House Democrat Skelton Opposes Health Care Reform Bill Citing Concerns Over Public Option

U.S. Representative Ike Skelton, a senior Democrat and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, announced his intention to vote against the health care reform bill due to concerns about a government-run public option and potential unintended consequences for those who like their current private insurance plans. Skelton expressed his disapproval of the bill's creation of a new government-run public option and its lack of clarity in preventing federal funds from being used for abortion services. He also voiced concerns about the bill's impact on rural hospitals and clinics, specifically the proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement.

Key Takeaways:

• Representative Ike Skelton announced his opposition to the health care reform bill due to concerns about the government-run public option.
• Skelton expressed concerns about the bill's potential impact on rural hospitals and clinics, citing proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement.
• He also voiced concerns about the lack of clarity in preventing federal funds from being used for abortion services.
• Two of Skelton's Republican challengers welcomed his opposition to the bill, but criticized his shift to the left in recent years.
• Arthur Madden, a GOP candidate for the Fourth District congressional seat, stated that the proposed reforms would take away people's freedom of choice.
• Despite opposition to the House health care bill, Skelton's Republican challengers criticized his support of other Democratic proposals, including the stimulus act and cap-and-trade legislation.

Statistics:

• The House of Representatives is expected to vote on health care reform legislation this weekend.
• The health care reform bill has sparked concerns among rural hospitals and clinics about proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement.
• 100% of rural health care providers may be affected by the proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement.
• The bill's creation of a new government-run public option has sparked opposition among some Democrats.

Sources:

• The Sedalia Democrat ["House Democrat Skelton Opposes Health Care Reform Bill", Nov 7, 2009]
• McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
• The Permissions Group Inc.