Health Industry Lobbyist on Reform Bill: "If we’re on the floor and it continues to look like this then … we’re really going to have a problem.”

Peter Suderman | October 9, 2009

Health-care reform legislation has benefited from a fair bit of industry support -- the most important effect of which was to suppress industry attack ads. But it looks as if industry deals aren't being honored in the Baucus plan. According to Politico, "both chambers advanced proposals today that conflict with agreements struck with the pharmaceutical and hospital industries." And while those groups holding off for now, that might cause big corporate players to shift into opposition mode if the bill doesn't change soon. Politico reports:

First the Senate Finance Committee moved forward with a vote on its health care reform bill, even though it violates the deal Chairman Max Baucus cut with hospitals to help fund it. The industry said it agreed to $155 billion in reduced Medicare payments if the bill provided insurance coverage to 97 percent of legal residents. Yet the bill introduced by Baucus, and the one that will be voted on Tuesday, only covers 94 percent of them.

But no one’s yelling double cross, as least just yet.

"There’s no unraveling of the deal. We knew this is where we would be. We’re doing everything we can to continue to keep that pressure up. If we’re on the floor and it continues to look like this then … we’re really going to have a problem," said a senior hospital industry lobbyist.

Previously, I noted that many so-called industry "villains" actually support reform.

Comments

roystgnr|10.9.09 @ 11:37AM|#

"Why, of course we'll support you having authoritarian power, as long as you use it to funnel us loads of taxpayer money!"

"Very good. Here is a pittance for you."

"Wait, that wasn't part of the deal!"

"We have altered the deal. Pray we do not alter it further."

Billy!|10.9.09 @ 12:43PM|#

nobody should worry. Everybody's gonna make money on this except the treasury.

|10.9.09 @ 1:50PM|#

According to Politico, "both chambers advanced proposals today that conflict with agreements struck with the pharmaceutical and hospital industries."

"Hey, you fucked up! You trusted us."

|10.9.09 @ 2:18PM|#

I'm altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.

|10.9.09 @ 2:54PM|#

Do Pharma and the hospitals get to read the bill before it's voted on, or are the out in the cold like the rest of us taxpayers?

Ben Kenobi|10.9.09 @ 3:34PM|#

The pharma and insurance industries got into bed with the government. They should not be surprised when they get fucked.

Rob|10.9.09 @ 3:50PM|#

Is that the Tony Soprano version of "we're going to have a problem"?

huangzhixian2033|10.10.09 @ 10:28AM|#

=== http://www.icfshop.com=== Our commitment, customer is God.

Welcome to --- http://www.icfshop.com ---- We are specialized in offering all kinds of top brand shoes, jeans, t-shirts, jacket, jerseys, watches, purses, handbags, belts, wallets , sunglasses and hats etc.
Accept paypal ,All the prices list on our website include shipping cost,insurance,tax etc..

$50 UGG BOOT, $30 nike shoes,air jordan shoes,nike shox shoes,gucci shoes
$33 true religion jeans, ed hardy jeans,coogi jeans,affliction jeans, Laguna Beach Jeans
$16 ed hardy T-shirts,Coogi T-shirts,Christian Audigier T-shirts,Gucci T-shirts,Polo T-shirts.
$30 coach handbag,gucci handbag,prada handbag,chanel handbag,$15sunglasses,$9 caps.

I wish you a happy shopping and happy every day!