Tom Steyer, a California gubernatorial candidate, recently announced his support for a single-payer health care system, reversing his prior stance. Steyer previously believed the US could control healthcare costs through technological innovation and private sector involvement, but now recognizes the need to eliminate the profits of intermediaries. Steyer, who ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary advocating for a “Right to Health” plan, now aligns with the views of Bernie Sanders. Polling indicates Steyer currently has limited support within the California electorate.
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Representative Pramila Jayapal is preparing to present polling data to fellow House Democrats in order to advocate for Medicare for All as a key policy goal. The survey, conducted by GQR Research, revealed that a majority of voters nationally and in battleground districts support Medicare for All. This echoes similar findings from Data for Progress and demonstrates continued public interest in comprehensive healthcare reform. Democrats aim to address the issues of healthcare reform ahead of the 2026 midterms, as the current system leaves millions uninsured and burdened by medical debt.
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A recent Pew Research survey revealed that roughly two-thirds of Americans believe the government should provide healthcare coverage for all citizens. While opinions are split on how to achieve this, 35% favor a single-payer system, and 31% support a mix of private and government programs. This survey arrives as over 22 million Americans anticipate higher healthcare costs, particularly with the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Furthermore, political divisions persist, with Democrats largely supporting government-provided healthcare, while Republicans are more divided on the issue.
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Following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Luigi Mangione’s legal defense fund has garnered significant support, reflecting widespread frustration with the for-profit healthcare system. Supporters, spanning various political viewpoints, see the alleged act as a response to the dehumanizing practices of the healthcare industry. While public sentiment suggests discontent, the article questions whether this support will translate into meaningful change. The author proposes a shift from protest to direct action, such as a strike by healthcare providers against aspects of their work dictated by corporate control, to reclaim healthcare for all.
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Republicans are poised to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, yet have been notably secretive about their replacement plans. Despite the looming expiration of ACA subsidies, leading to massive premium hikes, the party has not publicly disclosed any healthcare reform proposals. Even within the GOP, details remain scarce, with members like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressing frustration over the lack of a defined plan. Suggestions of reintroducing high-risk pools, a pre-ACA approach fraught with issues, are being floated, but no comprehensive plan is ready, leaving millions facing potentially unaffordable healthcare costs.
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Health insurance premiums are expected to experience a significant surge, potentially the largest in years, attributed to factors such as Republican actions and trade war threats. According to reports, costs could rise substantially without congressional intervention to renew enhanced subsidies. In response, advocates of Medicare for All are urging Americans to consider this alternative as a cost-saving measure, citing potential savings in both finances and lives. They emphasize that a universal healthcare system could eliminate the need for private insurance and its associated costs.
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Healthcare for all is a growing movement, with Oregon taking steps towards implementing a universal healthcare system. The state’s Universal Health Plan Governance Board has researched the impacts of such a system and found it would improve health outcomes and be more cost-effective. Despite potential pushback, the plan is scheduled to be completed by September 2026 and could go to a vote as early as January 2027. Supporters, organized through groups like Healthcare for All Oregon (HCAO), are working to raise awareness and ensure the legislation’s success.
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Former President Obama has publicly criticized a Republican bill advancing through Congress, warning of significant healthcare coverage losses for millions of Americans. The legislation, designed to fund Trump-era tax cuts, would eliminate coverage for an estimated 10.7 million people over a decade by enacting stricter Medicaid eligibility requirements and reducing marketplace insurance plans. These changes, including work requirements and shortened enrollment periods, would disproportionately affect low-income individuals and families. The bill’s cost-cutting measures have even drawn criticism from some within the Republican party, and industry experts predict significant instability in the healthcare market should the legislation pass.
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Republican efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA), included within the broader “Big Beautiful Bill,” could significantly harm millions. These changes, while seemingly small and technical, would result in an estimated 4 million additional uninsured Americans and increased healthcare costs for many others through alterations to enrollment procedures and eligibility criteria. The proposed cuts also reduce funding for support services, hindering access for those already facing difficulties navigating the system. These actions, coupled with potential expiration of temporary ACA subsidies, threaten further enrollment decreases and market instability.
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California Governor Newsom’s recent proposal to scale back free healthcare for migrants is sparking significant debate. The core of the plan involves implementing a $100 monthly premium for undocumented adults currently enrolled in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program.
This change is slated to begin in 2026, when the state would also halt new adult applications for the program. Importantly, the governor’s office has stated that healthcare coverage for children and limited-scope services like emergency and pregnancy care will remain unaffected. These adjustments are projected to generate state savings of $5.4 billion by 2028-2029.
The rationale behind this shift appears multifaceted. One key element is the significant strain on the Medi-Cal budget.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood