Transition: Daschle at HHS

The New York Times wonders how Daschle will be able to succeed on an issue – health care – where others have failed. “Mr. Daschle is well versed in health policy and Senate procedure. But two of his ideas could reignite the kind of ideological warfare that sidetracked health care proposals in the past He wants to establish a Federal Health Board, a powerful independent entity modeled on the Federal Reserve, to decide which drugs, devices and treatments are covered by federal health programs. And he says the federal government should offer its own health insurance plan, to compete directly with private plans, a proposal that alarms many insurers and Republican members of Congress.” In his remarks yesterday, Tom Daschle called for grassroots, campaign-style participation through the Web to hear suggestions on what works and what doesn't work in the health-care system currently. It's a stark contrast from the largely criticized, closed-door process that took place in 1993 -- the last time ... (link)