Proposed changes to Medicare move two DFLers closer to public option
House Democrats announced today that they have reached an agreement that would eliminate the regional payment disparities in Medicare. The National Journal is reporting that the measure means Democrats have 218 votes in support of the public option in the House.
DFL Rep. Betty McCollum and DFL Rep. Tim Walz both say they can now support a public option now that the Medicare disparities are fixed. McCollum said she now supports a public option
"Now that the Medicare reimbursement issue has been solved for Minnesota taxpayers and recipients, yes, I do support a public option," McCollum said.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for DFL Rep. Tim Walz says he's also open to supporting the public option. Meredith Salsbery sent a statement to reporters saying Walz is pleased with the Medicare deal announced today. She said he could now support the public option if it's in the final health care bill. She said, however, that he will not take a position on the final bill until he's seen it.
DFL Rep. Jim Oberstar and DFL Rep. Keith Ellison have also indicated strong support for the public option. DFL Rep. Collin Peterson reportedly opposed the public option but that was before the Medicare deal was announced.
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