By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Health Care Financing held a hearing on a measure creating a state-run “Medicare for All” single-payer health care system.

“Whether it is visiting nonprofits or talking to constituents working to make ends meet, Medicare for All is at top of mind for many in my district who are frustrated by rising health care costs,” said sponsor Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton). “This includes providers who feel like the current system is no longer working and is driving them to leave their practices. Health care spending totaled over $68 billion in 2021 and those numbers are only going up. Simultaneously, we’ve seen closure of services across the state due, fundamentally, to a lack of profitability. Since health care should be a public good, this legislation treats it as such, ensuring affordable, equitable access.”