The Defenders
Monday, August 3 2009
It’s good to know that at least some people in this country approve of government-run health care:
Six high-profile veterans groups are raising objections to the House healthcare reform bill, warning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that it could jeopardize the care of millions of veterans.
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The letter notes that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides medical services to millions of veterans and the quality of care “has risen to amongst the finest health care systems in the nation.”
“Unfortunately,” the letter states, “as currently drafted, H.R. 3200 fails to adequately recognize, protect or preserve this invaluable system for our nation’s 24 million veterans.”
This is being reported as opposition to the current bill, but read the actual letter (.pdf) and you’ll see that it’s not. In particular, the vet’s want two things: First, to keep the VHA, which they acknowledge as among the finest health care systems in the nation. That’s a point progressives have made over and over again.
Second, they ask Congress to ensure that veterans and their families have access to health insurance exchanges, including the public option. Remember that under the current legislation, only those without employer-based insurance would have access to the exchanges. Even if all your employer offers is a crappy insurance plan, that will keep you out of the exchanges. The veterans are asking to circumvent this clause entirely – which progressives would like to do for everyone.
The way they’ve framed these requests is a little odd (by which I mean ‘self-centered’), but it boils down to a progressive agenda in the end. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of that agenda, but the leadership Congress shouldn’t shy from using it towards that end.
