Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill providing comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents.

Highlights:

• Establishes that all individuals residing in the United States will have access to a universal standard of care, and will receive a medicare for all program card in the mail containing a unique number for the purpose of registration after submitting a medicare for all application (Title I, Sec. 101).

• Specifies that individuals already covered by a participating insurance provider will be presumed eligible for the benefits under this act, but will still be required to fill out an application in order to receive benefits (Title I, Sec. 101).

• Specifies all medically necessary services provided under this act, including but not limited to (Title I, Sec. 102):

• Primary care and prevention;

• Approved dietary and nutritional therapies;

• Inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care;

• Prescription drugs and durable medical equipment;

• Mental health services; and

• Basic dental, hearing, and vision care services.

• Authorizes that private health care providers can continue to act as private entities, but are prohibited from being investor owned under the provisions of this act (Title I, Sec. 103)

• Specifies that all patients will have the freedom of choice between participating physicians and other clinicians, hospitals, and inpatient care facilities (Title I, Sec. 103).

• Prohibits the practice of selling health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this act (Title I, Sec. 104).

• Specifies that the operating budget shall be used for the following, including but not limited to (Title II, Sec. 201):

• Payment for services for physicians and other clinicians;

• Reimbursement levels for providers; and

• Continued funding for resident physician training programs.

• Specifies that licensed mental health clinicians shall be paid in the same manner as other health professionals (Title II, Sec. 204).

• Authorizes an increase in funding for the Medicare For All Trust Fund will be the result of (Title II, Sec. 211):

• An increase in personal income tax on the top 5 percent of income earners;

• Instituting a modest and progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employment income;

• Instituting a modest tax on unearned income; and

• Instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text