Senate passes health reform legislation by a vote of 60

Senate passes health reform legislation by a vote of 60 – 39

Today the U.S. Senate passed the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” the chamber’s version of health reform legislation. The final vote was along party lines with all 58 Democrats and two Independent members of the chamber voting for the legislation. All Republicans present voted against the bill. Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) was absent.

While ASA was very pleased by the favorable outcome on its lobbying priority – no public plan option based on Medicare payment rates, or an expanded Medicare “buy-in” program – the legislation included other provisions that could damage the medical specialty of anesthesiology. Because of these provisions, ASA urged a “no” vote on final passage of the Senate health reform bill.

Following the holiday recess, the House and Senate will return in mid-January when the two chambers must reconcile different bills through a conference committee. ASA will continue its diligent work with key Members throughout the course of the conference.

Additional information will be posted to the ASA website as throughout the conference committee process. Please also follow the ASA Grassroots Network on Twitter and Facebook for the latest developments.