Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
The Senate Finance Committee began markup Tuesday morning of the recently unveiled Healthy America Act, a piece of legislation aimed at lowering insurance costs and increasing health care coverage.
In opening remarks, the committee members all acknowledged the bill as a very good start for health care reform but agreed that there is a long road ahead.
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a moderate Republican whose support on the legislation has been actively sought by both the White House and congressional Democrats, suggested that time needed to be taken in order to carry out reform effectively.
“Let us recall, it took a year and a half to pass Medicare to cover 20 million seniors. We simply can not address one-sixth of our economy, and a matter of such personal and financial significance to every American, on a legislative fast track,” said Snowe.
“I believe the American people rightly expect and are entitled to an extensive, meticulous process that places thoughtful deliberation ahead of arbitrary deadlines," added Snowe. “In that light, the mark before us is a solid starting point – but we are far from the finish line."
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) outlined her desire to see costs maintained for those who already have health insurance.
“We need to make sure insurance stays affordable for people who already have it. Middle-class families who work hard cannot be subjected to unfair excise taxes on their insurance benefits,” said Stabenow.
Senator Mike Enzi (R-W.Y.) criticized the bill, charging that it would lead to excessive spending and few results.
“The...bill spends too much and does too little to bring down health care costs. The hidden taxes and government mandates in this bill will actually increase health care costs for many families,” Enzi explained.
Other Senators pursued a way to reduce waste put on by Medicare’s fee-for-service model.
“One of the things that’s most important to me is the reform of the current fee-for-service system. Right now, our medical system is rewarding an almost relentless utilization,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
Baucus Bill Enters Markup Phase
The Senate Finance Committee began markup Tuesday morning of the recently unveiled Healthy America Act, a piece of legislation aimed at lowering insurance costs and increasing health care coverage.
In opening remarks, the committee members all acknowledged the bill as a very good start for health care reform but agreed that there is a long road ahead.
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a moderate Republican whose support on the legislation has been actively sought by both the White House and congressional Democrats, suggested that time needed to be taken in order to carry out reform effectively.
“Let us recall, it took a year and a half to pass Medicare to cover 20 million seniors. We simply can not address one-sixth of our economy, and a matter of such personal and financial significance to every American, on a legislative fast track,” said Snowe.
“I believe the American people rightly expect and are entitled to an extensive, meticulous process that places thoughtful deliberation ahead of arbitrary deadlines," added Snowe. “In that light, the mark before us is a solid starting point – but we are far from the finish line."
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) outlined her desire to see costs maintained for those who already have health insurance.
“We need to make sure insurance stays affordable for people who already have it. Middle-class families who work hard cannot be subjected to unfair excise taxes on their insurance benefits,” said Stabenow.
Senator Mike Enzi (R-W.Y.) criticized the bill, charging that it would lead to excessive spending and few results.
“The...bill spends too much and does too little to bring down health care costs. The hidden taxes and government mandates in this bill will actually increase health care costs for many families,” Enzi explained.
Other Senators pursued a way to reduce waste put on by Medicare’s fee-for-service model.
“One of the things that’s most important to me is the reform of the current fee-for-service system. Right now, our medical system is rewarding an almost relentless utilization,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).