Both the House and Senate health reform proposals would force insurance plans to follow the recommendations as part of a minimum swath of services.

Neither chamber takes aim at the underlying fiscal problems of Medicaid, the state-federal partnership that covers the poorest Americans.

Health policy experts warn the Democrats’ proposal to terminate the Children’s Health Insurance Program would hike health care costs for low-income families and increase the number of uninsured kids.

As the health care debate twists and turns through the Senate, the prospects for a public option remain murky. This scoreboard, updated daily, can serve as your one-stop shop for senators’ stances on a public plan — in their own words. See our methodology below.

On the Fence
Likely Supporters
Likely Opponents

9
51
40

Click on the numbers in the scoreboard [...]

Because the bill was held up for so long in the Senate, an end-of-the-year filing deadline will prevent anyone from accessing the final six weeks of benefits, according to state officials and sources on Capitol Hill.

“This bill represents a textbook example of how not to deal with the economic challenges that our country faces,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas).

How effectively will the House health care bill cover children? Turns out, it depends on where they live.

Nine months ago, Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill were all celebration as they hailed the renewal of the program. Last week, they called for its demise.

“Mr. Secretary, I’m not a man that fears this administration or you,” Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) told Geithner. “But I do fear the accumulation of power exercised by someone in the future that can be extraordinary.”

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), a vocal critic of exorbitant executive pay, fears new legislation will give competitive advantage to the biggest banks.