Adam V. Russo | October 30, 2009
The Barrow anti-subrogation amendment was definitely not included in the final bill. Barrow is inclined to move forward with a stand alone bill unless they can be convinced otherwise.
Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009
The following is a summary of the House’s revised “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act” as compiled by SIIA’s Government Relations Staff: (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009
The Law Offices of Bryan Davenport
We just received an email from Bryan Davenport regarding Pelosi’s subrogation bill:
I have reviewed Comrade Pelosi’s bill. We aren’t safe. See section 236 Section states “The Commissioner shall establish standards for the coordination and subrogation of benefits and reimbursement of payments in cases of qualified health benefits plans involving individuals and multiple plan coverage. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009
By Susan Heavey Susan Heavey, Yahoo News
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Some of the nation’s largest companies pushed back against U.S. Democrats’ plans to deliver a government-run insurance option in a healthcare overhaul, decrying it as a step backward that would drive up costs for employers and their workers. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009
By Tim Gaynor Tim Gaynor, Yahoo News
PHOENIX (Reuters) – Including a government-run insurance option in a U.S. healthcare bill has split lawmakers in the Democrat-controlled U.S. Congress, but support for it remains broad on the streets of U.S. cities, voters and pollsters say. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009
United Press International, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) — The U.S. House version of healthcare reform offers opportunity, choice, competition and innovation for Americans, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 29, 2009
The proposal is an updated version of the bill that was considered by House Committees over the summer, containing modifications reflecting negotiations made between House Democrat leadership and factions of liberal and moderate Members of their caucus. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 28, 2009
Reporting to Medicare
The purpose of these reporting requirements is to enable the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine whether those covered by Medicare are also covered by other insurance that, by law, must pay primary to Medicare. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 28, 2009
By Lee Brodie of Corporate Research Group, www.corporateresearchgroup.com
In a setback for progressives, Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe said she would vote with fellow Republicans to block the Democratic health care overhaul if changes are not made to the version Majority Leader Harry Reid outlined this week.
On Monday Reid announced a version of health care reform that included a government-run “public option” to compete with private health insurance plans. Under Reid’s plan, states could opt out of the government insurance, but Snowe said Tuesday that’s not good enough.
Snowe is currently the only Republican in Congress who has voted for any of the early Democratic versions in either the Senate or House.
Meanwhile, Sen. Joe Lieberman said Tuesday that unless the bill changes substantially, he too would vote with Senate Republicans against a motion to allow a vote on final passage of the bill.
The Democrats will need 60 votes to get the bill past a threatened Republican filibuster, so both votes are likely crucial.
Adam V. Russo | October 27, 2009
Dear Adam:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the movement towards true health insurance reform. I appreciate hearing from you. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 27, 2009
By Lydell C. Bridgeford, Employee Benefit News, www.benefitnews.com
A new opinion poll by the Galen Institute shows that 71% of Americans oppose an individual mandate to buy health insurance, despite a penalty of only $750 a year. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 23, 2009
The following article was submitted from Kevin Chapman of Boon-Chapman
BALTIMORE — In the fight over a health-care overhaul, Maryland’s experience with setting hospital rates suggests the federal government could realize savings on health spending, but at a price of more regulation for health providers. (more…)
Adam V. Russo | October 22, 2009
Democrat leaders of both the House and Senate continue their respective negotiations in an effort to package reform proposals into finals bills to be brought to the floors of their respective bodies. The negotiations are comprised of Committee Chairman who have thus far authored and passed separate healthcare reform packages, Congressional moderates who will play a key-role in garnering the necessary votes to pass the Democrat’s proposal as-well-as White House officials. The most contentious issues continue to be the inclusion and shape of a government-run insurance plan, the structure of an employer mandate and overall plan costs. Our sources have told us that negotiations are not going as smoothly or as quickly as originally expected and that actual legislative language is not expected until at least early November.
Adam V. Russo | October 22, 2009
The House Judiciary Committee passed legislation that would partially repeal the antitrust exemption currently enjoyed by commercial insurance carriers under McCarran-Ferguson. The legislation would allow the Federal government to prosecute insurers for violations of antitrust law if they are found to be engaged in price-fixing, bid-rigging or market allocations. It is likely that such a provision will be included in the healthcare reform package.
