Reid: Health care bill includes opt-out public option

By Raw Story
Monday, October 26th, 2009 -- 12:55 pm
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reidserious Reid: Health care bill includes opt out public option"Majority Leader Harry Reid says health care legislation headed to the Senate floor will include an option for government-run insurance," the Associated Press reports. "Reid says states will have the prerogative of opting out of the program if they choose."

FULL AP STORY AT THIS LINK

"I believe that a public option can achieve the goal of bringing meaningful reform to our broken system," said the senator, who pointed to polls showing robust public support for giving the US government a wider health care role.

"It will protect consumers, keep insurers honest and ensure competition. And that's why we intend to include it in the bill that will be submitted to the Senate," said Reid.

The announcement came after a months-long blitz by Obama's Republican foes against the public option, which has also drawn concern from swing-vote Democrats.

Story continues below...

This video is from MSNBC's News Live, broadcast Oct. 26, 2009.

Original story follows:

DEVELOPING: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to announce his support for a public health option to be included in the Senate's health care bill, sources tell Bloomberg news service.

The Nevada Democrat is scheduled to hold a press conference at 3:15 pm ET on Monday, where he will reportedly make the declaration. Several news sources are reporting that Reid will announce his support for an opt-out clause that will allow individual states to reject the public option.

The move marks one of the most significant steps forward for advocates of a public health care option. The majority leader's position is considered vital in setting the tone in debating Senate legislation.

"A highly placed source suggests that Reid's preference remains to include a public option with an opt out clause, despite the fact that the White House is skeptical that this is the most politically viable strategy," reports Brian Beutler at TalkingPointsMemo.

The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that Senate Democratic leaders are finalizing the health bill they will bring to the Senate floor within days. The newspaper also reports that a public option with an opt-out clause will be included in the legislation.

(with AFP report)

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Story comments are below...

  • truthops2010
    Again, what rubbish! A public option with an opt out for the states. Wow, now that's powerful! How about an opt out for individuals from the mandate that is going to force all of us to purchase over priced insurance? Harry Reid, and all of the so-called Centrist Democrats are tools of the Health "Care" Industrial Complex. (of course I don't need to mention Republicans right?)
  • damixaustex
    If Opt out passes, it will be a boon for the Democratic Party.
    My state, Texas, for example, has been infested with Republicans since the party was co-opted by radical Christians calling themselves conservatives.
    It's likely the Governor, both Senators and a whole slew of politicians will want to opt out.
    Texas one of the worst track records on caring for our citizens and everyone knows it. Bickering Opt Out Republicans (BOORS) will commit political suicide opposing the public option. They'll continue to claim there's a better way while offering no viable solution.
    Democrats will regain the governor seat and both Senate seats.
    I support the opt out public option.
  • truthops2010
    I disagree, but I appreciate your thoughtful response, and the fact that you
    are capable, unlike most others on ANY forum, of stating your opinion
    without resorting to personal insult.

    Thank you for your thoughts, I'll have to think about what you said.
  • damixaustex
    Thanks for the complement. When I read forum comments, I tend to skip the ones with the standard insults like repug, rethug, name spelling twists, etc, etc.

    It's good to know someone appreciates.
    I was a little insulting tho, if you know what a boor is. (smiles, with half chuckle)
    Cheers.
  • christopherlaw
    So, who decides to OPT OUT? The Governor, Reps or the People?
    EVERYBODY In Maine wants the PO by a large margin. What does Snow do with that???

    SINGLE PAYER PLEASE!
    Can't wait to see COB's cost savings on that :-)
  • Phillip
    I am confused. Harr Reed supports opt-out and Obama supports Trigger.

    Two facts:
    Opt-out is obviously better than trigger.
    Yet the comments are negative about Reed and supportative of Obama.
    Are you as blind as the Tea bagging Republicans?
  • thomas jefferson
    reid is a failure.
  • Phillip
    Yes, Reid has often dissapointed me also. Yet here he is the one at least showing up for the fight. Not singing songs to Ms. Snow.
  • milofreeman
    Glad to see that those of us unfortunate enough to live in Red States will be punished for Reid's unwillingness to support a robust public option. Thanks, Harry! Way to go!
  • nedclark
    I'd be a bit concerned about the opt-out mechanism violating the "equal protection" clause of the Constitution (that some states could deprive its citizens of care provided to citizens of other states)...

    But hell -- if Know-Nothings in Know-Nothing states don't care that their politicians want `Nothing' to do with The Public Option, who am I to force them to do what's smart? I'd be content to let them drift off into health care oblivion if I can get The Public Option for our small business - which has just been hit with a 19.4% premium increase for 2010 (after a 12% increase last year).
  • jimbo92107
    Scam! Harry Reid, don't you think for a second that you haven't just flushed your miserable, useless career down the toilet. Trying to pass this shameful piece of corporate sellout garbage as some kind of victory for Americans...it's disgusting, like the Republicans that wrote it for you.

    The blogosphere will remember this betrayal, Harry Reid, you Republican scumbag!
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