Now that comprehensive health care reform legislation is on hold, Democrats have begun a piecemeal approach to reform. First on the agenda is repealing the antitrust exemption for health insurance companies. From the Wall Street Journal:
After focusing intensely on health care for months, Democratic leaders have removed completion of the overhaul from their agenda indefinitely, and even talk of the subject is scarce.
Instead, House Democrats are turning to a targeted provision with populist appeal in search of a small victory. They say repealing the federal antitrust exemption would drive insurance prices down in regions where one health insurer dominates. Insurers say they already face tight regulation by the states, and the practical impact of the move is uncertain.
Next steps for the Democrats are uncertain now that their super majority in the Senate has been lost and Republicans are showing no signs that they are going to help Democrats out of their predicament.
For the full story click here For a related story in Politico about the Democrat's new health care strategy, click here.
