TOP STORIES
CBO Estimates House Health Bill at $905 Billion or Less
The Washington Post
October 16, 2009
Congressional budget analysts have given House leaders cost estimates for two competing versions of their plan to overhaul the health care system, concluding that one comes within striking distance of the $900 billion limit set by President Obama and the other falls below it.
Influential AMA’s Support for Reform is Far From Certain
The Washington Post
October 16, 2009
Now that the health care debate has been approved by the Senate Finance Committee it is less clear whether the AMA will continue on its new path as a champion for change or revert to its role as reform's most enduring naysayer.
A Hatchet Job So Bad It’s Good
The New York Times - Op-Ed
October 15, 2009
Last weekend, the America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) released a report attacking the reform plan just passed by the Senate Finance Committee. Health care experts quickly, and correctly, dismissed it as a hatchet job and the end result of AHIP’s blunder may be a better bill than we would otherwise have had.
Checkpoint: Where Things Stand Right Now
The New York Times
October 15, 2009
The New York Times introduces Checkpoint a new feature designed to help readers catch up quickly on the latest health care twists in Washington and beyond.
Healthcare Leadership Council Memorandum - Full memo attached
Healthcare Leadership Council
October 15, 2009
INSURANCE
Democrats Weigh Wider Coverage
The Wall Street Journal
October 16, 2009
Senate Democrats may widen insurance coverage in sweeping health legislation but they face a struggle to come up with ways to pay for the extra spending.
Pelosi Joins Fellow Democrats in Tough Talk for Health Insurers
The Washington Post
October 16, 2009
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned insurance companies that health care reform could cost the industry dearly through new fees, fewer regulatory protections, and fresh competition from the federal government.
House Panel Looks to Help Underinsured
Healthleaders Media
October 16, 2009
While Congress has focused on the estimated 46 million without insurance as it looks to overhaul the health care system, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations moved to include review of the estimated 25 million who are underinsured.
TRANSPARENCY/SAFETY
White House Helped Create Corporate-Backed Health Care Campaign
Politico
October 16, 2009
At a meeting last April with corporate lobbyists, aides to President Barack Obama and Senator Baucus helped set in motion a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign that has played a key role in bolstering public support for health care reform.
WELLNESS/CHRONIC CARE
Wellness Incentives Could Create Health Care Loophole
The Washington Post
October 16, 2009
If health care reform provisions passed by the Senate finance and health committees become law the new legislation could put workers under intense financial pressure to lose weight, stop smoking or even lower their cholesterol.
STATE NEWS
Study: Estimated 28,100 Connecticut Residents Losing Health Insurance in 2009
The Hartford Courant
October 16, 2009
A total of 28,100 Connecticut residents will lose their health coverage in 2009 as a result of losing their jobs, according to an estimate by Families USA.
MEDICARE/MEDICAID
Senate Move on Medicare Payments Sets Up Pay-Go Showdown with House
The Hill
October 15, 2009
Already at odds over health care, the Democratically controlled House and Senate are now on a collision course over legislation to require both chambers to pay for everything they pass.
REFORM EFFORTS
Baucus: All Senate Dems Will Support Health Bill
The Dallas News
October 15, 2009
When it comes time to vote, every Democrat in the Senate will support legislation overhauling the nation's health care system, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee predicted Thursday.
Another Public Option, But This One’s Probably Not for You
The New York Times
October 15, 2009
Senate Democrats launch yet another trial balloon for the public option.
Pelosi: Health Care is Insurers Vs. Middle Class
Roll Call
October 16, 2009
Pelosi pressed her case arguing middle class Americans facing a new requirement to buy insurance also need a public insurance option to protect against insurance companies that have denied them quality coverage in the past.
Public Option Backers Fight On
Politico
October 15, 2009
The forces in favor of a public health insurance option roared back Thursday on Capitol Hill after weeks when their cause looked bleak.
NEW ADMINISTRATION
Time Magazine
October 16, 2009
Strong confrontations between White House health care boss Nancy-Ann DeParle and Karen Ignagni, the leading medical-insurance lobbyist in Washington threaten to undermine health care overhaul efforts.
Health Care Reform Adds to Troubles of Senators Reid and Dodd
The Christian Science Monitor
October 16, 2009
Senators Harry Reid and Christopher Dodd are leading the charge for a health care reform bill. But that makes it hard for them to run as moderates in 2010, when both will face tough reelection campaigns.