GRAYSON INTRODUCES PUBLIC OPTION ACT

ANJALI KAMAT: The Democrat-led push for healthcare reform is in its final stages as lawmakers prepare for a congressional vote as early as the weekend. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she has a, quote, “massive whip operation” trying to round up the 216 votes needed for passage. Pelosi is meeting with wavering lawmakers individually and in groups. Meanwhile, President Obama has summoned Congress members to the White House, one by one, for private face-to-face talks. On Monday, Pelosi suggested she might attempt to use a special legislative procedure to avoid a direct House vote in order to pass the less popular Senate version of the bill.

Within the Democratic Caucus, opponents of the healthcare bill range from right-leaning Democrats, who want to include harsh anti-abortion measures or who think it’s too expensive, as well progressive Democrats, who are insisting on a public option. But now a number of Democrats who have decided to vote for the bill have also signed onto the Public Option Act, a measure that would allow people under sixty-five to buy into Medicare. The bill, also known as the Medicare You Can Buy Into Act, was introduced on the House floor last week by Florida Congress member Alan Grayson.

Bill Opens Up Medicare To Anyone Who Can Pay For It

Washington, DC

Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-8) 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. 

In keeping with the “Grayson style,” the bill is clear and concise.  It is only four pages.