Public Option May Have New Life (Politico, Sept.29, 2009)
The public option limped out of August, battered and left to die in the Senate. But its supporters are working hard this week to bring it back, against the odds, with a series of high-profile votes in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.
Baucus Must Strike a Balance with Three Factions to Pass Bill
(Kaiser Health News, Sept 29, 2009)
As the Finance Committee resumes work today on Chairman Max Baucus’ major health care bill, the Senate appears to be dividing into three important camps: those who are solidly behind Baucus, those reluctantly leaning in his direction and a handful of wild cards who will wield great influence.
Why Health Care Overhaul Matters to Women–and the Economy (NY Times, Sept 28, 2009)
Women need more health care than men because of the combined demands of pregnancy and family planning. The typical American woman who wants to have two children will spend about five years being pregnant, recovering from pregnancy or trying to get pregnant, and about 30 years trying to avoid unintended pregnancies.
Medicare is Focus on Day 2 0f Health Care Negotiations (Washington Post, Sept 24, 2009)
Senate Finance Committee wrestled Wednesday with politically volatile proposals to squeeze money out of Medicare.Democrats Worry [Baucus] Bill Will Cost Families Too Much
(Wall Street Journal, Sept 16, 2009)
The Baucus bill would provide federal subsidies to individuals and families with incomes as high as 300% of the federal poverty line. For people whose incomes fall between 300% and 400% of the poverty line, the bill would cap premiums at 13% of income. Critics complain the 13% cap is too high and would impose unreasonable costs on middle-income family budgets.
Baucus Unveiling Health Plan without GOP on board
(A.P, Sept 16, 2009)
Sen. Max Baucus’ decision to release his long-awaited health care overhaul bill with no Republicans on board dims the chances for a bipartisan compromise on President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority.
President Obama ties reform to rebuilding middle class
(Politico, Sept 15, 2009)
President Barack Obama delivered his most strongly worded speech in defense of organized labor since taking office – tying health care reform into his broader promise to rebuild the middle class and blue-collar America.
Explaning the ‘Exchange’: A Primer (NY Times, Sept 15, 2009)
At the core of the proposal to revamp the nation’s health care system is the creation of a government-regulated marketplace. On such an exchange, consumers would be able to shop for insurance, compare benefits and prices, and choose a plan that best suits their needs.
Pollster, Health Thyself: Trying to make sense of the public’s contradictory feelings about health care reform
(Slate, Sept 14, 2009)
Full Text and Video of President Obama’s Health Care Speech (Sept 9, 2009)
