WASHINGTON (CNN) - After announcing his intention to move forward with a health care reform bill in the Senate that includes a version of the public health insurance option that would allow states to opt out, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told CNN that he has not ruled out using a budgetary procedure called reconciliation which would allow Democrats to pass the bill with a simple majority.Related Posts:Politico — 30 Senate Dems urge leadership to include public optionSnowe to Reid: ‘What’s t

The statement just out from the White House hails Harry Reid for including the public option in the final bill — but more to the point, specifically praises the opt-out idea, contradicting the widely-assumed notion that Obama prefered the trigger: “The President congratulates Senator Reid and Chairmen Baucus and Dodd for their hard work on health insurance reform. Thanks to their efforts, we’re closer than we’ve ever been to solving this decades-old problem. And while much work remains, the P

Several Key Questions Remain before House and Senate Vote on Overhaul Bill Font size Print E-mail Share 2 Comments Play CBS Video Video Health Care for Part-Timers Most Americans have health insurance coverage from their employers, but only 60-percent of employers even provide health benefits. The numbers are worse for part timers. Michelle Miller reports. [...]

“The high cost of health insurance premiums would continue to put coverage out of reach for millions even if Congress approves legislation President Obama says is intended to ensure ‘that every American has affordable health care.’ The number of people who slip through the cracks will depend on how House and Senate leaders reconcile separate versions of health care legislation to arrive at a final bill.” (10/25/09)

admin 25 October 2009Bizzare and Offbeat No CommentBusinesses would not be required to provide health insurance under legislation being readied for Senate debate, but large firms could owe significant penalties if workers needed subsidies.