Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced the Choose Medicare Act in the U.S. Senate to provide consumers and employers the option to enroll into a newly created universal Medicare option.
Here's what you should know:
1. Mr. Merkley's legislation would form a new plan called Medicare Part E.
2. Medicare Part E would be self-sustaining and paid for by premiums.
3. The plan would be offered on all exchanges. ACA subsidy beneficiaries could use subsidies to pay for coverage.
4. Employers could also opt for Medicare Part E, instead of offering private insurance.
5. Mr. Merkley believes the plan would create marketplace competition, resulting in lower premium rates.
6. He said, "Every American deserves access to a popular, affordable, high-quality healthcare option. Fortunately, we already have exactly such an option — it's called Medicare. The Choose Medicare Act creates a Medicare option for all, putting consumers and businesses in the driver's seat on the pathway to universal healthcare."