Maybe, just maybe, the DNC, DCCC, etc. could use this as a rallying point?
You know, the first time I even heard of the DCCC was here, about one week ago. I can guarantee my peers haven’t heard of it. Few know what the DNC is. That’s probably not good.
Glad I got into this thread early.
The Ds now have an opportunity to change the debate and offer a new healthcare program to enhance O’care. While Liz Warren think single-payer is the answer (and probably would be the cheapest) the taxes necessary to make it work will face major PR hurdles probably not possible to get over.
Instead, refresh the idea of a public option, which was popular, is just an “option” for consumers, would cover the 10 essential benefits, and cut insurance companies out of the loop (another popular step with the public at large, though not the Rs who are beholden to them). Off it to both individuals AND employers at a lower cost that most private insurance and it would get to single-payer (or at least dominant market position) in short order as private insurance companies could not compete or would need to behave and actually become more efficient.
I just moved from PA to DE, and I lost my Blue Cross PA coverage which was great because it was a silver plan with a zero deductible but co-pay up to a reasonable amount out of pocket. This plan wasn’t offered in DE. The public option plans could do something similar, use community rating and the current subsidy structure, and expand coverage.
The advantage is that healthcare and insurance would not be a slave to insurance company whims and would provide a carrier at a reasonable cost everywhere.
If that’s not good enough for the far left, I’m happy to add basic coverage for doctor visits and preventive care for everyone outside of insurance, and stop-loss for all plans so that nobody goes broke. And we should increase taxes EVEN MORE on the wealthy to cover any additional cost.
The comparison needs to be stark, with the people getting more and the widely perceived bad guys and their GOP mouthpieces looking bad.
Keep it up, Chuck
You have to admit that the Democratic senators are doing a really good job in opposition. With no power, while being shut out of any negotiations, they are still managing to drive narratives and get things done for the American people. The only thing that could be done better is getting the message out…the Democrats in general need a point person who can state loud and clear what the Democrats stand for and how the Republicans are not interested in helping the common person.
I agree that Dems should be talking up the public option but I doubt it would get far. Remember that nothing gets on the floor of the house or senate unless leadership allows it to for the most part. I have no doubt it would dramatically change the way the ACA works and I think it would fix many of the problems we see with the ACA now. Unfortunately these same reasons are why the Repubs will fight tooth and nail to keep any public option off the house and senate floor. But greasing the skids for further down the road when Dems recapture the majority would be worth the effort.
I’ve always thought the public option was the best way of making the free market work for liberals. Republicans love to crow about government cutting off competition, but in this case, government would actually spur competition. Somehow I have a feeling that if insurance companies actually had to compete with other entities, they’ll actually figure out a way to make more attractive policies. But right now, they don’t have to since they can all pretty much agree to keep things status quo.
And remember, the public option doesn’t kill innovation. There are gobs of logistics companies despite the Post Office. Ditto for private colleges and universities. We accept the public option as a basic standard in so many other places. I feel like this is a winnable argument if we can make it.
The public option would kill insurance companies.
Lobbyists don’t like that.
Having a public option would also solve the problem of rural communities lacking insurance choices. I’ve seen comments in the newspapers recently that this is a big concern for certain states, such as Alaska and West Virginia.
I’d prefer the Medicare for all option - or Medicare at 55.
Take the older people out of the individual market – insure younger ones that are more healthy…