Snowe Rejects Public Option as Senate Democrats Weigh Measure
“A public option at the forefront really does put the government in a disproportionate position with respect to the industry,” Snowe, the only Republican to vote for a health plan so far, said in an interview with Bloomberg Televisions “Political Capital With Al Hunt,” airing this weekend.
Snowes stance is crucial because Democrats such as Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson say a bill has to have Republican support to win his vote. She might also bring along more Republicans, such as fellow Maine Senator Susan Collins.
While the establishment of a so-called public option to compete with private insurers is opposed by all Republicans and has divided Democrats, the idea is getting fresh attention from Senate Democratic leaders, lawmakers say. It was the main topic of discussion all day on Capitol Hill and was brought up at a meeting that Majority Leader Harry Reid and other lawmakers had later with President Barack Obama at the White House.
Senator Kent Conrad, a North Dakota Democrat whos played a leading role in seeking a bipartisan compromise, said Reid and Obama administration officials are tilting in favor of including a version in a Senate bill.
States would be free to opt out of the insurance program and the plan would pay health-care providers at higher rates than does the Medicare insurance system for the elderly, Conrad, a member of the finance committee, told reporters.
“What Im hearing is this is the direction of the conversation,” he said, adding that no decision had been made.
Reids spokesman, Jim Manley, declined to comment.
60 Votes Needed
A Democratic aide familiar with the discussions said while a public option is being considered, it wont be included in legislation unless Reid can get 60 votes, the number needed to avoid Republican stalling tactics. Another possibility is Snowes plan to start a government plan only if there isnt enough competition for private insurers to keep rates low, said the aide, who requested anonymity.
Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders are trying to gain consensus among the partys rank and file for a public option that would peg doctor reimbursements to lower Medicare rates, which would present a stronger challenge to private insurers.
In the Senate, Democrats including Charles Schumer of New York and Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia say a public option is vital to bringing costs down. Snowe and some Democrats such as Nelson say theyre worried about undermining the market.
Biggest Changes
Lawmakers are considering the biggest health-care changes since the creation of Medicare in 1965. The legislation, Obamas top domestic priority, attempts to curb medical costs while covering tens of millions of uninsured Americans.
Obama has told Congress he wants to sign legislation this year, a goal that may slip, Snowe said.
“Christmas might be too soon,” she said in the Bloomberg interview. “We should give it the time it deserves.”
Reid is combining a measure passed by the Senate health committee in July with an $829 billion proposal approved by the Senate finance panel on Oct. 13 with Snowes vote. The Senate has to debate and vote on a plan before it can be merged with a bill from the House, which is going through the same process.
Legislative Timeline
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats hope to introduce their combined legislation next week. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus said he doesnt expect a Senate bill to be ready for floor debate in his chamber.