Emphasize cost issue in next attempt at health reform
2009 was an exhausting year for Americans concerned about the 16 percent of GDP consumed by our present health care non-system. Thank God for the patriots of Massachusetts who have given us a pause to reconsider.
Before we entered the legislative jungle, the two compelling drivers for reform were cost increases and the uninsured. They are compelling in very different ways. Continued cost increases of 100 percent like the last 10 years and premium increases of 100 percent in just eight years will hasten the bankruptcy of Medicare and Medicaid… Many citizens support major reform but are alarmed by the short legislative process, new taxes, subsidies and personal or business impact. All this and yet the CBO, Mayo Clinic and others maintain that this legislation will not reduce or control costs.
Since present federal programs already cover the 30 percent of Americans with highest medical needs and expend about $1.1 trillion, it would be sensible to combine them all. This alone would produce simplification, reduce bureaucracy and lower administration costs. The Mayo Clinic and others have pleaded to "fix Medicare first" and continue private insurance.
Springfield News-Leader, 3/10/2010
TOP STORIES
Obama To Push Health Care Overhaul Into Final Act
Reuters
March 3, 2010
Today at 1:45 EST, the President is due to make a statement at the White House urging Congress to move swiftly toward a vote on legislation.
Daschle: Incremental Health Reforms Won’t Work
Kaiser Health News
March 3, 2010
In a recent Q&A with Kaiser Health News, Tom Daschle said ‘I tell audiences all over the country, if this passes we're on the 30-yard line, we've got 70 yards to go to accommodate really significant change in the system, adequate enough to be able to say we've addressed cost, access and quality in a meaningful way.'
Health Reform’s Reconciliation Ref - Alan Frumin
Time
March 3, 2010
When it comes to the complex budgetary procedure known as reconciliation, Alan Frumin is "the defense counsel, he's the prosecution, he's the judge, he's the jury and he's the hangman,"
INSURANCE
Lawmakers Expand Investigation Into Health Insurance Rate Hikes
The Los Angeles Times
March 3, 2010
The scope of a congressional investigation into health insurance rate hikes in California expanded as lawmakers summoned the chief executives of four of the nation's largest for-profit health insurers to testify about medical claims denied for individuals with preexisting conditions.
TRANSPARENCY/SAFETY
The Riverboat Gamble of This Generation
The Wall Street Journal - Op-Ed
March 3, 2010
Just as the Reagan supply-side economics policy, which depended on lowering tax rates to increase productivity, became synonymous with the Republican Party, so too will the health care overhaul be firmly affixed to Democratic aspirants chests.
The Health Reform Debate is Political Theatre Worth Watching
The Washington Post - Op-Ed
March 3, 2010
The gridlock now clutching Washington is unacceptable, health care reform is now about the November election.
What is the Distribution of Lifetime Health Care Costs From Age 65
Center for Retirement Research at Boston College
March 3, 2010
Link to a brief outlining the findings of new research that calculates the distribution of lifetime health care costs.
STATE NEWS
Plan Offered to Break Impasse on Health Care in Minnesota
The Star Tribune
March 3, 2010
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state Republican legislative leaders said they have produced a plan to break the impasse over providing health insurance for the state's poorest and sickest residents.
Coverage Switch Urged for Localities
The Boston Globe
March 3, 2010
Massachusetts cities and towns would save tens of millions of dollars in health care costs for employees, retirees, and elected officials by joining the state's much larger, more flexible health care system.
REFORM EFFORTS
Democrats Eye Health Care Finish
Roll Call
March 3, 2010
With President Barack Obama poised today to roll out his final strategy for passing health care reform, House and Senate Democrats are scrambling to put the finishing touches on their endgame, trying to make sure the stars align perfectly for what is likely their only shot at passing an overhaul this year.
ABC News
March 2, 2010
President Obama will use reconciliation to pass Senate health care reform fix if not given the up or down vote.
Democrats Chase Health Care Votes
The Wall Street Journal
March 3, 2010
At least a half-dozen House Democrats who voted against the health care bill say they are now undecided.
Nelson Defends Senate Health Bill, Signals Strong Backing for Reform
The Hill
March 3, 2010
Sen. Ben Nelson, who withheld his support for the Senate-passed health care reform bill strongly hinted that he is prepared to back the final push to finish the job this spring.
Obama Offers to Use Some G.O.P Health Proposals
The New York Times
March 3, 2010
President Obama offered to address some of the concerns expressed by Republicans in the health care debate as the two parties maneuvered for advantage heading into the legislative end game.
Additional Coverage
As Democrats Seek to Push Through Health Bill, Obama Reaches Out to Republicans - The Washington Post
EMPLOYERS
‘Blue Dog’ Democrats Need to Act Now on Health Care
The Washington Post - Op-Ed
March 3, 2010
If the Blue Dogs stuck together, they could insist that health care reform be made more responsible than the version recently endorsed by President Obama - in particular, the tax on expensive employer-provided health care plans.