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The grumbling commences; Senate Finance bill greeted by critics from all sides.

Article Excerpt
Byline: Matthew DoBias

There's an old saying in Washington that goes like this: If no one is happy with a piece of legislation, then you know you've crafted a good bill.

By that measure, the sweeping health reform package released last week by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, qualifies as a very good bill.

Almost immediately after its release, healthcare industry executives quickly found provisions within the 220-page measure that would affect the way they do business and how they're compensated. More than $227 billion in federal payments would be cut to restructure how different sectors are reimbursed.

Yet while many industry groups weighed in, the nation's three largest hospital associations were uncharacteristically silent. At least one association...