Leading Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York made a proposal this week in an effort to assuage fears among private insurance companies. One of the largest barriers to health insurance reform and the possible formation of a single payer health care system, was the promise Obama made to allow private insurers to exist alongside a government plan. Private insurance companies however feared that a government plan would have a great many advantages over private plans as far price and certain other factors were concerned. Schumer therefore proposes to make any government plan closely resemble private plans by meeting the same regulations and requirements. Obama had hoped that in creating a government plan, private plans would be forced to compete and therefore bring down prices, but private insurers fear being driven out of business. If Schumer’s proposal came to pass, what benefits would the government plan have to offer that would successfully inspire competition among other health insurance carriers ?

1. Dan Says:
   May 6th, 2009 at 11:45 am

   Drive the private insurers out of business which creates more people losing there jobs which would lead to more foreclosures and a worse economy. Sounds like a good plan.

2. Brian Says:
   May 6th, 2009 at 11:51 am

   I echo Dan’s sentiment.
   There has to be a better way to proceed with a national health plan. The leaders in DC are suppose to be some of the brightest people in America. They should be able to come up with a strategy that helps the uninsured without putting private businesses out of business.

3. Kirsten Says:
   May 6th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

   Yeah, there are over 40,000 insurance agents just in the state of Florida. What is their plan for the millions of people who will be unemployed?

4. Bud L Says:
   May 8th, 2009 at 7:43 am

   Nothing like a promising politician. Oh for a 2-party system again.