Crapo Presses Becerra on “Medicare for All”

Washington, D.C.--Today, the Senate Finance Committee held its nomination hearing for California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

In his opening statement, Ranking Member Crapo (R-Idaho) expressed concerns with Mr. Becerra’s support for such policies as “Medicare for All,” as well as Becerra’s role in enforcing California’s restrictive actions related to the coronavirus pandemic.  Crapo also highlighted Medicare’s looming fiscal insolvency, noting that the HHS Secretary should work with Congress in a bipartisan way to ensure that Medicare is able to serve current and future beneficiaries. 

WATCH: Ranking Member Crapo delivers opening remarks before the nomination hearing of Xavier Becerra

Key Excerpts: 

“You have long been an advocate for moving all Americans to a government-run ‘Medicare for All’ plan, raising concerns that your policy preferences could undermine the Medicare programs that rely on private insurance. 

“I strongly support private insurance so patients can choose the coverage option that best meets their needs.  The popular Medicare Advantage program that covers 24 million beneficiaries must be allowed to continue to thrive.  And, the successful Medicare Part D program must continue to serve its 47 million enrollees without government interference.

… 

“Medicare’s finances remain unsettled, with the Medicare Trustees currently projecting that the Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund will go broke in 2026, and unforeseen circumstances could move the insolvency date even closer. 

“The new Administration should work with Congress in a bipartisan way to ensure that Medicare is able to serve current and future beneficiaries.” 

To read Ranking Member Crapo’s full remarks at today’s nomination hearing, click here.