Health Insurance Reform: Republicans Ideas Included, But Key Differences Remain

Last night on the Late Show with David Letterman, former Republican Governor Mitt Romney stated, "the problem is not the insurance companies." Democrats disagree--health reform legislation must hold the health insurance companies accountable and put an end to discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and out-of-control premiums. And according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than three-quarters of Americans agree that it is extremely or very important to reform the way health insurance works:

76% believe it is extremely or very important to reform the way health insurance works. [85 percent of Democrats, 79 percent of Independents, 64 percent of Republicans]

But Democrats also strongly believe that any idea that helps achieve the goal of making affordable, quality health care accessible for all Americans should be included in the bill--regardless of whether it's Republicans or Democrats (or both) putting it forward. As the chart below shows, numerous proposals included by House Republicans in their bill are also in the emerging final health insurance reform bill:

This afternoon, President Obama will propose including even more areas of agreement in health insurance reform--and lay out a path for action. You can watch live starting at 1:45pm EST on whitehouse.gov»