BaucusCare 09

If you haven't checked out the framework Max Baucus dropped on the Gang of Six today, I suggest you do so.  Not only does this appear to be the bulk of what will come out of Finance but Baucus appears to be deadly serious about starting a markup within the next two weeks.  This means two things; one is that health care reform remains on track for passage this fall and two, Olympia Snowe will likely have almost final say in whatever bill goes through (as Ezra Klein details nicely here).  The only other thing I would add is that Snowe may be MORE liberal on this than Baucus or Conrad, as she seems to prefer a 'triggered' public option.  Since Ben Nelson (likely vote #59 in any moving bill) recently came out in support of this ploy, I'm starting to see a trend.

As to the framework itself, there are provisions for Kent Conrad's co-ops.  Beyond that the bill is a significant improvement on our current system and while specifics may be dicey (the subsidies could be higher and the funding remains murky), it still is something Obama and the Democrats could be proud of if its the best they can move through Congress.  Plugging some holes in reform is still far better than standing for the status quo.