The concept of 'Medicare for All' is defining the healthcare debate among Democrats in the 2020 presidential race. The idea is to give government insurance to everyone in the country, by extending Medicare and replacing the existing private insurance system.

Proponents say that, in the long run, Medicare for All may be less expensive for consumers — and providers — than the current system. But they acknowledge that it could also come with some significant short-term costs. Private insurers could shut down and hospitals could close the billing and service departments that dealt with insurers. The result could be massive layoffs.

Today we examine what kind of effects Medicare for All could have on the job market, and what that says about our healthcare system.

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