dk: Explain to me how mandating that we HIRE these private insurance companies (the 'mandate') is putting them out of business? It's *welfare* for them!

Yes, Obama *did* say he wanted the public option but that was long before that got thrown out. THIS law isn't going to get that done. Not even close. But I agree with you that it's NOT going to solve our health care problems. At least not as I see them. It doesn't solve access problems, costs, excessive profit motives, legal problems, etc.