Timetable for Congressional Health Reform

by Allison Lee June 16, 2009 While things can change on a daily basis given the complexity and scale of this legislation, the current timetable for the Senate and House committees with jurisdiction over health reform is now as follows. June 16 - June 30 Senate HELP Committee mark up: this is when the committee debates and finalizes specific provisions of the bill. Mark up on the coverage provisions are likely to begin Monday, June 22. June 23 - June 30 Senate HELP Committee mark up: this is when the committee debates and finalizes specific provisions of the bill. Mark up on the coverage provisions are likely to begin Monday, June 22. June 19 - July 4 Release of House bill will happen sometime in this period, though it may not come until after the July 4 recess. July 4 - August 10 Bills move to the floor, where each chamber will vote on their bill. August 10 through September 4 Conference committee meets to combine bills from House and Senate. September through November The final legislation comes out of committee and is voted on by each Chamber. A final bill goes to the President to sign before Thanksgiving. Resources: HELP Health Reform Bill (615 pages) PHI Comments on HELP Bill Workforce and Long-Term Care Provisions PHI Comments on Senate Finance Papers (Combined) House Bill Summary of Provisions Carol Regan Director Health Care for Health Care Workers cregan@phinational.org