A Public Health Care Option Is Within Reach

By MoveOn.org

On May 28, President Barack Obama told volunteers from Organizing For America that a public health care option needed to happen sooner than later. If the necessary legislation isn’t pushed through this summer, he warned, it will not happen at all during his presidency.  

“We need health care reform legislation that works, that preserves what works about health care, that fixes the things that are broken,” Obama said. “And I think the status quo is unacceptable.”

Creating a viable public option is more than a political necessity, the president added. It is a symbolic gesture to Americans who voted for “change” in November.

"This is our big chance to prove that the movement that started during the campaign isn't over, we are just getting started," Obama said. "The election in November -- that didn't bring about change, that just gave us the opportunity for change. So now we are really going to have to re-mobilize. We had a chance to catch our breath after the election. We got a lot of things done in the first four months. But health care, that's a big push."

Continuing to make good on his campaign promise, Obama stood strong Monday in his address to the American Medical Association. In a speech directed toward members of the nation’s largest community of physicians, he targeted the tangled bureaucracy that prevents millions of Americans from gaining access to reasonably priced healthcare. He also attempted to quell concerns about forceful government involvement and cuts in doctor pay.

“I understand that you are concerned that today's Medicare rates will be applied broadly in a way that means our cost savings are coming off your backs,” Obama said. “These are legitimate concerns, but ones, I believe, that can be overcome.”

He added, “What we seek is more stability and a health care system on a sound financial footing. And these reforms need to take place regardless of what happens with a public option.”

Obama’s comments are an indication that a remedy to our broken health care system is within reach. But it’s also up to us to make sure the issue gets all of the attention it deserves. That’s why MoveOn’s efforts to support a public health insurance option is our top Take Action campaign of the week. Tell your Senators and Representatives that a public health option is absolutely necessary. You can do it here.

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