March 9, 2010
Washington, DC
Congressman Alan Grayson, D-Fla., today introduced a bill (H.R. 4789) which would give the option to buy into Medicare to every citizen of the United States. The "Public Option Act," also known as the "Medicare You Can Buy Into Act," would open up the Medicare network to anyone who can pay for it.
Congressman Grayson said, "Obviously, America wants and needs more competition in health coverage, and a public option offers that. But it's just as important that we offer people not just another choice, but another kind of choice. A lot of people don't want to be at the mercy of greedy insurance companies that will make money by denying them the care that they need to stay healthy, or to stay alive. We deserve to have a real alternative."
The bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish enrollment periods, coverage guidelines, and premiums for the program. Because premiums would be equal to cost, the program would pay for itself.
"The government spent billions of dollars creating a Medicare network of providers that is only open to one-eighth of the population. That's like saying, 'Only people 65 and over can use federal highways.' It is a waste of a very valuable resource and it is not fair. This idea is simple, it makes sense, and it deserves an up-or-down vote," Congressman Grayson said.
To me, this is what Democrats should have been pushing all along. "Medicaire for everyone". Grayson is right on the mark and if H.R. 676 cannot be considered then this bill by Grayson is desperately needed. Here is Grayson introducing his bill and some commentary from The Young Turks:
Thanks once again Rep. Grayson for trying to speak for real solutions for the folks that are really hurting. Grayson and John Yarmuth are two Democrats that every Progressive Democrat in the nation should be fighting for and donating to.
