The so-called Medicare buy-in for those over 50 would harm more Americans than it would help. That is why we strongly oppose this legislation.

Allowing more people into Medicare actually weakens the coverage options of people who currently depend on the individual insurance market, leaving them with fewer choices.

There is no question that Medicare works for seniors and others who depend on it. But expanding the program with hospitals facing the lowest Medicare margins in history will make it more difficult to provide the critical care that all Americans expect and deserve.

Instead of focusing on Medicare buy-ins and other variations of single-payer proposals, Congress should work to sustain and expand affordable private coverage. Medicare should be left alone to continue its successful mission of making sure seniors have access to care.