Establish an independent health institute to provide accurate and objective information

Health bill includes formation of a Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research

Updated: Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 | By Angie Drobnic Holan

After months of talking about health care reform, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced major legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system. House Democrats unveiled the 1,000-plus-page bill, called America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, on July 14, and it includes most of President Barack Obama's key proposals on health reform.

One of Obama's campaign pledges was to create a center for comparative effectiveness, to study and promote the most effective types of health care. Obama and his budget director Peter Orszag have spoken often about how they believe such research could lower costs by advising against expensive procedures that don't improve people's health.

The House bill creates the Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research and pays for it though a fee on private insurance.

We should be clear that there's a long way to go — maybe months — before this bill becomes law. It has to get through the Senate, where many an ambitious House bill has seen its hopes dashed.

Nevertheless, the bill marks significant, measurable progress on Obama's promise, and we rate it In the Works.

Sources: Thomas, HR 3200 , introduced July 14, 2009

U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee, House Democrats Introduce Bill to Provide Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans , July 14, 2009 Office of Management and Budget Blog, McAllen Redux , by Peter Orszag, June 4, 2009