Harkin more optimistic about health-care reform

By James Q. Lynch

The Gazette

Now that the Senate Finance Committee's health-care plan is on the table, Sen. Tom Harkin is more optimistic than ever of passage of a reform package this year.

Although disappointed the plan is not as far-reaching as one approved by his Health Committee's proposal, Harkin praised Finance Chairman Max Baucus for his endurance and willingness to “bend over backward to accommodate Republicans,” who, so far, have not supported the proposal.

Once the Finance Committee approves the plan made public this week by Chairman Max Baucus, the Senate will meld the bills and have a floor debate the first two weeks of October and send a bill to President Barack Obama before Christmas, “maybe before Thanksgiving,” Harkin predicted.

If necessary, Harkin is willing to scrap bipartisanship to get the job done. Under Senate rules, it will take 60 votes to get the bill to the floor. If the Democratic majority can't get 60 votes to overcome Republican – or bipartisan – efforts to block debate, Harkin is willing to proceed to reconciliation. That allows the Senate to move forward with a simple majority and Harkin is confident there are more than 51 votes for that.

Harkin, who became chairman of the Health Committee following the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy, is encouraged that the Baucus plan embraces many of the same priorities as other Democratic bills. It would end insurance company abuses, provide coverage for everyone and includes a strong emphasis on prevention and wellness – an issue dear to Harkin.

However, Harkin doesn't have much confidence in Baucus' insurance co-ops as an alternative to a public option – a government-run health insurance program.

Co-ops, Harkin said, “leave a lot to be desired.” The public option, he said, would lower health insurance premiums by providing competition to private insurance companies. It's less likely co-ops would result in lower premiums, which a study this week are now reaching $1,000 a month for a family of four. Harkin called that “unsustainable.”

Insurance purchased through the public option would be portable, but co-ops might have different rate premiums and coverage plans, Harkin said.

Sen. Tom Harkin

By James Q. Lynch

The Gazette