HELP and Health Care on Steroids

The health care debate is underway in Washington. Most experts expect some type of reform to emerge. With that in mind, all need to hope that what is put in place (with this most difficult of issues) is a step in the right direction.

I can’t help but be a little concerned when seeing a comment from Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) that HELP (see below) committee staffers are putting together a plan that is "Massachusetts on steroids." He refers to the 2006 state legislation that requires universal coverage, includes heavy regulation and has proven more costly than anticipated. We’re sure the rhetoric will continue from both sides, but that is certainly not a good sign early in the process.

Now for that HELP, as in Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee. The acronym doesn’t inspire confidence. Help is needed, but will HELP provide the answers?