Hoyer: We may really have to dump this public option
posted at 12:58 pm on September 8, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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This morning, Steny Hoyer signaled yet again that the public option will get dropped from ObamaCare, even in the House, where a threat from the House Progressive Caucus says that would lose 100 votes on the final product. Hoyer broached the possibility almost three weeks ago, and was roundly criticized by his colleagues for wavering. But does Hoyer represent the mainstream after the August recess?
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer indicated Tuesday that a public option might need to be dropped from the healthcare bill in order to get it passed.
“In the final analysis, we have to see what will pass,” said Hoyer (D-Md.). “I think the public option is a very good choice for consumers to have. On the other hand, I’ve said I hope we can move a bill forward.”
Hoyer said that even without the public option there are other crucial changes to the healthcare system, such as capping healthcare costs for consumers.
Who pays when consumers exceed the spending caps? Everyone, through higher taxes for subsidies and higher premiums from the insurance companies. It’s an absurd approach, especially since the ObamaCare advocates routinely talk about the overuse of the health-care system. Indemnifying people for busting the caps won’t reduce that, although it happens so rarely that it really won’t have much impact one way or the other, except on premiums as insurers recalculate risk.
Hoyer’s second bite at this apple comes at an interesting moment, just as Barack Obama will speak at a joint session of Congress to demand action. It’s been widely reported that Obama will back away from his earlier demand for a public option. If Obama wasn’t going avail himself of a retreat, would Hoyer be laying the groundwork for one? It’s unlikely.
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not with FORCEFUL Obama coming out tomorrow night
ThackerAgency on September 8, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Getting the public option dropped is a good start. Only about 1,100 pages to go.
Tommy_G on September 8, 2009 at 1:00 PM
If the country wasn’t at stake, the democrat party chasing it’s collective tails would be amusing.
Rebar on September 8, 2009 at 1:01 PM
Could Mr. Hoyer be siding with all those UnAmericans?
d1carter on September 8, 2009 at 1:01 PM
sigh…. OBAMACARE IS DEAD! DEAD! DEAD!
Thanks bluedogs, for something.
Govt run health care: EPIC FAIL.
battleoflepanto1571 on September 8, 2009 at 1:02 PM
They’re trying to renama and reframe the “public option”, but it won’t work. People don’t trust Obama on this subject. They’ve seen him lie repeatedly.
marklmail on September 8, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Public option to be dropped.
To be replaced by something with a different name, but will have the same affect.
MarkTheGreat on September 8, 2009 at 1:02 PM
I guess the ultimatum that Congress ‘Do it and Do it now’ before the August recess wasn’t forceful enough.
How is he going to be ‘more’ forceful? I’m wondering how he’s going to be forceful. Is he going to threaten people with the IRS? Is he going to threaten their families?
What is he going to be forceful about? Is he going to demand that everyone happily hand him their money? If the people don’t hand him their money he’s going to stop the missile defense program? Oh, wait. . .
what exactly is my money paying for Mr. President? I don’t get anything for the taxes I spend. If we get hit by a terrorist, you’ll just blame Bush and demand more of my money.
I’d like it if he had a different solution from time to time other than ‘I’m going to spend a LOT more of your money’.
ThackerAgency on September 8, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Steny Hoyer, you Magnificent Disrupter!
Christien on September 8, 2009 at 1:03 PM
It’d be fun to be a fly on the wall when Hoyer discusses this with his boss Nancy.
Trafalgar on September 8, 2009 at 1:03 PM
I think somebody is out to sabotage the boss and grab the gavel.
sherry on September 8, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Well he didn’t back away from it yesterday in his speech to the AFL-CIO. He threw it right out there and the crowd cheered.
And where’s the story about Biden putting “card check” back on the table yesterday at another union rally?
I gotta go and buy some new flip flops today.
Knucklehead on September 8, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Don’t worry, Cass Sunstein will put the public option (soon to be the only option) back in through regulation.
Mark Lloyd will ensure that it doesn’t get mentioned until too late.
rbj on September 8, 2009 at 1:05 PM
I doubt it. The Public Option is too strong on the left to be dumped. At best a co-op pull but definelty not dumped.
Obama just talked about it yesterday. Hoyer is placating Blue Dogs.
When the peddle hits the metal most of these Blue Dog votes will be for the public option. It would be too toxic otherwise in the primaries for the Blue Democrats…
ckoeber on September 8, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Hmmm, sounds like price controls. Once again the Dems do not learn history. Price controls never work, unless you are the one controlling them.
Idgits!!
JohnnyD on September 8, 2009 at 1:05 PM
He simply means they need to find another way to hide it or amend the bill after passage to include it. Three simple laws.
1. Permit them to cross state lines. Cost: $0
2. No pre-existing conditions. Cost: $0
3. TORT REFERM. Cost: $0
CC
CapedConservative on September 8, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Hoyer said, “Spending caps for you, but not for congress.”
WashJeff on September 8, 2009 at 1:05 PM
All this is is smoke and mirrors, bait and switch etc.The proposals I’ve seen include taxing Insurance companies higher, thus driving them out of business when they exceed the so called “caps” Obamas plan intends to impose. When Insurance goes under Government health care takes over. You listening Snowe?
sandee on September 8, 2009 at 1:06 PM
No adding Tort Reform though, I suppose, eh Steny?
kirkill on September 8, 2009 at 1:06 PM
But Obama is going to give a speech tomorrow, and the sound of his voice will iron out all the wrinkles of those partisans who are trying to stop the hope & change. /s
portlandon on September 8, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Steny… you’re going to get a call from Miss Nancy and she’s not going to be very nice…
D2Boston on September 8, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Well – as long as they replace the “public option” with a non-profit cooperative – then we can all enthusiastically embrace teh One’s new proposal – yeah? Trust teh One – would he ever steer (and I do mean steer) you wrong?
johnnybgood on September 8, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Some one take Pelosi’s temperature—she’s got to be burning up over her # 2’s statements recently. Eat your heart out Joe Biden…..
Rovin on September 8, 2009 at 1:07 PM
I believe that the words “public option” will be dropped from any legislation passed by this Congress.
However, the apparatus will remain and will either be undetected or renamed.
myrenovations on September 8, 2009 at 1:07 PM
It’s almost as if Hoyer is gunning for Pelosi’s job.
Christien on September 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM
+1
d1carter on September 8, 2009 at 1:09 PM
Hoyer: “So, might have to dump the public option and just try something totally different called the Option for the Public. Never say we didn’t compromise.”
Diane on September 8, 2009 at 1:11 PM
From the American Spectator” in another HA thread:
So drop the Public Option for now to appease the mob, we’ll have Cass slip it in there when nobody’s looking.
Trafalgar on September 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Olberman has a new rant up at Daily Kos. He’still whining about Beck or something.
mesquito on September 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM
If they’re clever enough, they could do it with caps on consumer costs. Lower the cap enough, and you drive the insurance companies to come to the government for feces-loads of cash. At some point, the government simply assumes ownership of the insurance companies. Same end, different route.
Daggett on September 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM
If the health care bill passes without the public option it will be added at a later date. Remember seat belts and helmets for motorcycles where penalties were added on in later years. This is SOP for the SOB’s(both parties) in government. Look at what I have in this hand but don’t pay any attention to what I am doing with the other hand.
We were always aware that this went on but looked the other way. I have hope now that we have grown weary of these tactics and will no longer tolerate them. 9/12 DC. be there. Inactivity is at our peril.
chicken thief on September 8, 2009 at 1:13 PM
That suggests coordinated effort between the rats in Congress and the filthy liar in the White House. If such a strategy has been coordinated, it will be the first time that they’ve all been on the same page.
I still say the devil is in the details. Dropping the public plan but putting in something that essentially is the same thing (or guarantees the same thing like co-op failures) is just as unacceptable as something labeled as a public option. Remember the goal here is single-payer healthcare and the left is determined to get there in three steps if they can’t get there in two.
highhopes on September 8, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Tomorrow will be Sheik Barack al-Husseini ibn Obooba’s third speech in three days. How hard he works for us!
Akzed on September 8, 2009 at 1:14 PM
KILL THE BILL. JUST KILL IT. Then start again next year. This time fix the flaws instead of exploiting the flaws to blow up the system.
petefrt on September 8, 2009 at 1:15 PM
So we should trust them? It’s the old bait and switch trick!
2010 Steny!
yoda on September 8, 2009 at 1:15 PM
“However, the apparatus will remain and will either be
undetectedunrepoted or renamed.”We’re on to them though.
DanMan on September 8, 2009 at 1:15 PM
In other words, bankrupt the insurance companies through government intervention, like the union bankrupted GM, and then there is nothing left except government takeover. Their goal is a one public option for all, and if they can’t get it now, they will destroy the insurance companies to get it. I hope Republicans aren’t clueless enough not to see the strategy of the Democrats.
Gabe on September 8, 2009 at 1:15 PM
I’ve decided there isn’t a Democrat in Washington that knows what the hell it is they are doing from moment to moment.
Where would Barack Obama be without his 28 year old speechwriter, his warehouse of teleprompters and his AIDS (Assrod, Van Jones and Emmanuel) to tell him what to do?
Every Democrat in Congress is just as incompetent and worthless as our “president”.
These people should be located nowhere near important legislation or sharp objects. They don’t have the skill set and they are dangerously irresponsible.
NoDonkey on September 8, 2009 at 1:19 PM
It’s ok. The public option, initially slated to start in 2013, is now going to start in 2013. It’s a lib compromise!
LibTired on September 8, 2009 at 1:19 PM
All this BEFORE the big speech?
Oh please please please push the public option BHO… cave to the Communist Caucus! Get everyone on record before this thing splits the House and dies in the Senate.
mankai on September 8, 2009 at 1:20 PM
Prediction: the public option will be excluded from the bill, it will win over enough support and everyone will give a big sigh of relief.
Then, in conference, they will slip in the ‘trigger’. At that time, the heat will be off and they will be able to convince people that this is acceptable.
3-5 years down the road, the Gov’t will claim that the private insurance companies have not held down costs sufficiently and invoke the trigger.
What do you think BO, NP and HR are discussing behind closed doors today, the weather?
tatersalad on September 8, 2009 at 1:20 PM
lemme get this math right. Ain’t it difficult to pass something in the house if you lose 100 votes?
my calkalator shore says it is….
ted c on September 8, 2009 at 1:21 PM
Forcing this on the insurance companies may not cost the govt anything, but it will put any private insurance company out of business.
MarkTheGreat on September 8, 2009 at 1:21 PM
LET ME BE CLEAR…….Steny is an opportunist just like the rest of them.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on September 8, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Aren’t “caps” on medical spending another name for “rationing”?
They’ve got their caps in the wrong place. Put caps on malpractice awards, even if they’re a million dollars, and malpractice insurance becomes cheaper for doctors, and they’ll stop prescribing unnecessary anti-lawsuit clinical tests. Doctors, who still compete with each other for patients, will pass along the savings to the consumer.
Cost to the Government (= Taxpayers) = $0.
Steve Z on September 8, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Yeah… if they really thought the public option was “THE ANSWER” they’d never consider “dropping” it… they MUST eventually have it because it is part of the statist power ideology. So they will never just abandon it altogether. Unless there is a conservative wash that falls over DC, they will get the public option some way, some how, some day.
mankai on September 8, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Per AoS, ObamaCare V156.3:
Health care in the US is covered by three main systems– Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Two of these systems are bankrupt, and will be unable to make payments beyond 2017. The third is solvent, and can make all of its payments for the foreseeable future.
Obama’s plan is to take the one system meeting its obligations and fold it into the two systems that are bankrupt.
faraway on September 8, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Obama needs a win on this healthcare reform bill. The plan appears to be a watered-down version, with major concessions, so that the public outcry can be mitigated. Guys like Hoyer, saying that the public option is dead, are setting the stage for an end-around.
As Trafalgar says above, the idea is to crack the door and sneak everything in when the public is distracted. This isn’t the first time in the past several months that this Administration and Congress have loaded a bill with non-specific language with the intent to amend the bill, after the fact, to get exactly what they wanted in the first place.
Also, be aware that this President will back ‘triggers’ in leau of the healthcare bill he’s been trumpeting for some time now. Look for these snakes to propose price controls with a kicker — that kicker is really the public option they’ve always wanted. It will be much easier to convince the Congress to go along with this tack since it provides the illusion that the compromisers held firm for the sake of capitalist competition and the citizens concerned about the pitfalls of single payer.
Wilbur on September 8, 2009 at 1:25 PM
Government Healthcare Reform is nothing but a plan to control peoples lives. Kill the bill.
kingsjester on September 8, 2009 at 1:25 PM
Well Steny, either you dump the public option or the voters dump you . . . your call.
rplat on September 8, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Capping healthcare costs? Is that anything like price controls and freezes? Price controls and freezes that CA did to the power industry which eventually led to chap 11 bankruptcy by California Edison because they couldn’t raise their rates while their costs rose and rose over the years from both demand and inflation? That sort of cost caps?
Peachy.
Weebork on September 8, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Why do I have the feeling, they’ll slip something in, at the last minute, that will have something, gearing this monstrosity toward a public option, anyway.
This is pretty much how much trust I have in this administration. Nil!!! They’re up to something.
capejasmine on September 8, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Just because the ‘public option’ is removed from the bill doesn’t mean that it isn’t chock full of other provisions which will bring about the same result. Any bill created by leading Democrats will bring about the ruin of the healthcare system as we know it.
gwelf on September 8, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Dumpity dump dump. How about some tort reform you dumping dumpers?
Lincoln Cadillac on September 8, 2009 at 1:34 PM
The pre-existing conditions policy is terrible; that means people who have cancer, paralyzed, etc. can’t get insurance, etc.
They basically are out in the cold. You can say that the public option will lead to a takeover, etc. and you may get play there but denying people because of something that is beyond their control will just end up screwing everyone over in the long run.
At the end of the day those very people will be going to the emergency room for their care because they can’t get coverage AND they canh’t afford it. And guess what, you will be paying for it anyway via tax dollars.
ckoeber on September 8, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I think everyone is not looking at what is still a significant problem with anything they pass. Congress, government employees and unions are exempt from participating. If I have to play so do they, or else its unacceptable, period.
belad on September 8, 2009 at 1:35 PM
So now the govt is going to fine your family $3800 a year if you don’t buy into their plan.
ConservativePartyNow on September 8, 2009 at 1:36 PM
3. TORT REFERM. Cost: $0
CC
CapedConservative on September 8, 2009
The cost would be the great green piles of cash the Democrats won’t get from the trial lawyers if tort reform succeeds.
SKYFOX on September 8, 2009 at 1:36 PM
righto my friend. They’ll just put public option under another shell, piece it out across other legislation, a link here or there in the defense bill, budget, etc. and voila’–public option. They pride themselves in obfuscation. they need to be cornered like a rat.
ted c on September 8, 2009 at 1:36 PM
I missah Don Corleone,
Maybe we maka a deal witha thesa numbskulls,do whata da people want or be lookin’ for a new kinda work.
Capish gumba? How about you letta da insurance companies sell in alla da 57 states? What the hell is so hard to understand about protection?
Col.John Wm. Reed on September 8, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Hoyer must be another closet racist to UC-Berkeley wacademia;
/comments thread open
Terp Mole on September 8, 2009 at 1:40 PM
my fear is that they’ll slip something in during conference….
cmsinaz on September 8, 2009 at 1:42 PM
Got em on the run.
sonnyspats1 on September 8, 2009 at 1:42 PM
In regards to Tort Reform I feel this is a failure more on the right. This is their calling card, they should be shouting this from the rooftops instead of merrily mentioning it every so often in press conferences.
The Republicans have a grand oppurtunity to put forth Rep. Ryan’s proposals. Instead, they are spending too much time on the attack.
There needs to be something behind the punch. It isn’t enough to say what you are against. You need to say what you are for. And the GOP has done too much of the former and not enough of the latter.
Hence, the Democratic health care proposal is increasingly unpopular but few really understand the alternative.
ckoeber on September 8, 2009 at 1:42 PM
Don’t Steny and Nancy hate each other?
Haunches on September 8, 2009 at 1:46 PM
I didn’t say the insurance wouldn’t cost that particular consumer more…. just like automobile insurance with accidents/tickets on your record, it will cost you more. How much will be regulated by the state insurance commissions. I just said the legislation would cost $0.
CC
CapedConservative on September 8, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Tort reform from a reverse flush angle!
sonnyspats1 on September 8, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Shhh! no comment lol.
He is pissed!!! ha ha Talkin bout violence and criminals!!! ha ha Yeah brutha I’m down ha ha
sonnyspats1 on September 8, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Krykee. Did he figure that out all by his lonesome, or did he have help?
locomotivebreath1901 on September 8, 2009 at 2:02 PM
This speech will be known as the Obama eats crow speech. Best viewing of fireworks will be from kos and huffpo sites.
JiangxiDad on September 8, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Somebody wake up Afrolib.
Chuck Schick on September 8, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I just wish with every such story, there is a BIG HUGE QUESTION after it, but will they call it something else, like trigger or co-ops. I guarantee you that they will not drop the so called public option but will simply try to sneak it in by anotehr name. I am so mad at conservative bloggers for allowing the dems to run the debate by claiming they will drop it, NO NO NO, they never will, this is their chance and they simply will try to fool people by sneaking it in. Conservatives need to be screaming from the roof tops, “this is disingenuous, this is a lie, they are simply changing the terms and do plan to sneak it in with this trigger or co-ops”. I know it has been pointed out in some places, but this blog and I hope Drudge need to say it every time the issue of public option comes up. I also listen to Fox News and they are selling the same garbage, they make it sound like the dems will give up the public option and people will likely relax and stop fighting, I fear we are starting to lose this one and fall for the usual tricks of the left.
immigrantchick on September 8, 2009 at 2:17 PM
YA THINK?!
CynicalOptimist on September 8, 2009 at 2:17 PM
Screw the public option, nothing short of dropping the government controlled health care scam is acceptable. That should be the goal of all loyal Americans. No surrender, no compromise.
docdave on September 8, 2009 at 2:28 PM
It a Government option. Not a public option.
kingsjester on September 8, 2009 at 2:31 PM
This piece makes the case against tort reform – essentially arguing that the current situation in Texas has defanged the civil courts.
That’s my take.
ckoeber on September 8, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Including Medicare/Medicaid?
That won’t go well with the “Hands off Medicare” crowd.
ckoeber on September 8, 2009 at 2:38 PM
What a bunch of crap.
Prior to tort reform, physicians were leaving Texas in droves.
Since tort reform, physicians are returning and access to care has increased. Texas is a model for states wishing to reign in money wasted on the “legal” lottery and to increase access to rural areas.
You can’t have billionaire trial lawyers who make their money bilking insurance companies over health care AND lower cost health care.
Democrats vote with the trial lawyers because trial lawyers are their biggest donors. That’s why any real health care reform will have to be done without Democrats.
NoDonkey on September 8, 2009 at 3:00 PM
You got to draw the line in the sand somewhere. Where would you draw it?
Like any existing government program, medicare/medicaid is not going to go away quietly. Perhaps I should have said ‘any new government controlled health care’.
docdave on September 8, 2009 at 3:01 PM
OK, but you have to solve the problem and simply saying no isn’t the answer moving forward.
I don’t understand. What’s so hard about touting your own proposal? Inevitably people will start asking “what is your solution?”
Saying that “liberals suck” doesn’t automatically mean “GOP is great.”
ckoeber on September 8, 2009 at 3:15 PM
And dump you Steny Hoyer
Wade on September 8, 2009 at 3:36 PM
The answer is obviously TORT reform and allowing insurance competition across state lines. And yes, get rid of Medicare and Medicaid. Once competition takes over prices will drop to be affordable for all. Do some minimal regulation allowing pre-conditions (with stipulations barring outright gaming of the system) and I think we have a winner………
What we are going to get however will be the ultimate Pile O’ Feces. It will have a public option removed on the face, mandatory insurance clauses with stipulations no reasonable company will ever be able to follow. With more government takeover landmines than the DMZ. Whenever this passes, and some form of it will,(watch Grahmnesty, Snowejob and McCblame) the clock will be ticking for government take over within 5 years.
Koa on September 8, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Steny “Spendy” Hoyer, our opinion is KILL THE BILL so you don’t have a chance at underhanded activities which will impose liberal Democrat will on a moderate right-of-center electorate.
LOSE IT, BUSTER! Health “Scare” legislation can be done better, cheaper and incrementally this this monster mess!
ExpressoBold on September 8, 2009 at 4:29 PM
this this monster mess = than this monster mess
(sorry)
ExpressoBold on September 8, 2009 at 4:30 PM
Medicaire and Medicaid have been firmly in place for years, though total failures. No one is talking about getting rid of them, especially Medicaire, AT THIS TIME. This is about stopping the government from any further take over of our medical system and decisions. If we judge by Medicaire, any government program will be a failure. They spend a lot more per person than necessary because they have to pay all of their incompetent beaurocrats, and cover a lot less than private insurance. My grandmother is on Medicaire and recently she was told she could no longer get Lipitor (there is no generic alternative), that she cannot get a walker or even a cane to help her walk, and many other things are no longer covered. So, this is not about getting rid of these failures at this time, it is about stopping government take over in any shape or form, any. So let’s not get off of subject.
immigrantchick on September 8, 2009 at 4:36 PM
I agree, KILL THE BILL(S). No reform is better than any you will get out of this congress. The only reform that is needed is get the government out of the way with their restrictions on insurance purchases across state lines and going after the tort lawyers who have caused costs to skyrocket. And these will never happen under layer loving obama and democrats control. By the way, is anyone keeping the heat on Snowe form Maine? Isn’t she the lone trader and pusher of the trigger option which is the so called public socialist med option.
immigrantchick on September 8, 2009 at 4:39 PM
First I never said that liberals suck and the GOP are great.
Secondly, before one can fix a problem they have to first determine if there is one and what it is. [The dems statement about alleged number of uninsured is pure fiction and if there are uninsured who need financial help, there are already programs to assist them]. The dems have not done that to my satisfaction or the satisfaction of others. Personally I have not had any problems with the health industry that require government action. If indeed there are problems of that magnitude, it’s up to the states (you know, the 10th amendment) to provide legislative action to fix them.
docdave on September 8, 2009 at 4:47 PM
Who’s lying? Steny or Nanzi
bluegrass on September 8, 2009 at 10:01 PM
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