Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Jeb Bush Bolsters GOP Position With Obamacare Stance
Jeb Bush has used Obamacare to define his place on the spectrum of conservatism, even as he serves on the board of a major for-profit hospital chain benefiting from the health鈥檚 law鈥檚 drive to cover the uninsured. Even before Bush announced Tuesday that he would 鈥渁ctively explore the possibility鈥 of a White House bid, he had called the Affordable Care Act 鈥渇lawed to its core.鈥 He鈥檚 consistently attacked the policy, while chiding some conservatives鈥 tactics in fighting it. ... His statements about Obamacare have at times served to appease immigration hardliners, who dislike his moderation on that issue. (Wheaton, 12/16)
In an age when health care is a politically contentious topic and doctors often shy away from getting involved, Dr. Murthy takes positions. He is a founder of Doctors for America, a nonprofit group of 16,000 physicians and medical students whose stated mission is to improve the country鈥檚 health care system and make sure everyone has access to quality health care. The group advocated passage of the Affordable Care Act (and the election of President Obama 鈥 it was originally called Doctors for Obama, a fact that rankled Republicans and even some Democrats), training members to educate people about enrollment, organizing a bus tour in Florida and holding athletic races for fund-raising across the country. (Tavernise, 12/16)