It seems like the main feeling towards health care reform these days is that the current bill is an advance, and we all hope that this advance eventually leads to better reform down the road. I am optimistic, but I wonder if there isn't a relatively easy way to advance this significantly, while ensuring Democrats a good election outcome in 2010.
Much of what was lost in the HCR bill was lost because of Sen. Reid's desire to avoid a filibuster. The argument went that alternatives that require only 50 votes (reconciliation) were most appropriate for budget issues rather than a health care overhaul. However, now that it is clear that HCR is coming to us in pieces, why can't the liberal members of congress use this to their advantage?
I would propose that once the current HCR bill is passed, the Democrats immediately introduce a budget bill temporarily extending medicare coverage to people of all ages. The details can be worked out by the lawyers, but I see no reason why a simple vote of 50 senators can't get us universal health care coverage for the next 2-3 years now. While any extensions would need votes later on - and while the country cannot afford to just extend medicare for the long term without some other supporting changes in infrustructure - providing universal health care for a few years should change the terms of the ultimate agreement. As an added benefit, people will see a real benefit to health care reform before the next elections.