Liberal caucus leader criticizes Pelosi plan

The chairman of the House Progressive Caucus expressed his "deep disappointment" today at the healthcare bill unveiled by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz) blasted the plan for not including a strong enough public option. House liberals wanted the public option to reimburse doctors at a rate tied to Medicare payments. (5% higher than Medicare, to be exact.)

Pelosi's bill would instead have public option administrators negotiate reimbursements on a case-by-case basis.

Grijalva said he hopes to force a vote on the issue next week.

“The best way to structure any public option would be to have sensible, consistent standards, with maximum transparency for taxpayers,” said Grijalva.

“The robust version of the public option paying a fair and consistent Medicare-plus-five rate nationwide would undoubtedly achieve those goals. I will push to allow for a vote on a robust public option amendment, because the American people deserve that vote.”

Grijalva also fired a warning shot at Senate Democrats, warning that he would not accept an "opt-out" public option.

"The American people must have a guarantee that health insurance is given the same legal status as the rest of the economy," Grijalva said. "Completely removing the anti-trust exemption currently enjoyed by the industry must be a priority.”

The Arizona Democrat also expressed opposition to a "trigger," the compromise favored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine.)

"Any plan based on a trigger will fail," Grijalva said.

Whatever bill passes the House will have to eventually be reconciled with a Senate bill. It is seen as almost impossible for anything "stronger" than an opt-out public plan to pass the Senate.

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