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From coronavirus to Medicare for All: a path forward.

With our nation and planet gripped by a growing pandemic, it's clearer than ever what our priority has to be when we get past this crisis.

Right now we must work together as a society to minimize the damage done and loss of life due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus immediately. And then? We must fix America's broken health care system.

What our movement already knew has been utterly exposed by this pandemic: our system is fundamentally broken.

Health care tied to employment at a time when people can't go to work. People unable to seek medical care due to fear of costs. People not having insurance at all. All of these things are problematic at best and downright dangerous at worst.

The way forward is clear. The Affordable Care Act has been a critical improvement, but it's time to take the next steps and ensure the health and welfare of the American people for generations to come.

In the midst of this pandemic, we must ensure that our medical first responders have the protective equipment they need; that COVID-19 tests are available for all those who need them; and that our hospitals have the ventilators, beds, and funding they need.

And when this pandemic subsides—and we will defeat it—we must renew our commitment to health care for all.

Every American must have the opportunity to participate in simple, seamless, cost-effective Medicare for All. And we must end the gouging of Americans on drug prices by banning drug companies from charging more for a drug than they charge in Canada, Europe, and Japan.

Onward.

Jeff

Posted on March 28, 2020.

Born in the small town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, Jeff Merkley has never lost touch with his working class roots.

As a U.S. Senator, he works every day to create opportunity for working families, stop the corruption of our democracy, and tackle the climate crisis.

A workhorse and a progressive champion, Jeff Merkley is leading a movement to get our country back on track.

Meet Jeff

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