The Progressive Caucus Outlines a Public Option for Healthcare

In a posting I missed somehow earlier in the month the Progressive Caucus of the U.S. House offered the following requirements (PDF) to win their support of healthcare reform.

Enact concurrently with other significant expansions of coverage and must not be conditioned on private industry actions.

Consist of one entity, operated by the federal government, which sets policies and bears the risk for paying medical claims to keep administrative costs low and provide a higher standard of care.

Be available to all individuals and employers across the nation without limitation.

Allow patients to have access to their choice of doctors and other providers that meet defined participation standards, similar to the traditional Medicare model, promote the medical home model, and eliminate lifetime caps on benefits.

Have the ability to structure the provider rates to promote quality care, primary care, prevention, chronic care management, and good public health.

Utilize the existing infrastructure of successful public programs like Medicare in order to maintain transparency and consumer protections for administering processes including payment systems, claims and appeals.

Establish or negotiate rates with pharmaceutical companies, durable medical equipment providers, and other providers to achieve the lowest prices for consumers.

Receive a level of subsidy and support that is no less than that received by private plans.

Ensure premiums must be priced at the lowest levels possible, not tied to the rates of private insurance plans.

Looks like we may have a winner on our hands if enough of our elected officials fall in line. At least the power of the Progressive Caucus in combination with others may prevent passage of an undesirable healthcare bill masquerading as true reform. We shall see...

Peace.