Medicare for all is so much cheaper and simpler than subsidizing insurance companies

[pat_k]

45. My suggestion is version with public option

Repubs assert -- falsely -- that their bill will reduce premiums. If we introduce a competing bill with public option that actually WILL bring down rates through pooling and negotiating as does Medicaid/Medicare, we would be in a much stronger position. Now it's "We'll lower your rates" (never mind that it's a lie -- too many will be duped) v. "We want to keep everything the same." We are fighting on "their turf." We need to drag the debate over to "our turf."

I'm composing letters to my Rep and members of House leadership expressing my dismay that they aren't putting a Dem bill out there -- one with the public option; one that they mount a coordinated effort to "sell" to the public. (As opposed to their utter silence on Conyers bill.) If you agree that this is a more effective way to generate the political will to stop R bill and give an issue to run on in 2018, might want to consider doing a little "citizen lobbying" too.