Partnership Statement On Tonight’s Presidential Debate

WASHINGTON – The Partnership for America’s Health Care Future issued the following statement in reaction to tonight’s presidential debate:

“Health care once again featured prominently in tonight’s presidential debate, but unfortunately the new government-controlled health insurance systems, like Medicare for All, Medicare buy-in and the public option, proposed by candidates would burden American families with unaffordable risks and negative consequences,” said Lauren Crawford Shaver, executive director of the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future.  “No matter the name, the fact is that these one-size-fits-all new government health insurance systems would force Americans to pay more to wait longer for worse care.  While some candidates tried to portray the public option or Medicare buy-in as ‘moderate’ alternatives to Medicare for All, studies reveal that these new government-controlled health insurance systems would lead to the same harmful consequences over time that Medicare for All would produce overnight.  And rather than saving Americans money, study after study has found that these new government-controlled health insurance systems could lead to tax increases and higher premiums. Today, about 90 percent of Americans are covered, millions more are eligible for coverage, and a majority are satisfied with the health care they receive.  Instead of starting over with a one-size-fits-all system controlled by politicians, candidates should support building on what’s working and fixing what isn’t.”