PAGE 30
GRAYSON INTRODUCES
PUBLIC OPTION ACT
Bill Opens Up Medicare To Anyone
Who Can Pay For It
(WASHINGTON) – Congressman Alan Grayson, D-
Fla., today introduced a bill (H.R. 4789) which would
give the option to buy into Medicare to every citizen of
the United States. The “Public Option Act,” also
known as the “Medicare You Can Buy Into Act,” would
open up the Medicare network to anyone who can pay
for it.
Congressman Grayson said, “Obviously, America
wants and needs more competition in health coverage,
and a public option offers that. But it’s just as
important that we offer people not just another choice,
but another kind of choice. A lot of people don’t want
to be at the mercy of greedy insurance companies that
will make money by denying them the care that they
need to stay healthy, or to stay alive. We deserve to
PROGRAM SUCCESS – MARCH 2010
have a real alternative.”
The bill would require the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to establish
enrollment periods, coverage guidelines,
and premiums for the program. Because
premiums would be equal to cost, the
program would pay for itself.
“The government spent billions of dollars creating a
Medicare network of providers that is only open to one-
eighth of the population.
That’s like saying, ‘Only
people 65 and over can use
federal highways.’ It is a
waste of a very valuable
resource and it is not fair.
This idea is simple, it makes
sense, and it deserves an up-
or-down
vote,”
Congressman Grayson said.
In keeping with the “Grayson style,” the bill is clear and
concise. It is only four pages. You can read the bill at
Grayson.house.gov