TexPIRG Give Senate Health Care Bill B+

TexPIRG

With the addition of the managers’ amendment, the Senate health reform bill earned a B+ from the consumer group Texas Public Interest Research Group (TexPIRG) for its cost-containment provisions on Saturday.

“The delivery reforms in this bill are game-changers which significantly increase America’s chances of reining in skyrocketing health care costs.  The Senate should pass this bill,” said TexPIRG associate Elizabeth McClellan

Back in September, TexPIRG gave the bill as put forth by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) a B-, and noted that the final version’s grade inched up because of several cost-containment measures. (See below for explanation of the B- grade.)

The lack of a strong, cost-saving public option prevented TexPIRG from giving the bill an A, McClellan explained, noting that she and her organization remain supportive of the final legislation.

“Despite enormous opposition from health industry lobbies, Senate leadership has delivered a serious bill that will help lower health care costs,” McClellan said.

In recent weeks, TexPIRG endorsed an amendment to strengthen cost containment, offered by Democrat Freshmen Senators that was incorporated in the managers’ amendment.