Reply #26: Insurers announce health reform proposals**

[atimetocome]

I want single payer also but it looks like the Industry has the in with the new administration--which we knew before.



Insurers announce health reform proposals



Email|Link|Comments (25) Posted by Lisa Wangsness, Political Reporter December 3, 2008 04:30 PM

By Lisa Wangsness
Globe staff

WASHINGTON -- The nation's largest health insurance industry lobbying group announced a series of proposals for health reform this morning that they said would help achieve universal coverage, control costs and improve the quality of care.



..............."We call on Congress to join with President-elect Obama to enact health care reform in 2009 which puts the health of our families before the profits of the insurance industry," the coalition's director, Richard Kirsch, said in a statement.

But aides to US Senator Edward M. Kennedy, whose staff has been meeting with the insurers along with a broad array of health care advocates, employers and providers to develop a major health reform initiative for Congress to consider next year, was encouraged by the insurers' presentation.

"There's a spirit of optimism about our work to ensure quality, affordable health care for all americans -- and today's announcement adds to that optimism," said Kennedy spokesman Anthony Coley. "The insurance industry has advanced serious proposals that deserve serious analysis and consideration."