What’s your opinion of the House-passed health care bill?

November 13,2009

When a bill passes by a five-vote margin with 435 votes cast in the U.S. House of Representatives, a strong divergence of opinion is expected.

That certainly was the case after the House narrowly approved a plan that would create a comprehensive national system of health insurance at an estimated cost of $1.4 trillion over 10 years. The multi-faceted bill would force most people to purchase health insurance, expand the minimum Medicaid eligibility rate to 150 percent of the federal poverty level and bar plans from turning away people with pre-existing conditions.

It would also install a government-run insurance entity, which is commonly known as the “public option.” That part of the plan has been controversial, with most Republicans and some Democrats balking at the move.

Here's some reaction from Missouri politicians and advocacy groups about the vote:

“We applaud those members of the House who supported this crucial legislation. This bill will help millions of older Americans get the health coverage they need, while strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations.”
– Norma Collins, AARP Missouri associate state director for advocacy. AARP, a major advocacy group for senior citizens, endorsed the bill.

“This bill imposes inflexible mandates before getting everyone covered and new regulations that duplicate what is already in place at the state level. Many of these reforms begin in 2010 after employees have already chosen their plans and contracts have been negotiated. The result will be increased costs and massive disruptions in the quality coverage individuals and families rely on today.”
– Karen Ignagni, president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans. AHIP, which represents the country's insurance companies, opposes the legislation.

“By forcing this mammoth overhaul on hard-working Americans, [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi and the liberal majority are creating a health care system that increases taxes on small businesses, reduces benefits and choices for seniors, and piles insurmountable debt upon our children.”
– U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, a Republican who represents the 9th District that includes Columbia. All of the Missouri Republicans voted against the legislation.

“After years of effort, months of debate and listening to the ideas and concerns of people throughout Missouri, momentum is on the side of the American people and health insurance reform.”
– U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan, a Democrat from St. Louis who voted for the legislation.

“I am concerned about the impact the legislation could have on rural hospitals and doctors. The proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement could further squeeze the budgets of rural health care providers. I also oppose the creation of a new government run public option and continue to have serious concerns about its potential unintended consequences for Missourians who have private insurance plans they like.”
– U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, who represents the 4th District south of Columbia and was one of 39 Democrats who voted against the bill.

The bill might face trouble in the U.S. Senate, where some lawmakers have expressed concerns over the “public option” and the bill's funding sources. In order for the bill to avoid procedural gridlock, it will need to gain the votes of 60 senators.

“We have the majority because we have moderates. And those moderates are going to be working very hard to make sure that we really do something about cost-control in the bill. I don't think the House bill went far enough on cost-control. I think the Senate bill is much better on cost-control. And that's what I think you're going to see pushed by the middle of the Senate that's going to be the one that crafts the compromises.”
– U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Monday, Nov. 9.

“Our view on this side of the aisle believes reform is common-sense solutions focused on lowering health care costs for families and small businesses. We're offering solutions that increase access and improve patient care as well … Our solution includes tax equity for all families, allowing small businesses to form their own plans across state lines, and ending the waste of $120 billion annually from medical malpractice and defensive medicine. We don't need a government overhaul of health care to give the American people what they want.”
– U.S. Sen. Kit Bond in a Nov. 2 floor speech.