The prospect of a bill to pass comprehensive health reform are becoming slimmer by the day. However, this does not mean that health reform is dead at all. After his bruising loss of the Massachusetts Senate, Democrats are trying to change the size of its proposals to reform the sector of health insurance. We are determined to end this discussion with something to show for a year of work. Previously, senators and congressional Democrats were particularly concerned to comply with the conservative, moderate and liberal party. Most Republicans made a political calculation to oppose any form of health care reform proposed by the Democrats. Meanwhile, Democrats have decided to go for it and try a wider reform of its entire assembly could be convinced to vote for. As shown, the Democrats clearly deceived. Now, they must get at least a handful of Republicans, for their part in order to legislate. There were some brief flashes of bipartisanship shortly after Obama’s inauguration, but both sides quickly took sides. Maine Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe initially expressed a degree of support for health reform. She was more concerned with controlling costs, but so were centrist Democratic senators. In fact, also advocated the idea of public health insurance option managed by the government in very limited circumstances – an idea never gained traction among all the Democratic caucus in the Senate. Snowe wanted to give different markets in return for health insurance, subsidies and regulations for working time before resorting to more federal intervention. If private health insurance were not able to cover a sufficient percentage of Americans, the public option must be “activated.” In recent months, increasing partisan rancor Snowe seems to have soured on the subject. Democrats and fellow Republicans to close the negotiations, while conservatives “tea party” activists run primary challenges against every legislator is not considered strong enough in their opposition to health reform. Sure, there may have been the concern that their participation in the Conciliation Committee of the House of Representatives and Senate bills would not be in good faith – only a Republican in the entire Congress (Rep. Joseph Cao Louisiana) voted in favor . However, the process barely managed to avoid being responsible as legislators Snowe. With the election of Scott Brown to change the balance of the Senate, President Obama, Senate Majority Harry Reid and other Democratic leaders are recognizing the need to reduce speed and reduce the bill back to its most important elements easily understandable. For its part, Snowe is waiting for Democrats to make the first move, to change the bridges burned by negotiations behind closed doors. Brown also expressed his desire to play a constructive role in the ongoing reform of the American system of health insurance. More moderate Republicans, including Maine, Susan Collins, could do the same in the production of a new bill more limited. 2008 Republican candidate and Arizona senator John McCain is also open to start again. He suggested that some elements of election-year proposal to health – such as allowing people to buy health insurance across state lines individual tax credits for those buying individual insurance or health reform and medical malpractice self Illicit – considered. Similar ideas have been published by Snowe, and those who have the ability to receive bipartisan support. More gradual changes may also collect more popularity among the public of a substantial revision. In general, many politicians believe that the current project is most likely unrecoverable, too much blood is associated with the process negative. (Photo: Olympia Snowe official website of the Senate)
Archive for the ‘Healthcare Reform’ Category
Some Republicans Show Willingness to Compromise on Healthcare Reform
Monday, July 26th, 2010AARP Throws Support Behind Healthcare Reform
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009The AARP (Association for Advancement of Retired Persons) is the predominant lobbying group for senior citizens in the United States. Healthcare reform is an issue that impacts many seniors today; many are worried that their Medicare or Medicare Advantage benefits will be cut. One of the methods proposed for finding the funding to insure more Americans is to cute Medicare’s reimbursements to doctors; this could lead to a decreasing number of practictioners who are willing to accept Medicare. That’s why it’s surprising that the organization has announced its support for the Democratic healthcare reform bill. Their power (40 million Americans over age 65 are card-carrying members) has the potential to push the House of Representatives’ and Senate’s bills over the amount of votes needed to pass. As a result, some Republicans have questioned AARP’s status as a nonpartisan organization. It must be said, though, that AARP has made enemies of politicians in both parties in the past; and their seeming neutrality gives their views more credibility. Believe it or not, AARP is actually willing to endanger the business of its own corporate partners. It makes money off of Medicare Advantage plans and other products sold by UnitedHealthcare and other health insurance companies. The reform bill AARP is backing will, above all, see significant cuts to Medicare Advantage. AARP officials insist that the fact that they collect over $220 million per year from AARP-branded insurance doesn’t cause them to have a conflict of interest. Since they appear willing to sacrifice their own profits for what they believe is the greater good, respondents of a recent poll have greater trust in them to recommend the right solutions to our healthcare crisis. A majority of independents and Democrats have more confidence in the AARP than in health insurance companies. Even Republicans are equally confident in the seniors’ organization. Still, the question remains: why would the AARP risk alienating a significant portion of its base? After all, senior citizens have consistently been the demographic least supportive of healthcare reform–largely since they have the most to lose. Maybe the fact that most of the budget cuts will be borne by Medicare Advantage as opposed to standard Medicare itself is expected to soften the blow. The majority of seniors would like to keep Medicare Avantage programs alive, but by no means have those programs been ideal. Many have had issues with government reimbursing the private insurers for this supplemental coverage for years. A case in point is the infamous “donut hole”: each year, Medicare Advantage covers a certain level of medical costs until patients have to pay the entire amount out of pocket. Although the Medicare Advantage plan kicks in again after a certain amount (often $5,000 per year), most policyholders’ spending tends to fall slightly under that amount. (Meanwhile, they continue to pay the premiums for their health insurance plan. ) Congress is scrambling to have a bill passed as soon as possible; the House may even vote on it over the weekend. AARP’s eleventh-hour support will boost the chances of reform. A lot of seniors may be vocal when opposing reform, but it isn’t fair to assume that the older generation who “already got theirs” and has public health insurance plans available to them doesn’t care about the masses of uninsured young people. Some criticism is based in their desire to avoid saddling future generations with massive national debt, while other senior citizens believe that insuring our population is the best way to give back. Either way, seniors have played a major role in the healthcare reform debate. (Image: auntjojo under CC 2. 0)
PQC Scrubs at Capitol Hill 14
Friday, December 4th, 2009
Image taken on 2009-09-23 11:55:50 by SEIU International.
Achieving Healthcare Reform: The Role of Electronic Health Records
Monday, November 30th, 2009In a live Webcast hosted by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on August 7, Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (HIT), answered critics of the Obama administration’s healthcare reform efforts and underscored the role of HIT in accomplishing it, stating that the adoption of Health IT will serve as a catalyst for achieving the goals of healthcare reform legislation.
“I think they are afraid that physicians somehow will be controlled by the information that’s in the record or by guidelines that are in the electronic record,” Dr. Blumenthal said. “An electronic record, however, assembles for the physician all of the information that is relevant to be able to make an effective decision. It gives them what they need to be correct and wise at the point that the decision has to be made. The electronic health record, by bringing all this information together in one place at one time and accessible to the physician, can advance the patient’s health, make the system more efficient and reduce premiums over time as a result. ”
Dr. Blumenthal cited an example from his own experience. While ordering a CT scan on a patient, the computer alerted him that a similar test had already been performed. In fact, “the test had been ordered by another doctor, and as I looked at the results, I didn’t need to order that test,” he said. “I saved the patient the inconvenience and X-ray exposure, and saved the healthcare system the money for that duplicate test. ”
Dr. Blumenthal himself also converted from paper to electronic health records (EHRs), admitting that it was not an easy task, both in terms of changing the way we are used to doing things, as well as from a cost perspective. However, he realized very quickly that, with more information readily available to him, it made him a better physician. He added that the stimulus funds should make the transition easier and, if healthcare is to be improved through the use of EHRs, then, ultimately, “it’s the right thing to do. ”
Although the healthcare information management arena has been relatively slow in catching up to technology, physicians and others in the healthcare industry are starting to see the impact that information technology has had on other industries, and they are ready to utilize technology as a tool as well. With President Obama’s economic stimulus package offering monetary incentives for adoption and use of EHRs through the HITECH Act — which qualifies hospitals and physicians proving “meaningful use” of an EHR for $17 billion worth of incentive payments from Medicare and Medicaid over a five-year period — the transition seems to be more achievable than before.
“It’s an investment that will take the long, overdue step of computerizing America’s medical records to reduce the duplication and waste that costs billions of healthcare dollars and medical errors that cost thousands of lives each year. ” President Obama stated at the signing of the stimulus bill on February 17.
While the exact definition of “meaningful use” will be determined by the HHS at the end of this year, the legislation outlined three requirements: e-Prescription, electronic exchange of health information and reporting of clinical quality measures.
On June 16, the Meaningful Use Workgroup offered its recommendations to the Health IT Policy Committee. In its preamble, the workgroup stated, “The ultimate vision is one in which all patients are fully engaged in their healthcare, providers have real-time access to all medical information and tools to help ensure the quality and safety of the care provided, while also affording improved access and elimination of healthcare disparities. This ‘North star’ must guide our key policy objectives, the advanced care processes needed to achieve them, and lastly, the specific use of information technology that will enable the desired outcomes, and our ability to monitor them. ”
Health IT will play a tremendous role in the realization of this vision, which is highlighted by the Meaningful Use Workgroup’s early call for adoption of EHRs and computerized physician order entry (CPOE), including time- and cost-saving features such as electronic transmission of permissible prescriptions and incorporation of lab test results into EHRs. According to an Institute of Medicine report, an estimated 100,000 people die each year from medical errors in hospitals. EHRs will improve patient safety reporting and data analysis and prevent such errors by providing built-in safety management protocols and risk-assessment tools, including early warnings and alerts. In addition, they will also prevent duplicate tests by reminding physicians about preventive services.
As Dr. Blumenthal mentioned in the Webcast, “Health IT can empower all kinds of improvement in preventive care, in acute care and chronic care. [The doctors] won’t miss when the mammogram is due, or that influenza immunization. We know that prevention is a very important way of avoiding healthcare costs. Finally, by making sure that the administration of bills or of claims is more efficient, it can greatly reduce the waste we all know is part of the administration of our very, very complicated health insurance systems. ”
Healthcare reform is needed, almost everyone will agree, simply because, as a nation, we aspire for quality care. In fact, as President Obama said, “Healthcare reform is no longer just a moral imperative; it’s a fiscal imperative. If we want to create jobs and rebuild our economy and get our federal budget under control, then we have to address the crushing costs of healthcare this year in this administration. ”
However, how it will be achieved is always debatable. At least one thing is certain: that it will require a meticulous and committed approach and cooperation between all the players in the healthcare arena. To that end, the role of health IT through the use of EHRs as a major player is both critical and inevitable at the same time. In terms of long-term savings as a result of health IT, analysts at RAND Corporation estimate the figure to be about $77 billion a year. Hence, the challenge lies not in its necessity — whether it should be done. Rather, it lies in the approach — how it should be done.
Many have and will continue to raise myriad concerns, whether from a technology, privacy or security point of view. However, as stated by Dr. Blumenthal, “It is a journey we must take if we are to improve care through the use of EHRs. ” As we progress towards the ultimate vision, utilizing technology to provide secure, timely and logically organized access to health information will become more realistic, imperative and ultimately meaningful. And yes, it is the right thing to do.
Is Abortion Going To Stop Healthcare Reform In Its Tracks?
Thursday, November 26th, 2009Healthcare reform seems to be moving along in Congress. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi appears to have a majority of Democratic representatives on board, while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is on his way to getting 60 votes in the Senate. However, there is one major issue that has the potential to derail Democrats’ reform efforts: abortion. Some pro-life Democrats in Congress, like Rep. Bart Stupak are worried that the current bill will force the government to pay for abortions. It isn’t a direct payment to providers that they’re concerned with; rather, it’s a seemingly benign subsidy meant to help low-income individuals and families purchase health insurance–either the public option or a private plan. Pro-choice leaders in Congress have already agreed to prevent recipients from using the subsidies specifically to pay for an abortion, instead leaving that expense to employer- or individual-paid premiums. Despite that provision, opponents still consider it federal funding since money can’t be directly separated. Their belief is that if a woman receives a discount on a health insurance plan through a federal subsidy, she may then use the money she saved on that procedure. Technically, you could also make the argument that food stamps promote illegal drug use because they free up funds that would otherwise be used to feed people, and can instead be used to buy drugs. Stupak is planning to block the healthcare reform bill from moving out of committee unless House leaders like Henry Waxman allow him to offer a separate amendment that further prevents any of the new health care funds from being used for abortion services. Abortion is a very controversial subject. It is the only legal health procedure with special regulations in the House’s reform. Activist groups like NARAL grudgingly accepted the compromise presented by House leaders, realizing that it was probably the best they could get, but see Stupak’s new proposals as a path to banning abortion coverage in the private health insurance market altogether. The 1976 Hyde Amendment already forbids the federal government from funding abortion through Medicaid, its existing public health insurance plan for low-income Americans. However, it doesn’t apply to newly provided funds. Rep. Stupak’s amendment would expand the Hyde restrictions to the new subsidies, offering even stronger assurance that no federal money will pay for abortion except under certain circumstances (when the life of the mother is in danger, or when rape or incest are involved). House leadership will probably try their best to block the amendment. In that case, Stupak threatens to create a coalition of representatives that will vote no on a procedural vote. That would serve to prevent debate on the House’s healthcare reform bill in its entirety. States will be allowed to cover abortion services on a state-by-state basis, but using solely their own money. Some states would be more likely to provide abortions to their residents than others. Whatever your views on abortion (and I realize it’s an extremely sensitive topic), that type of law is, in effect, creating unequal access. A wealthier woman’s health insurance plan will cover an abortion, while poorer women will see heavier restrictions on the insurance they can buy. Granted, in the case of the subsidies taxpayers could be, however indirectly, funding a procedure they oppose; just like those who are anti-war have to pay for Iraq and Afghanistan. Stupak’s amendment would ban people from using the subsidies to buy private health insurance plans that cover abortions, as opposed to preventing only those specific funds from being used for that purpose. Why not let Stupak propose it? For one thing, it will probably result in division of the Democratic party at a time when unity is essential to reach their goal. There are quite a few pro-life Democrats that would vote for such an amendment; Stupak claims that he can get 40 Democrats on his side, which would eat up most of the party’s majority in the House. Despite that, a large percentage of supporters would most likely be Republicans–who wouldn’t vote for the final bill anyway, regardless of how stringent its limits on abortion funding are. In exchange, it would alienate some liberal Democrats. These representatives are relatively reliable votes, but they are already skeptical of the bill because they feel the public option doesn’t go far enough. Either way, Democrats need virtually all of their caucus to vote with them on healthcare reform, and this issue will certainly be a factor in how they vote. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer claims that progress is being made on the issue, but both sides seem to be standing firm. The future of the House’s healthcare reform largely rests on this issue, so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. (Image: number of abortions per 1,000 women each year; Guttmacher Institute)
Foxx calls on Congress to exclude taxpayer funded abortion from healthcare reform bill
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009
Image taken on 2009-07-14 13:12:31 by Rep. Virginia Foxx.
Healthcare Reform – Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao, Republican Vote for Bill
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009Healthcare reform just passed in the House of Representatives over the weekend. It was expected that most Democrats would vote for it, and that virtually all Republicans would oppose it. That prediction turned out to be mostly accurate, but the biggest surprise of the night was the one Republican who crossed party lines to vote in favor of the healthcare reform bill. Louisiana Representative Anh “Joseph” Cao’s vote was largely up for grabs. While the first-term legislator has been relatively nondescript and has voted with the rest of his party on most other issues, his district is heavily Democratic. Cynics would paint his support for health insurance plan reform as an attempt to increase his chances of re-election; however, Cao claims that it was the best choice for his poor constituents, a large population of which are uninsured. He has also pushed for greater funding of hospitals, as well as the ongoing Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. The bill probably wouldn’t have passed without Cao’s vote, since the Democrats barely reached the needed 218 votes to pass the historic reform. It didn’t help that 39 Democrats defied Speaker Nancy Pelosi to oppose healthcare reform. He also gives the proposals a veneer of bipartisanship. Although Cao waited until the bill had already passed to cast his votes, Minority Whip Eric Cantor’s efforts to steer Cao back into line failed. So how did this key vote come to be? Cao jumped on board at the last minute, after the House agreed to add an amendment that strengthened the healthcare reform proposal’s ban on funding abortion. The original language prevented health insurance subsidies (used by lower-income individuals and families to buy plans on the exchange market that will be established) from being specifically used to pay for abortion services. That provision wasn’t strong enough for some pro-life Democrats like Bart Stupak, who wanted to amend the bill. House leaders did not want their amendment to reach the floor, but anti-abortion Cao helped spark the compromise yesterday by calling the White House himself and pledging his support for reform if it was included. After some wrangling, their amendment passed by 240 to 194. The version of the bill that was passed forbids people from using government subsidies to buy any health insurance plan that includes abortion coverage, except for when there is rape, incest, or danger to the mother’s life. The addition of the amendment allowed the devout Jesuit to vote “yes”. Cao’s vote in favor of healthcare reform may have torpedoed his political aspirations. He has alienated Republicans nationwide by bucking the trend of rejecting the bill. On the other hand, his views in general are unlikely to appeal to voters in a district where Obama received three-quarters of the vote in last year’s presidential election–a larger percentage of Democratic party is pro-choice, and many are unhappy with the bill despite being in favor of universal health care. He is unlikely to receive much financial banking from either national party or their bases, although Republicans are chalking his shocking vote up to his being from a “tough district” with a larger than normal percentage of people without a health insurance plan. Cao’s victory was largely a fluke; he won a hurricane-delayed election in December against an opponent infamously charged with hiding cash in his freezer (Democrat William Jefferson). Still, it’s nice to see a politician following his conscience. Now, the healthcare reform bill will move on to the Senate. The future of the ban on abortion coverage in the public option (as well as subsidized private health insurance plans) that swayed Cao is unclear. Both sides are gearing up for a heavy debate over the issue. Will Cao regret his vote if the Senate ends up weakening the restrictions?
Doctors Debate Healthcare Reform Online
Sunday, October 25th, 2009Today, Los Angeles County Medical Association, in collaboration with physicians to the United States, the California Medical Association, Orange County Medical Association, and Youngphysicians. org has announced plans to produce the first line of the meeting of health reform council for health professionals by health professionals in the title – "The policies that the impact of the practice." This live event, co-produced by EMARC Veoma and will focus on medical issues and fears surrounding the bill pending a reform of health care. Medical professionals and stakeholders in the debate on health reform are invited to log on to www. Veoma. com / EMARC to view and discuss this free event on 7 October 2009 5 PST/8pm EST. "We hope that a frank and open discussion of what doctors are facing. These important new opportunities for our community to participate and learn from each other, "said Youngphysicians. President Dr. Liza Capiendo org. Developed as a program dedicated to healthcare professionals, the town hall forum will include a panel moderated by live, opportunities for visitors to the phone directly, and an online discussion. Due to the nature of this online event, organizers expect to accommodate thousands of participants from around the country.
Dr. Nick Shroff, director of the Urology Center in Midland, Texas, said, "I am glad that EMARC Veoma and facilitate a meaningful discussion on the impact of Obama's proposed reform in health care line. Where else can you find thousands of doctors to discuss this important issue? "
The live event will be moderated by Southern California Medical Magazine Editor Cheryl England, will feature prominent panelists are: Dr. Marcy Zwelling Los Angeles County Medical Association, Dr. Alice Chen, Vice President of American Physicians, Dr. Liza Capiendo president Youngphysicians. org, and Dr. Alex Foxman, Vice President Youngphysicians. org and founder of the Institute of Beverly Hills.
"Regardless of whether or not to support the efforts of health reform is important – indeed essential that physicians are involved and connected with this process. This powerful program has opened the door to thousands and thousands of doctors who want to participate, "said Dr. Marcy Zwelling Los Angeles County Medical Association.
Participate online at www. Veoma. com / EMARC October 7, 2009 at the 5 PST/8pm EST.
About Veoma Veoma is a technology company dedicated to providing the medical community, social, Media Solutions. Veoma social media software combines the best features of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and a platform designed to facilitate communication, collaboration and exchange of information on relevant topics in medicine. Powers Veoma Veoma software. com, a leading website in the free social media for health professionals, academic institutions and medical organizations. Veoma also licenses its software for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies and other institutions interested in creating their own online communities.
Veoma organized two other live events in health reform guided by key thought leaders in the medical community, including the American Medical Association President Dr. Rohack and policymakers in California and Los Angeles Medical Association. About EMARC EMARC is a communications company specializing in providing resources medical professionals can improve their ability to grow the business. Advanced services through innovative marketing programs of continuing medical education, EMARC offers customers new benefits in a dynamic market. About medical doctors throughout the United States to the United States is a coalition of professionals from around the country to build a better health system. U.S. doctors believed that doctors have primary responsibility for medical knowledge to ensure that the country implements effective, comprehensive reform this year. About the California Medical Association California Medical Association (CMA), representing over 35,000 physicians in all modes of practice and specialties. The CMA is dedicated to the health of all patients in California. For Los Angeles County Medical Association: Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) is a trade association that represents physicians from each specialty in medical practice, and establish medical students, interns and residents. For over 100 years, LACMA has been at the forefront of medicine, ensuring that its members are represented in the areas of public policy, government reports and community relations.
About Orange County Medical Association, The Orange County Medical Association (OCMA), a nonprofit organization of volunteers, is designed to promote science and art of medicine, public health protection and improvement of the medical profession. As one of the largest medical society in the United States, OCMA closely follows changes in the health sector, we need a "watchdog" in accordance with local, state and national legislation as it affects medicine .
About Youngphysicians. Youngphysicians org. org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young doctors to build and develop the practice flourished. With over 1,000 members in Los Angeles alone, this rapidly growing organization provides its members with business development and professional resources that help advance careers and, ultimately, service to patients.
For more information contact:
Kay Metis949. 468. 9000kay @ Veoma. com
Bill Bergstrom310. 850. 3508wb @ wilshiremanagementgroup. com
Will Healthcare Reform Cost Democrats Congress?
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009The Democratic Party has made health reform his top priority this year. Most Democrats in the House of Representatives are supporting the proposal of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi's. One of its provisions is the creation of a government insurance plan management, also known as an option for the public to compete with private insurers. A similar program is included in the bill to reform the Senate. While public choice is backed by liberal Democrats, conservative Democrats have some concerns. Among other things, they worry that the reform push through the Democrats losing control of Congress. Ed Gillespie, former Republican National Committee chairman and an advisor to President George W. Bush has expressed this view. Mid-term elections scheduled for 2010, and the majority party usually loses seats in those years. The hopes of the Congressional Democrats are riding the success of health reform. More importantly, their ability to convince the rest of the population that has the best plan to resolve the crisis. Most Americans seem to agree that the current system to new requirements, but are skeptical about how the Democrats intend to do so. There has been increased opposition to the bill to reform the health care that does not bode well for Democrats. A recent survey shows that 54% of Americans are opposed to plans to reform Congress. The town hall meetings during the summer have shown that people are very passionate about health care and will not hesitate to vote for deputies and senators who disagree with them. The Democrats who represent conservative districts are more likely to receive strong pressure from their constituents. Pelosi may not realize how fragile the problem is being supported by the liberal San Francisco. Most significant, 48% of independent voters, are against the current plan. While Democrats probably have eliminated most of the votes Republicans recognize the need to appeal to unaffiliated voters. These voters, who seem not to be conquered, who seem more interested in reducing the national deficit. Democratic singular focus on health care probably will not hurt them at the polls. Also, the voters of young adults who have contributed to Barack Obama in the office – and tend to support the reform of the health sector, including the option at higher rates than the general population – are less likely to go to the polls during the election year. It's up to Democrats to get 18 to 29 years (the age group most likely to be uninsured due to unemployment or jobs with small businesses that do not offer health insurance) that the reform of our system health is as important as voting for the president. The elderly, who are already insured by Medicare and are more reliable voters are more concerned about loss of health insurance they already have. The strongest voices in the discussion of health seem to come from people who already have health insurance, usually through their employers. They are mostly concerned about the existence of an audience as possible for employers to drop health insurance plans are that 68% of potential voters considered "good" or "excellent". At least a small part of health reform seems to be popular among voters, two thirds of them agree with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's withdrawal from the fight against health insurers "the laws of the confidence, the only industry is free of them is Major League Baseball. This would increase the availability of more affordable health insurance. On one hand, the fact passed a reform bill of health may make Democrats look irresponsible failure. Instead, the darkening of the bill in Congress could inspire even more anger. A slight majority of Democrats believe that current law declining quality of health care and increase the cost. The bill would not be fully in force until 2013, even if approved this year. Therefore, the positive impacts of health reform would not be evident for several years, while nearly a million dollars in costs and fears of socialized medicine are more immediate in the minds of voters. Some may be cynical of a Republican political operative who establishes requirements for the other side, but the Rev. Al Sharpton agrees that there is a germ of truth in the prediction of Gillespie. However, the Democrats may be willing to take the risk of losing if they believe that expanding health coverage for all is so important.
Foxx at press conference on healthcare reform
Friday, September 18th, 2009
Image taken on 2009-07-14 13:13:26 by Rep. Virginia Foxx.