Candidate Wardell Comments on Sen. McCaskill's Health Care Position

Oct. 30, 2009 - PRLog -- http://www.ky3.com/news/political/blog/67405182.html


McCaskill: Senate public option would give states choice to opt out

Originally printed at http://www.ky3.com/news/political/blog/67405182.html

By Dave Catanese

SPRINGFIELD Mo.--  House Democrats rolled out their version of healthcare reform Thursday with a toned-down version of the government insurance option.

It comes as the Senate continues to wrangle with its own public option component.

Both chambers are getting closer to bringing their bills to the floor for a full debate. And for Senator Claire McCaskill, the key issue is passing reform without adding to the deficit.

Unveiled in Washington with much fanfare, the $894 billion dollar House bill would give 94 percent of Americans health insurance, and some the choice of a government option.

"This bill is fiscally sound, will not add one dime to the deficit," said Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

On the Senate side, a public option is also included that would allow states to opt out of the system with approval from the legislature and the Governor.

"I'm open to the trigger, but I do think there's some merit in letting states decide," said McCaskill.  "The closer we get this process to people at home and away from Washington, the better," she added.

But 7th District Republican Congressional candidate Michael Wardell said there are other ways to contain the cost of premiums in Missouri.

"It gives the government an unfair advantage.  They are a big bully that swings a very big bat," said Wardell, referring to the public option.

"What if we were able to buy insurance pretty much from anywhere in the United States and allow that insurance to be used here. That creates competition and competition has always driven prices down," Wardell said.

But back in Washington in the minority, Republicans are left blasting the 19-hundred page bill as a freight train of taxes and bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, while supportive of any type of public option, McCaskill said the key to her vote will be the deficit.  She said any reforms have to be deficit neutral.

"The 800 pound gorilla in our deficit is not Social Security, it's not any of the spending we do in Washington. It's the increased costs in healthcare that we're feeling across the board," McCaskill said.

House Democrats expect to bring their plan up for debate late next week and they think they have the votes for it to pass.

To listen to our full interview with Sen. Claire McCaskill, click HERE and HERE.

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Michael Wardell is a retired and disabled US Marine Vet. who is running for US Congress on the Republican Ticket.