NEWS

Democrats Are Optimistic That Public Option Will Be Approved – New York Times

Several Democratic senators voiced optimism on Sunday that Congress would pass a health care bill containing at least the germ of a government-run insurance program. Their expectations were grudgingly seconded by Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008.

Congress’ health care bills leave millions uninsured - USA Today

The high cost of health insurance premiums would continue to put coverage out of reach for millions even if Congress approves legislation President Obama says is intended to ensure “that every American has affordable health care.”

Insurers poised to reap benefits from healthcare overhaul - LA Times

Reporting from Los Angeles and Washington -  As President Obama’s push for a healthcare overhaul moves toward its final act, the oft-vilified health insurance industry is on the verge of seeing a plan enacted that largely protects its financial interests.

Leaderless: Senate Pushes For Public Option Without Obama’s Support – Huffington Post

President Barack Obama is actively discouraging Senate Democrats in their effort to include a public insurance option with a state opt-out clause as part of health care reform. In its place, say multiple Democratic sources, Obama has indicated a preference for an alternative policy, favored by the insurance industry, which would see a public plan “triggered” into effect in the future by a failure of the industry to meet certain benchmarks.

The Public Option: Rumor Check – WhiteHouse.gov

A rumor is making the rounds that the White House and Senator Reid are pursuing different strategies on the public option.  Those rumors are absolutely false.

Dems push for benefits to start by 2010 – Politico

Democrats are pushing Senate leaders and the White House to speed up key benefits in the health reform bill to 2010, eager to give the party something to show taxpayers for their $900 billion investment in an election year.

AP sources: Health bill may cut employer mandate – Associated Press

Businesses would not be required to provide health insurance under legislation being readied for Senate debate, but large firms would owe significant penalties if any worker needed government subsidies to buy coverage on their own, according to Democratic officials familiar with talks on the bill.

OPINION

What’s So Hot About Snowe? – Newsweek

Obama’s pointless bipartisanship.

AHIP Gets Punk’d! – The New Republic

Slipping their way past the tight security at the Capitol Hilton, liberal activists from a group called “Billionaires for Wealthcare” interrupted AHIP pollster Bill McInturff as he took the stage for the closing speech of the insurance lobby’s conference this morning.

Why hasn’t Olympia Snowe pulled the trigger? – Ezra Klein

“Historically, ‘trigger’ mechanisms have not been successful, and they are not a substitute for a strong public health insurance option,” said Senator Jay Rockefeller in a statement released today. “A ‘trigger’ simply delays price competition, which in turn will delay affordability for consumers and moves us farther away from the goals of health care reform.” It’s perhaps no surprise that Rockefeller has apparently told the leadership that he won’t vote for a trigger option if it comes to the floor.

Unsolicited advice on dealing with Olympia Snowe – Congress Matters

I think that ultimately, given how the public option and the health insurance reform bill overall poll in Maine, that Olympia Snowe will be more anxious to find a way to get on board in the end than Democrats should be to have her on board.

Another Case For The Public Option? Insurer Releases Third Report Threatening To Raise Premiums – Think Progress

Wellpoint, the nation’s largest insurer, has issued 14 reports on how health care reform would affect the premiums in 14 states. The insurer claims that the low individual mandate penalties in the Senate Finance bill and narrow age rating bands, will lead to higher premiums for Americans currently purchasing coverage in the individual and small group markets. “[W]ithout a strong individual mandate, the market reforms will have a direct impact on premiums and we believe will exceed any aggregate savings that can potentially be achieved through other elements of proposed legislation,” the report concludes.

(compiled for Health Care for America Now)