Amendments to the Chairman's Mark

The Senate Finance Committee released a set of approved amendments to Chairman Baucus's health care reform plan known as the Chairman's mark. Business Insurance reports on the changes to the proposed excise tax on so-called Cadillac plans and the addition of the same government funded reinsurance program for plans covering retirees aged 55 to 64, like FEHB plans, found in HR 3200 and the Senate HELP Committee bill. Among the approved amendments was one offered by Sen. Charles Grassley (R Iowa) providing that

Beginning in 2013 elected officials and federal employees may purchase coverage through a state-based exchange, rather than using the traditional Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.

The same option is permitted under HR 3200, the House majority bill.

National Public Radio posted a piece on Kaiser Health News about the value of the FEHB Program to federal and postal employees and annuitants. "[Those] who are covered under FEHBP do report high levels of satisfaction, but it's not some kind of super insurance. It's pretty much like most insurance people get through their jobs. Federal workers, too, sometimes complain about the rising costs of their premiums and co-payments and about the hassles of getting care. "

AIS Drug Benefit News posted a report on steps that health insurers are taking to make sure that plan members receive the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccinations. The Baltimore Sun reports that "The swine flu vaccine works in just one dose for older children, but kids younger than 10 will likely need two shots, according to early results of clinical trials, federal health officials said Monday." Of course, that vaccine is not available yet, but the seasonal flu vaccine is. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports shortages in the seasonal flu vaccine at least in that region.