Rep. Dingell Issues Statement on Medicare for All Hearing

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 -- Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and co-chair of the Medicare for All Caucus, issued the following statement after the Subcommittee on Health announced a legislative hearing entitled "Proposals to Achieve Universal Healthcare Coverage" including Dingell and Jayapal's Medicare for All Act":

"Every American has the right to quality, affordable healthcare. Thank you to Chairman Pallone and Chairwoman Eshoo for scheduling a hearing on pathways to universal coverage including our Medicare for All Act.

"In 1945, John Dingell, Sr. introduced the first universal healthcare bill. Every Congress, John Dingell, Jr. introduced one as well. The fight for universal healthcare saw significant victories with Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Affordable Care Act.

"But millions of Americans are frightened about pre-existing conditions, escalating prescription drug costs, terrifying out-of-pocket costs, and what happens to their coverage if they lose their job. The time is now to ensure every American has quality, affordable healthcare. This critical hearing is the fourth Congressional hearing on ideas like Medicare for All.

"Universal coverage is at the center of our national conversation on how to improve healthcare in the United States and I look forward to this important hearing."