A recent article in the Des Moines Register says that the majority of Iowans want the government to offer the option of a public health insurance plan. From the Des Moines Register's Iowa Poll:

The Iowa Poll found that 56 percent of Iowans support creation of a public health insurance plan. Thirty-seven percent oppose the idea and 7 percent are unsure. If such a plan were created, 47 percent of Iowans who aren't already insured by government programs say they would consider enrolling.

In Iowa, folks are tired of being stuck with insurance options that are either too costly to maintain, or unavailable when they need it most. Quality, affordable health care should be available to every Iowan, not just those who can afford it.

Thanks to Iowa's delegation in the U.S. Senate, our state has a big role to play in shaping reform. Senator Charles Grassley is the ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee, which is currently hosting roundtables on reform and will later draft legislation. Also important is Sen. Tom Harkin, who is working on crafting a public health insurance plan:

"Studies show that public plans can have reduced administrative costs, reduced premiums due to the bargaining power of the federal government and assurance of coverage of individuals that have serious conditions," Harkin spokeswoman Kate Cyrul wrote. "The goal of this effort is to build on what works, and if people like the coverage they have, they should be able to keep it. But we shouldn't deny those who would like the option of a public plan."

A public health insurance option will level the playing field, offering more choices for individuals seeking health care coverage. By restoring competition to the marketplace, a public health insurance plan will bring down costs and improve coverage. For Iowa, increased choices in health care coverage means a healthier, stronger state.

It's time for all of us to take a stand and let our senators know that we expect health care reform this year and we expect a public health insurance plan to be included. Thanks to Senator Grassley's special involvement in the creation of a new health-care system, Iowans have an important role to play.

Write to Senator Grassley and tell him you support a public plan option as part of our country's health care reform: http://action.seiu.org/page/speakout/HCgrassley