U.S. State Legislatures Endorse Federal Public Health Insurance Option

It is my pleasure to inform you that in the concluding meeting of its national conference, the full body of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) voted to include a public health insurance option in the organization’s official policy recommendations for federal health care reform. As a member of NCSL's Standing Committee on Health, Chair of the Progressive States Network (PSN), and a part of the White House Working Group of State Legislators for Health Care Reform, I worked closely with my colleagues to win this endorsement.

I am proud of our collaborative efforts to shape a policy that will improve access to quality, affordable health coverage for all Texans and Americans.

This endorsement is symbolic of a growing consensus by state legislators and the public in support of President Obama’s health care plan, which will ensure patient choice of doctor and strengthen employer based coverage. The President's plan is centered on preventive care and will lower costs both for employers and their employees. This sound public policy will benefit working families, state economies, and small businesses across the country.

In addition to the public option, the full body also recommended a series of policy proposals including strong affordability protections, assistance in expanding Medicaid programs, and freedom for states to set benefit requirements and other regulatory standards that exceed federal minimums.

Every day we are making progress towards closing the gap that has left millions of Americans without health care. We must continue working together to seize this opportunity.

I will keep you updated on this important policy matter as it continues to develop.