UPDATE: One Step Closer to a Fix?

Yesterday's vote by the House to pass HR 6331 was a big step forward. The issue with HR 6331, however, is that the money is coming from a $40+ million cut to Medicare Advantage plans (President Bush has already vowed to veto a bill with such a cut). There is light at the end of this tunnel, though; the vote margin was large enough to give the House's petition a certain veto-proof strength.

Now we wait for the Senate. If the Senate passes with similar numbers, we could be in the clear. The option of Baucus and Grassley working together is still on the table as well.

The waiting game never gets easier. As always, when we know, you'll know. Stay tuned.