The six Democratic physicians in the U.S. House of Representatives have created the Congressional Doctors Caucus, an initiative aimed at promoting the health and well-being of Americans, advancing pragmatic policies, and providing lawmakers with expert insights.
but they are not adopting solid positions in favor of legislation to ensure that all Americans can get the care they need.
The caucus, composed entirely of Democratic members, includes Representatives Herb Conaway Jr., M.D. (NJ-03), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), Kelly Morrison, M.D. (MN-03), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08).
Each member brings a unique medical background, ranging from internal medicine and emergency care to obstetrics, pediatrics, and pulmonary critical care.
None of the doctors has been a vocal advocate for Medicare for All.
“The United States spends far more on health care than other rich countries but has the worst health care outcomes,” said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen. “The winners in this abominable system are health insurers, Big Pharma, hospital chains and private equity firms in the health care racket. Everyone else is a loser. It’s time for Americans to stop being treated like suckers. It’s time to make health care a right. It’s time for Medicare for All.”
“We live in a country where millions of people ration lifesaving medication or skip necessary trips to the doctor because of cost,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), who sponsored the legislation with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
The Medicare for All Act builds upon and expands the existing government-run insurance system for seniors to provide comprehensive benefits to every person in the United States. This includes primary care, vision, dental, prescription drugs, mental health, substance abuse, long-term services and supports, reproductive health care, and more.
“Sadly, the number of people struggling to afford care continues to skyrocket as millions of people lose their current health insurance as pandemic-era programs end,” said Jayapal. “Breaking a bone or getting sick shouldn’t be a reason that people in the richest country in the world go broke. There is a solution to this health crisis — a popular one that guarantees health care to every person as a human right and finally puts people over profits and care over corporations. That solution is Medicare for All — everyone in, nobody out. I’m so proud to fight for this legislation to finally ensure that all people can get the care they need and the care they deserve.”
In a joint statement, the Congressional Doctors Caucus emphasized their shared commitment to leveraging their medical expertise to address pressing health care challenges.
“Medicine is not just a profession; it is a calling—a lifelong commitment to alleviating suffering, saving lives, and advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves,” said Conaway. “By launching the Doctors Caucus, we are continuing that commitment. I’m proud to join my fellow Democratic doctors in creating this caucus, where we will fight for patients and providers.”
The caucus claims to focus on evidence-based solutions to improve health care access, affordability, and quality. However, Ruiz said he hasn’t yet studied a bill introduced by a Democratic colleague that would create a federal government health plan for all Americans — called “Medicare for all” — even though the La Quinta emergency room physician was first elected to Congress in 2012.
“As doctors, we understand the pain and suffering that people endure for not having access to care. We will work to ensure that every American has the health care they need,” said Ruiz, who seems to be taking his time on the issue.
“As physicians, we bring firsthand experience with the challenges facing patients and providers every day,” said Bera highlighting the group’s mission to address systemic issues within the health care system. “This caucus will harness our collective expertise to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that lower costs, expand access, and strengthen care delivery.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates over health care policy, with Democratic members criticizing Republican efforts to cut funding for key health programs and questioning the efficacy of vaccinations.
“At a time when Republicans are attacking science, slashing health care, and putting politics over patients, Democratic physicians must be organized to fight back,” said Dexter. “The Congressional Doctors Caucus will be vigilant and active to ensure health care policy is patient-centered and science-based.”
Morrison echoed those concerns, emphasizing the need to protect health care access in the face of political opposition.
“We are seeing health care, evidence-based science, and lifesaving research come under attack more than ever before,” she said. “As doctors, we will always stand up for the health and well-being of all Americans.”
The caucus also seeks to address disparities in health care access and affordability.
“As Republicans in Congress slash Medicaid, condone the questioning of proven safety and efficacy of vaccinations, and endanger our public health by knee-capping key agencies and medical research, I’m proud to join my fellow Democratic doctors in creating this Doc Caucus,” said Schrier. “Together, we will stand up for patients, providers, innovation, science, and common-sense improvements that enhance health care and bring down costs.”
The Congressional Doctors Caucus claims to be a unified effort by Democratic physician-lawmakers to advocate for policies grounded in scientific evidence and patient needs.
While the caucus currently consists solely of Democratic members, its founders expressed hope that it will eventually include bipartisan participation to address the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t guarantee all its citizens access to health care.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the flaws in our healthcare system that have caused unnecessary suffering, preventable death, and other hardships for countless American families for decades.