Healthcare Reform Update - 8Jan10

"Democrats Agree to Fast-Track Alternative to Conference Committee"

• At the White House Tuesday evening, President Obama and Democratic leaders agreed on a more accelerated alternative to the traditional conference committee between the House and Senate.
• Under the informal approach, the two chambers would still have to pass identical bills but there would be minimal opportunity for Senate Republicans to slow the process with procedural moves.
• The House would pass the Senate bill amended with new compromise provisions, and then send the package back to the Senate for one final vote.
• The goal is to have a bill ready for Obama to sign before his State of the Union address on January 26 or February 2.
• Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/05/AR2010010503806.html?wpisrc=newsletter

"Obama Signs Bill Extending Jobless Benefits and COBRA Subsidies"

• The FY 2010 defense appropriations bill was signed into law on Dec. 19, 2009.
• Though it mostly provides funding for defense projects, the legislation also includes money for a two-month extension of unemployment benefits and COBRA medical insurance subsidies that were part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
• The legislation is detailed in the attached document.
• Read more: http://www.workforce.com/section/00/article/26/91/10.php

"Three Health Reform Sticking Points That Worry House Democrats"

• The public option, Cadillac Plan, insurance exchanges and financial assistance are each at the center of the debate about how to merge the two bills.
• The public option is part of the House bill while it is not part of the Senate bill.
• The Cadillac Plan is being opposed on many fronts – from labor groups to a large group of House Democrats. The provision would tax higher cost health plans.
• The Insurance exchanges debate is around whether to have state run exchanges or one national one. Also included are debates around employer penalties.
• The Financial assistance debate surrounds whether or not to increase subsidies for those who don’t qualify for Medicaid.
• Read more: http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/LED-244604/Three-Health-Reform-Sticking-Points-That-Worry-House-Democrats