Baucus's Healthcare Reform Plan Would Cut Federal Deficit

BY Michael Mcauliff
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU

WASHINGTON - Sen. Max Baucus' health reform package got a boost Wednesday when congressional number-crunchers decided it would cut the federal deficit.

Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, announced that his $829 billion measure would lower the deficit by $81 billion over 10 years, and make sure that 94 percent of the country has health insurance, up from 83 percent.

"Our balanced approach to health reform has paid off," Baucus crowed in touting the estimates of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

The report clears the way for the committee to vote as early as tomorrow on its bill. But there is still a long way to go for the months-long effort to pass the most sweeping overhaul of the nation's healthcare system since Medicare in the 1960s.

The CBO report doesn't resolve the battle that has pitted moderate Democrats like Baucus against liberals who demand a public health option—a government-run alternative for consumers.

Baucus left the option out of his bill in hopes of luring a Republican or two on board. But four other bills have the public plan, and senators such as New York's Chuck Schumer have vowed to pass a final measure with a government-run choice.

Still, the broader effort toward reform appears to be moving forward.

At the White House, spokesman Reid Cherlin said the analysis "confirms that we can provide stability and security for Americans with insurance and affordable options for uninsured Americans without adding a dime to the deficit and saving money over the long term."

Baucus pays for his program by drawing savings from a more efficient system and an assortment of taxes.

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