WTF ??? - 'Connecticut’s Potential State-Based Public Option to Be Killed by Dem Gov. Malloy' - FDL

[WillyT]

Connecticut’s Potential State-Based Public Option to Be Killed by Dem Gov. Malloy
By: Jon Walker - FDL
Friday April 22, 2011 1:31 pm

<snip>

It looks like the possibility of a strong, state-based public option in Connecticut has been killed by the state’s top Democrats, lead by Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy. From the CT Mirror:

The Malloy administration and Democratic legislative leaders have reached an agreement on the proposed SustiNet state-run health plan, with a deal that calls for opening the state employee health plan to municipalities and some nonprofits, but not for offering insurance to the public.

<...>

The agreement does not call for the state to combine the Medicaid and state employee and retiree health plans into a large pool, as the current legislative proposal does.

If the final deal ends up along lines laid out in this report, it would be an extremely disappointing development.

The SustiNet law, as previously drafted, was a very smart health care reform proposal. It would have first combined everyone for whom the state is currently providing insurance into a single insurance pool. This would have given the plan the large initial foundation it would need to be a viable public insurance plan that small business and individuals would eventually have the option to buy into. The design was probably the most effective way to create a viable, high-quality public option at the state level.

This “deal,” though, of just allowing municipalities to buy into the current state employee plan would totally gut SustiNet and basically turn it into a worthless shell of its former self. This is Gov. Malloy effectively killing SustiNet while being able to pretend he didn’t.

<snip>

Link: http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2011/04/22/connecticuts-potential-state-based-public-option-to-be-killed-by-dem-gov-malloy/

:wtf:

:banghead:

:kick:

[vi5]

1. Ah, the modern Democratic party.....

Each day I get more and more disgusted.

[WillyT]

2. The Ultimate Circular Firing Squad

Either that, or some were bought off with campaign donations.

:shrug:

:hi:

[MisterP]

5. wow, does that meme bring up old memories! nt

[hardcover]

4. So now what do we do? I don't understand how those who we elected can go

against our wishes like that. Would a recall send a strong message?
I don't live in Connecticut but this kind of thing affects all states and I'd like to know how we fight it.

[upi402]

7. No opposition party to corporatism allows this

camel's nose under the tent.

Get active in primary. Be a delegate, go to precinct meetings. Speak even if you're nervous - you're not alone if so. I have to do that.

[iwishiwas]

3. Like privatizing schools-students and now patients are consumers.

[hardcover]

6. Oh yes, the first time I got mail from the med center addressed to "Dear valued customer"

I did a double take and dropped my jaw. It was a rude awakening.

[mmonk]

9. The goal of both parties is privatization.

It's just couched differently.

[cali]

10. parties vary from state to state

It's certainly not the goal of the dem party here.

[mmonk]

13. That is true. I was speaking of the national parties at the Federal level.

[TheWraith]

8. I wouldn't put too much stake in anything reported by the Firebaggers.

They'll spin and lie to create the worst possible impression of anything.

[WillyT]

11. Ok... From The Horse's Mouth Then...

The proposed SustiNet bill, which has drawn passionate support and opposition, has passed three legislative committees. It calls for combining state-funded health plans under a quasi-public authority that would also offer state-run insurance to small businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and, ultimately, anyone in the state who wants to buy it.

Supporters have argued that offering a public insurance option could provide an alternative to commercial insurance plans and use the leverage of a large insurance pool to offer affordable coverage to individuals and small businesses. Opponents have said it could threaten the insurance industry and could put the state budget at risk. A report by the legislature's nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis said the plan could cost hundreds of millions of dollars a year, although SustiNet supporters have disputed the calculations behind it.

Malloy has said that he supports the goals of SustiNet, which was developed as a universal health care plan before federal health reform passed. But he has expressed concerns about the current proposal, including about its potential cost and the idea of giving control over billions of dollars in state health care spending to a quasi-public authority.

The agreement, which Barnes said includes House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, and Senate President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr., would not include the quasi-public authority or the public option.

Link: http://www.ctmirror.org/story/12317/sustinet-deal-reached-no-public-option

:shrug:

[TheWraith]

12. Has there been any evidence that it could pass in the absence of a deal?

Because it's really easy to blame someone for "killing" a bill which could never pass, instead of salvaging the parts that you can get through.

[WillyT]

14. Oh I Know... That's Obama 101...

I just happen to totally disagree with it.

"Opponents have said it could threaten the insurance industry..."

Tough Shit.

:shrug:

[TheWraith]

16. Reality doesn't matter whether you agree with it or not.

I'm well aware that many people here would rather have 100% of nothing than 70% of what we wanted. I'm also aware that many people here seem to believe that if you're just stubborn enough, you can pass any bill no matter what, even if it's literally impossible to do so without the opposition's help.

[mmonk]

15. Think I'll put on my

Firebagger tee shirt on tomorrow in honor of your comment.

[crazylikafox]

17. Isn't Connecticut the Insurance capitol of the U.S??

Not surprised at this development.