By SR. CAROL KEEHAN, DC
CHA president and chief executive officer We are now moving from concepts to specifics in health reform legislation. The two Senate bills will be merged, the tri-committee bill in the House will be finalized, then the voting begins.
Soon, we will have Congressional Budget Office numbers, not only for the cost of the bills, but for who and how many will be covered. What insurance regulations will be enacted? Will mean-spirited sections that treat even legal immigrants so unfairly be dropped? What kind of incentives will be in to improve quality and lower costs? Are the provisions designed to help working families actually going to do that? Will the legislative language ensure the president's commitment to no federal funding for abortion and the inclusion of conscience protections are met?
These are only some of the critical questions to focus on in the coming weeks as key decisions are being made. An additional challenge is trying to focus on these important issues as so much misinformation is tossed around. Many are so frightened, and we have the ability to help them if we study the issues and create forums where they can be discussed.
We also know the impact of certain changes, both positive and negative, on the people we serve and our staff.
This is a historic moment. So many CHA members are diligently working with their legislators and their communities to make this reform that works for our country. Consider what you can do now to improve the legislation and get good reform enacted. It is a great opportunity to serve our country and our mission in an extraordinary way.