3 healthcare takeaways from the latest Democratic debate

The Democratic debate in Miami Wednesday evening touched on immigration reform, healthcare and Cuba as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton targeted Hispanic voters.

The debate aired live in Spanish on Univision and simultaneously in English on CNN.

Here are three takeaways on healthcare from the debate.

1. Universal healthcare

Ms. Clinton questioned the cost of Sen. Sanders' universal, single-payer healthcare plan, saying, "And, you know, my dad used to say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

She added, "And we deserve answers about how these programs will actually work and how they would be paid for."

In response, Sen. Sanders claimed Ms. Clinton was saying she does not believe in universal coverage. But Ms. Clinton made it clear she does believe in universal coverage, and noted she has fought for it in the past.

2. Affordable Care Act

The candidates also addressed the ACA during the debate.

Ms. Clinton promised to build on the health law, "take it further" and "reduce the cost."

Sen. Sanders said the ACA has done a number of good things, and many more Americans have insurance because of the health law. However, he noted there are people with outrageously high deductibles and co-payments, and a significant number of Americans can't afford the prescription drugs prescribed by their physicians.

"I do believe that we should do what every other major country on earth does, and I think when the American people stand up and fight back, yes, we can have it, a Medicare for all healthcare system," he said.

3. Healthcare in Cuba

In talking about Cuba, Sen. Sanders recognized it as an authoritarian undemocratic country. However, he said he believes the country has made some good advances in healthcare.

"They are sending doctors all over the world. They have made some progress in education. I think by restoring full diplomatic relations with Cuba, it will result in significant improvements to the lives of Cubans and it will help the United States and our business community invest," he said.

 

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