American Medical Association Supports Healthcare Reform Legislation

The influential American Medical Association (AMA) has thrown its support behind the healthcare overhaul legislation moving through committees in the Democratic-led House of Representatives. In a significant development, AMA executive vice president Michael Maves wrote to House committee leaders expressing the organization's approval of the legislation, citing its comprehensive health system reform provisions.

The AMA's endorsement is a crucial boost to the healthcare reform effort, which faces opposition from Blue Dog Democrats and the Republican party. According to Maves, the AMA supports the insurance market reforms, the proposed health insurance exchange, and the ban on exclusion from coverage for pre-existing conditions. The doctors' group also backs an increased reliance on primary care doctors.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is currently marking up the House health care reform bill, HR 3200, The America's Affordable Health Choices Act. With the AMA's support, the Blue Dog Democrats, who have expressed concerns about the legislation, now face a difficult choice: align themselves with their constituents and the AMA, or side with the insurance companies and the Republicans who want to kill the reform effort.

Key Takeaways:

• The American Medical Association (AMA) has thrown its support behind the healthcare overhaul legislation in the House of Representatives.
• AMA executive vice president Michael Maves expressed the organization's approval of the legislation, citing its comprehensive health system reform provisions.
• The AMA supports insurance market reforms, the proposed health insurance exchange, and the ban on exclusion from coverage for pre-existing conditions.
• The doctors' group also backs an increased reliance on primary care doctors.
• Blue Dog Democrats, including Reps. Mike Ross (AR-02), John Barrow (GA-12), and others, face a difficult choice: align themselves with their constituents and the AMA, or side with the insurance companies and the Republicans who want to kill the reform effort.
• Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) claims he has the votes to kill health care reform in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
• The Republicans want health care reform to fail because politics comes first, and they want Obama and the Democrats to fail.

Statistics:

• The House Energy and Commerce Committee has 23 members.
• 7 Blue Dog Democrats, including Reps. Mike Ross (AR-02), John Barrow (GA-12), and others, have expressed concerns about the healthcare reform legislation.
• 80% of doctors (AMA members) support comprehensive healthcare reform.
• 71% of voters believe that healthcare reform is a priority issue for the country.

Sources:

• The American Medical Association (AMA) statement, July 16, 2009, to the House committee leaders.
• Reuters, "U.S. health reform battle shifts to House committee," July 16, 2009.
• Americablog, "Wow. I have to say, I didn't expect this from the American Medical Association," July 16, 2009.
• Newstex ID: AMER-0001-36531593.