Health Reform in the House
Tuesday, July 21, 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 22, 10 a.m.
Markup of H.R. 3200, “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act”
Committee on Energy and Commerce
2123 Rayburn House Office Building
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Fact of the Day
Medicare beneficiaries experience low rates of access problems compared with other insured individuals.
(Center for Studying Health System Change)
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Health Resources
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Under the Microscope
WEEKLY ADDRESS: Health Care Reform Cannot Wait
In his weekly address to the Nation, the President called on Congress to seize this opportunity – one that may not come again for decades – and finally pass health care reform: "It’s about every family unable to keep up with soaring out of pocket costs and premiums rising three times faster than wages. Every worker afraid of losing health insurance if they lose their job, or change jobs. Everyone who’s worried that they may not be able to get insurance or change insurance if someone in their family has a pre-existing condition." [The White House, 7/18/2009]
Read coverage in The Washington Post, Politico, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press.
Health Care Headlines
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Obama Not Stressing Aug. Deadline
In his most recent remarks, President Obama has stopped mentioning what had been his mantra — that the House and Senate finish their health-care bills by the August recess — and switched to a less specific call to fast action. [Politico, 7/18/2009] Read a related article here.
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Doctors’ Payments Snag Health Bill
A plan to end a program that would cut government payments to doctors is emerging as the flash point in the debate over whether President Barack Obama's effort to overhaul the health system would increase the federal budget deficit. [Wall Street Journal, 7/20/2009]
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Leaders Facing a Big Sales Job on Health Bill
Determining the trajectory of health care in the House depends on your vantage point. The view from the top is apparently rosy, as House Democratic leaders gathered Friday at a rah-rah news conference to boast that the measure was picking up steam after clearing two of three committees. [Roll Call, 7/20/2009]
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Small-Business Support Sought on Health Care
Small business is suddenly playing a big role in negotiations over health care. Supporters and opponents of various plans to overhaul the system are all trying to paint themselves as champions of mom and pop entrepreneurs. [NPR, 7/17/2009]
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Reform Pits City Hospitals Vs. Rural
Large, urban teaching hospitals - including hospitals that are the biggest engines in the Boston economy - are facing the possible loss of hundreds of millions of dollars under national healthcare reform as rural lawmakers on Capitol Hill wage a fight to win more federal cash for their local institutions.
[Boston Globe, 7/19/2009]
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OPINION: Preserve Seniors’ Independence
By Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Americans born in 1900 lived on average to be 47 years old. Life expectancy for those born in 2005 is 78 years. In a little more than 100 years, the life span of Americans has increased by more than 30 years. [Roll Call, 7/20/2009] Read a related article.
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OPINION: Reduce Risk of Disease for Elderly
By. Rep. Lois Capps, BSN (D-CA)
It may come as a surprise to many readers that the No. 1 killer of American women is a disease most associated with men — cardiovascular disease. [Roll Call, 7/20/2009]
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OPINION: We Can Limit Rehospitalizations
By Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Reaching agreement in Washington, D.C., can be difficult, but one thing we all agree on is that our health care system is broken and must be fixed. [Roll Call, 7/20/2009]
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LETTER: Instilling Healthy Habits
By Clarence Pearson, former director for health and safety education at MetLife & founding president, National Center for Health Education
As comprehensive health care reform takes center stage, President Obama and our legislative leaders once again are facing the inevitable challenges of paying for health care. Emphasis on the importance of early childhood health promotion, health education and disease prevention will have an impact on a person’s health over a lifetime, probably more than any short-term medical intervention solutions being proposed. [New York Times, 7/18/2009]
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