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Next Stab at Health Reform Looks More Promising

Industry claims to be ready to compromise

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Nov 20, 2008 9:33 AM CST

(Newser) – If health care reform passes this time, a major factor will be that its erstwhile enemies are now rooting for it, the Wall Street Journal reports. An industry roadblock killed the Clinton administration’s attempt in the early 1990s, but this time, insurers are playing ball. “You see a range of diverse stakeholders trying to work together to achieve health care reform,” says a trade-group rep.

Though veteran legislators say they see more cooperation this time around, that is no guarantee of success. It’s easy for insurers and doctors to look good now by sounding supportive. “Talk is cheap on the front end of this thing,” says one health care consultant. “The rubber hits the road when that 1,000-page document comes out with specifics.”

Republican Sen. Charles Grassley met with Democrats Edward Kennedy and Max Baucus yesterday to discuss plans to seek comprehensive health care reform.
Republican Sen. Charles Grassley met with Democrats Edward Kennedy and Max Baucus yesterday to discuss plans to seek comprehensive health care reform.   (AP Photo)
Democratic Sens. Ted Kennedy and Max Baucus, right, say they'll start working on health-care reform in January, whether or not President-elect Obama is ready with his plan.
Democratic Sens. Ted Kennedy and Max Baucus, right, say they'll start working on health-care reform in January, whether or not President-elect Obama is ready with his plan.   (AP Photo)
In this May 1, 2006 file photo, William McGuire, then-CEO of health insurer United HealthGroup Inc., speaks at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.
In this May 1, 2006 file photo, William McGuire, then-CEO of health insurer United HealthGroup Inc., speaks at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers Conference in Minneapolis, Minn.   (AP Photo/Eric Miller, File)
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Democratic officials said yesterday.
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Democratic officials said yesterday.   (AP Photo)
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Early diagnosis and preventative treatment can save lives and lower health care costs. That's why everyone should have affordable health insurance. - Montel Williams, as a spokesman in prescription drug company ad

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