California
Congressman Pete Stark introduces AmeriCare…
Groundbreaking legislation would
provide universal coverage by building on Medicare and the employer
system
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), Ranking
Democrat on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, today introduced
the “AmeriCare Health Care Act” with the support of U.S.
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and more than 25 of their
colleagues. AmeriCare is a simple and practical proposal for
universal health coverage that builds on both Medicare and the
employer-based system.
“Debates on healthcare tend to occur every ten to fifteen
years, when costs rise to a level that attracts national
attention. As we edge closer to our next discussion, the
fundamental question before us is if medical care is a civic
and social right like police and fire services, education,
and national defense,” said Stark. “While Republicans are
fixated on outlawing gay marriage, stem cell research, and
flag burning, I am offering a new direction for health care
in America. AmeriCare builds on Medicare, an efficient,
popular, and successful program, to provide universal
coverage with minimal disruption to our current system.”
Under the “AmeriCare Health Care Act,” people would either
receive coverage through their employer or through AmeriCare,
a new program modeled on Medicare. AmeriCare would provide
preventive, physician, hospital, and mental health services,
as well as maternity coverage and an affordable prescription
drug benefit. It would also impose a limit on out-of-pocket
costs.
Now,
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