Finance Committee Close To Unveiling Health Care Bill

Political gridlock could be easing in a key senate committee in the health care reform debate. The finance committee is moving closer to unveiling its version of the bill.

By: Jim Niedelman | WNCT
Published: September 16, 2009

Political gridlock could be easing in a key senate committee in the health care reform debate.

The finance committee is moving closer to unveiling its version of the bill.

Early details indicate the compromise would sacrifice the most talked about component of the proposal.

That so-called public option or expansion of Medicare seems to be excluded in the finance committee's proposal.

It's been the biggest sticking point in that committee even though the provision's made it through other committees in congress.

They have been nicknamed the group of six: three moderate republicans and three conservative democrats from the powerful senate finance committee.

They're led by democratic chairman Max Baucus.

Key components include requiring all Americans to buy medical insurance by the year 2013.

People on lower and middle incomes would get tax credits to help offset the cost.

What will probably be missing from it is the public option or expanding Medicare.

Progressive democrats insist the government choice could be the only way to keep the cost of insurance in check.

"By increasing competition, we will, again, improve quality, lower cost, expand coverage and maintain choice,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, (D) Speaker of the House. “I believe a public option is the best way to do that."

The finance committee compromise is considered by many as the only way to get the votes needed to pass a bill in the senate.

The leading republican in the house doesn't seem to be on board.

"Let's hit the reset button and let's start over," said Rep. John Boehner, (R) House Minority Leader.

"The time for bickering is over,” said President Barack Obama. “The time for games has passed. Now's the time for action."

President Obama's full-court press for health care reform since his speech last week indicates he has not intention of starting over.

However, his commitment to the public option is wavering.

He says he wants it, but his advisers say it doesn't have to come at the expense of the bill.

This finance committee price tag would bring a price tag of $880 billion over ten years.

That is cheaper than the other proposals so far.

So, what do our lawmakers in North Carolina think about this?

I contacted Senator Kay Hagan's office for her take on the compromise.

She says she won't comment until the bill comes out, which she says is tomorrow.