Sen. Kennedy Showed up on Beacon Hill to Encourage Legislature to Approve State's “Universal” Healthcare Bill
       US Sen. Kennedy appeared at the State House yesterday to tell state lawmakers yesterday that the bill they hope to pass next week could serve as a national model for health care reform.
       According to Kennedy, it was the first time he had ever appeared before the House on Beacon Hill.
       Calling health care reform “a defining issue for our time,” Kennedy said Congress and the state should make greater use of information technology in health care to cut down on administrative spending.
       The Massachusetts bill is expected to emerge from conference committee early next week with an assessment of approximately $295 per employee for each employer, of more than 10 workers, who does not offer health insurance. This new tax will undoubtedly cost the Bay State jobs, although lawmakers consider that an acceptable risk, in order to have “universal” healthcare.
       The package is also expected to bear a mandate for individuals to have insurance, which last year Senate President Travaglini promised wouldn’t be a part of the plan. Individuals may face some type of fine if they don’t either purchase health insurance, or if they qualify, sign up for Medicaid.

Dangling the Carrot Before Romney
       Kennedy also implied a near-universal health care law could prove politically useful to Romney, a potential 2008 presidential candidate.
       “I would certainly urge him to sign it,” Kennedy told reporters after his speeches. “I think it’s enormously important to the people. I think it would be singular in terms of the nation. I think it’d be a major achievement and an accomplishment. It’d be a strong indication that he’s – Governor Romney’s able to work with Democrats and get things done. And I think there’s a great need in the country for people being able to get things done, meet the needs of people.”
       He also promised to assist with negotiations at the federal level on a $385 million Medicaid waiver. Lawmakers have just two more months to get a healthcare bill in place to be in compliance with Federal Statute, and be eligible to receive the money. Regarding the current bill he said: “It certainly appears that this is going to be in compliance, from what I’ve heard.”