Dems go after antitrust exemption for insurers

[David Zephyr]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON – Democrats launched a drive at both ends of the Capitol on Wednesday to strip the insurance industry of its decades-old exemption from federal antitrust laws, part of an increasingly bare-knuckled struggle over landmark health care legislation sought by President Barack Obama.

If enacted, the change would put an end to "price-fixing, bid-rigging and market allocation in the health and medical malpractice" insurance areas, said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Leahy said he would seek a vote on the plan when the Senate debates health care legislation in the next few weeks.

Leahy made his comments at the same time the House Judiciary Committee voted 20-9 to end an industry exemption that dates to 1945. Three Republicans supported the move.

Senior Democratic officials said the leadership was inclined to incorporate the measure into the broader health care bill expected to be brought to the floor for a vote within a few weeks. No final decision has been made, they added.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091021/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul

[depakid]

1. Now there's an excellent way to get reelected and put Republicans on the spot

[David Zephyr]

4. Pelosi's House Judiciary Committee Voted 20-9 to kill the exemption

Pelosi doesn't get enough credit.

She runs the House like a jewel now.

She delivered three bill BEFORE the crazy Summer Break and all three had the public option.

The House is showing the Senate how to behave.

And I agree with your point, this puts the GOP on the spot. A hot spot.

[unkachuck]

14. kick and true.....

....but we need to see more things signed into law....

[cali]

17. um, Leahy has been introducing this legislation for years now

he's hardly being prodded by Pelosi.

[No Elephants]

20. Very valid point.

[David Zephyr]

22. Leahy says it will pass the Senate now.

Hopefully, Harry Reid will follow Nancy's lead. We'll see.

[No Elephants]

19. Usually, I am more of an issue person that a hero worshipper or a demonizer. So, I will say Pelosi

has been doing a good job on this issue and she indeed is not getting enough credit for it.

[Triana]

2. Take THAT you extortionist bastards!

I hope they (Dems) don't lose their nerve about THIS.

[David Zephyr]

6. LOL! I think the HMO cartel may have pushed a little too far.

Great stuff by the House.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Well done!

[David Zephyr]

10. Now this is the Democratic Party I've dreamed of.

29-0!

[sasquatch]

5. About fucking time

[David Zephyr]

11. This is sweet. This is activist government in action!

!

[Lugnut]

7. Good. n/t

[andym]

8. great idea nt.

[Quantess]

9. K & R

[David Zephyr]

16. Thanks. This is a great news story and the Dems in the House deserve our praise.

Thanks Quantess.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

12. I just,...cannot say how exciting this is on the one hand,...

,...and how on earth no one (at least no one I know) knew the health care insurers possessed such an exemption.

QUESTION: Does this exemption apply to ALL insurance companies or only health care?

I mean, dayum, I know LOTS of people who can no longer afford other types of insurance (auto, flood, life), either!!!

[David Zephyr]

13. I thought I was an informed guy, but I never knew about this exemption

until Obama mentioned it on Saturday.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

15. From what I can gather,...

,...this exemption was across the board re: insurance companies. How the hell did they ever get away with that?

I swear, thinking about it on a macro level, freakin' insurance companies could be the primary culprits for causing a helluva' lot of our financial ills (when I say "our", I am talking "common citizen --> OUR" which impacts the entire system, at its foundation). I have to chew on this hide for a bit.

Whatever! I am pissed, now!!! :grr: VERY PLEASED the profiteers off all forms of human suffering no longer have a "free pass"!

Just P-offed they ever did! :grr:

[Vidar]

18. Glad to hear it.

[No Elephants]

21. This exemption has been in place since 1945, well before K Street ruled Ameria. According

to Ed Shultz, health insurance began as a not for profit undertaking. That may be the original reason. However, it is very troubling that, as health insurers grew richer and richer and meaner and meaner, efforts to repeal the exemption failed again and again, through both Republicrat and Demlican Congresses.



Wake up, America.




Let's hope it actually passes this time.

[JerseygirlCT]

23. Long overdue

Hope he can get it done.