Rep. Delgado Calls for Public Option on House Floor

WASHINGTON, April 2 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release:

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- Yesterday, Delgado led introduction of Medicare-X Choice Act

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Following Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) leading the introduction of the Medicare-X Choice Act, Delgado today delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives highlighting the importance of the bill and why our country needs universal health care coverage.

You can watch Delgado's remarks here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYaa1jq3qO0&t=10s).

"Our constituents expect us to take on the big issues impacting their lives. We must roll up our sleeves and get to work so we can lower the cost of coverage for all Americans," Delgado said. "With this bill, we're introducing more choice and more competition to the marketplace, starting in the places that need it most--like rural areas with provider shortages. This much-needed competition will drive down costs for everyone."

The Medicare-X Choice Act would combine Medicare physician networks and reimbursement rates with Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage standards to create a new, public health insurance option available to all Americans. Additional details on the bill are here (https://delgado.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-delgado-larson-and-higgins-announce-house-companion-medicare-x-bill).

Transcript:

Today I rise to highlight the need for our country to finally achieve universal health care coverage. As the wealthiest country in the world, there is simply no excuse for us to be the only developed country left without universal health care. There are a lot of different ways to achieve universal health care - and I believe that a public option is the best way for us to get there.

That's why I was pleased yesterday to introduce the Medicare-X Choice Act, which will finally bring our country to universal health care coverage. My bill would combine Medicare physician networks and reimbursement rates with ACA coverage standards to create a new, public option available to all Americans. My bill would allow those who are happy with their employer-provided insurance to keep it, while offering another, more affordable coverage option to those in need.

With this bill, we're introducing more choice and more competition to the marketplace, starting in the places that need it most--like rural areas with provider shortages. This much-needed competition will drive down costs for everyone.

Our constituents expect us to take on the big issues impacting their lives. This should not be a partisan issue. We must roll up our sleeves and get to work so we can lower the cost of coverage for all Americans.