Breaking News: Rockefeller to introduce 'Public Option'
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 15:22 Citing the need a ‘public option’ to compete with private insurers as a necessary part of any health insurance reform proposal, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.VA, has introduced an amendment to the Senate Finance Committee bill recently trotted out by Montana’s ever obedient Max Baucus. Baucus’s bill was roundly criticized by more progressive Democrats for leaving out the public option to appease moderate Democrats and Republicans. Baucus has been seen as a shill for such health insurance giants as Wellpoint.
“So, we want to introduce a non-profit health insurance company that doesn’t have to make money. Which can offer the same premiums at maybe 25 to 30% less cost. People don’t have to join it. Or, if they do, they can get out of it if they don’t like it. But, competition is everything”, Rockefeller told sources.
The Rockefeller amendment closely follows the intent of the House bill in regard to the inclusion of a public option and other details.
