2 pages. Excerpt: How is the public plan different from the 'essential benefits plan' that private health insurers support? The private insurance industry proposes to create a portable health plan for individuals and small businesses that would not be subject to state regulation. This plan would not compete with private plans, but rather, allow private plans to group specific lines of business together outside of a competitive framework -- an approach that promises neither cost control nor quality improvements. By contrast, giving Americans the choice of a public plan allows us all to realize the benefits of both public and private plans: flexibility and stability, market accountability and democratic accountability, and inclusive social protection and private innovation.

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