Value Based Purchasing and Health Care Reform

Health Care Stories for America

The Huffington Post article below describes Organizing for America’s new online tool designed to “personalize the debate over health care reform and galvanize grassroots support for the president's plan.”  The website allows Americans to share and search for stories of individual health care struggles in an effort to demonstrate a "common thread in crisis that affects us all” and put a personal touch on the health care crisis.

 

See the Huffington Post Article:  Huffington.

 

Visit the Health Care Stories for America website:  Stories.

Insurance Industry Responds to Health Reform Legislation Draft

Following last week’s unveiling of the draft health reform legislation (discussed in post below), two insurance industry leaders (Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and America's Health Insurance Plans) have issued written responses to the legislation opposing the inclusion of a public health insurance option.  Additionally, the industry leaders sent a joint letter to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass), which outlines their concerns regarding certain health reform proposals.  The letter addresses reform issues including a government-run insurance plan, preexisting condition exclusions, and individual coverage requirements.  The joint letter may be viewed here:  Letter.

 

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Statement:  Blue Cross.

 

 

America’s Health Insurance Plans Statement:  Plans.

 

 

Yesterday, President Obama challenged the insurance industry’s opposition to a government-run insurance option, stating:

 

“If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best-quality healthcare -- if they tell us that they're offering a good deal -- then why is it that the government, which they say can't run anything, suddenly is going to drive them out of business?  That's not logical."

 

See the Los Angeles Times article:  Times.

 

Democrats’ Health Care Reform Bill Introduced

Today, the Chairmen of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Education and Labor Committee, and the Energy and Commerce Committee unveiled a discussion draft of their health care reform bill.  Aimed at reducing costs, providing coverage options, and guaranteeing access to affordable health care, the bill addresses issues such as the implementation of national/state health insurance exchanges, inclusion of a government-run health plan, and the requirement for all Americans to obtain health insurance.

 

Read an article discussing the bill at theHill.com, here:  Discussion.

 

A copy of the legislation may be viewed at the House Committee on Energy and Commerce website here:  Legislation.

 

First Draft of Health Reform Legislation Expected Soon

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Democrats are planning to release the first draft of their health reform bill some time next week.  The bill will likely promote preventive medicine and the adoption of health information technology, while offering a public insurance plan in addition to private insurance alternatives.  The inclusion of a federally run public insurance plan in health reform legislation has been a cause for debate between Senate Democrats and Republicans.  Republican members of the HELP Committee should see the Democrats’ bill in the next couple of days.  The bill is scheduled to be marked up and completed by the end of the summer.

 

On Tuesday, in a letter to Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.), President Obama expressed his support for including a public health insurance option in the upcoming legislation.  The letter states that a public option, in addition to private plans, would promote a more competitive health care market and keep insurance companies honest.  The President states that his goal is to make affordable health plans (public and private) available to all Americans through a health insurance exchange that will allow individuals to compare prices and benefits when selecting a plan.  Further, Mr. Obama believes such plans should be required to offer minimum coverage benefits and prohibited from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions.       

 

The President’s letter also addresses the responsibilities of Americans to obtain health insurance and employers to support their employees' coverage plans, acknowledging the need for exemptions for small business and waivers for individuals who cannot afford insurance.  In an effort to fund reform without increasing the national deficit, the administration intends to cut unnecessary spending and strengthen the Medicare and Medicaid programs by reducing waste and preventing fraud and abuse.

 

Read TheHill.com article discussing the HELP Committee legislation here:  The Hill.

 

The complete text of President Obama’s letter may be viewed here: Obama's Letter.