Apparently, the senator thinks that the 180 million Americans who rely on job-based insurance would be upset if our system were changed to cover everyone.

by Harriette Seiler

Opinion contributor

Harriette Seiler’s Op Ed was published in the Courier-Journal on September 23, 2026.

• A proponent of Medicare for All wrote to Sen. Mitch McConnell advocating for a single-payer health care system.
• McConnell’s office responded in support of the current multi-payer, profit-based health system.
• McConnell’s spokesperson reportedly referred to the proposal as a “socialist scheme” that would increase taxes on the middle class.

In July, I wrote to Sen. Mitch McConnell (a) to wish him a speedy recovery from a serious health episode, and (b) to call for major reform of our dysfunctional health care system.

As a congressman, the senator benefits from dependable health insurance, with quality care and coverage for rehab — all funded by taxpayers. Unfortunately, working/middle class Americans, even those with insurance, cannot count on access to the same level of care. Private insurers have been denying needed treatment and limiting rehab days.

In my letter to the senator, I urged support for a national, publicly funded, single-payer, Medicare for All system, free from profit.

I received an email response, dated July 20, 2026, bearing the senator’s signature. The text of the letter clearly stated the senator’s support for our current profit-dominated, multi-payer health system.

Health coverage for all

Apparently, the senator thinks that the 180 million Americans who rely on job-based insurance would be upset if our system were changed to cover everyone. According to a 2025 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the cost of employer-based overage for a family of four was $26,993, with the worker paying $6,850 of that total. That may sound like a “deal” but with deductibles rising, not all workers consider their share affordable. We should also remember all the businesses that do not offer health benefits to their workers.

Dare one mention the recent ACA marketplace changes, the harsh cuts to Kentucky Medicaid, the estimated 28 million who remain uninsured?

The senator doesn’t seem to realize that, under Medicare for All, every U.S. resident would be covered for all needed care, including dental, vision, mental health and nursing home care. There would be choice of doctor, no network restriction, no premium, no deductible, no bill in the mail.

Relief from the burden of medical bills

In the text of the response to me, Sen. McConnell’s spokesperson twisted “Medicare for All” into “Medicare for none,” calling my proposal a “socialist scheme.” (President Truman’s commented that socialism as a “scare word” used by political opponents to attack popular government programs that help everyday citizens.) Moreover, McConnell appears to think an improved and expanded Medicare would “dramatically increase taxes on the middle class.” One wonders how many Americans would gladly pay slightly more in taxes if they got health coverage but were relieved of the burden of paying for health insurance premiums and medical bills?

Several economists have said that single-payer Medicare For All would save money.

Sen. McConnell, his staff and Courier Journal readers might consult the results of an April 30, 2026, Kaiser poll which gives an overview of how Americans are coping with rising health care costs.

On Sept.14, McConnell returned to the Senate, saying he felt well enough to vote and take up his committee duties.

This constituent wishes him well. (Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor.)

Harriette Seiler, born and raised in Canada, naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1978, has many relatives who have been well served by Canada’s Medicare. She currently serves as secretary for Kentuckians for Single-Payer Health Care.