Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Pelosi Fighting for Stronger Public Option

Plan with Medicare-linked option would cost only $871B

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2009 7:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – Nancy Pelosi is on a mission to pass the strongest public option on the table in the House—a plan that would pay doctors the same rates as Medicare—and she's close to having enough votes, she told fellow Dems last night. The plan would cost just $871 billion, according to preliminary estimates, putting it under President Obama’s $900 billion target, and be deficit neutral for at least 10 years. Supporters argue that it would pressure private insurers to lower their reimbursement rates, pushing down health care costs.

Pelosi says she has 200 votes for the plan, and she’s asked Majority Whip James Clyburn to survey members today and see if he can scare up the other 18 needed. “We are very close, and I count tough,” said Pelosi. But Blue Dogs and other moderates vehemently oppose the plan. It would also mean a large gulf between the House and Senate bills, though Pelosi believes that will strengthen the House’s negotiating power.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. gestures during her weekly news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
Timinator2K
Oct 21, 2009 12:57 PM CDT
I believe that replacing greedy basterd private insurers with criminally-inept Government PO (political option) isn't the answer. Its a HUGE problem that a quick fix will mean an even faster death for all of us.
bahari@bellsouth.net
Oct 21, 2009 12:56 PM CDT
I agree with ALL comments. My deductable now is $500.00 and I fear that it will go higher. Public Option PLEASE because I and a lot like me cannot afford to be sick.
Timinator2K
Oct 21, 2009 12:54 PM CDT
If you haven't had the joy of having your ever-increasing deductible be joined by the snide "Out of Pocket Expense" (extended deductible, really) count yourself semi-lucky.

More Newser Stories

Watered-Down Insider Trading Bill Set to Pass House

Pelosi: 'Something I Know' About Gingrich

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns

Dummy Firms Squeeze Millions From Medicare

On Way Out, Medicare Boss Bashes 'Extreme' Waste


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne