The public option – government-supported health insurance offered as an alternative to private plans – was a non-starter in Congress, but Oregon could end up with its own version.
Anyway that’s the idea of state Sen. Alan Bates, who says he wants to head the effort to bring a public option to this state.
“We really have a good chance of setting up a public option here,” the Ashland Democrat told the Medford Mail Tribune.
Bates aims to take advantage of an amendment to the national health care reform legislation inserted by Sen. Ron Wyden that permits states to develop their own health care programs, provided they get the necessary waivers from the federal government.
Bates, who’s a practicing physician, said he’s been meeting with Wyden and state health officials to try to figure out how to expand the present Oregon Health Plan to offer a public option. Within two or three years, he said, the expansion could lead to universal health care coverage in the state.
At least one Republican legislator – Dennis Richardson of Central Point – indicated he could be open to Bates’s idea. “I know there is a need to have access to health care,” he told the Mail Tribune, noting that even families with health insurance often are overwhelmed by out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Richardson wants to see any expansion of the OHP take significant steps toward controlling costs. “Reform is often discussed, but rarely implemented,” he said.
“I think [a public option plan] could be worked out, but it will only be possible if the Republicans are involved in the crafting of the bill, rather than be ignored as often takes place,” Richardson said.
That’s all well and good – as long as Oregon Republicans are interested in really negotiating and not just stalling and obfuscating as their counterparts in Washington did.
This article appears in Apr 1-7, 2010.
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“That's all well and good – as long as Oregon Republicans are interested in really negotiating and not just stalling and obfuscating as their counterparts in Washington did.”
Nice, HBM. You don’t disapoint! Always looking to blame the GOP, even after Richardson explained it. Just like in Washington, the GOP will be ignored in Oregon. Can’t wait til election time!! just think HBM, you’ll have lot’s of fodder for your elitist rants when the GOP once again runs the show!
Like I said in another post, what would liberals do if there was nothing to whine about? They wouldn’t know what to do with themselves.
I really like the comment about controlling costs. I would like to hear HBM give a REALISTIC, DETAILED account on how he expects that to happen? He will probably just cross his fingers then blame the GOP when they have to limit services because they can’t afford the bills.
Yeah Bruce, what MBH said. I can’t wait ’till Republicans get back in power, drive this country back into a Depression, and strip even more people of their right to health care. Sheesh – how is anybody supposed to make any money – in this- the richest country on earth. Health care for the rich!
Gadfly, can you please explain to me how a society can increase and endure when it’s goverment takes excessive amounts of taxes from working people and redistributes it to others? What is the motivation to work hard and be productive?
We have only become the richest nation in the world by allowing people the freedom to reap the rewards of their efforts. The majority of 3rd World Countries are controlled by repressive governments. This country has grown rich without socialism. What are you smoking that makes you believe that we can continue growing with socialism?
I think the key word in your reply is “excessive.” And I am far from believing that the United States taxes excessively. The motivation to work hard is that you’re getting yours, but also paying back into a system that allowed you to be in a position to get yours. The majority of third world countries suffer from the lack of a tax base to provide infrastructure that allows for the creation of wealth.
I can appreciate politically the Republican desire to throw the word “Socialism” around like it’s a dirty word and try to associate America with the concept but really . . .this country is so far from Socialism it’s silly to bring it up. This is a capitalist society that goes into seizures just at the thought of taking care of other Americans who may need assistance. Socialism? We don’t even have a public option.
Because of their selfish, provincial outlook on Oregon’s well-being, the über-liberals of Portland and Eugene would rather vote for the stuffed corpse of Lenin than admit that their system is a grand failure. I wish that they would actually do this, because at least Lenin can’t do much anymore except decorate the rotunda of our stark, Nazi-esque capitol building.
Lenin? Nazi’s, what? Portland is consistently voted up as one of the top 10 places to live in the nation. What system is a failure? Our current system of government in Oregon is a Democracy – is this the grand failure that you’re talking about Derwin? I’m confused.
Democracy? Aren’t we part of a republic?
Is health care a right or an individual responsibility? That is the question that we are faced with. Should our government be charged with providing quality health care to all of our citizens and all of our citizens taxed to make this happen or should each citizen be responsible for his or her own well being? Our nation and economy traditionally have been based on individual responsibility and choice. There is a cost to this approach, one that churches and communities helped to mitigate in the past. People helped each other out in times of crisis or need. Still people fell through the cracks, sometimes through no fault of their own. Should we go too far in the other direction we do risk compromising the higher quality and advances that competition can bring about. There also seems to be a growing sense of entitlement. More and more people seem to believe that they are owed a good job, a paycheck, food, education, health care, an A in a class and should not have to work towards what they want to have. I happen to be in the group of people that have to work hard to earn enough to pay the copays and deductibles of the insurance I am lucky to have (and pay for). I am not poor enough to qualify for “free” care and not rich enough not to feel the pinch in my budget to visit the Dr. That being said, I do not want someone else to have to pay my way just because they have more money than I do, am irritated at those who feel they should not have to pay and have compassion for those who are in need and can’t pay. The health care bill disappointed me because it did not include provisions that would help lower costs with out raising expenses, in particular tort reform and expansion/support for HSA’s. In my humble opinion, we need to get rid of the political in-fighting and look and act on ways to help Americans be self-sufficient and provide a safety net for when a crisis happens.
Loubelle, that was an excellent response that provides clarity to the issue. Unfortunately, the libs will repond with sidetrack, mud slinging or just general name-calling. Unfortunately, you will not get a response as eloquent as yours. They are incapable of such.
Gadly, we are a Republic which is governed by the Rule of Law. Our leaders are chosen by Democracy.
What percentage of our income would it take for you to feel it is excessive? Paying for entitlements has nothing to do with paying into the system that allows us to work? Taxes for infrastruture & protection (law inforcement or military) are undeniably expected. Forcing us to pay taxes so a small group of elitists can spread it around as they see fit is not only immoral, but there is no provision in the Constitution permitting it. Redistribution of wealth is not government responsiblity or duty. Compassion for the poor is an individual option and should be done as the heart leads. Taxing for it makes it manditory and also distances people from the opportunity to get personally involved. You should do a Google search of the tax returns for various polititions and take note of how much they contribute to charity. You will see a large divergence between the 2 major parties. I go back to what I stated in another post – The “Givers” & The “Takers”.
“Is health care a right or an individual responsibility? That is the question that we are faced with.”
I believe that’s an oversimplification of the issue. I happen to agree with conservatives that health care is not a “right.” That granted, we need to ask whether a society is better off — stronger, happier, more prosperous, more productive — if all citizens are able to get quality, affordable health care. I don’t think anybody could seriously argue in the negative. Does our current system ensure that all citizens can get quality, affordable health care? Clearly it does not. And just as clearly, if you look at the situation honestly, the countries with some form of “socialized” health care — which is virtually all the industrialized countries of the world — are doing a better job. Once those facts are admitted, the argument against reform of our system boils down to some variation of “we can’t do it that way because that’s not the way we do it,” which is tautological and stupid.
“”Is MARIJUNA a right or an individual responsibility? That is the question that we are faced with.”
I believe that’s an oversimplification of the issue. I happen to agree with conservatives that MARIJUNA is not a “right.” That granted, we need to ask whether a society is better off — stronger, happier, more prosperous, more productive — if all citizens are able to get quality, affordable MARIJUNA. I don’t think anybody could seriously argue in the negative. Does our current system ensure that all citizens can get quality, affordable MARIJUANA? Clearly it does not. And just as clearly, if you look at the situation honestly, the countries with some form of “socialized” MARIJUANA — which is virtually all the industrialized countries of the world — are doing a better job. Once those facts are admitted, the argument against reform of our system boils down to some variation of “we can’t do it that way because that’s not the way we do it,” which is tautological and stupid.”
The word MARIJUNA above could be replaced by anything else and someone would still make the same arguement for it. Why not a new car? How about home ownership? These along with manditory health care are absurd! Lets show another one!
It would be more constitutional to force all U.S. Citizens to own a firearm. We could form State Exchanges where those without the means to purchase their own gun could get one for free. That way, even the poor could defend themselves from criminals. Most gun violence takes place in poor neighborhoods. We should show our humanity and compassion by giving the poor the means to their constitutional rights!
I can end this with the same, lame pleadings as liberals use – How can you call yourself a human being and not provide personal for others? Why make them dependant on emergency services only? Judge not lest ye be judged!
“””Is MARIJUNA a right or an individual responsibility? That is the question that we are faced with.”
This is an example of what happens when somebody tries to be clever when he lacks the equipment for it.
If you can show how ensuring that everyone can obtain a plentiful supply of marijuana would make our society better, stronger, healthier, more prosperous, more productive, etc., I will concede the point.
Otherwise, the comparison is just absurd.
What do you know? He gets it!!! Wait, did he really? I guess he didn’t see my tongue planted firmly in my cheek.
YOUR entire argument is absurd and doesn’t fly no matter what topic is inserted!
In the long run, this health-care program will not make us any better – it’ll bankrupt the country while bleeding-heart liberals get to feel smug amout their “humanity”. Smug doesn’t pay the bills.
If we don’t consider heath care to be a right in this country, then why aren’t emergency rooms allowed to turn people away? The reality is that people without insurance are getting health care…from the most expensive providers out there. They are also getting it later than they should, costing even more. Since we are paying for it anyway (by subsidizing those ER visits), doesn’t it make sense to find a cheaper way?
“can you please explain to me how a society can increase and endure when it’s goverment takes excessive amounts of taxes from working people and redistributes it to others? What is the motivation to work hard and be productive?”
In all my years I have never known a person who decided he didn’t want to work and make more money because taxes were too high. Every time progressives have pushed an idea that would benefit ordinary working Americans — the eight-hour day, minimum wage, Social Security, Medicare, etc., etc. — the conservatives have howled that such a “socialistic” policy would destroy initiative and America would sink into Third World squalor. None of their dire predictions have come true and America has continued to grow stronger and more prosperous. But the conservatives just continue to croak “Socialism! Socialism!” like a bunch of obsessed parrots. It’s getting old.
I think Space Elf is high on drugs…or perhaps high on Glenn Beck.
Captian, I don’t do either!
“If we don’t consider heath care to be a right in this country, then why aren’t emergency rooms allowed to turn people away?”
Probably because we don’t have the stomach to see people dying in the streets. Not yet, anyway.