Health Care Reform Update: Howard Dean Comments on the Senate Bill Compromise
by Alta Price, M.D.There are so many stories about what is going on in the Senate, it is hard to know what to believe. However, you can always count on Howard! Please check out his diary at Dailykos: We Can Do Both.
The bottom line is that Howard has been pushing for expanding Medicare by letting those in the 55-64 age group buy into Medicare, and to let this happen as soon as possible. He has pointed out that the Democrats have to provide some immediate help, since the Health Insurance Exchange won’t open until 2013 (or 2014). But as he says, we need to do both – provide immediate help by lowering the age for Medicare and provide a public option.
I would also point out that the House bill, which already passed, includes a good public option. Even if the Senate bill has a crappy fake public option or a trigger designed never to be pulled, the final bill could incorporate the House public option. And if the Senate bill lowers the age for Medicare, including that provision would make the final bill better.
We will have to wait for more details to come out, but if Howard is happy, I’m happy.
Alta Price is a physician practicing Pathology in Davenport, Iowa. One of the original Deaniacs, she stays involved with Democracy for America, Iowa, and the Quad Cities. She advocates for quality, affordable health care for all, primarily as a volunteer with Progressive Action for the Common Good (Health Care Reform Issue Forum). Watch for Dr. Price's Health Care Reform Update every Tuesday here on Blog for Iowa. E-Mail Alta Price
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