Health Reform in the House | Fact of the Day The House bill continues longstanding federal policy stating that no federal funds can be used to pay for abortions except in the case of rape, incest, or to save the life of the woman. | Health Resources |
Under the Microscope INTERACTIVE CALCULATOR: Health Care Reform and You
America’s Affordable Health Choices Act, H.R. 3200, is the product of a historic collaboration between all three House committees that have jurisdiction over health care: Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means. The bill addresses many of the problems in our current health care system by making improvements in the access, affordability, and adequacy of health care coverage. The following interactive will help you understand how the contents of the bill will affect you and your health care coverage.
[Center for American Progress, 8/31/2009] INTERACTIVE CALCULATOR: Small Businesses Win With Health Reform
Small businesses face unique challenges obtaining affordable, quality health insurance for their employees. They are getting less value for their dollar in purchasing insurance—they spend an average of 18 percent more than large businesses for comparable coverage. Health reform will improve small businesses’ ability to provide their employees with the quality health insurance. This calculator can help determine the premium subsidy a small business would receive under the House bill, HR 3200, as amended by the Energy and Commerce Committee.
[Center for American Progress, 8/31/2009]
Health Care Headlines Something New on Healthcare: Deal-breakers From the President
This time, the President is going to be specific. Next week, President Obama is going to give Democrats a health care plan they can begin to sell. [Atlantic Monthly, 9/2/2009] Obama Plans More Hands On Health Advocacy
President Obama is planning for “a new season” of more hands-on advocacy for his troubled domestic priority, an overhaul of the health care system, according to his advisers. [New York Times, 9/2/09] Read a related article. AARP Raises Voice in Healthcare Debate
AARP, which has lost tens of thousands of members over its support for efforts to revamp the health care system, is preparing a post-Labor Day blitz to try to cast itself as a politically impartial advocate on health care issues. [USA Today, 9/2/2009] What Does Olympia Snowe Want?
Given Mike Enzi’s departure from the bipartisan talks and the imminent collapse [1] of the Gang of Six, it looks like there’s just one Republican Senator [2] still willing to negotiate seriously with the Democrats—Olympia Snowe. [New Republic, 9/1/2009] Read a related article. States Most Likely to Benefit From Healthcare are its Biggest Foes
Wyoming, with an economy marked by farming, ranching and small businesses, has a disproportionate number of people without medical insurance. And by that measure and others, its people are among the likely winners if Congress approves a healthcare overhaul. [L.A. Times, 9/2/2009] AFL-CIO: Gov’t Option An Absolute Must
Democratic lawmakers will not be able to count on the AFL-CIO's support if they drop the public insurance option from the health care reform legislation, union officials said Tuesday. [Politico, 9/2/2009] Health Insurers Set Up Shop at a Mall Near You
Someday soon, you may be able to go to your local mini-mall and pick up a health-insurance policy along with your dry cleaning. If you do, make sure you know what you're buying. [Wall Street Journal, 9/2/09] Company Wellness Programs Improve Health, Cut Costs
Employee wellness programs just may be the cure for companies struggling to keep up with rapidly rising health care costs. [CNN, 9/2/2009] Taking Doctors Profits Out of Medical Care Decisions
In the national debate over health care, a key factor driving up costs seldom gets discussed: the payment system for doctors. [NPR, 9/2/2009] Health Experts Urge Insurance, Pay Changes
U.S. lawmakers returning next week to work on major healthcare legislation need to focus on insurance market reforms, consumer rebates and other measures that will curb soaring costs over time, economic and health experts said on Tuesday. [Reuters, 9/2/2009] EDITORIAL: Lowering Medicare Costs
Rep. Dave Camp of Michigan, ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, is the latest in a long line of congressmen from his party to make bogus arguments against proposed health care reform. Bill would allow seniors, government to save money under prescription drug program. [Las Vegas Sun, 9/2/2009] OPINION: Changing Healthcare By Steps
By David Leonhardt
After Harry Truman repeatedly failed to persuade Congress to pass universal health insurance, some Truman administration officials came up with a less ambitious idea. [New York Times, 9/2/09] |