Baucus sets deadline for input on blueprint

Senate negotiators have until Wednesday afternoon to help further shape a reform blueprint crafted by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), with an eye toward releasing a full bill in about a week's time.

“I asked my colleagues for specific feedback on my proposal by (Wednesday),” Baucus told reporters after a three-hour meeting with a small, bipartisan team of senators. Members of the negotiating group have until Wednesday morning to file their suggestions, Baucus said, adding that he hopes to have a more solid proposal prior to President Obama's national address later that night.

“That would be preferable, and I made that clear,” he said.

Baucus presented his framework for a bill over the weekend. In it, he calls for a number of provider payment changes, health insurance reforms and the creation of a “co-op” model instead of a public option.

Concerns over the proposal were discussed at Tuesday's meeting, Baucus said. “They had some ideas—some changes they would like to see.”

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a member of the negotiating team, said one concern she has centers on a proposed expansion of Medicaid. Under Baucus' proposal, the federal-state program would add more individuals and families due to a widening of eligibility.

“There are a number of issues in that respect,” she said. “I think it's also important to look at the overall cost of the bill and affordability.”

Baucus said that he's still hopeful that the group could reach a bipartisan agreement, but acknowledged that he is willing to move forward regardless. “That's a judgment I'll have to make if and when we get there,” he said.

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