President’s arms-length approach. President Obama decided early on to let Congress hash out the details of healthcare, which led to intra-party spats.
Failure to meet deadlines. Democrats couldn’t keep to their own deadlines, creating a sense of inaction despite the enormous progress made on the bills.
No strong message. Democrats never united behind a single message to the public, alternately portraying reforms as a deficit reducer, a consumer-protection bill, a moral imperative and even a jobs bill.
United Republican opposition. The GOP stood firm against the reforms with near-absolute unanimity, giving Democrats no choice but to assemble a fragile coalition.
Bad economy. Voters questioned why Congress was spending so much time on healthcare instead of jobs.
Climate change bill. Democrats decided to push a climate change bill through the House before healthcare, against the advice of centrists.
Too much negotiating. Democrats spent three months holding meetings to forge a grand bipartisan compromise on healthcare, even after some Democrats concluded the GOP had no interest in playing along.
Proposed “public option.” Democrats never came up with a version of a public health plan that satisfied enough centrists.
Unpalatable political deals. The public disliked Democratic leaders’ deals with centrists like Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) to provide more Medicaid funding for their states.
Tax on “Cadillac” plans. A main reason why the House rejected fast-tracking the Senate reform bill was its inclusion of an excise tax on high-cost insurance plans.
Read The Hill’s report on health reform.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
