A reader writes:
I agree completely with your post, but there's an additional concern I think the GOP should consider. Consider adjoining states, say Kansas and Missouri, with one state opting out and the other opting in.
Let's say that I'm considering starting a new business in Kansas which has opted out of the public option. When I compare the costs to buy private insurance in Kansas vs. my costs to take the public option in Missouri, what is my incentive to stay in Kansas? Wouldn't it be smarter of me to cross the border and set up my business in Missouri? Assuming the public option is successful in controlling costs, states that opt out could potentially see a brain drain to states that opt in. Many of the predicted opt out states are already suffering from brain drain as it is.