The quest for a ‘public option’ to private medical insurance suffered a massive setback Tuesday as conservative Senate Finance Committee Democrats teamed with Republicans to reject its inclusion in any in health care reform legislation.
The Finance Committee voted 15 to 8 against establishing a public program after a rigorous and emotional debate spanning over half a day, revealed fissures between liberal and conservative Democrats and exposed the vast ideological chasm between Democrats and Republicans over whether and how to repair America’s healthcare system.
Despite the setback, liberal Democrats are resolute in demanding including a public option in final legislation, arguing that such a plan is needed to increase competition among insurance companies, rein in costs and guarantee affordable coverage for all Americans. Conservative Democrats maintain that a public option plan would bankrupt hospitals in rural areas and hurt private insurance companies.
Proponents of the government program want consumers to have access to one option that is not profit-driven and thus can charge less. Without that, they argue, there will be no pressure on private companies to hold down premiums.