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I'd Vote for Health Bill: Frist

Obama's reforms are a step in the right direction, former Senate majority leader says

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 2, 2009 6:14 PM CDT

(Newser) – Health care reform legislation has the unexpected support of a prominent physician: former Senate Republican leader Bill Frist. If he were still in politics, “I would end up voting for it," Frist said. The surgeon also blamed some Republicans for not engaging seriously in the health care debate: “Clearly, the death panels and public plan arguments have been overblown."

Frist said he specifically supports the mandate for individuals to purchase coverage and the ban on denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. But he noted that the measure in its current multiple forms does not address the incentives that lead doctors to provide more procedures rather than more effective care. "There is really nothing to bend the cost curve," Frist told Time.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, from Tennessee, speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

In this Sept. 4, 2008 file photo, Bill Frist speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, from Tennessee, gestures to the crowed from the stage at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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I would end up voting for it. As leader, I would take heat for it. That's what leadership is all about.
- Bill Frist, former Senate Majority Leader

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 29 comments

yummines

Oct 8, 2009 12:53 PM CDT

well, it seems there is at least one clear thinking Republican in existence that is public. he is someone who looks like he actually cares about how the health plan does something, instead of hoping the plan fails so Obama somehow looks bad.

wwwonderer

Oct 5, 2009 4:03 AM CDT

Dang you beat me to it. See my reply to circusdog above.

wwwonderer

Oct 5, 2009 4:02 AM CDT

Exactly. Anyone remember his speech on the Senate floor about how Terry Shaivo needed to treated. I remember him giving one of those "I-sure-hope-the-terrorists-don't hear-us-criticizing -our-president" comments. And if he is in support, where the fudge has he been all this time?

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Politics • Health • US

health care • Republican • Senate • Bill Frist • physician • doctor • health care reform • incentives • Obama administration

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I'd Vote for Health Bill: Frist