What Should Obama Say in His Speech to Congress?

On September 3, the Wall Street Journal Health Care Blog asked for comments on what President Obama should say in next week's speech to Congress.

Here is what I proposed that Obama say.

I have listened to the Voices of August, and here is what I propose.

1) Rather than a public option, an option similar to the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). which has existed for 49 years, covers 9 million government employees, including your Congressman and Senator; and which offers lower premiums and choices of 285 private health plans. What’s good for the Goose is good for the Gander.

2) An option allowing every one of you to shop across state lines for a tax-deductible policy that fits your needs and budget.

3) An option that offers “bare-bones” coverage for the young and healthy.

4) Federal regulations that protect you against exclusion from health plans for pre-existing illness, high costs, or age and sex.

5) Assurance that my proposed $500 billion cuts in Medicare will not ration care for the elderly.

6) Protection of doctors against frivolous malpractice suits and protection of people who suffer medical injuries by establishing panels of experts to judge the merits of these suits and to reward injured patients.