Now that the House has passed a healthcare reform bill, long-term care leaders are again turning their sights to the Senate. That chamber is expected to begin debating changes to the healthcare reform bill today.
The House voted late Sunday night to approve the Senate healthcare bill in a complicated fashion. It voted for the Senate bill (H.R. 3590), but also for a handful of changes to the legislation (H.R. 4872). President Obama is expected to sign the Senate-approved version into law today. It is the same day the Senate is expected to start debate to approve the fixes.
“We urge the Senate to pass the reconciliation bill without amendments to allow our country to move quickly to implementation of these provisions,” said Larry Minnix, president and CEO of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, on Monday.
Republicans in the Senate, meanwhile, have renewed their vows to stop the bill using whatever tools they have at their disposal. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) during a radio interview Monday went so far as to suggest that Republicans would not cooperate on any legislation for the rest of the year in retaliation for the healthcare bill.
Also of interest to providers this week is the fourth annual McKnight’s Online Expo, which takes place Wednesday and Thursday. Experts in a variety of healthcare fields will be on hand, hosting webcasts and touching on subjects relating to healthcare reform. Attendees can earn up to five continuing education units simply be registering online for free and participating in the online seminars. For more information, or to register, visit www.mcknights.com/marchexpo.
