Posted on 09/09/2009 3:27:48 AM PDT by kingattax
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A leader of fiscally conservative Democrats in the U.S. House says he's backing away from a healthcare reform proposal he supported before the August recess.
Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., a member of the so-called "Blue Dog Coalition" said he now can't support a reform bill that includes creation of a public health insurance option, The Washington Post reported.
"An overwhelming number of you oppose a government-run health insurance option, and it is your feedback that has led me to oppose the public option as well," Ross said in a statement to constituents.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed out a bill before members returned to their home districts. Among other things the committee's version would expand Medicaid and subsidies to ensure low-income people have coverage.
Ross's rejection of his version of the public insurance option leaves Democrats scrambling to balance ideological differences existing in their caucus, the Post said. Liberal Democrats say a vibrant public option would create competition in the health sector -- and they have the backing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, who says she can't pass the package without a robust public insurance plan.
In the Senate, meanwhile, a measure offered by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus of Montana would impose new fees on some healthcare industry segments to help offset the estimated $880 billion in initial costs over 10 years, The New York Times reported Tuesday. The plan would provide a lower-cost insurance plan for catastrophic coverage only to people up to age 25, people familiar with the outline said. It also would expand less comprehensive Medicaid coverage to millions of low-income people who now are ineligible.
Good for him!!! Hopefully others will follow!
This “Blue Dog” nonsense is a total hoax. It means that they only support Obama/Pelosi 90% of the time instead of 100%.
We are against the whole stinking bill, not just the Govt. option.
You cannot have a bi-partisan bill by locking Republicans out of the room.
Mike Ross:
ACU rating (2008): 12 (lifetime: 38-slithering to the left)
National Taxpayers Union rating (2008): F
Not a conservative. Not to be trusted.
“This a joke finding 880 Billion is revenues in this Government”
I agree. I was only commenting on the ‘public option’ stance. Ultimately the best approach to health care would involve some form of the Medical Savings Account concept, but that doesn’t satiate democrat lust for control.
Just like the PUMAs that were going to save us from Obama. Any dem that's made to congress is already too far gone to ever think about preserving the constitution. They only think in terms of self preservation.
LLS
Actually I think they are called Blue Dogs because that is the color Pelosi’s whip leaves on their a$$.
Hopefully, it doesn't mean that he knows it will pass and is providing cover with his constituents by saying he opposes it.
I dont understand what this means. So people up to age 25 are covered if they get brain cancer..but anyone over 25 has to buy insurance to cover brain cancer or they are fined 3800??
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