Public option is necessary for consumers says Congressman Chaka Fattah

Aug 20 2009

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issues the following statement regarding a public option and healthcare reform:

"There is no option when it comes to reforming America's ailing healthcare system. We must do it. And there is no option for inclusion of a public plan. We must have it. Real reform requires real choice. A public option provides consumers a critical alternative to private plans.

"When Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) -- all key members of the Senate Finance Committee which is writing the Senate's healthcare legislation -- were faced with selecting a college they had numerous options. Quality, access and affordability; it's what every student looks for when deciding on a school. Whether large or small, private or public, each of the Senators had real options.

"In the end, two chose the public plan. Senator Grassley attended the University of Northern Iowa and Senator Snowe opted for the University of Maine. Senator Enzi chose a private option. Senators Grassley and Snowe are critics of a healthcare reform public option but both chose schools created and funded by the government. Neither of them worried that the government would take over their school or that the quality of instruction would be sacrificed.

"When it comes to healthcare every American should be afforded the same opportunity the three Senators had, the ability to opt for the best plan according to their individual needs. Surely these Senators won't deny the average citizen the kind of benefit and choice they have enjoyed.

"A public option will curtail the cost of care without compromising the quality of care. Competition and choice between public and private institutions and programs are long established American values. Competition and choice is what the public option provides."