Dems Seek Funds to Pay Health Priorities

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON -- Democrats looking for money to pay for health care priorities renewed their focus on insurers Thursday.

A commission that advises Congress told lawmakers that Medicare spends about 12 percent more for care administered through private insurers than when the same care is provided through traditional Medicare.

The commission recommended eliminating that gap, which would save about $65 billion over five years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Democrats are looking to expand a program that offers health insurance to poor children.....

"The reason {private insurers} were paid that extra amount is because of their relationship with the Republicans," {Rep. Frank Pallone, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on health} said. "It's a special-interest advantage that was given to them because of their relationship with the Republican majority. There's no other rationale for it."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030101402.html

[rodeodance]

1. it was a gift to Insurance industry no doubt-