The Senate Finance Committee begins hearings today on health care reform, an issue that's certain to dominate the Congressional agenda in the months ahead.

Right now there is a lot of bipartisan talk about health care reform, but let's face it - there really isn't that much common ground politically between the two parties on the details.

Today Senators will hear from a wide array people, as major insurers like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield will give their views on the issue of reform.

Also there will be industry groups like the American Hospital Association.  Doctors and nurses will be represented as well.

President Obama has laid out eight main goals for health care reform, which include making coverage more affordable, universal coverage for all, improving patient care and long term fiscal sustainability for the health care system.

Some estimates are that guaranteeing coverage for all Americans could cost well over $1.5 trillion for just ten years.

The talk of big sums of money like that is sure to lead to partisan divisions even before we get to the details of what health reform would look like.

Democrats still aren't in agreement on the best way to move major health care reforms.  Some want to include it as part of the budget, the so-called "reconciliation" process.

But here's the down side on that - the Democratic budget is only a five year plan.  Why is that important?

Because it means that any changes in health care policy made under budget reconciliation would then only last for five years.

To some Senators on the Democratic side, that makes no sense at all.

So not only does health care divide the Democrats and Republicans, but it divides each party as well. 

Stay tuned.

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