Rockefeller Withdraws Amendment to Force Insurers to Spend More on Care

Earlier today, we previewed an effort by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) to require insurance companies to dedicate a minimum share of premium revenues to health care delivery, as opposed to administrative costs, profits and executive pay. Moments ago, the West Virginia Democrat made his case for the amendment, then withdrew it. The Congressional Budget Office, he said, hasn’t scored it yet.

It wouldn’t have passed anyway. Aside from Republican opposition, which would almost certainly be unanimous, Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said he wouldn’t support the measure either. The underlying bill, Bingaman argued, already addresses the most egregious industry abuses.