Tennessee's Bob Corker is quickly becoming one of my favorite senators.
He's on the right track.
Based on comments by Sen. Corker (see link), Sen. McCain on the Tonight Show a few nights back, as well as comments from several moderate Democrats, I think 70% of Americans could get behind a bill that accomplished the following things:
- Increases portability of coverage -- e.g., if you lose your job, you still have the option to pay your premiums and continue your coverage
- Allows people to go across state lines to get the health care of their choice
- Limits the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions (Keith Olbermann, who I normally can't stand, described this phenomenon as "discriminating against the sick." I'm not sure I agree with that, but it's interesting)
- Incentivizes the purchase of health insurance via tax credits
- Encourages the creation of a special risk pool for people with serious illnesses
What's that, you say? You want a "public option"? It's called Medicaid.
The problem is, as noted here, it's up to the president and his liberal allies to actually demonstrate a willingness to compromise. Not surprisingly, "compromise" isn't a word that's used much in the Obama White House.
Your move, Mr. President.
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