Thread: HealthCare Speech - What did you think?

Originally Posted by commiecat

But the plan is to provide an affordable alternative. You can still use your private insurance and see specialists -- they will just have to compete against a public option. What sort of problems do you think will arise from competition?

I believe there will be no competition. I am fairly sure that if a public option became available, my employer would drop all of it's current plans that it pays for (approx $400.00-$900.00 per employee/mo x 2000+ employees). I would guess that many employers would do the same to save costs. Why not? How would that affect private insurance companies? I imagine they would all take such a huge hit that they would go out of business. You disagree?

Originally Posted by honedright

I believe there will be no competition. I am fairly sure that if a public option became available, my employer would drop all of it's current plans that it pays for (approx $400.00-$900.00 per employee x 2000+ employees). I would guess that many employers would do the same to save costs. Why not? How would that affect private insurance companies? I imagine they would all take such a huge hit that they would go out of business. You disagree?

I do disagree. I think that it will cause private insurers to lower their rates and offer more services. I think it will also prevent companies from dominating certain markets -- Alabama is an oft-cited example because most people there can only choose BC/BS.

The shipping and education comparisons come to mind first. UPS is still making money and private schools still have students at all levels, even though their competition is the USPS and public education.

Clearly SRP isn't going to change anyone's opinion. I'll respectfully disagree with the opposition on this and leave it at that. Cheers to all!