Democrat Courtney Dismisses Proposed Tax On "Cadillac" Plans

By John DuBois - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

In a press conference Friday to discuss a Senate proposal to tax so-called "cadillac" health insurance plans, U.S. Rep Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) slammed the idea, saying it would create a "burden" for middle-class Americans.

"Cadillac" plans, characterized as the costliest of employer-based health insurance plans, would be subject to higher excise taxes under new reform measures being pushed by Senate Democrats.

Courtney, who was joined at the podium by Roland McDevitt, director of healthcare research for the consulting firm Watson Wyatt, expressed optimism that a Thursday meeting with Union leaders and workers would result in more support for the healthcare bill he helped pass in the House.

“What I think [the] session demonstrates, is that the Senate proposal, when you really scrutinize it, will result in a much higher burden to middle class families,” Courtney said. “This meeting today... I think really gave us a lot of policy reasons and political reasons about why the House position is better.”

“The Senate bill would impose a 40 percent excise tax on any premiums that exceed $8,500 for single coverage and $23,00 for family coverage in 2013,” said McDevitt.

Courtney added that his concern over the provision is shared by many across the country who argue that such a tax would force insurance companies to pass on higher costs to customers.

Senate Rejects Controversial Abortion Amendment

The Senate tabled an amendment to health care reform legislation that would offer specific language to bar federal subsidies for abortion following a 54 to 45 vote early Tuesday evening.

The amendment was a key factor in securing the vote of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), who proposed the amendment with the support of Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

Last Friday, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said it was unlikely the amendment would pass, but that the Senate would pursue an alternative provision to ensure votes from Nelson and other pro-life Democrats.

With support from Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), the only Republican Senator to approve passing a draft of the legislation through the Finance Committee, unlikely, Senate Democratic leadership will need to deliver the votes of all 60 Democrats and left-leaning independents to pass the legislation.

A similar amendment in the House health care bill proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) was approved by 240-194 vote.

Health Reform Experts Team Up To Praise Workplace Wellness Programs

John DuBois, University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

The Alliance for Health Reform joined forces Monday with the AARP and manufacturer Johnson & Johnson to promote workplace wellness programs.

The wellness programs are aimed at encouraging employees to live healthier lives, which should lower premiums and overall costs.

AARP supports workplace wellness with “Policies and services at the worksite to adress: Tobacco use, nutrition in cafeterias and vending machines, minimizing stress and promoting positive mental health and encouragement, physical activity before, during and after work hours,” said Vice President of Social Impact for AARP Nancy LeaMond.

Johnson & Johnson’s programs include online risk assessment, lifestyle and disease management counseling, mental health and well-being and health education awareness. Johnson & Johnson also doesn’t allow smoking on premises world-wide.

‘‘Johnson & Johnson’s credo is to have the world’s healthiest workforce,” said Vice President of health policy at Johnson & Johnson Kathy Buto.

“Firms want a healthier and more productive work force and they want lower health insurance costs and they think these programs can accomplish both of these goals,” said Board Member of the Alliance for Health Reform Ed Howard Howard.

Health Care For The Holidays

As the debate over the Senate’s health care bill moves into it’s fifth day Friday, whether the Senate will spend Christmas with their constituents or their colleagues has come into question.

Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) reiterated the Democrats’ desire to pass legislation by Christmas.

“Our goal is to finish this bill before Christmas. There are other things that need to be done in addition to the health care reform bill, but we are going to stick with this and get it done,” said Durbin during a telephone conference with reporters Friday.

However, several Democrats have hinted that if the bill is not voted on by the 25th, the Senate may spend Christmas eve in their chamber.

“We’ll be asking a lot of young men and women in uniform to be serving in Christmas eve in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere,” said Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) Wednesday. “Is it too much to ask this body on an issue like health care to stay around if we have to on a Christmas eve?”

Added Dodd, “I’m prepared to stay however long it takes to get this done.”

While the Connecticut Democrat portrayed staying on Christmas eve as a noble endeavor, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fl.) seemed to have cast the notion as a warning to lawmakers.

“The Republican leadership is stalling us,” said Nelson. “We go through as long as it takes, including Christmas day."

The Senate has currently voted on four amendments while additional amendments pertaining to abortion funding and the public option are still pending.

Health Care Costs Have Doubled In Past Decade, Says Sen. Klobuchar

By Laura Smith, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

During a press conference Tuesday on the importance of health care reform for middle class Americans, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said that health care costs have more than doubled in the past decade and could grow further.

“The average American spent $6,000 on their health care just ten years ago. Now the average American family is spending $12,000, and in ten years from now, without any bending of the cost curve, they will be spending $24,000 a year. If we do not act, these costs will break the backs of the American people,” Klobuchar said.

The senator attributed the numbers to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.)

Klobuchar went on to outline what she would like to see brought about through significant reform.

“It is my hope that no one will have to choose between necessary medical care, and their mortgage," said Klobuchar. "For the middle class, reform will mean stable coverage that can’t be taken away, stable costs that won’t eat away at paychecks and better care."