Senate passes first healthcare amendment, 61-39

By a 61-39 vote, the Senate added the amendment that expands coverage to such procedures as mammograms and Pap smears by eliminating insurance co-payments and deductibles for many women. The amendment’s principal sponsor  was Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.).

Three Republicans voted in the favor of the measure, and two Democats opposed it.

Republicans had offered their version of the amendment, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska that was expected to be rejected.

The basic difference is Republicans argued their version was less intrusive, without any mandates and stressed the relationship between patients and their doctors in deciding care. Democrats argued their version was superior because it forced the elimination of high insurance payments that prevent screenings.

In sharp contrast to the fight over other parts of healthcare overhaul, the debate over testing was remarkably cordial as female senators on both sides of the aisle explained how well they had worked together on a host of women’s health issues.