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First they took single payer systems off the table. The Democratic committee examining options refused to even consider a single-payer system.
Now, a number of leading Democrats are proposing the 'trigger option' for the creation of a public healthcare system. It's gaining traction in Washington, and will essentially negate Obama's election promise to provide a publicly funded affordable health care system.
The proposal is to put in place a set of 'triggers' (measures) by which congress will measure the current healthcare industry over a period of years. If after that time the healthcare industry has not reformed itself and doesn't meet those measures, then a public healthcare option will be considered. If Congress feels at that time the healthcare industry is making progress, the option will be taken off the table permanently.
Surprise! The healthcare industry thinks this is a MUCH better plan than Obama's original concept of offering a publicly funded system (a la Medicare) to the general public. They assure congress that they WILL bring down costs, they WILL offer coverage to all, they WILL eliminate differential premiums, they WON'T exclude people for pre-existing conditions. Yeah right.
This option will be pushed through unless we make some noise in Washington. Tell your representatives the healthcare system is already in trouble and has already reached those 'triggers'. We need a public healthcare option NOW.
(Just heard on the news that the whitehouse may be looking favorably at this option too...ugh!)
Now, a number of leading Democrats are proposing the 'trigger option' for the creation of a public healthcare system. It's gaining traction in Washington, and will essentially negate Obama's election promise to provide a publicly funded affordable health care system.
The proposal is to put in place a set of 'triggers' (measures) by which congress will measure the current healthcare industry over a period of years. If after that time the healthcare industry has not reformed itself and doesn't meet those measures, then a public healthcare option will be considered. If Congress feels at that time the healthcare industry is making progress, the option will be taken off the table permanently.
Surprise! The healthcare industry thinks this is a MUCH better plan than Obama's original concept of offering a publicly funded system (a la Medicare) to the general public. They assure congress that they WILL bring down costs, they WILL offer coverage to all, they WILL eliminate differential premiums, they WON'T exclude people for pre-existing conditions. Yeah right.
This option will be pushed through unless we make some noise in Washington. Tell your representatives the healthcare system is already in trouble and has already reached those 'triggers'. We need a public healthcare option NOW.
(Just heard on the news that the whitehouse may be looking favorably at this option too...ugh!)
