With nine days to go until Christmas, Senators are under the gun to garner the 60 votes needed to pass a health care reform bill. There are still several outstanding issues remaining to be resolved before the bill can be presented for full Senate approval. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) is committed to vote as late as Christmas eve if necessary. The resolutions can change on a daily basis; let’s take a look at where things stand.

What’s Hot	What’s Not
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn).	Ben Nelson (D-Neb), Robert Casey (D-Pa).
Senate amendments to the bill.	Congressional Budget Office’s projected costs
55% of those polled believe that the overall cost of the health care system will go up sharply.	Democrats are moving ahead with reform with no political guarantees.
Coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.	Higher premiums for health insurance.
Closing the “donut” hole for seniors.	Importing drugs from Canada and Europe.
Healthcare bill without a public option.	Healthcare bill with a public option.
Senate approval of healthcare reform by year end.	No reform as 2010 is an election year.

What the new year will bring for healthcare reform is anyone’s guess. And how it will impact individuals and small business owners remains a mystery. As an employer or wealth manager, make healthcare one of your top priorities in 2010 for your employees and clients. To evaluate the best means by which to address these issues, contact EAB HealthWorks for information and ideas.