Americans strongly support public insurance plan
A government-administered health insurance plan - something like Medicare for those under 65 - is supported by 72 percent of the American people.
This strong support is reported in the June 21 issue of the New York Times and is based on the latest New York Times/CBS poll.
President Obama has argued that a public plan is essential and would "keep insurance companies honest." However, nearly all Republican members of Congress have opposed a public plan. And Blue Dog Democrats, including Pennsylvania congressmen Tim Holden, Jason Altmire, and Chris Carney, have expressed concern that private insurance companies would be subject to unfair competition from a public plan.
PHAN endorsed a robust public plan in May because it would make health care more affordable. In its public statement, PHAN stated a public insurance plan would have lower adminsitrative costs than private plans, is more likely to pay doctors and hospitals on the basis of outcomes rather than volume of services, is more likely to insist that medical professionals implement best practices related to chronic disease prevention, and would be in a position to take advantage of volume discounts in the purchase of prescription drugs and medical equipment.
For a 1-pager describing the public plan option and why it is important, see the attachment at the end of this entry.
Affordability appears to be the primary factor in people's opinions about a public plan, not ideology. In the New York Times/CBS poll, half of those who called themselves Republicans said they would support a public plan, along with nearly 75 percent of Indepdents and nearly 90 percent of those who called themselves Democrats.
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