Did Obama promise a public option? The answer is somewhat complicated

[Becky72]

One fact has been overlooked concerning President Obama's willingness to implement a health care system that lacks a public option: He was elected under a platform that did not call for one.

He did seem to commit to the government plan a couple of months ago, when he said:

Any plan I sign must include an insurance exchange: a one-stop shopping marketplace where you can compare the benefits, cost and track records of a variety of plans - including a public option to increase competition and keep insurance companies honest - and choose what's best for your family.

A kneejerk reaction would be to say that Obama promised an insurance exchange, and not a public option.

Bu as you can see, Obama went on to define "insurance exchange," and the definition makes it clear that he was not just talking about any insurance exchange but one that included such government plan (public option). Thus, we were told that there must be an insurance exchange with a public option in it.

Indeed, following this statement, progressive Washington Post columnist Ezra Klein wrote a story titled, "Obama Says Health-Care Reform "Must" Include Public Option."

But again, at least we cannot say that Obama play the American voter for a fool, since he is backtracking not from a campaign promise, but from a statement in June, which is not as bad.

If at the end he settles for something other than a public option, I would call it a flip-flop; not a broken promise.

UPDATE: A reader observes that during the campaign, Obama , "My plan builds on and improves our current insurance system, which most Americans continue to rely upon, and creates a new public health plan for those currently without coverage. Under my plan, Americans will be able to choose to maintain their current coverage if they choose to. For those without health insurance I will establish a new public insurance program, and provide subsides to afford care for those who need them." http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/issues/candidates/barack-obama/

[ProSense]

1. Authoritatively stated, but wrong

"He was elected under a platform that did not call for one."

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN TO MAKE HEALTH CARE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO AMERICANS? IF SO, HOW WOULD YOU DO IT?

Every American has the right to affordable, comprehensive and portable health coverage. My plan will ensure that all Americans have health care coverage through their employers, private health plans, the federal government, or the states. My plan builds on and improves our current insurance system, which most Americans continue to rely upon, and creates a new public health plan for those currently without coverage. Under my plan, Americans will be able to choose to maintain their current coverage if they choose to. For those without health insurance I will establish a new public insurance program, and provide subsides to afford care for those who need them. My plan includes a mandate that all children have health care coverage and I will expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs to help ensure we cover all kids. My plan requires all employers to contribute towards health coverage for their employees or towards the cost of the public plan. Under my plan a typical family will save $2,500 each year. We will realize tremendous savings within the health care system from improving efficiency and quality and reducing wasted expenditures system-wide. Specifically, these savings will result from investments in health information technology, improvements in prevention and management of chronic conditions, increased insurance industry competition and reduced industry overhead, the provision of federal reinsurance for catastrophic coverage, and reduced spending on uncompensated care.

link

[Becky72]

2. Good find

I had not seen that one.

[Skittles]

3. he promised change

but I'll concede he never promised change for the better

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. I don't find the answer at all complicated. The answer is YES. nt

[Proud Liberal Dem]

5. He has proposed and supported PO

He cannot promise anything legislatively. The only major thing he can do is choose whether to sign the final product in whatever form it is passed by Congress.