The Health Care Summit Condensed in 4 minutes

Insuring Resources Commentary:

See this for a quick summary: http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/video-the-health-care-session-in-4-minutes/


Philosophical differences between the Democrats and Republicans ruled the day.

Mitch McConnell (Rep- KY) argued for starting over one step at a time starting with a blank page. Sen. LaMar Thompson (R-Tenn) argued, "We don't do comprehensive well."

Sen. Tom Harkin (Dem- Iowa) argued that a comprehensive bill is necessary because its all intertwined. He's right and here's why.

1. Everyone agrees we need to eliminate pre-existing conditions. Slam dunk.

2. The first item however requires the implementation of an individual mandate or else people will wait to purchase health insurance until they get sick. If we allow that prices will be much higher because of the risk associated with insuring those individuals.

3. #2 requires the implementation of health insurance exchanges to cover individuals and small businesses to pool the risk and put millions of people in to groups to spread the risk. If we require individuals to purchase their own insurance premiums will be astronomical.... but that is what Cong. Paul Ryan (Rep- Wisconsin) wants to do by providing individuals a $2500 tax credit. That would buy about two- three months of health insurance if we have people do it on their own.

The Republicans oppose both # 2 and # 3.

Here's more from Paul Ryan- fact checking provided by Politico.com


Ryan overhypes Medicare Advantage hit

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) claimed that under the Democrats’ plan, millions of seniors will lose their Medicare Advantage plans.

Not quite.

According to health policy experts, it’s fair to say that if the Democrats have their way, the benefits provided by Medicare Advantage will be reduced — which means that a number of seniors might choose not to enroll in the program in the future. That doesn’t mean people are going to “lose” their plans, exactly — just that fewer are likely to enroll. Seniors would still be guaranteed their traditional Medicare benefits.



Then I saw former Senator Bill Frist on MSNBC this morning and he talked about cost and changing how health care is performed and financed. He talked aboput more efficient and quality care through provider incentives. He gets it and a lot of Republicans do as well. I don't get why the Democrats still don't get this point because it could be the bridge to a major compromise..... as I've said here since August. Senator Kohl (D- Wisconsin) offered an amendment to the Senate Bill on Dec. 14th to take a huge step toward this but the amendment FAILED. At the time the Democrats had a 60-40 advantage in the Senate, and yes the amendment offered by a Democratic Senator from a blue state, FAILED.

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Link to a 4 minute video summary
http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/25/video-the-health-care-session-in-4-minutes/