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Letter in the Courier-Journal by a U of L medical student

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It’s time for Medicare for All

If the coronavirus could speak, it would thank America for its warm welcome. It would be delighted by the abundance of available hosts, such as factory workers who couldn’t afford to stay home, people in prison for whom social distancing was impossible, and health care workers who weren’t provided sufficient protective equipment. It would mock us for significantly outpacing the rest of the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths despite spending the most per capita on health care.

America’s fractured health system has enabled the coronavirus to thrive. Millions of Americans, particularly Americans of color, lack health insurance or otherwise can’t access care.

(L to R) Dr. Malika Sabharwal, former president of Students for a National Health Program at UofL, and Sarah Riley Parker, second year medical student and current president
(L to R) Dr. Malika Sabharwal, former president of Students for a National Health Program at UofL, and Sarah Riley Parker, second year medical student and current president

When I become a physician next year, I aspire to provide excellent medical care to everyone, without exception. The only way America can successfully defeat COVID-19 (and adequately respond to future health crises) is through enacting comprehensive, lifelong health coverage for everybody.

Unprecedented moments call for unprecedented actions: It’s time for Medicare for All.

Jerome Soldo

Louisville, 40217

In the Courier-Journal 5-12-2020