‘Medicare for All’ Message Attracts Voters Buckling Under Medical Bills
The idea of scrapping the U.S. health insurance system for a massive expansion of government-funded healthcare isn’t new. But voters hit by ballooning private health insurance costs are rallying behind midterm candidates calling for universal coverage.
Christina Starks-Clay, an early childhood special education paraprofessional, stood in line for a U.S. Senate candidate's town hall in Lansing, Michigan. She had her son's dental bills to pay, a $1,000 cashier's check in hand, but still owed $389. She found herself comparing her financial situation to those who struggled to afford medical care.
Many in the crowd shared her concerns, with some mentioning their own family members facing medical debt. Healthcare workers spoke of patients choosing between medication and food, or having been financially devastated by a medical crisis. Despite the lack of knowledge on how "Medicare for All" would function, supporters of the idea, including Democrat candidate Abdul El-Sayed, chanted "Money out of politics!
Money in your pocket! Medicare for All!" amid the hot sun and long lines. With support for Medicare for All at an all-time high, it has become a symbol of systemic change for progressive politicians, particularly in Michigan where El-Sayed has made it a central part of his campaign.
Written by urgent.news from KFF Health News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
