Update on Health Care Reform
It is an exciting time in Washington, DC, as our nation moves to reform our ailing health care system. Health care reform is a top priority for Congress and the Obama Administration. The timeline is aggressive. Comprehensive, meaningful health care reform legislation is expected to move through Congress this year.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS activists are working with members of Congress and their staff to ensure that reform meets the needs of people living with MS.
- Eliminate the 24-month Medicare disability waiting period.
- Limit out-of-pocket costs and eliminate lifetime caps on benefits.
- Eliminate discrimination against pre-existing conditions.
- Provide long-term supports and services.
- Eliminate disparities in care.
- Create a clear pathway for FDA to approve follow-on versions of biologic drugs.
Health Care Reform Legislation in the Senate
On June 9, Senators Ted Kennedy (MA) and Christopher Dodd (CT) announced the "Affordable Health Choices Act” which is currently being debated in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. At the same time, Senator Max Baucus (MT) is leading a bi-partisan effort in the Senate Finance Committee to create a separate budget neutral health care reform bill. Both committees have jurisdiction over health legislation in the Senate, and the end goal is to combine both the HELP and Finance versions into one combined Senate bill.
Health Care Reform Legislation in the House
The House of Representatives is moving health care reform legislation through three committees that have jurisdiction over health issues: Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor. Those three committees released their combined health care reform proposal on June 19. Health care reform efforts in the House are being lead by Congressmen Henry Waxman (CA), Pete Stark (CA), and George Miller (CA), all chairmen of their respective committees or subcommittees.
Common Themes in the Legislation
While Senate and House legislation will initially differ in detail, there are common themes:
- Establish a National Health Exchange
- Require individuals to obtain health insurance
- Make subsidies available to help pay for coverage
- Address gaps in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
- Eliminate pre-existing condition discrimination
- Remove lifetime caps in insurance policies
Points of Disagreement in the Legislation
Some differing points include the inclusion of long-term care provisions, a pathway for the approval of generic biologic drugs, the specifics of a public plan, and provisions mandating employer coverage. Those factors could impact the ability of Congress to pass legislation by the August recess.
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