Feinstein Questioning Elements of Democratic Health Reform Proposals

President Obama likely will need the support of moderate Democrats to pass health care reform legislation, but lawmakers such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) remain skeptical about several elements of his plan, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Feinstein has outlined several of her health care reform positions on her Web site.

Concerns About State Costs

Some health care reform proposals aim to generate savings by reducing subsidies to public hospitals that treat uninsured populations. However, such subsidy cuts could significantly cut funding from California' public hospitals, Feinstein said in an interview with the Chronicle.

Feinstein added that many states have insufficient funds to increase their share of Medicaid allocations.

In addition, she expressed concern that new automatic spending programs, or entitlements, would exacerbate current fiscal strain (Lochhead, San Francisco Chronicle, 9/12).

Support for Regulating Insurers

Feinstein said changing health insurance company practices could be crucial to curbing U.S. health care costs (AP/Sacramento Bee, 9/13).

She said she supports Obama's call to impose new insurance company regulations, such as prohibiting insurance denials for pre-existing conditions and curbing policy rescissions.

In addition, Feinstein favors a Republican proposal to allow insurance companies to sell health plans across state lines. This proposal aims to lower health insurance premiums by creating larger risk pools.

Feinstein has also expressed support for a public insurance option and a mandate requiring all residents to have coverage (San Francisco Chronicle, 9/12).