In response to high morbidity and mortality rates caused by an environmental health disaster due to asbestos mining in Libby and northwest Montana, Sen. Max Baucus added a section, Amendment 1881 A to the Social Security Act as a provision to the Affordable Care Act as it was drafted in 2009-10. The intent was to enroll everyone in the affected areas of Libby, Montana and the northwest area of the state in the national Medicare program - without qualifications.

The model of provision of Medicare for All to Libby, Montana provides a roadmap to the extension of healthcare to all who are subject to COVID-19 virus and other health threats.