Reid: Senate Health Bill Will Include Public Option

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., talked about the "public option with state opt out rights" concept Sunday on "Meet The Press," and he also talked about the limits that he thinks should be imposed on a public option plan program. Any public option plan ought to operate on a level playing field with private insurers, and it ought to meet the same state requirements and use similar provider rates, he said.

In some states, especially where few insurers operate, creating a public option "is the only real way and best way to bring costs down," Schumer said.

"Insurance companies won't do it on their own," he said.

The House appears to be close to unveiling its own health bill, and a vote on the House floor could come the week starting Nov. 6. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told members Friday to be available Nov. 7, and possibly the Monday and Tuesday before Veterans Day, to vote on health reform legislation.

America's Health Insurance Plans, Washington, today said it continues to oppose the public option concept.

"A new government-run plan would underpay doctors and hospitals rather than driving real reforms that bring down costs and improve quality," AHIP President Karen Ignagni says in a statement.

"The divisive debate about a government-run plan is a roadblock to reform," Ignagni says. "It's time we focus instead on broad-based reforms that will ensure the affordability and sustainability of our health care system."