As Health Care Reform Remains in Holding Pattern, NAELA and Aging Groups Keep the Pressure On
Posted: Wednesday, February 03, 2010
The uncertainty surrounding the future of health care reform continued the week of January 25 despite non-specific statements of resolve from President Obama in his State of the Union address.
Some moderate Senate Democrats, including Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), announced that they would not support the use of budget reconciliation procedures, requiring only 51 votes for passage, to pass a “fix-it” bill to accompany House approval of the Senate health care reform bill.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups and others kept up the push to encourage Congress to move forward on comprehensive health care reform. The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, including NAELA, communicated
this message
to Hill offices via letter and through numerous meetings with Hill staff. Dozens of health policy experts wrote to Congress to
encourage passage of the Senate bill.
NAELA members can visit NAELA’s Government Affairs
and
NAELA’s Legislative Action Center
for up-to-date information on issues and legislation, elections and candidates, elected officials, and a media guide.