EDITORIAL:Public option:cf,gtm Sen.Bill Nelson should play key role in healthcare reform
Sunday, Nov 01,2009, 1:53:34 PM Click:
The public option in the proposed overhaul of the nation's healthcare system was considered a poison pill that would kill serious reform. Now a hybrid proposal has surfaced that merits attention.
There's good reason to support it -- no significant reform can be accomplished without some version of a public option.
The measure that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leaders unveiled last week will not please the most ardent advocates of a "Medicare for all" single-payer system. It offers a milder version that would let states opt out. Instead of linking payment rates to those set by Medicare, it would negotiate those rates with health providers and pharmaceutical companies.
That would still offer consumers a far better deal than what the system offers today.
48 million uninsured
Private insurers don't make a profit by insuring people likely to need coverage -- it makes no business sense -- so another path for coverage must be provided for those who are most in need. That's why a public option is needed.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, some 96 percent of legal residents who are not covered already by Medicare or Medicaid would get health insurance under the House proposal. That's not literally universal coverage, but it's better than having 16 percent -- about 48 million Americans -- without coverage as we do now.
It's encouraging that Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson, who was once not enthusiastic about a public option, now says he will support a version that Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to bring to the floor. "I've told him I'd prefer not letting states and insurers be able to opt out in the very beginning," he added. "You need time for the plan to work."
Engage moderates
Either way, it's a step in the right direction. Mr. Nelson, a veteran lawmaker who served as Florida's insurance commissioner, has an opportunity to bring more moderates to the reform table.
Opponents say the costs of the proposals would bankrupt the country. Proponents point to estimates that it would reduce the deficit by $100 billion over a decade. More likely, the supposed savings are fanciful -- projecting costs 10 years out is an educated guess, at best.
But it is fundamentally dishonest to rail about the cost of reform without taking into account how much the failure to make substantial change has cost the nation already. The $5,800 individual cost of employer-provided family health insurance in 1999 has risen to $13,375 today. That's several times greater than the rise of inflation. By 2020 -- if projections are right -- they'll increase to $24,000.
The public option is designed to address this problem, along with other glaring flaws in the current system like the inability to obtain coverage for pre-existing conditions. It would also offer more choices.
No doubt the coming debates on the floor of the House and Senate will feature a lot of buzzwords designed to scare the public -- socialization, government takeover, rationing. Don't be misled.
The U.S. healthcare system is overdue for reform.
You may also be interested in:
- New AIG CEO To Receive $7 Million Annual Salary
- Company busy settling Oklahoma's Affair of the Art
- Liberator Medical Expands Into New Building and Announces Expedited Hiring
- State Farm Florida, Regulators Have Hearing Date on Withdrawal Plan
- Zurich Appoints James Enelow Global Financial Lines Practice Leader
Featured
Who should pay for accidents aid: Insured or
Apr. 21--Cash-starved fire departments are considering a new way to raise
Zurich now offers three new insurance programs for
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zurich, a leading property and casualty
ENDING INSURANCE COMPANIES' CONTROL OF THE MARKET
For over sixty years, insurance companies have enjoyed a significant
Travelers Championship Officially Begins with Opening
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The 2009 Travelers Championship will officially
India? S Regulator Requires insurers to disclose more
Rebecca Ng MUMBAI, India, March 24, 2009 (AM Best via COMTEX) -- The Life
Allied World Reports Record Operating Results in Third
Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (NYSE: AWH) today reported net
Fitch Expects to Rate ACE INA Holdings' $500MM Sr.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fitch Ratings expects to assign an 'A' rating to the
MOST POPULAR
- Most Read
- Most Discussed
- Most Emailed
- average monthly cost for health insurance
- Aetna CEO Ronald A. Williams' 2008 Pay Package: $3.14 Millio
- House Democrats Say CBO Projects $500 Billion in Gross Savings From Medicare
- UnitedHealth, Aetna Win TRICARE contracts, Replacement Humana, Health Net
- Getting Older, but working longer: the average age at retire
- Tap Retirement Funds Penalty-Free Age Can Play A Role IRA
- Extension of TRICARE Health Insurance Coverage Included
- "Usual and Customary" Rates in the Health Insurance Industry
- Health Plans awaiting verdict in 2010 Medicare Advantage Cut
- President Obama to Hold Health Insurance Reform Rally in College Park, MD
-
many House liberals look ready to accept a compromise health care bill -
Questions And Answers On Health Care Plan -
HealthChoice vendor progresses with insurance claims -
New Report Details How to create an option for public health -
Beware of Sharks annuity -
Tap Retirement Funds Penalty-Free Age Can Play A Role IRA -
Report Shows Small businesses lack of choice in health insur -
Milliman Analysis: Preparing for Mental Health Parity


Discuss this news
Click Here to see all comments