McDermott Introduces Single-Payer Bill, Again

In every congressional session since 1993, Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., has re-introduced legislation that would create a single-payer health care system. This year was no different. On Feb. 26, McDermott introduced the American Health Security Act, under which each state would create its own health care system with a federally mandated floor for basic health benefits. While care would be privately delivered and managed, McDermott said, the plan would be publicly financed and the federal government would act as the single payer.