Kucinich: Medicare Trustees' Annual Report Highlights Need for Single-Payer Solution

Statement

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), coauthor of H.R. 676, Medicare for All, today made the following statement as the Medicare Trustees released their annual report, which finds that "As in past years, the Trustees have determined that the fund is not adequately financed over the next 10 years… Consideration of further reforms should occur in the near future… Congress and the executive branch must work closely together with a sense of urgency."

"The Board of Trustees' annual report reminds us what we already know about the long-term implications of rising health care costs in America; for-profit insurance companies stand in the way of a financially sustainable health care system and Medicare is paying the price with its fiscal strength," said Kucinich.

"Insurance companies make money by NOT providing health care. One out of every three of our health care dollars goes to activities other than providing care, like a massive lobbying effort to protect their profits.

"Even though the overhead costs for traditional Medicare are about 3% compared to the private health insurance industry's 12% or more, Medicare still has to incur the unsustainable medical inflation that results from the for-profit, multiple insurer model of health care. Simplifying the health care system by using only one insurer has been the solution proven to work time and time again.

"The Affordable Care Act has bought us some time by reining in some of the most egregious excesses of the health insurance industry. The reality is that the health insurance industry is the problem. Ultimately, the best way to increase Medicare's financial strength is to extend it to everyone.

"The single-payer solution, H.R. 676, Medicare for All, would allow Americans to see any doctor they want and it provides coverage for all medically necessary services. Single-payer would cover all residents, reduce costs, increase the quality of care, lower costs to businesses, lower costs to families, increase worker pay, and relieve the state governments of enormous financial burdens that come with our health care system.

"Single-payer is the solution America needs."

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