Massachussetts GOP Win creates uncertainty for health reform

Since the GOP win in the Massachusetts Senate race Tuesday night, Healthcare reform is again back at the top of the news headlines and it remains unclear what the next step for health reform legislation will be. Here are some of the key headlines and insights from Washington insiders

• On ABC's Nightline last night, President Obama indicated that he did not want the Senate to push through legislation without Senator Brown. He also signaled that he might be willing to scale back his proposed health care overhaul to a version that could attract bipartisan support which is welcome news.
• Today many major industry players announced their continued support for some form of healthcare overall including PhRMA and even some larger insurers.
• We understand that Pelosi has indicated that she does not think the House could pass the Senate's health care bill and we believe democrats are now talking about paring down the healthcare reform package to so that they could get some kind of bill--albeit a smaller one--through Congress. Most party moderates believe some type of bipartisan support is needed.
• Despite the headlines, health reform can still pass this year. Although Democrats won't have 60 votes in the Senate any more, they will have 59, which is a wider majority than presidents like Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush needed to win significant legislative victories. The fun in Washington continues and health reform remains a central issue!

Hopefully, this game changer will create an opportunity to correct some serious gaps in the proposed health reforms with a more bipartisan approach. Regardless, there are several significant issues that must be addressed soon including the looming Medicare physician (SGR) 20% cut in reimbursement. Stay tuned....