WASHINGTON (CNN) - A key Senate negotiator said Sunday that President Barack Obama should drop his push for a government-funded public health insurance option because the Senate will never pass it.
Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota said it was futile to continue to "chase that rabbit" due to the lack of 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
"The fact of the matter is there are not the votes in the United States Senate for a public option. There never have been," Conrad said on "FOX News Sunday."
Conrad is one of six Senate Finance Committee members - three Democrats and three Republicans - who are negotiating a compromise health-care bill that would be the only bipartisan proposal so far.
Three House bills and another Senate version have all been proposed by Democrats, and all contain provisions for a public health insurance option intended to compete against private insurers.
Republican opponents argue the public option is a step toward the government taking over the health care industry. Many Democrats argue that it would not have that effect.
Conrad has proposed creating non-profit health insurance cooperatives that could negotiate coverage as a collective for their members.
He said Sunday that such cooperatives would provide the competition sought by Obama and Democratic leaders to force private insurers to hold down costs and improve practices.
Obama continues to support a public insurance option but appears to have softened his position in recent weeks.
At a town hall meeting Saturday in Colorado, he said the issue is one of many that are critical to successfully overhauling the ailing health-care system. "All I'm saying is, though, that the public option, whether we have it or we don't have it, is not the entirety of health care reform," Obama said. "This is just one sliver of it."
On Sunday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told CNN's "State of the Union" that a final health-care bill will meet Obama's requirements of affordable, accessible health coverage for all.
"There will be a competition to private insurers," she said. "You don't turn over the whole new marketplace to private insurance companies and trust them to do the right thing. We need some choices and we need some competition."
Updated: 11:38 a.m.
Related: Health care in America
From CNN Politics
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If the Public Health Insurance Option dies, it is because the Health Insurance Industry has lined the pockets of our politicians. Without a Public Option, the Health Insurance Industry will continue to control healthcare.
Yet another senator bought and paid for by the insurance industry.
Shame on him.
A woman goes to her doctor in her home townbecause she has abdominal pain.
He examines her, does some blood work and advises her to return to his office in a month.
During that period this woman becomes eligible for employee health insurance. When she tries to make her return appointment with her own hometown doctor she is told by her insurance company that she can't.
Instead, she is forced to make an appointment with a new doctor she has never seen in a town 20 miles from her own hometown.
She sees the new doctor who does not send her to the doctor she has already consulted, instead he orders two very expensive tests.
This is how private FOR PROFIT insurance companies do business every single day. THEY decide who you can see, what you can have done and what you can't. NOT YOUR DOCTOR. I urge every single one of you who are opposed to healthcare reform to ask your doctor's office how much they actually get paid by your insurance company versus what the doctor charges. Ask him/her how much he writes off every year because he has a contract with your insurance company.
Ask him how many people are employed in his office to manage the massive billing, referral, and authorization process required by insurance companies these days. If you think private insurance works well you truly are NOT asking these questions. Most likely you go to the doctor, pay your copay and know nothing about what goes on after you have had your visit.
I know because I am one of the people who works in your doctors office trying to get your insurance company to pay your claims and allow YOU to have necessary blood tests and procedures.
If you continue to allow yourselves to be influenced by the lies you are being told about awful health care reform will be you deserve to remain in a system that is designed to make money for insurance companies.
Mr. Obama is starting to show that his lack of experience for the office he holds and people are waking up to the realization that he is in fact trying to pull the wool over our eyes and provide us with socialized/rationed health care. The document clearly states that the government will decide end of life care, will assist doctors in making decisions and will • Page 30, line 23 — There will be a government committee that decides what treatments you get. This bill is all about control and this President has shown he wants to control EVERYTHING; Auto's Wall Street, Pay, everything. The language of this bill is certainly ambiguous and given it is open to interpretation, once we let the government in, they will do what they want because the language of the bill will allow them to define it how they want – regardless of what Mr. Obama is trying to sell us in his road trips!
If democrats fail to pass health care reform with a public option, they should ALL be voted out of office! They don't know what to do with the power they now have. Kudo's to the republicans if they win this battle.
Mr. Conrad You have to resign from Democratic Party and House seat.
It's pretty sad... Change has come to America huh? What, Latin America? What a joke we've become. Maybe we need another dog or beer story to fill in the growing "competency gap" in the WH. Someone wake me up when Obama actually *completes* anything at all besides the Lilly Ledbetter Act. Yeah progress.
This guy sucks up public healthcare like biscuits and gravy. Then turns around and denies that choice the American People because he's been paid off by the insurance industry.
Screw him. It changes nothing. We'll just have to figure out a way around him and his ilk.
Good! We all agree that health insurance needs to be reformed. But, the majority of us do not agree that we need a governmnet run healthcare system. Government should NOT be in control of our healthcare (nor our lives for that matter)!
The idea of "affordable, accessible health coverage for all" without an actual public health plan is a joke - it will never happen. As far as these "co-ops" that will supposedly save us? I was IN one and it is a disaster. (Freelancer's Union in NYC) Claims denied left and right. Injections and biopsies in your Dr's office considered to be surgery and again, not covered. It is so bad I left and went to a private company - they're not great and they're not at all afforable, but they're a lot better than how the "co-op" idea is working out (not to mention, one serious $2,000,000 illness among its membership and any of these co-ops will crash and burn).
Obama socialist ?
If insurance companies steal form one to cover others called capitalism
If government tax one to cover others called socialism
If government subsided the insurance companies called capitalism
If government cover the public direct called socialism
Wake up
Senator Conrad is just another fake Democrat in wolves clothing,bought and paid for by the Insurance industry and the Republican party.
If the public health insurance options dies, then it is time to be honest and get rid of Medicare and Medicaid. Those are public health insurance options. Let's see how many people who are all up in arms now, are ready and willing to give up their Medicare benefits. If you support Medicare or Medicaid, then you already support public health insurance.
What a surprise, a Congressman who doesn't have the stones to do what he knows is the right thing for America. But, he'll be a hero to his constituents and win re-election for standing up for the people. You are one pathetic soul, Senator.
All the competition talk is nonsense. We have had competition for decades. But it has been this monster insurer against that monster insurer. People are suffering from private insurers' common practice, which drops you if you start to incur loss to them and rejects you if you have pre-existing conditions. We do not need more fake competitions. We need a public plan for the health care reform. IF we do not get a public plan, all those that vote against a public plan will be voted out of Congress in the next election cycle, because they have fail to represent their voters. We will need another health care reform under another administration.
I have the greatest healthcare program in the world, it is called Tricare. All military retirees have this program. It is a single payer, government run, socialized health program. For the life of me, I can’t understand why people on the right won’t allow the rest of the American to have the option to enroll in a program, like this. This is what the public option would be like. It’s good enough for me, and military retirees, but not for the rest of my country?
Cowpatties.
Odd, what would be in the people's best long term interest and what all other advanced western countries already have, IS NOT an option.
One wonder who is really in control. Blue Cross claims non profit status yet restricts benefits, adds up to 50 percent co-pays while paying CEOS 8 million dollar tax paid severence packages.
Yes, this happened in Vermont, a small state. Imagine what these people take away in larger states.
Time to start yelling for an "up-or-down-vote".
That's for sure. We don't want gov't run public health insurance. Give it up Obama and try something that will actually HELP us instead of HARM us.
Just compare the options they try to put a finger on.
Sweden is dumping public health care for privatized options, moving towards a US system, UK fires nurses and qualified personnel leaving itself shorthanded.
And now the US should simply move towards what other countries have deemed unsustainable. That sounds like a really bad plan to me, doomed to failure before it even starts given the International track records of plans like these.
Do politicians ever Think! before they act or do they simply hold office to push the flag of failure forward?
At last, an honest opinion by a Democrat. I want reform but I don't want the government running health care. Their track record on every other government run program is abysmal. Are Medicare costs under control? Are postage fee's dropping? Is Social Security self-sustaining? Do military toilet seats cost $640?
The public option even when identified as a "co-op" will sink our healthcare system and our economy.
No, it's got nothing to do with the health insurance industry lining senator's pockets; it has everything to do with people realizing that they don't want the government in charge of their health care.
Public funded government option: January 21, 2009 – August 16, 2009.
You will not be missed.
This is out of step with what the majority of Americans want, which is reform (most of us just aren't out waving guns in the street and carrying ridiculous and signs). We want reform and we want options. Without a public option, nothing will change. Insurance companies will continue to make record profits while gouging consumers and dropping policies on paying costumers who get sick... Public option allows each of us to decide for ourselves whether to stay with our insurance company or choose a government sponsored program. This is the American thing to do. If it is taken off the table, expect consequences in the voting booth. Senator Conrad, you will not be in office next term, no matter how much insurance money you have lining your treasure chest.
Statements such as this from members of Congress are indications of just how flawed this leglistation really is. For example:
1. Your employer provides you health insurance coverage from an insurance company certified by the Health Choices Administration (HCA) as meeting government requirements. The insurance company your employer is using makes changes to the policy (rate increase, coverage changes, etc). The plan is now automatically disqualified by the HCA and your company, and you must participate in the Health Insurance Exchange. This will very likely mean you will be covered by a different company and become a patient of a different docotor or doctors.
2. The legislation specifically denies health care coverage to persons and the families who do not have legal status. BUT, it does not establish a method of verifying eligibility as a US citizen.
3. If enacted, someone is going to have to pay for this new program and thus far, not enough offsets have been found to do so. That may mean that the taxpayers in middle-income brackets will have to foot the bill.
This legislation, when added to the banking industry bailouts, the automotive industry bailouts, and the Cash for Clunkers program is simply more than this country can afford during this economic downturn.
Too much, too fast, and too soon!
The public option has always been a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Sen. Conrad is correct and should be congratulated.There has always been compettition in the insurance business even if I , as a physician, do not agree with all their actions. At least, I am not forced to accept their pronouncements as I would with the government.
shame on this man, President Obama has every American in his plan, not just the few who can afford these outrageous insurance companies, millions and millions have no insurance, it's time for all Americans to be able to have proper health care, God Bless President Obama.
If the Republicans and special interest groups had supported Hillary Clinton's health care policy, right now all of your citizens would be covered and your hit and miss health care system would not be the most expensive in the world. Everyone is watching to see what your country does this time. The Repulicans did absolutely nothing to improve this system for eight years and now everyone is supposed to believe they have all the answers. The misconceptions about a public system are boundless. I would put my health care against yours any day. The amount that I am taxed for my health care doesn't even come close to the monstrous premiums you folks pay and I can never go bankrupt or have my health care terminated. Also, there is a huge difference between a full public system like we have in Canada and a public option along with private options as Pres. Obama has outlined. He understands that the private system in your country is too entrenched and cannot be dismantled but it sure needs major overhauling. Also without a public option, this reform has no teeth.. It is hopeful to hear that the doctor's and nurse's organizations in your country back him and now twently-five faith based groups do too. This is probably going to turn out like the stimulus bill. The Republcans are again the party of NO. Now that the stimulus is working and the recession is ending, they cannot take any credit for it. The same will happen with health care reform,
Obama said that all of the insurance paperwork that his mom had to face as she was dying was enormous and must be changed. Okay, then let's develop a monstrously bureacratic IRS-like government controlled system.
Yep, fill out a 'tax return' every time you get sick. That sounds just great to me...
What Senator Conrad is saying is clear: publicly funded health insurance is completely acceptable if you are a Senator or Congressman, but if you're a member of the public - the tax-paying public - then the government is not interested in protecting your basic right of receiving medical care when you need.
Private sector health insurance is un-American - health care is a basic right ("right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" - remember that, Senator?) and in this great country we do NOT put our rights up for sale on the market.
A nation that allows health care to be delivered on a basis of ability-to-pay rather than need-for-care is a nation that has lost its moral compass.
Applause to Pres. Obama for continuing to work toward healthcare reform, but shame on the Democrats for refusing to open their eyes to wasteful spending on procedures that are not cost-effective. Many of these occur because of fear of malpractice suit. Tort reform is essential to the real reform, as is prohibition of consumer-directed advertising for prescription drugs.
So tell me, what is the difference between a corporate bureaucrat and a federal bureaucrat between you and your doctor?
Insurance companies are in the business of collect, collect, collect premiums and deny, deny, deny claims.
Get real people. Do your own research and don't rely on those who have an agenda.
MLH is absolutely right. Medicare is a public plan. Every doctor and senior I asked said they prefer Medicare to private insurance companies. But Medicare is not free. Seniors paid with Medicare Taxes (the current rate is 1.45%) all their life up to 65. Everyone contributes to Medicare. This is the principle of a public plan. Everyone participates and everyone pays. I propose to raise the new Medicare tax rate from 1.45% to 5% of your incomes and get rid of private health insurance premiums, which cost at least $13,000 per year for a family. I can understand the rich would prefer private health insurance premium of $15,000 to 1.45% or 5% of their high incomes.
However, I don't understand the middle class and below going against a public plan. Your employer is paying at least $13,000 for your family. IF we have a public plan, "your employer" will only have to pay a percentage of your incomes per year, not $13,000 and ever more. When did you hear any insurance company lowering your premiums?
The money saved for the employer will give more capital for business expansion and create more jobs. Our government can hire the workers for these private health insurance companies to manage our New Medicare, but at Uncle Sam's rate. Insurance is a non-productive sector of our economy. IF we really want to revive our economy to a sustainable level, we should limit its growth and channel resources to productive sectors for more productive jobs. Thanks!
it all starts with tort reform.. stop the lawyers from running the system. going to be tough for obama to turn on his own, though...
One part of this health care reform that has not been discussed is just exactly what level of health care coverage is being planned for those people without health care coverage at this time. This question is fundamental when discussing a health care plan for the uninsured and the administration has not defined any parameters of such a plan. I don't think there exist many people that are opposed to having some basic health care package for those that are uninsured--unless they are here illegally, but the working class want a plan with broader coverage since they work for it and now will work for insuance coverage for those that don't work and with mr. Obama's plan, are here illegally.
It simply baffles me that the government wants to 'overhaul' a private health care system when they don't even have the plan for the uninsured defined at this time-I mean, what are we buying into? Ask a congressman, or the president-they don't even know.
If the public option is dead, then this Senator needs to be removed from his office. If these people can be influenced by the corporate interests EVEN WHEN WE VOTED IN a majority to get a public healthcare option, then there is no hope, these creeps will always run our country. You thought your vote counted and you thought that your government is there to protect you. No they are bought and paid for, and all you nimrods yelling about your country, if you have ever been to a socialist country, you would know that America could never be one. All I can say is that if these politicans listen to the ignorant yelling screaming idiots, and this gets derailed with a majority then don't be sending me emails about how the Dems need money to keep your majority when a "majority" didn't win. Any money I give will be to defeat Blue Dogs. They don't want to AWAKEN the sleeping giants in the Democratic party, see what that got you, a Democratic President. I hope Obama lays down the law to these traitors, tow the line or no money for your next campaign. We support only loyal Democrats.
Without a public option, this is a big old waste of time. I have government provided insurance from my military service. So I'm good regardless. But for the life of me, I don't understand why in the richest country in the world, we have people that are so ignorant, they cannot understand that heath care IS being rationed right now by the insurance companies through (1) Higher Premiums, and (2) Denying Claims.
We're going to be a third world country very soon. Our own people are so ignorant, they believe that insurance companies are looking out for our best interest. They believe that corprations will look out for them, and the government won't. When corporations are designed to look out for themselves, and our government was designed to look out for us.
They believe up is down, and down is up.
May God have mercy on each one of us and the crooked insurance companies.
Hard to believe the monstrous private insurers would feel threatened by a bumbling government health insurance competitor. UPS and FEDEX never complain about unfair competition from the US Post Office. A public option is the ONLY way to insert some semblance of competition into the marketplace to force the private insurance oligarchy to broaden their coverage and to offer affordable rates .
Am I to assume that all of you that have posted, have health care and thru your employer?? That all of you are healthy and have no pre-existing conditions?? That you make enough money that if you leave your job or are not employed that you can afford the COBRA??
Did you all see the article about the state of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield?? You didn't? Well, the state negotiated the increase of 46% – 52% on premiums for individuals who aren't covered by employers down to 22%. Wow! what a deal!
Oh, sure the insurance companies are offering anything right now, because they are scared that they will lose the billions of dollars in profits. So, you all don't want a public option, like a cafeteria plan that allows one to pick and choose and lets people have something that will hold the insurance companies feet to the fire.
Do yourself a favor before you totally screw up the whole deal, go try to find insurance for an individual, and one for someone who has pre-existing conditions. I know I am one and in 2008 our insurance expenditure was $17,000 in premiums, copays and deductibles and the net that the insurance paid after deductible was met in December, was less that $1,000.
One problem with the current bills being considered is the mandatory coverage of persons who want insurance and have a pre-existing condition. That's like saying, carry just liability on your car, then if you are in an accident, you can just buy collision insurance and the company has to pay to repair your car. It isn't reasonable.
Public option is very important and it will provide people with a genuine alternative.
see ya Barry..................sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
Senator Conrad needs to remember that the people who elected President Obama did so in part because of his stance on health care. I hope Senator Conrad does not succumb to a small group of people who are coming out to the town hall meetings with the sole purpose of disrupting them. I think he should also remember that more than likely these people did not vote for President Obama anyway.
Senator Conrad, if you are in fact a Democrat then perhaps you should be listening to what Democrats want, those that came out in droves to see that President Obama and Democrats were elected. We have seen what Republicans offered , which hasn't been much. Perhaps you should start HEARING what those who are not screaming, yelling and carrying signs depicting our President as a Nazi are trying to say.
No Public Option...
...major insurrection...
The people have spoken they don't want the publice option they don't want the goverment running health care. The people have spoken who want a say so in their goverment. The protesters are normal people and not racist. I'm in a interacial marriage ,and my wife and I have protested for the first time in our lives. We thought it's time to get up off our sofa ,and get involved. We think goverment should not have a publice option. thank you
This guy just made the most wanted list.Guess he has an island some where he can retire in after this vote.
I like alot of American am of two minds on this issue.
Everyone should have access to health care.
Now does that mean it is a right? No of course not. To try and hold yourself to such a ideal would be to say that everyone has a right to say a personal trainer. This country has gotten to the point where alot of want no responsibility for their own care. Now does that mean we as a just people can say to hell with those who cannot afford this that is a NO as well.
What I wold like to see is the system that whoever is proposing work in reality. Take a state say California 8th largest economy in the world and show me this working and well. So me that its not some twisted pipe dream. Don't just tell me this is possible show me.
And if a politician really wants to both gain my support respect and admiration give me a consequence if they cannot deliver on their pledge and promises. This perhaps is a great failing in the country a lack of accountability of those in office.
The Democrats need to use their majority both in the full chamber and the Finance Committee to get this threw. Chuck Grassley should be ashamed of himself for fueling the "unplug Grandma" line and Kent Conrad should fight for the President's plan along with other members of his party.
I lived in Canada for 7 years and would "love" to have that type of security that the basic plan provided along with the extended benefits I bought through my employer which was the Government of the NWT.
I was a bit disappointed yesterday that the President failed to answer the last question from the women who had had polio about "in-network" and "out-of-network" providers. I like her have a rare condition–mine congenital–which requires more than your average orthopedic surgeon to manage. I would hope that in the future I could access a "super specialist" in another state who could help me–even if I have to wait for that consultation.
Give me a Canadian model any day. I am trying to figure out if I can immigrate back!
Like many things, the political posturing regarding the health-care legislation is like a pendulum swinging from one extreme to another. Perhaps the "public option" was included only to be removed as a good-faith compromise in order to reach an agreeable middle ground. I would think/hope, that as Americans, we accept as our duty, as an obligation, that every one of us does what is in our power to ensure ALL Americans are provided with health-care coverage. This is not socialism. This is Americans placing Americans first.
It's a sad day when I read/see the news where extremists, who are in the minority, bully-in and overtake (i.e. destroy) what are to be open discussions of the health-care issues with their political extremist rhetoric. This is not much different than the inter-tribal fighting that going on today in the middle east – taliban vs hamas vs this tribe vs that tribe.
I think that there's some religions that believe that if you are not with them, then you're against them. Sometimes, this idea drive groups who gain political power of one sort or another who refuse to compromise. Is this who or what the health-care extremists are? I think as Americans, we need to realize that we all can not have it only our way. If this happens, nothing gets done.
If we don't get a single payer or government option, which are two totally different things but apparently a good number of you can't grasp that, then this whole debate was pointless and Obama just guaranteed himself to only be a one term president.
Guess Conrad's check from the health insurance industry lobbyists just cleared the bank.
Atta boy Conrad, looks like you enjoyed seeing those "real" Americans who can't afford health care or are not coverd by their current insurance lined up for free, donated health care in LA huh....
Those Democrats that are not in support of it should get ready to find a new job!!!
I really don't understand why folks who are standing in these town hall screaming and hollering about healthcare don't want heathcare as good as the person standing up at a podium telling them they don't need it!!!
HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE?
My company of 54 pays 360,000 a year in benefits to our employees. If there is a public option why would we continue to carry our benefits and not just tell our employees to go to the public option saving the company 360,000 a year and letting the tax payers pick up the tab? How many small businesses are there in the US now? Imagine if they all did the same thing; the country simply could not pick up the bill. Some will say fine, we'll just penalize the company and fine them if they do this. That's great, then the company reduces its workforce to compensate for the fine and the unemployment rate sky rockets and the economy continues to tank.
And I'd like to know why no one is taking aim at other industries that make tons of money. We need to eat and cloth ourselfs yet no one seems to care how much money those companies make. 1 in 9 are on food stamps because they can't afford food. If you take out the illegals that should be getting health care in the first place and then the people making more than 75k a year that can afford it themselves the ratio is about the same. So I renew my question, why aren't we going after these industries as well? I'll tell you why, it's not in the Obama Administration's best interest to do this.
Without a public option, this legislation is going to be just a big bonanza for the insurance companies and big Pharma. Think about it. Everyone has to be insured. Who will benefit from that? With the public option at least Americans had the alternative of a government-run system that wouldn't be so profit-oriented. Obviously, this legislation is going the way of No Child Left Behind. I voted for Democrats expecting the worst but hoping for the best. Next time, I'm just not going to vote at all.
Well good, guv'ment, especially Obama's guv'ment is NOT the answer. Perhaps Obama can now focus on bringing the troops home like he said he would. Oops....
This entire fiasco reminds me of Bobby Jindal. He was so against the stimulus, yet what is he doing now? Hand delivering stimulus money to the counties in his state, making as big of a show as possible to take credit for the checks he is signing.
The same applies to Health Care Reform. After it passes - and it will - those on the right will be the first in line to credit themselves for all the good that comes from the reform, regardless of all the turmoil they have caused.
Fortunately, this is ONE issue where American's ARE paying attention - on both sides of the floor - and I'm looking forward to what the voters will have to say in next years mid term elections.
Yes, the Democrats are finally waking up. Healthcare Reform does not require a public option. We do not need the government to get any bigger and to waste our tax dollars, just create regulations to keep private insurers in check. Without the public option, the healthcare bill will have my support.
Wake up silent majority and find your voice. We obviously can't depend on Conrad to do the right thing without jarring his conscience so that its volume exceeds that of his campaign purse.
Without the public option and payment based on outcomes rather than itemized services, it is business as usual for the big insurance industry, BUT with a new glut of 47 million mandated additional customers (read... lambs to the slaughter). Why do you think insurance executives are simultaneously at the healthcare reform table, and are funding advertizing against healthcare reform? Profit is king. Your health is an afterthought.
Imagine if just the dollars currently spent on advertizing and stockholder dividends were actually available for point of care healthcare how many fewer underserved might be lined up for free care in Los Angeles. That was a shameful visual in the greatest nation on the planet.
Fool-me-once insurance profit machine (1994), shame on you. Fool-me-twice (2009), SHAME ON ME!
Capitalism is a wonderful thing. It just isn't a logical model for healthcare.
Remember, in 1965ish, the govt program called Medicare was born because no one wanted to insure the elderly, and insurance companies continued to flourish. Why should that not continue to be the case with a public option as just one of many choices in the healthcare exchange marketplace? You cry "Wolf". I'm not hearing you.
Democrats!! Grow a spine. You are in a majority the likes of which you will not likely maintain for long. Get up every morning and pledge to do what's right. The current state of the Republican leadership is distasteful even to many life long Republicans. There will be no bipartisanship on this issue. Do the right thing on your own!
It breaks my heart how stupid the American people are. We have been abused for decades by the health care profiteers and yet I see so many posts on here saying "government should not be involved in health care". Hey, guess what, Medicare and the VA are government programs – does anyone lucky enough to have those programs ever even think about dropping them? NO! It's just that some Americans (young and middle class) who don't get as involved in voting or activism seem to be worth less to Washington. The retirees who have Medicare come to town halls and say "no government health care for others, now that I have my own!" Selfish, stupid, short-sighted.
America is going bankrupt thanks to the health insurance industry and other corporate interests and the American people still drink their kool-aid. How about all of you against this do some research of your own, and not just listen to Glenn Beck? If you researched health systems around the world you'd realize that all developed countries have some form of single-payer, have much better health outcomes, at half the price. You can start by researching France.
Only in America do people have the worst health system of any industrialized country but still keep yelling "we are number 1".
First of all, for all you anti-health care reform people, if you aren't in healthcare yourselves, you really have no right to speak. Period. You have no idea what you are talking about. That goes for Reggie, K, and Joe. Seriously, you did not read the bill Joe...you read one, maybe 2 lines, and have suddenly come up with a comprehensive analysis of it? I did not read the whole bill (it is over a 1000 pages) but I did read whole sections of it, not just 1 or 2 lines.
I am a clinical pharmacist at a county hospital. I used to also manage a retail pharmacy for 5 years. I also sit on the Pharmacy & Therapeutics board of a local insurance plan, so, yes, I do know what I am talking about just like some here, especially MK. What you non-believers need to understand is how the insurance industry works. Read MK's entry. It's entirely true. You have to remember that the insurance industry is a FOR-PROFIT industry. Imagine the CEO's getting pissed if they had to cover everyone! They wouldn't make money! That's why they drop you for getting sick; for having a pre-existing condition; for forcing you to try alternatives before giving you the real thing (if you don't believe it, ask your doctor for the newest drug for your certain condition, take it to a pharmacy, and see your insurance reject it...and you worry about government control?).
Now, a public option is important because it is competition for the whole industry. The industry can't get greedy because the government isn't in it for the money, it's in it for the people! And no, the government isn't going to run the show; it's an option. Again, read the bill (HR 3200). The idea of an exchange makes sense. More options for all people. The government can lower costs because it will use buying power and leveraging. Think about this the next time you go to Costco. Why are things cheaper there than elsewhere? Why do small mom & pops pharmacies join the Good Neighbor Pharmacy network? Joe, let me answer this for you, it is to have collective bargaining power, to allow costs of purchasing drugs to go down so that even the small guy has a chance of competing against the big guy.
And if you think this is expensive, sure it is. But again, this is where people in the healthcare industry will understand–preventative care is the best medicine possible. I see it all the time at my hospital. Almost all our patients treat the ER as their primary care physician and they get discharged and re-admitted frequently. That costs a lot of money. Imagine how much we could save if people just took care of themselves? If they took their medication and watched their disease states, then it wouldn't have to come to more expensive therapies. If you took your metformin and watched your blood sugar and carbs, then you wouldn't have to come in with ketoacidosis and have to go on more expensive medication like Lantus. That's where the savings comes in.
Anti-healthcare people really need to think about it. Read the bill or read a non-partisan analysis of it. Don't knock Britain or Canada's healthcare system. You don't even know anything about it! I've been to France and Canada, and everyone I've spoken to likes their healthcare. This is America, and we're going to come up with something uniquely American. That is only if you non-believers think for yourselves and not follow right- (or left-) wing emails.
Smoke and mirrors packed with lies!
Isn't it a shame that such a human right as universal health care always just comes down to politics? WE are supposedly the richest and most powerful nation on earth and we cant adequately cover our citizens with this basic care at a reasonable cost..we spend almost double per person on Health care than the closest rival Switzerland AND we have a lower life expectancy..how can you justify that.? You hear all this talk about rationing..isn't that what the insurance companies do now if you get sick thay cut you if you have pre existing condition they cut you..what is that if it's not rationing..I am embarassed to be an American when it comes to this subject!!!!
Drjay says, "First of all, for all you anti-health care reform people, if you aren't in healthcare yourselves, you really have no right to speak."
Wow! "No right to speak". Really?
Sorry drjay, I think you've mistaken this country for North Korea. Your kind of "thinking", and your take on Democracy is EXACTLY what the American people are rising up against.
This is a GREAT victory for the American people.
I'm praying that this is mere speculation on Conrad's part...
...but am totally bewildered by such a weighty issue as health care reform...
...being controlled and decided by Senators and representatives from the least populated states!
... there are more moose in North Dakota than people...
...WHY is Kent Conrad (and other red state outpost gov't representatives) able to make such a declaration, why isn't he relegated to the committee for National Parks and Recreation?
...Red state inbreds do not represent the vast majority of Americans...
...and should be allowed (no encouraged) to LEAVE the country, if they don't like necessary CHANGE...
It seems that Mr Conrad has no backbone..I wouldn't want him representing me!
This is ridiculous. Because a few Democratic senators have taken big bucks from the insurance companies, and because the Republicans are too busy playing politics, the American people get screwed.
Will those couple Democratic senators support the filibuster? If so, they're in for a heap of trouble from the left and the middle.
1. New Medicare Tax Rate:
IF a business refuses to provide health insurance for their employees, I remember the House penalty rate is 8% of the employee’s payroll per year. This means the health care costs is estimated to be less than 8% of one’s annual salary with No Limit. A correct Medicare tax rate should be the result of (for example, Monte Carlo) modeling, simulation and statistical forecasting. Congressional Budget Office and President’s Executive Office can find a better rate for the new Medicare taxes than my rough estimate.
I also think we should use Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as the new Medicare tax basis, because the rich few may not have to work for wages and all they have is investment incomes. We certainly want the rich to pay their Medicare taxes.
“Everyone” has to participate and pays to the public plan as a percentage of their wages or AGI with No Limit.
2. Age-Based Premiums:
There should be an age-based premium that collects a premium of exactly your age per month. For example, a 30 year old pays $30 per month. Older people do get sick more often so there is a need to compensate for it. But we need a temporary measure for seniors to stop paying this age-based premium after 65 for 20 years. This is only fair to those that have contributed to Medicare up to now.
3. Co-Pays:
In order to control costs, we must have affordable co-pays for visits and prescriptions except for preventive care.
4. Cap for Malpractice award:
Without a cap, everyone has to pay for the award. The cap should be some multiple of the victim’s annual salary.
5. Double our Doctors’ Available Hours:
No system is perfect. Doctors would rather deal with one flawed system than many flawed systems. One doctor friend told me he spent half of his time on insurance paperwork and he went to medical school to heal people. The half time saved from not dealing with different insurers will double the hours doctors have for patients. What good do competitions do for doctors and patients?
The public plan will save us lots of money and save our economy from the downward spiral we witness right now. We can use all the money saved for creating more jobs by improving our K-12 education, discovering cures for cancer, or even going to Mars. IF we don’t stop this one-sided competition between the people and private health insurers, more jobs will be lost and nobody can afford any premiums or anything.
Without a Public Plan, this health care or insurance reform is no reform.
no public option,, I'm changing to independent voter... goodbye Democrats because you are the same
I want a Public Option. The insurance companies had their chance as did the Republicans. They failed.
If the Public Option is dead, allow all American Taxpayers to join the Federal Employee Program at the next open enrollment. If I as a taxpayer pay for Senators health insurance, the least they can do is allow me to buy the same program for myself.
if this senator and many others don't pass health reform then they can step down and we can elect someone with some balls to tell the insurance industry stick it and we will have a choice .and it will bring down the cost
Senator Conrad,
You don't need 60 votes. You need 51+. Reconciliation or have you forgotten that can still be done. If the Dems really want this they can do it.
Even in the minority the repubs are calling the shots.
Ray in Phoenix, let me guess, you didn't read the rest of my post did you? Nor are you in healthcare, I assume. Maybe before posting another useless comment, you'll have some insight to offer to the debate at hand. I'm willing to bet you or your parents are on Medicare/Medicaid and yet, you are opposed to "government-run healthcare."
P.S. Ray, the AARP and the AMA are in support of the bill. Wow! Seniors and Doctors in support of healthcare reform? Ok, I change my mind, if you aren't educated, then you shouldn't speak.
As an outsider looking in on the American political system, the biggest problem I see when it comes to Healthcare reform and legislation in general, is that the Democratic Party is hardly united and clearly don't have a backbone. Any other country and even the Republicans have some type of party whip getting everyone into line to vote for or against whatever is presented as a bill. Like come on, this isn't the universal healthcare Hillary Clinton was talking about, it's a government set up non-profit option and a lot of regulation, making sure a minimum standard is kept up in the insurance industry and cutting the estimated 1.2 trillion of waste of 2.5 trillion healthcare spending per year.
The Democratic party has to get some courage and do what's right for your country. Almost every other western nation (or every single one) has some form of universal coverage, all pay about half per capita on healthcare and about half the patients per doctor ratio (a good thing), but have higher life expectancy, get better treatment and are generally found healthier in many studies. Even here in Canada we pay less taxes than you and we have seen a couple recent international/binational studies that come to the conclusion that treatment here is of better quality than in the States. Out of all the Healthcare systems, ours is probably the least perfect of all the western countries, except the US. Our waiting lines for critical surguries are quite long and prioritized, but that's our problem not yours.
My advise to Americans, if you think this plan can't work, look at the Netherlands which has a lot of private insurance. One of the best healthcare systems second only to Switzerland. If you don't tackle Healthcare reform right now, it won't be until 2012 because of midterms, the end of an Obama second term or another decade if Obama is defeated in relection. Can you afford to have no healthcare or watered down reform for that long?
The public option is not going to happen! Too many well connected people are making an awful lot of money adding lots of cost to the current system but adding no value. If you were to ask some of these pocket stuffing pigs how much they earn, an honest answer would be "Nothing".
If you asked this same group how much they make, the honest answer would be mind boggling.
One has to ask how much of that mind boggling income finds it way into the coffers of those officials elected to represent 'We the People"?
More than enough, I'll wager, to influence votes!
That's why it is said that "We the People" have "The best Government that money can buy!"
Great news if the "public-option" is scrapped.. but will it just be called a different name like"public cooperative"??? Who believes what a politician says??? Let's see it in writing
Wouldn't it be great to see the savings of ObamaCare FIRST, then add the uninsured as savings are realized??? Of course, this is like "securing the borders first, then amnesty for all."
How about cross-state competition amongst insurers, tort reform and more individual involvement with medical care as a consumer?
Kent Conrad should drop his government-paid health insurance and pledge never to enroll in Medicare. If he refuses to offer the rest of us a public option, then we should refuse to give him public-funded health insurance, too.
I think it is essential to have a public option in the health care reform bill. The private insurance companies need competition. It will keep them more honest and force them to offer lower and more competitive rates. These senators that will not support the public option have been bought by the insurnace industry. These companies are afraid they will lose profits. Unfortuately it all come down to the issue of money and greed by the insurance companies and not the well being of the American people. Pass a health care reform bill with a public option and the American people will benefit, if not, then it is the insurance companies that win.
Kudos " Francisco Cardenas If the Public Health Insurance Option dies, it is because the Health Insurance Industry has lined the pockets of our politicians. Without a Public Option, the Health Insurance Industry will continue to control healthcare" . You just called it as it is!!. A senator bought by the Insurance industry using a biased platform fox news!!. Do some people still watch fox news? it plain sucks!!!
I am an Independent, insured, and 100% for the Public Plan, because this is the most effective and efficient health care system for our future economy and generations. Please consider my proposed plan in earlier postings. Thanks!
If we don't give the public plan a chance, those that have a job may not have one in a few years. Our economy has no room for profits for the private health insurance companies. The insurance companies use the same model as car insurance runs on people. You are not a car, are you?
Many states have tort reform, Texas has it capped at 500K did it years ago, see how well its worked?
The Health Insurance Industry has been killing children and the elderly for years,why should they stop now?
I wonder...will the Senate and House join the general public and use the public health plan for their own? Or..will they continue to use the
far superior plan for themselves? Also...they would perhaps look
at Social Security better if they were participating in it instead of the lucrative plan of their own. Who out their knows (not everyone) that the interest on the money we all pay for social security is not paid into social security and produced compounded interest for our fund. Each time I hear how weak and broke social security is it makes me furious – the government takes the interest from social security funds for other uses. Imagine if our social security fund could grow with its own interest – it would be healthy and perhaps even help medicare.
I have given up hoping any politician would discuss this – it affects
their own well-being too much. I'm sad that I can't trust any of them.
Thanks to the public disinformation campaign waged by the insurance industry and the lunatic fringe of the GOP, the public option is probably dead. Between all the nut cases screaming about "death panels", "rationing care", and "government take over", health care reform is hanging by a thin thread. It is a shameful commentary on the quality of our educational system and insidious corporate influence that can create an environment where something every American needs and will benefit from is going to go down in flames. We're a bunch of pathetic, gullible, easily manipulated, ignorant people.
screw the bipartisan ship. pass the bill by reconciliation in the senate. i am sure they can get 51 votes.
republicans screwed this country up so bad in the reign of bush, and now, with they buddies in the insurance industry and their echo chambers and faux anger, they will ensure that we continue going downhill... at least thats what it seems like they want.
Stupid Stupid Stupid...Lets vote all these democrats who aren't for a public option and bought off by the insurance industry, out in 2010. Vote for someone who is willing to support the public option. This depresses me more than ever that a couple of right wing people yelling at rallies and the insurance industry can scare these democrats into submission. Very disappointing.
Take a very close look at the face on the picture associated with this story.
You are looking into the face of pure evil.
Public health option is the only way to way from for-profit and fake-non-profit entities which all have GREED in the play.
I guess as long as senate and congressional members have their own cushy little taxpayer paid for health insurance, the rest of us Americans will continue to have to fend for ourselves
This country is not a Democracy ... it's a Hierarchy, where we mere peasants have little value or meaning to the Kings, Queens and Prince's above us us all
Our political leaders are a joke ...
So democracy does work after all, in spite of the objections of Obama and the Democrat-Controlled Congress. What an inconvenience a Town Hall meeting is to liberals. It encourages free speech (which they demonize as "fishy" and justification for creating an enemies list supplied to them by rats. What an inconvenience to them is to delay a hasty decision, and be forced to read the bill, and take hard questions from a disillusioned but agressive citizenry. They can call We, the People, "evil-mongers," "birthers," "deathers," and "un-American" and they are stunned to find that such tripe doesn't work.
The ethos of August of 2009 (The Month of the Town Hall Meeting) will go down as more important than the mythos of August of 1969 (Woodstock). We don't want your socialism. We don't want your State Control. Hey, Liberal, leave us all alone!
Is there any way that " We The People " can fire all these elected bums at once and start over
Anything would be better than a bunch of lazy do nothings up in Washington sitting around doing nothing but collecting their pay
""" YOUR FIRED """""
We The People have spoken ......
This marks a victory for the consrvative anti-establishment protestors that braved acorn and union thugs to voice their opinons at the town halls. My hats off to them.
Gobal Warming is a Hoax!
The so-called "public option" is an abmination and deserves to die a horrible death. You know what will happen with a public option? It will allow many small businesses, and even larger ones that provide health insurance to their employees, to drop coverage for them and force them onto the public rolls. All this will create is an unchallenged government monopoly over healthcare, so rather than create competition, the public option will kill it. No one wants a government monopoly over health care, and this will be the utlimate result of a public option.
And Obama has lied so much so far, there is no reason to trust him when he says this will not happen. No one should trust anything Obama says on this matter. For example, he said that his administration's negotiations with big pharma and other major players in health care would be above board, transparent, and covered live on C-span. Uh, nope, never happened. In fact, the Obama is cutting secret, back room deals with big pharma as we speak. The guy's a pathological liar, and has gone back on so many of his campaign promises that I have lost count.
What is the word right before Senator Conrad's name –?? DEMOCRATIC. My party is failing for one reason: they don't understand what the Republican party is so brilliant at. . . as Democrats our JOB is to support the party and the leadership. You never hear of a Republican failing out of step with their party. They ALL stand lock-step and sign whatever stinking legislation comes down from their White House. Including funding things such a trillion $$ war that was against their highest holy principle of fiscal responsibility.
It's time the Democrats in the Congress look in the mirror and decide to dance with the one that brung 'em. They must either distinguish themselves from the Republicans or risk looking a whole lot like them (and become the party of NO on health care reform). Right now they are not behaving with the discipline necessary to skip lunch never mind pass a massive piece of legislation that will remedy a vast portion of our country's economic and human suffering.
Cooperatives, will not work as it stands. Wake up America to next big financial crisis that is about to hit us all. Is the fact that health care is out running inflation. This is leading us into some very dangerous points. 1.) business survival and expansion(One key to the economy). 2.) families facing survival faced by costs of rising health care(Second key to a part of the economy).
I'm blessed that it's dead. I hope it doesn't rise again.
It should rest in peace forever.
It would be a wonderful world if it were all possible, but the fact is that THE USA IS BROKE.
WE CAN'T AFFORD ANY HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL RIGHT NOW, let alone the creation of a huge government bureacracy to run healthcare.
And with continued government spending at the rate that wer're spending at, we are doomed as a nation.
The priority right now should be to cut spending, stimulate businesses with lower taxes and create JOBS.
Sounds like Sarah Palin--a quitter.
Please step away from the table and put a Dem that elected
Obama in the last election and the majority of People.
After this , you may run as a republican like the rest of the
losers. We had a election. Your views were not in the Spectrum!!!
I for one, would love to have a true nationalized health care system in place that worked for the benefit of all citizens of the US. Unfortunately, there are numerous problems with this...the biggest being
The government in this country is corrupted. They care not for the citizens of this country, they are fed by greed and a system of under the table kick-backs ...ie bought off...by the huge power brokers of the big corporations, banking elite, special interest groups like AIPAC, and a network of oligarchs at the top that have ruined our republic the the governance thereof. The partisan, dem vs rep, is a ruse. The whole system is rotten to the core. Until this mess is changed, I won't trust any administration with any act they propose, as it's sure to have corporate interests at heart and be another nail in the coffin to the average american.
Until the corrupt political lobbying is stopped, the Federal Reserve banished, and a government that adheres to the constitution and the bill or rights is put in place, i for one won't trust anyone or anything that comes out of D.C....because the way things are now, it's like we're being governed by the mob.
The true beneficiaries to OBAMA-CARE will no doubt be the middle-men. better known as the co Health Insurance Industry. Capitalism has been usurped by corporate fascism.
The government promised 3 million jobs with the stimulus package – yet we continue to lose jobs. The government promised that $1B "cash for clunkers" would last until November, yet the money lasted less than a week. Government is clueless and incompetent. If they can't do something simple like cash for clunkers right, imagine how they will screw up healthcare. There is no "public option" for auto, home and life insurance and the system works well. Regulate the health insurers to make them treat folks more fairly – but the government option is the first step to rationing of health care. That must not be allowed to happen!
The way to go is private not-for-profit healthcare.
Insurance Companies raising their rates and deductibles as we argue. Those increased premiums allow them to buy OUR representatives.
VOTE NO TO ALL INCUMBENTS. GET RID OF THE CROOKS BOUGHT AND PAID FOR BY INSURANCE COMPANIES.
This would be a great day for America to stop the idea of health care agenda. People can not wait in line for months to get treatments even if they have money and choices as the government-run health care does to people in Britain and Canada. Do not dream of a day where everyone has the equal entitlement to health care, housing, and education. That would turn this country to socialism and communism. No one is too rich to survive the robbery that the government commit on them. No one will be motivated to produce wealth and pay all taxes to the government to support everyone else. Thinking that the government is your solution to bring you free money and service is simply to kill your American dream.
I am myself from a communism country. It takes blood to escape one. It scares the heck out of me to see the thoughts of Obama and his administration. This is purely robbery. This is purely evil.
Nam.
What is in it for this senator to not have a non-profit public option in any bill?
My guess is money coming in from the profit insurance companies.
CNN investigate and report on all our elected officials who are getting money from the current health care system: Democrat or republican or Independent.
Find out who opposes this, expose them to the American people, and let us decide their fate come election time! Any politician in my state that votes against a public option Democrat or Republican, had better start looking for a new job, cause their day's are most certainly numbered!
"No Public Option…
…major insurrection…"
You mean major "Un-American" insurrection? Now what would Pelosi have to say about that?
Any senator or representatives who does not support a public option should immediately give up his/her health insurance that is paid for by the American tax-paying public. I don't want to pay for them to have something that isn't available to the rest of us. They should go buy their own insurance in the individual market if they think it works so well.
Well, there it is. The truth comes out. Obama is just a word for same thing different day. Let's wrap it up people. big biz wins again. I'll vote republican next time just to show what I think of liars. May as well have one liar in than another. What difference does it make? Can't beat the criminals, you may as well join them. Goodbye Oblama, Nice lie.
I strongly oppose the robbery committing by our government. I am a government contractor on health care, and I would make the heck lot of money if the pubic insurance option takes off. But it's purely evil to do that. One day the private insurance is killed, and you have only the government (funded by your tax dollars) run health care. The country is no way rich enough to cover everyone. The government-run health care will soon face problem with budget and the mass volume of beneficiaries, yes everyone in America with or without work. That day will come soon, and everyone has to get in line. To support everyone, everyone got to get in line no matter how much money you have and how hard you work to achieve your American dream. This is robbery. This is evil.
So tell me again why we can't have both Obama's plan for public option and the co-op plan that Republicans are offering?
I think both may be over my head, but more options seems like a better choice.
Id wait in line for healthcare. As someone mentioned yesterday, we wait in line for a 2 minute rollercoaster. I think I can wait in line for a checkup on my health.
Get the breakdown of opposition correct for a change: while we have 40+ percent of GOP-blind followers opposing ANY change, the OTHER opposition is in strong favor of a Single-payer approach. But what is never stated in the corporate-owned MSM is that a large percentage of those favoring a Single-payer program would settle for a public option as the best option currently available.
So at the end of the day the primary point THAT NO ONE IS MAKING is that a strong majority of US citizens are for a public option, AT THE VERY LEAST.
Co-ops will not offer significant competition to health insurers, and so far all we have from all aspects of the healthcare industry are promises that are in all likelihood completely empty.
If there is no public option, there is essentially no reform of the US healthcare system, and this country–particularly small business interests–cannot afford a continuation fo the healthcare status quo.
The Public Option is our best bet to control insurance costs and get everyone covered(other than single payer). I wonder if we could simply extend Medicare to all. Either way, the Public Option will be a part of the bill because there is no other way to control costs and insure everyone. The Republicans have no ideas on how to do either. Nor do I think they want to do either. There are too many people in favor of a public option at this point for it not to be a part of the final bill. One more thing, they don't have the votes for a Co-op in the Senate either. Hang in there folks, it's still early. Although, if there is no public option we may have to form a third party.
America should go out of the house, get onto the streets, get into every neighborhood, go down to the city, and demonstrates against the public health insurance idea.
America should go to Twitter and Facebook and generate millions of followers to go against the robbery the government is committing.
America should stand up against the evil force of socialism to build the American dream for everyone.
No such thing as a Democrat anymore. They're all Republican now. One party country, One ruler , and , that ruler is Big biz. I hope they all have a long bout with cancer. Congressmen should do the right thing. They should all sit around a big table and sip some Jim Jones koolaid. Oblama's going to give NASA some huge funding this year though, everyone will vote for that because, they're going to want to get to Mars as soon as possible now. It's not likely but, I hope this country revolts. Won't happen in my life time but, we need another revolution. Or, congress needs to go to Mars. I'll settle for the long bout with cancer though. Make them use their stellar insurance that we pay for, to the max. I'd like for them to get my money's worth. Good bye America! It's taken two hundred years but we are an official Oligarchy now. Let them eat, well, you know rest. I hate this new country, why don't they just call it Exxon? The United States of Exxon.
I find it incomprehensible that the American public would swallow the absurd notion that private insurers, whose entire motivation is profit, would be more concerned with our physical, mental and our financial
health than the government, whom we elect. We don't elect CEO's. If our government is totally without honor (and as a fledgling anarchist I am open to this), then why do we continue to elect them year after year?
Medicare for everyone! Not "a" public option, but rather "all" public option.
We need a third party that isn't bought, and have a spine! I do agree with Bill Clinton is saying "folks you stand to walk away from the table with nothing get something on the table!" How the hell does the minority party control this debate, and will succeed in getting the objective met. Let's see kill two birds with one stone, hm,,,the public option and the Obama Administration. If I had the money I would give this country the finger and leave!
Smell the change people! Are ya mad yet? Gonna get off your butts and call your congressthief? Or your repriseditive? If Your not mad yet, your backbone's might flimsy. We own the government, not the congress. The tails wag'n the dog here, anyone notice that? Think ya might want to at least write a letter so they can pole the response? I know , I know, election here's no different than it is in Iran but, let's do it anyway.
I'm a Democrat all my life. I have also been a public servent most of my life and also had been a manager for a number of years. I'm sorry to say to the Democratic Party, I'm dead set against Gov't running Healthcare.
I have seen how these civil servants work. Sorry to say, MOST of them are lazy. As a manager I was extremely frustrated by the unions which seemed to be spending most of the time defending bad workers. Even some managers were the same. Why? they were frustrated as well and their experience told them they would be left the wolves if they try to straighten things up. So, they just take the route of least resistance. They just do the window dressing and don't make waves so much so that they
became part of the problem. That is not to say I would support the Republicans who love to go to wars all the time. But when it comes to Healthcare, I swear that I'm against the gov't run program.
The democrats are a bunch of cowards. They have the majority and they are still cowtowing to republicans and special interest groups. It's so unfortunate that we live in a two-party system.
Even in the minority the repubs are calling the shots.
What a stupid comment. The Republicans CAN"T stop anything in the Senate or Congress. Democrats have all the votes they need to pass ANY bill that comes before them. What don't you understand? Democrat President, Democrat Senate, Democrat Congress.
Go back to you old saying "We Won, Get Over It" Okay you won, get over it and take responsibility!
fine lets not have a gov option, now watch the hospitals and emergency rooms go slowly bankrupt and when theres no more health care at all then maybe someone will wake up and smell the death around them. no govt option then there will nothing but health care for the rich.
Conrad is a coward. Americans can do ANYTHING. He's just giving up because the task is too hard and it might cost him his seat. Where are politicians who are willing to do the right thing even if it means losing the next election?
Why can't the co-operatives do for healthcare what credit unions have done for banking?
.
Those of you who say that co-ops will have no effect on cost are blind to the most basic of economic principles.
If the Public Option fails because of "Democrats" it is time for Democrats to sweep the fakers aside – contribute to their opponents in coming elections and defeat them certain. I and many others voted to put the Dems in charge to do what we, the voters, want – not what the insurance, drug and financial services gang dictate with their cash purchase of pols.
I can't speak for other Democrats but this is a deal breaker for me. That's what I tell them when the DNC, DCCC, or any other organization calls and asks for a contribution (because it's "imperative" that we keep the Dems in the majority) I just tell them, when you pass a health care bill that covers every American call me back. If you don't get it done, don't bother calling because I won't be a Democrat any more. After all, I'm an old woman. Nothing the Republicans can do is going to affect me that much. But if I can't get something out of the Democrats for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, why should I give a dam* who's in charge. I repeat, this is a deal breaker for me. I won't forget and I won't forgive.
By the way, JC, if you come to souther Illinois and run for public office you've got my vote. Which ever party ticket you run on.
You might wanna listen next time to what a contender is saying instead concerning yourself with what their wearing. Or, what they like to eat, or, what kind of dog they are going to buy. Or, what color his skin is. They all say change, the thing is that their talking about what's going into their pockets after the election. And, someone is making some pretty big jingling noise right about now. Can ya hear it? Jingle jingle. That's the change you been hearing about these last few months. Jingle Jingle. Speaking of that, what do you think your heating bills are going to be like this jingle bell season? Jingle jingle! Food's expensive now, how bout this winter? Jingle jingle! Better start opening your gob and let your congressthief no you're on to him.
It's a good thing that Sen. Conrad is not representing me in Michigan. The trouble with the Senate is that they have left things to just 6 Senators – 3 repubs. & 3 Dems. Everyone else has coverage in the political process, but it also means that the bill that will be reported out of committee won't be worth the paper it is written on. I'm going to be so disappointed, and since I'm already in my late 50's in another 60 years when this reform idea comes up again I'll be dead. So Repubs. & Blue Dog Dems, pat yourself on the back. You lined your pockets and killed the hope! Hey, your very own "DEATH PANEL"!!!
Pound OBAMACARE up your butt...you liberal jerks!!!! If you are uninsured, to bad...get a job!!!!!!!!!!!
The public option is a government take over of health care, and the public knows this, that is why the vast majority of america is so upset. That is also why obama tried to rush it through before the august recess, before the public had any chance of reading what is currently in HR 3200. We voted for this guy and then he tries to pull a fast one on us. That is not the guy I thought I was voting for. We should reform what we currently have, not try to run health insurance companies out of business because obama doesn't like them. He does not speak for all of amercia, apparently he does not speak for very many americans, which is obivous when poll numbers show the vast majority does not support his personal opinions and views on this matter. The average income for the 46 million uninsured is $75,000.00 I have never made that much money in one year in my life, and I still buy health insurance for my family because I love them, I would pay triple what I currently pay because I love them . If you make that much money and you don't buy health insurance for you and your family then that is your choice, but you did not buy it because you did not have enough money. Some people would rather buy an SUV with big rims or a house that they cannot afford than buy health insurance for their family. But again that is their choice, that is what is beautiful about america, WE HAVE THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE!
tell sen kent conrad & all Democrats re to a public option in health care reform there better be or he will be looking for another job
come election time & all the other democrats that cave into the
private insurance companies & drug companies
i am fed up with all the false advertising coming from insurance companies & the far right re to heath care reform
we don't need the republicans to pass this bill
iam a senior & i am happy with medicare
iam also fed up with the comments that health care is not a right
for all americans citizens it is
I did not appreciate the comment from one republican senator saying if you want the health care insurance i am getting you go & work
for the federal gov like i do that comment was made by a Senator up
for election in 2010
I just love seeing all the clowns talking about how if a representative or senator doesn't go ahead and pass this government takeover of our health care that they will be voted out of office next election.
These people in office have become acutely aware of what will get them thrown out of office, they aren't geniuses, but they can count well enough to realize that if they try and ramrod this takeover though they will be out of a job. You simply don't step on the toes of 85% of the public to appease 15% of the public.
Government can't do anything better than the private sector, not one single thing. The last thing the public needs is for a bunch of government paid bureaucratic clowns deciding whether or not they are of enough value to our society to warrant healing.
"FOX NEWS" Rocks baby. All you left wing scumbags, and your Messia OBAMA, can stick it.............
Here we go again the Senior citizens who elected Bearick Obama are now double crossing him to maintain Medicare ,which we can't afford. They did the same thing to Bush when he wanted to save Social Security.
The Bernie Madoff generation wants to keep raping the young in this country , until they are all gone and leave us to pay the bill.
Conrad makes me sick. As do the other conservative Democrats who are more Republican than Democrat.
Explain this: If we end up with non-profit co-ops as these yahoos are going to force us into – how will that cover the unemployed? What kind of premium will it bring them? How do you get into a co-opp? Apply? Who decides? Can you be rejected for a pre-exisiting condition? You know, the other members don't want someone in their group who may make their rates go up....
How do co-ops cover everyone?
Worse, employers now pay 2/3 of the cost for insurance... with co-opps, there may be an overall reduction is cost, but without the employer contribution to it the cost to individuals is likely to be much more than it is now.
The public option is the only way to do this right.
Why is society so ready to accept for-profit corporations between us and our health? Between us and financial ruin? Why would we let corporations have that kind of power over us?
Obviously Sen. Conrad is in bed with the Insurance Companys and we will vote out all who resist our attempt to pass health care reform. Your choice Senator.
If Conrad intends to filibuster the public option he should say so rather than pretend that it's beyond his control.
The simplest way to get a good health and retirement plan is to require that the members of Congress, Executive branch and the Judicial system be covered with the same plan as that adopted for the public at large.
This would eliminate the two-class system. Congress would then get serious, rather than playing politics.
Hey Senator Conrad! Where'd ya get them pretty spectacles? They look a might pricey! Mind telling me what your copay was? Having no insurance at all, I don't know what I'd do if I had to pay a copay. See? We do have it better than you, we don't have to pay a copay! Ahuhlk, ahuhlk. I needs me some a those. bin five years since my last pair. I use to be able to afford it cause I had one of those 20 dollar an hour jobs but, then your friends in the mortgage biz screwed that up. Now I don't make anything. Ha, but don't you worry about that, I'd rather pay for your insurance so you can have the best. Ahuhlk ahuhlk.
Does the health care industry control every elected official in a red state?
First I am shocked at some of the posts here.
1. "You have no right to speak?" This is a crazy thought. It is still a free country.
2. "Humans rights to healthcare?" Sorry I missed that sentence in the welcome to earth handbook. Nobody has a right to something that your neighbor is forced to pay for.
3. "Republicans are killing the healthcare bill" Just because the media refuses to print the truth does not mean everyone has to blindly believe what they see written. People of all parties oppose government health care. The far left wants it, the far right is scared of it but the reality is the "balanced sane people" of this country see it for what it would be.......a mess. There is no doubt there needs to be some reform in regards to medical care and the outrageous prices we legal citizens all pay for it. But, universal care and government control are not the answers. Come on people are we all so lazy and helpless that we cannot be involved enough in our own country to make changes happen? Giving the government control of everyrthing is just stupid. Remember it is "by the people, for the people". But this concept only works when people actually get involved. More government is Never the answer. It always increases taxes no matter what they promise.
I can't believe the Democrats are backing down on this issue. Our health system is a disaster. And I'm one of the many long-time Republicans who voted for Obama because I felt the Democrats had a real shot at fixing the corrupt United States healthcare system. Don't back down Democrats!!! Don't pay any attention to the few idiots at town hall meetings denouncing change; they are clueless people.
If the public health insurance option dies, it will represent a victory against Pres. Obama and the Democrats penchant for driving the country toward socialism.
America is the home of the free and the brave, them why we have to be slaves to some members of Congress from both sides, that won't
do a thing for the good of the mayority of American people that elected
them to serve in Congress, but do the bid to the special interest that
give them most money. We the people support members of Congress and their families with our tax dollars, when sometimes we can not feed our own families. It is time to support Indenpendent candidates and fire Conrad and others in the next elections.
We can not be called the home of the free and the brave, when we
lack courage to fire elected officials that refused to work for a bettter
America.
a gov insurance plan will cost you money it sounds like every one thinks it will be free the only ones who will get it free are low income people who the hard working taxpayer will have to support the same people who who dont have it now because there to lazy to work or do what they need to improve there lot in life i myself am tired of obama telling me i have to support every body you idiots cant see he is going to bankrupt this country how much added tax do you think the over 250,000 crowd can pay health reform is needed start with waste and fraud put limits on malpractice so doctors are not paying ten or more thousand a month in insurance then watch cost go down improve it dont change it all thanks David