The American Medical Association Warms to Public Health Insurance

The American Medical Association Warms to Public Health Insurance in Politics and Legislation

The American Medical Association’s 5-day meeting ended yesterday. Unsurprisingly, they reasserted their opposition to a single-payer plan. However, the 543-member policymaking body did vote to support new “health system reform alternatives,” reported the Chicago Tribune.

The ice had already begun to thaw on Monday when President Obama’s speech to the AMA drew a standing ovation. The President said that the public health insurance he envisioned would be more of an exchange wherein patients would still choose their doctors. He clarified that, although still undefined, this option would function the same as private plans covering federal employees.

This went a long way in reassuring the AMA that a government-run system wasn’t in the works. Their opposition to health care reform has been largely out of concern that it would reduce the role of private insurance companies and lead to price controls. In recent years, they have worked diligently to prevent attempts to cut Medicare payments to doctors. Their new openness to insurance alternatives is sweet news for public plan proponents.

The White House wasted no time seizing on the favorable shift. They issued a statement yesterday saying, “The AMA agrees with the President that enacting reform that drives down costs and expands choice and coverage is an urgent priority. We look forward to working with them as the process moves forward.”

Although the AMA didn’t fully endorse a public option — the details have yet to be determined — supporters of a public health plan have reason to walk a little lighter this week.

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