President-elect Barack Obama has laid out ambitious proposals in the area of healthcare reform. But such reform initially might be put on the back burner because of pressing economic concerns, industry observers say.
Obama is expected to pass a large-scale economic stimulus package, according to The Wall Street Journal. Some Washington insiders, including advisers to Obama, have suggested that Obama spend his fresh political capital on this economic issue, leaving little left over for healthcare reform, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Some close to Obama, including Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), who was tapped Wednesday to be White House Chief of Staff, also have suggested that healthcare reform might best be approached one piece at a time instead of in one sweeping reform, according to the LA Times. Obama also could attempt to pass embryonic stem cell research and SCHIP legislation early in his term.
