Healthcare 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)
Posts Tagged ‘Healthcare’
Is Abortion Going To Stop Healthcare Reform In Its Tracks?
Thursday, November 26th, 2009Foxx 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.
How Specifically Is Healthcare Reform Going To Fix The Problems With Healthcare In America?
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009This is the HC 10 on the question I asked and I have a straight answer from a Democrat who is described as Obama will Reform Health Review.
Dark Secret About Healthcare Reform
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009There is a dark secret about health care in this country: The quality of our system is poor, and millions of Americans can not afford health insurance.
U.S. poor receive Medicaid, but too many less experienced medical attention. Moreover, many health workers and doctors are unwilling to accept Medicaid payments, which attempts to place limits on medical expenses.
Americans depend on Medicare to meet the medical needs of retirees, but there are serious deficiencies and limitations in coverage. Pensioners, who are middle class can not afford to pay for services of long-term care in nursing homes or care facilities, residential care.
Many of our hospitals are managed properly, are unacceptable and mortality rates of infection are depressing and places to die on the quality of our doctors in this country seems to be totally dependent on their ability to pay.
However, doctor visits, prescription costs, high technology and surgical care are putting tremendous financial pressure for everyone.
The rich are well cared for, the service experience inconsistent middle class and the poor have inadequate attention mostly on the basis of what comes into our emergency rooms.
Unfortunately, too many doctors and hospitals have become so busy that human emotions, compassion and sensitivity that are lost in the confusion.
Too often, the pills, computers and specialized devices have become a substitute for the time health care professional and caring attitude. It's time to do something positive for reform is an entire health care system.
Now that we have been honest and open about the problem, go to the next steps to emotional recovery card. (EMC is my approach to coaching from a life of personal and social change.)
Stop thinking
Let's not address the health care in terms of their ability to pay or, as some products based on mere whims of our market economy. Healthcare should be a fundamental human right. So let's stop and think more about that.
Trigger Face:
We must assume our red flags and see private industry health insurance for what it really is: a business that aims to make a profit from healthy people who do not need very often.
These companies just keep trying to reduce the coverage of "preconditions" and lobby against legislation to expand national coverage for the sick, poor and elderly.
Some hospitals are red flags because they are the companies that benefit from the increasingly specialized, bureaucratized, mechanized and computerized.
Then there are doctors who become red flags. A dance with the dark secret of unlimited wealth, rather than accept their oath not to harm others in desperate need of treatment.
Our government is a red flag, because for too long has been subject to the will of medical interest groups, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.
Why can not government be more responsive to the needs of most Americans buckling under the pressure of our health care crisis?
Feelings Face
Finally, the health sector and our federal government are simply too afraid to try new approaches to reform and change.
Guess not want to lose money, power or influence. I hate the way they refuse to confront their darkest secrets.
They maintain a national system of health care would reduce the quality of health care by removing the profit motive. Obviously, avoid facing the fact that profit is the cause of our health crisis.
It is sad to think that the CEOs of these companies are making six figure income beyond the suffering of more than 47 million Americans without health coverage. How do you feel about it?
And because our politicians and business leaders seem so willing to look at the pros and cons of national health systems in Canada, the Netherlands, England, Germany and other European countries?
We can forgive ourselves to think, believe, and hope that our health care system based on the profit is better than them?
Admitting powerlessness
We feel powerless to change the system. We remain at the mercy of insurance companies to cancel our coverage because we have AIDS, cancer or other costly and catastrophic illness.
We can not move some hospitals that have transformed health care in the assembly lines of the beds and tables of patients, rather than a haven for love, compassion and healing.
Many of us are unable to change the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry, who say the market economy should determine the price of all health care costs.
Sometimes, people may despair or apathy of professional politicians who depend on political contributions by the health sector to get the money they need to stay in office.
I'll finish our discussion on reforming the health system in my next article: Challenging the Dark Secret About Health.
How Is The Proposed Healthcare Reform Similar To Canada’s Healthcare System?
Saturday, August 8th, 2009I'm curious to know how the proposed reform of the health care system is similar to health care success in Canada and what is different?
Congresswoman Foxx talks about the need for healthcare reform
Monday, July 13th, 2009
Image taken on 2009-07-24 10:49:25 by Rep. Virginia Foxx.