Reply #17: I'd like to be but unfortunately

[autorank]

I wrote this article the morning after the speech based on the speech text as delivered:

What Obama Actually Said About Health Reform, Sept. 13

The health care "exchange" that was part of Obama's campaign proposal is not available to those with insurance:

"But an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange. Let me be clear – it would only be an option for those who don't have insurance." (Pres. Obama) Sept. 9

We're left to assume that "keeping the "insurance companies honest" is only a benefit saved for those citizens who are uninsured.

Snip

Even if everything worked perfectly for the uninsured, the president said, "This exchange will take effect in four years, which will give us time to do it right." If that's the criterion, do it right, it will take a lot longer than four more years before the uninsured benefit.

There were two parts to Obama's details in the speech. One was for those with insurance and the other for those without insurance. The exchange being available to only those without insurance four years from now means, if you've got it or if you sell it, there's no public option available to you or me.

Sucks doesn't it. I would have liked much more.