On the Scene: The Health of the GOP

WITH THE Clinton healthcare plan in terminal condition on Capitol Hill there is every sign that less-ambitious reforms will be adopted this fall. The problem is that even a modest package could contain the seed of a massive new entitlement and further distort the workings of the health-care economy. Right now, Republican lawmakers risk having their fingerprints on injurious legislation because they are leery of arguing the straightforward case for a free-market approach to health care. Yet, the short-term omens are propitious.

Hillary Clinton may fight it, but Bill Clinton will be forced away from major parts of the plan in the give-and-take of committee. Mandatory health alliances have already been targeted by Ways and Means health subcommittee chairman Representative Pete Stark (D., Calif), a single-payer supporter who would like to bring the service and quality of Medicare to every American.

JT

About the Author

Jeffrey Taylor

Featured Tags

WITH THE Clinton healthcare plan in terminal condition on Capitol Hill there is every sign that less-ambitious reforms will be adopted this fall. The problem is that even a modest package could contain the seed of a massive new entitlement and further distort the workings of the health-care economy. Right now, Republican lawmakers risk having their fingerprints on injurious legislation because they are leery of arguing the straightforward case for a free-market approach to health care. Yet, the short-term omens are propitious.

Hillary Clinton may fight it, but Bill Clinton will be forced away from major parts of the plan in the give-and-take of committee. Mandatory health alliances have already been targeted by Ways and Means health subcommittee chairman Representative Pete Stark (D., Calif), a single-payer supporter who would like to bring the service and quality of Medicare to every American.