Economic package to include health tech

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) said on Wednesday a planned economic stimulus package will likely include money and tax breaks for doctors and hospitals to buy advanced technology that will make it easier for them to share patient care information. As head of the tax-writing Finance Committee, Sen Baucus will have a major say in what goes into the legislation. About half the value of the economic recovery package could be in the form of tax relief, Chairman Baucus said. Businesses and health reform advocates have said harmonizing the electronic standards needed to exchange information about patient care could go a long way toward reducing costs. Lawmakers are working to address privacy concerns with such technology. He declined to give a specific amount for the technology aid. But when asked if it would amount to the $50 billion some have suggested is needed, Baucus said that "might be a little high." Sen Baucus, who also plans to work with Obama to push for major health-care reform legislation next year, said including information technology in the economic stimulus will help get a jump start on the overall reform.