Health Care For America Now

NEWS

Insurance Industry Assails Health Care Legislation - NYTImes

In a blistering new attack, the health insurance industry said Sunday that health care legislation drafted by Senate Democrats would drive up premiums, rather than making coverage more affordable, as the White House contends.

Obama Points To Health-Care Progress - Wall Street Journal

U.S. President Barack Obama used his weekly radio address to point to growing momentum to overhaul U.S. health care and to urge Congress to "finish the job" of enacting such reforms.

Senate Prospects For Healthcare Co-Ops Dim - The Hill

The prospects for setting up membership-run healthcare co-ops, an idea favored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), are growing dimmer in the Senate

Health Plan's Effect On Costs May Be Slight - Boston Globe

Despite repeated promises by President Obama and Democratic leaders that their health care overhaul would lower costs, the proposals before Congress would probably not cut overall US health care spending significantly anytime soon, health policy specialists say.

Study Finds Disconnect Between Healthcare Needs And Support For Reform - LA Times

A new study points to a political paradox in the long, wrenching debate over revamping the healthcare system: Some members of Congress whose constituents stand to gain the most are nonetheless opposing the bill, while others whose constituents will likely pay more for little reward are some of its most ardent supporters.

Deductibles Bigger Part Of Health Equation This Year - AP

Workers may need to do more homework when they evaluate their health coverage options this fall.

EDITORIAL

The Baucus Bill - NY Times

.. We remain optimistic that — with sustained attention — Congress and the executive branch can find ways to reform the delivery of medical care. It may take time. But it would be inhumane to put off covering the uninsured until we have the savings in hand.

Given that the reform effort will have to be at least deficit neutral for the next decade, there is time to experiment.

One must not forget that doing nothing — the Republicans have yet to make any serious counterproposals — virtually ensures that the cost of insurance and of medical care will continue to soar. That will place even more financial strain on policyholders and employers. And it will saddle the country, and all of us, with ever larger deficits.