The Health Care Reform - "Former Deals Broken by Amendments"

As the debates over compromises over the health care reform escalate, the Democrats are struggling not to lose the support of interest groups currently in favor. However, several amendments currently proposed could raise costs for hospitals, doctors and drug companies way beyond what they formerly expected. Although not as medially popular as other issues several proposed amendments to the 2000 page bill could break the support of those groups that helped the downfall of the 1994 proposal, namely the American Hospital Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. The first problematic amendment, introduced by Senators Liebermann, Specter and Collins, would penalize hospitals with high infection rates. Another such amendment was proposed by Democratic Sen. Dorgan which would allow U.S. pharmacies and drug wholesalers to import cheaper medication which could save the government roughly $19 billion over the next 10 years and probably more to the consumers. The last very unpopular amendment was proposed by Sen. Nelson under which about 6 million seniors would be transferred from Medicare to Medicaid which pays less for drugs.


by Lucie

Source: Washington Post December 6, 2009