American Morning
Sen. Collins hopes to reach a 'yes' on health care reform
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday rejected two amendments to include a government-run public health insurance option in the only compromise health care bill so far. It's one of the many road blocks the plan has faced and the White House is trying to get some Republicans on board.
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/09/30/collins.susan.art.jpg caption="Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) says so far she hasn't seen a health care bill that accomplishes what she thinks needs to be done."]
Senator Susan Collins of Maine is one of those Republicans whose support is being sought by the White House. She spoke to John Roberts on CNN’s “American Morning” Wednesday. Below is an edited transcript of the interview.
John Roberts: We were talking off camera. You said you don't recall seeing times like these. There is so much going on.
Susan Collins: There is. I can't remember another time when there were more important issues on the table. You've got the two wars, a major decision coming up in Afghanistan, the health care debate, a faltering economy, the need for financial reform, environmental legislation, the cap-and-trade bill. It's just an enormous array of issues, all of which are extremely important.
Roberts: This morning let's take a narrow slice of all of that and talk about health care reform. Are you going to be able to vote for health care reform, do you think?
Collins: John, I want to vote for a health care bill but so far I haven't seen one that accomplishes what I think needs to be done. And that is to really focus on the cost of health care. It's the cost of health care that's the biggest barrier to the uninsured and causes such a struggle for middle income families and small businesses.
Roberts: So you say cost is the central concern that you have. Proponents of this public option have said that's one really good way to lower costs. You don't like the public option, you don't like this idea that your fellow senator, Olympia Snowe, is proposing about a trigger to a public option. So what do you do?
Collins: There is so much that we could do. For example, we could allow small businesses to band together to boost their purchasing power. We could pass medical liability reform. That would have a direct impact on cost. We could revamp the Medicare reimbursement system so that it focuses on quality rather than quantity. That would help reduce unnecessary tests. We could provide tax credits for small businesses so they could help insure their employees. There is a lot that unites us and I think that's what our focus should be.
Roberts: Now, if you were to adopt all of the measures that you have just outlined there, how much do you think it would reduce in America the number of people who are currently uninsured?
Collins: Well, 82% of the uninsured are in families where someone works. They either work themselves or they work for small businesses that can't afford to provide health insurance, or they are self employed. So that's where I would start. And from my conversations with many small business men and women, I'm convinced that if we gave them a generous tax credit they would provide health insurance for their employees. That would substantially reduce the number of uninsured Americans.
Roberts: I know that you are a very sought after vote there in the Senate, the White House is certainly pitching you hard. Give us some idea – a behind the scenes look at the sales pitches. How hard are they wooing you here?
Collins: Well, I appreciate that the White House has reached out to me. I've had great discussions with the director of office of management and budget, with Nancy-Anne DeParle the White House adviser, with Rahm Emanuel and I hope we can get to “yes.” I would like to see a bipartisan bill that makes a real difference in reforming health care to expand access and to lower costs, without greatly growing the role of the federal government. I don't think that that's what the people are looking for.
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bud in NY, you are WRONG. Which polls are looking you at that suggest the majority of us want a public option? You couldn't be more wrong. Most polls show a majority and a large one at that, do NOT favor the public option.
A little clarity – Insurance companies do not compete across state lines because they are subject to state regulation. If you want them to compete across state lines, they will have to be regulated by the federal government.
But then, you are opposed to federal regulation, no?
Question: Since when have the health insurance companies become the "good guys"? They deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions, deny care based on profit motives, continually raise rates (24% increase this year at my company), and create a paperwork nightmare. In the movie "As Good As It Gets", movie audiences cheered when the Helen Hunt character cursed out her health insurance company. Answer: They've become the good guys because Republicans have lied about, distorted, and mischaracterized the health insurance industry in this country and current plans to reform it. Come on, America! Think for yourselves and support health care reform including the public option, NOW!
BTW – if republicons actually gave a d about health care reform they would have mentioned during their 8 years in power. The only thing they managed was a drug bill that makes the government a huge sugar dady for big pharma.
And for you complete idjits arguing that market forces should be used to fix health care - just what exactly is it you think we have had for the past 70 years? Market forces ae exactly WHY there is a problem. there is a disincentve in the profit motive in this sector for containing costs. there is a disincentive for covering those who need it most. there is a disincentive for insurers to pay for treatment. Market forces are wonderful, but they are not magic. They are what they are. It is like expecting your dog to meow and chase mice.
"What needs to be done" is to quit doing EVERYTHING for the special interests that are throwing money at them and actually do something for regular, hard-working, VOTING Americans.
A federally administered, non-profit public option is needed to provide affordable health insurance. The for profit private health insurance companies charge exhorbatant premiums to pay for their claims auditors to deny claims and to make a large profit. Their priority is to take the premiums, deny the claims, and make a profit. The senator does not understand that the private insurance companies are damaging and that the public wants a non-profit public option. We do not want to support private corporate health insurance companies.
I don't know where Bud in NC gets his information from. I haven't met a single person yet that wants a public option. No, I'm not someone who lives in an ivory tower, and I'm certainly not what anyone in this country would consider rich.
I always love this Republican "generous tax credit" idea. It's like Republicans love to talk about tax credits, but seem not to have a clue as to what it takes to run a small business. Most small business people don't pay that many taxes, they barely make enough to survive. If you pay $5,000 a quarter in taxes and you have three employees, do the math:
3 employees * 3 months * $1,000 per month to ensure = $9,000. A 100% tax credit barely covers half of it.
Welcome Senator Clueless.
Health Insurance Premiums will be going up 8 to 12% for single people and for familys it is going up to 20% this year.
I for one would like to see the cost fozen until Congress can decide what to do.
It is to bad that Dems and Reps can't agree and get something done.
For the people that keep complaining about Government, I ask one question. I would like an answer.
What do you think would happen if the Government didn't take out any taxes from anyone?
My answers: When you get old (65 or older) most of you wouldn't have any medical care, no money to live on (because you would not have saved any money), the roads and bridges would be in such disrepair that you would have to travel longer to get where you are going.
The only people that would have anything at all would be the rich (the ones that don't like helping their neighbors out unless they can get richer from it).
Your son/daughters would not get an education- therefore they would not be able to get a job.
Sometimes you need to think of the consequences of what you are wanting before you open your mouth.
Do a study on your self and make sure that you include the possibility that you get a serious medical problem in the next 30 years of life and then tell me that you won'[t be yelling WHY DOESN'T THE GOVENMENT DO SOMETING.
Just another Dem in Republ clothing. Can't wait for her reelection. Throw these bums and bumettes out. Ditto to consev 56 and Rick!!!!Q
For those of you constantly saying the Republicans have no plan or approach need to open up and see that there are ideas out there from the party. I know it's pretty difficult for you Libs to understand that or the fact that this healthcare bill as it sits WILL have a major negative economic impact on us. How many more entitlements do we need to implement before you realize that our govt is flat broke? That the small and medium businesses making up nearly 70% of the jobs can't be burdened anymore than they are now? This last so called "stimulus package" did NOTHING to help these businesses. Most people can barely take care of themselves nowadays let alone have the government (who also can't take care of themselves) force this healthcare down our throats. It just doesn't make sense!!!!
Somebody please tell this congressperson that Americans are fed up with congress claiming that there are too many things going on.....how about just do your job that you were elected to do BY THE PEOPLE, not small business, big business, financial business, etc. Wake up and listen, we want the public option as we feel that there is no chance that insurance companies will control health care costs, not as long as those that are elected to office keep sucking off the corporate tit of the lobbyists.
"For example, we could allow small businesses to band together to boost their purchasing power". So presently we do not allow them to do so – is there a law against this? The bigger problem is: suppose you could band together, how do you get 100+(?) small businesses together and get them to agree on coverages, premiums, etc.
"I don’t think that that’s what the people are looking for." According to the recent polls, the people (65-75% of them) want a public option; they think that is an effective way of forcing insurance companies to reduce premiums, and so do I.
As for the claim that the government run program will drive the private companies out of business: For the longest time, Medicare, that "socialist government-run progam" was the only plan for older people. Now, there are all sorts of Medicare Advantage plans that do the same thing, are run by private insurance companies and are cost effective alternatives for those 65 and up. I think they are in it because they can make money at it. ain't competition great?
the people who call out for the government run public option keep forgetting that the make-up of our government is fluid. the people they perceive as "good guys" now are not always going to be in power and a lot could happen before the next election.
what happens when a "bad" President/federal offical comes to power and those criticisms of public option that are decried are still open?
*I'm baffled that the RNC say that the addition of a public option will lead to a takeover of government health care, and thus no choice at all. How does adding an option lead to no options? It seems like even if that may eventually go that route, coudn't we put regulations in place to avoid that now?
*I also feel that it's sad that people are so anti-government, for whatever reason. Government was intended to help people, and there are obviously groups of people who don't see that as its primary function anymore.
*I have heard arguments for buying insurance across state lines to increase competition, which theoretically sounds like a good idea. However, how do you regulate these plans so that it is fair for all? Predictions are that companies will set up camp in the area that has the least regulations and create plans that are cheap but do not offer much in terms of protections. Therefore, those who need more protections (such as older people or any with extra health problems) will be forced to pay the higher costing plans to get the coverage they need. And those that but limited coverage will be in trouble if, for some reason, they have health problems that require more service.
**It's so frustrating to see us at such odds, for whatever reason, and to know that people are suffering because of it. Why can't we compromise and work together?
Wow. A sane republicon. How is she still in the party? And for you republicons who apparently don't know much - it is RINO. A rhino is an animal in the zoo. RINO is for republicon in name only, which these days is a compliment.
Bud from NC – you would be wrong – EVERY POLL shows that a MAJORITY do NOT want the public option. Stop listening to Pelosi, Reid, and Obama and actually read a poll
Without the public option, there will be on competition for lower rates. We can see that with Bush's giving subsidies to insurance companies for the Medicare Advantage plans...what did members get...way higher co-pays and out of pockets while the insurance companies reaped huge profits A lot of Doctors will not accept Medicare or Medicaid patients....but will Medicare Advantage members because they get higher reimbursements from the Insurance Companies by charging higher co-pays.
I think once you add the unisured to the Private Insurance companies, they will need to raise their rates....due to the fact that Doctors, and providers will need the money to absorb the increase of the unisureds.
Susan !
Please don't prostitute yourself with a "yes" vote for the public option .
Please find the strength to resist the "arm twisting" from the White House .
to mike (and anyone else)
how does allowing people to buy insurance across state lines make any difference, if Blue Cross, Aetna, CIGNA and many others are available in most states already?
Yeah, there's "Blue Cross of Illinois", etc but they are all Blue Cross. Or all CIGNA. Theres no real competition in that! All the players are already there!!
Then eventually, you'll have the "Ma Bell" conglomerate of insurance. Only a few players nationwide. That's not competition.
Her points are nonsense: first, companies banding together wouldn't lower health cost, it would lower the cost the businesses had to pay for insurance (but for only a year, because the rates increase yearly). That in no way touches on the root of the problem. Also, there are companies out there who advertise that they use the combined buying power of small companies to offer lower prices, so that's already going on and provides further proof that her first point is empty.
Her second point is true- medical liability reform is needed and would directly effect health care cost. But that is an impossible fight to win. Our countrymen sue one another on a whim. Changing medical liability requires a change in mindset. That ain't gonna happen.
Revamping Medicare reimbursement is also an empty suggestion. We have to change American mindset to prevention. That means educating people on health honestly at an early age. Reducing unnecessary test? How do you determine if a test is unnecessary? Sometimes it difficult to figure out the problem. Standardizing or limiting the cost of tests would be a better idea.
Tax credits for small businesses is another empty suggestion. Some areas have nearly 20% unemployment. Offering tax credits to companies does nothing for people unemployed. It does nothing to lower health cost.
Her own statement should tell her the system is broken and going down the same road is fruitless. She said 82% of the uninsured are from families where someone works. Duh!! Then the existing structure doesn't work! Stop throwing money at it. Businesses are created to make profit. Not to guarantee jobs. Not guarantee health insurance. It is Governments responsiblity to watch over its citizens, not to watch out for the profit of businesses large or small.
It's so typical of Politicians ;Republicans of course ...and Democats too!!!
What a joke; small businesses to band together to buy health insurance at a lower rate!!!
Senator! if the health insurance companies said:
'from now on we have one "LOW" rate for anyone from any company
or self-employed' no need to band together the whole USA get's this
same rate...no pre-existng conditions..affordable for everyone..."
the competition between insurance companies would maybe make it work...
BUT THAT WON'T HAPPEN EVER
Because Politicians receive lobbyist contributions from
insurance companies so how can they "BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS THEM"?
example: Senator Collins;American Health Care Association,American Hospital Assn,American Medical Association,Pfizer, Inc,Kindred Healthcare,Liberty Mutual Group,Apria Healthcare, Inc.,National Association Of Mutual Insurance Companies,Aetna Insurance these are just examples of the Medical or
Insurance companies who keep her elected!!!
WE NEED A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE!!!
Those that can afford better buy from the Insurance companies in place right now...those that have no insurance now...they would rather
have some healthcare than none at all!!
If all Republicans talked like Collins, they would be much more credible as a whole.
It is the childish behaviour we have seen from many lawmakers that turns people off.
Reducing liability is not the answer. all that does is protect the doctors and insurance companies. likewise allowing insurance to be sold across state lines is not the be all end all answer (although it is part of the solution). Cost is not the only issue. coverage and access are major issues as well. Insurance companies are driven by profits only and as long as this is the case, the insurance companies will do everything they can to maximize their profit. god forbid you have to actually use the insurance for anything. just the out of pocket expenses alone can bankrupt you unless you're in one of those "cadilac plans" (which are more like yugos imo) and are paying a ridiculously high premium.
Since when has the goverment ever been able to run anything correctly. Look around people that support Obama blindly. Goverment run health care will not work and will bankrupt our country. Look at the facts and the history of America. Everybody wants a free ride these days or at least a reduced ride.
John Kostas,
I don't know what polls you are looking at, but your statement is absurd.
There is no way 65% of the public want a public option. Not that many even voted for the Obama train wreck.
The legitimate polls show majority opposition to this health care debacle that has been created by the children in charge, the Democrats.
If you want a public option, move to Canada.
A tax credit for small business or individuals simply means that the taxpayers will be paying for the high cost of healthcare and the Insurance companies will continue to reap the profits. Having insurance sold across state lines without state government involvement is not the answer to lowering cost. An example is how did the consumer fair with the credit card industry?
If we do not have an entity to compete with the private insurers we will not have lower cost. The only entity in position to compete is the federal government.
Lastly, the insurers will go out of business if we have 1) a public option or 2) Universal coverage? You need look no further than any and all the other countries that have these public systems. You will find that they all have private insurers as well. For those that want to and can afford to pay for additional coverage, they should be allowed to supplement their basic coverage. And they do!!! Enough of the scare tactics please take the time to research this information for yourself.
As a conservative, who fears ALL the potential damage that a hard-left Administration/Congress can cause, I hope that the Dems pull the Reconciliation Card (as they've pathetically pulled the Race Card so often in the past 9 months). If they do, the American people will throw the Dems out on their ears in '10 and we won't have to fear all the rest of the Left-Agenda Dominoes falling.
America over-reached when they hired Pres Obama. May God protect us for the next 3 years, 3 months!
Wow...more and more libs/dems are just coming out and saying tax those that have in order to give to those that dont. Wealth redistribution...one of the core differences between the parties. Yes, the dems can move on their own...the question is why have they not done so? I think the answer is because they know they will get ALL of the blame if their reform bill crashes on takeoff. Such a scenario be catastrophic for the party and they are not willing to take the chance.
Party before the people, now that is Change We Can Beleive In.
@ Aaron September 30th, 2009 12:31 pm ET
In these difficult budgetary times, does it really make sense to give another handout (subsidy, tax break, whatever you want to call it) to businesses – even small businesses? Sen. Collins said she wants to work on the cost side – reducing costs – but much of her focus seemed to be on handing out more taxpayer money. In fact, if you look at most Republican proposals to fix this problem, they involve some sort of handout – "
YOU Said it, not me. You're actually comparing tax breaks to SPENDING. Yes, it's a cut in Govt. revenue but Obamacare will Cost us $1.5 TRILLION which has already taken from Americans and will put us in more of a hole. Now THAT does not make sense.
It is refreshing to see a senator with good common sense ideas who also pays attention to public sentiment.
If Republicans are so against a public option and talk about controlling costs, how about limiting profits for all Health Insurance companies. In fact how about doing what some European countries do... not allow profits on basic coverage. They can make profits on enhanced insurance products.. i.e. private rooms, etc. Or regulating these industries very stringently.... like public utilities... IF they suggested something like this, they might have a leg to stand on...as it stands now they just appear to be protecting the financial health of For-Profit Health insurance...
Please, this is not a Republican/Democrat debate. It's a liberal/moderate/conservative debate. If the Democrats can get together they can pass Healthcare Reform tomorrow.
I have no problem allowing private health insurers to market across statelines as long as they are subject to federal regulation. The problem is that the Republicans want to give private health insurers access to national marketing subject to their "home base" state insurance commission. Basically, this enables them to pick the state with the weakest consumer protections and enforcement effectively nullifying the other 49 state regulations. Can we say , race to the bottom? The Republican plan is another huge giveaway to the private health insurance industry at the expense of the American consumer. Competition across state lines sounds good, but let's make sure there are federal consumer protections to ensure accountability. I mean do you really think the Blue Cross/Blue Shield afflitates are going to compete individually across state-lines?
Collins:
"There is so much that we could do. For example, we could allow small businesses to band together to boost their purchasing power. We could pass medical liability reform. That would have a direct impact on cost. We could revamp the Medicare reimbursement system so that it focuses on quality rather than quantity. That would help reduce unnecessary tests. We could provide tax credits for small businesses so they could help insure their employees"
Instead of intelligently challenging the above assertions in a logical mechanical manner, Roberts simply goes with the flow ... No wonder politicians can get away with any, and all crap.
The issue, is that to reduce costs, the plan has to remove the profiteering from health care, and to do that, you MUST have a national health care for everyone. That doesn't mean a public option.....it means only public health care.
Until that happens, it is really unrealistic, to even discuss reducing costs. it simply can't happen, any other way.
Public option is the only way to go to help the less fortunate. Those who can afford it and are fighting against should try to understand what it is not to have health coverage; but then again they would not understand.
Reform will happen but slow down look and talk about and make wise rules both sides for us. i just want the good USA too show the world sometime we get stuff halfway right.
If we had more Senators like you our Health Care system would be fixed by now. Unfortunately, neither party stands up to the Health Care Industry. So in the end, they will determine my family’s resources.
Thank you Madam Senator for your effort.
You have to do two things in particular to change the nature of the problem today:
1. You have to limit malpractice lawsuits and create true tort reform.
2. Patients should be able to shop and price doctors and their services. If hospitals and doctors would provide prices upfront and allow patients to negotiate or shop for a better offer from another doctor or hospital, then you would have true supply and demand.
As it is now, doctors have to charge a ridiculous amount of money for procedures because of the extreme burden from malpractice insurance. People don't have a competitive choice either when it comes to non-emergency care either. They are locked into a doctor for the most part either through insurance or because it would be way to difficult to switch doctors.
I think there should be electronic medical records but they should not be held by the government. They should be held and provided by the physicians that are treating their patients but should be made available upon request by the patient to other doctors. Once we clear those minor hurdles we'll open up the marketplace to drive down costs and improve service.
All of you conservatives forget one thing: You are the minority. Dubya is history. You lost the election. The majority of American have spoken & they want universal healthcare.
She’s talking out of both sides of her mouth. She says she’s most concern with the cost of healthcare, but then part of her solution if for the government to provide a “generous” tax credit to business as incentive to purchase more from the health insurance companies. If business is increasing for the health insurance companies, are they likely to lower their costs? The public option would create competition for the health insurance companies. Now that will lower costs!
We are the only country in the industrialized world with a healthcare crisis and we are the only country in the industrialized world without some form of nationalized healthcare. Opposition to the public option is nothing more than brain dead, anti-government, ideology.
Until I see a single Republican come out in support of a public option, it's just more "Party of No" rhetoric – no matter how "bipartisan" they pretend to be.
Everyone wants to blame the ins. cos. for the rising cost of health care
but nobody seems to blame the Phys-Hospitals and Attys-for their
fair share -This group more than any other has a direct impact on your
cost!!The options mentioned are a start -competition -being able to shop Companies Nationwide !-Tort Reform would have a direct impact as to the cost of Mal-practice Ins!!These are known remedies
that need to be tried before a complete system overhaul! The President took 6 months to choose the RIGHT family pet-Why not take more time to get HEALTH CARE REFORM RIGHT!!
I just went to a Family Practice with kidney stones. I have insurance and am with lge employer. The cost? $789.02 for visit and lab work. I got a prescription for antibiotic and a referral to one of their in-house specialists..and another bill for $423. I got a diagnosis..kidney stones and a referral...and it goes on and on. I'm now going to the 4th in-house specialists and MY portion is at $1,004. and rising. Only a seriously delusional Republican could think the cost was acceptable. I used to work for a death panel..it's called an insurance adjuster with a "denied" stamp. Only a public option will make the drs. and carriers lower the cost.
The Insurnace companies don't like the word options, because they want to control the market with their high premiums, high deducibles, denied coverage,and dropping coverage. We need a public option.
User 'bud in NC' makes two mistakes in his comment posted 12:25.
First, he says that we are a democracy; that is false. The United States is a confederated constitutional republic.
Second, the majority do not want a public option; Rasmussen reported on Monday that only 41% of Americans now favor the Obama plan. But even if the majority did want it, because this is a constitutional republic it would be illegal unless the Constitution were amended.
The real problem is that there is no negotiating power on individuals and there is no time to negotiate with doctors anyway for most serious conditions that develop. Everyone needs insurance all of the time. UNTIL WE THE PEOPLE CAN SAY - NO - TO ALL CORPORATE PLANS, BY WAY OF A GOVERNMENT PLAN, WE WILL HAVE NO POWER TO CHANGE THE STATUS QUO. Republicans can and should be lobbied hard, and the people need to be pounded with this simple explanation of a relationship that makes us totally subservient to the private health insurers.
"82% of the uninsured are in families where someone works. They either work themselves or they work for small businesses that can’t afford to provide health insurance, or they are self employed. "
I do not agree with those statements.
The majority work for companies that do provide health insurance, but who can afford $300 or more per month for premiums when you only make minimum wage?
And if you are paying $300 or more per month for coverage, there should be NO deductibles, NO coinsurance. If you are paying that kind of money for healthcare, you are getting ripped off by the insurance carriers!
I am one of the people, who has fell through the cracks, we need health care reform, we need it now, not 5 years down the road. I don't understand, why the powers that be in Washington, can't work together for the good of the people, of this Great Country. Everyone has a right to affordable and good health care, we are not a third world country, but we might as well be, their is the have's, and the have not, it has been that way for ever, it needs to stop, everyone needs to be treated like human beings, not just some who have money, and a good job, all of us are not so lucky, in this life. So I hope and pray, that someone in the Congress and Senate will stand up for the people in this Country that need their help for once. Thank you.
Anybody that votes against a public option will never get my vote or money again no matter what party they are in. This was a public mandate supported by a huge majority. If we have no public option we have lost representation and corporations have shown they are in complete control of our government. Corporate control is fascism by definition and I do not support a fascist state.
A "public option"....with billions of gov't subsidies, no start-up capital from investors, no reserves except what's in our wallets & future paychecks, will lead to a single-payer plan, NOT competition.
That's what the big government advocates, and their job-seeking union backers are trying to accomplish. All WORKERS pay 2.9% of their pay (split 50/50 with the employer, but it's from the worker's efforts)into Medicare, and the "reserves" are IOU's from the gov't. Really well run, huh?? They're bankrupt, and won't admit it. Now they want to FORCE insurers to accept folks w/o any underwriting, which is the basis for risk assessment. I'd short the stock of any company that plays along wit that train wreck.
I'm so sick of hearing "Republicans want a BI-PARTISAN health care bill"! Republicans do not want health care reform. They want reform which will benefit the INSURANCE INDUSTRY while doing nothing to help American families. "Tort reform" has been an issue nationwide ... state-by-state, when asked for a GUARANTEE that "tort reform" will reduce health care premiums, the insurance industry has REFUSED to guarantee any reduction.
IF the government is going to mandate individual health coverage (a virtual windfall for the insurance industry), we MUST have a public option. Mandating coverage – even if the industry must waive its pre-existing exemption – will not lower premiums. Only COMPETITION will lower premiums ... the insurance industry will not VOLUNTARILY forfeit its profit margin. Absent true competition from outside the industry, Americans will find no relief. We will be required to purchase "the cheapest" we can find within the industry – no options will be available to us – or be fined. Tax credits? Worthless! First, there is no physician or hospital that will render medical treatment on the "promise" that "tax credits" will be assigned. Second, there is no assurance that credits granted the low-income, middle-class income families will actually be used to purchase health insurance.
Let's get real! Republican, Democrat, or Independent! It's time to put partisanship aside and DO THE PEOPLE'S WORK!
Hi Senator Sue!
You said "We could revamp the Medicare reimbursement system so that it focuses on quality rather than quantity. That would help reduce unnecessary tests." (a la European models? – you know – the so called socialist pigs?)
If a Democrat had said the very same thing, every Republican in the land would be screeming "Death Squad! They won't let you see your doctor...."
There's Republican politics and there's Democrat politics. When might we expect to see American politics in our American capitol? When congressional votes are cast exactly along party lines, that's evidence that the 2 party self-serving system is failing us. Screw both parties! Do what's right for America for a change!
To the Finance committe and the Senator from Maine – we the people WANT a public option because private insurance companies 'have been having their way' with us all these years and have not yet shown any inclination to behave morally.
Stop listening in the insurance lobby and listen to US!
"someone with common sense" is a real misnomer,, and I suspect "history" to him or her is last week.. What a DUMBocrat. Rather than control costs, he/she prefers increased government control of the insurance industry...Which even the CBO says will RAISE costs..Dumb Foolish Liberal,, Wake up
The good Senator started off by saying that the cost of health care needed to be reduced, but then addressed the cost of health INSURANCE. There is a huge disconnect in her logic and, therefore, her position.
John Roberts: We were talking off camera. You said you don’t recall seeing times like these. There is so much going on.
Susan Collins: There is. I can’t remember another time when there were more important issues on the table. You’ve got the two wars, a major decision coming up in Afghanistan, the health care debate, a faltering economy, the need for financial reform, environmental legislation, the cap-and-trade bill. It’s just an enormous array of issues, all of which are extremely important.
If it is too much work for Senator Susan Collins to handle?
Senator Collins is right to be concerned about costs and right to be against the public option. The public option will not lower anyone's health care costs and the American public knows this. Health care "reform" will force everyone to pay higher taxes in order to receive worse care.
@ Someone with common sense....
Who is the THUG here? Why are Conservatives always deemed "thugs" on these message boards? Because we have differing opinions about government involvement in our lives?
Open up the borders. Allow competition. Competition will inherently reduce the cost to the citizens of this country. Does that sound like a thug idea to you?
Look in the mirror, sir.
I hear the phony argument that "buying health insurance across state lines will lower costs". Each state has its own standards for redress on insurance issues. If I'm in Texas and bought insurance from Montana, to whom can I lodge a complaint? Will Montana take up my case or Texas? How much time and money will it take to get my issue resolved?
Let the advocates for "across state lines" look at the big picture instead of this narrow strip of vine they have latched on to for now.
I appreciate the work that Senator Collins is doing to craft the appropriate health care bill. However, I also want to stress on her that health care should be as much a right in this country as freedom of speech is. In fact, one could argue that second amendment allows us this right. After all, if I am not healthy, I cannot exercise my right to freedom of speech.
Therefore, healthcare reform is more than just cost. It is a social and human imperative. Talking of costs, we can do the total cost of uninsured and buld that up into the equation to find out that we are not taking about increasing costs of the entire system, but a possible redistributions and direct accountability of it.
Further, I do think creating a public option would enhance the chances of success. Just think about all the objections we had for medicare and medicaid or even social security. Where would we all be without these efforts. And each of those were strongly opposed by the republicans. Yet, they have proved vital for this country and we cannot imagine living without them.
Once passed, the healthcare reform and the public option will be the same way. It will not replace out freedoms, but will allow us to exercise them more fully and make us better citizens. It will also help us to become more competitive in world markets as workers will be more productive because they will be healthier.
So, Senator Collins, thank you for your support but I suggest you support the public option as well.
BINGO. Start with tort reform and locating other areas that are inflating the cost of healthcare. Allow insurance companies to pool their resources to further decrease the cost of purchasing insurance. Once that is done, more people will be able to purchase their own health insurance. Once the dust settles from that, then address additional issues preventing the remaining group of people from being able to purchase health insurance.
Forcing people onto a government plan is flat out stupid. Since when has our government EVER been able to operate a program successfully? The only thing they can do successfully is collect taxes!!!
This is good conversation but they seem to skirt around some real possibilites that could cause change and increase the number of insured people. Why can't multiple like-type businesses band together to get insurance coverage for their workers? If they want to have a particular insurance provider for people unemployed or too poor to pay, then establish a company run by individuals and amke if a employee owned company started by the government but turned over to the employees after they establish themselves and then they can pay back what the government has spent to startit. Also, they can establish rules and guidelines, and ENFORCE THEM, for the insurance companies. you break the rules you get heavily fined then a multiple infractions you lose your license.
And Collins still doesn't get it. None of what she's talking about would do a thing to help costs because the greedy Insurance companies STILL have no competition to force them to lower their prices. Give us a public option. It will stop the insurance companies from giving their execs millions of dollars in bonus' every year that they don't deserve or they won't be able to stay in business. And if they can't be bothered to lower those greedy jerks wages, then maybe they shouldn't be in business anyway.
There are two major problems in the Republican Party. One is the big government, warmongering neocons (most of the GOP establishment). The second is liberals like Senator Collins.
Sen. Collins has no plan to rein in the insurance companies. All she wants to do is to have my government guarantee an ever increasing profit stream. Insurance companies have had record profits as the costs have risen yet all she can see are ways to force more Americans to give them our money. The insurance industry has had many decades to control costs, has there been any indication that they will ever do anything but grab all they can? What a shame and a sham.
We are the government but as long as we keep electing people who sell us out to every corporation with a campaign contribution costs will continue to rise and health industry profits will continue to soar.
I've heard all these suggestions before, many times and many years ago. Why have they not been enacted? Because Republicans seem to think status quo works just fine? It does not, and it's about time they got up off their butts and got it done. Now is the time senator. I'm sure you've heard the old saying about taking a certain action or getting off the pot. DO IT!
One way to reduce cast is with competition. Families should have the option to decide witch insurance plan works better for them in terms of cost and coverage. This is why the availability of a public option should be part of helth care reform. This is not a government take over. It is a choice for families.
Wow. A Republican that makes some sense! Who'd a thunk it?
As one of the millions of taxpaying citizens uninsured, though, I'd like Senator Roberts to consider one other thing - what to do about those of us who work for ourselves (1099). None of the measures she mentions will help us at all. Additionally, more and more of us are older, with pre-existing health issues who have been priced out of the healthcare market. If insurance companies are not reined in on pre-existing conditions and premiums, all the tax credits, et. al. in the current bill will not help much. That was the focus for the public option in the first place. Why not a public option available for those who are not insurable for a reasonable amount?
My last quote from a healthcare insurance provider was no pre-existing conditions covered, a $5000 deductable, no preventative care, and a monthly premium that rivaled my mortgage. NOT ACCEPTABLE!
OOPS! Meant Senator Collins.
Shepherdmaxx
bud in nc – obviously you flunked civics and couldn't pass the citizenship test. The US is not a Democracy. It is a Constitutional Republic.
ENOUGH with bi-partisanship. Republicans had power for 8 years and did nothing but pass partisan legislation without regard for what Democrats wanted. This issue is too important to the well-being of Americans for bi-partisanship trash talk. The majority agree that we need a Single-Payer UNIVERSAL healthcare program and we need it NOW. We are done worrying about the health insurance industry and what it is they want out of this. Let's pass a single-payer system NOW, and worry about cost afterwards. The last thing we should have to worry about when it comes to savings lives is the cost. We cannot put a value on life itself because of how invaluable it is.
This is NOT a Republican or Democratic issue. This is an AMERICAN issue. Those who oppose health coverage for all were because of costs were more than happy to vote for the two wars we are currently fighting in which costs have become unimaginable. If you call yourself a Christian (or Muslim), you have a moral obligation to support healthcare for all. Now take a stand and let's make it happen! If anything can get you motivated, watch Michael Moore's "Sicko" and you will be convinced of the grim reality our country faces. Thank you.
Correction Senator Collins – THAT IS WHAT SOME OF US ARE LOOKING FOR !! I'll tell you what – if the US Population does NOT want a Government Run Public Option, let's eliminate Social Security, MediCare, the USPS, Public Schools & Unversities and then let's see where that takes us – It'll be a REVOLUTION !!
Personally, I wish I could vote each and every conservative Republican and 'Blue Dog' Democrat out-of-office.
It's a TOTAL DISGRACE how our 'Do-Nothing' House and Senate are always playing politics and lining the pockets of all their 'Fat-Cat' Lobbyists rather than representing 'We the People'. I think ALL of Our Forefather's would roll-over in their graves if they only knew what's going on in this country today.
Either give us a public option or strictly regulate the insurance companies. IF you want the insurance company only Republican plan, it has to be the same plan put forth by all companies, not different plans with different features that only a Philadelphia physician (lawyer) can understand.
I agree with several issues raised by Republicans in the health care debate, namely tort reform, ability to sell health insurance accross state lines and allowing small businesses to create cooperative buying entities. However, the reliance upon indirect assistance through employers rather than directly providing health insurance to everyone by the government is a mistake. I support a federal program (along the lines of Medicare) to provide basic health services to all. A bill without a public option is not doing all we need to do.
"And from my conversations with many small business men and women, I’m convinced that if we gave them a generous tax credit they would provide health insurance for their employees."
Or..they'll pocket the credit and call it profit. Which do I think they'll actually do?....Hmmmm.
RINO leave the party loser...
Thank you for proposing alternative options. The public option won't work – it will drive the insurance companies out and lead to higher taxes and higher costs.
Limiting max out of pocket is a bad idea too. If I want to by High Deductible health insurance, I should have that option, just like with car insurance.
Eliminating max lifetime payouts as Obama proposes is also a bad idea. Instead, set it to $1 million and after that, the person can buy into Medicare/Medicaid regardless of age.
We have competition for insurance in some states, and the costs are going lower. The problem is other states have too much regulation on insurance that leads to only 1 choice. De-regulate to lower the barriers and allow more insurance companies to compete in those states. With unlimited max lifetime payout, it will leave only the largest insurance companies and squeeze out the smaller ones, lowering competition.
Republicans are not interested in real Health care reform and want to kill it at all costs. They lost the election big time. Americans want the public option... 65% are in favour by the latest poll. Republicans and those blue dog Deomocrats are going to pay big time at the next election. Pass real Health care reform with a Public Option and don't back down Democrats. If you have to use Reconciliation in the Senate(51 votes) go for it. American people have waited too long and it is the right thing to do and shouldn't be held hostage by the minority party...
The Democrats have uncontrolled MAJORITIES in BOTH houses of Congress.
The GOP is not needed to pass ANY plan.
Dems are in whole responsible for everything in 2009...everything.
Senetor Collins is not honest with American people. The Public Option is as it says, an OPTION. It provides more choices to the public. Also it will help lower the healthcare cost by generating competition. She is using the talking points of RNC that have been proven to be wrong and misleading.
It is sad that every Republican senetor has to tow the party line or else face the wrath of the ultra conservative wing of the party. It was pathetic to watch the Repubilcans in the finanace committee say that the Public Option will be a take over of healthacre by government. It will lead to Universal healthcare. After listening to this debate, you can clearly see who is in the pockets of Private Insurers.
The congress is not doing the " People's Business". It is pitching for corporations.
Unfortunately, Senator, simply providing tax credits to small businesses does NOT reduce the cost of healthcare. If anything, increasing demand like that will RAISE healthcare costs. That's why the public option was such a good idea–allowing the government to compete with private insurance companies would force a reduction in healthcare profits and lower consumer costs. Since 20%-30% of all healthcare dollars are currently consumed in private insurance industry profits, it makes sense to go after that bloat. Unfortunately, Republicans don't seem interested in doing anything that would restrict the interests of the nation's rich and powerful.
Why do hospitals need to charge so much? Why do some doctors need to make so much? Regardless of supply/demand does a colonoscopy really cost $14K?
In these difficult budgetary times, does it really make sense to give another handout (subsidy, tax break, whatever you want to call it) to businesses – even small businesses? Sen. Collins said she wants to work on the cost side – reducing costs – but much of her focus seemed to be on handing out more taxpayer money. In fact, if you look at most Republican proposals to fix this problem, they involve some sort of handout – subsidies for business, vouchers for the poor. Medical liability reform seems to be the only decent idea they've added to the discussion.
Unfortunately, the republicans aren't willing to compromise. They want the dems to accept all their ideas, but are unwilling to accept any of the dems ideas.
I say move without them.
Let people buy into medicare, and subsidize care for the indigent with a sales tax of 1 or 2%.
Give nurse practitioners, and physician assistants a bigger slice of the health care load. Encourage pharmacies to hire these folks for general practice. Physicians don't want to go into general practice. So what.They aren't the only ones that are qualified to do that work.
Force the AMA to increase the number of students they accept into medical school. Increase the number of doctors in the pipeline and this will drive down physician salaries that are out of control. Use some of that recovery money forgive med school loans for physicians that work for five years in a rural community or go into general practice.
Get rid of Medicare Advantage.
Let individuals, groups and businesses buy insurance across state lines.
Let folks buy pharmaceuticals abroad.
Lots of things that can be done. Unfortunately, whenever people want to do something productive, politicians getting paid off by harbingers of the status quo prey upon the ignorance of poorly educated Americans.
Ms. Collins seems like a nice person. But the fact remains that her party is in the minority, and her views are those of a tiny minority of that minority.
House and Senate Republicans do not want to work with the majority to pass the kind of health and health insurance reform that Americans need and voted for last fall.
Its time for the elected majority to pass a real health reform bill, with a simple majority of 51 votes.
Unfortunately, Senator Collins' ideas don't involve huge expansions in government and entitlements, so the Dems will, with knee-jerk reflexiveness, oppose them.
That's too bad–her ideas are good ones.
None of what Collins suggests here would compel private insurance companies to reduce their rates. The single largest issue in health care form is cost. Period. Without a public option that offers consumers a less expensive choice, there would be zero pressure on the insurance industry to reduce its overhead and reduce premiums.
One third of every dollar spent on health care in this country goes to the administrative costs of health insurance companies. THAT IS OBSCENE and costs will NEVER be cut unless that changes. And, there will NEVER be a bi-partisan health insurance reform bill because Ms. Collins' political party is more interested in making Obama a one-term president. That is is their only objective. Forget doing what is right for the nation.
What Ms. Collins is suggesting here is that the government should give tax credits to those who can't afford to pay their high insurance premiums. In other words, tax-payers would be subsidizing the insurance industry and encouraging a rise in costs.
Without a real public option, NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE and rates will continue to sky-rocket. This people are making a terrible mistake.
Mrs. Collins is talking about "tax credits for small business". In other words pass the cost on to the government. She wants to make sure the
insurance industry keeps their profits. Sounds like more puppet politics to me!
At least one Senator realizes that most Americans don't want more government in their lives. Apparently none of the Democrats are that much in touch with real America.
malpractice insurance raises the price of health care and keeps many from entering medicine.the government has an oppurtunity to change this and has not brought this issue to the table.
Why can't others see as clearly as Senator Snow. I sure do wish she was one of my Senators. (My two senators are from NJ) Maybe I should move to Maine.
Shepherdmaxx
Senator Collins,
As a Democrat, I say "thank you" for understanding all that I care about when it comes to health care reform, REDUCING THE COST! I don't care what the details are, whether it be for a public-option or against it, just compromise on a plan that will reduce costs.
One thing we could do to reduce the cost of healthcare is for the FDA to require that new medicines and devices prove that they are better than the existing treatments. The test required now is that they must be better than a placebo or no treatment at all. Almost anything can pass that test. Having passed that simple test the drug companies and device makers can charge ANYTHING! It's time to put in place comparative studies and ensure that new drugs and devices are safer and more effective for patients than the current treatments.
The U.S. Congress has the authority to allow insurance companies to compete across state lines [Ref. Wikipedia, "McCarran-Ferguson Act"]. Competition is good. Indeed, prior to 1945, the South-Eastern Underwriters Association was taken to court because its rates were too low. It is government interference which shelters our current insurance companies and which allows higher-than-what-could-be rates. Congress should allow the insurance companies to compete across state lines. The competition would be fierce. We don't need a government-controlled option.
All they have to do is allow the American Tax Payers buy insurance across state lines as suggested by the Republicans and this would bring down health care insurance through competition. But this has been blocked by the demorats because all they really want is government run health care not bring down the costs.
With all due respect Senator, you are wrong about what the people want. The majority (remember we are a democrcy) WANT a public option.
I don't know why the White House has lobbied her so hard, she sounds just like every other clueless ReTHUGlican who just want to lower taxes. Lowering taxes doesn't solve every problem. The VooDoo economics of the Reagan era have been thoroughly and conclusively debunked as crap. Why do you think every ReTHUGlican president since and including Reagan has done nothing but massively increase the deficit?
Look at history folks, it cannot lie.
Can we all say "RHINO"?