WBUR had two good things on Morning Edition today: An interview with Health Care for All’s John McDonough on the basics of the health care problems and the bill just passed by the House; and Martha Bebinger’s report on the bill, for which unfortunately I can’t find the link. Both were clear and snappy, but I didn’t feel cheated.
If I have a complaint with the coverage, it’s that the first thing we’re hearing is: "House passes health care bill; Business groups object." Now, do business groups run our state? Why do they get right of first billing? What about the folks who are uninsured? They don’t have high-priced lobbyists and industrial "associations" and advertising budgets and press releases, so maybe they don’t count as much to the media. But they’re the ones who are losing out under the current system. For them, doing nothing is the non-starter.
Furthermore, what about the individuals who will be mandated to pay under the bills being contemplated? Romney’s attitude is apparently, Well, you’re on your own. We’re not going to help, except by making you buy "semi-insurance" that won’t make you healthier; and your employers can continue to keep their hands in the public cookie jar. Pretty weak, Governor.
In any event, it’s interesting to note that in spite of the outcry by some business groups (but not all, as we’re fond of pointing out), the bill passed the House last night by a 6-1 margin. A lot of folks in the House has listened to the calls for reform; from what I can see, despite its flaws, it’s an ambitious plan.
UPDATE: Very good stuff from Cape Cod Works and WonkNot.
I emailed my rep (Dan Bosley) about the bill, and here’s what he said:”We finished the bill around midnight last night and it is over in the Senate. I was disappointed that the Senate President indicated that there was a lot of time to consider this. We feel we can’t get this done fast enough.”Of course, this is not a shock, since Dan is one of the Good Guys of the House.WF
I very much hope that Trav sees the light and can get himself to sign on to the broad contours of DiMasi’s approach. Everyone who cares about this issue ought to be beating down the doors of their Senators. Make yourselves heard! You know the Chamber of Commerce and AIM will be going into overdrive on this – don’t let them drown you out.
Well, the reason that the business complainers are getting all of the press is that, frankly, they’re the only complainers.Even the Republicans have been quoted as saying that they think it’s a good bill except for that little deal about “taxes.”Health care reform is a moving train, and no one wants to get in its way. Hopefully, Trav’s comments are is nothing but the usual “we’re an equal partner” complaint that goes on in a bicameral legislature.
Patrick, I really hope you’re right. Nice to hear some optimism…
I’m not sure what my Senator will support. Tolman is officially in favor of single payer. I don’t see that happening any time soon. I asked his office if they had a policy paper outlining how they proposed to institute it given the existence of Medicare and Medicaid. The young man I talked to said that he didn’t know enough about the details to discuss it.The line that they’re giving out is that Tolman supports real reform, but I haven’t been able to get anything more substantive than that. Does anyone else live in the Allston/Brighton area? What sort of resposnes have others gotten from their Senators. Josh Marshall kept track of social security on hid blog. It would be great to have a chart outlining where all of the Senators stand.
Also how does one look up the votes in the General Court?
Abby, that’s a great idea. We should put together a spreadsheet. The question is… what’s the question? How do you formulate whether someone is for “real reform”? Is it pay-or-play? Is it substantial MassHealth expansion? etc. I have some idea, but there are going to be some nuances in the Senate.Anyway, at least folks should get in touch with their Senators.