Overheard

Healthcare Financial Management, March, 2007 by Jeanne Schulte Scott

"The main purpose of all this is to improve quality.... If I'm running a hospital and see that I fall in a category that's worse than 98 percent of hospitals, that's going to grab my attention. I'd look to see if we could improve."

--Michael Rapp, spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, on new hospital report card information to be added to the agency's "Hospital Compare" web site in June

"It appears we are taking something away from everyone here, but when you look at the math, they actually benefit. Everyone is left with a better deal, even though everyone has to chip in."

--California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on his new universal healthcare plan for all Californians

"These recommendations provide a realistic blueprint for immediate action by a bipartisan and caring Congress.... Day after day there is debate and discussion. Day after day people die. We are sick and tired of the debate. We are focusing on what is achievable".

--United Health Foundation senior vice president Reed Tuckson on the announcement of a new coalition of private-sector interests proposing broad, near-universal healthcare coverage for all Americans

"We recognize we are strange bedfellows, but let this be clear, we are not interested in a one-night stand."

--Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack on his "liberal" organization joining the coalition along with more conservative business and medical groups

Compiled by Jeanne Schulte Scott, JD, a healthcare lobbyist