Obama pitches healthcare reform to small business

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

President Obama took his campaign for healthcare reform to a meeting today with small-business owners, a key political group that Republicans like to court in their drive to build a coalition opposing Democratic plans.

“I asked you here today to talk about health insurance reform and why it is so critical to the success of small businesses across our country,” Obama said.

“If we’re serious about strengthening small businesses, if we’re serious about creating a climate where our entrepreneurs can succeed, if we’re serious about giving you the chance to prosper and grow, then we need to pass health insurance reform in the United States of America,” Obama said.

The president’s comments come as the House leadership unveiled its bill that blends three versions that have passed House committees. The Senate is considering a bill that differs from the House’s on proposed tax increases on the rich and the type of government-run public option.

Republicans in both houses are expected to substantially, perhaps unanimously, oppose the Democratic plans. The GOP argues that the new healthcare plans will hurt businesses, especially small ones, by imposing mandates on coverage and penalties if workers remain without company-sponsored insurance.

Obama today minimized those arguments, saying that small-business owners would benefit in the long run because of stable health costs and protection against insurance companies limiting payments and protection.

“There is no doubt that this legislation – and the legislation that’s now being drafted in the Senate – would benefit millions of small businesses. It is being written with the interests of Americans like you and your employees in mind,” Obama said.
There are substantial differences between the House and Senate versions, though the chambers are moving closer. On the public option, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) rejected a more liberal proposal that government dictate rates to be paid to doctors and healthcare providers with the fee levels linked to Medicare. Moderates, who won argued for negotiated rates similar to those used by private insurers.

But the Senate version of public option differs from Democratic leaders’ version favoring an opt-out provision for states. Tighten your seat belts for a bumpy political ride in both houses in the next few weeks.

— Michael Muskal

Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal