Another day, another markup session

Reuters reports on the third day of the Senate Finance Committee's markup of the Baucus healthcare reform plan. The panel "upheld a requirement on Thursday that individuals purchase health insurance and rejected a proposal that could have scuttled an $80 billion White House deal with drugmakers." Senators Schumer (D NY) and Rockefeller (D W Va) are pushing for a vote on a public plan option in lieu of the Baucus plan's co-operatives tomorrow.

The House voted 406-18 to maintain the Medicare Part B premium of $96.40 in 2010. Modern Healthcare explains that

Because of the recession, next year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is expected to be zero, and checks will not increase, meaning that 73% of enrollees under the “hold harmless” policy will not see a hike in their Part B premiums in 2010. However, for the remaining 27%, premiums would be disproportionately increased to $110-$120 per month, unless Congress acts. Currently, the Part B premium is $96.40 per month.

The bill extends this hold harmless policy to all Medicare beneficiaries. Is it any wonder that Medicare is going bankrupt?

The current federal fiscal year ends a week from today, and none of the FY 2010 appropriations bills have been enacted yet. Federal Times reports that the House may consider a continuing resolution tomorrow that will keep the federal government funded through October 30.

Among the measures included in the CR:

• The Postal Service’s scheduled Sept. 30 payment to its retirees’ health fund would be reduced from $5.4 billion to $1.4 billion. The Postal Service asked Congress for relief from the payment on grounds that it faces a $7 billion deficit this year and cannot afford the full payment.
• Multiple programs set to expire Sept. 30 would be extended. These include the Homeland Security Department’s controversial E-Verify program, which informs companies whether their employees are legally allowed to work in the United States.

The Senate also must approve this resolution, which is being included in a Congressional appropriations bill. The Politico supplies details on the legislative maneuvering.