Support for a single-payer health care system has become something of a litmus test for Democrat politicians among the liberal base. And now liberals have a concrete plan to rally behind, as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is expected to unveil his single-payer health care bill today.
Sanders’ health care plan puts Senate Democrats, especially those who represent a state President Trump won, in a bind. If they refuse to back the bill, they risk alienating liberal activists and donors. But if they stand with Sanders, Senate Democrats will be forced to defend an unworkable health care system with an exorbitant price tag. An Urban Institute report on Sanders’ health care plan last year put the price tag at an astonishing $32 trillion over a ten-year period, as Americans are forced into a government-run health care system. So much for “if you like your health care plan you can keep it!”
“Bernie Sanders’ $32 trillion socialist health care plan will force Senate Democrats to choose between liberal activists and common sense,” said NRSC Communications Director Katie Martin. “Democrats must come clean on whether they back Sanders’ plan for government-run health care, or if they will stand with taxpayers against this unrealistic boondoggle.”