Senate moderates flex muscle on healthcare bill

Washington Post, November 4, 2009

Moderate lawmakers are exerting their influence in the divided Senate to secure changes to healthcare reform legislation, potentially adding more delays to the bill, the Washington Post reports. Moderates have raised numerous concerns about aspects of the bill, including the public insurance option that included an "opt out" provision for states that don't want to participate. Many moderate Democrats prefer a "trigger" mechanism that would allow government-backed coverage only in states where private insurers fail to offer broadly affordable plans.