Rockefeller vs. Trigger

Not the horse.

Here’s the statement from Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee’s health subpanel, reacting to reports that the White House is leaning toward a trigger in lieu of a strong public option in the Democrats’ health reform legislation:

Historically, ‘trigger’ mechanisms have not been successful, and they are not a substitute for a strong public health insurance option. A ‘trigger’ simply delays price competition, which in turn will delay affordability for consumers and moves us farther away from the goals of health care reform. Already, we are seeing insurance companies threatening to game the system, by raising their prices in advance of reform. The only way to curb price-gouging by health insurance companies is with real competition on day one—that is the public option.

Any questions?