Senate: The Deal Looks Done on Health Care

  • Share
  • Read Later

Multiple sources are now reporting that Nebraska’s Ben Nelson, the last Democratic holdout, is now saying he will support the latest version of the health care bill. That makes 60 votes, enough to overcome a fillibuster.

So what’s actually in this bill? And what did it take to get the last votes? I’m still going through it, and will file more as I figure that out, but you can see some highlights here. A senior Democratic aide says this:

The manager’s amendment builds upon the strong bill we already have.

Protects our good coverage, cost, and affordability numbers

· Reduces Deficits – estimated to save over $130 billion first ten and roughly $650 billion second ten

· Expands Coverage – over 94 percent of Americans under 65 years of age, including over 31 million uninsured

· Reduces Costs – most Americans will see their health care costs reduced relative to projected levels

Makes health care more affordable for Americans by expanding small business tax credits

· $12 billion increase

· Begins in 2010

· Expands wage thresholds for tax credits

Demands greater accountability from insurance companies/ creates more choice and competition

· Medical Loss Ratio 85/80 percent – Insurance companies will be forced to spend more money on care and less money padding their bottom line.

· Starting immediately children cannot be denied health coverage due to pre-existing conditions

· Insurance companies who jack up their rates will be barred from competing in the exchange.

· Give patients the right to appeal to an independent board if an insurance company denies a coverage claim

· Health insurers will offer national plans to Americans under the supervision of the Office of Personnel Management, the same entity that oversees health plans for Members of Congress.

· Provides significant resources for Community Health Centers