The push for health care reform is moving fast and furiously, so I thought it’d be helpful to have some quick daily or semi-daily updates on what’s happening on the Hill.

Health on the Hill will feature news links that should help you keep track of the reform debate and get to the meat of the issue. Enjoy!

Today’s Updates – 10/7/09:

Last week the Senate Finance Committee finished voting on all amendments to their health care reform bill (42 amendments were accepted). This week a Committee vote is expected (maybe), but Chairman Baucus has not specified a day for the vote because he wants to give Committee members plenty of time to review the cost of the bill.  The cost will be revealed today when the Congressional Budget Office releases its score of the reform bill. However, this may not be the only time waiting for the CBO score will delay this process. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the final Senate floor vote (after both the Senate Finance and HELP Committee bills are combined) will now possibly take place the week  of October 19th instead of next week. ( Maybe this had a little something to do with the letter he received from eight moderate Democrats urging him to give them a 72-hour window before the vote.)  Surprise, surprise – more delays.

Meanwhile in the House, Speaker Pelosi is leading the way to finalizing their health care bill by walking each member through the specifics of a public option today.

Finally, reform supporters across the country get creative in front of insurance company offices and even get arrested! Now that is commitment – let’s see if Congress can be as bold with their power to pass real reform.

Senate Panel Awaits Report Before Health Vote

Democratic hopes for a quick Senate Finance Committee vote on a broad U.S. healthcare overhaul were dashed on Monday as budget experts took longer than expected with their estimate of the bill’s cost.

Senate moderates echo GOP call for 72-hour disclosure

As the health care reform bill moves to the Senate floor, a key bloc of moderate Senate Democrats and an independent called on Senate Majority Leader Reid to increase the process’ transparency. Specifically, the senators called on Reid to post legislative text and CBO scores online 72 hours before the first floor vote.

Health Care Activists: Big Insurance Companies a “Crime Scene”

Yellow crime scene tape and “body pile-ups” attracted the attention of passersby outside Anthem Blue Cross offices in five California cities, as thousands of protesters declared the company’s locations “crime scenes.”

5 arrested at HCAN blockade of Philadelphia Cigna offices

Health Care for America Now! in Pennsylvania held a “Crime Scene” action today outside CIGNA headquarters in Philadelphia which drew more than 100 protesters and featured a nonviolent blockade of the insurance giant’s doorways which resulted in five arrests.