This is a very nice under the radar move. Coupled with the new numbers on the HELP act, things are looking good.
WASHINGTON — The hospital industry is close to a deal with the White House and congressional Democrats in which the industry would agree to federal funding cuts of $150 billion to $170 billion over the next decade to help pay for a health system overhaul, according to people familiar with the talks.
The deal, which isn't final, could be announced within days. A critical feature is an agreement on phasing in the Medicare and Medicaid cuts.
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An agreement would boost Obama's drive for comprehensive legislation by addressing the biggest concerns of one of the most influential players in the health care overhaul debate. It would provide more money to the administration and Congress to cover the uninsured.
In addition, it would come at a crucial time — just as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate return from their July Fourth break. Democrats are hoping to complete floor action in both chambers before the start of the August recess.
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