The 4 republican ideas that President Obama expressed his support for yesterday include;

1. Encouraging tax-advantaged health accounts.

2. Including HSA qualified HDHP in the proposed health exchanges.

3. Use of undercover stings to find and remove medical fraud.

4. $50 million for States to find alternatives to the current system of medical malpractice.

President Obama states commitment to the excise tax, but offers some “new concepts” on its design to the union leaders on Monday.

Senate passes health care reform bill.

House extends COBRA subsidy through Feb 28 2010.

Tuesday, senate votes on the Crapo amendment, which includes FSA, HSA, HRA items proposed in the health bill. More at http://bit.ly/4yh6Lg

AP reporting Dem senators reach a tentative agreement to drop govt. run health insurance.

…Sen. Schumer for introducing an amendment that would protect FSAs by adjusting the cap … http://bit.ly/8uC4vm (via @SaveMyFlexPlan)

Nelson, bipartisan amendment disallowing public funding for abortion filed. Here is the press release on Nelson website http://bit.ly/8K3SjU

With a 61/39 vote, an amendment for coverage of women’s preventive service is approved. 3 republicans voting for; Snowe, Collins and David.

Jody Dietel, offers advice on expiring COBRA subsidy. Listen to The Takeaway radio piece at http://bit.ly/7Up0BF