And Medicaid Amendments To Tailor The Program To Better Meet Their States' Needs

Medicaid State Plan Amendments (SPAs) Are Submitted By States When They Want To Make Changes To The State Operations Of Medicaid, Update Their Medicaid Information Or CHIP Information, Or To Make Any Corrections To The Medicaid Program. "When a state is planning to make a change to its program policies or operational approach, states send state plan amendments (SPAs) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for review and approval. States also submit SPAs to request permissible program changes, make corrections, or update their Medicaid or CHIP state plan with new information." ("Medicaid State Plan Amendments," Medicaid.gov , Accessed 8/22/18)

The Section 1915(c) Waiver Program Has Allowed States To Provide "Different Services" To Those Who Participate Medicaid Home-And Community-Based Services (HCBS). "The Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program was authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. Through this program, states can help provide different services that allow those who need care to receive services in their homes or communities." ("National Overview of 1915(c) HCBS Waivers," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , Accessed 8/24/18)

• Home And Community Based Services (HCBS) Can Provide Medicaid Beneficiaries The Ability To Receive Services In Their Own Home, This Type Of Program Usually Serves Various Targeted Population Groups Suffering From Disabilities Or Mental Illness. "Home and community based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community rather than institutions or other isolated settings. These programs serve a variety of targeted populations groups, such as people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illnesses." ("Home And Community Based Services," Medicaid.gov , Accessed 8/22/18)
• Under The Waiver Program, A State Can "Waive" Certain Medicaid Program Requirements To Allow For The State To Care For People Who "Might Not Otherwise Be Eligible Under Medicaid." "Under a waiver program, a state can waive certain Medicaid program requirements, allowing the state to provide care for people who might not otherwise be eligible under Medicaid." ("National Overview of 1915(c) HCBS Waivers," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , Accessed 8/24/18)

President Trump And The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services Have Achieved "Significant Improvement" In Granting States This Flexibility

At The End Of 2017, CMS Announced That In Order To Improve Their Approval Processes CMS Would Call States Within 15 Days Of Their Applications, Launch New Tools To Facilitate The Completion Of An Application, Implement Strategy To Reduce The Amount Of State Request Backlogs And Expand The Use Of MACPros For Processing Requests. "At the end of 2017, CMS issued a bulletin announcing an initiative to revamp these processes, highlighting four specific improvements: 1) a call with states within 15 days of receipt of each submission to review the state's request and any critical timelines to help expedite the review process; 2) launch of new tools available to states to facilitate the development of complete submissions; 3) implementation of a strategy to reduce a significant backlog of state requests and 4) expanding the use of MACPro, a web-based system for processing requests." (Press Release, "CMS Streamlines Medicaid Review Process, Achieves Significant Reduction In Approval Times," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 8/16/18)

In August 2018, CMS Announced It Had Made "Significant Improvements" To Managing The Medicaid State Plan Amendments And The Section 1915 Medicaid Waiver Review Process. "Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced significant improvements in managing the Medicaid program in partnership with states. Identified early as a priority for both the Trump Administration and the National Association of Medicaid Director's (NAMD), CMS has implemented changes resulting in faster processing of state requests to make program or benefit changes to their Medicaid program through the state plan amendment (SPA) and section 1915 waiver review process." (Press Release, "CMS Streamlines Medicaid Review Process, Achieves Significant Reduction In Approval Times," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 8/16/18)

• Between Calendar Year 2016 And The First Quarter Of 2018 CMS Has Successfully Achieved A 23 Percent Decrease In Median Approval Time For Medicaid SPAs. "Through extensive collaboration with states on this effort, CMS has achieved the following: Between calendar year 2016 and the first quarter of 2018, a 23 percent decrease in the median approval time for Medicaid SPAs." (Press Release, "CMS Streamlines Medicaid Review Process, Achieves Significant Reduction In Approval Times," The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 8/16/18)
• CMS Successfully Approved 84 Percent Of Medicaid SPAs Within The First 90-Day Review Period, Which Was A 20 Percent Increase Over Calendar Year 2016. "Eighty-four percent of Medicaid SPA were approved within the first 90-day review period in the first quarter of 2018, a 20 percent increase over calendar year 2016." (Press Release, "CMS Streamlines Medicaid Review Process, Achieves Significant Reduction In Approval Times," The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 8/16/18)
• CMS Stated That Between Calendar 2016 And The First Quarter Of 2018, Median Approval Times For HCBS Waivers Decreased By 7 Percent. "Between calendar year 2016 and the first quarter of 2018, median approval times for HCBS waivers decreased by 7 percent." (Press Release, "CMS Streamlines Medicaid Review Process, Achieves Significant Reduction In Approval Times," The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 8/16/18)
• CMS Claimed That HCBS Renewal Approval Times Decreased By 38 Percent And SPAs Decreased By 44 Percent For Long-Term Care Services. "HCBS renewal approval times decreased by 38 percent and amendment approval times decreased by 44 percent for long-term care services." (Press Release, "CMS Streamlines Medicaid Review Process, Achieves Significant Reduction In Approval Times," The Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services , 8/16/18)

By Increasing Efficiency Of Waiver Approval Rates, The Trump Administration Has Provided States The Ability To Innovatively Improve Medicaid To Better Serve Their Citizens

The Federal Government Waivers Allow States To "Innovate" Under Medicaid In Ways That Would Not Be Previously Permitted Otherwise. "Put simply, the federal government grants waivers that allow states to innovate under Medicaid in ways they are not otherwise permitted to do under existing Medicaid rules." ("Medicaid Waivers In The States," National Conference of State Legislatures , 6/7/18)

State Legislators "Play An Important Role In Setting Policies And Overseeing Their State Program's Design And Delivery System." "State legislators play an important role in setting policies and overseeing their state program's design and delivery system." ("Medicaid Waivers In The States," National Conference of State Legislatures , 6/7/18)

Under These Waivers States Can "Leverage Their Market Power" To Manage Healthcare Services To "Create New Payment Models That May Simultaneously Contain Costs And Improve Care." "States can leverage their market power as large purchasers of health care services to create new payment models that may simultaneously contain costs and improve care." ("Medicaid Waivers In The States," National Conference of State Legislatures , 6/7/18)

The Less Time That CMS Spends On Awaiting Approval For SPAs And 1915 Waivers, The Quicker States Can "Implement Their Needed Program Changes." "The less time CMS and states spend awaiting approval for SPAs and 1915 waivers, the sooner states can implement their needed program changes and begin claiming federal funds." ("State Plan Amendment And 1915 Waiver Processing," Medicaid.gov , Accessed 8/24/18)

MEANWHILE, DEMOCRATS SUPPORT A SINGLE-PAYER PROGRAM THAT WOULD ELIMINATE PRIVATE INSURANCE AND PUT MILLIONS IN JEOPARDY

In September 2017, Senator Bernie Sanders Introduced A Single-Payer Healthcare Bill That Has Gained The Support Of 2020 Democrats

In September 2017, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) Along With 16 Democratic Co-Sponsors, Released A Plan To Create A Single-Payer Health Care System. "After weeks of buildup, Sen. Bernie Sanders has finally released his latest plan to create a single-payer health care system in the United States, tugging along 16 Democrats as co-sponsors of the Medicare-for-all legislation, many of whom appeared with him at a buoyant press conference Wednesday afternoon." (Jordan Weissmann, "Bernie Sanders' Big Single-Payer Proposal Skips Over The Hardest Thing About Single-Payer," Slate , 9/13/17)

• Sanders' 16 Co-Sponsors Were There For The Unveiling Of The Bill In Front Of "Nearly 300 Attendees And Heavy Coverage From Cable News," A Dramatic Change From When Sanders Introduced The Bill In 2013 With Zero Co-Sponsors. "Sanders released his 'Medicare for all' plan in a large Senate hearing room Wednesday, with nearly 300 attendees and heavy coverage from cable news. The bill has 16 co-sponsors, which is a big turnaround when he introduced a similar bill in 2013 without a single co-sponsor." (Rachel Roubein, "Senator Asks For CBO Score Of Sanders's Single-Payer Bill," The Hill , 9/14/17)

A Number Of "Potential 2020 Candidates" Co-Sponsored The Bill Including Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), And Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). "Even more telling is the number of potential 2020 contenders who have decided to get on board with the plan. Sens. Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Elizabeth Warren each took turns at the podium Wednesday extolling the virtues of socialized health insurance." (Jordan Weissmann, "Bernie Sanders' Big Single-Payer Proposal Skips Over The Hardest Thing About Single-Payer," Slate , 9/13/17)

Under Sanders' Proposal, It Would Generally Be "Unlawful" For Private Health Insurers To Sell Health Insurance To Americans. "SEC. 107. PROHIBITION AGAINST DUPLICATING COVERAGE. (a) In General.-Beginning on the effective date described in section 106(a), it shall be unlawful for- (1) a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act; or (2) an employer to provide benefits for an employee, former employee, or the dependents of an employee or former employee that duplicate the benefits provided under this Act." ( S.1804 , Introduced 9/13/17)

Aspiring 2020 Democratic Presidential Contenders Have Begun To Outwardly Support The Elimination Of The Private Health Insurance

In January 2019, During An Iowa Town Hall With CNN'S Jake Tapper, Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) Said That She Wanted To "Eliminate" Private Insurance And "Move On." SEN. KAMALA HARRIS (D-CA): "Well, listen, the idea is that everyone gets access to medical care, and you don't have to go through the process of going through an insurance company, having them give you approval, going through the paperwork, all of the delay that may require. Who of us has not had that situation where you've got to wait for approval, and the doctor says, well, I don't know if your insurance company is going to cover this. Let's eliminate all of that. Let's move on." (" CNN Town Hall With Jake Tapper ," 1/28/19)

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In February 2019, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Called The Elimination Of All Private Health Plans An "Urgent Goal." HOST OF THE LOVETT OR LEAVE IT PODCAST: "Uh, you campaigned on access to Medicare, you signed onto Bernie's bill for a single-payer plan. One of the debates we've had recently is around what happens to private insurance. Should ending private insurance as we know it be a Democratic Party goal and do you think it's an urgent goal?" SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND (D-NY): "Oh yea, it is a goal and an urgent goal, but let me explain. I ran on Medicare-For-All in 2006, in my upstate New York two-to-one Republican District. And the reason I ran on that message was because I listened first. I traveled around the district, asking people what's on your mind, what's your worry. Overwhelmingly they said, I'm worried about access to healthcare." (Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Remarks On The Lovett Or Leave It Podcast , 2/9/19)

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In March 2019, Sanders Reaffirmed His Support For Eliminating Private Insurance By Claiming That A Successful Healthcare System Would Also Include "Get[ting] Rid Of The Insurance Companies." MSNBC'S CHRIS HAYES: "So there's lots of people running on Medicare-For-All, but there's been some interesting sort of debate about what it means. And there's sort of two different ways people are talking about it now, one is what you've talked about a four year phase in, you lower it and you get Medicare-For-All. The other is the idea sort of a Medicare buy-in right? So you don't say everybody is in the Medicare system, you just say everyone has the option to, you can actually buy into Medicare rates. That's called "Medicare For America" there's a bill with that name in the house. That is polling very well right now, 51 to 30 percent, whereas the sort of more traditional Medicare-For-All that you support is even. What do you think about that as an alternative, why not sort of slide towards the system in an optional way." SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT): "Because ultimately we have to recognize that the current system is incredibly dysfunctional and wasteful. It's goal is to make profit for the insurance companies and the drug companies. You are not gonna be able in the long run have cost-effective, universal healthcare unless you change the system, unless you get rid of the insurance companies, unless you stand up to the greed of the drug companies and lower prescription drug costs. That's the only way that you can provide quality care to all people. I look at healthcare, Chris, the same way as I look at public education, the same way I look at police protection, fire protection. All people get it regardless of their income, it is publicly funded, that is the most cost effective way to provide healthcare to all. (MSNBC's " Live With Chris Hayes ," 3/26/19)

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In Eliminating Private Health Insurance, Upwards Of 200 Million People Would Be In Danger Of Losing Their Health Insurance, Including Retirees Who Have Purchased A Medicare Advantage Plan

As Of December 2017, There Were At Least 59 Million Medicare Recipients Nationwide. ("Medicare Enrollment Dashboard," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid , Accessed 1/29/19)

Of Those Medicare Recipients, Upwards Of 20 Million Recipients Were Enrolled In Medicare Advantage Plans. ("Medicare Enrollment Dashboard," Centers For Medicare And Medicaid , Accessed 1/29/19)

• Medicare Advantage Plans Are A "Lower-Cost Alternative" To Retiree Healthcare. "Retiree health care costs are taking an ever-growing bites out of seniors' income. So it's no surprise that Medicare Advantage plans are booming in popularity as a lower-cost alternative." (Phillip Moeller, Op-Ed, "The Hidden Risks Of Those Popular Medicare Advantage Plans," Time , 5/26/16)
• Medicare Advantage Plans Are Offered By Private Companies Approved By Medicare, And Under These Plans Beneficiaries Receive Hospital Insurance (Medicare Part A) And Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B Coverage.) "Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called 'Part C' or 'MA Plans,' are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. You'll get your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage from the Medicare Advantage Plan and not Original Medicare." ("How Do Medicare Advantage Plans Work?," Medicare.gov , Accessed 9/10/18)

According To A 2017 Kaiser Family Foundation Estimate, Upwards Of An Additional 181 Million Americans Have A Private Health Insurance Plan . ("Health Insurance Coverage Of The Total Population," Kaiser Family Foundation , Accessed 1/29/19)

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