Say It Ain’t So, Joe
October 27, 2009 at 9:46 pm Judith Stein 2 comments
We hear that Senator Lieberman is prepared to join Republicans to filibuster against health care reform if it includes a public option. We can’t understand our Senator’s position.
The Center for Medicare Advocacy is a Connecticut-based organization with over 30 Connecticut employees. We have worked for decades to advance fair access to health coverage and care for residents of Connecticut. We have seen the painful ramifications when Medicare private plans came and went from Connecticut – leaving tremendous financial and emotional costs in their wake. In one case, a Medicare beneficiary died at a forum about a private Medicare plan that was leaving Connecticut! We were there.
As Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said when he announced Monday that the bill he will bring to the Senate floor will include a public option, “I’ve concluded … that the best way to move forward is to include a public option with the opt-out provision for states. .. The public option, with an opt-out, is the one that’s fair.” ( Read more here.)
The public option is necessary to provide fair access to quality health coverage at a price taxpayers can afford. We know that from Medicare. We know that in Connecticut. We urge our Senator to rethink his position.
Entry filed under: Health Care Reform, Medicare, Public Option, Public vs. Private Health Coverage. Tags: Health Care Reform, Public plan.
CMA Health Policy Blog 
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Leanna Loomer | November 4, 2009 at 10:39 pm
I have supported Senator Lieberman in the past and have volunteered for his campaign. When his positions were controversial I defended him and them.
This decision on his part is indefensible. To stand with a minority to obstruct the legislative process is irresponsible and reckless on Senator Lieberman’s part. Particularly at this crucial time, when health care reform is at last a realistic goal, there is no honor in the course he chooses. He has access to quality health care. Others do not. And if his action succeeds, they WILL not. He needs to rethink his priorities and act on behalf of all the citizens of Connecticut, especially those most in need of health care — those who currently don’t have it.
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Judith Stein | November 4, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Thank you for your thoughtful, principled comment. Please send others to this site to comment – and to Senator Lieberman’s office to express their concern. (202)224-4041