Bernie Sanders Slams U.S. Healthcare System and Billionaires in Iowa City Speech

Bernie Sanders Slams U.S. Healthcare System and Billionaires in Iowa City Speech

IOWA CITY—Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) delivered a blistering critique of the U.S. healthcare system and economic inequality in a town hall event at the Englert Theatre on Saturday. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Sanders accused the insurance and pharmaceutical industries of prioritizing profit over public well-being, while condemning billionaires and economic disparities that leave millions struggling. Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rising Healthcare Costs in the U.S.

Sanders, a longtime advocate for Medicare for All, emphasized the rising cost of healthcare in the U.S., arguing that it serves corporate interests rather than patients.

“While the very wealthiest people become wealthier, 85 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured,” Sanders said. “We spend twice as much per capita on healthcare as the people of any other nation. But the function of our healthcare system is not to provide quality care to all. It is to make the insurance companies and the drug companies enormously wealthy.” Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Financial Challenges Beyond Healthcare

The Vermont senator pointed out the stark contrast between wealth accumulation at the top and financial struggles among everyday Americans. He stressed that economic hardship extends beyond just healthcare, affecting education, retirement security, and childhood poverty.

“We need the best-educated workforce in the world. And yet young people are going tens of thousands of dollars in debt in order to get the education that they need,” he said. “Half of older workers have nothing in the bank as they face retirement.” Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Economic Struggles Among Seniors

Sanders addressed income inequality by discussing the financial struggles of American senior citizens, citing a statistic he described as surprising even after years in public service.

“Unbelievably, I did not know this,” Sanders admitted. “I was chairman of the committee that deals with this stuff. I had to learn about it. Twenty-five percent of senior citizens in America are now living on $15,000 a year or less. Now you tell me, how does anybody in America, let alone a senior with healthcare needs, survive on $15,000 a year?”

The senator drew a direct line between such economic struggles and a political system he believes is beholden to corporate interests, particularly under previous Republican leadership. He also condemned former President Donald Trump’s early moves in office, including cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development and national parks. Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Advocacy for Civic Engagement

While discussing economic and social challenges, Sanders referenced historical movements that shaped the nation. He encouraged attendees to engage in civic action, emphasizing the potential for change through collective efforts.

“We are living in a society where the people on top make billions, doing phenomenally well. Meanwhile, we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of almost any major country on Earth. We are going to change those priorities.”

With his characteristic fervor, Sanders emphasized his view that the solutions lie in grassroots activism and political engagement, signaling that his fight for economic justice remains far from over. Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images