The health care bill is coming to its final days and millions of dollars are being spent on the issue. Groups who are opposing the health bill have already spent $11 million on advertising against Obama’s plan. They are expected to spend more in the coming days. The business coalition, Employers for a Healthy Economy, is targeting Democratic lawmakers, carrying the message that the bill would cause job losses. The ads are being funded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other trade associations that represent a broad swath of industry, from health insurers and manufacturers to construction, retail and distribution companies.
Those who are backing the healthcare plan are matching that spending with the help of pharmaceutical companies who made a $12 million investment for a final advertising push.
There is quite a bit riding on the health bill. If passed, people without health insurance will get help by way of government subsidies to purchase coverage. Others who are underinsured due to cost will have the opportunity to purchase more affordable health plans. President Obama plans to stop unpopular insurance industry practices such as denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions or charging women more.
It’s unclear which way the swing Democrat votes will go. A few Democrats have been offered dispensations, including Representative Artur Davis of Alabama, who is no longer being pushed to vote for the bill because he is running for governor and the medical insurance measure is not popular in Alabama. Other Democrats voting against the bill also have been taken off the target list, party officials said, to save money for lawmakers who are more apt to be won over.
The health bill vote is expected to take place this week.
