Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel, as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement in support of the public option as part of America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 (HR 3200).

“Despite the votes taken yesterday in the Senate Finance Committee, I am encouraged that a robust public option will be considered and passed when the full House considers health reform legislation. A key component of effective healthcare reform is the inclusion of a robust public option. It is more effective when modeled on Medicare, with providers getting reimbursed on a scale pegged to Medicare rates.

“There have been too many compromises already made, before anything has even passed the House or Senate. Short of a single-payer system, which is the absolute best way to hold down costs and keep insurance companies in check, the next best method is a robust public option tied to Medicare. This would improve care for millions of Americans who have health insurance, and provide care to the 47 million and growing who have none. Finally, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated that a public option tied to Medicare rates will yield over $75 billion in savings over a 10-year period. It is amazing to me that those who oppose the public option call themselves fiscal conservatives, because the public option is not only good policy, but it will produce substantial savings for the government.

“Health care reform is long overdue, and legislation must reach President Obama’s desk to change the system and ensure affordable health coverage for all Americans. We have a unique opportunity to make history – a chance to make a difference in the lives of this and future generations. The sound and fury disseminated by those with the most to lose from change must be rejected and cooler heads must prevail. We must stand firm for real, effective changes to the system so we can have quality, sustainable health care now and for future generations.