Leading liberal policy group unveils ‘coverage for all’ plan

Published 8:40 pm Thursday, February 22, 2018

WASHINGTON — A leading liberal policy group is raising the ante in the health care debate with a new plan that builds on Medicare to guarantee coverage for all.

Called “Medicare Extra for All,” the proposal Thursday from the Center for American Progress, or CAP, would provide a path toward universal health care coverage.

But in a nod to political pragmatism, the plan would preserve roles for employer coverage and for the health insurance industry. Employers and individuals would have a choice of joining Medicare Extra, but it would not be required.

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That differs from the more traditional “single-payer” approach advocated by Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, in which the government would hold the reins of the health care system.

The plan’s authors acknowledge that the plan would require significant tax increases.