House Democratic Leaders Introducing Plan B Healthcare Reform Friday

February 4, 2010

Piecemeal approach now being considered

Two freshmen Democratic Representatives will file legislation on Friday to bar the insurance industry from fixing prices in addition to other controls. Republican Senators claim to have found a loophole that could allow them to stop the simple majority Reconciliation process by filing endless amendments. Both side agree that the filibuster is possible

With healthcare spending jumping to 17 Percent of the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is projected that Government programs will take up more than half of the healthcare dollars spent in 2011. Part of the increased spending is related to rising unemployment and the resulting loss of private insurance. Prescription drug spending increased 5.4 percent last year. Causes include higher drug use, swine-flu, and higher prices for brand name medications.

Read more of today's headlines in the February 4, 2010 NAHU Newswire.

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