Senate health panel tries again
The new and improved version of the Senate health committee's healthcare overhaul would be cheaper and cover more Americans, its leaders claim.
The plan is estimated to cost $611 billion over 10 years, and offer coverage to 97 percent of Americans. It includes a $750-a-year fee on companies with more than 25 employees for each full-time worker they don't offer coverage, and $375 per part-time worker. It also includes an option for government insurance to compete with private insurers.
"Like the president and a strong majority of Americans, we believe that a strong public option is an important component of any health reform bill that keeps costs down, expands coverage and offers American families a wide variety of affordable options," Senators Chris Dodd of Connecticut and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts wrote in a letter to committee members that was obtained by the Associated Press.
Dodd, who is taking the lead as Kennedy undergoes treatment for brain cancer, briefed reporters this morning on the new proposal, joined by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.
(The committee's release is below.)
The committee's original draft bill was essentially dead on arrival after the Congressional Budget Office -- the official scorekeeper on the costs and benefits of legislation -- concluded last month that it would cost $1 trillion over the next decade, but would leave millions still uninsured.
While the proposal would extend coverage to 39 million people, the CBO estimated, 15 million who had coverage through their employer would lose it, as would 8 million others.
Dodd and Kennedy say in the letter that the revised proposal "virtually eliminates" the likelihood that many companies would drop coverage for their workers.
UPDATE: President Obama praised the new bill, saying it "reflects many of the principles I’ve laid out," and said that when combined with a Senate Finance Committee version, will enable the Senate to vote on "health reform legislation that does not add to the deficit, reduces health care costs and covers 97% of Americans."
His full statement this morning: "For decades, Washington has failed to act as health care costs continued to rise, crushing businesses, families and placing an unsustainable burden on governments. Today the Senate HELP committee has produced legislation that lowers costs, protects choice of doctors and plans and assures quality and affordable health care for Americans. The Congressional Budget Office has now issued a more complete review of this bill, concluding that it will cost less and cover more Americans than originally estimated. It also contains provisions that will protect the coverage Americans get at work.When merged with the Senate Finance Committee’s companion pieces, the Senate will be prepared to vote for health reform legislation that does not add to the deficit, reduces health care costs and covers 97% of Americans.
"The HELP Committee legislation reflects many of the principles I’ve laid out, such as reforms that will prohibit insurance companies from refusing coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and the concept of insurance exchanges where individuals can find affordable coverage if theylose their jobs, move or get sick. Such a marketplace would allow families and some small businesses the benefit of one-stop-shopping for their healthcare coverage and enable them to compare price and quality and pick theplan that best suits their needs.
"Among the choices that would be available in the exchange would be a public health insurance option. The public option would make health care affordable by increasing competition, providing more choices and keeping the insurance companies honest.
"The legislation also improves the quality of patient care, improves safety for patients and strengthens the commitment to preventive health care – preventing people from getting sick in the first place.
"I thank chairman Kennedy, Senator Dodd, and all the members of the HELP Committee for their hard work on health reform."
United HELP Committee Democrats Support Health Care Reform
Affirm support for a public option run by the government for the public good, not private profit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democrats on the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee today reaffirmed their commitment to pass health reform legislation that reduces health costs, protects choice of doctors and plans, and assures quality and affordable health care for Americans. The senators’ statements follow the release of a new estimate on the cost of the Affordable Health Choices Act by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. CBO’s new score of the bill is $611 billion over 10 years - a significant reduction from earlier, incomplete estimates. The new estimate includes a provision on employer responsibility and a strong, national public option, the Community Health Insurance Option.
Statements from all thirteen Democratic and Independent Members on the HELP Committee are below:
“Seeing that every American has quality, affordable health care is one of the great challenges of our time – and we are closer now to meeting that challenge than at any time in history,” said Senator Kennedy. “Congress, the President, businesses, doctors, and working families across the nation are united behind one common goal – making the promise of quality, affordable health care a reality for all Americans.”
“We are on the cusp of the kind of historic reform that has eluded Presidents and the Congress for decades. We must not waste this opportunity by settling for empty gestures and good intentions. The provisions announced earlier today will ensure that reform is affordable, meaningful – and effective,” said Senator Dodd.
"Every consumer knows that the best bet for getting a good deal is when two things are present: choice and competition. And that’s exactly why Americans need to have a public option,” said Senator Harkin. “A public option would ensure real choice – something that is lacking in many parts of the country – and insurance portability that is available nationwide. When a public option and private plans compete head to head, consumers can choose the very best choice for their needs.”
“All across America, families and businesses are being crushed by the rising costs of health care. They are demanding change, and demanding it now. Health care reform cannot wait another year,” said Senator Mikulski. “I am committed to giving Americans the change they want – health care that is reliable, undeniable and affordable. That is what the Senate Democrats health care plan is all about. Our plan will reduce health costs, allow Americans to keep the coverage they have if they want it, and make health insurance affordable to those who do not have it today.”
"This strong public option proposal will ensure that there is real competition between public and private insurance plans. It is an important safeguard, the goal of which is controlling escalating health care costs and extending coverage to millions of Americans for whom health insurance has been out of reach," Senator Bingaman said.
"As we strive to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans, we need to provide a strong public option. This is a major step towards leveling the playing-field and ensuring quality-based care to those who need it," Senator Murray said.
“We need to reform our health care system in order to ensure America’s long-term economic health. This is a fiscally responsible proposal that will give consumers more choices, cut down on ineffective emergency room care, and ensure that every family will have the opportunity to see their family doctor,” said Senator Reed. “The community health insurance option will enable more Americans to choose a health care plan that fits their needs, keeping the health care market more competitive which will keep prices low and quality high.”
“The United States spends almost twice as much per capita on health care as any other nation and yet we are the only major country without a national health care program guaranteeing health care for all. At a time when Americans have very little trust that private health insurance companies can provide them comprehensive and affordable health care, the very least that we must do is to make sure that every person in our country has the choice of a strong Medicare-type public option,” said Senator Bernie Sanders
“Health care reform is about lowering costs for families and businesses while improving medical care,” said Senator Brown. “Passing a strong public option will keep insurance companies honest and ensure that all Americans have access to affordable health coverage. By increasing competition in the insurance market, we can lower costs and expand insurance options. It’s the right answer for Americans who want to keep their existing coverage as well as those who need new coverage choices. It’s time our health care system put American families first.”
“This is a strong bill that will cover 97% of Americans and provide peace of mind to those worried about their current coverage,” said Senator Casey. “It allows for competition to provide more choice, reduce costs and to make sure that health care works for patients, not the insurance companies. Passage of this bill is imperative for the economic security of American families and for the entire nation.”
“My colleagues and I on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee have been working on a plan to reform the health care system in this country. We have crafted a plan that will stabilize health care costs and includes a Community Health Insurance Option, which I support. It is a backstop option for people without access to affordable coverage. Health care providers will not be required to participate, payment rates will be set in a competitive fashion, and the community health insurance option will compete on a level playing field with private health insurance plans in the gateway,” said Senator Hagan.
“If you like your doctor and you like your insurance, nothing will change for you. But if you want more options, this bill provides them, while increasing healthy competition that will reduce costs for everyone,” said Senator Merkley. “For far too long, insurance companies have been able to set the rules, charge what they like and revoke coverage on the flimsiest of excuses. The Affordable Health Choices Act will level the playing field for consumers by providing them with more choices.”
“For many, many Americans, a public health insurance option could mean the difference between more of the same old broken system – or the opportunity, at last, for health care they and their families can afford,” Senator Whitehouse said. “As one woman from Barrington wrote me, ‘the word “option” hardly applies: this is a necessity.'"
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About Political Intelligence
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Excellent news: Of course it does not get any play in the media, who likes things just the way they are!
Since the AMA favors a public plan, with some restrictions and the public favors a government plan we will all know which congressmen are in the pocket of the insurance industry if we do not get a public plan. As a fiscal conservative I know that unless there is competition for the insurance industry there will not be a reduction in the cost of delivery of health care. Only 70 cents of every insurance dollar goes to health care . We must get that figure up to in excess of 90% quickly and higher still if possible.
"RIDING THE RAILS OVER A CLIFF:" (Ameriica's long tragic journey of its uninsured.) A heart breaking journey that most always ends in dreadful ways including untreated cancers,heart desease,and a thousand other deadly afflictions leading to untold suffering and early death. America's broken health care system is now the largest cause of personal bankruptcy as a result of unpayable hospital bills that can very quickly make a middle class family homeless. The premiums for nongroup coverage for a family plan are a health care disgrace rapidly making mothers and fathers risking death in a chair rather than risk uninsured treatment in a hospital bed leading to the loss of the family home. They are America's true tragic heros placing themselves in peril in order
to keep a roof over their children's heads. Please God, give Senatore Ted Kennedy the strength and health plus the essential help from his capable friend Chris Dodd to finally end this tragic life and death struggle of America's uninsured.
Now exceeding fifty million men,women and children.
Did the article say how much the nationalized healthcare will cost?
Was there any mention of why Congress has exempted themselves from this healthcare?
How can we continue to pay local taxes, state taxes, the federal stimulus tax, the Cap and Trade Energy Tax, soda, beer and alcohol taxes and still have and still have any money left in our pockets?
The independently-funded healthcare policy research organization, The Commonwealth Fund, compared possible savings 'a health insurance exchange' could bring under three different scenarios. One would include a Medicare-like plan along with private insurance. Another would instead offer only a government-run plan with rates somewhat higher than Medicare. The final one would be private insurance with no government plan at all.
Commonwealth's study found cumulative health system savings between 2010 and 2020, compared with projected trends for that period, would range from $3.0 trillion under a Medicare-like plan along with private insurance paying providers at Medicare rates in competition with private plans, to $2.0 trillion for a public plan paying providers at rates between Medicare and private plan rates, to $1.2 trillion in the private plan-only scenario. All three options would help insure nearly all Americans, it said, with the number of uninsured dropping to about 4 million people by 2012. 'Such an exchange' would offer a central point for consumers to shop for and compare health plans.
Under the Medicare-like plan along with private insurance, all U.S. residents would be required to obtain health coverage. The plan would establish a new government-sponsored health program for people younger than age 65 who are not eligible for Medicare. More than 40 million people would be expected to enroll in the program, according to Cathy Schoen of the Commonwealth Fund.
The government-operated insurance exchange would be similar to an existing program in Massachusetts and would allow people to compare coverage offered by private insurers and the new public program. In addition, the plan supports wide adoption of health information technology, better disease prevention efforts and 'changes to the insurance payment system' that promote efficiency. Health spending would continue to increase under the plan, but at a slower rate than current projections over the next 10 years. The Commonwealth Fund said the plan would reduce annual health care spending growth from a projected 6.7% to 5.5% and save a cumulative total of about '$3 trillion' by 2020, adding a national health insurance exchange program that includes a federally managed health insurance option could potentially save $1.8 trillion more than a plan consisting only of private plans.
The group's analysis assumed other changes would also be made to the U.S. healthcare market. These include an expansion of existing government coverage and new regulations that would require insurers to cover a wider range of consumers. Hospitals and doctors would also see their revenues grow with any of the three exchanges but at a slower rate, the report said.
The proposal's advocates have argued that a government-sponsored insurance plan would offer the 46 million uninsured Americans an affordable alternative to costly private insurance, adding that It would provide a strong incentive for private plans to strealine, innovate and compete.
Thank You !
AMERICA’S NATIONAL HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY!
It’s official. America and the World are now in a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. A World EPIDEMIC with potential catastrophic consequences for ALL of the American people. The first PANDEMIC in 41 years. And WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES will have to face this PANDEMIC with the 37th worst quality of healthcare in the developed World.
STAND READY AMERICA TO SEIZE CONTROL OF YOUR NATIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.
We spend over twice as much of our GDP on healthcare as any other country in the World. And Individual American spend about ten times as much out of pocket on healthcare as any other people in the World. All because of GREED! And the PRIVATE FOR PROFIT healthcare system in America.
And while all this is going on, some members of congress seem mostly concern about how to protect the corporate PROFITS! of our GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT NATIONAL DISGRACE. A PRIVATE FOR PROFIT DISGRACE that is in fact, totally valueless to the public health. And a detriment to national security, public safety, and the public health.
Progressive democrats the Tri-Caucus and others should stand firm in their demand for a robust public option for all Americans, with all of the minimum requirements progressive democrats demanded. If congress can not pass a robust public option with at least 51 votes and all robust minimum requirements, congress should immediately move to scrap healthcare reform and request that President Obama declare a state of NATIONAL HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY! Seizing and replacing all PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance plans with the immediate implementation of National Healthcare for all Americans under the provisions of HR676 (A Single-payer National Healthcare Plan For All).
Coverage can begin immediately through our current medicare system. With immediate expansion through recruitment of displaced workers from the canceled private sector insurance industry. Funding can also begin immediately by substitution of payroll deductions for private insurance plans with payroll deductions for the national healthcare plan. This is what the vast majority of the American people want. And this is what all objective experts unanimously agree would be the best, and most cost effective for the American people and our economy.
In Mexico on average people who received medical care for A-H1N1 (Swine Flu) with in 3 days survived. People who did not receive medical care until 7 days or more died. This has been the same results in the US. But 50 million Americans don’t even have any healthcare coverage. And at least 200 million of you with insurance could not get in to see your private insurance plans doctors in 2 or 3 days, even if your life depended on it. WHICH IT DOES!
If President Obama has to declare a NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY to rescue the American people from our healthcare crisis, he will need all the sustained support you can give him. STICK WITH HIM! He’s doing a brilliant job.
THIS IS THE BIG ONE!
THE BATTLE OF GOOD Vs EVIL!
Join the fight.
Contact congress and your representatives NOW! AND SPREAD THE WORD!
God Bless You
Jacksmith – WORKING CLASS
Conrad, you can stop the soda, it is bad for the health and eliminate either beer or alcohol. The money you save will pay for your improved health care and make that care less expensive in the future.
Well Conrad, the thing is - the premiums, deductibles, co-pays that we pay every month are already a tax - its just not itemized on our W2. And remember, what we pay now (though sometimes hidden) doesn't often get us the care we need. Insurance companies love to dispute bills, refuse payment and completely disqualify you if you lose your job or come down with a chronic disease.
I am completely facinated by Ed Stewart's poetic but brilliant comments on the uninsured's tragic journey, of Riding the rails over a cliff. I have also read his comments on environmental issues. He is obviously a man with deep faith in a power higher than ourselves. I have a question for Ed: Are you the same Ed that wrote op-ed editorials dealing with environmental problems in our lakes and streams? They were also great reading and lessons for everyone.
One option for bringing down the cost of prescription medication would be to allow drug manufacturers to keep patents longer if they agreed to sell their products at a lower cost when the drug first hits the market.
Drug companies argue that they have to sell their products at a high price to make up for the R&D cost. They only have a 7 year window to make cash-in before generics hit the market, so they sell their product at a very high price.
Drug companies should be offered the chance to hold patents longer if they agreed to lower prices.
This would result in more affordable drug costs, and more a more managable cost/profit model for drug manufacturers.
I can not understand how a national plan will help. If there are 15 to 20 major health insurance carriers that are price fixing, we have laws that need to be enforced and regulations that need to be instituted. We already know what will happen to a government plan, it will run in the red and we will all be forced to finance it just like Medicare. And what's the next a government run industry, an oil company or any other industry for that matter.
We need mandated health insurance, just like auto insurance or it won't work.
As a parent without the ability to afford health care insurance, this bill is scary to see and also reassuring, that at least the politicians working on health care for America. I scrimp for month to month, now I am being told more will possibly be added to the monthly bills, hopefully the assistance part being stated will be real. I am so tired of being told how expensive America's health care is, how it needs to be fixed by making the little guy pay for medical insurance, so Doctors can have a lavish life style. If we have the highest health care costs in the world, shouldn't some consideration be made as to why we pay than our countries.
IF SENATOR KENNEDY AND REP. WAXMAN WERE FORCED INTO THE PROPOSED “PUBLIC OPTION” THEY WOULD NOT GET ANY TREATMENT FOR THEIR ILLNESS OR CANCER YET PRESIDENT OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS WANT TO FORCE THEIR PLAN ON EVERYONE ELSE EVEN THOUGH THEY WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM IT. HAVE THEY NO HEART?
I understand that the man behind President Obama's health care proposals, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, does not believe in providing care to the disabled and elderly. Under President Obama’s and the Democrat's proposal, the brunt of any health care cuts used to help fund President Obama’s Health care Reform will be borne by the elderly and disabled. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel’s published works, advocates that anyone over 65 or anyone with a serious illness better "run for the hills". Euthanasia, End of Human Life, fits right in with Obama's desire to cut back on Medicare. Better say bye bye to the elderly and disabled as they their care will be drastically cut if President Obama and his main health care advocate, Dr. Esekiel Emauel get their way.
If Senator Dodd the other Democrats thinks the public option is so great, they should mandate that Senator Kennedy, Rep. Waxman and all the other politicians and bureaucrats in Washington are forced into being covered under the plan like everyone else. It is unacceptable to force people into a public insurance plan against their will, force private plans out of business because they cannot compete with a government favored "public option" , force small businesses to lay off more people because they cannot afford the 750/employee in additional taxes, and force cuts to health care for the elderly and disabled.
Anyone that supports this is cold blooded and heartless and does not care about the severe financial strain this plan will be to already barely surviving small businesses who provide most of the jobs in the economy. Do the Democrats really want unemployment to rise even higher? Anyone who supports President Obama's health care plan must have a death wish for the economy because it will tank even further if small businesses are forced to pay for the "public option".
Everyone who has an elderly parent of disabled child should oppose this heartless and cruel plan that will hurt the most vulnerable in our society. And for what? So 80% of the people who like their private insurance are forced into the "public plan" ( and the Democrats are lying if they say otherwise) and people who don’t even want to be covered and can afford it, are forced into a public plan they don’t even want or need? This is pure insanity.
We hope people who retire early can get a break on the costs of their premiums which increase about 4 times what it costs currently before retirement ! Hopefully the public option can be used for early retirees?