Without quick action by voters who want universal health care, U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina could be one of those who wrecks the whole deal. The main bone of contention, as you know if you’ve been following this issue, is whether Congress will include a “public option” in its new plan. That means that if you can’t get affordable insurance from your employer’s plan or another private plan, you’d be able to opt into a government-subsidized health insurance plan, similar to what members of Congress enjoy. Reports from healthcare reform activists are saying that Hagan is one of two Democrats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee who are balking at including a public option in whatever plan is presented to the full Senate. The latest from the progressive Web site DailyKos reports that negotiations are underway to convince Hagan and fellow Dem Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico to support the public option. If you support having a public option as part of the reformed health care system now being hammered out in Congress — and let’s face it, expecting health insurance companies to give citizens a break without our having a public option to turn to would be like stepping up to the plate against Roger Clemens with a wiffle bat — then consider calling Sen. Hagan’s office, like, right now, at (202) 224-6342.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2009.
