Four senators defend public option health care, but Medicare for All is still on the people's table

Four Democratic senators have asked Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to push for a public option through reconciliation, which would require a simple majority of 51 votes. An additional five senators had signed on by today, and a letter from 119 House Democrats has also gone to Reid supporting this proposal.

The senators, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, cited lower costs, public support, the need for competition from an entity outside the insurance industry--which is exempt from anti-trust regulation--and precedents for using reconciliation to pass legislation as reasons for proceeding with the process to put a public option in the health care reform bill. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare Advantage, and the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) were all enacted under reconciliation.

Interestingly, both Bennet and Gillibrand are newcomers to the Senate and facing competitive re-election campaigns. Rather than move toward a 'non-partisan' center, they're taking a leadership stand on the health care issue, banking that the chagrin that sent Republican Scott Brown to the Senate in January is directed at the weaker Senate bill, and not the idea of a public option.

While some groups are encouraging constituent calls to senators to get more support for a public option through reconciliation, single payer proponents are still pushing for a more comprehensive fix to the nation's health care crisis.

On February 25th, the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Health Care will be holding a "Sidewalk Summit for Improved Medicare for All" outside the Blair House in Washington, DC before the Democrats and Republicans have their session. If you are able to be in Washington, DC meet them at 9 AM at the White House. Specific meet up details will be announced as the event gets closer, and we'll post them here.

You can also organize an event in your area, or distribute these talking points from Healthcare Now! Your own "sidewalk summit" can feature presenters speaking briefly on the political, or personal, struggle to get decent and affordable care. Healthcare-Now suggests videotaping your event, and holding it at an appropriate federal building or other landmark. They can also help with talking points, press lists, and publicity. For more info, email info@healthcare-now.org.