Here's the thought, let's make the public option "for profit". set the profit margin at 5%
Fund the option with a 1% interest rate loan interest only from the treasury, due in 20 years.
Make medicare available to those under 65, but at rates determined to be profitable for the Medicare Insurance Company to make profits. Contribute the profits to subsidizing those who have a hard time making the payments.
The advantage of naming it as a for profit plan, is that it becomes eligible for the reconciliation process. and the blue dogs can vote for it and say it is revenue positive for the taxpayer without raising taxes.
The progressives are getting their public option.
It goes through the reconciliation process as a complete bill.
My wife and I contributed over $2000 last year to the Obama campaign and various Senate Campaigns.
If we don't get a good Health Care Bill, or at least an HONEST ATTEMPT, Obama is bankrupt with me.
I know this is a short diary, but the comments should fill it out.