"As the debates continue, I hope that my fellow Democrats will take a good look at our bill and get the facts right," wrote Jayapal. "The Medicare for All movement has overwhelming public support, unprecedented grassroots organization, and a serious plan that is ready to change our healthcare system right now."
As Common Dreams reported Wednesday, Jayapal expressed her frustration with fellow Democrats who she said are using the Medicare for All label, which has widespread appeal, to push plans that fall far short of the fundamental goals and principles of Medicare for All.
Though she didn't mention Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) by name, Jayapal's criticism appeared to be directed at the California Democrat's healthcare plan, which would preserve a significant role for private insurance.
"For-profit industry does not have a role in determining one's right to healthcare," Jayapal tweeted. "Anything less is not Medicare for All."
In her Washington Post op-ed, Jayapal also took aim at other half-measures "such as a public option," which "might sound appealing but would still leave more than 10 million people without coverage while keeping in place a costly private-insurance middleman that eats up 25 to 30 percent in administrative waste and profits."
"If we want to achieve true universal healthcare while containing costs," Jayapal wrote, "Medicare for All is the only answer."
