President Obama’s proposal for health care reform unveiled before Feb. 25 health summit

Today, the White House released President Obama’s proposal for health care reform in advance of the bi-partisan health summit to be held this Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Blair House in Washington, D.C.

According to the White House’s website, “The President’s Proposal builds off of the legislation that passed the Senate and improves on it by bridging key differences between the House and the Senate as well as by incorporating Republican provisions that strengthen the proposal.”

ASA opposes H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the bill passed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-39.

Among new provisions not previously included in either the House or Senate bill, a new Health Insurance Rate Authority would be created to provide Federal assistance and oversight to States in conducting reviews of unreasonable rate increases and other unfair practices of insurance plans.

ASA anticipates significant changes to the current proposal, making the path forward to meaningful reform unclear. ASA is currently reviewing the President’s proposal for health reform and will monitor the discussions as they unfold.

Please visit the links below for more information.

White House link to President Obama’s Proposal

Summary of President Obama’s Proposal

ASA Letter of Opposition to Senate bill

Summary of Senate bill as passed on December 24, 2009