Politifact cited estimates that more than four million Americans had lost their private health insurance during the Obama administration as proof that Biden’s claim was inaccurate. Cancellations resulted when insurers ended plans that did not match the Affordable Care Act’s requirements.
“Many found insurance elsewhere, and the percentage was small — out of a total insured population of about 262 million, the number of people with canceled plans was less than 2%,” Politifact said. “However, that still amounted to 4 million people who faced the difficulty of finding a new plan and the hassle of switching their coverage.”
Trump accused Biden of backing a push among leading progressives for “socialized medicine” at the debate, alleging that he and running mate Kamala Harris “want to terminate 180 million plans.” Politifact dismissed Trump’s claim, rating it “pants on fire” and noting there was “absolutely no evidence” to support it.
Biden said it was “ridiculous” to suggest his plan, dubbed BidenCare, would result in socialized medicine.
“The idea that there’s a public option, that people can choose, that makes it a socialist plan? Look, the difference between the president and I, I think health care is not a privilege, it’s a right,” Biden said. “Everyone should have the right to have affordable health care.”
The former vice president said his plan would result in lower health care premiums, deductibles and drug prices for Americans. He supports a “public option,” where Americans can keep their private insurance or join a government plan.
Biden acknowledged his plan would “cost some money,” requiring $750 billion in spending over a 10-year period.
