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SEIU: Health Care Bill Shows 'Yes We Can' Holds True

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SEIU President Andy Stern

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The SEIU issued the following press release after the introduction of the America's Affordable Health Choices Act in the House of Representatives on October 29. Here's the full text:

"Today, the House of Representative's introduction of the America's Affordable Health Choices Act made clear that President Obama's challenge to our nation holds true: 'Yes We Can.'

"Yes we can provide quality health insurance that is affordable to 97 percent of the nation.

"Yes we can have a strong public option that drives costs down and gives people the power to choose what is best for their family.

"Yes we can hold insurance companies accountable and make sure they can never deny someone care because of an alleged 'pre-existing condition' such as a C-Section or pregnancy or rape.

"Yes we can all share responsibility - individuals, businesses, and government - where employers offer and contribute to meaningful coverage for their employees.

"And yes, we can pay for it - not adding a single dime to our country's deficit. What's more is that we can do it responsibly so as not to add another burden to working Americans.

"What Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House showed us today is that they will not govern out of fear but will lead with conviction, choosing bold solutions that live up to our country's promise.

"The chorus of 'No We Can't' from the insurance industry, special interests and Republicans will not stand in the way of the change our country demanded in November.

"Now, it is up to all of us to once again take up President Obama's challenge of 'Yes We Can' to guarantee that there will be no doubt that meaningful health insurance reform happens this year."

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October 29, 2009 12:27 PM   

It isn't "a strong public option" when the rates for doctors' payments and drug prices aren't based on Medicare, and can't be lower than Medicare.

It's a weak public option.

====================================================
http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf

SEC. 323. PAYMENT RATES FOR ITEMS AND SERVICES.
(a)
...(2) MANNER OF NEGOTIATION.—The Secretary
shall negotiate such rates in a manner that results
in payment rates that are not lower, in the aggregate, than rates under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, and not higher, in the aggregate, than the average rates paid by other QHBP offering entities for services and health care providers.
====================================================

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October 29, 2009 12:48 PM   

sadly, Mr Stern joined Rahm's Cheerleading Squad several weeks back when the Opt In was first suggested.

that's right, a man who has fought Right to Work States bs his entire life was suddenly supporting the Right to Die in red states

I don't even care what Emanuel offered him, I will wait for Trumka to weigh in

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October 29, 2009 1:33 PM   

It amazes me that the people who push Medicare + 5 rates never acknowledge that Medicare rates are quite low and in many cases unfair to doctors.

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October 29, 2009 1:33 PM   

It's a thousand times better than what we have, and the first baby steps to more.

Arguing that it is insufficient (as some seem to be doing), therefore it should die, is nonsensical. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. The opponents of this bill are not going to hand it to you on a silver platter.

Good to see that the rational supporters, even those that understand that single payer would ultimately be best, also understand that something is better than a guaranteed nothing.

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