This last Wednesday marked a major turning point in our nation’s health care reform. The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus (D-Mont), finally unveiled the committee’s proposal for overhauling our nation’s health care. Although the proposal has drawn some criticism from Democrats since it omits a “public option,” many believe the proposal offers changes that will draw support from both parties.

The proposed bill, if initiated, is intended to provide health insurance coverage for 95% of Americans, and will not provide coverage for illegal immigrants. This being said, many are wondering how such a measure will be paid for.

As those in Washington continue to make their arguments for or against the proposed health care reform bill, those in the healthcare industry are spending millions to have their views heard. One large sector of the health care system is the pharmaceutical industry. National Public Radio (NPR) recently reported that the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, paid approximately $40 million to lobbyists just this spring. In doing so, PhRMA sought to make early changes to the bill which would be beneficial to both health care consumers and the pharmaceutical industry.