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A truism: Nobody likes Max Baucus' bill but Max Baucus (and the CBO, and maybe the president). But Republicans don't like it, mainly because it is a health-care reform bill. Many Democrats don't like it because it's a meager health-care reform bill. Even Baucus' centrist colleagues didn't have the guts to appear with him at a press conference announcing the bill. But given its low price tag, the bill may have the largest chance of passage. Luckily, Ezra has put together some simple steps to improve the bill as painlessly as possible. In summary:
1) Kill the "free rider" provision. Kill it now.2) Increase the subsidies, and in particular, put more money toward out-of-pocket caps.3) Phase in Ron Wyden's Free Choice amendment.4) Create real competition in the insurance industry.5) Create incentives for bipartisanship.Ezra also argues in favor of a more partisan bill, since Republicans on the Finance Committee don't seem interested in supporting this version even though it looks an awful lot like the Republican alternative to health-care reform in 1994:
If Baucus's Republican colleagues want to support this bill and give him some cover, their presence should be welcomed. But if not, Baucus should loudly and publicly allow the Democrats on his committee to strengthen the bill, as it will be a Democratic majority that passes the bill. A bipartisan group should shape a bipartisan bill. But a bipartisan group should not get to shape a partisan bill, particularly if that bill becomes partisan because they have abandoned it.In 2001, Baucus helped shape the president's tax cuts, and he voted for them. In 2003, he helped shape the Medicare Modernization Act, and he voted for it. He has upheld his end of the bargain of bipartisanship. Now is his moment to demand the same of his Republican colleagues.Does Baucus have the guts to push back against his GOP frenemies?
-- Tim Fernholz
