Potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates have only just started initial jockeying to position themselves for a primary fight. On healthcare, the centrist Democratic group Third Way wants to ensure the party moves beyond Medicare-for-All. |
The organization, which has long opposed single payer ideas, is pitching a Health Care Bill of Rights that would guarantee affordability and transparency for patients.
Shared first with The Hill, the plan includes capping premiums and drug costs for all types of insurance; ending medical debt; creating a health dividend account; banning low-cost, low-coverage insurance plans and establishing minimum federal coverage standards; and banning surprise medical bills.
“Thankfully, the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. That signature law provides a strong foundation to build on, which presents an extraordinary opportunity for Democrats to unite behind an effort that speaks to what the public wants to see—and that is not chock full of high costs like single payer,” the group wrote in the plan.
Some of the ideas have previously received bipartisan support, such as expanding site-neutral payment policies to curb hospital overbilling practices.
A Third Way spokesperson said they are putting out their plan now to offer Democrats a path forward once the fight over the ACA enhanced tax credits is over. Those tax credits expired at the end of last year, and the odds are slim that the GOP congressional majority will revive and extend them.
While the tax credits will likely be a key part of the midterm election strategy, Democrats haven’t yet signaled what comes next.
“Once the ACA tax credit fight is resolved, there’s a real question about what Democrats are fighting for long term. In moments like that, familiar single-payer arguments tend to resurface. We think it’s important to put a clear, affirmative alternative on the table now,” the spokesperson said.
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Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter, we’re Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health.
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