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Baucus-Grassley Bipartisan Partnership Frays Under Health Reform Pressures

By Eric Pianin September 2, 2009 KFF Health News Original

For nearly a decade, the two Senate Finance Committee leaders have found ways to bridge partisan divides to shape dozens of bills. But their partnership is being severely tested on a health care overhaul plan.

Ad Audit: Club For Growth’s Anti-Government Message

By Jordan Rau August 17, 2009 KFF Health News Original

An anti-tax group goes after Democratic health reform proposals, alleging they would lead to rationing and crushing government deficits. But the campaign includes some dubious comparisons with the British health system, and the group’s recommended solutions are open to question.

Democrats’ Strategy to Avoid Filibuster Carries Serious Risks

By Eric Pianin August 21, 2009 KFF Health News Original

Congressional leaders are considering invoking rarely used budget rules that would allow a health reform bill to be passed by a simple majority. But the technique could backfire and leave key provisions of the overhaul legislation vulnerable to Republican challenge.

Transcript: Health on the Hill

August 10, 2009 KFF Health News Original

Today’s Health on the Hill is mostly about health off the Hill. Jackie Judd talks with Politico’s Carrie Budoff Brown about the contentious town hall meetings and how the lawmakers are preparing themselves for questions. The White House has launched a Web site to try to correct false rumors and to push the President’s agenda on health reform.

’80s Tax Bill Has Lessons For Health Care Overhaul

By Linda Wertheimer, NPR News August 12, 2009 KFF Health News Original

In negotiating health care legislation, lawmakers might want to look back to 1986. That was the year that a Democratic House and a Republican Senate worked together to pass a tax simplification bill. A full-court press by lobbyists is usually enough to stop a bill – but it wasn’t in 1986. This story comes from our partner NPR News.

Transcript: Health On The Hill – August 19, 2009

August 20, 2009 KFF Health News Original

Jackie Judd talks with KHN’s Mary Agnes Carey and Eric Pianin about the growing political pressure on President Obama and congressional Democrats to scale back the cost and scope of the health care overhaul legislation this fall.

Transcript: Health On The Hill for Week of August 3

August 3, 2009 KFF Health News Original

Jackie Judd talks with Eric Pianin about the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s vote last Friday, wrapping up its work on major health care legislation, before Congress adjourns for the August recess.

Baucus: New CBO Score ‘Good News’

By Eric Pianin and Mary Agnes Carey July 29, 2009 KFF Health News Original

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., said Wednesday that a preliminary Congressional Budget Office score of his panel’s draft health care overhaul package would cost under $900 billion over the next decade and provide health coverage to 95 percent of uninsured Americans.

“Free-Rider” Penalty For Employers Draws Ire From Advocates, Yawns From Business

By Phil Galewitz July 30, 2009 KFF Health News Original

Unions and advocates for low-income workers are criticizing a possible Senate Finance Committee move to drop an employer mandate in favor of a “free-rider” penalty. The provision would require companies to pay for part of the subsidies for uninsured workers to buy health insurance on the proposed exchanges. Business lobbyists say it’s better than a straight mandate.