BREAKING: 30 Senate Democrats stand up for a public option
Posted on October 8th, 2009 by Jason Rosenbaum in Congress Watch
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30 Senate Democrats today signed a letter to Majority Leader Reid ($), urging him to include a "robust, Medicare-like public option" in the bill he brings to the floor of the Senate:
“We have spent the better part of this year fighting for health reform that would provide insurance access and continuity to every American in a fiscally responsible manner,” the 30 Democratic Senators wrote in the Oct. 8 letter. “We are concerned that — absent a competitive and continuous public insurance option — health reform legislation will not produce nationwide access and ongoing cost containment. For that reason, we are asking for your leadership on ensuring that the merged health reform bill contains a public insurance option.”
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Senators signing the pro-public option letter included: Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Roland Burris (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Ted Kaufman (D-Del.), Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Paul Kirk (D-Mass.).
A full half of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate want a public health insurance option to be part of the merged bill Senator Reid brings to the floor. Clearly, as Senator Brown said, support for the idea runs deep, not only among the general public, but among the Senate as well.
Update
Here's the full letter:
Dear Majority Leader Reid:
We have spent the better part of this year fighting for health reform that would provide insurance access and continuity to every American in a fiscally responsible manner. We are concerned that – absent a competitive and continuous public insurance option – health reform legislation will not produce nationwide access and ongoing cost containment. For that reason, we are asking for your leadership on ensuring that the merged health reform bill contains a public insurance option.
As it stands, the health insurance market is dominated by a handful of for-profit health insurers that are exempt from the anti-trust laws that ensure robust competition in other markets across the United States. Without a not-for-profit public insurance alternative that competes with these insurers based on premium rates and quality, insurers will have free rein to increase insurance premiums and drive up the cost of federal subsidies tied to those premiums. This is simply not fiscally sustainable.
We recognize that the two Committees with jurisdiction over health reform – the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee – have taken two very different approaches with respect to this issue. However, a strong public option has resounding support among Senate Democrats – every Democrat on HELP, three quarters of those on Finance, and what we believe is a majority of the caucus.
The Senate Finance Committee included a cooperative approach to insurance market competition. While promoting more co-ops may be a worthy goal, it is not realistic to expect local co-ops to spring up in every corner of this country. There are many areas of the country where the population is simply too small to sustain a local co-op plan. We are also concerned that the administrative costs associated with financing the start-up of multiple co-op plans would far outstrip the seed money required to establish a public health insurance program.
Opponents of health reform argue that a public option presents unfair competition to the private insurance companies. However, it is possible to create a public health insurance option that is modeled after private insurance – rates are negotiated and providers are not required to participate in the plan. As you know, this is the Senate HELP Committee’s approach. The major differences between the public option and for-profit plans are that the public plan would report to taxpayers, not to shareholders, and the public plan would be available continuously in all parts of the country. The number one goal of health reform must be to look out for the best interests of the American people – patients and taxpayers alike – not the profit margins of insurance companies.
Health reform is about improving access to health care, containing costs, and giving Americans a real choice in the insurance plan best suited to their needs. We urge you to fight for a sustainable health care system that ensures Americans the option of a public plan in the merged Senate bill.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown (D-OH) John D. Rockefeller (D-WV)
Russell D. Feingold (D-WI) Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT)
Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) Tom Udall (D-NM)
Kristen E. Gillibrand (D-NY) Roland W. Burris (D-IL)
Ron Wyden (D-OR) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Michael F. Bennet (D-CO) Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Jack Reed (D-RI) Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
Al Franken (D-MN) Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)
Edward E. Kaufman (D-DE) Arlen Specter (D-PA)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Bernard Sanders (I-VT) John F. Kerry (D-MA)
Herb Kohl (D-WI) Paul Kirk (D-MA)
I am writing Senators in my area to thank them for putting their names onto this letter, and I am calling other Senators in my area (names who aren't attached to this) and asking them why they aren't on here.
Falcon, take off the rose-colored glasses. When these 30 traitors opt into the public option, then I may consider what is the worst health care bill put forth to bamboozle the public. In the interim, I'll take their Cadillac health care plans while they try out the public option. Also, 25 million people will not be covered. And ILLEGAL ALIENS will be covered, it's the law. The Supreme Court ruled years ago that illegals could not be denied health coverage.
And Jason Rosenbaum, where have you been that you fail to grasp the fact that you will not have a choice regarding the public option. Dream on.
Sigh…so many falsehoods.
Congress would be required to use the public option under the HELP bill:
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20090714/REG/307149981
Illegal immigrants won't be covered:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/09/joe-wilson/joe-wilson-south-carolina-said-obama-lied-he-didnt/
And yes, the public option is only an option.
Next time you should bring the facts.
I do not see the words "robust, Medicare-like public option" in this letter. On the contrary, I would interpret the passage below as meaning the rates would not be tied to Medicare + 5%, which I believe is the definition of a "robust, Medicare-like public option" :
"However, it is possible to create a public health insurance option that is modeled after private insurance – rates are negotiated and providers are not required to participate in the plan. "
The best analysis I heard concluded that the 5 bills being kicked around, at present, will probably be kicked to the curb this year … and perhaps they'll be revived in 2010. Pray so!
It's unfortunate that 30 senators feel so comfortable with the idea of socialized medicine while socializing 17% of the US economy. More disturbing is the fact that the Democratic Party is committed to creating a Socialist State while attempting to deprive Americans of the protections outlined in our beloved Constitution.
What these 30 senators fail to recognize… "Is we no longer trust our government and we will work diligently to replace all 565 seats of Congress with American Patriots."
Our Constitution is not @$$ wipe!
The public option is not socialized medicine. It's an OPTION. If you don't like it, don't use it.
Wonderful news!!! I'm absolutely thrilled! Thank you.
At last, some pols with gumption. As a New Yorker, I'm proud that Senator Gillibrand has taken this bold step. Where is Chuck Schumer?
Leadership was specifically not asked to sign on, hence no Schumer, Reid, Harkin, Dodd, etc…
CONGRATULATIONS! President Obama on your Nobel Prize. It's well deserved
Why A Strong Public Option Is Essential - By jacksmith - Working Class
Robert Reich explains the pubic option: http://bit.ly/dDYSJ
Hollywood Supports The Public Option
http://bit.ly/3XLwPi
It's not just because more than two thirds of the American people want a single payer health care system. And if they cant have a single payer system 77% of all Americans want a strong government-run public option on day one (86% of democrats, 75% of independents, and 72% republicans). Basically everyone.
It's not just because according to a new AARP POLL: 86 percent of seniors want universal healthcare security for All, including 93% of Democrats, 87% of Independents, and 78% of Republicans. With 79% of seniors supporting creating a new strong Government-run public option plan, available immediately. Including 89% of Democrats, 80% of Independents, and 61% of Republicans, STUNNING!!
It's not just because it will lower cost. Because a strong public option will dramatically lower cost for everyone. And dramatically improved the quality of care everyone receives in America and around the World. Rich, middle class, and poor a like.
It's not just because it will save trillions of dollars and prevent the needless deaths of millions more of YOU, caused by a rush to profit by the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX!
It's not just because every expert in every field, including economist, and Nobel laureates all agree that free market based healthcare systems don't work. Never have and never will. The US has the only truly free market based healthcare system in the World. And as you all know now, IT IS A DISASTER!
It's not just because providing or denying medically necessary care for profit motivations is wrong. Because it is WRONG! It's professionally, ethically, and morally REPUGNANT!, Animalistic, VILE and EVIL.
THE REASON THE PUBLIC OPTION IS ESSENTIAL:
The public option is ESSENTIAL because over 200 million of you are trapped in the forest of the wolves. Which is the forest of the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! With no way out except through needless inhumane suffering, and DEATH. While the wolves tear at your flesh, and rip you limb from lib. Then feast on your lifeless bodies like a dead carcase for transplant parts.
At the most vulnerable times of your lives (when you were sick and hurting), millions of you have had to fight and loose cruel, but heroic battles. Fighting against the big guns of the DISGRACEFUL, GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT MEDICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! in the forest of the wolves. All because you have no place else to go. You have no other CHOICE!
But the PUBLIC OPTION will give you someplace safe to go. And it will give us someplace safe to take you. The public option will be your refugium (your refuge). Where the wolves cannot get at you when your down, hurting, and vulnerable. Where everyone who needs it can find rest, security, comfort and the care they need. Protected by the BIG GUNS of We The People Of The United States. THE MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE AND COUNTRY ON EARTH.
This is why it is so critical that we do not lead another 50 million vulnerable, uninsured Americans into the forest of the wolves, without the protections of a Strong Government-run MEDICARE like public option. We The People Of The United States MUST NOT LET THAT HAPPEN to any more of our fellow Americans. If healthcare reform does not contain a strong MEDICARE like public option on day one. YOU MUST! KILL IT. Or you will do far more harm than good. And millions more will die needlessly. Rich, middle class, and poor a like.
To those who would continue to obstruct good and true healthcare reform for the American people, and who seek to trap millions more vulnerable Americans in the forest of the wolves. We will continue to fight you. We are prepared to wage all out war against you, and will eagerly DESTROY! you. Time…is…UP! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! No Co-op's! No Triggers! NO INDIVIDUAL MANDATES! without a Strong MEDICARE like public option on day one.
Healthcare reform can be the GREATEST! Accomplishment of our time and century. A time when future generations may say of us, that we were all, AMERICAS GREATEST GENERATIONS.
BUT WE MUST ACT!
I therefore call on all my fellow Americans and the peoples of the World. To join us in this fight so that we may finish becoming the better America that we aspire to be for everyone.
SPREAD THE WORD!
I have been privileged to be witness as many of you fought, and struggled to take your first breath, and your last breath on this earth. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Life is precious.
Whatever the cost. WE! MUST SUCCEED.
God Bless You My Fellow Human Beings
jacksmith - Working Class
ATTENTION!! Congress Has The Votes Needed To Pass A Public Option - TODAY http://bit.ly/TCq7O
Things You Can Do To Help NOW! http://www.everydaycitizen.com/2009/09/tired_of_watching_people_die_n.html
A majority of voters would rather have a Democrats only bill with a Public Option. Than a bipartisan bill without a Public Option.
A state based insurance plan is NOT!! a Public Option. Nor is it a Strong, National, Medicare like Public Option.
No Triggers! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-rosenbaum/a-trigger-for-the-public_b_277910.html
Triggers http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/weve-seen-these-triggers_b_283583.html
Krugman on heathcare (http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/why-markets-cant-cure-healthcare/)
Senator Bernie Sanders on healthcare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSM8t_cLZgk&feature=player_embedded)
John Garamendi on the Public Option and the Grassroots: http://bit.ly/TJMty
Howard Dean on the Public Option http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SKfW2dUnow&feature=player_embedded
We're Number 37! in quality of health care http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVgOl3cETb4&feature=player_embedded
Twitter search (#welovethenhs #NHS #hc09 #hcr #healthcar #obama #p2 #topprog #) Check it out.
Hats off to the 30 Dems who are sticking to their core values and pushing for a public option to be included in health care reform. Especially to my Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, who speaks for so many of us on this important issue. It's time for Congress and the President to act.
Hats off, to a bill none of us can see. Where is the transpearincy. You bunch of hacks. Their true core values socialism.
I fail to see how a public option is going to help the poor! Right now they don't have to pay anything for medical attention, but with your public option they will have to pay. I don't see anyone being turned away and not treated because they have no money, with our present system.
If you want to lower insurance premiums so they are more affordable you need to attack the reason prices are so high. That would be the place to start.
1. Tort Reform, absolutely must be done.
2. Big Pharma, who are getting away w/ making billions on medications that make us sicker than the illnesses we have. Side effects in medications should be researched and eliminated. Instead of Cap and Trade w/ energy, we should have a cap and trade w/ Pharmaceutical companies. This is a big part of our problem of high costs.
3. We need to remove all illegal aliens from our country. They cost tax payers billions. That alone would lower our taxes and insurance premiums, also lower crime rate.
4. People need to become aware of how to take care of their own health. Govt. could have a program in every community to teach people how to stay healthy. No laws, just education. Could even be done through schools for entire communities. Our Medical schools should emphasize what it takes for people to be proactive with their own health. A concerted effort in the area of Good Health Education would change our country and certainly lower Insurance Premiums.
Now we need some true statesmen whom we elect to run our Govt. People who are not sold out to those who bought their election, or gave them money on the side. No more earmarks. No more Fraud at the polls. No more media bias.
Right now the majority of people running our Govt. are Greedy Politicians who's self interest is evident to an awakening United States of America. We will elect people who are truly interested in preserving the Greatest Nation, Under God, that has ever existed. And that is a fact!!! that can't be denied. Even though one man in our White House has told the world that we are not.
We have been the most generous and self sacrificing people in the world and we will continue to be, if we don't allow Politicians who's world view is not our own to change our way of life and take away our Freedom.
The poor will still get health care through Medicaid, the public option is really more about the middle class then the poor…
That's like saying this recession is over. Get this damn government out of are pockets already. No talk of tort reform at all. Those of you who agree with this crap disgust me. They wont even open this bill up and read it. Or put it on line for two weeks so we can read. Right there you should realize where the true socialist party is.
The current plan does not address Tort reform. Everyone is aware that malpractice insurance is the single largest cost for physicians
and hospitals. We have lawyers in Congress protecting lawyers on
main street. This program robs Medicare of 500 billion to pay for
the uninsured. Many doctors will not accept Medicare patients now as
they only receive 60 to 70% of that which private insurance pays for
the same treatment. In my opinion Illegals and uninsured visiting the ER now will be able to go to a doctor. The Medicare patients who
have a doctor today will be in the ER after this legislation is passed. I know this legislation currently excludes illegals but when
amnesty is passed, the illegals become legal and qualify for the
program.
The brochure you sent out praising Perriello is an expensive brochure. With the cost of the elaborate paper and the cost of the pictures, the money should not have been spent. Seniors voiced their opinion in town hall meetings and tea parties. We will next voice our opinion at the polls.
Sincerely,
Robert Shorter
Co-Workers T.G. Balabanis & Chris Harvey
Tort reform is actually nothing but a distraction from the main debate:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-tarricone/calls-for-tort-reform-des_b_345438.html