Public Option Has Some Democrats Concerned

October 29, 2009

Reid may not have votes to push through a public option in final Senate version.

It is uncertain if some Democrats are in favor of a public option in the final Senate version of the healthcare reform bill. Some are interested in a "trigger" approach but details on what could constitute a trigger are unknown. Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) is concerned about the impact this would have on the national deficit. It is not inconceivable that this could be headed for a filibuster on the Senate floor. Democrats may not have enough votes to pass the Senate version with a public option unless Reid can persuade some Republicans to vote in favor of it.

Other articles of interest from the October 28, 2009 NAHU Newswire are:

• Democratic moderates appear to balk at Reid's health reform bill.
• Tauzin, Ignagni's role in reform debate explored.
• California MRMIP said to illustrate drawback of private insurers involved in public-option plans.
• Constitutionality of mandates disputed.
• Medicare cuts said to worry doctors.

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