1993 Republicans’ Health Reform Plan Very Similar To Democrats’ Bill

by Thomas Wellborn

Kaiser Health News reminds us of a bit of history:

In November, 1993, Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., introduced what was considered to be the main Republican health overhaul proposal: “A bill to provide comprehensive reform of the health care system of the United States.”

Titled the “Health Equity and Access Reform Today Act of 1993,” it had 21 co-sponsors, including two Democrats (Sens. Boren and Kerrey). The bill, which was not debated or voted upon, was an alternative to President Bill Clinton’s plan.  It bears similarity to the Democratic bill passed by the Senate Dec. 24, 2009, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PDF).

How the current Republican backlash against Obama’s health care reform could sincerely be directed solely at a plan that was once summarily put forth by Republicans themselves makes little sense.

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