HOUSE PASSES repeal of antitrust exemp. for insur. companies bill 406-19

[lamp_shade]

[malaise]

1. Is that final?

I thought it was 408 - 19 when I ast looked.

[lamp_shade]

2. Could have been a couple changed their votes at the last minute.

[malaise]

22. Thanks

:hi:

[tabbycat31]

3. I saw something completely different

what is the bill number you are referencing

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2010-60

[Oregone]

4. Is this for real?

Huh? Is this bizzaro world?

[sinkingfeeling]

5. Oh good, another bill to get blocked in the Senate.

[Cal33]

10. It isn't likely that the GOP senators are going to filibuster this

bill. November is too close, and they'd like to keep their seats.

[Arkana]

6. Wow.

Really? You'd think this would be bigger news.

[pleah]

7. K AND R!

[KittyWampus]

8. I actually got a little hopeful hearing this.

[Bobbie Jo]

9. K&R

:kick:

[bvar22]

11. If this is For REAL...

this is great news.
Though I'm having trouble believing this.
Does anyone have a link?

[Oregone]

14. A lot of people are in disbelief

If real, doesn't it support the notion that real reform can happen in pieces? I mean, instead of putting forth a monstrous bill that can be construed as the second socialistic coming of Satan, what if the leadership put small, simple, and concise bills up that couldn't be lied about? Then, a Senator would have no excuses to vote against it. Even Republicans.

Example: pre-existing conditions clauses. Banning their consideration by insurance companies is widely popular on its face as a single measure. What politicians wants to be caught dead voting against it?

Could each piece that is beneficial be passed successively like that?

I don't mean doing this over 10 years, but rather, each week put forth a concise, clearly written bill for a single measure that is needed.

[bvar22]

17. I absolutely agree.

The current Bills should be killed.

A few of the best pieces should be broken out and presented as simple, stand alone , easy to read and understand bills, and then forced to a vote.

Add on an incremental expansion of Medicare buy in to 55, NOT as "Health Care Reform", but as emergency aid to 55 - 60 who are unemployed and (now) unemployable, and let the Republicans vote AGAINST THAT!...

And, voila', the door to Medicare for ALL is wide open.
.
.
But the Democratic Party Leadership (including Obama) already KNOW that.
Thats WHY hey won't do it.

[KoKo]

20. Agree.....and the House can probably pass it all in increments..but Senate under Reid will

claim filibuster threats or that they don't have enough votes.

I've all along hoped they would do it piecemeal. Good point about extending Medicare. It needs to be done for the workers in that age group who have been laid off or will be soon. And, it is a foot in the door to future expansion, hopefully.

The longer this whole thing drags on with a big bill with the give-aways to Pharma...the worse it all looks and the more frustrated or even disinterested the average American becomes. By dragging it out we Dems look weak.

[Oregone]

24. Wow...putting Medicare expansion into a concise bill...heads would explode

:)

But here is the problem....these days, governments will only solve a problem if a corporation will profit by them doing so. This is the Third Way (a manner to make everyone happy, with emphasis on the private industry at the expense of the public).

The enormous health care bill allows some problems to be address, but allows businesses to directly benefit from many of the provisions. Its a take it or leave it all thing, at the end of the day.

[SharonRB]

15. Sandy Levin posted on Facebook

"The House just had a bipartisan vote of 406 - 19 to end the anti-trust exemption for insurance companies so that the Justice Department will be able to investigate price-fixing and collusion amongst insurance companies. We should be using all the tools at our disposal to bring down health care costs for Michigan families."

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

12. Is this true? Is so, fantanstic news! n/t

[Barack_America]

13. Series?

Wow.

[Union Yes]

16. Good news for now. Will this bill survive? I'll be happy only when it's signed into law. knr nt

[Soylent Brice]

18. ***LINK HERE***

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6883381.html

WASHINGTON — The House has voted to repeal the health insurance industry's exemption from federal antitrust laws, giving Democrats an easy win on health care a day ahead of President Barack Obama's bipartisan health summit.

The vote was 406-19, with most Republicans siding with majority Democrats against a widely unpopular industry which has been under attack by Democrats and consumer advocates for recent rate hikes.

Republican lawmakers complained, though, that the legislation passed Wednesday was largely symbolic and would have little real impact since states already regulate health insurers.

Independent experts largely share that view. Democrats, however, contended that the bill would help consumers by increasing competition.

Prospects are dim in the Senate.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

[berni_mccoy]

19. BIPARTISAN!

[Beetwasher]

21. Wow! That's Phenomenal! This Is Actually A HUGE Accomplishment

And by itself will do a great deal to reform the system, regardless of what Repubs say and assuming the Senate can get their shit together and pass it.

[Union Yes]

23. PLUS, 406-19 sends a strong bipartisan message to the Senate. Which gives me hope... nt

[progressoid]

25. And when it gets to the Senate...

...crickets.