Is the 2009 deadline necessary or feasible?

I'm with the yes and no answer to this question. The problem is that for the layperson, health reform is new and proceeding at a rapid pace. The reality is that policy and medical experts have been working on this for 30 years. The systemic problems are clear and so are the solutions (for the most part). This bill is not the end solution but merely a start. With a general populace in fear and hoarding their own interests, incremental reform is the best we can expect.

I am opposed to stalling for party posturing! But I think a
KEY issue related to cost is missing: fraud! Scams began with medicare and have continuously raised the costs. More dollars spent for anti-fraud protection will dramatically decrease cost going forward.

Secondly, public options should be 100% with the states. WI has done wonders with adding adults who are not parents to badger care. Subsidizing this in-place program would be well spent dollars.

Another look at Medicare Advantage Plans: KEEP the NON PROFITS such as MN/WI UCare and Medica which are ARE lowering costs while paying more to MDs and Hospitals. I am ashamed when I look at my EOBs and see how little Medicare pays. Prices go up just to cover actual costs above medicare reimbursement. duh! Non profist Advantage plans are efficiently using federal dollars. My original BCBS supplement advantage plan is no longer accepted by my Clinic and Hospital, but the non-profists ARE. Listen to the marketplace please

Who does Mary Landrieu think she is? Holding the Senate hostage for selfish gain for her state is wrong. Come on Senators, get this thing done for the American people who deserve decent health care options.