Health Care Debate Looking For Focus

While there is this impression that Democrats and Republicans are squarely split over the particulars of President Obama’s health-care agenda, a vital truth is being obscured. There is a surprising amount of agreement between the two parties regarding certain proposals that would give millions of Americans a shot at medical insurance.

The viability of using consensus proposals to orchestrate health-care reform initiatives has gained even more significances with the loss of legendary bipartisan compromiser Senator Edward Kennedy. Legislators are examining such proposals with a discerning eye, considering alternatives such as eliminating programs that deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions and banning lifetime benefit caps.

By definition, they are concessions to the President’s more ambitious directions for health care reform.

Kennedy had devoted a large portion of his career to the task of completely revamping the nation’s health care system. The Democratic Senator regularly demonstrated his ability to advance his reforms in incremental steps rather than striving for larger plans.

The present political climate has introduced a new round of obstacles that highlight the need for compromises and a focused approach to the health care dilemma. Not only are insurance companies preparing to face off against new policy initiatives, but there is also a growing animosity between the Democrats and Republicans that could determine any future success.

When legislators return from their August recess, the big question will be whether to continue with an agenda characterized by comprehensive reform or mere adjustments or increments to the current system.

Those proposals that have the largest amount of support from both parties may have a more direct effect on more Americans than those issues that been receiving the bigger share of media coverage. On the other hand, issues such as stopping insurance companies from imposing lifetime caps on benefits and stopping those issuers that deny based on “preexisting conditions” are enjoying strong bipartisan support.

Yet, there are concerns about trying to solve the complex problems of health care in small steps—even if it is providing those with preexisting conditions with guaranteed coverage.

Finding an approach that works may be an impossible dream but it is one that legislators are still fighting to achieve.