Benemax

…and the beginning of Chapter Two. The House of Representatives passed the Senate’s massive health care reform bill last night (by just 4 votes) along with a “Fix-it” side-car. Now the main legislation goes to the President’s Desk (he is expected to sign it no later than Tuesday) while the Fix-it bill goes to the Senate for debate.

In a day or two, Health Care Reform will be the law of the land. But this is just the beginning of the story. Now begins the real struggle for the heart and minds of the American people and for the future of our economy and social fabric. So what’s next?

First, many provisions of the Health Care Reform bill can be modified by the Fix-it bill. This bill needs only 51 votes to pass The Senate but it can be amended. Republicans and like-minded Democrats can (and probably will) offer hundreds of amendments. If they are smart, they will use this opportunity not to obstruct the current bill but to present their own version of Health Care Reform to the American people, offering amendments that will lower cost, trim bureacucracy, and promote consumerism. If even one of these amendments passes, the Fix-it bill must go back to the House for a final ok.

Second, many of the details of the legislation have been left to various federal agencies to spell out. We should see a steady stream of regulatory proposals out of Washington over the next several years and these will determine in large measure the real character and impact of this legislation.

Third, there will be a host of legal challenges to this legislation. Already several states are in the process of “opting-out” of various aspects of Health Care Reform with Virginia, Idaho and Indiana leading the way. As many as 34 states are considering some form of “opt-out” legislation. These challenges to federal authority will have to work their way through the courts. Meamwhile, implementation of some of the plan’s provisions may be delayed.

It is also likely that a number of private individuals and groups will challenge aspect of the Health Care Reform legislation.

Fourth, mid-term elections are coming in the fall. It is quite possible they could result in a major shift in the balance of power in Congress. This will not be enough to enable repeal of Health Care Reform legislation but it may lead to some amendments that would improve the legislation and blunt its negative impact.

And finally, we are just 30 months away from another Presidential election.  

This blog will remain active in the coming months, reporting on the details of Health Care Reform as they are spelled out and on efforts to modify, impede or repeal this legislation. Stay with us.