Congress Members Advocate State-Based Universal Healthcare Across Multiple States

Senate Democrats, led by Senator Ed Markey and supported by state leaders such as Michigan Representative Carrie Rheingans and Maine Senator Rachel Talbot Ross, are advocating for the State Based Universal Health Care Act. This federal legislation aims to provide states with access to federal funding and waiver authority to design their own universal healthcare systems, combining Medicaid and Medicare funds to ensure affordable and comprehensive coverage. The push comes in response to recent federal budget cuts under President Donald Trump's administration, which Democrats say will result in millions losing healthcare coverage and strain healthcare providers nationwide. States like Maine have already passed laws contingent on federal approval to establish publicly funded health care plans, awaiting Congressional action to implement these systems. Advocates emphasize the need for healthcare to be treated as a public good and a bipartisan issue, despite acknowledging challenges in obtaining Republican support. The coalition argues this legislation is vital to prevent hospital closures, increase healthcare access, and stabilize the healthcare workforce amid growing financial pressures.