Progressive Caucus may not vote for health reform bill if public option doesn't pay Medicare rates

[Eric J in MN]

Run time: 08:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFHKtTETZyc   Posted on YouTube: July 31, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: July 31, 2009 By DU Member: Eric J in MN Views on DU: 687

 
In this video, Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) of the House Progressive Caucus implies that the caucus doesn't accept the compromise between Henry Waxman and the Blue Dogs, which took the public option from paying doctors Medicare rates, to rates which are negotiating separately (and which would probably be much higher).

My opinion: If the public option gets no taxpayer subsidies and pays as much as private insurance, then the premiums won't be much better. We need the public option to pay Medicare rates in order for it to offer much lower premiums than private insurance.

[Libertas1776]

1. Good!

I would rather see this bill crash and burn if it is going to be another watered down porker for the insurance co's benefit. No public option (especially at Medicare rates) then no bill. Simple as that.

[FreakinDJ]

2. Ageed - No Corp welfare for the Insurance Cos

[pattmarty]

4. they're going to get it either way. What do you think the 1 trillion bill is?

This is another corporate giveaway EVEN with a good "public option". My thought is Ok, if as everyone thinks that this is the best we can get at this time (I still believe Medicare for all is the smart/cost effective choice) then at least have a public option that will keep the insurance bloodsuckers SOMEWHAT honest.

[rpannier]

3. Glad to hear them say the would NOT vote for it w/o Single Payer

They are correct.I am tired of our wing of the Party giving in to the conservative wing of the Party

[Eric J in MN]

6. The Progressive Caucus isn't saying that they will only vote for Single Payer.

They're saying that they will only vote for a health care reform bill which pays doctors at rates similar to Medicare.

[annm4peace]

5. let me know if any corporate media covers this

and how the cover.. like show a clip of this press conference or not.

They were awesome. I watched a replay of it last night on cspan and was so proud..
every working class person should support the progressive caucus.