The Myth of the Public Option

Since I have a little time, I thought I’d share my personal experience to counterbalance some of what I am reading / hearing regarding politicians’ concerns on passage of a “public option” by some politicians.

When I was first hired by the Federal Government I was bewildered by the list of carriers from whom I could choose an insurance carrier for my family. It included as many as 20 local carriers and 10 to 15 national carriers who were obligated to insure me so long as I paid my premiums. The information included data and limitations on benefits, and costs for coverage defined in terms of both monthly and by-paycheck premium I would pay in return for that coverage.

Every year, in October, I received a new prospectus, which listed benefits, out of pocket expenses, and paycheck deductions, allowing me to choose among carriers, if I wished to change.

I have stayed with one carrier, not so much because the cost is the best, but because I am familiar and comfortable with the doctors available, and the doctors who provide the care are familiar with me.

This is the equivalent of the “public option” being discussed as part of the national health care reform legislation before Congress.

Now, it’s amusing to hear some elected officials (including my congressman) talk about the “evils” of having a public option, or “health care reform” because what is being proposed as a “public option” for ALL AMERICANS is the SAME CARE those elected officials receive as part of their “employee benefits” we cover with our income taxes.

So, if you hear about concepts such as “creeping socialism” or “diminishing the free market” being tossed about by YOUR politicians as a reason they vote against a “public option,” keep in mind that THEY are denying you the SAME CARE they receive, because THEY don’t believe YOU are as IMPORTANT as THEY in the whole scheme of things.

And, just in case you “know” someone who disagrees with my experience, please put them in touch with me so I can refute their lore with reality of how a “public option” works.