H.R.4872 (Just for ole Greenbeard)

[Antares]

SEC. 221. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF A PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION AS AN EXCHANGE-QUALIFIED HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN

(a) Establishment- For years beginning with Y1, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this subtitle referred to as the `Secretary') shall provide for the offering of an Exchange-participating health benefits plan (in this subdivision referred to as the `public health insurance option') that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high quality coverage throughout the United States in accordance with this subtitle. In designing the option, the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care.
(b) Offering as an Exchange-participating Health Benefits Plan-
(1) EXCLUSIVE TO THE EXCHANGE- The public health insurance option shall only be made available through the Health Insurance Exchange.
(2) ENSURING A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD- Consistent with this subtitle, the public health insurance option shall comply with requirements that are applicable under this title to an Exchange-participating health benefits plan, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing.

Bill Text - 111th Congress (2009-2010) - THOMAS (Library of Congress)

This has gotta make you happy.

 

[CrusaderFrank]

The takeover of our healthcare system has been one of the biggest goals of American Neo-Marxism.

Congratulation, Komrades.

 

[Greenbeard]

A tip on reading legislation: "Reported in House - RH" means you're looking at the text that was introduced. In the case of H.R. 4872, due to the vagaries of the budgeting process in the House, the text as introduced was pulled from H.R. 3200, the original House health reform bill.

What's relevant, particularly years later, is the final version. You know, the one that says "Enrolled Bill [Final as Passed Both House and Senate]." That's what passed and, when signed by the President, that's what becomes law.

THOMAS allows you to view all iterations of a piece of legislation, beginning with the text of the bill as introduced all the way up to the text of the bill as enrolled (i.e. passing both chambers of Congress). For this piece of legislation, that looks like this:
5 versions of Bill Number H.R.4872 for the 111th Congress. That's useful, but if you don't know what you're doing that leads to situations like yours.

The relevant legislative text is the last and latest version of H.R. 4872 (number 5 in that list, not number 1), which became Public Law 111-152: Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

There is no public option in that legislation.

Learn from your mistakes.

 

[Luddly Neddite]

Greenbeard, if I could, I'd give you lots of positive reps.

Thank you for being the voice of facts and reason.

(... not that it matters to some posters ...)

 

[Greenbeard]

Happy to help.

 

[dblack]

A tip on reading legislation: "Reported in House - RH" means you're looking at the text that was introduced. In the case of H.R. 4872, due to the vagaries of the budgeting process in the House, the text as introduced was pulled from H.R. 3200, the original House health reform bill.

What's relevant, particularly years later, is the final version. You know, the one that says "Enrolled Bill [Final as Passed Both House and Senate]." That's what passed and, when signed by the President, that's what becomes law.

THOMAS allows you to view all iterations of a piece of legislation, beginning with the text of the bill as introduced all the way up to the text of the bill as enrolled (i.e. passing both chambers of Congress). For this piece of legislation, that looks like this:
5 versions of Bill Number H.R.4872 for the 111th Congress. That's useful, but if you don't know what you're doing that leads to situations like yours.

The relevant legislative text is the last and latest version of H.R. 4872 (number 5 in that list, not number 1), which became Public Law 111-152: Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.

There is no public option in that legislation.

Learn from your mistakes.

If only we could do that as a nation.

GB is right, there's no public option. That was part of the bait and switch. Congress went in promising us no mandate and a public option and delivered the opposite. Will we learn? Indeed.

 

[Greenbeard]

Write your Congressperson.

Bill Summary & Status - 112th Congress (2011 - 2012) - H.R.191 - THOMAS (Library of Congress)

H.R.191
Latest Title: Public Option Deficit Reduction Act
Sponsor: Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6] (introduced 1/5/2011) Cosponsors (76)
Related Bills: H.R.3638
Latest Major Action: 2/1/2011 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

SUMMARY AS OF:
1/5/2011--Introduced.

Public Option Deficit Reduction Act - Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to offer through Exchanges a health benefits plan (public health insurance option) that ensures choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States. Declares that the Secretary's primary responsibility is to create a low-cost plan without compromising quality or access to care.

Sets forth provisions related to the establishment and governance of the public health insurance option, including that such plan: (1) may be made available only through Exchanges; (2) must comply with requirements applicable to other health benefits plans offered through such Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost sharing; and (3) must offer bronze, silver, and gold plan levels.

Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish an office of the ombudsman for the public health insurance option; (2) collect such data as may be required to establish premiums and payment rates; (3) establish geographically adjusted premiums at a level sufficient to fully finance the costs of the health benefits provided and administrative costs related to the operation of the plan; and (4) establish payment rates and provide for greater payment rates for the first three years.

Requires repayment of start-up costs for the public health insurance option.

Authorizes the Secretary to utilize innovative payment mechanisms and policies to determine payments for items and services under the public health insurance option.

 

[dblack]

Write your Congressperson.

Already did. To get rid of the mandate. That's the priority.

First, do no harm.

 

[Avorysuds]

"Any day now Obamacare will live up to the hype Obama sold it as, you stupid hate filled Republicans will see!!!! Any day now!!!" -Liberal fanboi #23,291-