Scoring Affordable Health Bill

Reading through some of the highlights on the House's version of health care reform, I must say that I am somewhat pleased with something from the Halls of Congress for the first time in a long time. It's not a perfect bill but it does hit all the main reform points that I think are necessary for any true reform.

• A "public option" for those who don't have health insurance.
• Guaranteed solid benefits for everybody, with caps on out-of-pocket spending.
• Regulation of insurers, including requirements that insurers provide insurance to people with pre-existing conditions without higher rates.
• A mandate that everyone assume some responsibility of payment.

I'm still hesitant on some of the proposals like payment reform and how a surcharge on the wealthiest will pay for the plan. I'd score the overall bill with B (slightly above average).

-- CBO already scored the bill and projects it will cost $1.04 trillion over 10 years and cover 97% of Americans. Keep in mind that's cheaper than what the war in Iraq has already cost in 6 years.

-- The House plans to move forward tomorrow with markups and amendments scheduled for Thursday.

Really the only thing I would like to see added in the amendment process is one that ties Republican Members of Congress' health care coverage to the passage of this one. We'll see then how much they are really against government-funded health care.