Can we scuttle the bill, and simply expand the scope of Medicare in reconcilliation?

[grahamhgreen]

Do we have the votes?

[Unvanguard]

1. If we do, we should do it, but we probably don't.

You could probably get a majority of the Democratic caucus for "Medicare for All", but not a majority of the Senate.

[grahamhgreen]

7. I have heard that we do have 50+ senate votes for medicare for 55 and over. This would be better

than the current bill without a PO or expanded Medicare....

[Pirate Smile]

2. People with pre-existing conditions would be screwed.

[chimpymustgo]

3. Expand Medicare. Shut out insurance companies. Universal HEALTH CARE.

[grahamhgreen]

6. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid exclude pre-existing conditions.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Medicare-Medicaid-Insurance-992/2008/1/Preexisting-conditions-Medicare-Medicaid.htm

[Cleita]

4. I actually would like to see Medicare fixed in a separate bill along

the lines of John Conyer's HR 676 bill that expands and improves Medicare closing all the loopholes and gaps it presently has. Then the Medicare Advantage programs and part D giveaway to private insurance and big PhRMA could be eliminated and would be a first step in getting those corporations out of public health care for seniors permanently. Once that is done, the benefits could start being extended to other groups until everyone is included. We will have to do this down the line because both the bills proposed in the House and Senate, if passed, aren't going to help whole lot and they will break the bank because they are nothing more than corporate welfare for the health care industry and big PhRMA. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how flawed and expensive these bills are.

[robinlynne]

5. how about removing lieberman from every committee immediately?

how about we stop pandering to the right? baucus too if need be. How about calling his bluff and making him actually filibuster? how about not making change after change to make the right wing happy?