House may have reached a deal on health reform

It was a very busy day in Washington as health reform discussions continued on the House side following reports yesterday that the Senate may have reached bipartisan consensus. Specifically bipartisan House leaders, the White House and four Blue Dogs on the Energy and Commerce Committee reportedly have reached a deal today on a health care overhaul. News of the consensus was announced as breaking news during a health care town hall meeting President Obama was leading in Raleigh, NC today.

Details that were announced include:

• Costs will be cut by $100 billion (no specific detail was released but estimates are that the bill would have to be under $1 trillion dollars)
• Public option not mandatory
• Increase exemptions for small businesses
• Prevent the public insurance option from basing reimbursement on Medicare rates.
• House floor vote would be delayed until at least September or mid-October

The group has been huddling for days to try to reach a deal on the package in advance of the House recess. Clearly this week's activity is a strong signal that some form of health care reform is likely to move forward this year.