While major healthcare lobbying groups have still been spending more on Democrats, they are quietly shifting support to Republicans in anticipation of a big GOP victory in the Nov. 2 election, according to a report by the Hill.
Based on new Federal Election Commission data, the healthcare groups' political arms have spent $23 million this year on Democrats versus $15.8 million for Republicans. The AMA spent 56 percent of funds on Democrats, the Federation of American Hospitals spent 61 percent on Democrats and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) spent 75 percent on Democrats.
However, most of the industry's money for Democrats is going to defend embattled incumbents such as Sen. Harry Reid (Nev.), while its funding for new candidates favors the GOP. The AHA and the Federation of American Hospitals, for example, have contributed to 10 new Republicans and only one new Democrat and the AMA is supporting four Republican Senate candidates who favor repeal.
Healthcare groups have been much more interested in meeting with Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee, said Republican committee member Kevin Brady from Texas. However, as Republicans begin trying to dismantle the healthcare reform law, healthcare trade groups face some problems:
1. Hospitals. Hospitals are "among the groups that could have most to lose if Republicans take over," the Hill said, because if Congress removes the individual and employer mandates, they will get fewer new patients than expected.
2. Physicians. While reaching out to Republicans, the AMA also has to continue working with Democrats, since the administration is making new regulations based on the healthcare reform law that will affect physicians' bottom lines.
3. Insurers. While insurers have objections to the healthcare reform law, they’re totally opposed to repealing the highly unpopular mandate that people buy health insurance.
4. Pharmaceutical companies. Replacing PhRMA President Billy Tauzin last month with former Business Roundtable President and CEO John Castellani has earned some GOP goodwill.
Read the Hill report on the elections.
Red more coverage on the elections:
- GOP Victory Might Prompt Longer-Term Physician Fee Fix
- Physician Groups Hint of Exodus from Medicare if Congress Lets Fee Cut Start Again
- GOP Senate Candidate Rand Paul Suggests Wealthy Should Pay More for Medicare
Based on new Federal Election Commission data, the healthcare groups' political arms have spent $23 million this year on Democrats versus $15.8 million for Republicans. The AMA spent 56 percent of funds on Democrats, the Federation of American Hospitals spent 61 percent on Democrats and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) spent 75 percent on Democrats.
However, most of the industry's money for Democrats is going to defend embattled incumbents such as Sen. Harry Reid (Nev.), while its funding for new candidates favors the GOP. The AHA and the Federation of American Hospitals, for example, have contributed to 10 new Republicans and only one new Democrat and the AMA is supporting four Republican Senate candidates who favor repeal.
Healthcare groups have been much more interested in meeting with Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee, said Republican committee member Kevin Brady from Texas. However, as Republicans begin trying to dismantle the healthcare reform law, healthcare trade groups face some problems:
1. Hospitals. Hospitals are "among the groups that could have most to lose if Republicans take over," the Hill said, because if Congress removes the individual and employer mandates, they will get fewer new patients than expected.
2. Physicians. While reaching out to Republicans, the AMA also has to continue working with Democrats, since the administration is making new regulations based on the healthcare reform law that will affect physicians' bottom lines.
3. Insurers. While insurers have objections to the healthcare reform law, they’re totally opposed to repealing the highly unpopular mandate that people buy health insurance.
4. Pharmaceutical companies. Replacing PhRMA President Billy Tauzin last month with former Business Roundtable President and CEO John Castellani has earned some GOP goodwill.
Read the Hill report on the elections.
Red more coverage on the elections:
- GOP Victory Might Prompt Longer-Term Physician Fee Fix
- Physician Groups Hint of Exodus from Medicare if Congress Lets Fee Cut Start Again
- GOP Senate Candidate Rand Paul Suggests Wealthy Should Pay More for Medicare