Congress, President push health care reform plan

By: Cameron Birch

Posted: 7/3/09

As President Barack Obama pushes for healthcare reform, Democrats and Republicans in Congress debate a measure to provide a single-payer healthcare system in the United States.

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), finance committee chairman, is currently drafting a proposal to cost a rumored $1.6 trillion dollars, according to the Boston Globe.

Additionally, Medical News Today reports that the American Medical Student Association is seeking a plan from the president that addresses debt from medical education, provides accessible, affordable healthcare and guarantees access to affordable medications. AMSA alleges the current system allows for pharmaceutical companies that leave many without care and the United States as having one of the lowest health outcomes in the world.

An article in the Economist currently urges for a plan that satiates the American desire for an "all you can eat" healthcare plan that allows for patient visitation to virtually any doctor and the ability to receive any test. This would be facilitated by a proposal to reward doctors who were both successful.

"Healthcare in this country needs to be fixed," Mike Hess, chairman of the College Republicans, said. Hess called for reform of the current healthcare system under a program that would protect doctors and reduce fees that originated from malpractice suits.

"We're working together and we're getting closer and closer to a deal every day… I'm as confident as ever we'll deliver a bipartisan health care reform bill to the president this year," Baucus stated.

"It's been a long time coming," Giancarlo Stefanoni, president of the Drexel Dems, said. Democrats are pushing for a bill to reach the congressional floor, as the July 4 congressional recess approaches. Citing a democratic president and congressional majority, Stefanoni said healthcare reform was something that should be worked on now.

Additionally, the student Democrat did not see a downturn for private insurance companies. He cited a "set system" and too much of a market for it to completely "run out."

Hess, however, criticized the government's lack of ability to look at each hospital's situation. He argued that a large-scale program would bankrupt some hospitals, eventually leading to less overall access to medical care.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is the mediator between Democrats and moderates on the Senate Finance committee for the drafting of a bipartisan healthcare reform bill.

"A government plan, no matter what you call it, will increase costs," House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) said.

Following the ruling that Al Franken was to become senator-elect from Minnesota, giving Democrats a filibuster-proof majority of 60 members, CNN reports that Obama contacted a key member of the finance committee. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) was phoned by the president to discuss support over the public option competition option (against health insurance companies) that has come under scrutiny by some Democrats.

"I reaffirmed to the president my commitment to ensuring the Finance Committee creates the best possible package to guarantee health security for all Americans," Snowe said in a statement.

"[Franken's election] could have an effect on [healthcare measures] too," Stefanoni said. The Drexel Democrat emphasized a program that would move to insure all uninsured Americans.

Hess finally called for careful consideration of additional legislation. The republican cited the quick passing of the stimulus package bill earlier in the year and said a pattern has emerged for urgent legislation to be passed without being "taken seriously."