Medicare Law: Medicare Reform Proposals

This is the text of the Medicare for All Act which Bernie Sanders is sponsoring in the US Senate. It is a single national health insurance program for all U.S. residents.

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), with sponsorship from 11 other Democrats, including Corey Booker, has introduced a bill to create a Medicare health plan for all ages that would be offered in state and federal health exchanges, as well as the employer-sponsored market. It would be called Medicare Part E. Under their Medicare buy-in framework, workers could leave their company’s insurance for the new public plan — but only if their employer decides to allow it. The bill does include a provision, however, allowing workers to keep the government plan once they sign up, even after they leave their current job.

Sen. Whitehouse's bill would allow small employers who are currently eligible to buy insurance through the ACA’s marketplaces to be allowed to participate in the Medicare buy-in. Workers at larger firms would be frozen out, however.

A new public plan option that would be offered to individuals only through the ACA marketplace by Sen. Cardin.

Sen. Stabenow's bill would allow any American 50 years or older to buy into Medicare, including those who currently receive health insurance through their job. Enhances cost sharing subsidies.

Rep. Higgins' bill would allow individuals over 50 to buy into Medicare, but would not increase subsidies.

A new national health insurance program for all U.S. residents with an opt out for qualified coverage, sponsored by Rep. DeLauro and Rep. Schakowsky. It eventually foresees getting to a very similar level of coverage as the Medicare-for-all proposals in Congress, by enrolling all newborns into a government health plan and taking steps that would diminish the role of employer-sponsored coverage.

Sen. Kaine's bill would allow small employers eligible for ACA coverage to buy into Medicare, but large employers could not. Supported by candidate Michael Bennet.

Bolsters Medicare Advantage in relation to traditional Medicare. Also proposes raise in retirement age for eligibility for Social Security. Also proposes more work requirements for Medicaid recipients.

Rep. Lujan's act would have a state public option through Medicaid.

Kaiser Family Foundation 5/15/2019

Vox 6/21/19

Vox 7/23/19

Vox 1/28/19

Washington Post 8/9/19

Has also been dubbed Medicare Advantage for All. Politico 7/29/19

Vox 1/14/20

Elizabeth Warren's 10 year plan to transition to Medicare for All. 11/1/19.

11/18/19 Warren fleshes out her Medicare for All plan.

Vox 9/18/19. Has a public option that would automatically enrolled people not covered by employer health insurance. Employees could buy into the public options. Increases subsidies on the exchanges.