by Alta Price

When we visited Representative Dave Loebsack last week in his D.C. office, he mentioned how impressed he was by the testimony given at a hearing by Dr. Jacob Hacker, Professor and Co-Director of the Berkeley Center on Health, Economic, and Family Security at the University of California Berkeley. I had seen a policy brief Dr. Hacker prepared about the public insurance plan option linked over at Doctors for America. So I was curious to see, read and watch Dr. Hacker’s testimony. Representative Loebsack was especially impressed by Dr. Hacker’s response to those who say the public plan will drive the private insurance plans out of business.

The webcast is at the website of the House Committee on Education and Labor, under hearings, full committee. Right before the list of witnesses you’ll see a link to the “Archived Webcast.” Click that. Although the whole hearing is probably fascinating (I listened to random bits trying to find Dr. Hacker’s part), fast forward to 1:58:48 to listen to Dr. Hacker. He speaks about 5 minutes. Representative Loebsack’s time starts at 2:52:00 and he questions Dr. Hacker at 2:55:59. It is really interesting, and the webcast is excellent in quality. You can also read Dr. Hacker's testimony here.