Sen. Bill Cassidy
William (Bill) Morgan CassidyThe Hill's Morning Report - Democratic debates: Miami nice or spice? Overnight Health Care — Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids — Poll finds Trump vulnerable on health care in battleground states | HHS must respond to petition on abortion referral ban by Thursday | Wyden presses health officials about CBD regulations The Hill's 12:30 Report: New revelations from Trump's exclusive sit-down with The Hill MORE (R-La.) said on Wednesday that 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls' talk about Medicare for All shows that Democrats are unhappy with the current state of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare.
“The fact that Democrat candidates are calling for Medicare for All, clearly indicates they understand there are incredible flaws with the Affordable Care Act, and they would like to scrap it,” Cassidy, who has a medical background, told The Hill's editor-in-chief Bob Cusack
Robert (Bob) CusackLawmakers map out path forward on Medicare Part D Overnight Health Care — Sponsored by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids — Trump issues order to bring transparency to health care prices | Fight over billions in ObamaCare payments heads to Supreme Court Overnight Health Care: Key Trump drug pricing proposal takes step forward | Missouri Planned Parenthood clinic loses bid for license | 2020 Democrats to take part in Saturday forum on abortion rights MORE at The Hill’s Future of Healthcare Summit.
The event was sponsored by Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Horizon, Amgen Biosimilars, and partnered with the American Public Health Association.
Cassidy, who has led previous failed efforts to repeal and replace the 2010 law, struck a bipartisan tone, saying discontent on the health care law could lead to changes both sides can agree on.
“I think I can say I’ve recognized those flaws for a little bit longer, and I would like to address it as well,” he continued. “Hopefully we come together on that.”
Health care proved to be a major motivation for Democratic voters in 2018, with candidates warning that electing and re-electing Republicans would result in more uninsured Americans.
Medicare for All has become a major issue in the Democratic primary, with the idea being brought to the forefront by Sens. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth Ann WarrenDon't expect Trump-sized ratings for Democratic debates Poll: Biden leads Democratic field by 6 points, Warren in second place Senate Health Committee advances bipartisan package to lower health costs MORE (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders
Bernie Sanders2020 Democrats spar over socialism ahead of first debate 'Teflon Don' avoids the scorn of the 'family values' GOP — again Don't expect Trump-sized ratings for Democratic debates MORE (I-Vt.).
But the idea has not gained traction among all Democrats.
Cassidy's Democratic colleague, Sen. Joe Manchin
Joseph (Joe) ManchinManchin on 'Medicare for All': 'We can't even pay for Medicare for some' Overnight Energy: New EPA rule could expand officials weighing in on FOIA requests | Trump plan to strip conservation fund gets bipartisan pushback | Agriculture chief downplays climate concerns Trump plan to strip public land conservation fund gets bipartisan pushback MORE (D-W.Va.) warned against Medicare for All at the health care summit on Wednesday, telling The Hill's Steve Clemons that there are current issues with funding the program as it is.
“We can’t even pay for Medicare for some and to go Medicare for All, we can’t take care of those who are depending on it right now,” Manchin said.
The idea hasn't caught on with all Democrats on the campaign trail either.
Warren and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
Bill de BlasioThe Hill's 12:30 Report: Anticipation high ahead of first debate Where 2020 Democrats stand in betting markets ahead of first debate Trump says he'll watch Democratic debate while en route to Japan 'because I have to' MORE (D) were the only candidates to raise their hands in support of abolishing private health insurance during the first night of the 2020 debates.
Other Democrats have instead acknowledged they believe former President Obama's signature health care law has made tremendous progress in the field but needs fixes.
"Let's be clear: We shouldn't tear the Affordable Care Act down: We should build on it," Democratic frontrunner and former Vice President Joe Biden
Joe Biden'Teflon Don' avoids the scorn of the 'family values' GOP — again Don't expect Trump-sized ratings for Democratic debates Hickenlooper laughs off lack of recognition by security guard at Democratic debate MORE, who was not on Wednesday night's stage, tweeted during the live forum.
"The Biden administration will give every American the right to choose a public option like Medicare to ensure everyone has access to the quality, affordable health care they deserve," he continued.
