Here’s what you need to know.
1. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are leading the charge to have a public option offered alongside the private payers on the exchanges.
“We must continue to make needed healthcare reforms so that the American people can have healthcare as a right, not a privilege,” Mr. Sanders said.
2. The measure has widespread support with the Democrats.
3. As private insurers continue to withdraw from the exchanges, Co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee Stephanie Taylor said a public option could increase competition among payers.
4. The senators will bring a resolution forward that outlines the challenges in the healthcare industry, and how a public option would eliminate them.
5. The ACA was originally supposed to offer a public option, but that was blocked in Congress. President Barack Obama and democratic nominee Hillary Clinton both have supported public healthcare options.
Mr. Obama said that a public option would strengthen competition and would result in “more affordable health plans” for consumers.
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