Health Care
Jon Kyl's Theory of Justice
We now have video of today's exchange between Senators Jon Kyl and Debbie Stabenow over requiring that insurance policies cover specific benefits--in this case, maternity benefits. It's worth considering Kyl's quote in full: READ MORE >>
Line of the Day: Debbie Stabenow
Via Wonkroom comes this back-and-forth at the Senate Finance hearings, between Jon Kyl, the Arizona Republican, and Debbie Stabenow, the Michigan Democrat. The subject is requirements that all insurance policies cover certain benefits. KYL: "I don't need maternity care." STABENOW: "I think your mom probably did." READ MORE >>
Could Snowe Vote "No" in Committee?
Senator Kent Conrad's smack-down of Senator Jim Bunning provided one of the few entertaining episodes in this week's Finance Committee hearings. But another moment during the same debate, one involving Senator Olympia Snowe, deserves some attention, as well. READ MORE >>
This Week's Mediscare
The Republican grandstanding on Medicare during Finance Committee hearings this week hasn't been surprising, I suppose. But the audacity is still pretty breathtaking. READ MORE >>
Meanwhile, Back in the House....
Naturally, the attention of health care reform observers (and who isn't one these days?) is focused on the action in the Senate Finance Committee right now. But an equally important drama is playing out in the House Democratic Caucus. READ MORE >>
Wonk Off!
What Will Unions Get out of the Baucus Bill?
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus released his modified mark to the reform bill yesterday afternoon, indicating concessions that he is trying to make toward Olympia Snowe as well as recalcitrant Democrats like Jay Rockefeller. Among the amendments is a higher threshold for the proposed excise tax on so-called "Cadillac plans," which will be raised from $8,000 to $8,750 for individuals and from $21,000 to $22,000 for families. READ MORE >>
Not in My Backyard…or Within 1000 Feet of it
Harold Pollack is a professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and Special Correspondent for The Treatment. READ MORE >>
9/12 Comeback Makes Barely A Ripple
Is the GOP Overreaching On Health Care?
Yesterday I wrote about the Republican strategy of unabated opposition to health care reform. Thinking about it some more, I really wonder if the Republican party is making a long-term policy blunder here. READ MORE >>
