President-elect Biden could guarantee everyone in the US affordable healthcare if he wanted to. David Dayen writes for The American Prospect that, because of the pandemic, a Biden administration–without Congress–has the power to ensure everyone in the country free health care coverage through Medicare. Will Biden have the courage to act and save millions of lives in the process?
Dayen reports that the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services have the authority to give people Medicare for free during the pandemic. A provision in the Affordable Care Act allows this coverage for all people who are subject to an “environmental exposure.” Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic could make everyone in the country eligible for Medicare, if the incoming administration chose to exercise its authority to do so.
Congress might not be planning to enact Medicare for All any time soon. But, in a real way, Section 1881A of the Social Security Act specifically confers the authority on the administration to put in place Medicare for all who want it. Today, more than 2,500 people of Libby, Montana have free Medicare. These people have Medicare because they were exposed to an environmental hazard that could lead to medical issues. So, the federal government is covering their medical costs.
It’s hard to imagine that President-elect Joe Biden will use this power even in a limited way to provide Medicare to millions of Americans with COVID-19 or who have tested positive for COVID and who otherwise might not be able to afford needed care during this pandemic. But, the ACA provides his administration the authority to establish “optional pilot programs” throughout the country, because of President Trump’s public health emergency declaration. Individuals can then choose to apply for Medicare benefits. They will meet the criteria so long as they are in the middle of a “public health hazard to which an emergency declaration applies . . .” There is nothing to stop HHS from establishing such a pilot program.
Indeed, HHS could establish the program for everyone in the country, as everyone is at risk of COVID. Cost of testing and treatment should not impede people’s access to care and would promote the public health. And, Biden has said that he supports free coronavirus treatment and a free vaccine.
What’s more radical: Giving everyone free Medicare or letting tens of thousands of Americans die because the federal government did not do so?
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Coronavirus: Why aren’t we talking about Medicare for all?
- Coronavirus: Medicare covers hospital care at home
- Coronavirus: Where to live as you age?
- You might pay less for insulin through Medicare Part D, beginning in 2021
- How to get free or low-cost dental care
