BLM Global Network Foundation endorses Medicare For All legislation

by Black Lives Matter

March 17, 2021 – As part of its ongoing campaign to help Black people thrive, Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) joined U.S. representatives and other organizations today to endorse legislation that would expand access to healthcare for tens of millions of Americans.

“Before the pandemic, nearly 30 million people in the U.S. were uninsured – far too many of whom are Black. But even with insurance, millions more can’t afford their co-pays and deductibles,” said Patrisse Cullors, co-founder and executive director of BLMGNF. 

“It’s time for a bold change. Increased access will not solve every health inequity, but Medicare for All is a bold first step towards a healthcare system that allows Black people to be healthy and strong. This fight won’t end until we’ve ended the public health crisis that is racism and created the conditions for all Black people to thrive.”

BLMGNF launched a $3 million nationwide “Survival Fund” that was so greatly needed that the fund met its goal of providing direct support to nearly 3,000 Black people and their families within 12 hours of launching. 

The Medicare for All Act of 2021 expands Medicare to provide comprehensive health benefits to every person in the United States without copays, premiums, deductibles or other cost sharing. The legislation includes primary care, vision, dental, prescription drugs, mental health, substance abuse, long-term services and maternal healthcare. 

U.S. Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the legislation and were joined during today’s virtual press briefing by Cullors, a handful of their U.S. House colleagues and leaders from healthcare, labor unions and advocacy groups.

Last month, BLMGNF launched a $3 million, nationwide “Survival Fund” to assist Black people who are struggling financially during the pandemic. The $1,000 grants helped them cover, among other needs, their prescription medications. The need was so great that the fund met its goal of providing direct support to nearly 3,000 Black people and their families within 12 hours of launching. 

#BlacklivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murder. Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is a global foundation supporting Black led movements in the U.S., UK and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combatting and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives. For inquiries, contact: [email protected].

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