Medicare for All

James A. Morone proposes to solve the problem of the uninsured by guaranteeing that all Americans, young and old, would be automatically covered under an augmented Medicare program funded solely by a new value-added tax. While covering a full range of services, this single-payer system would emphasize delivery of primary care in community based health centers. Although clearly a federally centered approach, the plan would provide some flexibility by allowing states to develop an alternative approach and by giving employers the option of providing coverage that supplements the benefits package available under Medicare.