Joe Biden draws line against progressives on health care
Associated PressDES MOINES, Iowa — Joe Biden is taking an aggressive approach to defending the Affordable Care Act, challenging not just President Donald Trump but also some of his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination who want to replace the current insurance system with a fully government-run model. “I think one of the most significant things we’ve done in our administration is pass the Affordable Care Act,” Biden said in New Hampshire. “I’m not in that game because that just elects Donald Trump.” Biden’s health care proposal is anchored by a “Medicare-like” plan that any American, including the 150 million-plus Americans now covered by job-based insurance, could buy on Affordable Care Act exchanges. “I’d like to get people the option: If you like your health care plan, or your employer-based plan, you can keep it,” Biden said. Now, after Sanders’ insurgent 2016 presidential bid and his promise of “health care as a human right,” the left embraces single-payer, with moderates moving to the public option.