CNN says we have a health care bill agreed to by the Blue Dogs

[ThomWV]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/29/health.care/index.html

I don't know what it means. Their reporting doesn't give you that much information.

[babylonsister]

1. Some info from TPM...

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/07/house-retains-public-option-in-compromise.php?ref=fpa

[lumberjack_jeff]

3. This is good stuff.

The giveaways were insignificant.

[pinto]

4. This seems to have the most detail to date.

[Ms. Toad]

10. I didn't see anything about when the major reform starts

2013 (what is currently in the House bill) is NOT acceptable.

[babylonsister]

11. Nothing is finalized, but if 2013 is the date they come up with,

I don't know what you could do to change it. Maybe they'd need that much time to get this organized.

[Ms. Toad]

13. Then they need to put in regulations effective NOW

that impose access and parity requirements on insurance companies.

That would be a no-cost option, and would at least provide some relief for middle class taxpayers who can afford to in the $5-$8000 range for health insurance, but not the $14,00-$20,000 rates currently charged (or worse yet, be denied entirely).

Given how quickly Medicare was implemented, "need that much time to get this organized" is nothing but an excuse - and it permits 3.5 years for them to amend any real progress out of existence.

Edited to add: They need to hear that an earlier start is crucial. The delayed start has not been well advertised, so most people are not aware of it. What can be done about (now that you are aware of what is in the House bill) it is to call congress-critters and Obama and tell them that 3.5 years to wait for relief for a very small portion of the population - with an additional 4-5 years to phase in everyone else is NOT acceptable.

[pinto]

2. Kick

:kick:

[applegrove]

5. Oh joy!

[DJ13]

6. Im sure glad those few RepubliDems have so much power

I cant wait for their next proclamation from on high.

[WI_DEM]

9. unfortunately that is how it sometimes works in the legislative process

It's often not the left or the right who decide issues but the middle--the same can be said about most national elections.

[DJ13]

12. The problem with your post is it thinks the Blue Dogs are the middle

When polls show an overwhelming majority wanting a single payer system, anyone proposing something less is to the right, not the middle.

[kjackson227]

7. Fantastic News, and it looks and sounds like public option is left...

pretty much intact, or quite a bit of it, anyway ;)

[lumberjack_jeff]

8. If TPM is right, this might be even better.

I'm not thrilled about waiting until after recess for a vote, but this could be good.
a) unplugging from medicare reimbursement rates may avoid the perceived problem of doctors refusing to take the public option.
b) changing the subsidy may encourage people at the higher end (300-400% of FPL) to choose the cheaper, public option.

[derby378]

14. This sounds like good news...

...but September? I wish they'd have the vote now before the Republican spin machine has a chance to pummel everyone over the next month.

[t0dd]

15. Can someone confirm if the Kuchnich state single payer amendment is still in the bill? nt