Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce

On Introduction of H.R. 4683,
the "Medicare For All Act"

February 1, 2006

Mr. Speaker, the story of our Nation's healthcare system is one of great success but also one of great failure and missed opportunity. We have some of the finest medical institutions in the world: the best trained medical professionals, cutting-edge technology, and state-of-the-art facilities.

We also have, however, major gaps in our healthcare system. At last count nearly 46 million Americans were uninsured. Close to six million Americans lost their insurance between 2000 and 2004. More than 18,000 Americans die prematurely each year because they lack health insurance coverage. Despite the outstanding job by hospitals, community health centers, and others, our safety net is becoming threadbare. Federal spending on the healthcare safety net declined 8.9 percent between 2001 and 2004, while the need continues to grow even larger.

The time is ripe for action. Today several of my Democratic colleagues and I are introducing a bill to bring the tried, true, and trusted Medicare program to all. This bill will for the first time make Medicare available to those under age 65. Americans will also have the option of selecting any of the plans offered to members of Congress, the President, and Federal employees.

According to the Institute of Medicine, covering all Americans will actually save the country $380 billion a year. That is partly because we are already paying for the health care of the uninsured through emergency room services. By providing people the ability to obtain comprehensive healthcare coverage, they will be able to receive better prevention services and earlier treatments, lowering the cost of their care. All Americans will reap the economic benefits of a healthier Nation.

And this plan will save not only lives, but also American industries and jobs. We currently have an unlevel economic playing field. American companies are competing in the international marketplace against companies that do not directly bear the costs of providing their employees and retirees health care. American companies are doing the right thing, but being penalized for it.

I am pleased to introduce this "Medicare for All" bill today as a companion bill to the legislation Senator KENNEDY introduced yesterday. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge the Republican leadership to let us address the healthcare crisis faced by millions of Americans.

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(Contact: Jodi Seth, 202-225-3641)