Last time I made my case that having a health insurance mandate up front in the reform process actually gives you the upper hand in future debate. It can also accelerate real change by exposing market dysfunction as the real driver behind exorbitant costs. As in, “Hey, we’re all in the insurance pool now but costs keep rising. Do something about it, Congress.” But you don’t need to take my word for it. Maine has already been down that path. Follow along as we trace the state’s experience in avoiding a health insurance mandate.

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Things are looking rosy for the public option right now. So why all the talk about the public option being in limbo, of looking for alternative ways to try and keep private insurers in check? Find out here.                     blogsurfer.us

Based on prior history, healthcare “reform” has been wishful thinking. Somehow entrenched special interests always seem to manage to get the government to pay for more of their profit-driven services. Is this time different? Find out here.

What’s next in the healthcare reform drama? Believe it or not, there’s an actual process being followed. See the map and learn 5 things to watch here.                      blogsurfer.us

Courtesy of MAPLight.org, we now have a clear window into a show of solidarity for the public option in the Senate. And it’s fairly disturbing to see how easily our senators can be bought. Read it here.