More on Health Care Reform
From the Washington Post:
Earlier today, in an interview with three reporters, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said health-care reform would pass the House and that it would include a public plan. She also said the Blue Dogs were basically resigned to this prospect, and that the Republicans “will do everything they can to stop it, not only because they disagree philosophically, but because they know politically that this is so very powerful” politically. The discussion was a bit disjointed for a straight transcript, but selected excerpts follow.
On the need for a public plan.
We have been very clear about the fundamentals. We do not see real, systemic change in the health-care system if there is not a robust public option. We see that as the way to quality, affordability, accessibility, and universality in health care. If someone has another way, show us, but until that time comes, this is the way we see it.
On the co-op compromise.
I think it might be something additional. I don’t see it as an alternative to the public option.
On the Blue Dogs.
Some of the concerns the Blues have raised are concerns others have raised as well. The public option is going to happen. They recognize that. They may want to put it on their list of concerns about how it will work. But part of what this is is removing misconceptions. One of the misconceptions was that the public option would be funded by the federal government, wouldn’t have to pay back its start-up costs. And that has never been the case. To be a competitor, it will have to be able to compete, be fiscally sound, and be responsible for its administrative costs. It will have advantages, but it has to compete.
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