Congressional Black Caucus backs public Medicare-like program

[babylonsister]

CBC backs public Medicare-like program
By Mike Soraghan
Posted: 06/07/09 01:39 PM


The Congressional Black Caucus says that a public plan similar to Medicare must be included in the healthcare overhaul, a sharply different position than some of their more conservative fellow Democrats.

The 41-member group also said in a letter to President Obama that such legislation also should address historic disparities in healthcare. The letter notes that CBC members' constituents are disproportionately under-insured or uninsured.

"We ... respectfully, but firmly urge you to ensure that efforts to reform the nation's health care system integrate aggressive solutions to the nation's current plight with health disparities," said the letter, obtained by The Hill.

The letter, sent Friday, was signed by CBC chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Rep. Donna Christensen (D-V.I.) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.)

The CBC position squares with that of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who on Friday called for an expansive, Medicare-based public plan that is "available to all individuals and employers."

But earlier last week, the conservative Blue Dog coalition issued guiding principles that said a public plan should be a last-resort if private insurers are unable to contain costs and provide coverage. The group of 51 conservative Democrats stressed that it wasn't endorsing the inclusion of a public plan, and is "concerned" about a Medicare-like option.

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/cbc-splits-with-dems-on-healthcare-reform-2009-06-07.html

[Cleita]

1. Let's hope they can counterweight the Blue Dog caucus that favors

giving tax payers money to corporate insurance welfare. I'm not worried about the Republicans. They are outnumbered, but the DINOS are dangerous. Hopefully, someone can get through their thick skulls that they might be ending their careers over this if they don't do the right thing,

[CatholicEdHead]

2. I read this as the CBC suggesting Canada is looking at our Medicare system

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

[babylonsister]

3. Thanks, edited for clarity. nt