The Conservative Nation

The Socialist Democrats Didn’t Listen

Today, the Senate Finance Committee successfully passed an amendment that is close to a public health insurance option. One would think that these socialist-wannabes would have had second thoughts about their own political futures, but they are determined to nationalize yet another large sector of the U.S. economy.

The amendment provides a federally funded, non-Medicaid, state plan which combines the innovation and quality of private sector competition with the purchasing power of the states. It would be available to people with incomes above Medicaid eligibility but below 200 percent of the federal poverty level — a very narrow window. The hope, if you’re a Socialist Democrat, or fear, if you’re a Conservative, is that the plan will be expanded to a full-blown public plan once this “Basic Health Plan” becomes law.

As one would expect, the amendment passed the Finance Committee by a 12-11 vote along party lines. No Republican voted for the amendment and only one Democrat, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), voted against it. Congratulations to Senator Lincoln for having the courage to vote her conscience instead of dancing to her party’s music.
The plan, which would not be free, is based on Washington State’s “Basic Health Plan”, which costs approximately $60 a month, with the remainder of the premium subsidized by the state. Private insurers would be eligible to participate in the plan, as would HMOs or other networks of health care providers.

Washington State residents that participate in the plan are generally happy with it, but due to a lack of funding, many people have been unable to participate in the plan. Those who have been unable to get are placed on a waiting list. This is yet another example of typical government efficiency. We can only hope that things are different after the 2010 elections.

Download an overview of the amendment.

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