Kamala Harris walks back comments on eliminating all private insurance

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., clarified her position on private insurance in an interview on CBS This Morning after raising her hand during the Democratic debate June 27 to say she would abolish private plans under a government-run health system.

During the debate, NBC's Lester Holt asked, "Many people watching at home have health insurance through their employer. Who here would abolish their private health insurance in favor of a government-run plan?" Ms. Harris and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., were the only candidates on the stage to raise their hands.

In her interview with CBS, Ms. Harris said she misunderstood the question and thought it referred to her own personal insurance.

"I am supportive of Medicare for All, and under Medicare for All policy, private insurance would certainly exist for supplemental coverage," she said. Under her vision of "Medicare for All," benefits would be extended to cover vision care, dental care and hearing aids, she added. 

Watch the full interview here.

 

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