I read an AP Article in my local paper last night. It pointed out how Democrtatic Senator Patrick Leahy, VT, announced the posibility of stripping the insurance industry of their anti-trust exemption as a part of any health care legisltation that might reach the floor. This coming after a 20-9 vote of the house judiciary commitee in favor of the idea.

I like the idea of ending the exemption. I think it is unconscionable they have it, and they have had it since 1945. I just question whether it might not pass muster. This health care bill, in any of it's possible generations is going to be a hard fight. It is far from a slam dunk. The republicans are mostly going to vote against any bill with stiff regulations or a public option of any kind. The Democrats have a majority, but some of them have been marginalized by the party, and others are facing strident concerns of reelection in their home states, for a variety of reasons. They are walking a tight-rope. Asking them to tow the party line in their situation is not reasonable request.

I can imagine the insurance companies won't be pleased with any legislator voting to end their boon. They donate a lot to campaigns. Do you think this might sway the opinion of any lawmaker forced to make a decision on how he'll vote?

_________________

Also in this same article, a bill designed to stop the current plan of cutting medicare payments to providers by 21% and raising fees by $247 billion over the next decade, failed to pass.

Granted, these fees spread throughout the vast number of providers over a ten year period is not astronimical. A pay cut of 21% is a big bite, though. Do you think that might discourage providers from accepting new medicare patients?