Only a strong public option will do. No trigger, everyone can join, Medicare rates, lower costs.

[Better Believe It]

A weak one, with or without a trigger, just won't change much.

It must provide at least equal benefits at lower premiums, co-pays and deductables than private health insurance.

If it can't do that, why would employers or individuals drop private insurance and buy public insurance?

[BzaDem]

1. None of the bills being considered have this.

For precisely the reason that lawmakers DON'T want people dropping private insurance and buying public insurance. All of the public options being considered are only for people who don't already have insurance through their employer.

[SpartanDem]

2. You'll still be able to drop your employer coverage

just like you can today.

SEC. 311. HEALTH COVERAGE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS.

An employer meets the requirements of this section if such employer does all of the following:

(1) OFFER OF COVERAGE- The employer offers each employee individual and family coverage under a qualified health benefits plan (or under a current employment-based health plan (within the meaning of section 102(b))) in accordance with section 312.

(2) CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COVERAGE- If an employee accepts such offer of coverage, the employer makes timely contributions towards such coverage in accordance with section 312.

(3) CONTRIBUTION IN LIEU OF COVERAGE- Beginning with Y2, if an employee declines such offer but otherwise obtains coverage in an Exchange-participating health benefits plan (other than by reason of being covered by family coverage as a spouse or dependent of the primary insured), the employer shall make a timely contribution to the Health Insurance Exchange with respect to each such employee in accordance with section 313.

[Better Believe It]

4. The leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have pretty much called for this unless I'm ....

missing something.

This is what the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus said in their letter to President Obama:

"Any bill that does not provide, at a minimum, a public option built on the Medicare provider system and with reimbursement based on Medicare rates-not negotiated rates-is unacceptable. A plan with negotiated rates would ensure higher costs for the public plan, and would do nothing to achieve the goal of providing choice and competition to keep rates down. The public plan with set rates saves $75 billion, which could be lost if rates are negotiated with providers. Further, this public option must be available immediately and must not be contingent upon any trigger."

Lynn Woolsey
Raul Grijalva

[SaveOurDemocracy]

3. Triggers are BS ... smoke and mirrors. n/t