What's the purpose fo the "public option"? Why just not provide tax-credits for those who wish to purchase their own coverage? Why insure illegals? How will it contain costs?

Sveta, the biggest issue they want to address is there are some markets that have no competition.. Like even in Central NY.. you either go with United or BlueCross..
A lot of insurers struggle to cover multiple municipalities due to regulations, etc.
Government ran plan would complete nationally across the board.
However, the other solution could be ( a better one ) make insurance regulation a federal law and prohibit state/local regulations.
This will fix monopoly issue.

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Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу

the other solution could be ( a better one ) make insurance regulation a federal law and prohibit state/local regulations.
Exactly!
But you do know why it's not the way they are going? ;-)

To apply for coverage, you have tohave your SSN. Illegals do not have SSN, so they can not get coverage.

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Замужество – это не семейное положение..... это – медаль. Она так и называется "За мужество!"

Mike, what's funny is that the government itself had created the "monopoly", and now they are trying to "address" it... (tr)
Света, some illegals have SSN or wil obtain it...

If they obtain SSN then they are not illegals anymore. If they have fake SSN they still will not apply, they will not take a chance to be verified. Do they apply for medicaid today?

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Замужество – это не семейное положение..... это – медаль. Она так и называется "За мужество!"

Света, you can have SSN (for work only), it doesn't mean you are a permanent resident...I think...*-)

So those people either working, or they have spouses who work. They are not illegals. And nobody says that public option will be free.

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Замужество – это не семейное положение..... это – медаль. Она так и называется "За мужество!"

They are not illegals
Света, they did come and stay here ILLEGALLY...
Doesn't the bill say this?
Page 170. NONRESIDENT ALIENS.—Subsection (a)
INDIVIDUALS RESIDING OUTSIDE UNITED STATES.—Any qualified individual (as defined in section 911)(and any qualifying child residing with such individual) shall betreated for purposes of this section as covered by acceptable coverageduring the period described in subparagraph (A) of section 911 (1), whichever is applicable. INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN POSSESSIONS OF THE UNITED STATES.—Anyindividual who is a bona fide resident of any possession of the United
States(as determined under section 937(a)) for any taxable year (and anyqualifying child residing with such individual) shall be treated forpurposes of this section as covered by acceptable coverage during
such taxable year.

NON RESIDENT ALLIEN does not mean illegal. People who are temporarily working here are also non- resident alliens. And I guess they pay taxes.

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Замужество – это не семейное положение..... это – медаль. Она так и называется "За мужество!"