The report observed that Sanders, the Vermont senator, had introduced a “Medicare for All” bill during every congressional session, typically by himself. But when
he unveiled his latest version of the legislation in 2017, Sanders “had 14 Democratic senators with him, including some thought to be presidential contenders in 2020.” Even more moderate members, including Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Col., had introduced a public option bill that would provide patients with the ability to purchase a government-sponsored insurance plan that would ensure access with Medicare providers, paying Medicare reimbursement rates.