The president has at long last put out his own official health care reform proposal. I must admit I’m somewhat surprised that Obama didn’t propose a slimmed down and more simplified proposal that might have more acceptance with moderate Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats. He actually adds additional costs and more provisions to what the Senate has proposed, which I think bodes poorly for getting this passed by the House of Representatives. They only passed HR 3962 by five votes as it was, and there are a lot of things in the Senate bill that House Democrats don’t like, and a number of them still are there.

I’m hoping that the president has a strategy of being willing to appease some of the irritated constituencies in this first go-around, and that he might be willing to really horse trade on TV with moderate Democrats and Republicans in attendance to get to a slimmed down version capable of passage by both chambers.

From ACC’s point of view, a proposal should have a means of involving physicians and other professionals in helping to design means of improved quality and care coordination through a payment system that incentivizes such results. And, some kind of assurance to businesses and working families that health care will not bankrupt the nation. I think all of us in medicine know there is a pathway to success in these regards.

So, the summit of 36 to 40 bipartisan members of Congress who will gather at the White House Thursday to take us to the next step should be a thing of interest to behold. I won’t “beholding” my breath.

** Official Obama portait. **

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