Industry groups back health care reform effort

By Palm Beach Business.com

DELRAY BEACH — This time, Harry and Louise are working for health care reform.

On Tuesday, the White House announced a broad-based coalition of insurers, doctors, hospitals, technology companies, consumers and drug companies has agreed to initiatives that will cut the nation’s tab for health care by $2 trillion over 10 years, or about $250 per family per year. Representatives of those groups met at the White House with President Obama, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and other members of the administration’s health care team.

Among those participating in the meeting: America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America.

“A lot of groups represented were major opponents (of health care reform) in the early 90’s,” Sebelius told reporters during a conference call Tuesday afternoon. “They’re very much engaged and at the table.

“Everyone recognizes the current costs of health care in America are unaffordable and also unsustainable.”

Specifics were not discussed during the meeting but each group agreed to report to the president with details by June 1.

Health care reform is the top priority for the administration for a variety of reasons. For one, 46 million Americans have no health care insurance, and millions more are uncovered. Rising health care costs are one of the major drivers of the budget deficits the administration is projecting. Medicare is spending more than it is taking in, and is projected to be broke by 2017. It’s a major drag on the profitability of companies who provide coverage to their employees.

President Obama will push for a system that provides universal care, lower costs and provide better care, Sebelius said.

During questioning from reporters, Sebelius said the administration has not promised any quid pro quo for the participation of the various interest groups. It’s also expected that the various groups will help work legislation through Congress.

“Everyone that was in the room understands what’s in place right now is unaffordable, unsustainable and unacceptable to most Americans,” Sebelius said.