Rep. Slaughter has a diary at Daily Kos discussing a pilot program approach to a public option

[ProSense]

Setting the Record Straight: The Public Option, Triggers, and Pilot Programs

<...>

I have also been discussing with my colleagues other potential solutions that could help bridge this gap. One possibility is to implement pilot programs for the public option in states that wish to undertake them. These pilot programs would help us learn what approaches work for a public option, and help uninsured Americans get the medical care they need until the federal plan is launched.

This plan, which is just one of many options under discussion, is not related to the calls for a trigger. I will continue to explore it, and any other reasonable proposal put forth in good faith that will help Americans with the crushing cost of health care.

Screw that!

On edit, to elaborate: A public option has to be able to compete effectively at the national level. A lot of people are complaining now that its proposed availabilty in the current bills may hamper its effectiveness. Now they want to limit availability more by introducing in select states?

Like I said, screw that.

[dionysus]

1. well, she's my rep so i'd sign up for the pilot and get me some health care ;)

[high density]

2. That fails on Obama's demand that it lower costs.

If we want lower costs, I agree we need competition at a national level. Rep. Slaughter can look to Maine's subsidized Dirigo health plan and see that it's very expensive and has done nothing to lower costs for anybody else in the state.

[Massacure]

3. Would be interesting to throw it California's way.

California's legislator passed single payer but Arnold vetoed it. Maybe he may put his veto pen away if he is offered some federal dollars.

I bet a lot of businesses would move to California if the program were run well.