Areas in the health care debate where Democrats and Republicans groped for accord:
Overhauling the system
The nation’s fragmented and inefficient health system found no defenders among the three dozen Republican and Democratic lawmakers at the day-long summit. Democrats are supporting massive legislation enacting a top-to-bottom overhaul of the system and requiring nearly everyone to be insured. Republicans say that approach needs to be scrapped and they want a step-by-step approach.
Purchasing pools
The Democratic bills establish state or national purchasing exchanges where individuals and small businesses in need of insurance could pool together and compare federally regulated plans. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said he liked the idea of the purchasing exchanges. But Enzi said any and all private insurance plans should be offered — not just those meeting federally established standards. Democrats say consumers need the protection of government- set standards.
Pre-existing conditions
All involved agreed that people with pre-existing health conditions should be able to get health care and that people who fall ill shouldn’t have their coverage revoked. Democrats say the only way to accomplish those reforms is through a mandate for nearly everyone to carry insurance. Republicans oppose the mandate, and instead would set up “high-risk pools” where people with high-cost conditions could buy care.
Medical malpractice
This is a long-running dispute between Democrats and Republicans that President Barack Obama has cited as an area of potential compromise. The Republicans’ preferred solution is capping non-economic jury awards, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., argued in favor of that approach. But Democrats and their trial lawyer allies have rejected that notion repeatedly.
Senior citizens
The Democrats’ legislation cuts hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicare, mostly from private plans within the system. Democrats would use some of the savings to close a coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug program. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., would give future Medicare beneficiaries vouchers to shop in the private market, something Democrats say would leave seniors out in the cold.
Adult children
Laws vary by state, but typically children can stay on their parents’ plan through college. Insurers don’t object because people in that age range have low medical costs.
