Legal Commentary

Ted Kennedy's Compromise On Health Care Reform

By Big Tent Democrat

While Third Wayers like Ezra Klein and Steve Pearlstein claim to know what capitulations Ted Kennedy would have favored, we actually do know the compromise he did vote for, the the Senate HELP Committee bill (PDF):

"I could not be prouder of our Committee. We have done the hard work that the American people sent us here to do. We have considered hundreds of proposals. Where we have been able to reach principled compromise, we have done so. Where we have not been able to resolve our differences, we have treated those with whom we disagree with respect and patience," Chairman Kennedy said. "As we move from our committee room to the Senate floor, we must continue the search for solutions that unite us, so that the great promise of quality affordable health care for all can be fulfilled."

As Media Matters notes, the HELP bill featured a public option:

The bill includes a public option and a mandate that each American is covered by a health insurance plan. According to the press release's summary of the bill:

Shared responsibility requires that everyone -- government, insurance companies, medical providers, individuals and employers -- has a part in solving America's health care crisis. The Affordable Health Choices Act requires those businesses which do not provide coverage for their workers to contribute to the cost of providing publicly sponsored coverage for those workers. It includes an exception for small businesses.

The bill also includes a strong public option that responds to the wishes of the American people to have a clear alternative to for-profit insurance companies. Like private insurance plans The Community Health Insurance Option will be available through the American Health Benefit Gateway, a new way for individuals and small employers to find and purchase quality and affordable health insurance in every state.

That's the compromise Ted Kennedy accepted. Remember, his preference was always for Medicare For All.

Speaking for me only

Full post as published by TalkLeft on August 28, 2009 (boomark / email).