Obama 'Open' to Four GOP Ideas

President Obama released a letter on Tuesday declaring himself “open” to four GOP proposals from last week’s health-care summit: 1) Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) suggestions “that we engage medical professionals to conduct random undercover investigations of health-care providers that receive reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal programs”; 2) an appropriation of $50 million to states to creatively tackle medical-malpractice disputes; 3) an increase in reimbursements for doctors who accept Medicaid; and 4) new language in the bill in support of health savings accounts. Obama also scrapped a Medicare Advantage provision that would have provided extra benefits to Florida. Obama makes clear, however, that he is ready to move forward without GOP support: "I also believe that piecemeal reform is not the best way to effectively reduce premiums, end the exclusion of people with pre-existing conditions, or offer Americans the security of knowing that they will never lose coverage, even if they lose or change jobs."