Senate Leaders Work on Compromise on Public Option as Debate Continues

The Senate Healthcare debate continues today and there is momentum toward compromise on some of the most polarizing issues. A potential compromise plan is being developed as an alternative to the public option that would allow the government to contract with private insurers, similar to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). This model was proposed by Obama during the election and is also similar to the approach used with success for Medicare Part D which had bipartisan support.

However, there are also reports that the compromise plan may also allow people over age 55 to buy-in to Medicare. This would probably generate significant concerns from health care providers including hospitals and physicians since Medicare reimbursement rates are often considered inadequate.

Today a team of Senate democratic freshmen proposed a range of cost containment proposals related to health care reform. Their proposal did not appear to have any controversial components but would expand or accelerate a wide range of cost containment strategies that have been discussed as part of health reform.

The Senate debate today will break at 12:30 pm EST and is expected to reconvene at 2:30 pm EST. We may see a vote on the abortion related amendment this afternoon. Also McCain has proposed an amendment that would grandfather all existing Medicare Advantage enrollees.

To date, the Senate has voted on 12 amendments of the 212 that have been offered to H.R. 3590.