Frist Says Healthcare Overhaul Will Pass By Christmas, With Flaws

Former Tennessee Senator Bill Frist says Congress will pass a healthcare overhaul bill by Christmas. But he says it will push costs onto the states that will crimp funds for education.

Frist expects the bill will bring a lot more uninsured Tennesseans into TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program. He says TennCare’s roles could swell by 30 percent over the next decade. The extra money for that will have to come from somewhere, and Frist says one likely cut is education.

“And it’s going to fall back in the laps of the governors – Governor Bredesen, but even more importantly the next governor, who is going to have to cut education, who is going to have to cut the police force, in order to pay for these increased expenses.”

Frist also says the bill fails to tackle tort or malpractice issues. But he calls the insurance reform in the bill “very good,” saying people who have lost jobs or don’t make much money will be able to get insurance, as will those with preexisting conditions.

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Though Frist expects a bill to pass this year, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander argues the overhaul will collapse during debate next month.

Earlier: H1N1 Vaccine Hits Million-Dose Milestone in Tennessee
Later: Alexander Pokes Holes in Senate Health Bill