Clinton endorses adding a public option to ObamaCare

Earlier in her primary campaign, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton attacked rival Bernie Sanders' single-payer health care policy. Labeling the idea impractical, she said, "People who have health emergencies can't wait for us to have a theoretical debate about some better idea that will never, ever come to pass."

Now, with Sanders' endorsement expected to arrive any day, Clinton has embraced a version of his view. In a health care briefing released Saturday, Clinton endorsed adding a public insurance option to ObamaCare as well as allowing Americans to use Medicare beginning at the age of 55.

Sanders applauded her plan on Twitter, calling it "an important step toward expanding health insurance and health care access to millions of Americans." The proposal is projected to cost at least $40 billion over 10 years.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up