House Dems to rebrand the Public Option as Medicare Part E [View All]

[denem]

The Hill: “Say hello to 'Medicare Part E'... Medicare for Everyone", following up LBN:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4112740&mesg_id=4112740.

One of the consequences of Pelosi's robust 'Public Option' is a scalpel to cut through the 'Public Option' fog. From The Hill-

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) planned to unveil a proposal to her caucus Tuesday night that would include the public option favored by liberals in the healthcare bill Democrats want to bring to the floor, according to two House sources.

The plan, called the “robust” option or “Medicare Plus 5” in the jargon that has emerged on Capitol Hill, ties provider reimbursement rates to Medicare, adding 5 percent. Leaders are planning to roll the bill out next week, and are hoping to vote the first week in November. http://thehill.com/homenews/house/64029-medicare-for-everyone.

It's a small leap from “Medicare Plus 5” to Medicare Part E but a bigger step politically towards keeping the Public Option, such as it is, intact.

The idea has bubbled up among House Democrats and leaders in the past week, most prominently in a caucus meeting last Thursday.

Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) spoke out last week in favor of re-branding the public option as Medicare, startling many because he has loudly proclaimed his opposition to a public option.

Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.), the veteran chairman of the House Transportation Committee, also voiced his support, as did House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.).

The rebranding does not alter the limitations of the Public Option, but changes the game. How long until the electorate demands that Medicare Part E truly becomes available to anyone who wants it?

And, BTW, just how long have DUers been talking about 'Part E'?