A public health insurance option isn’t simply another competitor in the insurance market. It’s a competitor that writes the rules, subsidizes itself with taxpayer dollars, and can compel providers to participate.
Senate Democrats are once again laying the groundwork for a federal public option.
Last week, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and his fellow Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee released a request for information seeking ideas to expand health coverage — including creation of a government-run “public option” insurance plan.
Its supporters describe the public option as simply another choice for consumers.
But a government-run plan wouldn’t enter the market on equal footing with private insurers. Washington would write the rules, enforce them, and compete under them simultaneously.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
Senate Democrats Eyeing Public Option
Sally C. Pipes
A public health insurance option isn’t simply another competitor in the insurance market. It’s a competitor that writes the rules, subsidizes itself with taxpayer dollars, and can compel providers to participate.
Senate Democrats are once again laying the groundwork for a federal public option.
Last week, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and his fellow Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee released a request for information seeking ideas to expand health coverage — including creation of a government-run “public option” insurance plan.
Its supporters describe the public option as simply another choice for consumers.
But a government-run plan wouldn’t enter the market on equal footing with private insurers. Washington would write the rules, enforce them, and compete under them simultaneously.
Read the op-ed in Newsmax.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.