What are the pros and cons of a strong national public option vs

[Uncle Joe]

this state or regional exchange system with a non-profit alternative in the just passed HCR Law?

[ejpoeta]

1. as far as i can tell, the bigger the group, the lower the cost overall.

If you have regional groups it won't be able to have the power of a strong national group. and a regional won't be able to compete with the private insurance like a strong national plan would. other thn that.. not sure.

[OHdem10]

2. The major difference : The PO would have been a federal government

exchange. By its very nature could have priced plans low
enough that Americans could have afforded them readlly if
they so chose. By this set of plans being priced reasonably
the Insurance companies would have been foced to lower
the prices on their plans thus real competition. Those who
have plans they enjoy would have seen their costs lowered
also.

Theoretically, the exchanges are supposed to work in a
similar fashion. However, there is no one exchange
forcing others to lower prices. We hope that more people
buying the plans, the Insurance companies will lower prices.
HOPE is the operative word.

[Uncle Joe]

3. I'm wondering as to how strict federal guidelines would be on a

state or regional non-profit, or how much leeway do the states or regions have?

I would imagine the for profit insurance lobbyists would have greater influence on states or regions in regards to the drafting of these non-profit options; affecting their desirability?