Status of Health Care Reform

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Within the last few days, the heat on health care reforms appears to be picking up steam.

A recent Associated Press poll reported on March 9, 2010 found that 50% of those polled want health care reformed, however 68% say they want change supported by both parties and that President Obama and Democrats should work with Republicans.

Results of an Investor's Business Daily (IBD) released on March 8, 2010 found that 61% of those surveyed want Congress start over and not rely on "reconciliation" to pass unilaterally any health care reform measures. The poll, conducted by TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence, for IBD, found that most polled “are dismayed with the way the debate has played out”.

As reported by Margaret Talev and David Lightman, for the McClatchy-Tribune News Service on March 9, 2010 health care reform is drawing actions from both supporters and protesters. Public-option groups are pushing Congress to pass reform including a public option while members of the Tea Party are seeking a rejection of health care legislation. While Democrats report they may not be able to pass any final measure by March 26, Republicans are attempting stall any further action on reform. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports it plans to spend upwards of $10 million to convince the public and others that the current plan is bad for the economy and jobs.

Alan Fram, an Associated Press writer, reported on March 10, 2010 that Republicans might have a difficult time defeating efforts by the Democrats to pass health care reform via the reconciliation procedures. In hopes of fast tracking reform, Democrats in the Senate could use “reconciliation” to block any Republican efforts to filibuster reform to a standstill. With reconciliation, Democrats would only need 41 of the Senate’s 100 votes to fend off a Republican filibuster. Latest reports indicate that Democrats have 59 votes in the Senate to counter the Republicans 41.

Erica Werner, of The Associated Press on March 10, 2010, reported that President Obama plans to continue to push up the pressure on “skittish Democrats” to act quickly on his health care reform agenda. During a planned speech in St. Louis on Wednesday, he plans to urge Congress to move and move quickly on health care reform. The St. Louis speech is the second address on health care the President has made within three days.

The Targeted News Service on March 9, 2010, reported that Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico signed two state health care bills into law.

HB 12 - Health Insurer Service Reimbursement: Requires insurance companies to spend 85% of premiums or more on direct member services and not on administration or profit.

SB 148 - No use of Gender for Health Insurance Rating: Requires the use of unisex insurance rate tables for the individual market, prohibiting the use of separate premium tables for males and females.

It remains to be seen whether President Obama and Democrats have the ability or will to pass health care reform in the face of strong oppression from Republicans, business and public groups, and many voters.