Senator, representatives cast different tone on ‘Medicare for all’

Oct. 25--BLOOMINGTON -- Illinois' senators and Central Illinois' congressmen were given an opportunity by The Pantagraph to share their opinions on "Medicare for all." Here are excerpts of their responses.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.:

"This boils down to whether you believe health care is a privilege for the wealthy and healthy or a right for everyone. I believe it's a right for all Americans. The question is how to get there. The goal of Medicare for all is a good one -- we know Medicare works, we know it is the most cost-effective way to ensure what everyone has access to quality, affordable health insurance. There are some details that need to be hammered out, which I continue to discuss with my colleagues."

Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville

"Government-run health care is not the way to fix our broken health care system. Under Medicare for all, people would no longer be able to get insurance through their employer or choose a plan that works for them. It would limit choices while costing taxpayers $32 trillion dollars. It would end the current Medicare system as we know it and that is unacceptable ..."

Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap

"We have attempted the path of government-run health care in the past and we quickly saw repercussions come from it as a result of competition leaving the marketplace and prices skyrocket to unsustainable levels ... Government doesn't run big things well and with the $32 trillion price tag that comes with a Medicare for all option it would ultimately bring profound burdens for future generations ..."

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon

"I support the goals of accessible, affordable coverage and I supported legislation that would have replaced the most burdensome parts of Obamacare while maintaining protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Going forward, the federal government should provide coverage to those in need ... but recognize that a one-size-fits-all government-run system won't make coverage better or more affordable for families ..."

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., did not respond.

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Contact Paul Swiech at (309) 820-3275. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_swiech

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