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:

“The Partnership welcomes and supports an open discussion on how to make sure every American has access to affordable, high-quality coverage, but candidates’ calls for one-size-fits-all new government health insurance systems on tonight’s debate stage would have severe consequences for American families,” said Lauren Crawford Shaver, executive director of the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future.  “Whether overnight or over time – new government health insurance systems – namely Medicare for All, Medicare buy-in and the public option – would force Americans into the same one-size-fits all system controlled by politicians.  And studies show that no matter the name, new government health insurance systems would force Americans to pay more to wait longer for worse care.  Today, nearly 90 percent of Americans are covered, millions more are eligible for coverage and a majority are satisfied with the health care they receive.  Candidates should focus on building on what’s working and fixing what isn’t, instead of starting over with a one-size-fits-all system.”