I am in agreement that a healthcare mandate without public option is a death knell for Democrats, the President, and even Health reform. However can't we use the health insurance mandate against them? I have an idea that could not only help with healthcare, but with the job issue as well.
We may be staring at a U.S. where we are all mandated to buy health insurance. So why not do something actually effective against the health insurance industry? My idea could help short term but will do more good long term. Hear me out.
Why don't we create small, local, health insurance companies that work together as a larger network? We could call the network United Progressive Health, hire workers who are currently unemployed (that are qualified) and run the insurance companies how we want the public option to be run. Lower fees, no such things as pre existing conditions, etc. What would the short term and long term goals/ benefits be?
Short term: We would create jobs for many Americans who are out of work. If the government isn't willing then we could create a true competitor to the health insurance industry.
Long Term: A potential large corporation/ organization that is progressively owned and as such can provide capital to push forward Progressive political agendas ( money to be able to fun other progressively leaning companies etc). Changing healthcare in this country.
Is this viable? If so how can we do this? What is needed to start a health insurance company? I for one would love to be involved, I am a certified art teacher/ graphic designer who has been unable to find a full time teaching position in my area ( Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island) and has to work freelance, and part time at a tutoring center just to make ends meat. If there are anyone else that would like to be involved please let me know.