Tributes pour in for health care activist Ady Barkan after death at 39

A wave of tributes honoring health care activist Ady Barkan is pouring in from lawmakers after he died Wednesday from complications from ALS, a terminal neurodegenerative condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

Be a Hero, a political organization he co-founded in 2018 to push for health care reform, announced Barkan died Wednesday from complications due to ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2016. After his diagnosis, he became a national advocate for health care reform and argued health care should be treated like a human right.

“Up until his death, Ady spent his days working with the Be A Hero team of staff and volunteers to stop health insurance corporations from gouging Medicare and denying patients care, and fighting to make it possible for people with disabilities and older adults who need home and community-based services to get the care they need surrounded by the people they love,”  the post from Be a Hero stated. 

Barkan testified in a congressional hearing in 2019 to express support for “Medicare for All,” a progressive health care proposal that aimed to restructure the U.S. health system. He initially endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in the 2020 Democratic primary, but later endorsed President Biden despite his concerns that Biden did not support Medicare for All.

“Ady Barkan was a hero who made this world a better place. I’m grateful for his years of friendship and my heart is with Rachael, Willow, and Carl tonight,” Warren said in a statement, speaking of Barkan’s wife and children.

Barkan later interviewed Biden on health care policies and also spoke at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. In the past, he has also worked with and supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

“Ady Barkan was an inspiration to all of us. There are very few people in this country who have done more to make health care a human right. To honor his life, let us dedicate ourselves to completing his work,” Sanders posted on X, formerly Twitter. 

The Progressive Caucus said in a statement that the “progressive movement has lost a hero.” Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said in a statement that her “heart breaks today to hear about the passing of Ady Barkan,” adding that he “accomplished more in his too-short life than many do in many lifetimes.”

California Democrats also honored Barkan, who lived in California, in statements Wednesday. 

“I’m crushed by news that Ady Barkan has passed away. Ady was many things — a friend, dedicated father and husband, and courageous activist whose legacy fighting injustices in health care will inspire generations. My thoughts are with his loved ones in this difficult time,” Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) said on X.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) paid her tributes to Barkan, calling him a “dear friend” in a post on X.

“We are heartbroken by Ady Barkan’s passing. No one worked smarter to advance the principle that health care is a right, not a privilege,” she said.