Under the ACA, could each state with an exchange add a "public option"?

[pnwmom]

Is there any funding available for that "experiment" through the ACA (like Vermont will get for its single-payer)?

Could this public option include in its network all the state's hospitals and other medical providers?

[Swede Atlanta]

1. My read of the ACA is that nothing prohibits states from experimenting.........

the only issue there is no funding to establish a single payer system.

It is very unfortunate we live in a country where the politicians in your local area get to decide what you get...the point being for 'basic' needs such as healthcare shouldn't this be a national standard/process?

[pnwmom]

2. I thought Vermont was getting some funding that would help with that.

And of course it would be optimal if we had a Federal system. But in lieu of that, couldn't the states be a place to start?

By the way, each Canadian province has its own system. There is no single Canadian national healthcare.

[PoliticAverse]

4. Vermont requires a waiver from HHS in order to implement their plan.

HHS has yet to approve a waiver allowing Vermont to use federal funds to finance GMC. State Health Director Robin Lunge says a decision likely will be finalized late in the Obama administration's final term. The state previously has obtained similar waivers allowing it to make changes to its Medicaid program.

(From: http://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2013/10/29/coming-in-2017-vermonts-single-payer-system )

[PoliticAverse]

6. It's not national in Canada it's provincial. There are many states in the US with greater populations

than the least populous Canadian province.

[Puzzledtraveller]

3. Medicaid is the existing public option on the state level

Medicaid in each state has different eligibility criteria. Medicaid could be funded to provide expansion in all states with no strings attached but it would never pass.

[JoePhilly]

5. Yes, and with the right congress, we could add ...

... A public option to the federal exchange.

Wouldn't that drive some GOP goveners nuts.