Archive | May, 2012

Today’s Opinions And Editorials

Not Enough To Bend The ‘Curve’ The Washington PostThe tax I proposed – and the one most economists favor – would force employees to treat as income the value of health-care benefits they receive from their employer (Fred Hiatt, 10/27).

States Face Unpopular Cuts In Health Spending

State governments, especially New York’s, are facing budget gaps that officials hope to close with cuts to health spending. But, their constituents are resisting the proposed changes that could result in fewer services. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.): “Nearly 500 people showed up Tuesday for a hearing in Brookhaven on Gov. David A.

Obama Seeks Health Reform Support From Small Businesses

Roll Call: “The White House is aggressively courting the small-business community, believing that some on GOP-friendly Main Street can be enlisted in the fight for health care reform and that assistance to mom-and-pop shops is vital to chipping away at the unemployment rate. … White House officials were on the phone to the [U.S.

House Leaders Seek To Unify Dems On Public Option, Unveil Bill

House Democratic leaders are planning to unveil their version of the health care overhaul that will include a more tempered public insurance plan in which the federal government would negotiate prices with doctors and hospitals, Roll Call reports.

Kaiser Health News Examines Issue Of Gender Rating In Health Reform Debate

Kaiser Health News recently examined how health care reform legislation may affect the insurance industry practice known as gender rating, in which insurers use gender as a factor in determining the cost of policies.

Lawmakers Struggle With How Age Should Influence Insurance Premiums

Age issues emerge in the health care reform debate as lawmakers struggle with how much young and old people should pay for insurance. Meanwhile, lawmakers and different groups try to woo seniors. NPR reports: “The rules for how health insurers use age to set premium rates vary widely from state to state. …

AHIP, Chamber Of Commerce Ramp Up Opposition To Health Reform

Insurers and the Chamber of Commerce are stepping up lobbying against a health care overhaul with new television ads. “The health insurance industry, which had been taking a relatively tempered approach to health care legislation, has stepped up its opposition to the overhaul efforts as it has become clear that the final product will not be to its liking,” Roll Call reports.

Centrist Democrats Are Cool To Reid’s Plan For Public Option

With his announcement regarding support for the public option, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s plans to move health legislation to the Senate floor face big challenges.The Hill reports that Reid is short of the votes to pass a government-run public option in the Senate bill. Several moderate Democrats – among them Sens.

Rep. Stupak Committed To Blocking Health Reform Over Abortion Coverage, Threatens To Work With GOP

In an interview with C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” on Tuesday, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) said he is considering teaming up with Republicans to block House health reform legislation (

State Auto Moves Nativity Scene

Oct. 29–One of central Ohio’s long-running holiday traditions is getting a makeover and a new location this year. The State Auto Insurance Companies’ Nativity display — an elaborate exhibit erected …