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Senate HELP Committee releases Health Care Bill containing a Public Plan

Democrats from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) filed a 651-page health care reform bill on Tuesday. 

The bill contains a public health plan, an employer mandate, and a guaranteed issue of policy, thereby disallowing the refusal of coverage for pre-existing conditions. 

On retiree issues, there is a Medicare buy-in for 55-64 year olds, which creates a $10 billion fund to subsidize employers for the buy-in.  It is similar to the Part D employer subsidy. 

Also included in the bill is a provision to explain the effectiveness of drugs with clear information.  Other Medicare changes will be in the Senate Finance Committee bill, which will most likely be out next week. 

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2009 (CLASS Act) is included in the HELP bill, creating a long term insurance program for adults who become functionally disabled. 

This will help people with severe functional impairments and their families pay for the services and support they need to stay functional and independent, and allow them to have choices about community participation, education and employment. 

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) will manage the bill as Committee Chair Ted Kennedy (D-MA) battles brain cancer. 

President Obama had reiterated to lawmakers last week that he thinks Americans should have the choice of a public insurance plan, and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, amplified that message in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. 

However, the American Medical Association (AMA) has notified Congress that it will oppose creation of a government-sponsored insurance plan. 

“We have waited a long time for this day,” said Edward F. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans..  “Now we need to see health care reform through to the end.”

House Releases Its Own Health Care Bill Containing a Public Plan

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA) unanimously agree that a public option plan is necessary in providing all citizens with affordable and efficient health care. 

The Tri-Committee released their health care reform bill this week, also on Tuesday. 

The bill proposes a Health Insurance Exchange that would include a new public option, as well as current private options. 

Employers would be able to choose between providing coverage to workers or contributing funds on behalf of their uncovered workers (“play or pay”).  Like the Senate bill, the House bill prohibits insurers from excluding patients based on pre-existing conditions. 

Once this reform is in full effect, insurance will be mandated, excluding cases of hardship. 

For Medicare, the outline has several Part D improvements: it would shrink the doughnut hole coverage gap; improve low income access; leave out Part D means testing; eliminate Medicare Advantage overpayments; and eliminate cost sharing for Medicare preventive services. 

However, the House bill does not include the CLASS Act for long term care. 

“The public plan option, coupled with the ‘play or pay’ mandate, is a commendable step in making health care affordable for all,” said Barbara J. Easterling, President of the Alliance.