Today, Senate Finance Cmte. Chair Max Baucus, the Montana Democrat who has had his share of criticisms regarding Big Insurance cronyism, unveiled his hotly anticipated health reform plan — notable for two things: the lack of a public option (in contrast to Obama’s goals) and the inclusion of provisions for private nonprofit co-ops in the healthcare marketplace. Although the plan is not endorsed or backed in any way by Republicans, it certainly has the imprint of the GOP all over it — specifically calling for the use of tax credits to help low- and middle income consumers purchase insurance.

The Baucus plan in many ways looks like a Republican-lite version of reform measures aimed at minimizing taxpayer cost and maximizing boilerplate issues usually reserved at maintaining GOP star profiles. But Baucus seems to have has own vision in promoting reform. It’s just difficult to distinguish between the plan’s reform goals and his. | LINK

UPDATE: The Baucus bill appears dead in the water, as the effort needs a full 60 votes. The most it can possibly muster is 59. Apparently, good news for the progressive wing of the healthcare reform movement. | LINK

Previously on Doctor Pundit: Obama Delivers Key Reform Speech to a Weary and Wary Nation

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