Last Weeks Round-up on Healthcare Reform

December 14, 2009

Managers Amendment sent to CBO for review

Last week proved to be an interesting week with healthcare reform. Then Manager's Amendment to H.R. 3590 was sent to the CBO and the cost evaluation is expected mid-week. Some of the changes that were included in the amended version include:

• The creation of a national insurance plan to be administered by the office of Personnel Management
• Trigger for government run plan if private insurers fail to participate in the new program
• Expanding Medicare to the 55-64 population. Details are unclear on the costs and how the program would be managed.
• Requirement of 90% of premium to be spent on patient care instead of administration.
• Reauthorization of Children's Health Insurance Program.

A recent Rasmussen poll indicates 41% of U. S. voters favor the health plan proposed by the President and Democrats, 51% of voters oppose the plan.

To read this article and more articles in the December 11, 2009 NAHU Washington Update click here .

Today's NAHU Newswire update indicates the next 48 hours will be critical in passing healthcare reform in the Senate. Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader is seeking to find the 60 votes necessary to pass the reform by Christmas. Senator Joe Lieberman has indicated he will oppose the bill if it allows uninsured individuals age 55-64 to buy into the Medicare System. Senator McCaskill (D-MO) indicated she would oppose the bill if it raises costs and the deficit goes up. Meanwhile, a HHS report indicates that healthcare costs will continue to rise and the proposed Medicare savings may harm the program is coming form HHS.

To read more on this story, read the December 14, 2009 NAHU Newswire update .

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