Where do things go now?

Last night the President spoke about the economy, jobs, education and then health reform. So is it an important item--yes. Though it is just not quite as important as having a job and lowering debt. Nonetheless, health care reform is not dead. In fact, the shock from Mass. may just be the tonic that allows health reform to become law and be palatable to the general population.

Surveys show that Americans are skeptical of health reform. However, when separate items are broken down in these surveys, Americans move notably in favor of the individual elements of health reform. As with many things, people are concerned with broad sweeping changes that they don't understand--when it is unpacked often they are more accepting of the change.

Our take:
Leaders will take a more pro-active approach to educating on reform. This will mean largely changes in insurance regulations. Americans don't like insurance companies and will support (right or wrongly) those types of adjustments. Note the attacks on the banks and bank executives--easy targets.

Health reform will still occur in 2010--when and how we aren't sure. Unfortunately it probably doesn't involve reform of all areas of our health care system.

It will impact employers and create more administrative burden and potential liability.

The current health environment is not sustainable--this is important to remember.

Still more to come...