Health Care Debate Continues in Senate

The Senate Finance Committee continues to work on a comprehensive health care reform bill. The Democratic leadership had hoped to have the Committee finish its work last week and move toward merging its version with the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee's (HELP) version. However, the Committee has continued to meet to discuss numerous amendments and delays receiving the legislation's final cost estimates. Although the committee continues to work, many senators are considering working out differences after the committee adjourns. Major differences include whether or not to include a public option, instituting employer mandates and changing the tax on "Cadillac" plans. The amendments the committee has dispensed with have been relatively minor, which could make for a very contentious debate after the bill is merged with the HELP committees and ultimately brought to the Senate floor for a vote. While much of the action is in the Senate, House leaders are grappling over a shifting timeline and potentially eroding support for their bill.  Democratic leaders hoped to have the bill ready for consideration by the full House starting October 18. Deadlines have come and passed during this process and it is unknown whether the Democratic leaders can keep all their members unified behind the bill that AGC opposes.  AGC remains concerned over employer mandates, the penalties for companies that cannot afford to provide health care, the uncertainties in coverage requirements, the affect on temporary and seasonal employees, the limitations on FSAs, HSAs and HRAs, and expanded COBRA mandates. AGC is also concerned that the exorbitant costs of the proposed plans will result in increased taxes on individuals and companies.  AGC supports reform that increases coverage, choice and competition in the marketplace. The inclusion of a public plan in the legislation will drive private insurers out of the market and the projected savings from the proposed legislation may never materialize, resulting in future tax increases. Currently, the Senate Finance Committee is considering several amendments and will likely finish tomorrow. A vote will follow next week after a Congressional Budget Office analysis. Click here to learn about the different health care proposals outlined by the Kaiser J. Family Foundation. Many of the details are still being decided and any final legislation would have to incorporate the different proposals.