Baton Rouge Advocate
By Gerard Shields
December 17, 2009, Page: 1A
“One day after U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu committed to supporting the Senate health–care bill, 14 Louisiana chambers of commerce and trade associations sent her a letter Wednesday asking her to change her mind…
Republicans are unanimously opposed, and accuse Democrats of seeking deep cuts in Medicare and higher taxes to create a new benefit program that they argue gives government too large a role in the health–care system.
Led by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Louisiana chambers and trade associations congratulated Landrieu for securing about $300 million for state government but expressed concerns about how the Democrats’ health–care legislation would impact the state budget.
The measure, which includes money for Louisiana’s Medicaid program, also would expand the program that covers the poor and uninsured, which could cost the state $130 million more a year, the groups argued in a letter sent Tuesday to Landrieu and the press.
In addition, the state is facing a $400 million shortfall in federal money toward hospitals covering the uninsured, the letter states.
‘Between the two of them, you can have a $500 million impact down the road,’ LABI President Dan Juneau said Wednesday. ‘What they’re doing is throwing things up against the wall and seeing what sticks and calling it health–care reform.’…
Also sending a letter to Landrieu Wednesday was the Louisiana Association of Health Plans. Health insurance premiums for families and employers would likely increase significantly if the Senate bill passes, said Gil Dupre, chief executive officer of the organization.
‘We know Senator Landrieu is under a lot of pressure from the leadership in Washington,’ Dupre said. ‘But we tried to point out to her that some of the people in Louisiana are going to be harmed through higher premiums.’
Though Landrieu has committed to the bill, Dupre said it is important for groups to voice their concerns.
‘Until the votes are cast, it’s not too late to change anything,’ Dupre said.”