After weeks of arm-twisting and back-room negotiating, House Republicanspushed through legislation last month to provide safeguards for patientsin managed care plans. President George Bush and Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.)set the stage for the vote by reaching a last-minute compromise on the all-importantliability issue. The deal alienated Democrats, however, and might make itimpossible for the two parties to reach a final agreement on legislationthat President Bush will sign into law.
The issues are much the same, but many of the key players have changed. With the clock ticking, compromise may prove as elusive as ever.
Tired of waiting for Washington to act, governors and legislators are becoming reluctant reformers. A heady mix of proposals is seasoned by money problems and well stirred by neophyte legislators.
Where to start on a long list of problems?
How Jim Jeffords' party switch will effect health issues.
News brief.
Almost every politician in Washinton is in favor of patients' rights. The stumbling block is how to enforce them.
News brief.
News brief.
When it comes to health care, Americans act like adolescents.
News brief.
News brief.
The state of the nation's health care system.
News brief.
News brief.
Is Congress close to signing patients' rights legislation.
How might Gov. Tommy Thompson influence the Bush administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
News brief.
Health care issues will be front and center in official Washington in 2001.
