Search
 

Part of the Cure

The President-elect, Congress and business are poised for reform, but how fast can the change-resistant health care sector move?

By Beth Karlin | Updated on January 01, 2009

It’s clear that President-elect Barack Obama’s administration aims to hit the Oval Office running when it comes to health care reform. In naming Tom Daschle –who wrote the book Critical, calling for a bold and comprehensive insurance plan, as secretary of health and human services, Obama signaled his intent to move fast. And leading Democrats wasted no time post-election in preparing a bill to immediately introduce after Inauguration Day. Rather than putting health care on the back burner while focusing on economic stimulus legislation, congressional proponents and industry experts are promoting it as an important part of any recovery plan. “The economic problems call for dramatic changes,” says Linda Havlin, a worldwide partner at Mercer Health & Benefits. With ideological opposites–from Fortune 500 CEOs to union leaders–supporting change and a Democrat-led Congress, she adds: “There is perfect alignment of the sun, moon and stars.”

Or so hope many business leaders who, for the most, applauded Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’ (D-Mont.) and Education, Health, Labor and Pension Committee Chairman Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) efforts in the supposedly lame duck congress to create a consensus bill.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to Treasury & Risk, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited Treasury & Risk content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical Treasury & Risk information including in-depth analysis of treasury and finance best practices, case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts and videos, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2023 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

 

Recommended Stories

Treasury & Risk

Join Treasury & Risk

Don’t miss crucial treasury and finance news along with in-depth analysis and insights you need to make informed treasury decisions. Join Treasury & Risk now!

  • Free unlimited access to Treasury & Risk including case studies with corporate innovators, informative newsletters, educational webcasts, and resources from industry leaders.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Treasury & Risk events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM publications including PropertyCasualty360.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Treasury & Risk

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.