It’s almost too serendipitous. Sen. Ted Kennedy, who has always fought for healthcare access and equity from his days as a junior lawmaker, emerges anew with vigor; he’s set to announce formally his specifics on the planned government overhaul of healthcare delivery. All but written off as deceased not even a year ago after being diagnosed with a central nervous system tumor, the veteran senator approaches this new legislation as a watershed in his long and respected career. His alacrity with this matter, one could argue, is giving him the very life and function to see this accomplishment through.

The 77-year-old senator said the proposed law would establish a “gateway” for people without insurance or those who wish to change insurers to compare prices, and he made clear a government-run plan will be one of the options available.

“We’ll negotiate with insurance companies to keep premiums and copays low and help you with your premiums if you can’t afford them,” Kennedy wrote.

“We’re also hearing that some Americans want the choice of enrolling in a health insurance program backed by the government for the public good, not private profit – so that option will be available too,” added Kennedy.

Of course, competing for Obama’s healthcare allegiance is the Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)-led initiative to bring Republicans into the fold who believe a plan such as Kennedy’s constitutes the road toward socialism in healthcare. The promise of a strict government public health policy 40 years in the making, or a pragmatic bipartisan approach to conservatively rein in healthcare spending? Should be an interesting summer for healthcare policy wonks. | LINK

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