So there are some Democrats threatening to use reconciliation to get a health care plan passed (CNN article). Well, first things first. Let’s get through the President’s summit and see how it goes. Who knows what surprises may be in store? They may actually be “welcomed” surprises for a change.

This entire debate has been one surprise after another. As a result of this summit, we may actually see a few members of the minority party decide that the President’s plan (albeit not perfect) is currently the best option we have given the times. What do the Dems have to lose? Reconciliation should be used as a last resort and quite frankly, that is exactly what they seem to be doing. All we ask is – just do something – and do it soon – and don’t make it a band-aid approach.

So much debate and finger pointing and arguing and going back to the table threatens to completely dilute any meaningful reform. Despite the fact that the majority of Americans have said that reform is what they want and what America needs. Meanwhile, another $25-billion in Medicaid relief has been included in the President’s budget proposal to states that are seeing current enrollment numbers rise due to our economic environment.

The President’s plan has some really good aspects that will change the course of the health care system today and we finally have the momentum to actually make the health of our nation better. Why stop now?

Why stop when it includes a meaningful expansion of Medicaid so that our most vulnerable citizens can get the monetary relief and care they need to stay healthy? Why impede the development of an insurance exchange to make it easier for Americans to purchase health care? Why prevent important insurance reforms from taking place? Why dilute a requirement that says all of us have to buy coverage to ensure the health care system will be there when we need it and not bankrupt the nation in the process? And why in the world would we want to encumber a real focus on managing high-cost chronically ill populations?

All of these things that make a lot of sense are included in the President’s plan, and can be passed with or without reconciliation.

It will be interesting to see what plays out with the President’s health care summit. Perhaps some consensus can be met that may not address everything, but will at least garner enough votes to put something meaningful in place that we can build upon over the next decade.

A couple question to our readers – Do you think imposing reconciliation is the right way to go? Do you think the President’s health care summit will prove productive?

3 Responses to “Reconciliation as a last resort? Yes, it should be.”

1. Joe d says:

   February 25, 2010 at 9:09 pm

   The foundation of healthcare reform is Medicaid expansion, and I believe we’re attempting to build it on sand. When States are facing the brink of insolvency, and looking more like indentured servants to the fed via an enhanced Federal Match, it’s difficult to see when the real reform kicks in. I think we need to see the ROI on the $78b ARRA investment and how innovations in HIT translate in improved outcomes before we flood the system with more people. Close to the 20% of the Uninsured are currently Medicaid and CHIP eligible. Why not start there with expanded outreach while ridding the system of the ongoing fraud and abuse?
   At least let’s wait until we’ve climbed out of this current recession…

   I think reconciliation is a means of ramming flawed legislation through, and sends the wrong message
2. Draizy Newhouse says:

   March 7, 2010 at 10:31 am

   I think we must start somewhere. We can’t say we can’t afford it. It’s our citizens who are are suffering because of the lack of affordable health insurance. I am self employed in NY State. I can’t find a decent insurance co who will insure me even though I’m very healthy. Those who will insure one person want $1800 a MONTH. What can I do?
   Join the 40 million uninsured and risk losing my house? GO without food? SOmething must be done!!!! We have to find the money. This is a basic right for the American citizens.
3. Lois Marie Scott says:

   March 8, 2010 at 1:01 am

   If congress can not pass Health Care Reform …..Every person in congress should be stripped of their Health care until they do.
   It is insane that the very people who must decide if the american people should have have health care, they have health care, that is paid for by tax paying american citizens. They have the nerve to tell us we can not afford to have the same for these same tax paying citizens