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Senate Democrats have votes for public health plan: N.Y. senator
Deborah Levine - MarketWatchIssue date: 10/22/09 Section: Real News
NEW YORK - Senate Democrats may be close to garnering enough votes to pass a health care bill that includes a government-run health insurance option, Sen. Charles Schumer said on Sunday.
"We're close to getting the 60 votes we need to move forward," Schumer, D-N.Y., said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
The government would set up an insurance plan that would create a level playing field with private insurers in states, such as having the same negotiated rates with providers and same requirements, Schumer said. The plan gaining traction is a proposal that states would be allowed to opt out of, Schumer said.
In some states, especially where few insurance companies operate, "it's the only real way and best way to bring costs down. Insurance companies won't do it on their own," he said.
He also emphasized no person would be required to take the public option.
"If you like your private insurance, stick with it," he said.
Even some Democrats who have hesitated to support a government-run proposal have warmed up to this one because of the opt-out option, he said.
"Others say, 'I'm not sure I like it, but won't hold up passage of the bill,'" Schumer said. "My guess is a public option, level playing field with a state opt-out would be in the bill."
That would still make the legislation very partisan, noted Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., "has recognized he has a big problem keeping Democrats together, much less attracting Republicans to vote for it," Cornyn said.
Cornyn said his main opposition to the plan is the cost, which he claimed would deepen the federal deficit.
"We've maxed out our credit card," Cornyn said.
"We're close to getting the 60 votes we need to move forward," Schumer, D-N.Y., said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
The government would set up an insurance plan that would create a level playing field with private insurers in states, such as having the same negotiated rates with providers and same requirements, Schumer said. The plan gaining traction is a proposal that states would be allowed to opt out of, Schumer said.
In some states, especially where few insurance companies operate, "it's the only real way and best way to bring costs down. Insurance companies won't do it on their own," he said.
He also emphasized no person would be required to take the public option.
"If you like your private insurance, stick with it," he said.
Even some Democrats who have hesitated to support a government-run proposal have warmed up to this one because of the opt-out option, he said.
"Others say, 'I'm not sure I like it, but won't hold up passage of the bill,'" Schumer said. "My guess is a public option, level playing field with a state opt-out would be in the bill."
That would still make the legislation very partisan, noted Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., "has recognized he has a big problem keeping Democrats together, much less attracting Republicans to vote for it," Cornyn said.
Cornyn said his main opposition to the plan is the cost, which he claimed would deepen the federal deficit.
"We've maxed out our credit card," Cornyn said.
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