Burgess to offer legislation to fund high-risk pools, reinsurance programs

Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, plans to offer the bill before the August recess. Meanwhile, after fighting back a tea-party primary challenge, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, hopes to emerge as a dealmaker on tax and budget issues.

CQ Healthbeat:  Burgess To Offer Replacement Bill Before August Recess That Would Fund Risk Pools
Rep. Michael C. Burgess said Monday he'll introduce legislation before the August recess that would provide about $25 billion for existing state high-risk pools and reinsurance programs.  The risk pools and re-insurance programs are intended to provide coverage to people denied health insurance because of pre-existing medical conditions.  Burgess detailed his plans for the legislation in a short interview following a forum sponsored by the Congressional Health Care Caucus, an organization he leads to showcase GOP positions on health policy (Reichard, 7/23). 

The Associated Press: His Tea Party Threat Defused, One-Time Kennedy Partner Hatch Wants To Be Dealmaker On Taxes
The type of real, red-faced debate that delighted Hatch and Kennedy also produced landmark laws like the American Disabilities Act and children's health insurance. With former Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd, the bellowing begat federally subsidized child care. Tense talks with no less a partisan than Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., produced a patent exemption that cleared the way for the generic drug industry (Kellman, 7/23).