Coronavirus Crisis Makes a Case for Medicare for All
Will the pandemic push Joe Biden to consider the health-care proposal that moderate Democrats have refused to touch?
Health care was a key issue for voters even before the coronavirus outbreak.
Photographer: John Moore/Getty Images North AmericaThe coronavirus pandemic is putting the failings of the U.S. health-care system into sharp relief.
U.S. citizens already ration medicine, avoid care due to financial stress, and use internet fundraisers to cover health costs. The virus could expose more Americans to that ugly reality. Millions of uninsured and under-insured patients could be vulnerable to big bills if they seek treatment. Hospitals don't have enough spare capacity and could become overwhelmed. There's also no single entity in charge of coordinating and paying for the virus response, which has contributed to confusion and testing delays.