"Public Option Gets New Life in Senate"

[Clio the Leo]

Public Option Gets New Life in Senate

By GREG HITT and JANET ADAMY
WASHINGTON -- The idea of creating a government-run health-insurance plan, once on life support in the Senate, is making a recovery among Democrats writing health-care legislation.

So far, no one is talking about a nationwide Medicare-like plan of the sort sought by many liberals, but several variations short of a national plan are being considered.

One would establish a national plan only if other proposals in the Democrat-led health overhaul fail to expand insurance coverage. Another would create a government plan, but allow states to opt out. Still another would allow states to opt in to a government plan, or experiment with their own plans. Prospects are growing that one of these variations -- or a blend of them -- will make it into the final Senate bill.

<snip>

The fact that the public option is gaining new attention says a lot about the state of debate on Capitol Hill, where Democrats feel a breeze at their backs, despite the slow pace of action since Labor Day and continued attacks from the political right.

Advocates contend a public plan would encourage lower premiums and better terms for consumers in many parts of the country that are dominated by a handful of major insurers. "It gives some real competition, when many times there isn't," said Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.).

The Senate Finance Committee turned away from the public plan in favor of creating a network of nonprofit cooperatives. Just three weeks ago, the panel delivered a bipartisan rejection of two public-plan alternatives, in what looked like a critical defeat for the idea.

But a funny thing happened: It wouldn't die.......

(more)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125599567408695255.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLTopStories

Here, lemme leave some space.............









...... for those who feel that progress still isn't good enough. ;)

[CTyankee]

1. This is what happens when you fight like hell.

It also happens when the people are so stressed out and many in terrible shape because of our ruinous "health care" system. No wonder the tide is turning our way. Even if we get a just a modest PO it will set the stage for further enlargement. Once in, it will be hard to get it out except by chipping away and we can't let that happen.

Look what happened with Medicare. People were unsure at first that a "big government program" would work. Now you'd have riots in the streets if you tried to take it away...

[Clio the Leo]

2. And dont you love what Joey Scar said today?

"If this bill passes, will the President get credit for it?"

Yeah, sure, we're gonna give all the credit to Harry and Max! :eyes:

Get stuffed Joe!

[CTyankee]

3. I think Joe believes that if Obama wins, he (Joe) loses. My theory is that Joe is running for

President in 1012 (as a "moderate" Republican). Lotsa luck, JOe...NOT!

[rvablue]

5. Never gonna happen.

Joey S. couldn't make it through the vetting process.

And, I think he's enjoying the millions he's making at MSNBC. Remember, it wasn't that many years ago that his show "Scarborough Country" was cancelled. Probably put the fear of the broadcasting gods in him. I think he likes spouting off and doing nothing, personally.

[CTyankee]

8. Well, maybe he fancies himself a "kingmaker." He seems to be angling for

the position as "responsible" conservative...whatever that is.

[rvablue]

4. Did you watch KO last night?

It seems that Senator Baucus is in real danger of being kicked to the curb the next time he runs for reelection, if he doesn't start materially supporting a PO.

KO said last night that 80% of Democrats and a whopping 21% of Republicans in his state WANT a public option.

So, the risk isn't just pissing off the national base and maybe taking a hit in fundraising, the danger is that he is pissing off his own constituents.

[Clio the Leo]

6. Yep, Max is singing a different tune all of a sudden isn't he?

Something is up.

[Pab Sungenis]

7. None of these is effective.

Even the "robust" public option is a band-aid on the sucking chest wound that is health care in America.

[Cha]

9. Congress people are getting calls bc of ads

like this http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x391141

And Orgs like this ..


Cha --

Jenny U. from Missouri did what any parent would: When her son needed a kidney, she donated one of hers. But she didn't realize insurance companies would use her kindness as an excuse to never cover her again, calling her donation a "pre-existing condition."

Now, insurance companies are spending millions on a campaign of lies to kill health reform that would help folks like Jenny. So, today, with crucial negotiations taking place in Congress, we're raising our voices and making it clear: It's time to deliver on reform.

We've set a big goal: 100,000 calls to Congress made or committed to in a single day. To hit it, we'll need your help -- will you take 3 minutes to call Congress now?

Call your representatives and tell them: It's Time to Deliver on health reform. According to our records, you live in New York's 24th congressional district. Please call:

Sen. Chuck Schumer's Albany office at [phone]
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's Albany office at [phone]
Rep. Michael Arcuri's Utica office at [phone]




(Not your representatives? Click here to look yours up.)

Health insurance reform is finally ready for consideration by the full Congress, and hundreds of insurance company lobbyists on Capitol Hill are working overtime to kill it. Calling is quick and easy, but effective -- and your voice has tremendous power at this critical moment.

After you make your call, tell the staffer who picks up where you live and that you're counting on Congress to deliver on health reform. Let them know that Americans like you support the President's plan -- and that if your representatives are working to pass it, they have your thanks.

If we hit 100,000 calls made or committed to, we'll send an unmistakable signal that this time, families must come before insurance companies. We'll be tracking progress toward our goal publicly -- make sure to report your call back to us so we can count it:

http://my.barackobama.com/TTDCall

Thank you,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

[applegrove]

10. Yipee. I'm so happy it is still alive.