Reid will push for a public option with 'opt out' provision

Reid will push for a public option with 'opt out' provision for states

Politico reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will announce today that he will push for a health care bill that includes a public option with an "opt out" provision for states.

The Nevada Democrat is scheduled to hold a 3:15 p.m. ET news conference to discuss details of his plans on health care legislation.

Posted by Doug Stanglin at 02:03 PM/ET, October 26, 2009 in Politics, Washington

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/20 ... ates-.html

October 26, 2009

Reid to announce push for public option

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will announce this afternoon that he plans to push ahead with a public option vote – most likely one that includes an opt-out provision for states – even though he's currently short several votes for passage, according to people close to the situation.

The Nevada Democrat has 3:15 p.m. press conference to discuss details.

Reid, who spoke with virtually every member of his 60-member caucus this weekend, currently has between 56 and 57 votes for a proposal to create a national insurance plan but allow states to opt out of it, according to Democratic aides.

A public option with a "trigger" – supported by the White House and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) – has between 58 and 59 backers. It could be floated as an alternative if the opt-out measure fails to obtain the 60 votes needed for cloture, sources said.

Reid worked most of the weekend, convening several meetings with his leadership – and wrangling over the details with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Reid is expected to send several public option proposals to the Congressional Budget Office on Monday, and discuss the strategy Tuesday with the Democratic caucus, aides said.

Reid’s announcement would mark a significant turnaround for the public option after showing little life through the late summer – and a victory for progressive activists, who have been relentless in pressuring lawmakers.

Reid's decision comes at a time when many in the midst of the Senate negotiations are expressing frustrating that the White House hasn't articulated a clear preference for what form a public option should take -- or even if the public plan is a pre-condition of any deal.

Late Sunday, in response to reports of sniping, Obama's Deputy Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer posted a blog entry in the White House Web site claiming that "rumors" Reid and Obama were pushing different plans were "absolutely false."

“Senator Reid and his leadership team are now working to get the most effective bill possible approved by the Senate. President Obama completely supports their efforts and has full confidence they will succeed and continue the unprecedented progress that is being made in both the House and Senate,â€

I dont understand what this means. Does "opt out" mean that states can refuse a government run health care plan? :?

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Originally Posted by butterbean

I dont understand what this means. Does "opt out" mean that states can refuse a government run health care plan? :?

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You got it. Each state can decide for themselves if they want to participate.

This prposed legislation must be read very carefully. 3200 gave the government farther reaching powers into personal and financial information than was needed. I believe the "opt out" is a Trojan Horse.

Will illegals get health care through their new American children the same way they get welfare, food stamps and public housing assistance all the while working for cash and sending it out of the country?

I think that as long as we recognize birthright citizenship the illegals will continue to "drop" anchor babies on the system and will reap even more freebies than they get now.

How much longer can this group of elite power hungry politicians be allowed to nulify our Constitution?

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Originally Posted by JohnDoe2

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Originally Posted by butterbean

I dont understand what this means. Does "opt out" mean that states can refuse a government run health care plan? :?

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You got it. Each state can decide for themselves if they want to participate.

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Thank you.