I don't like Freedomcare. Sounds like something the GOP came up with - if you're against Freedomcare, then you're against freedom and if you're against freedom, you're a communist.

Medicare Part E? I can dig it.

I should probably clarify -- "Freedomcare" is sort of tongue-in-cheek, Allonfla.

This should've been the democrats stance from the beginning. "We want to give Americans the option to buy into Medicare before automatically qualifying as a senior citizen." It would've made it much tougher for republicans to claim we're ripping off Medicare if we're talking about expanding it.

Apple-pie-and-cute-white-babiescare?

Not that it would be politically helpful, but I like Democraticare. ;)

Call it whatever you want just give it to me.

I don't know if Medicare rates + 5% is substantial enough, or if a plan has been hatched that still would make it affordable if that percentage were higher, but it seems that the usual talking point is that Medicare rates are so low, the doctors and hospitals wouldn't be able to survive (which is why they gouge Medicare in the first place with insane, over the top fees.)

Does anyone have concrete numbers in regards to this? Do Medicare rates vary state to state?

Yes, the Medicare Reimbursement rates vary by state and some like, that douchebag Kent Conrad's North Dakota are reimbursed at lower rates. If Pelosi is pushing this Medicare + 5%, then he can't still be against this. Actually, he's a dick so he still could. I'm just not sure what his reason would be now. And while I'm still partial to my own name for the plan (PIP) Public Insurance Plan, I think that Medicare is a strong brand name and as Bob says, it's well known to most Americans.

Part E? More like PARTY! Everyone's invited!