Republicans Take Over House, Now What?

[JE INSURANCE]

Ok you political experts, now that GOP have taken the house what next for health care?

Also do you think some dems in the senate are willing to compromise on health care bill since most americans do not want it? what are you thoughts?

 

[somarco]

First, I know Winter, and I am no Winter . . .

That being said, the R's blew some chances to pick up half a dozen or so seats in the House. Had they backed Fiorina in CA and Angle in NV they still would not have a majority but would be in a better position in the Senate.

In short, they lacked a focused game plan.

That being said, there are probably not enough votes or support to repeal Obamacrap. But by taking over the House and taking control of the purse strings, they can cut funding for some of the oversight.

They can attack Obamacrap in bits and pieces, such as allowing more free market change vs top down mandates.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

Remembering that the health care bill is already a law I don't believe much can be done with just a House majority. However, moving forward it will be very difficult for Obama to continue to implement any of this strategies.

 

[JE INSURANCE]

Is there anyway that they can make changes to the MLR? or at least do some sort of amendment to it?

 

[VolAgent]

I'm no political expert, but...

I'd say the Republicans greatest weapon is control of the purse strings now. They could simply refuse to pass any bill that would fund Obamacare in any way, shape or form. A nice provision inserted into the HHS funding that prevented them from determining, monitoring and enforcing MLR would effectively remove that provision. They could even attach such a provision to any grants they give to the states. In that case, the MLR would be a non-event. Don't count on keeping 20% commissions though.

Now, will they do it, get it past a veto, and how it would play out to the public is a completely different story.

 

[HealthGuy]

Congressman Paul Ryan (my understanding) the conservative fiscal wizard from WI is going to be heading up the budget in the House. This is going to get interesting.

 

[669comche]

I don't see any changes happening............they don't have the power to.

 

[bluemarlin08]

Looks like major commission reductions, as planned, to be announced in December. Even if some changes are made it won't be any time soon, IMO.

 

[stuy119]

Rand Paul is the guy to watch in all of this. He's close to McConnell, and they are a power team of epic proportions when it will come to pushing the agenda. The words of Boehner to Paul last night, "I won't let you down - ever!" will be very interesting to follow as well.

Second on the list of items to accomplish for Paul is repealing the healthcare bill. Will it actually happen? Who knows, but it was his major power play in all of this and could have major implications for the next couple of years.

 

[somarco]

The MLR is still in play as I understand. Possible phasing in if not a modification.

If the MLR is imposed this has an impact on more than just our commissions. Home offices are already cutting staff which means longer processing times on applications, claims, etc and, if you can believe it, even less customer service.

While the public may not like the way things are now they won't care for the "new and improved" health insurance at all.