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Public Option: Preferred but Not Essential?
Published by Pamela Gentry on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 11:57 pm.By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst
Aug. 19, 2009 – The question remains; will the president sign a bill that does not have a public insurance option offered by the federal government? That’s the question lingering and causing controversy and confusion – and Congress is waiting to hear President Obama’s answer.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was drilled Tuesday on what is being characterized as a major shift in policy by the president. Gibbs insisted the president maintains his support for a public option calling it the “preferred” method of reaching his goals, but declined to say it was “essential.”
“He [the president]cannot envision a scenario in which we live with anything that doesn’t provide choice and competition in a private insurance market that allows people to get the best deal possible on both the price and quality if they enter a private health insurance market,” Gibbs insisted.
“That’s what the President’s bottom line is: Do we have a system that provides that choice for consumers and that competition among insurers on quality and cost?”
But the bottom line for those Democrats who wanted a single payer system, like the Medicare program, feel they’ve already compromised by accepting the public option and won’t vote for a bill without it.
Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings wants the president to stick to word, “President Obama has emphasized the importance of the public option in the past, and we cannot afford to drop such a critical component of reform in favor of another option that isn’t guaranteed to make any significant difference in the status quo.”
Concerns about the status quo are a reality if the survey by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is any indication. The results of the monthly poll to determine consumer confidence in their health insurance coverage and access to care dropped across the board in July.
More than half, 51.9 percent of those surveyed are worried they won’t be able to afford the cost of a serious illness; 41 percent are concerned they won’t be able to pay for routine health care; and 35.6 percent are concerned they won’t be able to afford prescription drugs they need.
Are you concerned about your health care coverage now or the near future?
I’ve been with “Kaiser” for over twelve years, the first policy premiums were in the amount of $127.00 with a $250.00 deductable. Now the premiums amount at present is $450.00 with a $500.00 deductable. That present figure will be expected to rise and the end of this calendar year. This policy is design for a single individuals plan. At the present I have two collection payment plans for doctors visits as well as facilities expense. One payment plan is $60.00 and the other is $62.00, total these figures up with monthly premiums and the out of pocket cost each month is $572.00. These figures are calculated from services rendered last year. I communicate with my doctor mostly through email for the reasons with the cost of premiums, deductables and other added fees, regular check-up and concern visits outside of possible emergencies are starting to appear to become something of the past. Now I know the “God” gives each individual a talent and one being compensated for that talent is commendable, start considering your talent first and not your compensation, and our healthcare issue will become that of the past. Their are other issues to confront which our president has the talent and determination to challenge , so don’t society, I’m speaking to republicians and democrats continue traveling down this road of nothing really being done except rich get richer and poor get let down once again. Upper class america you guys have top-out. The price to live and operate in this society has top-out. Fix it. (This message is for my president)
I’m sure the President will make the best choice possible for the American people. However, for those who are worried it would behoove them to form a “Business Network Entity” which will allow them to pull their resources together
thus forming their own medical program and facility. This way they don’t have to worry if the President does or doesn’t come through with the proper medical program. As a matter of fact any individual in this country who feels they won’t get the best plan can also form their own “Business Network Entity”. All they have to do is the proper research regarding operating and forming such a business entity. This way they can also show their contribution as well as independence as a citizen of this country. Remember, this is the land of opportunity. And, what better way to get the proper or best medical plan possible if he/she can’t create their own medical plan. Please recognize and think about it.
I have absolutely no confidence in current President nor in the present Democratic regime. They have demonstrated utter incompetence; proven their determination to shove, push and ramrod their agenda upon us and now they want to drive us to becoming more like Europe. IF YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE PAYING A LOT FOR HEALTHCARE, WAIT UNTIL IT IS “FREE.”