Obama Meets With Senate Democrats Over Health Care Reform

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

As the debate over the Senate's health care reform bill enters what could be its final stages, President Barack Obama met with Senate Democrats at the White House Tuesday to shore up support for the much fought-over legislation.

“This was a broad based discussion about how we move forward. Whatever differences remain, there is broad consensus around reforms that will finally.....protect every American from the worst practices in the health industry,” said Obama in remarks following the closed-door meeting.

“If we don’t get this done your premiums are gauranteed to go up,” added Obama.

Despite facing challenges from centrist Senators like Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), who recently rejected a proposed compromise that would scrap a public option for the expansion of Medicare eligibility, the president voiced his assurance that the legislation will pass.

“I’m absolutely confident that if the American people know what is in this bill and if the Senate knows what is in this bill, it will pass, because it’s right for America,” said Obama.

The president delivered his remarks accompanied by Senate Democratic leadership, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Chairmen of the Finance and HELP Committees, Max Baucus (D-Mont.) Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) respectively.

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.

House Democrat Prohibits Congressional Staffers From Texting And Driving

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

House Administration Chairman Robert Brady (D-Penn.) introduced a resolution Wednesday that would ban Congressional staffers from using their cell phones to send text messages while driving while on the job.

"The texting ban applies to House staffers who are operating official vehicles, utilizing-issued devices or conducting official business," said Brady.

This is not the first step Brady has taken to roll back distracted-driving. Brady recently offered legislation to reduce the amount of Federal highway funding available to States that do not enact laws prohibiting the use of certain communication devices while operating a motor vehicle.

“Mobile communications devices are an important and integral part of day-to-day life. My legislation and the committee resolution will encourage people to use common-sense in their operation and help to ensure safer roads. No phone call, e-mail, or text message is important enough to risk your safety and that of other drivers,” Brady said in a statement.

Chamber Of Commerce Weighs In On Consumer Protections

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

In efforts to strengthen consumer protection without adding regulatory layers and government bureaucracy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce put forth alternatives to the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act on Tuesday.

According to a press release, the Chamber recommended the “Consumer Protection Council (CPC) to ensure coordination of regulatory and enforcement actions among the federal financial regulators.”

David Hirschmann, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness said that there are four fundamental flaws in the nation's current regulatory system.

According to Hirshcmann, those issues include consumers not having access to transparent, useable information on financial products, regulation not being a high enough priority, a lack of enforcement against predatory practices and a lack of coordination among regulators.

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.