States Worried About Health Reform Cost Shift

January 7, 2010

Financial burdens may by force many further into debt.

Federal health reform will have significant impacts on state budgets. The biggest concerns are: the increased Medicaid liability, new regulatory burdens, state-run health insurance exchanges and a possible fight for federal aid. Also in the January 7, 2010 NAHU Newswire it is reported in an article from the Wall Street Journal that the House and Senate version of the bill may penalize married couples upward to $2,000 or more for health insurance benefits as compared to non-married couples who purchase insurance from the new exchanges.

House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has expressed confidence in combining the House and Senate versions of the health care reform bill after meeting with party Chairs and the President Wednesday. At that meeting, it is reported that the President has signaled to House Democratic leaders he is in favor of the Senate version of the "Cadillac tax".

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