1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support meaningful steps toward universal healthcare coverage by building on the Affordable Care Act framework. While the ACA represents a landmark achievement, significant gaps remain that leave too many Americans without adequate coverage. The current system shows that government already plays a substantial role in healthcare. Public programs like Medicare and Medicaid account for roughly half of all healthcare spending, and when including tax expenditures and government employee coverage, the public share approaches 60%. This demonstrates that expanding public coverage is not a radical departure but a logical extension of existing infrastructure. The path to universal coverage requires practical reforms that can achieve affordable universal coverage through expanding Medicaid and subsidies, strengthening insurance regulation, applying stronger public pressure on healthcare prices, and implementing Medicare expansion for more Americans. These steps build political support while addressing the immediate needs of constituents who lack adequate coverage. I urge you to champion legislation that expands public coverage options, increases subsidies for working families, and strengthens protections against inadequate insurance. Universal healthcare is achievable through determined, strategic action that acknowledges political realities while maintaining commitment to covering every American. Your leadership on expansion can make the difference between continued gridlock and meaningful progress toward this essential goal.