Balancing Costs, Quality A Difficult Task Both In Congress And Practice

Democratic lawmakers hope to keep costs for health coverage down while, at the same time, improving benefits packages, a pair of sometimes-conflicting goals that boils down to an effort to get more for less, the New York Times reports. Democrats want to guarantee access to affordable policies for everyone by requiring insurers to accept all comers at the same rate, and subsidizing people with lower incomes.

Supreme Court Asks Obama’s Opinion On San Francisco’s Health Care Law

“The U.S. Supreme Court delayed action Monday on employer fees in San Francisco’s groundbreaking health care program and instead sought advice from the Obama administration, even as the president struggles to overhaul health coverage nationwide,” The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Minorities Support Reform Ad Campaign, Although Immigrants May Get Little Relief From Legislation

Analysts suggest that health reform legislation may do little to help Hispanics — many of whom could remain uninsured due to immigration restrictions and costs — as well as other immigrants. Meanwhile, African-American and Hispanic groups unite with an advertising campaign to push for health care reform. The

Senate Finance Committee Vote Delayed

The Senate Finance Committee will delay its vote on health care reform – and, likely the bill’s move to the Senate floor – as members await cost estimates by the Congressional Budget Office. The Washington Post: “The Senate Finance Committee wrapped up work Friday on a reform bill, but committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.

Examining The Recent Winners And Losers In The Health Reform Debate

The health overhaul debate has, so far, produced winners and losers. Bloomberg: “Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest drugmaker, and hospital companies including Community Health Systems Inc. are benefiting from agreements with President Barack Obama that will limit any threat to their profits.

Obama Seeks ‘Broadest Coalition Possible’

In an effort to assemble “the broadest coalition possible” in its push for health reform, the administration has ventured outside the beltway, the New York Times reports. Three high-profile Republicans have gone on the record praising the Democrat-led attempt to overhaul the health system, though not all have endorsed specific legislation.