Obama then described the four policy priorities Republicans identified at the summit that he is considering. "I said throughout this process that I'd continue to draw on the best ideas from both parties, and I'm open to these proposals in that spirit.

The proposals include Senator Tom Coburn's (R-OK) suggestion to engage medical professionals to conduct random undercover investigations of health care providers that receive reimbursements from federal programs. Tort reform, through using alternative means to resolve medical malpractice cases, was noted. "As we discussed, my administration is already moving forward in funding demonstration projects through the Department of Health and Human Services, and Secretary Sebelius will be awarding $23 million for these grants in the near future. However, in order to advance our shared interest in incentivizing states to explore what works in this arena, I am open to including an appropriation of $50 million in my proposal for additional grants. Currently there is only an authorization, which does not guarantee that the grants will be funded."


Obama also said he is open to Senator Charles Grassley's (R-IA) concern that Medicaid often inadequately reimbursed doctors, and that if Medicaid is expanded to cover more people, doctor reimbursement should also be increased. He then discussed Senator John Barrasso's (R-WY) suggestion to expand Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). "I know many Republicans believe that HSAs, when used in conjunction with high-deductible health plans, are a good vehicle to encourage more cost-consciousness in consumers' use of health care services. I believe that high-deductible health plans could be offered in the exchange under my proposal, and I'm open to including language to ensure that is clear. This could help to encourage more people to take advantage of HSAs."

Obama went on to say that his proposal (See DM 11761, DM 11874) removed the current health care reform bill's Medicare Advantage provision and Nebraska FMAP provisions, instead giving federal financing for Medicaid expansion to all states. These were concerns Senator John McCain (R-AZ) stated during the summit.

Republicans had repeatedly stated that the current legislation under consideration should be dispensed with and a new step by step approach taken to reform. But the President is firmly opposed to that proposal. "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...both parties agree that the health care status quo is unsustainable. And both should agree that it's just not an option to walk away from the millions of American families and business owners counting on reform."

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