Reid: Health care bill to include public option

[JohnWxy]

Source: ap

WASHINGTON – Majority Leader Harry Reid says health care legislation headed to the Senate floor will include an option for government-run insurance. Reid says states will have the prerogative of opting out of the program if they choose.

Reid noted that polls show widespread public support for giving the government a role in the overhauled health care system envisioned by President Barack Obama and his allies in Congress.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091026/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul

[YDogg]

1. Anyone want guess which states would opt-out, if it passes?

:popcorn:

[HughMoran]

3. Not sure, but I'm pretty sure the planet Uranus will opt out

:rofl:

[Yuugal]

11. Uranus has been renamed because of people like you!

Scientists got together and decided to rename the planet......... Urectum


Sorry, big Futurama fan here. :)

[saracat]

13. Why, because I support health care coverage for ALL Americans and do nolt believe in

bikpartisan compromise?

[Yuugal]

16. I thought you meant something different.

So I jumped at the chance to throw in a silly old joke. By Uranus did you mean the state you live in? By the time any of this stuff takes effect, if it is a decent bill after going through the sausage machine, then hopefully every state will demand it. If its a piece of crap every state is gonna opt out.

[HughMoran]

35. I saw that episode as well

:)

[martymar64]

90. Good News Everyone!

Had to throw in some Farnsworth.

[saracat]

4. Arizona already has a bill in the making to reject it.

[goclark]

6. How sad, It's hard to believe that the People feel that way

Help me understand, with the Opt Out Feature, any Congressperson that would play with the health of the people in his state like that should get a LOT of PRESSURE from those that are Baggers.

Because ~ the BAGGERS really need Health Insurance I am sure.

Bet the Baggers will be sending priivate letters to OPT - IN.

[saracat]

18. Congress has nothing to do with it.We have a 5/3 spit in the Dems favor in congress

But the real "voters" in AZ will oppose federal funded health care.The teabaggers are only part of the story. The died in the wool fruitloops are the ones that vote in the Primary and they nominate fellow fruitloops for the legislature.The Dems have an almost equal voter registration now, though it is still slanted GOP, but Dems don't vote.The Indies are the other dominant force but unlike what we are told, in Arizona, they slant GOP, not Dem. And they are our largest growing group. Our state party , one of the wealthiest in the nation ,actually sent money to blue states but we didn't support local candidates very much. As a result, we actually lost almost every local office in 2008.They spent all their efforts trying to narrow the gap for Obama but he didn't carry the state.And those persuaded to vote for Obama weren't advised to vote the down ticket so their was a huge under vote.Now the fruitloop legislature will decide. And our Democratic Governor became Homeland Security Secretary and her idiot GOP Sec. of State is now the accidental Governor as she succeeded her.

[caseymoz]

40. Actually, the best way to kill the GOP is to have them vote to opt out of this.

I'm thinking that the States that opt out are going to medically fare much worse. I don't like the cost, but it will be impossible for the GOP to keep their government-free ideology from taking a hit.

[LatteLibertine]

44. Agreed

If there must be a compromise this is it. Let the state level governments face their constituents when they opt-out. It may actually be good for further taking out the GoP.

[tblue]

54. The GOP dilemma: Opt-in and you are a socialist Nazi hated by the t-baggers. Opt-out

and your state's people face more bankruptcies and deaths. What to do? What to do?

You DUers from those states, move to California. We're sure to take the p.o. and we'd love to have ya!

[Sirveri]

92. Doesn't CA have the second highest unemploment rate in the nation!

Stop coming here people, unless you want to turn the valley blue, we've already got enough people!

[pnwmom]

87. Does this bill provide an alternative way to cover Arizona's uninsured?

Because that's what will be required.

[saracat]

100. They currently have Access.

[peace frog]

10. I'm guessing damned few states will opt out

Oh, there are any number of states whose officials will moan and rant and scream and cry about it, but in the end they will not opt out of a program so greatly in demand among their constituents.

[harvey007]

12. The usual suspects

The bottom-feeder red states may opt-out, but it they do, they'll be shooting themselves in the foot.

This will provide an excellent organizing tool for grassroots activists to target and eliminate politicial leaders who don't care about the needs of working people.

[Zorra]

15. States will opt out the same way they passed up Federal stimulus money.

RW corporatist politicians will get all red in the face and hem and haw and bluster and fart and talk about how they are considering opting out of the public option - all the while knowing that if they opt out they'll be looking for new jobs after the next election - so they'll all reluctantly accept the "cross" of publicly assisted health insurance that's been laid upon them.

Then they'll go about trying to figure out how they can get a big slice of the pie for themselves.

[gkhouston]

22. A fair (unfair?) number of "red" states, more's the pity. n/t

[ThisThreadIsSatire]

27. Nobody, with the possible exception of

South Carolina.

What state legislature is going to decide they'd rather pay for emergency care for even one person who might have been covered under the 'public option'?

SC might, because their governor wanted to turn down stimulus money, but since he's no longer pre-occupied by a possible presidential bid or "foreign affairs", I'll bet even they stay in...

[JohnWxy]

38. Here is a GAO study showing market concentration in Health Insurance industry in each state.

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09363r.pdf

[pnwmom]

86. They won't be able to opt-out unless they can provide an alternative way

of covering their people. So probably not too many.

[HughMoran]

2. Good, vote on it and move on!

I hope the opt-out is removed in conference, but I would expect most civilized states to be part of any public option.

[saracat]

5. Yay! Political expediency trumps the concerns of the people. Compromise

carries the day. Unecessary bipartisaship wins. Mandates for people who won't be able to use the option. Great .Just great.

[kjackson227]

14. Well, I guess the good have to suffer with the bad so...

looks like we in the red states who worked during the campaign to get this administration elected have been "punished" because of our red state. Oh well, congratulations to all in the blue states.

[WeekendWarrior]

48. Welcome to the world and the way it works

You will never be able to pass any bill without compromise, without considering the political implications, etc. That's the reality of this world. You can't change it, never will, so why fret over it. It is what it is and be happy that we're getting SOME of what we want and need.

[saracat]

73. Really? Funny. The GOP didn't "compromise" with us.Even to go to an illegal war.

[Hippo_Tron]

78. We didn't ask them to compromise, voting for war is politically expedient

Being against a war unless you represent a liberal constituency is generally not politically expedient.

[saracat]

93. They didn't compromise on ANYTHING. They wouldn't even 'meet" with the Democrats!

And still they passed whatever they wanted.

[European Socialist]

7. Finally, Good news. K&R.

[harvey007]

8. Thank you, Sen. Reid

I'm glad to see the Senate's bill will include the public option. It was actually a smart move to allow states to "opt out."

[meow2u3]

20. One side effect of opt-out public option

People from states that would opt out of the public option would move to those who have it. For instance, prepare to see a mass migration of Southerners up north, just so they can have health care and a job. Opt-out states will see their representation in Congress diminish--and will end up having fewer electoral votes, while progressive states will see their population, representation, and electoral votes go up. This should be good for Dems.

[MikeE]

36. Not to mention that a public option would reduce costs for businesses

So the red states that opt-out would also see job losses.

[skip fox]

41. Prepare to see the Republicans in Red states cave to the will of their

people. A will which will not be confused by vague nationalist arguments like "Socialism."

[IsItJustMe]

42. I was thinking the same exact thing earlier. You bet your bottom dollar I would move to a state

that had health insurance coverage as compared to one that did not. Expect states that don't have the public option to decrease in size. You can bet on it.

[saracat]

49. I am glad you could afford to move. Some don't have that "Option" either

Others may be too sick or incapacitated but, heck, it is obviously their own fault. They live in a red state! :sarcasm:

[IsItJustMe]

63. I agree. It sucks. But I do believe when it is all said and done, all states will come aboard with

the public option. In the final analysis, I don't think any state can afford not too.

[saracat]

23. Yeah, like the congress in the 18oo's thought it was smart to allow some states to continue slavery.

[davidwparker]

29. "smart move to allow states to 'opt out.'" - Yes it is. It gives the voters

the right to tear a new one to those who vote to opt out.

[JohnWxy]

82. Remember folks. This is no "done" deal. Please email, call Congressmen tell them

we must have a public option. No subsidies to insurance companies without a public option.

Also, the PO should include the agency to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies on drug prices (volume pricing).(Republicans have always said the Government should be run like a business (not the wallstreet banks)..Well, no business would order hundreds of thousands or millions of units of anything a year and pay the price a person pays when he walks into Walgreens and buys one prescription).

Also mention you support effort to end anti-trust laws exemption for insurance companies.


Suggest you Tell Dems if we do not get a PO they should expect people to give up on them in 2010. People just will lose the motivation to vote if they don't come through on this.

REmember. This is no done deal. Your emails and calls might be the difference between getting Health Care reform (the Public Option) and not getting it.

It's the people against the lobbyists (Republicans).

[saracat]

94. I will call and let them know I do not support the PO with an opt out.

Not that it will do any good.This isn't about the people. Few will be covered anyway as the president has indicated.

[Yuugal]

9. He rocked!

He seemed like he was large and in charge today. Said he didn't need the white house to call anyone for him, said public option was in, said he hoped that Snowe would come on board but to hell with the republicans because they haven't been around much. I think he will flop out a plan with a weak PO and let it get reconciled into the house version. He really seemed to make it clear he was gonna twist some arms for the 60 he needs to end debate and then ram it through with 51. Yee-fucking-ha!

[saracat]

25. Yep. No one can "compromise" like Reid. He loves that bipartisanship!

[tblue]

55. He was on the tv saying this? It's not just a comment by some "official"? nt

[Ruby the Liberal]

61. He held a presser at 3:15 to make the announcement.

[placton]

17. cautiously optimistic

but didnt he also talk about co-ops - it ain't over til it's over - and we need to redouble the pressure to toss opt out OUT

[sui generis]

19. Screw States Rights

Since when does living in a state give the state the right to make a healthcare choice on your behalf?

This is 90% of the way there - just missing the money shot, as usual. Why do we think we can win by compromising? If it's a REAL public option it needs to be open to THE PUBLIC. Not the states.

Just another purist rant.

[saracat]

21. +1

[Mithreal]

28. excellent post nt

[mzmolly]

81. It's up to the people of a given state to elect people who represent them.

If they don't, there is of course a consequence.

[rayofreason]

103. Screw Nation/City rights

"Since when does living in a Nation/City give the Nation/City the right to make a (public policy of any kind) choice on your behalf? "

Sorry dude - it does. We have a federal system and there are different powers allotted to each entity. S.F. can give partners rights, MA can allows gays to marry, etc. The belief in the overweening transformative power of a single state entity is what leads to authoritarianism and tyranny. If you cannot convince the majority of your fellow citizens in your polity of the correctness of your ideas and you long for an external power that will overthrow the "misguided" opinions of your fellows, you better hope you don't get your wish. Your opponents may get that power first, or later. Either way, not good.

[sui generis]

107. sorry dude? Here's a fact.

If it's a federal public option, then the states should not have the right to opt out. It would be like opting out of social security.

In this particular case, states rights should not apply. It really is THAT simple.

[rayofreason]

112. But opt-out IS on the table.

Once it is approved then states DO have the option to opt-out and Federalism applies.

Think that it is bait and switch. See my post below on that topic.

[iamthebandfanman]

24. nice, some balls for once. not enough, but ill take it.

as far as states opting out...

im right now, as i speak, writing emails to my Gov and all my state reps letting them know that if Kentucky OPTS out... then ill be opting out of Kentucky.

[saracat]

26. I am glad some could afford to move. many are too broke and ill to consider it. But hey

they are just collateral damage. Screw them , right? Yeah it takes balls to throw the infirm under the bus.

[alcibiades_mystery]

37. Just like all the GOP purists who refused the stimulus cash, right?

Oh, that's right. None did, because of political pressure.

If the public option is indeed nationally popular at 70%, it will be politically impossible for any state to opt out, just as it was politically impossible for any state to opt out of the stimulus money, even though they had to OPTION to do just that.

[saracat]

46. That is apples and oranges. While AZ did attempt to refuse the stimulus, They didn't have a choice

but they WILL have a choice on health care. They did refuse the NCLB education funds because they didn't want to take Federal Funds and not many states did that, AFAIK. And the GOP voters, and unlike Dems in this state, they actually vote in primaries and local elections, are furious at the Governor for overiding the legislature and taling the stimulus funds. It is likely she will not run for election because the feeling against her is so deep because of the stimulus.

[alcibiades_mystery]

74. I don't think so

They won't opt out, because it will be disastrous to do so. You're gloom and doom all the time, primarily because you feel jilted re; the primaries, but the opt out is window dressing, and nothing but. There will be a public option in every state, because people will demand it.

[saracat]

95. This is NOT about the primaries. This is about the opt out..

and my state has already drafted a bill opting us olut. As we speak. The Dems in our state are screwed and it was really stupid of them to give anyone any money and we gave more than any other state. But we sent the money to national campaigns and Blue States. I want my money back.

[alcibiades_mystery]

96. Don't vote next time

And nobody with sense believes your ridiculous posts are about anything BUT the primaries. Poor wounded designs.

[saracat]

101. Oh please. I am not the one who can't let go of the primaries.

Soem insist that if one did not pick their fav, they don't have a right to an opinion. Since I am among those that are shafted by thisopt out, and I can't afford to "move", And I gave money I didn't really have, or could afford to the Dems, I have every right to be furious.

[alcibiades_mystery]

106. Oh please

Of course you have a right to your opinion. When your opinion is 100% consistently against the Democratic president you hated during the primaries, however, it's pretty clear that it is based on pure grudge and not thought.

[saracat]

109. Obviously you have chosen never to see the positive posts is support of Obama

that I have posted. I post in support of him when I feel it is warranted.I recently posted in support of his actions regarding the caps on salaries for the bailed out financial institutions. Perhaps some base their posts 100% on idolization and not on "thought". When one protests a Health Care Opt out the denying millions of citizens coverage, and the response is 'you hate Obama", it is obvious who is not "thinking".

I suppose the unions, who do not support the opt out, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who do not support the Opt out and Rachel Maddow, who points out the garbage this whole plan is all just "Hate Obama."

[Sebass1271]

32. good luck with that!! kentucky???!! ha!!

[Sebass1271]

30. what will the repubs at fee lunatic will say about this??

i am sure they are happy and will continue to live in their no-mans-red state land.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

34. I don't care

they are decreasing in numbers and will be extinct soon

[Sebass1271]

31. what will the repubs at fee lunatic will say about this??

i am sure they are happy and will continue to live in their no-mans-red state land.

[AllexxisF1]

33. Politically this is a winner.

This will put unbelievable pressure on Southern Republicans from State House to the Senate. They will not dare opt out to their peril.

[skip fox]

39. Yes, a winner.

After the first few years, no state will opt out when its citizens see states with the public option and wonder why they are limited. Will the "socialism" argument work when John Q. from Ohio realizes what Mary W. from Pennsylvania has more and better options? Not likely.

This means Republicans will have to shift positions on this or lose politically.

[Javaman]

43. Well, this is pretty useless...

as long as the opt out option is included, the states (read red states) that need it the most will not have it. They will "opt out".

so in other words, the states that are already a drain on the economy will continue to be a drain on the economy.

Alabama, which has basically one health care insurance corp controlling the whole state, will remain near the very bottom in health care.

This is bullshit.

How is this a good thing?

The blue states will have it and the rest of us, stuck in red states, will be in a word, fucked.

I really hate that fucker reid.

[Yes We Did]

47. They won't opt out.

And if they do... within one year they will be begging to get in on it. I should say within one election year they will be begging as the see themselves being ousted left and right.

[derby378]

51. I have a feeling that Texas will try to opt-out...

...despite the fact that Pete Sessions in TX-32 has the highest percentage of uninsured constituents of any Republican-held district in America.

I don't recall asking Senators for any "opt-out" bullshit. This is disappointing.

[Rozlee]

98. Better believe Prick Perry will Opt us out

Or he'll try. I'm not sure how that will work out. But, just like teabaggers were willing to disrupt townhall meetings, loved ones of the sick or those without health insurance will be willing to march on slick Rick if they see that there actually is a chance of health reform and help for their loved ones and themselves available, and only one idiotic governors signature is keeping it away from them. I know Americans are apathetic about most things, but concentrating your wrath on one guy makes for great passion and theatre as we all remember from the teabaggers. Or Kay Bailey-Hutchinson might be in. She and Perry are campaigning against one another and it's nasty. But, Perry can huff all he wants, and threaten to secede, the fact is, he'll be fighting against the will of the people. Texas went into the purple category during the last election. Yeah, we have an a-ho' governor and, at least in Cornyn's case, one really fucktard Senator, and chingos conservative Becknecks, but we also have a growing Hispanic population that is catching up to the Ango population 36% - 47%, and other minorities that tilt Democrat, so the state is undergoing some demographic changes that explain in part why teabaggers are so angry. Change isn't just coming. It's here. We'll get our public option here in Texas. We might have to wait a year or so, but it'll come.

[saracat]

53. You are really not well informed about some of the red states.

[saracat]

50. I do too. The Dems have become no better than the GOP and not as good at it!

Political expediency trumps the needs of the people. Bipartisanship is more important than total coverage. Reid is a rat bastard who insisted on compromise when he didn't need to, to foster the illusion of bipartisanship. He is more concerned aboit the 2010 midterms than the people.And Obama was no help either. I remember when he used to spout against mandates and for total coverage.

[Doremus]

59. Yeah, that GOP health care plan is sooooo much better than ours.

And their minimum wage bills, waaaay better than ours.

Same with unemployment insurance. Who needs Dems when ya got the GOP?

:eyes:


I'll agree with you about Reid but your silly comparison of Dems to the GOP is asinine.

[saracat]

68. Really? The GOP gets their folks to pass any bill they want. They don't compromise

bujt we can't even get heath care without compromising to them when it isn't even necessary.That is what I mean by their doling it "better".

[pnwmom]

88. They can't opt out unless they come up with an alternate plan to cover

their uninsured. Good luck with that.

[Javaman]

108. Ahhhh, okay, that I didn't know. I still don't like the opt out, but at least that's a little better

nt

[mvd]

45. If it can pass and you KNOW a regular public option won't, go for it

I'd be upset that some states could be left out, but a trigger would likely get us no public option.

[Fearless]

52. What kind?

[thincaboutit]

56. THE ART OF COMPROMISE MEETS THE MARTIAL ARTS

See “Healthcare Fighting (Kung Fu Mix)” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nc1VwJOb9Y

[Jester Messiah]

57. I suspect this will pass.

Once it's up for a roll-call vote, the whips will be able to say to each Dem senator: "Are YOU going to be the one who killed this?"

[eburrell009]

58. Finally

I am excited to see this because I am 27 years old in a fight to find one of those non-existent jobs out there. I think it is appalling that our healthcare decisions are made by healthcare administrators that have absolutely no idea what or whom they are affecting. Bottom line, all people should be covered. I find insurance companies a waste of time, it leaves less time between your doctor and your care. This is ridiculous. I am one of the 46+ Million uninsured and needs some type of government help on trying to get healthcare. It's a simple request. As I find full time employment, I will opt in to my company ran insurance program. I just need something so that I can go get my asthma treatments.

[rabies1]

60. I heard that it wasn't even supposed to begin until 2013.

Is that still the case?

[Generator]

76. Here's some links to confirm-2015 looks like a good year if your state doesn't opt out!

http://oudaily.com/news/2009/oct/23/health-care-provisions-will-not-take-effect-until-/


As Congress inches closer to passing a health care reform bill, many things remain uncertain, but one isn’t: Most of the bill’s major provisions won’t take effect until 2013.

Marc Young, assistant insurance commissioner at the Oklahoma Insurance Department, said the U.S. may see many of the bill’s payment mechanisms enacted within the next year, including tax increases and reductions in medical reimbursements. But none of its significant changes — specifically, federal tax credits to make insurance more affordable — will occur for about three years.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32013032/


2014: The health insurance exchange is expanded to include companies with up to 20 employees and people who can't afford premiums under their employer's plan.

2015: The government decides whether to open the health insurance exchange — and the government-sponsored plan — to all employers.


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/07/why_health-care_reform_begins.html

Why Health-Care Reform Begins in 2013
Most of the major provisions in the House's health-care reform bill begin in 2013. That's a bit of a lengthy ramp-up period, but these things happen.

[Demoiselle]

89. Nancy Pelosi said something yesterday about getting something going in 2010

..

[Pab Sungenis]

62. Now we just have to get the House

to take the Opt-Out back out.

And get rid of the individual mandate.

And get rid of the small-business destroying "50 or more employees you're exempt" mandate.

[saracat]

105. We have to lobby the Congressional Progressive Caucus. As of today

they still do not support the opt out. They must prevail.

[tsuki]

64. Quelle Surprise.

"The insurance industry was sharply critical of Reid's announcement.

"A new government-run plan would underpay doctors and hospitals rather than driving real reforms that bring down costs and improve quality. The American people want health care reform that will reduce costs, and this plan doesn't do that," said Karen Ignagni, head of America's Health Insurance Plans."

Like she really cares about the doctors and hospitals. Looks like the days of "Dollar Bill" McGuire & Stephen "The Pad" Hemsley are numbered. (I hope>"

[Geek_Girl]

65. I'm guessing my state TN will opt out

It seems that there are allot of insurance companies in this state and most have HQ's in my town.

[groundloop]

66. Screw Reid, Screw Baucus, Screw the Opt-Out provision

I feel fairly confident that my state of Georgia will opt-out, at least for a while. Why the hell should I have to wait to take part in the federal insurance plan because Reid lacks the balls to pass real healthcare? Why the hell should my family's healthcare be held hostage to politicians?

[saracat]

67. You are exactly right. the contempt being displayed for red state Dems is palpable.

[Generator]

72. Please, you can have health care from 2013-2014

What more do you want? (there is a thread in GD.P and some still think that they get health care public option next year and the states have until 2014 to opt out. NO! they have a year to opt out-that year is from 2013-2014-enjoy it!)

[saracat]

69. I hope Nevada votes Reid out.

[timzi]

70. I Think I'm Getting Screwed Here.......

I am a progressive who lives in Texas. So if Texas opts out, I get my taxes raised to pay for a benefit which only the states which are not run by confirmed fascists will enjoy? Hope Reid knows what he is doing (other than covering his rear, he sure doesn't inspire my confidence). If this is not funded by the general tax fund, but rather by direct billing like an insurance policy is, this I'll be stuck without anything - in that case Texas will almost certainly bolt. And continue to convince the lowest common denominator (that the it true GOP base) that they are being spared from the devil himself.

[jeff47]

71. I think a few of the angry people aren't quite seeing it

It's an opt-out. That means they start _in_. And in every opt-out proposal so far, the state had to spend some time in the program before opting out. So the people will 'get a taste' as it were, and _then_ their right-wing nutjobs will have to opt-out.

In order to opt-out, the R's in that state have to stand up and vote for it. Making it so trivially easy to put out ads saying "Evil insurance companies paid Senator <name> to kill my Grandma". Or "People in <neighboring state> pay 50% less for heath care. Why does Representative <name> want to make you pay more?".

While theoretically some of the reddest states might opt out, I think their constituents would fix that problem in the next election. Especially when there are concrete savings and benefits available to their neighbors.

Yes, universal health care would be better. But this move sets the stage for that to become a reality. Opting out isn't going to be viable, and the cost savings of the public option will do wonders towards finally getting universal care. Once the program is in place, it will become impossible to scream "Socialism!!!!" at it. Just like the R's are not touching Medicare.

[Kind of Blue]

85. Well, said, Jeff47. Thanks. I was wondering what opt-out is

if the states aren't already opted in. I can almost hear constant political ads pressuring the reds' reps, especially in an election year.

[totodeinhere]

113. See post# 111. n/t

[MilesColtrane]

75. That means no insurance for me.

No way those idiots in Austin will opt in.

[Third Doctor]

77. I don't know

I live in Alabama and I've heard some rather moronic blather coming from some of these (informed) people. I think this state will try to opt out but will be brought up short by the state's legislature. The same way the governor thought about refusing bail lot money and the state congress told him to shut up.

[ProgressOnTheMove]

79. I think one expert said there is a state opt out for medicare but in practice everyone wants it.

[MrBlueSky]

80. This one's a nailbiter folks!!!

Let's keep our fingers crossed! The conventional wisdom is saying that the 60 votes for cloture are just now there... BUT... the New York Times says the votes are not there!!

Keep on the pressure... still a few Democratic senators who need... erm... ahhh... "encouragement" (read: arm twisting).

[ProgressOnTheMove]

83. Frangela "They want an option not to have an option, I don't get that."

[chadmak09]

84. I live in Alabama and............

I live in alabama and this is a totally RED state.
They will opt out for sure.
So much for healthcare reform for all americans.

Bluecross owns 90% of the insurance market here in alabama.
We need a public option BADLY!

But it wont happen for us since republicans run alabama.

So not only will blue cross continue to rule 90% of the insurance market here, but NOW PEOPLE IN ALABAMA WILL BE MANDATED TO BUY INSURANCE FROM THEM.

HEALTHCARE REFORM MY ARSE!!!!!

THINGS WILL BE WORSE HERE.

THANKS REID.

[harun]

91. Don't give up hope, opt-out isn't a done deal. Lot's can happen before the final

bill is voted on and after it gets out of committee.

[unkachuck]

97. "...states will have the prerogative of opting out..."

....at a minimum, states should ONLY have the prerogative of opting-out after a vote from its people on the PO question....leaving it to insurance company purchased repugs and dem lackies in many state governments would render the opting-out decision a foregone conclusion....

....this is ALL a BIG disappointment....

[d_b]

99. As a red stater with no insurance

I look forward to an opt-out scheme that takes effect in 2013. woot!


what a fucking mess of a party.

[rayofreason]

102. Opt-Out???? WTF????

These guys are pulling it out of their ass. At least that is generally where shit-covered objects typically come from.

Will Red-staters (many on this thread) pay for Blue-staters along with their own insurance? Will Blue-staters go along with something that could leave them with a huge unfunded liability as anyone diagnosed with a serious disease moves to the nearest blue state? This kind of confusion will make blue-dogs pull back from any healthcare bill. It this just a mirage bone thrown out to the progressive community to get them to STFU? "We tried the public option! Now let's do something else!"

[saracat]

104. as Opposed as I am to the Opt Out, I hadn't considerd this. Very good point!

[LeftHander]

110. A State that opts out will see a exodus of uninsured...a boon for insurance

They will be able to drop via some Repuke loophole and then people will be forced to leave. Leaving the insurance co.s operations in that state to become even more wealthy

[dflprincess]

111. I caught a bit of Ed Schulz's show

and he was saying the public option in Reid's bill will only cover about 10 million people; won't kick in until 2013 and then states can opt out in 2014. Most of us will not be able to select the public option (which makes you wonder why the call it an option) even if we want to.

If Schultz is correct that only 10 million will be covered, and that's by the end of the first year, that will make it way easier for states to opt out because a lot of people won't be seeing any benefits from this scam Reid calls "reform".