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For Immediate Release
Contact: Clare Fauke, Communications Specialist,,clare@pnhp.org

Physicians' group responds to Emergency Health Care Guarantee Act

WASHINGTON

Statement from Dr. Adam Gaffney, president of Physicians for a National Health Program, in response to the Emergency Health Care Guarantee Act:

"Each week, millions of Americans are losing their jobs -- and their health coverage -- with no end in sight. To minimize suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need strong medicine from Washington. The Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act introduced earlier today fits the bill. It would use Medicare to provide immediate coverage of health care costs for the uninsured, and to provide wrap-around coverage of copays and deductibles for those with existing insurance.

"In contrast, proposals to subsidize private health insurance premiums through COBRA would still leave tens of millions uninsured, and far more under-insured, facing high deductibles and copays that stand in the way of care. COBRA subsidizes prop up the health insurance industry while leaving families in the lurch. In the long run, we need Medicare for All to provide full health protections for Americans. But the Health Care Emergency Guarantee Act could ensure protection for American families today."

Physicians for a National Health Program is a single issue organization advocating a universal, comprehensive single-payer national health program. PNHP has more than 21,000 members and chapters across the United States.