“Why Aren’t You For a Public Option?”

Marguerite Bowling / June 24, 2009

That was the core question U.S. Rep. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.) directed to health expert Robert Moffit, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Health Policy Studies, yesterday at the House Education and Labor Committee’s first real hearing.

“If all of the health plans [including a government-run health plan] are on the same, level playing field, and everyone is guaranteed access to health insurance, why would you need a public option?” Moffit shot back.

In his testimony [see below], Moffit warned the committee that several components of the drafted legislation would limit individual freedom and add new costs to employers and taxpayers. The 852-page plan — which is being considered by the House Ways & Means Committee and Energy & Commerce Committee as well — features the creation of a government-run insurance plan, employer mandates to provide insurance to employees, and mandates on consumers to buy health insurance. (more…)