Public Option For Health Care?

House panel passes health bill, critics slam cost.

The health bill was approved today by the House Ways and Means committee in hopes to bring health insurance to the millions of Americans who are not insured (including myself). Surprisingly, many people who I've spoken with about universal health care are somewhat against it. I guess this says a lot about the area I live in and the people I tend to be around, but I hardly hear talk about health care as a basic right, aside from myself, close friends and my family members. The same arguments crop up again and again for those who are against it: the private sector is already good, countries who receive universal health care, like France, Australia or South Korea, are not happy with the system and it will decrease the quality of health care we already receive.

I understand the fear people have about a government "take over" of all of health insurance. Yet, in my perspective, this is bringing Americans another choice, another route to take since the private sector is not an affordable option for many out there without insurance. Sure, a public plan may start with an unfair advantage, but this added competition may help private plans become more efficient and change for the better.

And how could I forget another argument for those who do not like the idea of a public plan: profit. Public plans wouldn't have to show profit. But aren't some private plans not-for-profit? If nonprofit plans can offer the same or better quality health care as for-profit plans, then what's the use of protecting for-profit plans? The existence of a public plan doesn't mean the demise of the private sector. This could actually be favorable in terms of the quality of health care that can be provided because of the added competition.

President Obama wants a public plan. Moreover, he wanted the bill to be bipartisan. Didn't happen since all Republicans plus three Democrats voted against it. Looks like a sign that the cost of going forward with this plan is increasingly becoming a worry for both parties. If not for a public plan, what I'd really like to see is health care reform. A public plan would be great for someone in my shoes, but overall, I think it's important that private insurers trim excessive costs and expand coverage. Whether or not Congress will pass this by August, I'm glad that the ball is finally rolling. We'll just have to wait and see.

Why the Critics of a Public Option For Health Care Are Wrong.