It's cruel and wrong to repeal the ACA. But I hope the Republicans do it. People need to know the true character of Donald Trump. Millions of people who voted for Trump also get medical care through the ACA. Those people deserve to lose their medical care. Trump told them what he would do, but they voted for him anyway. They made that choice and they should have to live with the consequences of their choice. They deserve to suffer the harm they chose. Maybe next time, they won't be so stupid. And maybe next time we can get what we really need - single payer, "Medicare for All".
6
At this point I am willing to accept a rebranding if that's what they want. If it needs to be called "The True Patriots Freedom in Healthcare Act" so be it. Call it TrumpCare even, or RyanCare...whatever. I think it serves a desperately needed function in our society, even if it is in need of improvements and updating. I am not overly interested in assigning blame to anyone who might have hobbled the bill, nor do I really care who gets credit at this point. If what we're dealing with is people who need recognition in order to support this legislation, then let us give it to them and enjoy our healthcare.
I wish that our representatives considered more of what the nation's people need, and gave that a higher priority than either party loyalty or maintaining re-electability. I also think that we should stop thinking of them as our leaders; they are not--not even the president. They are our elected representatives. We need to hold our representatives accountable to their duty in representing us, and we need to make a more earnest attempt to let them know what we want done. Electing them is not enough, we have to maintain a dialog in order to ensure everyone is on the same page.
I wish that our representatives considered more of what the nation's people need, and gave that a higher priority than either party loyalty or maintaining re-electability. I also think that we should stop thinking of them as our leaders; they are not--not even the president. They are our elected representatives. We need to hold our representatives accountable to their duty in representing us, and we need to make a more earnest attempt to let them know what we want done. Electing them is not enough, we have to maintain a dialog in order to ensure everyone is on the same page.
5
Discussing premiums and deductibles muddies the waters???? Spoken like a true millennial. I understand the millennial economics 101 dictates that we take money from people that you don't think deserve it, and give that money to those that you think deserve it more. But, believe it or not there are millions of Americans who live paycheck to paycheck, who don't get subsidized by the government. Premiums and deductibles mean a lot to those folks.
4
I just want to thank you, David, for being a voice of hope and thoughtful action in the face of Republican mindless, baseless extremism.
These are the same types of ideologues that have destroyed other civil nations throughout history. From pre-war Germany to Cambodia to Chile.
We always need to fight extremists in our midst.
I'll call several Senators tomorrow.
These are the same types of ideologues that have destroyed other civil nations throughout history. From pre-war Germany to Cambodia to Chile.
We always need to fight extremists in our midst.
I'll call several Senators tomorrow.
3
Why do we have to call our Democratic senators to urge them to fight hard against Obamacare repeal? Why don't they do it of their own volition? This is a moment when the stakes are the highest in decades, yet again they are "at risk of bringing a knife to a gunfight."
I think that the Democratic senators, with the notable exception of Senator Sanders, are too comfortable with the perks of Washington and the lobbying/donor community to get out there and fight like their life depends on it. This needs to change.
I think that the Democratic senators, with the notable exception of Senator Sanders, are too comfortable with the perks of Washington and the lobbying/donor community to get out there and fight like their life depends on it. This needs to change.
2
Obviously many of the millions who gained health insurance through the ACA not to mention the many more who benefited from staying on their parents' insurance and those who don't face lifetime limits as a result of it that would limit their care voted for Trump.
These were adults who had the right to vote and deserve to experience the consequences of what and whom they voted for.
These were adults who had the right to vote and deserve to experience the consequences of what and whom they voted for.
4
Obamacare, if properly funded, would allow people to be self-employed and entrepreneurial. I have a job that I have kept solely for the health insurance. When Obamacare went into effect, I was tempted to quit my job to focus my full attention to my private business, a business which produces substantially more income than my job. But I am very cautious, so I didn't; I wanted to wait to see what happened. Now, I will hang onto my job, until the GOP Congress fails in its insane attacks on such a beautiful system - universal healthcare. I won't produce so much income; I won't hire more employees; I won't be paying the taxes I would pay if I were unleashed to work full time at my business. I'm sick at heart for the stupidity of Congress, and I'm going to do my best to speak up and be heard.
5
In an effort to call my senators and voice my concern about the AVA I tried to call John McCain's office today and found that his staff does not answer the phone, and that his voicemail box was full. This was true at his DC office, as well as his both his Phoenix and Tucson offices. The automated message at all three numbers encouraged me to email the senator which, as the author points out is not seen as effective, or for me as satisfying as talking to someone.
I called Jeff Flakes Phoenix office where the phone was answered by a pleasant man who promised to pass along my concern to the senator. Sen. McCain might want to ask Sen. Flake for some tips on constituent service.
I called Jeff Flakes Phoenix office where the phone was answered by a pleasant man who promised to pass along my concern to the senator. Sen. McCain might want to ask Sen. Flake for some tips on constituent service.
6
I made my 3 calls today-- and emailed my family members the phone numbers for their congresspeople.
Let Freedom Ring! Ring the phones! Freedom from bankruptcy and freedom from death and terrible disability caused by not having insurance.
I know many people getting their health coverage off the state exchange we have, not perfect but neither is the insurance we have with my employer. The only other workable option for equal coverage to Obamacare is single payer like Canada has. I am OK with either one, as long as everyone can be covered.
Let Freedom Ring! Ring the phones! Freedom from bankruptcy and freedom from death and terrible disability caused by not having insurance.
I know many people getting their health coverage off the state exchange we have, not perfect but neither is the insurance we have with my employer. The only other workable option for equal coverage to Obamacare is single payer like Canada has. I am OK with either one, as long as everyone can be covered.
6
Trump is showing his vast ignorance when he demands that the Republican "replacement" be rolled out in a matter of weeks after a hasty repeal of the ACA. He doesn't want to be blamed for people losing Obamacare coverage with nothing to fall back on, obviously, but he has no concept of how complex our healthcare system is and how many trillions of man-hours went into researching and designing the Affordable Care Act to satisfy as many of the interest groups as possible. He thinks he can tweet a new healthcare system because he is almost president. And furthermore, he shows how little regard for people's lives he has. Just throw something together, pass it, sign it, call it a "great plan," and move on. He has promised that no one will die in the streets, but what about the ones who never make it out of bed?
6
The democrats have paid a dear price over the ACA because the republicans have blamed costs of healthcare on the ACA. Did it cause some plans to go up, yes, those plans that didn't meet the standards of the program. Have rates risen yes, they were rising at 26 % per year under Bush. Most of the people who complain about "Obamacare" aren't even on it. They complain that they pay too much and think their premiums cover others health care so "deadbeats" don't have to work. The subsidies are paid for by taxes on those making over 250,000 $ but I guess they need a tax break for that extra vacation. When the ACA fails, as it will if the subsidies are gone all insurance will be more expensive to pay for the uninsured, caps will be reinstated (some hit caps in the NICU), insurers will increase their profits (currently 20 % max for overhead and profit), preventive care won't be covered so costs will rise. The ACA is starting to work, subsidies need to be higher and deductibles lower but health costs are dropping. I live in Massachusetts have had this program since 2006, 96 % insured and rates rose at 3 - 4 % this year. It needs fixing not gutting and we need the power to set and ca prices. All Americans deserve healthcare
8
My prediction for the GOP replacement for Obamacare - every sick person gets a free box of Duncan Hines Cake Mix. It reflects the traditional Republican approach to health challenges: bake sales.
5
Dear Mr. Leonhardt,
As long as our society considers health care a "right" that has to be financed by taxing others, this charade will continue.
You don't have a right to a car. You don't have a right to a job - if you think you do, go to any employer and demand your job and their money. In short, you have no right to anything that compels another person to give up their time or property to fulfill your so-called "right". Yet, most everyone wouldn't give a second thought to going to any medical care professional and expecting to be treated. Put yourself in the doctor's place and ask yourself if 1). you should be a charity or 2). you think that government should dictate how much you get paid for every patient you see.
We have a screwed-up system of health care because government, in their infinite wisdom, decided 70 years ago to tie health care to employment. We have been stuck with that model ever since.
You think government is the answer. I submit to you that government has been the problem.
As long as our society considers health care a "right" that has to be financed by taxing others, this charade will continue.
You don't have a right to a car. You don't have a right to a job - if you think you do, go to any employer and demand your job and their money. In short, you have no right to anything that compels another person to give up their time or property to fulfill your so-called "right". Yet, most everyone wouldn't give a second thought to going to any medical care professional and expecting to be treated. Put yourself in the doctor's place and ask yourself if 1). you should be a charity or 2). you think that government should dictate how much you get paid for every patient you see.
We have a screwed-up system of health care because government, in their infinite wisdom, decided 70 years ago to tie health care to employment. We have been stuck with that model ever since.
You think government is the answer. I submit to you that government has been the problem.
1
By all means, let's do our best to block the destruction of the best social program in decades. But if it becomes clear that the GOP cannot be blocked then please insist on giving the end of Obamacare immediately. The worst possibility is that the GOP will manage to pass legislation that will shut down Obamacare after the midterm election or after the next Presidential election. In the meanwhile, insurance companies, knowing that Obamacare will end, will start withdrawing from the market and it will look like Obamacare is failing on its own. The GOP will seize on this to claim that they are merely ending something that was failing. It's much better for Democrats to allow only a complete halt to Obamacare immediately--then the folks who voted for Trump can gauge the real consequences of their choice.
7
Watched Greta on MSNBC tonight and heard a simple piece of logic. The Dems let the name Obamacare stick to the plan so low income Trumpers who hate "Obamacare" and love the ACA. Do they really not realize the plans are one in the same? We have all heard this before. But letting the name stick, nay, be embraced, gave the GOP the cudgel with which to bash the plan and push the Dems to defeat.
6
In the new world order of Bannon and his sick puppet Trump, there is absolutely no interest in helping our medically compromised citizens, adults or children. Along with all of our other rights, they would just as soon "let 'em die....one less mouth to feed". If you don't believe me read David Brooks' column today and gemli's comment.
5
Dear Senator..( write in your senator )
I am writing to you again, this time regarding the ill considered repealing of Obamacare before replacing it.
Please explain to me how this works.
Will my insurance be cancelled then at some later date be replaced with another? How long will this take? What do I do in the mean time?
Will the next insurance you devise allow for preexisting conditions? Will it be affordable?
Have you ever been without insurance in your adult life?
Please understand that most and I mean MOST Americans object to repealing before replacing, it is frightening.
Please do not allow this to happen, it is your job to help American Citizens, this is denying us basic human rights.
Thank you,
Sincerely
write your name and mail to your senators.
I am writing to you again, this time regarding the ill considered repealing of Obamacare before replacing it.
Please explain to me how this works.
Will my insurance be cancelled then at some later date be replaced with another? How long will this take? What do I do in the mean time?
Will the next insurance you devise allow for preexisting conditions? Will it be affordable?
Have you ever been without insurance in your adult life?
Please understand that most and I mean MOST Americans object to repealing before replacing, it is frightening.
Please do not allow this to happen, it is your job to help American Citizens, this is denying us basic human rights.
Thank you,
Sincerely
write your name and mail to your senators.
2
The politics of health care reform are such that whatever good comes out of legislative changes, this will be overlooked by the Republicans or recast in a negative light. Next step is when the Republican non-plan goes into effect is to blame the bad outcomes on the Democrats for not fighting the Republicans hard enough or for diluting it. If you're a Democrat, you just can't win these days. The Republicans are always going to be able to burnish their image, even as the country slides swiftly into the sea.
"Republican leaders have muddied the Obamacare debate with bureaucratic jargon: deductibles, premiums, the individual mandate, repeal and delay. Don’t be fooled. The actual issues are straightforward.
Obamacare extended health insurance to more than 20 million people — middle-class, poor and sick people — and paid for it with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. It was the biggest attack on economic inequality since inequality began rising four decades ago."
Sorry to disagree Mr Leonhardt Republicans are not the only ones muddying the issues and it is hardly straightforward. The ACA was muddy by design written by insurance lobbyists to preserve and enhance their lucrative share of health care profiteering. Remember Nancy Pelosi didn't even know what was in it when Democrats alone voted to vote for this tower of Babel monstrasity of a law that has not come close to meeting the goals of improved access, safety/quality and cost. The number for newly covered is extremely misleading because for 65% of the newly covered, the Medicaid coverage is less than enviable. Claiming it is paid by the wealthy and corporations is another long stretch of the truth. One of the reasons middle America voted for Trump is the middle class saw through the lie that they are the wealthy paying the bill, losing their good coverage to pay for substandard coverage for the newly insured.
Obamacare extended health insurance to more than 20 million people — middle-class, poor and sick people — and paid for it with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. It was the biggest attack on economic inequality since inequality began rising four decades ago."
Sorry to disagree Mr Leonhardt Republicans are not the only ones muddying the issues and it is hardly straightforward. The ACA was muddy by design written by insurance lobbyists to preserve and enhance their lucrative share of health care profiteering. Remember Nancy Pelosi didn't even know what was in it when Democrats alone voted to vote for this tower of Babel monstrasity of a law that has not come close to meeting the goals of improved access, safety/quality and cost. The number for newly covered is extremely misleading because for 65% of the newly covered, the Medicaid coverage is less than enviable. Claiming it is paid by the wealthy and corporations is another long stretch of the truth. One of the reasons middle America voted for Trump is the middle class saw through the lie that they are the wealthy paying the bill, losing their good coverage to pay for substandard coverage for the newly insured.
Only 20% of Americans support an immediate repeal, a majority wants the legislation improved. So where are they? How do 80% of Americans get the Republicans get away with taking away the most important legislation of this century that improved the life of millions? How can Congressional leaders get away with calling a beneficial law that saves lives catastrophic? The opposite is true: the repeal will be catastrophic! Universal health care is the standard in every western nation. Only the USA deems itself exceptional. We are certainly a basket of deplorables
1
Sorry, it is about the details. The House Republican Study Group's proposal says it keeps the ban on pre-exiting conditions but allows insurers to charge more. The maximum reward/penalty for employer wellness programs does not go back to pre-ACA levels but actually increases. See http://www.downeyobesityreport.com/2017/01/repealing-obamacare-read-the-...
I will be calling my senators in the morning, and posting on Facebook for everyone else to voice their opinion to their senators.
I have an Obamacare individual plan. At the end of last year I had a "screening colonoscopy" and so far the bills submitted to my plan have exceeded $11,000. However, after the deductible and one out-of-network lab fee, the out of pocket cost to me is about $1000 at this point.
So although I am not one to shower praise on Obamacare -- far from it -- it does make a big difference to me. In this small case, to the tune of $10,000 for a routine screening.
So although I am not one to shower praise on Obamacare -- far from it -- it does make a big difference to me. In this small case, to the tune of $10,000 for a routine screening.
1
$ 11000 for a screening colonoscopy??? In Germany they are one of the standard preventive exams. You have the right to one every ten years, unless you have a genetic risk, then it is every five years. Mammographies, skin cancer screenings, eye examinations, pelvic exams, Well Checks once a year... We think that it is best to nip an illness in the bud rather than to wait until you get the symptoms and treatment may no longer be successful. Sure, they have their price, but in the long run are a bargain considering the alternative.
Past performance is no guarantee of future performance - Wall Street
Everything has changed, just because some tactic used to work in the past that is no guarantee of future effectiveness. And your proposed solution will need more than just tweets or Facebook posts, it will require real commitment.
We need more 1960s-style mass protests made up of large numbers of people on the streets. Congress is ignoring letters and emails, they won't ignore huge numbers of people turning out protesting a particular issue.
I was a kid in the 1960s and I saw a lot of people come out to protest the Vietnam War, Black and Chicano civil rights, women's rights, etc. It was effective and definitely got the government's attention.
A lot of it was crazy liberals protesting Richard Nixon's alleged criminal behavior, allegations that were subsequently verified as being true. Will Donald Trump will inflame the same passion in today's youth?
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/052.png
Everything has changed, just because some tactic used to work in the past that is no guarantee of future effectiveness. And your proposed solution will need more than just tweets or Facebook posts, it will require real commitment.
We need more 1960s-style mass protests made up of large numbers of people on the streets. Congress is ignoring letters and emails, they won't ignore huge numbers of people turning out protesting a particular issue.
I was a kid in the 1960s and I saw a lot of people come out to protest the Vietnam War, Black and Chicano civil rights, women's rights, etc. It was effective and definitely got the government's attention.
A lot of it was crazy liberals protesting Richard Nixon's alleged criminal behavior, allegations that were subsequently verified as being true. Will Donald Trump will inflame the same passion in today's youth?
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/052.png
Here's the basic point everyone seems to miss. Since 2010 the republicans have voted numerous times to repeal the ACA but never presented detailed legislation the replace it. That's because they can't deliver the benefits that Americans have received under the ACA while repealing all the rest of the ACA. This is due the fact that the benefits are directly linked with the other portions of the ACA. The republicans are clueless as to what they really want to do since they have been only focused on repealing the ACA.
1
Expecting the private marketplace to solve the problem of affordable health insurance does not make sense and never has. There are several reasons for this:
1. It is difficult to "shop" for a policy when one does not know what one's needs will be, and therefore, what one is shopping for. Unless you already have specific conditions and know exactly which specialists, tests, and drugs you will need, how do you know which plan will best meet your needs?
2. Price elasticity of demand is low. If your appendix is on the verge of rupturing, you must get health care regardless of the cost, and you probably won''t have the chance to shop around.
3. Pricing is not transparent. Since it is impossible to know what Hospital A will charge for heart surgery compared to Hospital B, patients can't make informed choices even if they want to.
4. Profit siphons off resources that should be going into providing care. So does administrative bloat caused by the multiplicity of products and plans.
5. Health care is a product no one wants to buy. It's not like shopping for a vacation or a new car. People don't fantasize about the tests and treatments they will get. It's not pleasant to think about, so many people will think about it as little as possible.
6. Many consumers are not capable of understanding their options due to language barriers, lack of education, or intellectual impairment. How are they supposed to choose well from among numerous complex plans?
Single payer for all 2017.
1. It is difficult to "shop" for a policy when one does not know what one's needs will be, and therefore, what one is shopping for. Unless you already have specific conditions and know exactly which specialists, tests, and drugs you will need, how do you know which plan will best meet your needs?
2. Price elasticity of demand is low. If your appendix is on the verge of rupturing, you must get health care regardless of the cost, and you probably won''t have the chance to shop around.
3. Pricing is not transparent. Since it is impossible to know what Hospital A will charge for heart surgery compared to Hospital B, patients can't make informed choices even if they want to.
4. Profit siphons off resources that should be going into providing care. So does administrative bloat caused by the multiplicity of products and plans.
5. Health care is a product no one wants to buy. It's not like shopping for a vacation or a new car. People don't fantasize about the tests and treatments they will get. It's not pleasant to think about, so many people will think about it as little as possible.
6. Many consumers are not capable of understanding their options due to language barriers, lack of education, or intellectual impairment. How are they supposed to choose well from among numerous complex plans?
Single payer for all 2017.
1
The Republicans had how many years to figure this out?
The ACA is not perfect--it relies too heavily on private insurance markets that have become overwhelmed by all of the sick people now being covered who had gone so long without care, hence the higher premiums for everyone. But that tells the story right there. Only when EVERYONE is covered can access improve and costs go down. And the idea of health savings accounts is ridiculous. Who can save $100K in case your child needs special surgery after birth?
The ACA is not perfect--it relies too heavily on private insurance markets that have become overwhelmed by all of the sick people now being covered who had gone so long without care, hence the higher premiums for everyone. But that tells the story right there. Only when EVERYONE is covered can access improve and costs go down. And the idea of health savings accounts is ridiculous. Who can save $100K in case your child needs special surgery after birth?
You break it, you own it. My entire life democrats have rescued republicans from their own disasters ( Bush, anyone?). I am dead tired of cleaning up their messes. The consequences of voting(or not) may finally sink in. We can only hope.
1
The Republican Party has the Evangelical Movement and 'gun owners' in their corner and both get the vote out. The Democrats must rely on minorities and the youth vote and because both can't be depended upon we are in trouble. And something else, the Democrats let the opposition define isssues and candidates before they do, thus the Democrats are continually fighting uphill battles due to their failure to get out in front of things. A shakeup is sorely needed; complacency is killing us and getting the likes of Howard Dean to get things rolling would be a grand start.
1
I called my (Republican) Congressman today and spoke to a nice young staffer. I suggested that the Congressman might have a public meeting to discuss what would happen if the ACA is repealed. I also asked how repeal would benefit the citizens, and, amazingly, the staffer had no answers for any of those questions, despite the fact that, for the past two years, the Congressman's website has posted an article advocating repeal of the program because "we cannot afford it:"
2
What if the Republicans said your roof was bad and it leaked.
Your ask them to fix the leak, and they say no, we'll give you a entirely new, much better roof.
Then they say they will remove your roof tomorrow.
You say great, how long until the new roof is on?
They say, we don't know, we're planning to talk to an architect.
You ask why the new roof will be better.
They say, trust us it will be better, but we have to design it first.
You ask again -- how long until the new roof is on?
They say they don't know, but as soon as they can.
Wouldn't any reasonable person tell them not to remove the old roof until they have a design and a timetable for the new one?
Your ask them to fix the leak, and they say no, we'll give you a entirely new, much better roof.
Then they say they will remove your roof tomorrow.
You say great, how long until the new roof is on?
They say, we don't know, we're planning to talk to an architect.
You ask why the new roof will be better.
They say, trust us it will be better, but we have to design it first.
You ask again -- how long until the new roof is on?
They say they don't know, but as soon as they can.
Wouldn't any reasonable person tell them not to remove the old roof until they have a design and a timetable for the new one?
1
Mister Trump, have you even read the Affordable Care Act? Do you have any reason at all to scrap it, other than it was Obama's achievement? If your car needed a tune up, would you roll it off a cliff? Mister Trump, why are your fingers in your ears? And why are you yelling, "La la la la" so loudly?
1
So there's access under the ACA, but it's unaffordable to most people. Some are paying $6,000 in deductables. It's just catastrophic coverage! Nothing more. Obama took an easy path without cost controls. It should have started with Single-payer and compromised down to include a public option on the exchanges. Now we have a runaway system with out-of-control costs and a flawed pool with mostly people who are sick and need health care. As Bernie says it should be a birthright of everybody, like in all other developed countries. Then we wouldn't be talking about denying to some, making everybody buy insurance, etc.
Call the Republicans bluff. Maybe then we can have Medicare for all and eliminate health insurance 25% overhead, which is 300 billion dollars a year.
2
They want to repeal the healthcare coverage next week. It leaves me with such an empt feeling of sadness inside me. It's nothing but plain meanness, and ugliness, that will only hurt people who need the coverage. It means more people will die of things that the Republican's repealing the coverage won't have to worry about since they have ample welfare-like coverage from the government or companies thanks to their cushy jobs. It means more people will lose their jobs, the homes, go bankrupt. It means more people's kids won't be able to afford college. It means more people will become homeless. Repealing healthcare coverage will be a drag on the overall economy as well because of that.
It's moot now, but maybe we should stop calling it Obamacare... it just reminds those Republicans that Obama is black, and maybe that's the real reason they want to repeal Obamacare.
I feel angry of course, but what I really feel is exhaustion. I'm just tired of hearing about repealing the healthcare law. It's like some evil, stupid, monstrous act that is happening right before us, that no one seems to really care about, and that will serve absolutely no good to anyone. There is no positive good in repealing the coverage. What is wrong with these people? Its shameful.
If anyone should have their healthcare coverage cut it should be people like Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and Donald Trump and his family. They should feel the pain, but they don't care.
It's moot now, but maybe we should stop calling it Obamacare... it just reminds those Republicans that Obama is black, and maybe that's the real reason they want to repeal Obamacare.
I feel angry of course, but what I really feel is exhaustion. I'm just tired of hearing about repealing the healthcare law. It's like some evil, stupid, monstrous act that is happening right before us, that no one seems to really care about, and that will serve absolutely no good to anyone. There is no positive good in repealing the coverage. What is wrong with these people? Its shameful.
If anyone should have their healthcare coverage cut it should be people like Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and Donald Trump and his family. They should feel the pain, but they don't care.
7
No, they are wealthy enough that they needn't care.
When the ObamaCare law was passed, the Democrats who voted for it didn't know what was in it, they had to vote for it to find out what was in it. It is hysterical that the Democrats are now criticizing Republicans for voting to repeal it before laying out to the Democrats the replacement plan for discussion. The Republicans will be in far better bargaining position once Democrats accept that ObamaCare is dead. And Republicans do expect the Democrats to participate in designing the replacement. Unlike the autocratic lockstep Democrats, Republicans seek bipartisan agreement.
I'd like to see the U.S. citizens get onto the same plan as our Congress. It must be affordable. They seem to be doing very well on it.
Do your job, Congress!!
Do your job, Congress!!
1
I live in R.I. with two Dem's for senators, what can I do? I am sure that aides to Republican senators in other states aren't going to care if I call, but I would if I thought it would matter.
2
Why don't we have universal health care? I've heard all the obvious reasons, but I got the truth when I turned 65. At long last, I got a raise, effective on the same day I became eligible for Medicare.
Are you connecting the dots yet? OK, try this. Corporations really like to foist expenses off on other people, and they're really good at getting the government to help them do it. So why do they put up with paying thousands of dollars for their employees' health care?
It gives them leverage over their employees, and apparently that is more useful to them than all that money they're 'forced' to spend. It's a stick to hold over you if you try to leave, and once you qualify for Medicare, that big stick isn't as scary.
But my employer must have missed something. I've had access to VA all along. I never needed their coverage as much as they think I did. Please don't tell them; they might take my raise away.
Are you connecting the dots yet? OK, try this. Corporations really like to foist expenses off on other people, and they're really good at getting the government to help them do it. So why do they put up with paying thousands of dollars for their employees' health care?
It gives them leverage over their employees, and apparently that is more useful to them than all that money they're 'forced' to spend. It's a stick to hold over you if you try to leave, and once you qualify for Medicare, that big stick isn't as scary.
But my employer must have missed something. I've had access to VA all along. I never needed their coverage as much as they think I did. Please don't tell them; they might take my raise away.
1
The way Democrats should fight (and should have fought) is not by standing up for the status quo. They should have their own list of improvements for the ACA, notably, ones that do NOT put more patient skin in the game. How about a way to control prices that doesn't rely on narrow networks and patients' supposed bargaining power? How about standing up for the people in America who use way too little healthcare? Too too often, supporters of the ACA bought into the offensive argument that Americans use too much healthcare and therefore reform needed to include a way to discourage them from using it, when in fact, the biggest beneficiaries of the ACA are people who were using way too little healthcare.
Democrats should stop pretending that people want to spend hours and hours comparing insurance plans. They should explain that selling across state lines is simply a way for insurers to get out of regulations that people in their state voted for. They should make the case for the public option. They should remind people that choice of provider is better than choice of insurer, and that small insurers will not have leverage to get doctors to join them.
Democrats should stop pretending that people want to spend hours and hours comparing insurance plans. They should explain that selling across state lines is simply a way for insurers to get out of regulations that people in their state voted for. They should make the case for the public option. They should remind people that choice of provider is better than choice of insurer, and that small insurers will not have leverage to get doctors to join them.
10
I suggest that for what they did Chumps and their families should be denied health insurance for 5 generations (20 years per generation, 100 years). It would drastically lower the number of them, and rebalance decency in this country.
They prefer to make 'others' do the work they are hired to do. At less pay of course. They come to work late, take 2 hour liquid lunches, demand pay for overtime the 'others' work. They are the ones who think they are entitled. They aren't they are so far 'less' than. They should live without any benefits for them or for family. Even worse are the ones who lay on the couch, swill quarts of beer and watch porno on cable, with the kids in the room. They make their 'women' flip burgers to buy beer, pigs' testicles (lovely snack deep fried), cable, and viagra for them. They go to the welfare office for rent money (denying the males live with them, but, keep popping out babies from who knows where, they don't), then food pantries to feed the kids. Of course the kids grow up just the same. Worthless. I used to think as liberals often do (and why I am not one) that we must help these poor unfortunate ones. The only way they can be helped is to be removed from society with vengeance. They voted for Trump because he promised to up end everything and put them on top. He won't, cause he likes to live with clean bathrooms, good restaurants, and lots of groping. That would not be possible if the chumps were on top. In their vernacular 'they too dumb'.
They prefer to make 'others' do the work they are hired to do. At less pay of course. They come to work late, take 2 hour liquid lunches, demand pay for overtime the 'others' work. They are the ones who think they are entitled. They aren't they are so far 'less' than. They should live without any benefits for them or for family. Even worse are the ones who lay on the couch, swill quarts of beer and watch porno on cable, with the kids in the room. They make their 'women' flip burgers to buy beer, pigs' testicles (lovely snack deep fried), cable, and viagra for them. They go to the welfare office for rent money (denying the males live with them, but, keep popping out babies from who knows where, they don't), then food pantries to feed the kids. Of course the kids grow up just the same. Worthless. I used to think as liberals often do (and why I am not one) that we must help these poor unfortunate ones. The only way they can be helped is to be removed from society with vengeance. They voted for Trump because he promised to up end everything and put them on top. He won't, cause he likes to live with clean bathrooms, good restaurants, and lots of groping. That would not be possible if the chumps were on top. In their vernacular 'they too dumb'.
The Democrats need to offer a single payer plan to be paid for by cuts in defense spending. No new taxes, better health care for all. Employers have lower costs. Pension plans stop having to pay for healthcare and coal miners get coverage without having to go begging to Congress.
14
That's a sensible idea, therefore Republicans will spend $100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 of our tax dollars to ensure it never happens.
1
I urge all those who will be losing Obamacare to not bother buying any insurance. Simply flood the emergency rooms across this once beloved country of ours and beg for care with no means to pay. The Republicans, with Trump leading the way, will pay not only for their precious wall but for all the deaths they will be responsible for by denying the poor the working poor and the catastrophically sick health care. This is the end of civil disobedience. There will be no civility whatsoever beyond January 20th. How dare Trump and the Republicans mess with the lives of innocent Americans health care. They will pay.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
18
An ER visit can bankrupt most families. Better to go to your Congressman's office on a gurney.
24
Dear NB:
Once Obamacare is repealed and not replaced one divests their assets, own nothing, have no liquidity whatsoever. If you technically have no net worth there is nothing any bankruptcy court can do. Rich people do this all the time in very clever ways. So can the Middle Class and working Poor. Just like those who are indigent, homeless, on the street, and have no insurance, they get picked up by the police, then have ambulance cart them off to the ER. Now that's the way to go for everyone who cannot afford health insurance. When you got no deep pockets actually no pockets at all you're completely on the government's dole aka the taxpayers.
Think this notion ridiculous? It is almost verbatim what Mitt Romney and Republicans have said when asked about universal health care. He and they have stated that if one has no insurance there is always the ER. I kid you not. The Republican health care philosophy in a nutshell, accent on the nut.
See then how all those Trumpists feel about their insurance costs skyrocketing. Through the roof, baby.
DD
Manhattan
Once Obamacare is repealed and not replaced one divests their assets, own nothing, have no liquidity whatsoever. If you technically have no net worth there is nothing any bankruptcy court can do. Rich people do this all the time in very clever ways. So can the Middle Class and working Poor. Just like those who are indigent, homeless, on the street, and have no insurance, they get picked up by the police, then have ambulance cart them off to the ER. Now that's the way to go for everyone who cannot afford health insurance. When you got no deep pockets actually no pockets at all you're completely on the government's dole aka the taxpayers.
Think this notion ridiculous? It is almost verbatim what Mitt Romney and Republicans have said when asked about universal health care. He and they have stated that if one has no insurance there is always the ER. I kid you not. The Republican health care philosophy in a nutshell, accent on the nut.
See then how all those Trumpists feel about their insurance costs skyrocketing. Through the roof, baby.
DD
Manhattan
2
Bankruptcy is just a word and a cpmpletely viable option.
Wait, what? The fight has begun? For real? Some 6+ years after the ACA was enacted by the skin of it's teeth? NOW is when we are having the discussion about why the mandate is necessary, NOW is when the medical community is speaking up on behalf of patients getting coverage, NOW is when the public is forced to confront the reality of the Republican platform?
How many years will it be before voters hold Republican politicians accountable for actually attempting to do what they've been campaigning on for the last several years?
How many years will it be before voters hold Republican politicians accountable for actually attempting to do what they've been campaigning on for the last several years?
9
My sense is that Republicans aren't in it for country or "We the people", they are in it to get rich.
It's all a charade.
I can't believe it it doesn't seem obvious to him just about everyone. Tax cuts for the rich that never end, dismantling of anything that helps anyone other than the rich, repealing of all regulations that protect Americans from financial predators . The list goes on and on.
Republicans see healthcare for average Americans as cutting into their profits. In fact, any money that helps anyone else but the Rich cuts into their profits and is unacceptable.
Trump has put together a coalition to steamroll over the economy and the American people.
11
Grove has nailed it. Let the horror begin. Not just in health insurance, but in everything. Trump is the perfect actor for this coup: his fans get all excited about Meryl Streep's speech and trump's snappy tweet. His fans get in a bubble that hollywood performers will not come to his inauguration and they claim that's obama's fault (for sucking up to them). His fans rant about the 800 Carrier jobs as an example of their man saving america. It's all a distraction. While Nero is fiddling, rome can burn, to the benefit of the tiniest percentage of We the People. They will be picking over the spoils soon enough.
My sense is that Republicans aren't in it for country or "We the people", they are in it to get rich.
It's all a charade.
I can't believe it it doesn't seem obvious to him just about everyone. Text cuts for the rich that never end, dismantling of anything that helps anyone other than the rich, epealing of all regulations and protect Americans from financial pressures. The list goes on and on.
Republicans the healthcare for average Americans as cutting into their profits.
In fact, any money that helps anyone else but the Rich cuts into their profits and is unacceptable.
Trump has put together a coalition to steamroll over the economy and the American people.
It's all a charade.
I can't believe it it doesn't seem obvious to him just about everyone. Text cuts for the rich that never end, dismantling of anything that helps anyone other than the rich, epealing of all regulations and protect Americans from financial pressures. The list goes on and on.
Republicans the healthcare for average Americans as cutting into their profits.
In fact, any money that helps anyone else but the Rich cuts into their profits and is unacceptable.
Trump has put together a coalition to steamroll over the economy and the American people.
4
I had foot surgery in December $11,000
On January 3rd the doctor removed the pin
Needlenose pliers and lidocaine spray
15 minutes
$2,000
I have employer healthcare and an HSA
I wish that pin came out in December
Because now the deductible is back and I have to pay the whole thing
On January 3rd the doctor removed the pin
Needlenose pliers and lidocaine spray
15 minutes
$2,000
I have employer healthcare and an HSA
I wish that pin came out in December
Because now the deductible is back and I have to pay the whole thing
11
The pin removal should be part of the 90-day global fee. There should be no charge for that. I would contact your insurance company,
1
I just had surgery to remove a traumatic neuroma in my left foot. I had previous nerve damage from a surgery back over 15 years ago. A nerve ablation I had - when I had job insurance helped for several years. My husband and I started our own company 11 years ago. While we are able to provide web development services to smaller companies - our profit margin is extremely thin. We could not afford health insurance. The pain started again over 3 years ago - steadily increasing from a buzz like feeling to painful stinging bees 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I went to the local clinic and was put on narcotics which did little but hurt my abilities. Finally got on ACA. Had to go through I whole circus of specialists and tests due to the insurance not wanting surgery. That would probably happen under any insurance plan. But I kept pushing. The surgeon removed a sizeable traumatic neuroma a week ago. Now I face recovery without the use of physical therapy but I will deal with that. I cannot imagine continuing to live with that pain. Its no wonder suicides are up in my age range. And without ACA, they will continue to rise. I am one person who ACA has allowed to still be productive. I am grateful for a tax break that the wealthy get without having to beg. I just wish it would still be in place - not just for myself - but for others in the same or worse conditions.
17
You could have done what I did. I waited until I turned 65. Had cataract surgery last fall. Had been giving up things for a few years. Driving (consider yourself lucky I did, was seeing quadruple), watching TV, reading paper books, finally had to give up ebooks, two words per page were not worth it. Paid $1500 a lens extra to get my astigmatism fixed (not guaranteed, but, meant no glasses, or very thin glasses). The fix is so good I can drive (haven't yet, nervous) without glasses. Prefer reading news to watching it. Need reading glasses (don't believe places like Walmart. Generic reading glasses bad for you, not made with optical glass. Medicare paid $250 toward my 'walkaround/read bifocals', my Medicare HMO paid all but $65 of my reading/computer glasses. We couldn't have done it before. Now hubby (still working) has a small hernia which may need repair. Doesn't panic us. Just looking ahead to Ryan killing us. It's the whole point of what he plans for SS and Medicare. I will die, on the Capitol steps holding sign that he murdered me, if he gets what he wants. My husband who doesn't believe in demonstrations/protests, was raised to do as told, don't complain, has agreed with me. I hope millions of us show up on the Mall for the Seniors March, when he tries an end run around decency. I am mobility impaired. Had 15 year old wheelchair, wheels falling off. Medicare/HMO got me a new one. Lighter, better, cheaper. If it wasn't paid for I wouldn't have it.
1
Let's get to the heart of the matter. America HAS decided health care is a human right. How do I know? If someone gets hit by a bus and drags themselves to the steps of an ER, someone will rush out, gather them up and give them life-saving treatment without checking to see if they have insurance first.
And then we all get stuck with the bill.
If the Republicans want to repeal Obamacare, they should be honest: mandate that hospitals no longer treat anyone till they see proof of insurance. The bus accident victim who lacks insurance will be left to die in the gutter. Maybe the doctors can give him a swift kick on their way to work for good measure as they step around his mangled, bleeding carcass.
If we are not willing to become that sort of nation, then we are going to pay for Americans' health care. Just pay a lot more than we need to. This is not a question of good vs. evil so much as smart vs. stupid.
And then we all get stuck with the bill.
If the Republicans want to repeal Obamacare, they should be honest: mandate that hospitals no longer treat anyone till they see proof of insurance. The bus accident victim who lacks insurance will be left to die in the gutter. Maybe the doctors can give him a swift kick on their way to work for good measure as they step around his mangled, bleeding carcass.
If we are not willing to become that sort of nation, then we are going to pay for Americans' health care. Just pay a lot more than we need to. This is not a question of good vs. evil so much as smart vs. stupid.
21
Are you being sarcastic or is this real?
Healthcare for everyone. That's the idea and the goal.
Yes. Taxes should go to healthcare. Being healthy should be everybody's right and you should be proud to support that.
Anything else is a win for shareholders and the wealthy.
The medical- insurance-industrial complex is the problem. Take your misdirected anger and focus it there.
Healthcare for everyone. That's the idea and the goal.
Yes. Taxes should go to healthcare. Being healthy should be everybody's right and you should be proud to support that.
Anything else is a win for shareholders and the wealthy.
The medical- insurance-industrial complex is the problem. Take your misdirected anger and focus it there.
Hospitals will require, by law, that anyone who shows up must sign every asset & bank account they have over before they are seen. Doctors will too. That's the only fair way to allow those who don't want to buy health insurance, not to have to. Hospitals shouldn't have to eat the bill, neither should doctors. So, no matter what you are, poor, middle class, wealthy, if you don't want to buy insurance you shouldn't have to, but, don't expect us to pay for you. Sign everything away. They'll give back what isn't used to make you healthy, or comfy until death. Maybe.
Hand written letter. Not printed or emailed.
They tabulate these differently.
Do it.
They tabulate these differently.
Do it.
9
A ringing phone demands attention, while letters are piled and emails are digitally filed. Call often, like the NRA supporters. 1 person calls 10 times counts as 10 calls.
Hand written letters are scanned and emailed remote from the Capitol because of the possibility of anthrax.
Isn't the republican party sick for wanting to deprive Americans of their basic right of healthcare. Corporations were taxed as were the very rich to pay for healthcare for those that could not afford it. Now those taxes will be gone, healthcare will be gone and the corporations will get more money as will the rich. Those in need of healthcare will have none. It sure seems that the Republicans carry their racism pretty far to deny healthcare to millions in need.
8
The car full of scary clowns is on the loose. Frightening.
Donald Trump has just provided an interview for Vox which shows that he has no idea at all how the ACA will be addressed by Congress. He seems to think that it will be replaced instantaneously--that "a couple of weeks" would be too long.
If the President-elect has such utter ignorance of the situation, how in the world is the American public supposed to be assured that there are real adults at the helm?
The repeal and replace of the ACA is a boondoggle pure and simple. The President-elect seems to expect it to happen now. The Republicans know full well that it can't and want to delay it until 2020 if possible, if at all.
To quote Betty Davis: "Fasten your seatbelts, its going to be a bumpy night!"
Donald Trump has just provided an interview for Vox which shows that he has no idea at all how the ACA will be addressed by Congress. He seems to think that it will be replaced instantaneously--that "a couple of weeks" would be too long.
If the President-elect has such utter ignorance of the situation, how in the world is the American public supposed to be assured that there are real adults at the helm?
The repeal and replace of the ACA is a boondoggle pure and simple. The President-elect seems to expect it to happen now. The Republicans know full well that it can't and want to delay it until 2020 if possible, if at all.
To quote Betty Davis: "Fasten your seatbelts, its going to be a bumpy night!"
10
Most Americans are confused, misinformed or ignorant of how Obamacare works and what its benefits are. Most Americans get their coverage through employers now as they did before Obamacare. Unless they have been laid off and lost their employer coverage, they have no direct experience of what lies beyond their safe haven of employer-subsidized group insurance. All they know is what they hear from critics and most of those critics are telling the stories of people in the individual insurance market who earn too much to get the Obamacare premium subsidies or live in states that did not expand Medicaid under the ACA. Republicans have stoked the confusion and ignorance with their own misinformation, exaggeration and a few outright lies and Democrats have done a poor job educating with the facts. The media should have also done a better job also but it's not too late. Step up, NYT. Provide some simple, straightforward facts about Obamacare, not the politics of it, not the isolated anecdotes, not what the industry lobbyists say about it. Just "What is Obamacare and How does it Work?"
16
And when the people who need to read the article the most don't. What then? They don't want something they have to understand. They want to just walk into the emergency room with a splinter, pay nothing, just as they always have. And the middle class pays most of the bill. That has to stop. If they can legally (with a fine) not buy insurance, fine. But, they should have to pay up front for any medical care, and not with credit cards they can bankrupt out of paying. Even poor people have assets. Maybe a car, some furniture, a college fund for the kid. All of that should go to pay for medical care. Leave them with enough to pay for rent on a one bedroom apt, no matter how many kids they have, basic foodstuffs, transportation to work. Everything else goes to medical. No eating out. No movies. No vacations. No retirement savings. Poor people are not supposed to retire. They are supposed to die. No SS, no Medicare. Just work till you drop. Oh, don't forget funeral expenses. Simple cremation, no service, hand box to next of kin. It's the Republican way of having the poor live. And the way they want to force the middle class down, so they live too. Particularly Ryan.
2
We need to remember what it was like a few short years ago when as a self employed person making over I could not get insurance for my son because he had autism or for myself because I had once taken an antidepressant. If you lost insurance you might never be able to get it again.
All the Republicans really have to do is change some trivial detail of the ACA and start calling it "Trumpcare." Everybody's happy, since the name "Obama" is what the fuss is all about, all protests to the contrary.
12
You read my mind...
I have just written my senators from Connecticut, as well as the crucial Republicans Susan Collins - Maine, Bob Corker - Tennessee, Lamar Alexander - Tennessee, John McCain - Arizona, and Rand Paul - Kentucky, imploring them to VOTE AGAINST REPEAL OF THE ACA. Everyone who feels this way, should do the same. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD NOW! Write or Call!!
6
Susan-- not to be coy, but senators outside of your state do not care what you think. They care what the voters in their state think and only a little about them if at all. Today's senators do not even understand that their job is to advise and consent, to think, to offer research and insights. The job of representing constituents only is rightfully placed in the "people's house," the US Congress. So you are correct in your thinking, but the US Senate is no longer the body you are thinking of as you write these irrelevant letters. Sorry.
1
For Republican leaders who want to quickly repeal ObamaCare, I propose the following.
As a demonstration of your true patriotism and heart-felt concern for the well-being of your fellow Americans, GIVE UP HEALTH INSURANCE for yourself and your family, until a fair and effective replacement law for ObamaCare is enacted.
Oh, and remember that American taxpayers totally pay for YOUR salary, and all of your benefits, including health care.
As a demonstration of your true patriotism and heart-felt concern for the well-being of your fellow Americans, GIVE UP HEALTH INSURANCE for yourself and your family, until a fair and effective replacement law for ObamaCare is enacted.
Oh, and remember that American taxpayers totally pay for YOUR salary, and all of your benefits, including health care.
19
And remember many of them can double dip (unlike federal workers) and get SS and Medicare too upon retirement.
Members of my community here in Wisconsin visited Rep Ryan's office yesterday (Monday Jan 9) to advocate for continuation of ACA and funding for women's health via Planned Parenthood. Upon arrival, these citizens were greeted by a sign on the front door at both the Kenosha and Janesville offices stating that only visitors with appointments would be allowed inside.
This adds gas to my fire. I will continue to write emails, make phone calls and make appointments, but I will also share this news with you and the papers so all can know how the game is being played.
This adds gas to my fire. I will continue to write emails, make phone calls and make appointments, but I will also share this news with you and the papers so all can know how the game is being played.
15
Be a ball buster. Call the Fire Marshall about people being inside of an occupied building. If there not a 'panic bar' on the door its a violation.
The Late Great USA
That is what we've become as a country. If the world's "superpower" cannot even provide healthcare for its citizens then we should not be called the greatest country on earth.
That is what we've become as a country. If the world's "superpower" cannot even provide healthcare for its citizens then we should not be called the greatest country on earth.
14
Without Obamacare, that child would still be insured under S-CHIP and Medicaid. It is scandalous to say that Obamacare covered that child. Obamacare is also furthermore paid by mostly cuts from Medicare, not from "taxes on the wealthy and corporations."
Unless a child lives in Texas, which has cut CHIP funding.
4
If the family isn't in poverty or low income then no, they don't qualify for either SCHIP or Medicaid.
Medicare cuts came from reimbursement formulas rather than benefits as reported by the GOP.
I think central to understanding the effect of the repeal and replace effort for the ACA is that future funding will be reduced, which will make it inevitable that the number of uninsureds will rise.
3
Your sentence in your January 10th column: "Congressional staff members privately admit that they ignore many of the emails and letters they get." I suspected this but now you've confirmed it. The old expression, "Write your Congressman" is now defunct ! What can we do if we have a good idea on how to fix things ?
2
Gum up their voice mail, and get so many on their web site that it crashes. They get it back up, do it again. Do that with their email system too. Then use snail mail. Not as fast, but, hopefully the people who check the mail for bombs, bacteria, and viruses, will get so grouchy they quit.
As a retired ethics professor, I can assure you that a single principle is central to any understanding of contemporary medical ethics: In advising and treating patients, a healthcare professional ought to pursue the course that serves the patient's best interests.
Perhaps our politicians, especially the Republicans, should take a course in healthcare ethics?
Perhaps our politicians, especially the Republicans, should take a course in healthcare ethics?
7
For all those who hate Obamacare. Where is the replacement that would allow to estimate the costs of new health care? After 7 years of screaming no detailed plan has been made public.
Yes, this is the proof that GOP has no BETTER PLAN!
Yes, this is the proof that GOP has no BETTER PLAN!
11
Trump is so eager to kill Obamacare he doesn't care if he kills Americans with it.
17
My wife and I are firmly middle class making six figures combined. Several years my health care plan changed to a high deductible, but we had an HSA account and I was able to deduct enough from each paycheck to put money in for deductibles. Then last year we learned my wife's breast cancer came back and metastasized in her liver (stage 4). She will be on chemo the rest of her life. Unfortunately her first chemo treatment failed and she moved onto a different drug. By that time we had hit our deductibles for the year.
Last year she went in for her 1st chemo of 2017. $2300! Fortunately I had enough in the HSA to pay for the chemo (and credit cards if we didn't). Her next treatment will bring her up to deductible for the year so it will "only" be $1200 plus 20% of the rest until we hit the family deductible.
This is what the GOP wants for all of us, conservative or liberal, some what well to do and the poor. It's not just the ACA they want to gut, it's Medicare/Medicaid too. Fortunately I have insurance but if I didn't, especially when my wife is no longer able to work, we would quickly eat through our 401ks, college savings (our children are 16 & 12) and the equity to our house. And then, if my wife was still here I don't know what we would do, aside from letting her die of course.
Now keep in mind we make a decent living, but discovered how fast a serious illness can wipe out a fully funded HSA. I don't know what the lower middle class and below will do if the ACA goes.
Last year she went in for her 1st chemo of 2017. $2300! Fortunately I had enough in the HSA to pay for the chemo (and credit cards if we didn't). Her next treatment will bring her up to deductible for the year so it will "only" be $1200 plus 20% of the rest until we hit the family deductible.
This is what the GOP wants for all of us, conservative or liberal, some what well to do and the poor. It's not just the ACA they want to gut, it's Medicare/Medicaid too. Fortunately I have insurance but if I didn't, especially when my wife is no longer able to work, we would quickly eat through our 401ks, college savings (our children are 16 & 12) and the equity to our house. And then, if my wife was still here I don't know what we would do, aside from letting her die of course.
Now keep in mind we make a decent living, but discovered how fast a serious illness can wipe out a fully funded HSA. I don't know what the lower middle class and below will do if the ACA goes.
29
Most people have no clue what happens after you get sick or injured in an accident. Bills of over a million dollars are all too common
they will die as 65000 did each year because of lack of insurance and access or they will claim bankruptcy and lose all ( medical costs are the primary reason for bankruptcy)
I know what those on Medicare should do. March on Washington, plan to stay and die on the Capital steps if need be. Totally fill the Mall with Seniors. We know how to do it, the Boomers did it for decades. The more we can get there. Especially congresspeople's senior relatives, the noisier we are, the better it will go. Holding signs saying "here I sit until I am dead, Paul Ryan". Don't wait until it has been gutted (he calls it privatized), start complaining now! If he wants to pull SS and Medicare out from under his generation, and the millennials, fine. Just leave MY safety net alone.
Democrats should not be supporting a plan such as the ACA that punishes people with mandates if they don't by private insurance that is subsidized by public money. It is a gross perversion of what is necessary to provide healthcare for all. The perversion is that expansion of health care coverage is being used as a cover to save private insurance companies with taxpayer money.
There is no reason to bloat the cost of providing healthcare by involving the insurance companies. Democrats should be concentrating on expanding Medicare. Ultimately, we should have a single payer system as in Canada where everyone is covered at half the cost per capita.
There is no reason to bloat the cost of providing healthcare by involving the insurance companies. Democrats should be concentrating on expanding Medicare. Ultimately, we should have a single payer system as in Canada where everyone is covered at half the cost per capita.
9
I wish that those that defend Obamacare, Affordable Care Act, put aside their political feelings and think about it in practical economic terms:
- Deductibles are up to $7000/year. Even if you have almost 100% subsidies to pay premiums, you still have to pay out of pocket that much before insurance starts paying for you.
- Copays are about $70/visit for many plans.
- It is difficult to find doctors, especially specialists, who take ACA plans.
ACA is not affordable, and it is not about care. It is about insurance. If politicians want more people to get Medicaid, then do just that. Why give money to insurance companies in form of premium subsidies? If you say $7000/year deductible and $70/copay are affordable and that "its better than having no insurance," you don't understand what it's like being middle class.
- Deductibles are up to $7000/year. Even if you have almost 100% subsidies to pay premiums, you still have to pay out of pocket that much before insurance starts paying for you.
- Copays are about $70/visit for many plans.
- It is difficult to find doctors, especially specialists, who take ACA plans.
ACA is not affordable, and it is not about care. It is about insurance. If politicians want more people to get Medicaid, then do just that. Why give money to insurance companies in form of premium subsidies? If you say $7000/year deductible and $70/copay are affordable and that "its better than having no insurance," you don't understand what it's like being middle class.
6
MM: That is why we need a single payer system...Medicare for all. Why should only the "elite" Congressmen and Senators have the finest health care that WE pay for, but we should have nothing? (They are not better than the rest of us. In fact most of them are crooks.) We should have everything that helps us gutted and privatized?! But they go on with their superb health care, and their golden parachute pensions. We The People be damned!
High deductibles and higher premiums occurred way before the ACA. The ACA does not affect most Americans. You people really need to get your facts straight.
I’d bet that most Americans are very familiar with all aspects of the ACA because among them, their family, and their friends put together are examples of all its various advantages and disadvantages, the good parts and the bad parts. The goal is to try is to make everyone happy at the same time. Republicans who fail to do that will face the same political repercussions as Democrats who stand in the way of that.
I just heard the execrable senator from Wisconsin, Ron Johnson, on the radio. He chose his words very carefully. After dishonestly claiming that Obamacare has been a horrible failure (lie number 1) and it has caused health care costs to rise disastrously (lie number 2), Johnson painted a rosy picture of what he and his fellow Republicans are going to offer instead of the PPACA. And he finally uttered the key word -- "access." The Republicans are not going to offer a plan that offers health care coverage, but "access" to health care. Of course, we currently have a system in which virtually 100% of Americans have "access" to health care, but millions don't have coverage. Most of those added to the roles of Medicaid had "access" to health care before the expansion, they just didn't have health care. "Access" means that if you have enough money, you can have health insurance. If not, too bad. Whatever the ultimate shape of the plan that Republicans, after wasting 6 years now they have to cobble together something that will offer Americans access to health care. Whoopee! (In fact, the time wasted is much, much longer since nothing stopped the Republicans from coming up with a plan during W's 8 years in office, or during Reagan's two terms and H.W.'s 4 years.)
I suggest that the replacement for Obamacare be called "WeDon'tCare," because over the years Republicans have made it obvious that they don't.
I suggest that the replacement for Obamacare be called "WeDon'tCare," because over the years Republicans have made it obvious that they don't.
8
A few weeks ago I heard Mr. Ryan define 'access' as "going to the ER". OK...
Good Plan but doesn't work. Both of my Senators (Flake & McCain) have full voice mailboxes. Put my comments into their website pages.
I pay lots of taxes and do not want the Medicaid program cut back.
Lots of inequality and we must do our part to help the <138% of FPL.
I pay lots of taxes and do not want the Medicaid program cut back.
Lots of inequality and we must do our part to help the <138% of FPL.
4
No democratic country that I am aware of, that has universal healthcare, has ever voted to do away with it. So, what would happen if every Democratic candidate running for Congressional office in 2018 ran on a platform of single payer / medicare for all /universal coverage?
10
Maybe Democrats could wake up and decide that Medicare for everyone is a winning idea. They could introduce amendments to the so-called repeal bill that would actually be a step forward.
The sad truth is that there are only a few provisions of the ACA that are popular, but the structure of it, which limits the sacrifice to those who need individual policies, is responsible for the bad name it gets. The policies are substandard in terms of price, deductibles, networks, ease of use, etc. Democrats are stuck defending a poor attempt to solve a real problem.
Maybe the best outcome would be repeal and chaos that would lead to real reform.
The sad truth is that there are only a few provisions of the ACA that are popular, but the structure of it, which limits the sacrifice to those who need individual policies, is responsible for the bad name it gets. The policies are substandard in terms of price, deductibles, networks, ease of use, etc. Democrats are stuck defending a poor attempt to solve a real problem.
Maybe the best outcome would be repeal and chaos that would lead to real reform.
3
Shoot now and ask questions later. This is Trump. The republicans have had how many years to come up with an alternative while stewing about the inefficiencies of ACA? WHERE is it? WHERE is it?
9
Why is the focus so far away from the real causes? Health care cost in USA is outrageous. There are multiple lobbies that support this status quo. The world over other solutions work better than any that includes the elements of ours. When faced with death or disability - people who can - pay. People who can't sorta just do what they can .. and too often die.
It is immoral to have insurance, health stocks, and corporate brokers who profit by limiting and denying health care.
To perpetuate an evil system by servicing only select people covered by employers or wealth and to basically exclude the 'unlucky' others is just a way of preserving the high costs.
Insurance has no place in Health Care. It is supposed to negotiate lower costs but in reality it supports and preserves high costs for fewer people.
It is immoral to have insurance, health stocks, and corporate brokers who profit by limiting and denying health care.
To perpetuate an evil system by servicing only select people covered by employers or wealth and to basically exclude the 'unlucky' others is just a way of preserving the high costs.
Insurance has no place in Health Care. It is supposed to negotiate lower costs but in reality it supports and preserves high costs for fewer people.
5
The healthcare fight will prove to be round one in a bare-knuckles-no-holds-barred Republican effort to shred what is left of the U.S. safety net.
Mr. Ryan is the chief proponent of the "principled" approach grounding GOP politicians' economic policies:
(1) competition guarantees balance among all market factors, including prices, wages, rents, job availability, etc.;
(2) nonetheless, private monopolies--too-big-to-fail enterprises--are preferable to government regulation of the market;
(3) the chief ethical duty of corporations is to enhance shareholder value, and success in doing so should be the chief justification for increased executive salaries, stock options and other bonuses;
(4) always exaggerate the dangers associated with government debt and minimize those accompanying all ballooning private sector debt.
Hence the Ryan agenda:
(a) reduce taxes, especially for the "makers";
(b) privatize, otherwise "reform" or eliminate programs that benefit workers, consumers and "takers";
(c) deregulate--benefit the worthy "makers" by minimizing the environmental and financial regulations that impede their efforts to "take" ever more;
(d) in short, insure that property rights always trump all claims of basic human rights--that the system enshrines the "right" of the greediest among us to neglect the neediest among us.
Thus the GOP slogan: Ever Regressively Backward to the Laissez Faire Glories of the Gilded Age!
Mr. Ryan is the chief proponent of the "principled" approach grounding GOP politicians' economic policies:
(1) competition guarantees balance among all market factors, including prices, wages, rents, job availability, etc.;
(2) nonetheless, private monopolies--too-big-to-fail enterprises--are preferable to government regulation of the market;
(3) the chief ethical duty of corporations is to enhance shareholder value, and success in doing so should be the chief justification for increased executive salaries, stock options and other bonuses;
(4) always exaggerate the dangers associated with government debt and minimize those accompanying all ballooning private sector debt.
Hence the Ryan agenda:
(a) reduce taxes, especially for the "makers";
(b) privatize, otherwise "reform" or eliminate programs that benefit workers, consumers and "takers";
(c) deregulate--benefit the worthy "makers" by minimizing the environmental and financial regulations that impede their efforts to "take" ever more;
(d) in short, insure that property rights always trump all claims of basic human rights--that the system enshrines the "right" of the greediest among us to neglect the neediest among us.
Thus the GOP slogan: Ever Regressively Backward to the Laissez Faire Glories of the Gilded Age!
3
Here come the republican death panels - this is what the red states voted for -
6
The answer is simple. Take away congressional health plans and let them obtain insurance on the exchanges. Only then will we get through to them
6
My opinion on the ACA is simple: repeal and replace it immediately -- with Medicare for all.
6
Thank you. At a time when news outlets are routinely playing health care and everything else as a fight between two guys over legacy -- how can the new guy hurt the previous guy and how much harm can he do -- your work is a rare piece of value and light. Please keep it up, and bring the Times along with you.
2
So Congressional staffers ignore emails and letters from constituents. That is a scandal that begs for investigative journalism. Not everyone has time during business hours to sit on the phone. And many are old fashioned enough to want to write a well reasoned letter. Sad to learn that those are ignored.
11
Give the people what they voted for. No lesson will be learned if we bail them out or save them from themselves.
Lets wallow back to how it was so the cries for single payer will win out.
Want to know how good the ACA is? Take it away and find out. If they doesn't get the poor and millennials to vote, nothing will
Lets wallow back to how it was so the cries for single payer will win out.
Want to know how good the ACA is? Take it away and find out. If they doesn't get the poor and millennials to vote, nothing will
8
I'm guessing you won't be losing your insurance if OC is repealed. These are actual people we are talking about.
3
And exactly what should I do in the meantime? I went thru tremendous anxiety when ACA came along, so much so that I got really sick, lost a lot of weight, ended up passing out and breaking an ankle. (I'm over 60, but not yet eligible for Medicare.)
Once the transition from my old, very, very expensive individual plan to ACA was complete, I could finally relax.
Now, just a couple of years later, I'm back in that same damn boat, full of anxiety over what will happen, and scared to death of that interim period, when what I should do will be so unknown. I was so freaked out last time, when I was hospitalized for the only time in my entire life, that I wondered if I should just commit suicide.
You have no idea how stressful it is to go from a lifetime of taking care of myself, to suddenly having the rug pulled out. I don't know if I can withstand that stress again!
So tell me, Mr Trump, what's my answer? Just not need any healthcare for your unspecified interim period? What do I do if I break a bone again? Just wrap it and wait? I am not one of the poor that are so easily dismissed as undeserving by so many heartless people. I made a good salary and had company-sponsored insurance for a long time. Then I lost my job. And fell into this insane hell, where nobody gives a damn and blames me.
At least provide free suicide pills as my last benefit from ACA!!!
Once the transition from my old, very, very expensive individual plan to ACA was complete, I could finally relax.
Now, just a couple of years later, I'm back in that same damn boat, full of anxiety over what will happen, and scared to death of that interim period, when what I should do will be so unknown. I was so freaked out last time, when I was hospitalized for the only time in my entire life, that I wondered if I should just commit suicide.
You have no idea how stressful it is to go from a lifetime of taking care of myself, to suddenly having the rug pulled out. I don't know if I can withstand that stress again!
So tell me, Mr Trump, what's my answer? Just not need any healthcare for your unspecified interim period? What do I do if I break a bone again? Just wrap it and wait? I am not one of the poor that are so easily dismissed as undeserving by so many heartless people. I made a good salary and had company-sponsored insurance for a long time. Then I lost my job. And fell into this insane hell, where nobody gives a damn and blames me.
At least provide free suicide pills as my last benefit from ACA!!!
11
Americans are unhealthy! Our health-care system is a disgrace. Repeal of the ACA is sure to make it worse. The ACA was giving us a platform to investigate the delivery of healthcare and try to find a way to improve it.
So much for improvement.
This is one of those issues that the republicans focused on, and duped the American people into thinking it was a bad thing. We will see just how close we can come to un-developed countries in their health care before some sense penetrates people's heads -- something may be good even if it was part of the demonized Obama administration's deeds. I bet you can't get most opponents (and even trump) to explain, other than with references to fake news and other lies, why they so oppose "Obamacare."
So much for improvement.
This is one of those issues that the republicans focused on, and duped the American people into thinking it was a bad thing. We will see just how close we can come to un-developed countries in their health care before some sense penetrates people's heads -- something may be good even if it was part of the demonized Obama administration's deeds. I bet you can't get most opponents (and even trump) to explain, other than with references to fake news and other lies, why they so oppose "Obamacare."
2
Lack of ability to afford healthcare separates the strong from the weak. The fortunate from the unfortunate. The able from the unable.
That's good. Right? So why doesn't the GOP just come out and campaign openly on the benefits of social Darwinism?
That's good. Right? So why doesn't the GOP just come out and campaign openly on the benefits of social Darwinism?
11
I am disillusioned by public offices being held by billionaires. I wish they were all Warren Buffet, but they're not. They would not even consider walking in the shoes of the people they push around like so many pawns in a chess game. I cannot imagine anything that would save the Affordable Care Act, or any part of it - except serious infighting in the Senate and the House. In eight years, no one has come up with a serious or practical alternative to the ACA. I can't imagine... and not without hope... that they ever will. I believe we have to bite the bullet, hope the rattlesnakes begin to commit suicide, and pray that in our next election, we elect a man of high moral integrity and conscience.
6
Or "woman" of high moral integrity and conscience...and I reply as a big supporter of Bernie Sanders.
4
Bernie is fine. But HRC would not be talking about abandoning 22 million of her fellow Americans. This is not on the democrats.
Trump is an idiot with his current push to have replacement in a week or so. This man has never had a worry about health insurance and never will and yet he is willing to create total upheaval in the marketplace. He is pushing this new immediate repeal and replace because he will push off blame on congress on not acting and not assuming any responsibility.
9
Here is what will replace the Affordable Care Act:
1.) Insurance companies, Big Pharma and other powerful medical service companies will make sure that they continue to gain and increasing share of GDP.
2,) 20-30 million people will not be getting that care
3.) The rest of us will pay more to compensate.
4.) Those left out will go to emergency rooms, costing even more and making longer waits.
5.) People will die and the American lifespan will be shorter.
1.) Insurance companies, Big Pharma and other powerful medical service companies will make sure that they continue to gain and increasing share of GDP.
2,) 20-30 million people will not be getting that care
3.) The rest of us will pay more to compensate.
4.) Those left out will go to emergency rooms, costing even more and making longer waits.
5.) People will die and the American lifespan will be shorter.
14
heard (NYT or WAPO) that there was going to be a change in who/when emergency rooms will be allowed to treat people --- and that it woulld greatly impact people without insurance. This would quash the reason for keeping AC ---- if emergency no longer have to treat the uninsured the argument about cost savings with ACA will not be relevant
1
yes, but the cost of scrapping the bodies off the streets would greatly increase
3
I just called my Congressman Ryan Costello and Senators Toomey and Casey. Voicemail at Costello and an actual human on the phone at the senators Philly offices !
Incidentally NYT can you fix your software so I can change my status? I left Rome in July
Incidentally NYT can you fix your software so I can change my status? I left Rome in July
2
The only thing that should replace the Affordable Care Act is Single Payer.
14
There is no fight for health care. There is only a fight to keep our society sickly and poor. Any description outside of this is a complete misrepresentation. I became so angry today listening to Sen. Enzi on NPR today trying to tell the American people that republicans wanted affordable health care for all Americans that I shouted at him through the radio for a minute solid. Democrats are no better. They cowered to the insurance companies and big pharma when we could have joined the civilized world and gone to single payer.
Neither party wants America to be healthy. Neither party wants health care to be affordable. Period.
Neither party wants America to be healthy. Neither party wants health care to be affordable. Period.
9
A core premise of republicanism is that the private sector can deliver higher quality and greater efficiency than the government, because competition creates better quality and lower prices. This precept has proven false in the health care insurance industry. By limiting the options for care, and the extent to which care can be provided, the health care dollar has experienced a continuing decline in its purchasing power. Health care is ultimately about people. The marketplace is ultimately about profit, and never the twain shall meet. The Republicans do have a plan, they just don't want anyone to know what it is: move all government programs to the private sector, and eventually end all subsidies. This agenda will always be presented as "protecting" our health care from government meddling, when it should say meddling in our government protection. Single payer is the only possible fix, any other program will measure individual health against profit margins, and we all know what the result of that is.
13
ACA is a perfect example of how holding an insurance card in America doesn't ensure access to safe, quality affordable heatlhcare or medications.
The administration and Dems rationale that ACA is 'better than nothing' is pablum for the masses in program which represents the largest redistribution of healthcare resources in modern history away from patients and their doctors into the pockets of the insurance and pharma industry.
There are still 10's of millions of Americans with no health insurance and 100's of millions of Americans who are under-insured, one illness away from bankruptcy.
The republican plan to replace ACA is nothing more than ACA on steroids with little checks or balances to prevent the elected official industry, insurance industry and pharmaceutical industry redistributing more healthcare dollars away from patients and doctors.
Shame on both houses of Congress.
Shame on Americans for being foooled that anything is a substitute for single payer national health insurance or the utilitization of health insruance.
The administration and Dems rationale that ACA is 'better than nothing' is pablum for the masses in program which represents the largest redistribution of healthcare resources in modern history away from patients and their doctors into the pockets of the insurance and pharma industry.
There are still 10's of millions of Americans with no health insurance and 100's of millions of Americans who are under-insured, one illness away from bankruptcy.
The republican plan to replace ACA is nothing more than ACA on steroids with little checks or balances to prevent the elected official industry, insurance industry and pharmaceutical industry redistributing more healthcare dollars away from patients and doctors.
Shame on both houses of Congress.
Shame on Americans for being foooled that anything is a substitute for single payer national health insurance or the utilitization of health insruance.
9
National health care works in Europe because of a willingness to permanently devote a large portion of the economy to support its costs. The medical community in France makes significantly less than American counterparts but even so the French government has to balance the amount each year going to Carte Vitale to prevent it's cost from reeling out of control.
National health care in a complete form will not work in America due to a lack of a moral commitment to make it work economically. For that to happen, a large adjustment would have to be taken from the military congressional industrial complex and transferred over permanently to health care.
This attack on the defense industry would wreck the current economic balance that republicans support and need to keep in order to get elected. Even Israel is required to use 80% of its foreign aid from America to purchase arms from Boeing, Lockheed, etc.
National health care would have been tenable years ago if LBJ had in 1965 expanded Medicare to all ages from birth to death. Now it's too late because the economy is committed to the defense industry and there are simply not enough votes or caring to make the necessary sacrifices.
This is an extremely negative indictment of a wealthy country being too selfish to make sure health care is a birth right and not a privilege for the affluent.
National health care in a complete form will not work in America due to a lack of a moral commitment to make it work economically. For that to happen, a large adjustment would have to be taken from the military congressional industrial complex and transferred over permanently to health care.
This attack on the defense industry would wreck the current economic balance that republicans support and need to keep in order to get elected. Even Israel is required to use 80% of its foreign aid from America to purchase arms from Boeing, Lockheed, etc.
National health care would have been tenable years ago if LBJ had in 1965 expanded Medicare to all ages from birth to death. Now it's too late because the economy is committed to the defense industry and there are simply not enough votes or caring to make the necessary sacrifices.
This is an extremely negative indictment of a wealthy country being too selfish to make sure health care is a birth right and not a privilege for the affluent.
51
"National health care would have been tenable years ago if LBJ had in 1965 expanded Medicare to all ages from birth to death."
Here's the short version of why Medicare doesn't work. When the law was passed, about 15+ million people were automatically eligible with not one person contributing a dime into the system. There were absolutely no restrictions on what care you received - every single dime was paid for, in full, by the American taxpayer. Congress estimated the cost for the first year at about $1.3 billion. The actual cost was $4.6 billion. Ever since then, the federal government has been trying every trick imaginable to contain costs. Medicare now costs over half a trillion dollars annually, with no end in sight. Simple arithmetic says that the program, in its current form, is unsustainable. And you think things would have been better if everyone were covered back in 1965? Get real...
Here's the short version of why Medicare doesn't work. When the law was passed, about 15+ million people were automatically eligible with not one person contributing a dime into the system. There were absolutely no restrictions on what care you received - every single dime was paid for, in full, by the American taxpayer. Congress estimated the cost for the first year at about $1.3 billion. The actual cost was $4.6 billion. Ever since then, the federal government has been trying every trick imaginable to contain costs. Medicare now costs over half a trillion dollars annually, with no end in sight. Simple arithmetic says that the program, in its current form, is unsustainable. And you think things would have been better if everyone were covered back in 1965? Get real...
What you really mean is that doctors will have to work for low wages, hospitals will have to accept reimbursement rates below the cost of care, and so will have to reduce the number of nurses. Go for it.
ebmem....doctors in Europe are paid so low it borders on exploitation compared to American physicians which in some cases are over paid given the time spent with the patient...both groups are out of adjustment....hospitals, doctors, and nurses costs are factored in according to the market place...Obamacare was not the answer for national health care in America but did increase the number of people covered....
It's ridiculous that it is 2017 and we Americans have not settled on a workable national health plan...the country is divided beyond the ability to speak to each other on controversial issues like this!
It's ridiculous that it is 2017 and we Americans have not settled on a workable national health plan...the country is divided beyond the ability to speak to each other on controversial issues like this!
1
The more this kill-Obamacare scenario plays out and the longer it takes, the more the Republicans come off as hating the poor, the middle-class and the sick. For years they have told anybody who would listen that ACA is evil and they will have a better way. Well, it’s time to put up or shut up.
6
too bad that they will not put up and will not shut up
You think Senators care about phone calls? They care about votes, and the votes have been counted, putting those Senators right where they are; I.e., in office.
1
Some people oppose the ACA because they don't think everyone has a right to healthcare, and some other people oppose the ACA because they think everyone DOES have a right to healthcare but ACA doesn't go far enough.
Unfortunately, the second group is helping the first group destroy ACA, without the promise of anything better.
Unfortunately, the second group is helping the first group destroy ACA, without the promise of anything better.
5
Since when will congress properly respond to the will of the people ? Not now. Example in point: reasonable gun control. 80% or more of the people want it, the NRA doesn't. Result by congress: nothing . Why=$$NRA. So you have to ask the fundamental question, who has more influence on congress: (a) the people, (b) the $$ lobbyists. If you've answered (b) you're correct. Welcome to the swamp and it will be getting deeper.
8
There is no way 80% of the public agreed on reasonable gun control. Small percentages have probably agreed to several different options for gun control, but no way 80% have agreed to anything concrete and actionable.
The small group radicalization on so many issues is what will bring down America, not Trump or Clinton or the NRA or the press. We, as Americans, should be better than that.
The small group radicalization on so many issues is what will bring down America, not Trump or Clinton or the NRA or the press. We, as Americans, should be better than that.
The I ternational Classification of Diseases (ICD 10) names thousands of medical diagnoses. Each deserves a separate amendment to exempt it from the ACA repeal.
I would ask that if the Republican party is dissatisfied with the Obama care Program, that they modify it, and involve all interested parties in the process,
Please do not simply discard this program. Lives are precious , we should treat them accordingly.
Please do not simply discard this program. Lives are precious , we should treat them accordingly.
1
Agreed. But to Trump and the Republicans,
money is more precious than lives.
money is more precious than lives.
Republicans will be the new initiators of the "death panels" when chronically ill people lose their insurance and die. They will surely look around and blame someone else.
5
If I similarly loose medicare coverage and face death as a result - I am taking someone deserving politician with me.
3
They should admit that their slogan is Make America Sick Again!
5
The insurance industry that practically wrote large parts of the ACA is very quiet on the subject of repeal. They stand to lose thousands of clients but maybe they don't care. I am sure they will continue to raise their rates to make up for it so that only the wealthy can afford insurance. Single payer for all. Let people buy into medicare.
8
I have not seen any quotes on premiums on ACA by any of the comments. Why? What does people really pay for ACA? My wife had to pay well over $700.00 a month plus $60.- for a doctors visit. That is not health care, that is extortion!
5
It could be better under a better system but this level of extortion will feel like the "good old days" if Republicans in Congress get their way.
3
Before ACA, as independent contractors, my husband and I would have paid $1800 a month. Once enrolled, and with premium support, our monthly cost dropped to $700, and copay of $50. Thank you Obama for the ACA!
6
Republicans like to work in the dark or in closed rooms .. where more wrongs are committed sight unseen -These acts being done today will be known as the Rape of America and the sad truth is that we Americans are responsible for those acts... we are doing it to ourselves .. thru abdicating of our responsibilities' to understanding the issues and their consequences, bringing dialogue down to a tweet, becoming partners in the lynch mob psychology against opposition viewpoints - we hung our dear ole Uncle Sam without a fair trial or hearing and the 'guilty' verdict to be pronounced by a set of corporate fat cats (leaders??) and their lawyers who have NO interest in anyone but themselves or their twisted beliefs!
Let us remind ourselves that - History has shown that it is always possible for Evil Leaders to find evil or weak people to do their evil deeds ...
Let us remind ourselves that - History has shown that it is always possible for Evil Leaders to find evil or weak people to do their evil deeds ...
7
The Republican Party can't stand the ACA because it taxes the wealthy and corporations to help pay for it. It's that simple. They don't give a damn about the lives and well being of ordinary citizens. And we haven't even gotten to Ryan's Medicare and Social Security dream of extermination. The greatest country in the world? Please spare me...I am sick and tired of hearing that line.
18
Let's review some of the legislative "reforms" and policies that Republican members of Congress are fighting for.
Reduction in Social Security Benefits and Medicare--because the richest country in the world can't possibly pay for these programs.
Increase in military expenditures across the board, with special attention to our poor old nuclear weapons program (because the richest nation in the world can afford more arms).
Tax "reform" intended to free our struggling billionaire class from the oppression of income tax. Because job creation!
Maintaining the unofficial GOP policy of voter suppression--because the cost of denying thousands of citizens the right to vote is but a small price to pay for the ten or twelve folks who cast illegal ballots.
Denying global warming because, darn it, science is hard to understand, and there's the money thing, too.
And this: Repeal and Replace Obamacare. You know, because it enslaves people and has their fate adjudicated by those death panels. And what about all those subsidies to the working poor--don't they have enough entitlements already? Never mind that the ACA has worked reasonably well and 20 million persons are covered under the plan.
But the GOP's biggest con of all is its great plan to replace ACA. It's been seven years since ACA was enacted, and there hasn't been a single sighting of it anywhere. But they have it. Just trust them.
Going to be a long four years.
Reduction in Social Security Benefits and Medicare--because the richest country in the world can't possibly pay for these programs.
Increase in military expenditures across the board, with special attention to our poor old nuclear weapons program (because the richest nation in the world can afford more arms).
Tax "reform" intended to free our struggling billionaire class from the oppression of income tax. Because job creation!
Maintaining the unofficial GOP policy of voter suppression--because the cost of denying thousands of citizens the right to vote is but a small price to pay for the ten or twelve folks who cast illegal ballots.
Denying global warming because, darn it, science is hard to understand, and there's the money thing, too.
And this: Repeal and Replace Obamacare. You know, because it enslaves people and has their fate adjudicated by those death panels. And what about all those subsidies to the working poor--don't they have enough entitlements already? Never mind that the ACA has worked reasonably well and 20 million persons are covered under the plan.
But the GOP's biggest con of all is its great plan to replace ACA. It's been seven years since ACA was enacted, and there hasn't been a single sighting of it anywhere. But they have it. Just trust them.
Going to be a long four years.
18
Ha, tell my senator. They, the senators, are more concerned with holding their seats than making waves for idiocy. I almost put them in the same basket as the repulsives and those who voted for t-rump.
3
EXACTLY! That's how you put fire under their feet, MAKE waves if they don't do what is right, let them know they risk not being re-elected if they don't do what their constituents ask them to do!
2
I'm not sure how effective an argument this is for Obamacare. The example he uses of the boy with the birth defect who requires hundreds of thousands of dollars of care that wouldn't be possible without taxpayers footing the bill works both ways. Really, should taxpayers be forced to pay for every possible health operation regardless of how much it costs? David seems to shrug this off with the claim that this is only from taxes on the corporations and the wealthy. But this flies in the face of the fact that Obamacare costs and deductibles are going dramatically upward. Sorry, David, but a lot of these higher costs are thrust upon middle income earners and the young.
4
Art, what's your plan? And how is the ACA not better than what the Republicans in Congress have proposed?
Taxpayers aren't being forced to pay for every possible operation regardless of cost, and the total costs to society (including the young and middle income earners) are greater in the absence of widely available insurance.
I think that the best way to hold costs down for everyone is a single-payer system. So can we sign you up for that?
Taxpayers aren't being forced to pay for every possible operation regardless of cost, and the total costs to society (including the young and middle income earners) are greater in the absence of widely available insurance.
I think that the best way to hold costs down for everyone is a single-payer system. So can we sign you up for that?
5
I see the old "survival of the fittest" in your comment. In short, unless you have cash, let the boy die and have another baby. As a survivor of an early birth when the doctor said, "My God, that thing cannot live," I find your comments to be rather cruel. A national pool of us all would not have you able to say that one child's needs are "thrust upon the ...young."
4
So if one has a child with a serious
medical problem, tough luck? Let the child
die?
I'd bet that if it were YOUR child you'd be singing a different tune.
What a selfish,
shameful country we're becoming,
epitomized by the Narcissist In Chief who
is about to become President. Ugh.
medical problem, tough luck? Let the child
die?
I'd bet that if it were YOUR child you'd be singing a different tune.
What a selfish,
shameful country we're becoming,
epitomized by the Narcissist In Chief who
is about to become President. Ugh.
Had the ACA been passed two years earlier than it was, my daughter's neuroendocrine cancer would almost certainly have been detected earlier, and she would still have her pancreas, her gall bladder, her spleen, and her whole stomach. She would not have experienced the excruciating pain she has over the past 5 years. It was too late for her, but the ability of parents to keep their children on health insurance for a few more years saves lives.
If we lose the "previous condition" provision of ACA, those of us with chronic conditions will surely lose our access to health care sooner or later. We will suffer needlessly.
It is unconscionable for our leaders to vote to eliminate these crucial protections to their constituents' access to healthcare.
If we lose the "previous condition" provision of ACA, those of us with chronic conditions will surely lose our access to health care sooner or later. We will suffer needlessly.
It is unconscionable for our leaders to vote to eliminate these crucial protections to their constituents' access to healthcare.
18
Perhaps putting a face on the people who have been saved or healed by insurance they were able to afford under the ACA will help. I fear that many oppose it on emotional grounds rather than logic. It's not perfect but it's far better than the nothing that many people had before. It has also improved insurance by covering pre-existing coverage, extending children's coverage under parents' policies until age 26 and improved preventative care. All of this means that public health has improved in general and will continue to improve. Repealing the ACA without another plan in place is folly that will harm more than the 20 million who have been insured under the act, as people wait to get treatment for serious illnesses and spread infectious disease because they could not afford to visit a doctor early on. Without a replacement plan or, better, improvements to the ACA, Americans can look forward to a decline in public health.
7
If Republicans are successful in easily rolling back the ACA, you can be sure they will proceed to assault Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Those programs have, for generations, been their real ideological targets, motivated, beyond plain old greed, by some sick, unquestioned underlying belief that pain and suffering are necessary motivators to individual and collective prosperity.
15
Maybe the Senate and Congress just want to give us all the very same healthcare plan that they receive from the Government. Paid for by our tax dollars. State of the art. Covers them and their families. For life, in and out of office.
Oh, right.
Oh, right.
10
Oh stop it. The ACA requires Senators and Congresspeople to purchase health insurance on the Obamacare exchanges, either in their home state or through the Washington DC exchange.
Do some research....
Do some research....
"The actual issues are straightforward.
Obamacare extended health insurance to more than 20 million people — middle-class, poor and sick people — and paid for it with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. "
I'd agree that the actual issue is straight-forward. The idea that Leonhardt describes (taxing the rich to pay for the poor) is called redistribution. Fundamentally, there's nothing wrong with this save for two key points:
1. Honesty - Remember Obama famously touted the ACA saying that "“we will work to lower your premiums by up to $2,500 per family.” Uh, not so much. What about 'If you like your health care plan, you can keep it' In fact, this was judged the lie of the year by politifact.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2013/dec/12/lie-year-if-...
Does anyone remember Obama trying to sell Obamacare on the basis that it would tax the rich to redistribute benefits to the poor ? If that's what Dems want (which they do), they should state it honestly when selling their policies. They should also admit the Big Lie - that Europe provides similar benefits but taxes EVERYONE highly including the poor.
2. Constitution - See the 10th amendment of the Constituiton. The Feds have a defined set of 18 things they are supposed to spend money on. And that's it. If liberals want more than this, they are supposed to implement it at the State level.
Obamacare extended health insurance to more than 20 million people — middle-class, poor and sick people — and paid for it with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. "
I'd agree that the actual issue is straight-forward. The idea that Leonhardt describes (taxing the rich to pay for the poor) is called redistribution. Fundamentally, there's nothing wrong with this save for two key points:
1. Honesty - Remember Obama famously touted the ACA saying that "“we will work to lower your premiums by up to $2,500 per family.” Uh, not so much. What about 'If you like your health care plan, you can keep it' In fact, this was judged the lie of the year by politifact.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2013/dec/12/lie-year-if-...
Does anyone remember Obama trying to sell Obamacare on the basis that it would tax the rich to redistribute benefits to the poor ? If that's what Dems want (which they do), they should state it honestly when selling their policies. They should also admit the Big Lie - that Europe provides similar benefits but taxes EVERYONE highly including the poor.
2. Constitution - See the 10th amendment of the Constituiton. The Feds have a defined set of 18 things they are supposed to spend money on. And that's it. If liberals want more than this, they are supposed to implement it at the State level.
4
You say a lot of things here but I'm not really clear on what your point is. Obama's honesty has nothing to do with the legality, value or efficacy of the ACA. We already have a tax system that redistributes wealth. Are you concerned that providing health care to the poor will cause them to be taxed too highly? The Supreme Court has upheld the ACA.
Regardless of what happens at the federal level, I agree with you that states should be addressing healthcare for their citizens. Even Conservatives should be able to sign up.
Regardless of what happens at the federal level, I agree with you that states should be addressing healthcare for their citizens. Even Conservatives should be able to sign up.
3
Health care should have been the main topic in the election campaign
8
If anyone had the slightest idea Hillary was going to lose, I have a feeling a lot of things would have been done differently. We really screwed up. That includes the press coverage, which basically treated Trump like a joke, instead of the very dangerous person he has turned out to be.
8
I went to Senator Toomey's office last Friday with 4 other constituents. Talked to his chief of staff there. Told him about what it was like to get a letter from my insurer while I was facing the need for a heart transplant that my insurance wasn't going to be renewed.
He actually told me had a "similar experience" when he was told the inexpensive policy he had that didn't meet the ACA standards was being cancelled. As if having to spend a few dollars a month extra somehow was the same problem as having a life-threatening pre-existing condition for which no insurer would conceivably offer me a policy.
That's the idiocy we face.
Didn't have the courtesy to even write down our names or record our visit. But we're planning to get 1000 people to call his office over the next week, all of them leaving their names, addresses, phone numbers and stories.
And that's just the start.
BTW, get any friend or relative on Medicare to complain about how repeal will cost them thousands by having to pay more for drugs in the dreaded donut hole!! Seniors unite.
He actually told me had a "similar experience" when he was told the inexpensive policy he had that didn't meet the ACA standards was being cancelled. As if having to spend a few dollars a month extra somehow was the same problem as having a life-threatening pre-existing condition for which no insurer would conceivably offer me a policy.
That's the idiocy we face.
Didn't have the courtesy to even write down our names or record our visit. But we're planning to get 1000 people to call his office over the next week, all of them leaving their names, addresses, phone numbers and stories.
And that's just the start.
BTW, get any friend or relative on Medicare to complain about how repeal will cost them thousands by having to pay more for drugs in the dreaded donut hole!! Seniors unite.
13
FYI: United Health sold my deaf daughter a worthless policy. The current system is very broken.
4
she bought the worthless policy.
As someone that is covered by Obamacare, I really need this health care as there are not any viable alternatives. A complete repeal will just leave me without any insurance and much bigger problems in obtaining future health care. ( I have been fortunate to have health care for the past 40 years.)
Right now, I am afraid to go to the doctor as some type of pre-existing condition may prevent me from getting any insurance in the future.
The republicans have not shown anything that will improve coverage over the ACA. Coverage for 20 million Americans is a good thing....why can't republicans see that. Adjusting and not repealing should be the process.
Right now, I am afraid to go to the doctor as some type of pre-existing condition may prevent me from getting any insurance in the future.
The republicans have not shown anything that will improve coverage over the ACA. Coverage for 20 million Americans is a good thing....why can't republicans see that. Adjusting and not repealing should be the process.
12
Exactly right...protest.....improve Obamacare by going in the direction
of single payer, a version of which most advanced countries have.
Republicans have no replacement plan other than to go back to their previous pre ACA health plan of be rich, don't have a bad life event or don't get sick.
of single payer, a version of which most advanced countries have.
Republicans have no replacement plan other than to go back to their previous pre ACA health plan of be rich, don't have a bad life event or don't get sick.
3
The Republican are in a BIG PICKLE of their own making because Obamacare is THEIR PLAN!!!
Yup, it is fashioned after Romney-care which was fashioned after a plan designed by the right-leaning Heritage Foundation as an alternative to Hillary-care back in the 90s...
So the Republicans have only 3 choices and none of them all that attractive:
First, they could repeal the Affordable Care Act and go back to 50,000,000 American without coverage and lose badly in 2018...
Or second, they could do the sensible thing and go straight to where we will one day end up with a single payer system like the rest of the civilized world has but Republicans and sensible is an oxymoron so they won't do that...
What they are going to end up having to do is try to convince Americans that they have changed Obamacare by renaming it something cheesy like the Donald Trump Make America Great Again Health Insurance Program and keep it pretty much the way it is...
And in the words of the late Walter Cronkite, "And that's the way it is"...
Bob
Yup, it is fashioned after Romney-care which was fashioned after a plan designed by the right-leaning Heritage Foundation as an alternative to Hillary-care back in the 90s...
So the Republicans have only 3 choices and none of them all that attractive:
First, they could repeal the Affordable Care Act and go back to 50,000,000 American without coverage and lose badly in 2018...
Or second, they could do the sensible thing and go straight to where we will one day end up with a single payer system like the rest of the civilized world has but Republicans and sensible is an oxymoron so they won't do that...
What they are going to end up having to do is try to convince Americans that they have changed Obamacare by renaming it something cheesy like the Donald Trump Make America Great Again Health Insurance Program and keep it pretty much the way it is...
And in the words of the late Walter Cronkite, "And that's the way it is"...
Bob
7
Unfortunately for the folks who got coverage through the ACA, it's actually not about health care at all. It's about Republicans' determination to keep their most high-profile campaign "promise," no matter the cost to people like Sam Jawitz, so they can get re-elected. I can assure you that no amount of phone calling or letter writing to my state's Republican senator Ron Johnson will deter him from this urgent task.
4
https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
The link will take you to our senators' phone directory. Time to pick up the phone and let them know your displeasure. Daily would not be too often.
The link will take you to our senators' phone directory. Time to pick up the phone and let them know your displeasure. Daily would not be too often.
4
Just tried calling my (GOP) senator, Pat Toomey. Interestingly enough, my call bounced straight to voice mail. Guess maybe GOP senators are not that eager to hear from their constituents ....
7
David and the media in general: please stop imagining that trump, any republican and any of the trump cabinet appointees gives a fig about little Sam and his family. These stories do not move them. The anti-ACA voters are knee-jerk, unthinking people who respond to right wing propaganda and believe fake news. Sadly, they do not care about Sam either. (unless of course it's their sam). This is the distinction the dems MUST make between us and them. WE care, deeply. The GOP does not.
6
If only the Dems knew how to use Twitter as well as Trumpf! We'd have meaningful and catchier slogans like Make America Pay-As-You-Go for Health Care, or Slow Death Brought to You by Good Old American Reactionaries Disguised as Republicans and the Koch Brothers and the De Vos Family, whose own Calvinist mottos are "the poor are poor because they choose to be."
6
The problem - -which too many liberal Democrats fail to realize -- is the COST of the "Affordable" Health Care. If you are an ordinary American family, you cannot AFFORD it! Come on! Acknowledge this! Single Payer is the ONLY solution.
6
Please Republicans, tell me what free-market based health care solution you have that will keep the pre-existing condition element but not the mandate? Tell me what plan you have that won't end up looking very similar, if not identical, to the ACA as it stands today? Do you hate our President SO MUCH that you can't handle allowing Obama to get the credit, even if it means kicking millions off their plans and creating chaos?
10
Is this Trump's idea of 'making America great again'? Taking away the beginnings of a healthcare system that has already helped so many is a travesty. The ACA isn't perfect...so, make it better - rather than simply get rid of it. Let's figure it out! But, we all know that the Republican Congress has no intention on doing that. They would rather just repeal and not replace. And, the ironic thing about that is - is that the members of Congress have the best - FREE - health care in the world. Lucky them...
6
The only way to make it better would be to replace it and the rest of our convoluted mish-mash of a health insurance and financing system with a public, single-payer, Medicare-for-all type system. And hell will freeze over before Republicans ever consent to that.
4
Yup, it's time to pay for your healthcare yourself like many of us that don't get subsidized. Hope fully, the truly needy get taken care of but most the ACA is a boondoggle.
2
Yup and go back to paying for your care PLUS your percentage of other (uninsured) people's unreimbursed care via high premiums/inflated medical bills/taxes.
2
That's a great plan "Trumps Hopefully the needy will get taken care of healthcare plan"
No one NEEDS to go without.
Health insurance can be purchased through many companies, very quickly.
Check it out.
You don't need to depend on the government for every little thing.
Health insurance can be purchased through many companies, very quickly.
Check it out.
You don't need to depend on the government for every little thing.
1
You clearly don't understand that 1) many of the people purchasing insurance on the exchanges receive subsidies from the government because they otherwise could not afford to purchase it; 2) the insurance options on the exchanges are provided by the same insurers that offer plans through employers. These are private-sector plans, not government insurance.
2
Unless you have a Pre-existing condition
My senator is Jeffrey Beauregard Sessions.
Call him!
1
Perhaps the NYT can help by publishing the phone numbers, or a link to the phone numbers of senators and congressmen and women.
I keep wondering - WHY are the Republicans in SUCH a god-awful rush to repeal this thing? WHY don't they wait until they DO have something in place? Ok, we know they don't care about the people of this country, (and who knows how much cash Trump has promised each of them in their personal coffers?) Is it a financial thing? Is it because their mothers didn't love them? NO! It's pure and simple: they just want to rid the country of any ongoing reference to Obama! Just as they recently admitted that 8 years ago they pledged with each other to stop anything they could that he wanted to push through. They want to scratch his name from the public's consciousness as if they could scrape his name off the obelisk of history. Hopefully what they are really digging away at are their own political graves.
5
If the GOP wishes to cut back on health care, or replace it they need to include their own Cadillac plans. Cut all healthcare for ALL AMERICANS.
We the tax payers pay for all of congresses, and their families health care for life. Why must we buy their health insurance? Why can't I just use my taxes and buy what they have and let them buy their own?
We the tax payers pay for all of congresses, and their families health care for life. Why must we buy their health insurance? Why can't I just use my taxes and buy what they have and let them buy their own?
4
David - good thought about calling. And, we can just hit the rewind button. Demand that Congress give everyone what they have voted for themselves: Universal Health Care. [Can you say the dreaded word 'Socialism'?]
1
How ironic would it be if 8 years after Democrats lost the House due to passing the ACA that Republicans could lose the House for repealing the ACA.
5
They are blowing smoke. Just like trump has all campaign.
Folks, he's not building a wall either. And planned parenthood isn't going anywhere. Hilary Clinton is not going to jail.
Turn off CNN and step away from your computer - your cortisol levels are too high. You are getting emotionally trolled by a con artist who says absurd things to get attention.
Folks, he's not building a wall either. And planned parenthood isn't going anywhere. Hilary Clinton is not going to jail.
Turn off CNN and step away from your computer - your cortisol levels are too high. You are getting emotionally trolled by a con artist who says absurd things to get attention.
1
Thanks for the heads up!
I'm on it right now.
I'm on it right now.
1
Outrage over the near-invisible Ethics Office wasn't a pockebook issue for the snakes and vermin in Congress, so they backed off. The ACA is another story; the public health versus short-term profit.
Face it, your state of health or mine is of no interest unless there's a way to turn a buck on it.
It's a nice idea that we might all group up and threaten Congress more than lobbyists can, or even the AMA, but this works only as long as the political machine remains as we know it; doesn't work anymore.
America, at least what we imagined it was, is gone by next week. Lies and truth are equivalent, with lies having the edge. Responsibility to the people is, for the very first time, way down on the list.
Sure, in the middle of a coup, even one telegraphed as far out as this one was, there's opportunity for rebellion, but it is going to take time for most of us to suffer, and no time at all to pillage the country.
Face it, your state of health or mine is of no interest unless there's a way to turn a buck on it.
It's a nice idea that we might all group up and threaten Congress more than lobbyists can, or even the AMA, but this works only as long as the political machine remains as we know it; doesn't work anymore.
America, at least what we imagined it was, is gone by next week. Lies and truth are equivalent, with lies having the edge. Responsibility to the people is, for the very first time, way down on the list.
Sure, in the middle of a coup, even one telegraphed as far out as this one was, there's opportunity for rebellion, but it is going to take time for most of us to suffer, and no time at all to pillage the country.
People complaining about high deductibles under the ACA should realize what they are complaining about -- the exorbitant cost of medical care in this country -- not the ACA. Under the ACA, as under any insurance regime, if you want lower deductibles, you choose a plan where you pay higher premiums. If those higher premiums seem too high, it is not the fault of the insurance program but of the underlying actuarial costs the insurer must cover. True, insurers are profiting from insurance but not more so under the ACA than other forms of health care insurance; in fact, less so. While a single-payer, national health care insurance system would recover the profiteering to devote those dollars to medical care, its greater benefit would be leverage to reduce the actual cost of medical care, which remains and would remain the greatest problem facing Americans in need of treatment.
7
Obamacare extended health insurance to more than 20 million people — middle-class, poor and sick people — and paid for it with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. It was the biggest attack on economic inequality since inequality began rising four decades ago.
And argument we fail to expound is :Where is the morality or virtue here. How do we look at ourselves and refuse health insurance to 20 million of our citizen. And how does a group of people- Congress who have lifetime premium insurance for themselves and family have the audacity to tell their fellow folks that are barely getting by that their insurance is no good and the "innovative solution" they can come up with is repeal and replace --with what? According to Paul Ryan, "we have great ideas." Seriously. After 8 years you are still in ideas mode! Wake up America. Some of our leaders are full of mendacity. Mostly in the pockets of the pharma and insurance industry. Oh mine, we are in a Post-fact, post-truth, post-critical thinking era. Seem like the beginning of the decline of Rome.
And argument we fail to expound is :Where is the morality or virtue here. How do we look at ourselves and refuse health insurance to 20 million of our citizen. And how does a group of people- Congress who have lifetime premium insurance for themselves and family have the audacity to tell their fellow folks that are barely getting by that their insurance is no good and the "innovative solution" they can come up with is repeal and replace --with what? According to Paul Ryan, "we have great ideas." Seriously. After 8 years you are still in ideas mode! Wake up America. Some of our leaders are full of mendacity. Mostly in the pockets of the pharma and insurance industry. Oh mine, we are in a Post-fact, post-truth, post-critical thinking era. Seem like the beginning of the decline of Rome.
4
The morality or virtue is obviously missing;
if there were any at all, Trump would never
have been elected. I cannot think of a single
example of a less moral or virtuous person than Trump, except perhaps Hitler, and Trump keeps his book on his bedside for inspiration.
I never thought I'd live to see such an immature, vengeful narcissist
become our president. I'm traveling
abroad now and people are making fun of
us because of Trump. Sad to say, I feel
so embarrassed to be an American now
that Trump has been elected.
if there were any at all, Trump would never
have been elected. I cannot think of a single
example of a less moral or virtuous person than Trump, except perhaps Hitler, and Trump keeps his book on his bedside for inspiration.
I never thought I'd live to see such an immature, vengeful narcissist
become our president. I'm traveling
abroad now and people are making fun of
us because of Trump. Sad to say, I feel
so embarrassed to be an American now
that Trump has been elected.
When you call your Senator or Congressman remember to mention a few key things. All Americans must be covered or those who are, will be paying to care for those who are not. Any replacement must include no lifetime limits, a way before the ACA insurance companies could pedal coverage that covered almost nothing and along those same lines, any new legislation will have to include essential health benefits to avoid another fraud employed by insurance companies to make premiums "affordable". Add to that no exclusions from preexisting conditions and you pretty much have the ACA. If we had such regulation of the health insurance industry on a national scale we could discuss things like selling insurance across state lines, health saving accounts and a national exchange; some Republican window dressing and some substantial bipartisan improvements to the ACA.
5
Repealing Obamacare is Mr Trump's and the Republican party's Viet Nam. They have no idea what they're doing, no credible plan, no point at which they can call "Victory". I say let them do it. We'll all be better off in the end when they implode and we can put in a single payer system that makes medical and fiscal sense. We can watch Mr Trump take the last helicopter from the roof of the White House accompanied by his advisors and Cabinet of misfits and miscreants.
7
The comments that say the media should be leading the protest against abolition of the ACA are continuing the fine old American tradition of saying it's somebody else's responsibility. See an injured person lying on the street? Walk on, and complain that nobody did anything. Kitty Genovese was attacked in front of dozens back in the '60s. Nobody did anything at all, not even to call the cops. I guess their heirs are alive, well, and blaming the media.
1
The GOP has a replacement; Ryancare. It's practically the same concept and mechanism as Obamacare, just a different brand name to woo the right wing. Instead of Government determined subsidies to purchase health insurance via mandates, Government determined subsidies to purchase it via "tax credits" or "vouchers." But it's all the same result - The Government provides a taxpayer funded subsidy to purchase health insurance plans of the Government's choice. Recall the public opinion study that showed if you took the exact same plan as Obamacare, and simply called it "Reagencare," right wingers will eat it up and get behind 100%. That's what's happening here, only the name is Ryancare. Heck, maybe put "Freedom" into the bill name to sell it a little better.
In general, the tax code is littered with credits/deductions geared towards the taxpayer subsidizing Health Insurance and Big Pharma profit. There lies the issue. Why do we continue to insist on this clear failed experiment of the Government "voucherizing" everything? Voucherizing = the Government allotting you certain subsidies or certain breaks, but ONLY if you use it to buy products of THEIR choice...where their choice always ends up being the clients of big health insurance and pharma lobbyists (rent seeking), i.e. political donors. Heck, they even write the legislation.
It's been a "fun" experiment trying to get Government funded health insurance to work, but I'm sorry, it has failed. Single Payer is the solution.
In general, the tax code is littered with credits/deductions geared towards the taxpayer subsidizing Health Insurance and Big Pharma profit. There lies the issue. Why do we continue to insist on this clear failed experiment of the Government "voucherizing" everything? Voucherizing = the Government allotting you certain subsidies or certain breaks, but ONLY if you use it to buy products of THEIR choice...where their choice always ends up being the clients of big health insurance and pharma lobbyists (rent seeking), i.e. political donors. Heck, they even write the legislation.
It's been a "fun" experiment trying to get Government funded health insurance to work, but I'm sorry, it has failed. Single Payer is the solution.
37
The tax credits under Ryan's plan - and as proposed by Rep. Price, Trump's nominee for Secy of HHS - are NOT the same as the subsidies under Obamacare. The tax credits are not as generous, and they do NOT benefit the poorest people - who need them the most. They benefit people with higher incomes, and leave poorer people with worse health insurance.
3
"It's been a "fun" experiment trying to get Government funded health insurance to work, but I'm sorry, it has failed. Single Payer is the solution."
So let me get this straight: you say that government-funded health care was a failure, but your solution is total government control of health care? Are you serious?
So let me get this straight: you say that government-funded health care was a failure, but your solution is total government control of health care? Are you serious?
1
Medicare has a 20% copay and no out-of-pocket maximum. Go for it.
Dear Senator McConnell,
Help save the A.C.A. What could you possibly lose by doing so? What will you inevitably gain by doing so?
Louisville Kentucky Voter
Help save the A.C.A. What could you possibly lose by doing so? What will you inevitably gain by doing so?
Louisville Kentucky Voter
Wait! The Republicans decried the ACA for the PAST 6 YEARS because they HAD a better health care plan! Where is it? They campaigned and won on this BIG LIE. Don't let them change the dialogue that they now need to come up with something. Demand they either produce this Big Replacement Plan they held in abeyance for 6 years or ADMIT to the Big Lie.
8
GOP PLAN .. REPEAL and RECESSION .. See CNBC Report Link
3 million jobs lost .. $1.5 Trillion reduction in GDP .. Wow!
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/05/obamacare-repeal-costs-3-million-lost-job...
3 million jobs lost .. $1.5 Trillion reduction in GDP .. Wow!
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/05/obamacare-repeal-costs-3-million-lost-job...
3
Not only will this action repealing the ACA affect the lives and futures and independence of so many Americans, it sends a sneaky poisonous message to all of us: that laws are mercurial footballs governed by careerism, politics, and greed. Why should we take seriously any laws? Here, have this health-care package and arrange your life accordingly ... oops! Sorry, Charlie Brown, we didn't mean for you to kick THIS football.
4
So is it a waste of time to write to your representatives and senators? I keep hearing that they keep a count of the letters.
2
Cut off a leg of a stool without of a replacement ready and watch what happens!
6
The Republicans had 6 years while they were doing their Repeal Marathon of 60+ times of bringing the "repeal" up for a vote to instead use their political capital to propose exactly WHAT it was that they objected to strongly other than it was an Obama initiative. And they could have used their energy and supposed intelligence to put forth corrective measures that the public could have either embraced or rejected. Instead they used that time obstructing anything that the popular president put forth -- forgetting that the ACA was basically a GOP plan to begin with. They used their positions, paid for with taxes on the majority of Americans who were struggling, and ignored since then the overwhelming approval by a majority of Americans who WANT the ACA (with improvements) or a public option. Obviously with all three powers in their hands, they are going to play a closed game -- elite, if you will - keep the Dems out. Overall, they play the same game that Trump plays -- "I have the power and I can do whatever I want", using fear and power rather than rational governing to achieve something that is good for everyone. There is no longer a UNITED States of America,
1
They have to answer phone calls? I guess you're not familiar with the frustrations of voice mail.
3
Many Letters to the Editor blame the media for not challenging Komrad tRump.
I disagree (somewhat).
Please remember, there was near universal newspaper endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President, including newspapers that had never, or not for nearly 100 years, endorsed a Democrat.
The newspapers of this country write many articles second guessing the Clinton game plan -- she played up her multifaceted experience, then later slammed the distortions, bullying, and many lies of Komrad tRump.
Now, the newspapers realize that treating him as a non serious candidate and clown, and endorsing his opponent were not enough. That pandering to his lies with he-said-she-said equivalency was not the correct approach.
Maybe, and sadly so, the answer is social media with its no holds barred approach, and no requirement for fact checking.
The entire situation is seemingly hopeless.
And will get worse when Putin threatens Komrad tRump with exposure of the RNC / GOP emails they held back from their presumptive hacking of them, as well. or at the very least, will not let him build his long desired Moscow tower.
Happy New Year 2017 everybody!
I disagree (somewhat).
Please remember, there was near universal newspaper endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President, including newspapers that had never, or not for nearly 100 years, endorsed a Democrat.
The newspapers of this country write many articles second guessing the Clinton game plan -- she played up her multifaceted experience, then later slammed the distortions, bullying, and many lies of Komrad tRump.
Now, the newspapers realize that treating him as a non serious candidate and clown, and endorsing his opponent were not enough. That pandering to his lies with he-said-she-said equivalency was not the correct approach.
Maybe, and sadly so, the answer is social media with its no holds barred approach, and no requirement for fact checking.
The entire situation is seemingly hopeless.
And will get worse when Putin threatens Komrad tRump with exposure of the RNC / GOP emails they held back from their presumptive hacking of them, as well. or at the very least, will not let him build his long desired Moscow tower.
Happy New Year 2017 everybody!
3
I have been calling and so far every phone is not being answered nor accepting messages. !!
2
It's kind of tough to design a new house when all you've been doing for the past 8 years is talking about how good it will feel to tear the old one down. Oh well, l guess people can live under trees. It's free.
5
Isn't the issue of making corporations pay more one that Trump campaigned on?
2
David Leonhardt, you misinterpreted what happened in the House last week. It was only postponed--not stopped. And not due to public opinion, but because of Trump. Nothing more.
The GOP will do absolutely anything for Trump to get their "to do" list passed. He says "jump" and they will ask "how high?".
The GOP will do absolutely anything for Trump to get their "to do" list passed. He says "jump" and they will ask "how high?".
1
Nice article. Great idea. Where's my phone.
3
My Senators aren't the problem. I'm the the back seat, dad's very drunk, and won't let mom take the wheel....
2
Speak out about this nefarious plan of Republicans to cancel Obama care.
2
There will be no fight. The ACA will be repealed and not replaced. Health care is a privilege for for the wealthy, not a right for the hoi polloi.
5
Democrats bring a fist to a stick fight, a stick to a knife fight, a knife to a gun fight and so on and on! From the gerrymandered redistricting fiasco to the voter suppression laws, Democrats seem doomed to be the weenies vs the meanies!
2
Six years since the passage of the bill. Sixty and counting votes to repeal it. And STILL they have no plan? Ah, yes, talk is cheap. It is easy to criticize but a whole lot of work to do better. Still, it is hard to believe that the GOP couldn't come up with an alternative in six years. Maybe the "alternative" is go back to what we had.
4
Maybe what we need to do is adopt a state's rights stance. Creating a functional and morally decent insurance market while dealing with the various Republicans just doesn't seem likely.
So why don't we let the people of Kansas (and Texas and the Carolinas etc.) deal with their own health issue while we deal with ours. Didn't Massachusetts have Romneycare before there was a President Obama?
What would it take to have something like MedicareNYS for everyone? What would it cost?
And tell me, how much more does NY State pay into the Federal treasury than we get back? Wouldn't we be better off going it alone?
So why don't we let the people of Kansas (and Texas and the Carolinas etc.) deal with their own health issue while we deal with ours. Didn't Massachusetts have Romneycare before there was a President Obama?
What would it take to have something like MedicareNYS for everyone? What would it cost?
And tell me, how much more does NY State pay into the Federal treasury than we get back? Wouldn't we be better off going it alone?
2
How do you explain the huge increases in costs to the consumer? Or do states like Arizona not matter to Democrats? I would have thought the election results would have showed the NYT that all citizens matter, not just coastal enclaves.
1
rates are set by insurance companies based on usage and expenses. They underestimated costs in Arizona. States that didn't expand Medicaid or set up their own exchanges fared worse. I live in Massachusetts where we have had this program for a decade. We set up and actively courted insurers, have 96 % coverage (best in the nation) and rates rose an average of 3 - 5 % this year
I am not a taker or a slacker. My husband and I have paid literally hundreds of thousands of dollars in private insurance company premiums for the past 40 years. We have a child who needs hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical care a year for a serious health care condition that strikes thousands of young people every year. But for the ACA, yeah, "Obamacare," he will die.
Thanks Trump.
Thanks McConnell.
Thanks Ryan.
Thanks to all of you who elected Trump and the Republican majority in each chamber of Congress.
Is all that matters in life each of you saving $12 a month in insurance premiums? If so, private insurance is definitionally the wrong business model and incapable of providing a payment plan for medical care.
Fine. You want to destroy Obamacare, then give me and my son the right to BUY INTO Medicare, because the private insurance companies and the Republicans do not care about "my son's right to life"!
Thanks Trump.
Thanks McConnell.
Thanks Ryan.
Thanks to all of you who elected Trump and the Republican majority in each chamber of Congress.
Is all that matters in life each of you saving $12 a month in insurance premiums? If so, private insurance is definitionally the wrong business model and incapable of providing a payment plan for medical care.
Fine. You want to destroy Obamacare, then give me and my son the right to BUY INTO Medicare, because the private insurance companies and the Republicans do not care about "my son's right to life"!
7
I'm in the same boat and, sadly, I think
$12/month does mean more to Republicans
than the health of your child, or mine.
$12/month does mean more to Republicans
than the health of your child, or mine.
Socrates certainly puts things in perspective with his list of countries with universal healthcare. Wake up America!
3
Why should we as Democrats try to save the people who elected Trump from themselves? Give Republicans and Trump all the rope they need to hang themselves.
5
Mr Leonhardt, I think you still don't understand.
As the Les Mis lyrics say, so say the new GOP congress:
"But now there is a higher call.
Who cares about your lonely soul?
We strive toward a larger goal
Our little lives don't count at all!"
Ideology and power are much, much more important that some little kid named Sam. Draining the healthcare swamp of all the sick/poor people will make the swamp pristine and beautiful. That's been the plan all along.
Sorry for your loss.
As the Les Mis lyrics say, so say the new GOP congress:
"But now there is a higher call.
Who cares about your lonely soul?
We strive toward a larger goal
Our little lives don't count at all!"
Ideology and power are much, much more important that some little kid named Sam. Draining the healthcare swamp of all the sick/poor people will make the swamp pristine and beautiful. That's been the plan all along.
Sorry for your loss.
3
Hey, GOP, you have had six years to figure out a reasonable replacement for the Obamacare you hate so much. I challenge you to deliver on the details and sell it to the American public. And while you are at it, how about you actually allow the Congressional Budget Office to count the costs of your program when calculating impact on the deficit and Medicare. If you are so concerned about health care being a drain on job creation, how about we finally decouple employment and insurance? In the evolving gig economy that only makes sense, right? And it means an employer can stay out of my bedroom and doctor's office. That's change I could believe in.
4
I took David Leonhardt's advice and called the Washington offices of my state senators. So glad I did.
2
Let the Republicans repeal without replacement. Do a hard repeal, effective next year. The Republicans say they have a mandate to get rid of the ACA, so just do it. If the public doesn't like it, they have only themselves to blame, they voted the GOP into power. You can only help people who want to be helped. Don't waste time and effort on those that don't.
2
How many of you have ACA insurance in a state that opted out of Medicaid expansion? I do. For our family of 3, non-smoking/early 30's, for a silver tier plan it is $1300/month with a $6000 per person deductible. For all of this you can't find a doctor or hospital in this metro area that will take it, we drove over an hour for a pediatrician appt- for which there was a 3 month wait.
We don't qualify for any kind of subsidy, but for fun I filled the form claiming we made $35K for our family of 3. The subsidy would help pay $85 of the $1300/month bill. What family making $35K can afford $1200/month health care plus the potential of $14K family deductible, before the health insurance even kicked in? (Nevermind all the tricks they are now doing with in/out network on these plans.) Bankruptcy is bankruptcy whether for $30K or $300K. For ourselves we will be paying in excess of $30K per year before seing anything from our monthly premium. This is why so many healthy/middle class people are opting out, or moving to the exempt 'christian' plans.
The ACA is HUGELY flawed, lets not gloss over that. Blame the Republicans for that. SINGLE PAYER! Imagine all of the disposable income, freeing up entrepeneurs to start their own businesses, for existing businesses to flourish...the American dream.
Ethically we can't just repeal, but we don need to repair.
We don't qualify for any kind of subsidy, but for fun I filled the form claiming we made $35K for our family of 3. The subsidy would help pay $85 of the $1300/month bill. What family making $35K can afford $1200/month health care plus the potential of $14K family deductible, before the health insurance even kicked in? (Nevermind all the tricks they are now doing with in/out network on these plans.) Bankruptcy is bankruptcy whether for $30K or $300K. For ourselves we will be paying in excess of $30K per year before seing anything from our monthly premium. This is why so many healthy/middle class people are opting out, or moving to the exempt 'christian' plans.
The ACA is HUGELY flawed, lets not gloss over that. Blame the Republicans for that. SINGLE PAYER! Imagine all of the disposable income, freeing up entrepeneurs to start their own businesses, for existing businesses to flourish...the American dream.
Ethically we can't just repeal, but we don need to repair.
6
Is the DNC incapable of swaying public opinion? When will they be starting their TV and radio ad campaign? Where are the talking point people on the news every night bashing The Republicans? Telling America that the Republicans want to strip away their health care. That the Republics repeal will kill jobs in the health care industry. That the Republics will cause the death of thousands of Americans who will go without health care.
Get the word out now.
Get the word out now.
4
While there are many things about the ACA I do not like and I agree that it may need a total replacement rather than bandages where tournquets are needed, I do not under any circumstances believe that it should be repealed except by a fully concieved replacement plan.
To repeal and delay is the political equovilent of quitting your job without another one waiting, and hoping to find one before your last day.
To repeal and delay is the political equovilent of quitting your job without another one waiting, and hoping to find one before your last day.
3
I wonder what the republicans' vision is of the country they want to have.
I see a future of chaos and suffering if they succeed.
They are driven by a desire to dismantle or weaken those institutions that make life bearable for many Americans. I can think of no major advancement for our people that was initiated by them, although in the past there was bipartisan support. Now, we have come to a place where they can use their ideology driven power to undo all modern social advancement. Why? They have to live here too.
I see a future of chaos and suffering if they succeed.
They are driven by a desire to dismantle or weaken those institutions that make life bearable for many Americans. I can think of no major advancement for our people that was initiated by them, although in the past there was bipartisan support. Now, we have come to a place where they can use their ideology driven power to undo all modern social advancement. Why? They have to live here too.
3
The U.S. should follow Canada and provide Government run health care and get rid of your HMOs that only care about profit. Our health care isn't perfect because no system is perfect. But when my daughter-in-law required a 13 hour surgery to remove a benign brain stem tumour entangled in blood vessels and nerves the top team flew in from Toronto to Vancouver and the top surgeon operated. She is totally fine today, 2 years later, and it cost her nothing. That's the way health care should be. So stop with the profit motive in health care. It will help all your businesses with the bottom line because they don't have to pay for it. It comes out of taxes. And our standard of living is comparable or better to most Americans.
10
Remember: "You have to vote for it before you see what's in it". Dems voted and stuffed ACA with ideological goodies that were ill conceived, inefficient and benefitted few. ACA can and should be improved. I have heard no plans for the Republicans to eliminate health care for anyone. Articles of misinformation serve no purpose except to confuse people. I wait for an article about how to improve ACA instead of bashing the Republicans. All Americans deserve health insurance that works.
I would also think that showing up in person at the field offices of Republican senators would be a good thing. Especially if you can bring copies of medical bills paid by insurance obtained under the ACA.
1
The Republican Party has been trying to repeal The ACA fiancé it was ratified and in six years have failed to create a reasonable alternative or modifications. They now say they need to thoughtfully craft an appropriate replacement. What have they been doing for the last six years? What are Americans thinking about as they support this party and their candidates. We are good at shock and awe but not so good at viable replacement.
It seems to me that the cost of the care will drive any "replacement" plan just as it drives the current plans. Without addressing those costs head on we are all whistling in the wind.
It seems to me that the cost of the care will drive any "replacement" plan just as it drives the current plans. Without addressing those costs head on we are all whistling in the wind.
Thank you, David Leonheardt, for doing more than alerting readers to disturbing news, but reminding us that our voices count. One phone call, email, or signature on a petition x many can make a difference.
1
The cry by several of the NYT pick comments about the 20+ million people who will be devastated the ACA is repealed is somewhat off base. The reality is that over half had insurance before and could again at cheaper rates than now. I myself get a 50% subsidy and still pay twice as much as before the ACA with a higher deductible for one less person covered.
I won't even mention the load the ACA places on small business employment.
I won't even mention the load the ACA places on small business employment.
3
and that is because health care costs have increased and the caps are gone. The rates were going up 26 % per year under Bush so think 200 % more then you paid before. The cost will be more however because the uninsured compensation pool will grow and that is covered by other peoples insurance. The average family costs with employer plans is 18,000 $ Its the cost of care that drives up insurance
1
Both of my Senators' mail boxes are full. Maybe at least 6 different groups have asked me to call. People are making the calls-- at least I hope that is why the mail boxes are full!
1
Evangelical Jesus must be so proud of his Republican followers because we all know that Evangelical Jesus teaches that rich people are more deserving of tax cuts than poor people are of healthcare.
3
Here's a link to a directory of the telephone numbers of Representatives in Congress.
http://www.house.gov/representatives/
If you call a Representative's office, make sure to turn off your CallerID if you don't live in that Representative's district. Then use the Representative's link on the directory as a way to find their local office and thus a Zip code in their district that you can use on a call.
If you want to send an electronic message, note that most of their web sites only accept messages from Zip codes within their state or district. You can use Google Maps (or something similar) to find a residential address within their district that you can use on an email form. That way, you can make it look as if you are sending a message to your elected Representative. These messages are typically seen only by interns, who do little more than compile the pro/con count on any particular issue, so your message can be very brief.
In both cases you can create a story of a "close relative" who lives in that District who will be harmed by a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and request that the Representative vote against repeal.
http://www.house.gov/representatives/
If you call a Representative's office, make sure to turn off your CallerID if you don't live in that Representative's district. Then use the Representative's link on the directory as a way to find their local office and thus a Zip code in their district that you can use on a call.
If you want to send an electronic message, note that most of their web sites only accept messages from Zip codes within their state or district. You can use Google Maps (or something similar) to find a residential address within their district that you can use on an email form. That way, you can make it look as if you are sending a message to your elected Representative. These messages are typically seen only by interns, who do little more than compile the pro/con count on any particular issue, so your message can be very brief.
In both cases you can create a story of a "close relative" who lives in that District who will be harmed by a repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and request that the Representative vote against repeal.
2
The Republicans obviously don't care about the health care of our citizens, but they do care about maintaining power. If they get the impression that their cynical politicization of health care might no longer be a path to maintaining their stranglehold on our nation, they'll fold. Give them one tenth the aggravation they are dishing out to us, and we will win.
1
I think the Democrats should fold up and go home. The Republicans are formidable and determined and willing to burn down the country in order to "save" it. Just let them have it. I'm tired of the nonsense. One party rule. Let's just make it official and admit that the Democrats are out f their league.
I called my Republican Congressman. Could not have been more clear on my opposition to the repeal of Obamacare.
1
Good advice, David, about calling senators instead of emailing them. I'm going to do it. All of us must say out loud, every day, the truth about what Trump and the Republicans are planning to do TO us.
We have to start working now for success at the next election.
Read more at
http://richardsubber.com/
We have to start working now for success at the next election.
Read more at
http://richardsubber.com/
1
We need to remember that the real issue is not "Obamacare" (ACA) but health care.
I really don't have a lot of love for my health insurance company, a supposedly non profit that can buy naming rights to sports arenas and has paid its executives more than a million dollars a year. As far as I'm concerned, they could disappear, but there is another route to the doctor that doesn't involve leaving me broke if there is a problem.
If you are in your twenties with a child who has earaches, a health savings plan insurance policy is nothing more than paying out of pocket and doesn't provide health care. It leaves you choose using a finite amount of money for your car payment or a child screaming in pain.
Focus on Health care not the tools to get it.
I really don't have a lot of love for my health insurance company, a supposedly non profit that can buy naming rights to sports arenas and has paid its executives more than a million dollars a year. As far as I'm concerned, they could disappear, but there is another route to the doctor that doesn't involve leaving me broke if there is a problem.
If you are in your twenties with a child who has earaches, a health savings plan insurance policy is nothing more than paying out of pocket and doesn't provide health care. It leaves you choose using a finite amount of money for your car payment or a child screaming in pain.
Focus on Health care not the tools to get it.
2
As mentioned in another reader's comment I was told by others that you need to call or show up at your Senator's or Congressman's office to be sure you are heard. l I have been calling my Senators and Congressman since the election on a number of topics. Senator Bob Casey's and Representative Mike Doyle's offices (the Democrats) actually answer the phone. Senator Pat Toomey's office (the Republican) never answers the phone. Toomey's office phone goes right into voicemail regardless of when I call. Toomey is just another Republican hack putting his party over his constituents.
3
Replace before Repeal is the only slogan that might stop McConnell and Republican Senators.
A huge majority of Americans want them to replace Obamacare before repealing it and will hold them responsible for the many disasters that result.
A huge majority of Americans want them to replace Obamacare before repealing it and will hold them responsible for the many disasters that result.
2
Since republican voters will be affected as much as democrats by the policy maneuvers this year, maybe we can hope they will finally open their eyes to which party has their best interests at heart and vote for the people next election, not just the rich people. Just when we thought the republican party would go away, it came back stronger thanks to Putin, Assange, Comey and the press.
2
If Obama and Barney Frank would of done the right things from the beginning we might not be having this battle. But no Frank would not even let the single option be an option. Negotiating drug prices with drug companies, no let them charge whatever. Insurance companies get their wishes met and of course, we the people are stuck with the high costs again.
What did Rubio do many months ago to insure that prices would go up on the exchanges and insurance companies would have to raise the rate. I only hear about that on progressive radio. If you are going to talk about ACA can you tell me if this is true or not?
What did Rubio do many months ago to insure that prices would go up on the exchanges and insurance companies would have to raise the rate. I only hear about that on progressive radio. If you are going to talk about ACA can you tell me if this is true or not?
1
I no longer think of Republicans in Congress as adults.
But perhaps I'm too kind. Most children don't act this badly.
But perhaps I'm too kind. Most children don't act this badly.
4
Paul Ryan supposedly set up a phone line to gauge Americans' support for the ACA, and reportedly he and other reps who did that found overwhelming support for keeping it. I called his line numerous times over several days. Every call got either a busy signal or "All circuits are busy." I'm convinced that they just unplugged the phone, not wanting to hear any more about it.
6
I tried to call, as well, and never got through.
2
For those interested in what President Obama actually has to say, perhaps take a look at his perspective piece in the 6 Jan. 2017 "New England Journal of Medicine": http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1616577?query=OF . Here are couple of paragraphs:
"Put simply, all our gains are at stake if Congress takes up repealing the health law without an alternative that covers more Americans, improves quality, and makes health care more affordable. That move takes away the opportunity to build on what works and fix what does not. It adds uncertainty to lives of patients, the work of their doctors, and the hospitals and health systems that care for them. And it jeopardizes the improvements in health care that millions of Americans now enjoy.
Congress can take a responsible, bipartisan approach to improving the health care system. This was how we overhauled Medicare’s flawed physician payment system less than 2 years ago. I will applaud legislation that improves Americans’ care, but Republicans should identify improvements and explain their plan from the start — they owe the American people nothing less."
"Put simply, all our gains are at stake if Congress takes up repealing the health law without an alternative that covers more Americans, improves quality, and makes health care more affordable. That move takes away the opportunity to build on what works and fix what does not. It adds uncertainty to lives of patients, the work of their doctors, and the hospitals and health systems that care for them. And it jeopardizes the improvements in health care that millions of Americans now enjoy.
Congress can take a responsible, bipartisan approach to improving the health care system. This was how we overhauled Medicare’s flawed physician payment system less than 2 years ago. I will applaud legislation that improves Americans’ care, but Republicans should identify improvements and explain their plan from the start — they owe the American people nothing less."
3
We need a quilt to memorialize people who die because they lost their health insurance.
5
The sad fact is that in the Democrats we have the only major political party that has the ability and sense to govern for the people (for which they receive scant credit from those same people) but who are hopeless in opposition, and then we have the Republicans who are highly effective in opposition but truly hopeless and damaging to the interests of the people when governing. This lesson has been taught time and again over generations yet we Americans still don't seem to get it.
I have little doubt that, somehow, the GOP will escape practically unscathed from their dismantling of health care for millions of middle class and lower income Americans.
I have little doubt that, somehow, the GOP will escape practically unscathed from their dismantling of health care for millions of middle class and lower income Americans.
2
I agree that it very important to stand against repeal and delay. The more fight that the opposition majority voters show, the more the Republicans will think twice before moving on to the next phase of their stunning plan to kill Medicare and Social Security. People have to gear up, call their senators, organize to vote the Republicans out in 2018, demonstrate, and act up. If you care about inequality, this is your fight!
1
We have always needed Universal Health Care - that is the best and only real solution. Don't think it is going to happen. Sam is adorable - glad he is well. But the emotional plea will not change Republican and tea party hearts. There are other options for healthcare on the market than ACA. It is not affordable and was flawed from the beginning. Obama himself was never truly vested in the outcome at the beginning of the legislative prep for the ACA. It does need replacement asap. The facts. Fix it now don't draw it out into more of a political divisive tool. Both sides always playing to the public. A very tired old game indeed and the public looses by not having moderate progressives elected like HRC.
3
I have what I think is a pretty simple solution. Congress should repeal the ACA immediately and their "Cadillac" insurance plan that we taxpayers pay for also should be eliminated immediately. When a workable alternative to the ACA is in place Congress should be given the opportunity to join that new plan or buy their own health insurance, just like us common folk. It would light a fire under our esteemed representatives to come up with something quick and fair.
2
The people that benefited from the ACA certainly did not fight very hard for it. Why middle class people with health insurance from other sources were against it, is still and mystery to me. The Republicans framed it as just another tax, even though if you were not on it, you never got taxed.
Bottom line is that ignorance prevailed. Obama did not educate the public sufficiently, and he let the Republicans and Fox News frame the program in a false and negative way.
If you didn't have the money to afford any insurance they should have said that it was simply free. The idea that poor people, who are barely scraping by, come up with another tax payment/penalty, was a total loser. All those poor people, were lost to the Democrats, when it could have been a game winner, especially in the mid west. If it comes down to making a car payment or the rent vs. health insurance, people will pick the rent. If they get sick they go to the emergency room, and then we all pay anyway.
Bottom line is that ignorance prevailed. Obama did not educate the public sufficiently, and he let the Republicans and Fox News frame the program in a false and negative way.
If you didn't have the money to afford any insurance they should have said that it was simply free. The idea that poor people, who are barely scraping by, come up with another tax payment/penalty, was a total loser. All those poor people, were lost to the Democrats, when it could have been a game winner, especially in the mid west. If it comes down to making a car payment or the rent vs. health insurance, people will pick the rent. If they get sick they go to the emergency room, and then we all pay anyway.
2
I hear some Republicans have a plan based upon the Russian healthcare model. Private Opinion polls among the Republican base at first showed only a lukewarm response when only the elements of the plan were detailed, but in a follow up poll, when the plan was referenced by its nickname "PutinCare", the plan proved overwhelmingly popular.
2
Republicans could ensure that they remain in power forever by replacing ObamaCare with a single-payer option. Other lobbyists will take the insurance mafias' places. There's no lack of corporations willing and able to pay to play. The reason we don't have single payer is that citizens do not matter to corporate politicians.
2
My Family and I have been regular visitors to most US states over the past 50 years. We have enjoyed your warmer winter weather, amazing scenic and entertainment delights and most of all the diversity of American people we had the good fortune to meet.
We can't fathom how a society which was able to *Put a Man on the Moon* and achieve so many technical and educational accomplishments and enviable wealth still fails to provide Universal Health Care to its entire population. Your rich buy incredible medicine while your less fortunate might as well be *Third World People*.
Amazingly, many of you have told us how Rotten is Canada's Health Care System. Granted our System is not perfect. But Light-years ahead of what you average Americans endure and still believe HMO, Insurance and other institutional propaganda you have been fed. Some of our Mil/Billionnaires do take advantage of US Medical facilities, but for most of us, we're comforted to know that essential medical treatment is available to all of us.
Sincerely, Your admiring but amazed Canadian friend
We can't fathom how a society which was able to *Put a Man on the Moon* and achieve so many technical and educational accomplishments and enviable wealth still fails to provide Universal Health Care to its entire population. Your rich buy incredible medicine while your less fortunate might as well be *Third World People*.
Amazingly, many of you have told us how Rotten is Canada's Health Care System. Granted our System is not perfect. But Light-years ahead of what you average Americans endure and still believe HMO, Insurance and other institutional propaganda you have been fed. Some of our Mil/Billionnaires do take advantage of US Medical facilities, but for most of us, we're comforted to know that essential medical treatment is available to all of us.
Sincerely, Your admiring but amazed Canadian friend
6
Over the past year, over 3 million people enrolled in Obamacare in NY state. Of that 3 million, about 2.5 million were directed into Medicaid. So let's call Obamacare what it really is: Medicaid. Therefore, Trump has an easy solution to the healthcare problem. All he has to do is expand the eligibility for Medicaid and provide coverage for those who are losing their Obamacare coverage.
Bottom line -- there is no low-cost solution to our national healthcare problems. Healthcare is expensive. None of our healthcare professionals are going to work for free. And none of our healthcare facilities are inexpensive to build. operate and maintain. There is no magic bullet. That's the bad news.
Bottom line -- there is no low-cost solution to our national healthcare problems. Healthcare is expensive. None of our healthcare professionals are going to work for free. And none of our healthcare facilities are inexpensive to build. operate and maintain. There is no magic bullet. That's the bad news.
1
It is impossible to trust the numbers used by defenders of Obamacare. Clearly, the reality of people who had no options for health care coverage before the law is a small percentage of the 20 to 30 million people used in the main stream media as gospel, simply because defenders of a terrible law use it. Another favorite trick, like in this piece is to take an individual incident as justification for a law that has completely destroyed more than 50 years of evolution of health insurance in this country. Far more people are paying more for much worse health insurance today than they were before the law. Insurance companies took advantage of numerous hidden consequences of poorly written legislation that depended almost entirely on taxpayer subsidies and tax penalties to justify its existence. The law is a disaster and may not be salvageable in any form. It may well make sense to let it ride for a year or so but make it clear that the reset button will be hit in two years. Set minimum standards for any private insurer in terms of things like exclusions for pre existing conditions etc, and let them come up with a private sector solution.
Prior to the ACA we had that plan states set insurance rules and private insurers offer plans and the rates rose at 26 % per year and the wonderful deductibles started. There were close to 50 million uninsured and going to the ER which requires treatment This uncompensated care and that from bankruptcies was charged to those with insurance. We suffered multiple hospital closures especially in rural areas. The ACA has stabilized the market but repeal would destabilize it and send costs up. Feel free to ignore the facts and good luck
Bill em and Kill em- is what comes to mind when I think about health care in America now. The costs are astronomical, the care, even at the so called best hospitals, leaves a lot to be desired.
Medicine cannot be about money alone- of course, everyone involved is entitled to make a living, but our most vulnerable most be treated with dignity and respect. Sadly that is not the case. As President Obama said recently, the Republicans obstructed affordable care from the beginning. They did not participate in creating a plan-they just blocked the Democrats and resisted the bill. If the Republicans have a plan, let's see it, the soon to be ex-POTUS said, adding he would be among the first, if not the first, to support it.
Health care must be affordable. Insurance rates must come down, people must be able to afford health insurance and our health care professionals need to care more about the quality of the care they give people.
Medicine cannot be about money alone- of course, everyone involved is entitled to make a living, but our most vulnerable most be treated with dignity and respect. Sadly that is not the case. As President Obama said recently, the Republicans obstructed affordable care from the beginning. They did not participate in creating a plan-they just blocked the Democrats and resisted the bill. If the Republicans have a plan, let's see it, the soon to be ex-POTUS said, adding he would be among the first, if not the first, to support it.
Health care must be affordable. Insurance rates must come down, people must be able to afford health insurance and our health care professionals need to care more about the quality of the care they give people.
1
Paul Ryan is a disciple of Ayn Rand and continues the myth that anything government does is bad. Providing medical care is of no concern of his. Rand's idea that only cash is moral and the correct way to pay for anything, we will continue to see the signs which say, "Obamacare is immoral." To followers of Ayn Rand, Social Security and Medicare are also immoral.
3
"Congressional staff members privately admit that they ignore many of the emails and letters they get."
This is absolutely disgusting. Some democracy. Why bother having a contact page on their website or postal address? So the next time I get a mailed a "survey" from my local congressional representative, I'll just throw it out, and not vote for her the next time.
This is absolutely disgusting. Some democracy. Why bother having a contact page on their website or postal address? So the next time I get a mailed a "survey" from my local congressional representative, I'll just throw it out, and not vote for her the next time.
3
#45 will be known as the President of the Republican Death Panel.
God bless him for doing away with sick and unhealthy Americans who are just a drain on resources. Who needs a sick family member. It is the height of moral hazard to even think of having universal healthcare for all. Only the liberal west has such an abomination, healthcare paid for by other peoples taxes.
Why would you want that. Roads are paid with taxes, as are airports, ports, hospitals, the military. But it is against all that is holy to have healthcare as a right of citizenship.
Will #45 preside at his first death or his or her funeral. I doubt that, he is not given to "sensitive moments", that would require a heart. Maybe he will send in Mitch in his stead, but then again maybe no. No, no GOP lawmaker would go, there is no money to be made for their friends.
They will just send their prayers.
God bless him for doing away with sick and unhealthy Americans who are just a drain on resources. Who needs a sick family member. It is the height of moral hazard to even think of having universal healthcare for all. Only the liberal west has such an abomination, healthcare paid for by other peoples taxes.
Why would you want that. Roads are paid with taxes, as are airports, ports, hospitals, the military. But it is against all that is holy to have healthcare as a right of citizenship.
Will #45 preside at his first death or his or her funeral. I doubt that, he is not given to "sensitive moments", that would require a heart. Maybe he will send in Mitch in his stead, but then again maybe no. No, no GOP lawmaker would go, there is no money to be made for their friends.
They will just send their prayers.
1
Typical of many unintended consequences of government programs, ACA has all but destroyed the private individual health insurance so that the "20 million uninsured" can have coverage. Well there are now more people without health insurance than before it started and I get that it has helped many people. They just didnt need to wreck the whole system in order to do it. They could take away mandates and let people write off their policy costs the way businesses do would have been a great start. Before ACA my policy was $250 per month with a $2500 deductible. Now it is $650 per month with a $6500 deductible. The good news is I now have pregnancy coverage due to the government mandates but being a 57 year old man its not much use to me. Thanks for nothing federal government.
1
Then you have two people to blame. Rubio and Ryan openly brag, on record, that during the omnibus budget vote they diverted a general fund directed to keep insurance plans from raising premiums. Yep, on purpose they did this to gut and landmine a plan to help and not hinder our general health. BTW, be grateful that your employer offers healthcare
64
" Rubio and Ryan openly brag, on record, that during the omnibus budget vote they diverted a general fund directed to keep insurance plans from raising premiums."
Is that any worse than the decades of theft perpetrated by Congress by raiding Social Security funds to finance government and handing out IOUs that were never repaid?
Is that any worse than the decades of theft perpetrated by Congress by raiding Social Security funds to finance government and handing out IOUs that were never repaid?
Not exactly. Obama tried to add a gift to the insurers, and it was rejected.
ObamaCare had one insurance company subsidy that was funded from the general fund for the first two or three years of ObamaCare. It was a reinsurance fund. If an ObamaCare insured had a single event that cost more than $50,000, the insurer paid the first $50,000 and the taxpayer covered the balance. It was in the ObamaCare legislation, and no one took it out.
The risk corridor system was added in the original legislation to prevent insurers from attempting to cherry pick healthy participants by designing plans that would appeal only to the healthy or by advertising only to the healthy. The provision said that insurers who wound up with low cost participants would contribute to the risk corridor based on their favorable experience and the insurers who wound up with expensive participants would be reimbursed from the fund. The law never said anything about the taxpayer guaranteeing that the insurance companies would make a profit or that they would even break even. There was never legislated any taxpayer contribution to the risk corridor fund. It was always a rebalancing between the insurers.
Obama caused the pool of ObamaCare participants to be sicker than intended, so the winners were fewer and chipped in less money and the losers were dissatisfied. So Obama tried to add money to the budget to increase the profits of the insurers and the Republicans said no.
ObamaCare had one insurance company subsidy that was funded from the general fund for the first two or three years of ObamaCare. It was a reinsurance fund. If an ObamaCare insured had a single event that cost more than $50,000, the insurer paid the first $50,000 and the taxpayer covered the balance. It was in the ObamaCare legislation, and no one took it out.
The risk corridor system was added in the original legislation to prevent insurers from attempting to cherry pick healthy participants by designing plans that would appeal only to the healthy or by advertising only to the healthy. The provision said that insurers who wound up with low cost participants would contribute to the risk corridor based on their favorable experience and the insurers who wound up with expensive participants would be reimbursed from the fund. The law never said anything about the taxpayer guaranteeing that the insurance companies would make a profit or that they would even break even. There was never legislated any taxpayer contribution to the risk corridor fund. It was always a rebalancing between the insurers.
Obama caused the pool of ObamaCare participants to be sicker than intended, so the winners were fewer and chipped in less money and the losers were dissatisfied. So Obama tried to add money to the budget to increase the profits of the insurers and the Republicans said no.
Democrats should explain that the only plan republicans have ever had is to give taxpayers a percentage tax credit that gets larger with your income. The credit will be smaller than the current subsidies under Obamacare, so people likely will pay more than they do now, especially when you take away the requirement that every taxpayer join the system. You will pay more for the same or lesser coverage.
1
I have written to my representative and my senators regarding this issue. Senator Thom Tillis has been the only one to respond so far. He thanked me for sharing my story and then filled the rest of the letter with the stock GOP gobbeldygook about the evils of Obamacare.
I have written back to him reminding him that his party has had seven years to come up with an alternative....and there is none. I am at a loss for words over this issue. The GOP does not seem to care about the citizens of this country, only staying faithful to some warped ideological concept about what America should be.
If they take insurance away without a viable alternative people will suffer. The economy will suffer. Our entire country will suffer. Where is the concern for our citizens? I'm looking but I'm not finding it anywhere.
I have written back to him reminding him that his party has had seven years to come up with an alternative....and there is none. I am at a loss for words over this issue. The GOP does not seem to care about the citizens of this country, only staying faithful to some warped ideological concept about what America should be.
If they take insurance away without a viable alternative people will suffer. The economy will suffer. Our entire country will suffer. Where is the concern for our citizens? I'm looking but I'm not finding it anywhere.
97
No concern for our citizens - that is the sad fact of the GOP for the last 20 years.
Call your Sen./Rep. Emails and letters are largely ignored and/or filed, a ringing phone demands more attention than a digital communication. Google 'Who is my Representative'. Good Luck.
As noted in this column, do not just write your Representative/Senator but call their office, both the local as well as the one in Washington, DC. Call once a week or more. That is the only way for the ordinary citizen to get their attention.
I've never met anyone who didn't want a single payer system, yet we are told that such a thing is not possible, too much opposition. By whom?
I also notice that the wonderful tax payer funded insurance policy that provides coverage for our representatives is not on the chopping block.
I also notice that the wonderful tax payer funded insurance policy that provides coverage for our representatives is not on the chopping block.
170
The opposition to a single payer system comes from within the healthcare industry. It's estimated that 1 in 8 Americans works in healthcare in some capacity or another. Aside from direct healthcare providers, there are a lot of good paying managerial and administrative positions, jobs in insurance, and general paper pushing required for coordinating care between insurance companies and hospitals/clinics. Healthcare represents almost a fifth of our GDP and at as such, the industry has a lot of influence and can afford to exert pressure on politicians to maintain that power. The highest earners in healthcare are administrators and insurance executives, not doctors. I wish the NYT would do an expose about the main pushers for repealing the ACA in Congress and their ties to the healthcare industry through campaign contributions and other unethical, though legal bribery.
6
That tax-payer funded insurance that Congress gets also comes with a hefty paycheck and pension, but Republicans continue to vote against policies and try to destroy policies and programs that help the middle class, low income and poor folks. How come this is only clear to the states on the coasts and the big cities?
1
Good points. Congress should replace their own health care plan with whatever they come up with for the rest of the country!
i see the usual comment near the bottom of this column about the world's most powerful country not having a comprehensive health care plan. the usa is the most powerful financially and militarily; however, it does not--as many americans bleat ad nauseum--mean the best. i feel safe in saying that most western democracies' citizens wouldn't trade their longer life expectancies, lower infant mortality rates, miniscule-by comparison-homicide rates, lack of capital punishment, smaller per capita grinding poverty, a general ignorance of the rest of the planet, fewer holidays etc eetc etc to be americans.
97
"i feel safe in saying that most western democracies' citizens wouldn't trade their longer life expectancies, lower infant mortality rates, miniscule-by comparison-homicide rates,..."
You forgot higher tax rates...how much would you be willing to pay out of your own pocket for all that security?
You forgot higher tax rates...how much would you be willing to pay out of your own pocket for all that security?
@brupic-- please know that there are many of us Americans who know all too well that America is not the greatest country on earth, but we are trapped here and can't easily get out due to a variety of reasons: first, our country taxes us for the privilege of citizenship wherever we choose to live, unlike all other major countries of the world. Makes it hard to leave financially for the average citizen. Next, we are not taught multiple languages here to be able to easily transition elsewhere. Not a deal breaker, just another challenge. Finally, Noone really wants to take us permanently and put us on their health care system unless we can meet the requirements of their immigration laws, so if you are retired you are pretty much out of luck if you have to resort to private insurance if you are not wealthy. When western European countries make it easier for us to escape, because the US will not, many of us, including me, will.
1
hmmmm. are you saying we should be paying for american adventurism and hysteria? look at the list of countries the usa has invaded post ww2. yet when push came to shove during ww2, the usa sat on sidelines war profiteering britain until forced into the war in europe after germany declared war on the usa after pearl harbor. the usa didn't arrive in europe in force until late 1942. now we have to listen to americans say WE crushed the nazis. you didn't. you were part of an alliance; the soviet union was the main destroyer--by far--of germany.
1
I am a 62 year old woman who will lose my $600 subsidy for Florida Blue health insurance, which has allowed me to keep my current primary care physician. If I lose this subsidy, I will be forced to cancel my insurance. Thank you, Mr. Leonhardt, for your recommendation to contact my congressman. I just left a voice mail message at Ted Yoho's office, 202 2255744. I urge other voters to call their congressperson as well.
6
I am almost the same age as you are. I do not get a $600 subsidy, LOL, but I earn a very modest salary. And I lost every single doctor I ever went to, and all the local hospitals I had access to. Only one hospital is in "my network".
My premiums, double yours apparently, mean I have no extra money in my budget for ANY medical care whatsoever. I can't even afford a prescription for antibiotics!
You only mentioned your subsidy; what is your DEDUCTIBLE? My deductible is $7400 a year. I cannot possibly afford this. It means I will never see one DIME of actual medical coverage from my insurer.
I assume you either have a low or no deductible. So your "great low cost insurance" comes at a price -- the price of denying ME any medical care whatsoever.
Do you care about ME or any of the MILLIONS OF OTHERS who are suffering so you can get a "big subsidy"?
My premiums, double yours apparently, mean I have no extra money in my budget for ANY medical care whatsoever. I can't even afford a prescription for antibiotics!
You only mentioned your subsidy; what is your DEDUCTIBLE? My deductible is $7400 a year. I cannot possibly afford this. It means I will never see one DIME of actual medical coverage from my insurer.
I assume you either have a low or no deductible. So your "great low cost insurance" comes at a price -- the price of denying ME any medical care whatsoever.
Do you care about ME or any of the MILLIONS OF OTHERS who are suffering so you can get a "big subsidy"?
3
So concerned citizen
you are right, the biggest problem with the ACA is that it made no attempt to contain our rediculous medical cost. But do you want to leave your caps lock on and keep whinging about it or offer up some solutions? You complain that no one cares about your plight and at the same time care very little about the plight of others.
Do you only prefer a solution where only people in your income bracket or above can afford medical care. remember Paul Ryan said they would replace the ACA with "universal access". Right now you fit perfectly into the palm of Pual Ryan's hands, you technically have acsess to medical care whether you can afford it or not is your problem. So since you offer no solutions I can only assume this is the plan you would prefer.
So welcome to your future.
The GOP killing fields.
you are right, the biggest problem with the ACA is that it made no attempt to contain our rediculous medical cost. But do you want to leave your caps lock on and keep whinging about it or offer up some solutions? You complain that no one cares about your plight and at the same time care very little about the plight of others.
Do you only prefer a solution where only people in your income bracket or above can afford medical care. remember Paul Ryan said they would replace the ACA with "universal access". Right now you fit perfectly into the palm of Pual Ryan's hands, you technically have acsess to medical care whether you can afford it or not is your problem. So since you offer no solutions I can only assume this is the plan you would prefer.
So welcome to your future.
The GOP killing fields.
I agree that the Democrats in congress and the citizens of the US should do everything in their power to stop the Republicans from killing Obamacare. However I doubt that it will make much difference. Unlike the ethics office the Republicans ran on killing Obamacare. Therefore it will be seen as a betrayal by their follows if they don’t follow through. They did not run on gutting the ethics office so the two issues are not equivalent.
What I think we should also be doing is preparing for when Obamacare is killed. Massachusetts showed that one can have almost universal health insurance without involvement of the federal government. Why isn’t there more talk about states like NY, California, and Washington preparing their own forms of Obamacare. Without the extra money for Medicaid the plans won’t be as good as Obamacare but they will be a whole lot better than nothing.
Sticking ones head in the sand and pretending that Obamacare is not going to be repealed is equivalent to the Republicans claim that global warming is not happening.
What I think we should also be doing is preparing for when Obamacare is killed. Massachusetts showed that one can have almost universal health insurance without involvement of the federal government. Why isn’t there more talk about states like NY, California, and Washington preparing their own forms of Obamacare. Without the extra money for Medicaid the plans won’t be as good as Obamacare but they will be a whole lot better than nothing.
Sticking ones head in the sand and pretending that Obamacare is not going to be repealed is equivalent to the Republicans claim that global warming is not happening.
7
Vermont tried to pass single payer within the state; they failed totally. This is one of the most liberal states -- among the smallest states -- the whitest state! -- and yet they could not do it. It is the home state of Bernie Sanders. He could not bring single payer to HIS OWN STATE.
Why did it fail? the costs were insane -- $11,000 PER PERSON. That would be $44,000 for a family of four, and consume literally every penny of the state budget leaving nothing for anything else at all.
And why so costly? because as yet -- nobody on the right OR THE LEFT has the foggiest idea how we can control costs. We can't even have an intelligent discussion as to "why do American doctors and nurses earn twice as much as their counterparts in Europe, Canada and Australia?"
Why did it fail? the costs were insane -- $11,000 PER PERSON. That would be $44,000 for a family of four, and consume literally every penny of the state budget leaving nothing for anything else at all.
And why so costly? because as yet -- nobody on the right OR THE LEFT has the foggiest idea how we can control costs. We can't even have an intelligent discussion as to "why do American doctors and nurses earn twice as much as their counterparts in Europe, Canada and Australia?"
2
I live in Mass and while we ran our own program no state is rich enough to self insure and we required a Medicaid waiver and additional short term funding from the federal government. The ACA is working here 96 % of our citizens are covered and because we set up a robust exchange our rates only rose 3 - 5 % this year
1
How is it is possible for a part of human beings to behave like they are monsters? The right to health, like the right to education. the right to eat and breath would not be human rights. Only a portion of human beings would have a right to be considered as human beings. When I listen to some of these backward, conservative leaders, I wonder how it is possible. And some of these Americans threatened to lose their right to health have been so naïve that they voted for Trump.... Unbelievable but true. ( I am French)
8
This is a great article and one that should be read by everyone who wants to know what they can do to make a different in health care in America. I can't believe that anyone who is at all informed on Obamacare believes that it's perfect. Conversely, I would find it next to impossible to believe that the Republicans have a real plan right now that is better. I have friends in the medical field that hate Obamacare, but also realize that the alternative of no health insurance is worse. So–what should we do? I have a novel idea. What if both Republicans and Democrats could sit down with advisors on all sides of the issue and come up with the best medical plan for everyone? Impossible? Not at all if you looked at every individual as a member of your family. What would you do now? With give and take, we could do that! The worse thing we can do right now is to Repeal Obamacare without having something better in place. So what's the rush to repeal it? It's called insanity! If everyone who reads this were to contact your Senator, regardless of your political affiliation and tell them NOT to Repeal Obamacare for the reasons cited above, I do believe we could stop them.
4
To those who find Obama's implementation of the Affordable Care Act to amount to be no less than a socialist plot, please be aware that medicine in the US will in the end be socialized, one way or another. In other words, when 20+ million Americans again become uninsured, you may rest assured that the healthcare industry will distribute their unpaid medical expenses among those who are able to afford it.
11
If the goal was to repeal and replace, the Republicans, if they were strategic, would hold months of hearings, and develop the fixes that they should have passed under President Obama's administration. This would be a responsible and winning approach for the public, and the Republicans could take credit for fixing a "broken system." But, let's be honest, the Republicans do not believe that having proper health care is a right---they believe it is a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. There attitude towards Sam is "too bad."
19
The ACA enabled me to receive much needed healthcare and get surgery in 2015 for a serious pre-existing condition.
If the Republicans had anything better, if they have a replacement that will benefit people, they would have been promoting it these past several months. Think about it! They haven't produced anything and whatever is coming is going to be inflicted on people in haste. It may very well be even worse than before. More people will get sick, suffer and die.
If the Republicans had anything better, if they have a replacement that will benefit people, they would have been promoting it these past several months. Think about it! They haven't produced anything and whatever is coming is going to be inflicted on people in haste. It may very well be even worse than before. More people will get sick, suffer and die.
13
I literally can't understand how anyone can stand by and let this legislation be repealed--without any kind of alternative. This brings me to tears, as well: My daughter was born with a congenital heart defect and this is the first time she's been able, as an adult, to afford insurance. I'm a 60-year old freelancer and now, what do I face? Giving up my work in case of illness so I can get charity care? I feel so defeated. This American has become a is cold, cruel place. At this point in the history of the richest country in the world, we shouldn't have to worry about these things.
27
It's become a cold cruel place because a black man had the audacity to introduce a Republican health plan. Plain and simple. And you won't find one Republican that will admit they opposed or should I say hate Obama because of his skin color. Unfortunately none of them have the guts to be honest.
5
In order to give your daughter (and perhaps yourself) really cheap subsidized policies, or even 100% FREE Medicaid welfare...people like me, have been horribly penalized and denied any health CARE.
Do you understand that most of us now have to pay HUGE DEDUCTIBLES? which you and your daughter DO NOT have to pay? That you are getting something free, or very cheap, FOR NOTHING....but we are paying for your freebies, and we are being hurt and denied medical care???
Do you understand that most of us now have to pay HUGE DEDUCTIBLES? which you and your daughter DO NOT have to pay? That you are getting something free, or very cheap, FOR NOTHING....but we are paying for your freebies, and we are being hurt and denied medical care???
1
In response to Barbara M., if you follow the right wing, you can always get medical care. Just pay cash. That is why Ryan feels no obligation to provide an alternative to Obamacare.
The "knife to a gunfight" recitation sound like tough talk coming from liberal Democrats who don't march, don't protest and wouldn't in a million consider getting arrested on a civil disobedience charge, but has it not occurred to David Leonhardt that liberal principles are no more than election year inconveniences for most Democrats in Congress, and that once their own race is won, they're more than happy to "lose" to the interests which fund their own campaigns? Including, of course, having their own taxes cut, since most of them are multi-millionaires.
And it still isn't clear that the Democrat party is happier forfeiting governing power throughout the country than rejecting neo-liberal norms and the current party leadership....?
And it still isn't clear that the Democrat party is happier forfeiting governing power throughout the country than rejecting neo-liberal norms and the current party leadership....?
1
My moronic, alcoholic brother-in-law, a retired millionaire and vocal Trump supporter, acquired a "free liver" transplant under Medicare-modified Obamacare, i.e. without financial cost of any kind. Rather than acknowledge this extraordinary benefit, he rails against ADA for "stealing" resources from his earned Medicare. As long as this constituency spews its ridiculous nonsense, I fear any appeal to logic and reason will fall on deaf ears.
10
My family and I will be all right. We have good health care insurance through our employers. But this is not just about me. It's about everyone. For those who support repealing the Affordable Care Act with nothing in place to replace it, I ask you to address three concerns:
1) Pre-existing conditions. Before ACA many didn't dare leave a bad job for a good one because they would lose their insurance due to a pre-exisitng condition. Or after being out of work they could not get health insurance even after finding a new job for the same reason.
2) Lifetime caps. Cancer? Already had two types of chemo, didn't work, and there's another option? Too bad, you've hit your lifetime cap. Treatment denied.
3) Young adult coverage. Parents & students already face crushing debt when trying to manage college expenses, as well as those young people searching for work and taking part-time jobs that do not include health insurance. Enabling them to stay on their parents insurance makes a huge difference for them.
And yes, I've known people whose lives were devastated by each of those denials prior to ACA. I don't want to go back there. We're better than that.
1) Pre-existing conditions. Before ACA many didn't dare leave a bad job for a good one because they would lose their insurance due to a pre-exisitng condition. Or after being out of work they could not get health insurance even after finding a new job for the same reason.
2) Lifetime caps. Cancer? Already had two types of chemo, didn't work, and there's another option? Too bad, you've hit your lifetime cap. Treatment denied.
3) Young adult coverage. Parents & students already face crushing debt when trying to manage college expenses, as well as those young people searching for work and taking part-time jobs that do not include health insurance. Enabling them to stay on their parents insurance makes a huge difference for them.
And yes, I've known people whose lives were devastated by each of those denials prior to ACA. I don't want to go back there. We're better than that.
9
1. Trump has stated he will KEEP the pre-existing condition clause.
2. We probably need some kind of cap -- perhaps per condition? -- because otherwise people will never rein in spending at all. I've heard no GOP recommendations on spending caps.
3. Young adults are either in college or working. If in college, the college offers very cheap health insurance, plus on-campus clinics. If they are working...they can get THEIR OWN insurance.
It is stupid and demeaning to keep adults as old as TWENTY SIX on their parent's insurance! It also assumes the parents are wealthy and have good insurance, and can afford to add someone to their policy! It is a law for wealthy white people in suburbs and big cities, whose kids are "special snowflakes" (too delicate to take an icky real job).
It is very cheap to insure young people ages 18-25 -- they are very healthy as a group, with very low risks. It is stupid to throw this on parent's insurance. This is the cheapest group of all to insure!
****
You clearly do not care about MY dilemma -- very high deductibles, hence no real health care. Why should I care about YOUR concerns?
2. We probably need some kind of cap -- perhaps per condition? -- because otherwise people will never rein in spending at all. I've heard no GOP recommendations on spending caps.
3. Young adults are either in college or working. If in college, the college offers very cheap health insurance, plus on-campus clinics. If they are working...they can get THEIR OWN insurance.
It is stupid and demeaning to keep adults as old as TWENTY SIX on their parent's insurance! It also assumes the parents are wealthy and have good insurance, and can afford to add someone to their policy! It is a law for wealthy white people in suburbs and big cities, whose kids are "special snowflakes" (too delicate to take an icky real job).
It is very cheap to insure young people ages 18-25 -- they are very healthy as a group, with very low risks. It is stupid to throw this on parent's insurance. This is the cheapest group of all to insure!
****
You clearly do not care about MY dilemma -- very high deductibles, hence no real health care. Why should I care about YOUR concerns?
1
I do understand your dilemma and it will be the same with or without the ACA. Deductibles started under Bush so people would have "skin in the game" and rates were rising at 26 % per year with close to 50 million without insurance and many hospitals closed. You have always paid for the uninsured since Reagan passed EMTALA guaranteeing emergency care. Its about cost, I feel badly about your deductible but that money could be gone in one emergency room visit (my brothers broken leg and surgery cost 68,000, he was glad his deductible was only 8000 and he is still paying it two years later, but he didn't go bankrupt
For years Republicans have proudly worn the label "conservative." The very word conveys a sense of competence, stability and reassurance. Of course, this has been much easier to do as an opposition party claiming to be a voice of reason against alleged Democratic "overreach." The Republicans now find themselves in power and face the choice of pursuing a truly "conservative" and reasonable agenda or choosing instead to redefine themselves, in the minds of Americans, as cruel, mean-spirited extremists. The choice is theirs.
5
Well said. Any program, but especially in health care insurance, once it is repealed, there is a cascade of events leading to defund the ACA and disengagement of the various groups that make it possible. I strongly suspect, given it is working well and covering millions, that this doggone intent in repeal without immediate replacement, is to spite Obama (racial undertones, anybody?), even at the cost of screwing so many in the process. Is there no decency left? Or compassion for the poor without health insurance? Is this hypocrisy, given our 'dear' congressmen (all republicans) take health care coverage for granted.Of note, many that would be affected are Trump supporters; they'll find out soon enough that this unscrupulous thug could care less.
7
The problem with expecting an all engines full speed ahead defense of the ACA is that many people are dissatisfied with ACA plans featuring big deductibles and increasing monthly premiums. Trump and other Republicans were able to convince many voters the ACA was a failure, in part, because those who purchased insurance on the ACA exchanges all saw poorer neighbors on Medicaid who had much better and cheaper health insurance. The ACA was a compromise designed to protect insurance companies, physicians, hospitals and drug companies while minimizing government costs. Patients were the last priority on this list making it to convince voters now that an all engines full speed ahead defense is the right option. The Republicans as yet unspecified plan is actually a medical Trojan Horse. They want to eliminate the ACA, blame its demise on poor design and replace it with a system that will increase out of pocket costs and decrease coverage for all those presently on Medicaid and everyone who purchased health insurance on the exchanges. The Republicans will claim their replacement plan provides everyone with "access" to health insurance. But the increased costs and decreased coverage will mean millions will go without health insurance. The folks who voted for Trump because he promised a better healthcare plan have been duped. He'll get rid of the unpopular mandate but in the process he will kill all healthcare gains.
69
Keep in mind that ObamaCare was a compromise among Democrats designed to cater to their socialist cronies and to trick their voters into thinking there was something good in it for them. Republicans had nothing to do with it.
Trump and Republicans did not convince the many people who dislike ObamaCare that it was a failure (Anyone with sense could see that). They responded to the wish of the voters by promising that they would repeal it. If they do not abolish it and do not replace it with something sustainable and also address the transition problems created by the damage done by ObamaCare, they will go the way of the 1000 Democrats at the state and federal levels who have been voted out of office during the last eight years.
Trump and Republicans did not convince the many people who dislike ObamaCare that it was a failure (Anyone with sense could see that). They responded to the wish of the voters by promising that they would repeal it. If they do not abolish it and do not replace it with something sustainable and also address the transition problems created by the damage done by ObamaCare, they will go the way of the 1000 Democrats at the state and federal levels who have been voted out of office during the last eight years.
The R's won. Let them destroy the ACA, cut SS and Medicare. Let them help the one percent while kicking the poor. We need to stop protecting voters from themselves. Elections have consequences. Next time, listen up and vote smarter. The R's will self-destruct with no help from us. There is an idiot driving this bus. If we all grab for the steering wheel, we cloud the fact that the driver is incompetent, and we look like the problem. There will be casualties when this bus hits the ditch, but wise passengers will fasten their seat belts, brace for impact, and elect a better driver next time.
3
The tsunami of Trump troops and their families is about to flood hospital emergency rooms as they are denied access to medical coverage. They will, of course, show up entitled, believing the country owes them medical care. Those swing states that swung for Trump will become a wasteland of suffering as the great tide of social-darwinian, survival of the fittest, Ayn Rand-Paul Ryan Republican policy wrecks homes and entire villages and cities. The rich will be insured. The masses will be reduced to prayer beads and shamans.
3
head lines like this one are comical. the fight for good health has been underway long before I entered the field 60 years or so ago. Fights for bringing science into medicine took place around 1911, until the first world war the American Medical Association was for a more universal health insurance...until the Red Scare of communism... Many still see the real battle front as being the individual caring more for their own well being; others fight to get the refined sugars out of the food chain that adds to the obesity epidemic which is related to most of our chronic diseases. Our research dollars are spent on finding drugs to ease our pain and keep the chronic diseases at bay while far too little attention is given to eliminating the chronic disease or at least postponing its onset until old,old age. Now obesity can be a major problem for teen agers with its association with other diseases.
So no, we are just beginning the fight for health, and we aren't even spending sufficient time and attention of the underlying issue which afflict the society. Wake up, the right issues have as yet to be clearly identified for the public!
So no, we are just beginning the fight for health, and we aren't even spending sufficient time and attention of the underlying issue which afflict the society. Wake up, the right issues have as yet to be clearly identified for the public!
1
Thanks in large part to the ACA, I was able to leave my "9 to 5" job in 2014 and start making a living as a freelancer and truly achieving my dreams. Without the ACA, this would have been all but impossible.
That freedom has allowed me to do many things, including become part of a team that recovered the remains of my grandfather, USMC 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman, Jr., who was killed in the battle of Tarawa on Nov. 22, 1943 and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. I am a writer, and am currently marketing a book about his remarkable life and the incredible story of how a nonprofit, History Flight, Inc., found his remains, along with those of 45 other Tarawa MIAs.
It strikes that the GOP wants to keep as many Americans as possible locked into the traditional job market for no reason other than to have health insurance. This connection of employment to insurance is a quirk of history that makes absolutely no sense, anyway.
But in preserving this system of insurance indenture, how many dreams are being shattered? How many brilliant inventions and works of art or desirable startups are stillborn simply because a genius could not leave his or her "real job" for insurance reasons?
And here I thought Republicans were all about freedom. Silly me.
That freedom has allowed me to do many things, including become part of a team that recovered the remains of my grandfather, USMC 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman, Jr., who was killed in the battle of Tarawa on Nov. 22, 1943 and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. I am a writer, and am currently marketing a book about his remarkable life and the incredible story of how a nonprofit, History Flight, Inc., found his remains, along with those of 45 other Tarawa MIAs.
It strikes that the GOP wants to keep as many Americans as possible locked into the traditional job market for no reason other than to have health insurance. This connection of employment to insurance is a quirk of history that makes absolutely no sense, anyway.
But in preserving this system of insurance indenture, how many dreams are being shattered? How many brilliant inventions and works of art or desirable startups are stillborn simply because a genius could not leave his or her "real job" for insurance reasons?
And here I thought Republicans were all about freedom. Silly me.
3
Sorry, but your needs do not outweigh MY needs.
Why should I be stuck with a crummy, worthless policy with a high deductible -- so YOU can quit your job and go "treasure hunting"????
Why should I be stuck with a crummy, worthless policy with a high deductible -- so YOU can quit your job and go "treasure hunting"????
2
There is benefit to repeal of ACA. First, many of those currently covered (Republican stalwarts) will lose their coverage. Hopefully they will now be able to see the forest instead of the trees.
Perhaps more to the point, the existence of the ACA precludes any real efforts for a true National Health. In this it is an abomination, neither fish nor fowl, expensive and incomplete.
Knowing full well that fighting the insurance/big pharma aggregate conglomerate is problematic, perhaps if ACA goes the light will be seen and the US will join other advanced countries in providing universal health care for all at a reasonable cost, one not tied to the current obscene profits scenario.
Perhaps more to the point, the existence of the ACA precludes any real efforts for a true National Health. In this it is an abomination, neither fish nor fowl, expensive and incomplete.
Knowing full well that fighting the insurance/big pharma aggregate conglomerate is problematic, perhaps if ACA goes the light will be seen and the US will join other advanced countries in providing universal health care for all at a reasonable cost, one not tied to the current obscene profits scenario.
I see two courses of action for liberals: let Republicans overreach because things have to get worse before the get better, or fight tooth and nail for those revenue sources the provided funding for people who have acquired access to health care in the Obama administration.
Listen closely for these three tropes the Republicans will be trying out shortly: block grants to states for high-risk pools (because states are so much better it this), defined contributions to low-income people (here's your stipend, now fend for yourself), and finally slowly defunding these block grants and/or defined contributions because "we can't afford them (tax cuts come first y'know).
Listen closely for these three tropes the Republicans will be trying out shortly: block grants to states for high-risk pools (because states are so much better it this), defined contributions to low-income people (here's your stipend, now fend for yourself), and finally slowly defunding these block grants and/or defined contributions because "we can't afford them (tax cuts come first y'know).
2
Living in a solidly blue state, both my senators will be staunch defenders of the ACA. The attack on the ACA is coming from a President who received fewer votes and from Senators representing far fewer constituents.
The majority of people in this country are almost literally being held hostage by a misinformed minority of ultra-right zealots. It's a helpless feeling when, per capita, the progressive population of this country has far less political representation than the conservatives. It is actually an accepted argument on the right (made in this very comment thread) that if you just eliminate the votes from California, Trump won the popular vote. They are literally telling Californians -- who, by the way, have much, much less representation than any Red State resident -- that their political opinions shouldn't count at all because of where they live. Despite blue states having more people, accounting for 2/3 of the GDP and actually supporting red states financially, we are powerless.
What can be done? Short of a wholesale migration of liberal coastal residents into Red States (we have the numbers, and could turn them all blue), it seems that we will be at the mercy of the minority. And that minority will eliminate the ACA, ravage regulatory/environmental protections, gut social programs and plunder the treasury -- and there doesn't seem to be anything we can do about it.
The majority of people in this country are almost literally being held hostage by a misinformed minority of ultra-right zealots. It's a helpless feeling when, per capita, the progressive population of this country has far less political representation than the conservatives. It is actually an accepted argument on the right (made in this very comment thread) that if you just eliminate the votes from California, Trump won the popular vote. They are literally telling Californians -- who, by the way, have much, much less representation than any Red State resident -- that their political opinions shouldn't count at all because of where they live. Despite blue states having more people, accounting for 2/3 of the GDP and actually supporting red states financially, we are powerless.
What can be done? Short of a wholesale migration of liberal coastal residents into Red States (we have the numbers, and could turn them all blue), it seems that we will be at the mercy of the minority. And that minority will eliminate the ACA, ravage regulatory/environmental protections, gut social programs and plunder the treasury -- and there doesn't seem to be anything we can do about it.
2
Will there come a time when government
will work in the best interests of its citizens?
Politics seems to be the driver behind most
of the decisions made and not made. Public
Office seems to be the ticket to influence and
being influenced so that in the end our leaders care little about the well-being of
those they represent and only about their
own futures. President Obama will be missed, as will the Affordable Care Act. It
is not perfect, but our "lawmakers" can do
one good thing by revamping, not repealing
this bold step in the right direction.
will work in the best interests of its citizens?
Politics seems to be the driver behind most
of the decisions made and not made. Public
Office seems to be the ticket to influence and
being influenced so that in the end our leaders care little about the well-being of
those they represent and only about their
own futures. President Obama will be missed, as will the Affordable Care Act. It
is not perfect, but our "lawmakers" can do
one good thing by revamping, not repealing
this bold step in the right direction.
2
My apologies to those who may feel offended or upset with what I write. Yet I cannot help but thinking the following:
Had Sam's parents (any parents having a child with severe defects) found out before his birth and decided to terminate the pregnancy, they would be subject to the furor of "pro-life" politicians.
Had those same "pro-life" politicians who now want to deprive his parents of their health insurance under ACA their way, Sam would be born with his birth defect. As far as these politicians are concerned, their defense of the sanctity of life would no longer be required since the unborn child had now been born, thus leaving Sam's parents to fend on their own and Sam to face a potential, if not certain, early death due to lack of the necessary and life saving medical interventions.
Hypocrites!
Had Sam's parents (any parents having a child with severe defects) found out before his birth and decided to terminate the pregnancy, they would be subject to the furor of "pro-life" politicians.
Had those same "pro-life" politicians who now want to deprive his parents of their health insurance under ACA their way, Sam would be born with his birth defect. As far as these politicians are concerned, their defense of the sanctity of life would no longer be required since the unborn child had now been born, thus leaving Sam's parents to fend on their own and Sam to face a potential, if not certain, early death due to lack of the necessary and life saving medical interventions.
Hypocrites!
7
I once spent a time working as a canvasser for an environmental non-profit. The job basically consisted of knocking on doors and asking people for money. Not very inspiring. You'd catch the occasional miracle of generosity. A warm cup of tea and a bathroom goes surprisingly far in twenty degree weather. But most people were either disinterested or rude.
The job did have one very important quality though. Instead of simply canvassing for money, the non-profit actually organized community support on specific issues. This is what kept me on the job when the weather dropped below freezing. We prepared fact cards outlining current issues. The cards were customized to whichever neighborhood we happened to be canvassing.
Here's the issue were working on right now. Here are the key points. Here is the contact information for all of the politicians involved. Say whatever you want but please write, call, or email now. You don't want to give money, fine. Writing a letter has more impact anyway. Hand written is even better. Have your children draw a picture too. If you'd please donate an envelope and a stamp, that'd be great but we'll mail your letter either way. Just tape it to the door and we'll come to pick it up.
Social media wasn't as big a thing back then but I hope you see my point. It really does take that level of engagement to get most people involved. Just telling people they should write isn't enough. You need to both inspire and enable. You'd be surprised by the outcome.
The job did have one very important quality though. Instead of simply canvassing for money, the non-profit actually organized community support on specific issues. This is what kept me on the job when the weather dropped below freezing. We prepared fact cards outlining current issues. The cards were customized to whichever neighborhood we happened to be canvassing.
Here's the issue were working on right now. Here are the key points. Here is the contact information for all of the politicians involved. Say whatever you want but please write, call, or email now. You don't want to give money, fine. Writing a letter has more impact anyway. Hand written is even better. Have your children draw a picture too. If you'd please donate an envelope and a stamp, that'd be great but we'll mail your letter either way. Just tape it to the door and we'll come to pick it up.
Social media wasn't as big a thing back then but I hope you see my point. It really does take that level of engagement to get most people involved. Just telling people they should write isn't enough. You need to both inspire and enable. You'd be surprised by the outcome.
3
I believe that health care delivery, and payment for it, has always been on a narrow path. Either we have a traditional insurer-provider-payer model or we have a national insurance program, such as Medicare, that ensures health care coverage for all. Members of Congress and the wealthy don't worry as they have close to free coverage or they can afford the premiums and treatment costs. It's the middle and under classes of the population who will suffer the result of repeal and delay, or other reductions of the existing ACA. If our elected representatives value the human condition of the United States of America, they will not shut out millions of people from receiving health care simply to keep campaign promises.
3
Will do. Thanks for the game plan. Phone calls are cheap, easy and effective. Sick children should not lose their health care so the rich can lavishly feast at their corporate troughs. I'll make my call today. The tea party convinced vast swathes of Americans that the truth wasn't the truth using grassroots tactics. The pitted state against state. They painted so-called liberals as PC aggressors looking to steal the heartland's way of life.
It's time to insist there is such a thing as the objective truth, time to insist health care is a right supported by decent people in a compassionate society. We may not be powerful billionaires but we 99 percenters have the human capital, the ability to make phone calls, to march with our feet and to make up in numbers what we lack in cold hard cash. Thanks David (and Sam) for putting a face on why it's important.
It's time to insist there is such a thing as the objective truth, time to insist health care is a right supported by decent people in a compassionate society. We may not be powerful billionaires but we 99 percenters have the human capital, the ability to make phone calls, to march with our feet and to make up in numbers what we lack in cold hard cash. Thanks David (and Sam) for putting a face on why it's important.
4
Obamacare customers care about only two things - health and security. Republicans in office (not Trump, yet) consider only two things - cost and control.
Obamacare costs someone additional money. Many reasons are given for this being "unjust," perhaps the most odious - "Health care is not a 'right,'" which is not so veiled code for - there isn't enough to go around in the current system, someone has to die of curable injury and it shouldn't be the speaker of those words.
The incoming congress feels it has a mandate to hurt the country to their own profit - and in some cases its true - they were swept into office by an overwhelming gerrymandered majority in their states by people whose attention has been kept distracted by overblown fallacy. And they are used to inconvenience and pain, and they have been led to believe that pain is the only right they have.
While I believe in the power of the individual to change the country for the better, not every American is born into a situation where that is even remotely possible, and worse, some unchallenged individuals meet tragedy and fall backward into the state.
It is incumbent upon the fortunate to recognize their successes are fragile, their victories are all supported by an infrastructure that favors those capable of sustaining themselves.
We have got to stop demonizing those who cant. That's what makes it possible for the self-serving criminals in congress to justify lining their own pockets at our expense.
Obamacare costs someone additional money. Many reasons are given for this being "unjust," perhaps the most odious - "Health care is not a 'right,'" which is not so veiled code for - there isn't enough to go around in the current system, someone has to die of curable injury and it shouldn't be the speaker of those words.
The incoming congress feels it has a mandate to hurt the country to their own profit - and in some cases its true - they were swept into office by an overwhelming gerrymandered majority in their states by people whose attention has been kept distracted by overblown fallacy. And they are used to inconvenience and pain, and they have been led to believe that pain is the only right they have.
While I believe in the power of the individual to change the country for the better, not every American is born into a situation where that is even remotely possible, and worse, some unchallenged individuals meet tragedy and fall backward into the state.
It is incumbent upon the fortunate to recognize their successes are fragile, their victories are all supported by an infrastructure that favors those capable of sustaining themselves.
We have got to stop demonizing those who cant. That's what makes it possible for the self-serving criminals in congress to justify lining their own pockets at our expense.
4
The reason that no nation, including the wealthiest can allow markets to set the prices of medical care indefinitely is that demand for medical care is inelastic. Consequently in every developed country in the world, all goods or services with inelastic demand have their prices regulated by government. Medical care in the USA being the only exception.
Health care is one of the very few things for which the sellers face inelastic demand. The prices of all other goods and services facing inelastic demand in the USA are regulated by government. Retail electricity service providers face inelastic demand. Consequently, their prices are strictly controlled by all governments worldwide, including the USA.
The inelasticity of retail electricity is obvious. If Consolidated Edison or any other electric utility were to triple retail service prices, people might be a little more careful about turning off the lights. Turning off their refrigerators? Watching less television? Not likely. Thus, tripling the price would result in only a small reduction in kilowatt-hours sold. Almost all other goods and services are price elastic. That includes non-medically necessary elective cosmetic and lasik surgery whose prices have actually relatively decreased over time. Medical care in the USA is the only instance in any developed country where any product facing inelastic demand is not substantially price regulated...."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
Health care is one of the very few things for which the sellers face inelastic demand. The prices of all other goods and services facing inelastic demand in the USA are regulated by government. Retail electricity service providers face inelastic demand. Consequently, their prices are strictly controlled by all governments worldwide, including the USA.
The inelasticity of retail electricity is obvious. If Consolidated Edison or any other electric utility were to triple retail service prices, people might be a little more careful about turning off the lights. Turning off their refrigerators? Watching less television? Not likely. Thus, tripling the price would result in only a small reduction in kilowatt-hours sold. Almost all other goods and services are price elastic. That includes non-medically necessary elective cosmetic and lasik surgery whose prices have actually relatively decreased over time. Medical care in the USA is the only instance in any developed country where any product facing inelastic demand is not substantially price regulated...."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
5
Nobody can expect to solve health care for 280 Mio Citizen in a few years. In Europe healthcare started before 1900 and is an evolutionary process independent of political orientation. Left-leaning states like Sweden and conservative Switzerland offer comparable health systems. This has absolutely nothing to do with communism : receiving health treatment IndependentLy from income is a fundamental human right absent only in retrograde, totalitarian countries. Obamacare is a good institution in an otherwise elitarian and excluding society. Healthcost in the USA is among the highest, but access for low revenues is poor. GOP does not accept this concept because public money is involved and it carries the name of the hated ( and excellent) Mr. Obama. Abolishing Obamacare means increased morbidity and mortality for thousands of low class people. The USA are deepening the gap between rich and poor and are heading for an apartheid state where only the rich guys count. Why the majority of the citizen accept such an absurd policy by the ruling class is a mystery. Get back to sober facts instead of desinformation.
4
I think the debate needs to now be couched as broader philosophical question: Is health care a human right or is it not? Do citizens have a right to health care when they are unable to provide it for themselves? Most of the world has answered that it is, but most Americans, as best I can tell, have never considered the issue as a matter of human rights. But if presented in this way, I think that most Americans would decide that health care is a human right, and would want to see that it is made available to all our citizens.
112
already a 'right' amongst the rich, the real question is should the poor have healthcare? How will the Tea Partiers answer that at their rallies? Do you recall the inception of this hateful scorn that certain groups heave upon others? Trump sounds like Germans in 1936.
I agree with you, Sam. Unfortunately, the Republicans clearly have no interest in human rights. I'm not sure what would motivate them to do the right thing except the prospect of being turned out of office. If they foresee a rich future as a lobbyist even that might not do it. As our erstwhile, erm, "president" says, "Sad."
I had an argument with a relative over this exact issue.
I came from a country of universal health care so mandatory participation was "Normal" to me. However to him, a citizen born here in NC, it was not.
He argued that he takes pains to keep healthy. To have a healthy diet and stay out of hospitals. He resents that certain people binge on food, don't take care of themselves, and then put the burden on us.
I know his argument is through a pinhole view, i know he is disregarding people with genetic, or unavoidable health issues but i think it's human nature to be selfish. If we want to persuade people to accept ACA as the new "normal" just as we did with Gays in the Military and Women in the work place, we have to lower the thresholds, make monthly costs lower, make premiums lower. People will grumble, but it will then be an acceptable threshold.
When first launching the iTunes stores Steve jobs once went into a meeting with executives and told them he wanted tunes to be available for $.99. The executives were astounded and said where had he come up with that number? Jobs replied, "It feels right." Jobs understand the human Psyche. He knew he was trying to change behavior, and to do that, he had to make it easy.
I came from a country of universal health care so mandatory participation was "Normal" to me. However to him, a citizen born here in NC, it was not.
He argued that he takes pains to keep healthy. To have a healthy diet and stay out of hospitals. He resents that certain people binge on food, don't take care of themselves, and then put the burden on us.
I know his argument is through a pinhole view, i know he is disregarding people with genetic, or unavoidable health issues but i think it's human nature to be selfish. If we want to persuade people to accept ACA as the new "normal" just as we did with Gays in the Military and Women in the work place, we have to lower the thresholds, make monthly costs lower, make premiums lower. People will grumble, but it will then be an acceptable threshold.
When first launching the iTunes stores Steve jobs once went into a meeting with executives and told them he wanted tunes to be available for $.99. The executives were astounded and said where had he come up with that number? Jobs replied, "It feels right." Jobs understand the human Psyche. He knew he was trying to change behavior, and to do that, he had to make it easy.
Excellent and concise summary of the issue. However, my problem is this - I can (and have) contacted my representatives about several issues, but it has zero effect because a strong majority in my state either has a different position on or doesn't understand the issues. If I contact my representatives about every issue on which I feel strongly, and there are many now, it has a chicken little, dilutive effect. The fact is, until enough Americans are sufficiently personally impacted by these policies to undertake to understand the issues, and vote accordingly, nothing will change. That was overwhelmingly apparent on November 8.
1
There is absolutely no majority support for repeal of ACA. We need to convince our senators and house representatives that they will lose in the next election if they repeal without replacing the insurance for those who will lose coverage. To repeal would also be a big hit on the health industry. Next to destroy is Medicare. Amazingly people on Medicare I meet believe in Trump's earlier statements that he will only "reform" Medicare. From a compulsive lier who only rarely says anything true. Maybe it is known how many of Mecicare's 60 million members voted for Trump but they seem to believe he is not going to hurt them. How naive. The only way to prevent that from happening is to scare senators and representatives that they will not have a majority support in the next election. Because they are in the minority, nationally by nearly 3 million, and in so many districts and states.
91
Our senators and representatives don't care because they know there are no electoral consequences for them. Republicans have a stranglehold on the federal government and the majority of statehouses. Their heartless agenda, for whatever reasons, has been successful in giving them basically unlimted power and they intend to use it to destroy what's left of the middle class.
You are absolutely correct that big medicine will reduce their profits if ObamaCare is repealed. They have supported it because they gain crony socialist profits with it in place. Expect to see them launch a major publicity campaign advocating that they get to keep their goodies and pretending that they care about the people. That's how the law got passed. Lies and more lies.
Democrats. The Party of Fear.
By the way, a minority of the popular vote, 47.9% voted for Hillary.
In 30 states which contain 56% of the population, Trump received a plurality. Hillary got a plurality in 20 states plus the DC that contain 44% of the population. Neither candidate got a majority of the popular vote, but that's not required. Bill Clinton won in 1992 with 43% of the popular vote. But for the electoral college, Hillary would be an unknown housewife in Arkansas.
Democrats. The Party of Fear.
By the way, a minority of the popular vote, 47.9% voted for Hillary.
In 30 states which contain 56% of the population, Trump received a plurality. Hillary got a plurality in 20 states plus the DC that contain 44% of the population. Neither candidate got a majority of the popular vote, but that's not required. Bill Clinton won in 1992 with 43% of the popular vote. But for the electoral college, Hillary would be an unknown housewife in Arkansas.
My oldest son was born 51 years ago with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Early surgery and his father's insurance saved him and made a fairly good life possible, saving his intelligence and even allowing him to walk, if not perfectly.
Then his father died, when my son was 9. I was in graduate school and had no job related insurance while in school. There was no insurance available for my son, and I wound up spending a fair amount of the life insurance on his continued care. Later he had insurance while in school and later, briefly, while working at college teaching jobs. Then his feet, always malformed, developed gangrenous sores. I had remarried by now and my second husband and I had both retired. Now, suddenly, this adult son was in and out of hospital with increasing difficulties. My generous husband's resources were stretched because my son had not worked long enough after getting his Ph.D to qualify at first for disability or Medicaid, and private care was very expensive; every time he went to the ER of our hospital they admitted him overnight and charged him as much as 20 thousand a night.
Then came Obamacare and, recently, approval for disability and Medicaid. And guess what? These trips to the ER now resulted in treatment there and being dismissed and sent home, not kept overnight! Had his condition miraculously improved? If he loses Obamacare, will Medicaid in Georgia (never expanded) keep it that way? Stay tuned.
Then his father died, when my son was 9. I was in graduate school and had no job related insurance while in school. There was no insurance available for my son, and I wound up spending a fair amount of the life insurance on his continued care. Later he had insurance while in school and later, briefly, while working at college teaching jobs. Then his feet, always malformed, developed gangrenous sores. I had remarried by now and my second husband and I had both retired. Now, suddenly, this adult son was in and out of hospital with increasing difficulties. My generous husband's resources were stretched because my son had not worked long enough after getting his Ph.D to qualify at first for disability or Medicaid, and private care was very expensive; every time he went to the ER of our hospital they admitted him overnight and charged him as much as 20 thousand a night.
Then came Obamacare and, recently, approval for disability and Medicaid. And guess what? These trips to the ER now resulted in treatment there and being dismissed and sent home, not kept overnight! Had his condition miraculously improved? If he loses Obamacare, will Medicaid in Georgia (never expanded) keep it that way? Stay tuned.
129
Your story CANNOT BE correct. You do NOT need to work a certain number of years to get disability (SSDI) or Medicaid.
I have friends whose 21 year old daughter has cerebral palsy from birth. She is in a wheelchair and cannot care for herself. She has been on SSDI from an early age. She also gets Medicaid. Her parents are comfortably off and have their own insurance, but the state coverage is much better than what they have.
I know others, including a sister in law who got her two perfectly normal kids declared "learning disabled" due to "HDAD" when young, so she got $650 each for their "disability". The son transferred to full SSDI and Medicaid on his 18th birthday. He has never worked on day in his life.
Your son, with such massive birth defects, would have gotten SSDI from birth onward, as well as Medicaid. It should not have taken until he was 51!!!! Something very wrong here.
I have friends whose 21 year old daughter has cerebral palsy from birth. She is in a wheelchair and cannot care for herself. She has been on SSDI from an early age. She also gets Medicaid. Her parents are comfortably off and have their own insurance, but the state coverage is much better than what they have.
I know others, including a sister in law who got her two perfectly normal kids declared "learning disabled" due to "HDAD" when young, so she got $650 each for their "disability". The son transferred to full SSDI and Medicaid on his 18th birthday. He has never worked on day in his life.
Your son, with such massive birth defects, would have gotten SSDI from birth onward, as well as Medicaid. It should not have taken until he was 51!!!! Something very wrong here.
1
If your son is collecting Supplemental Security Income, which you are referring to as disability, then he is automatically eligible for Medicaid, expansion or not. He doesn't have ObamaCare, so you can stop worrying.
He did not get Medicaid because of ObamaCare and he is not going to lose it if ObamaCare is repealed. As a matter of fact, when he was disabled by the gangrenous sores earlier, he was eligible for SSI and Medicaid at that time Had you told the hospital that your son couldn't afford the hospital charges, they would have helped you apply for Medicaid. The reason they didn't was they preferred to bill you retail prices rather than the lower reimbursements Medicaid would have paid.
There has been a robust safety net program in place since long before ObamaCare.
He did not get Medicaid because of ObamaCare and he is not going to lose it if ObamaCare is repealed. As a matter of fact, when he was disabled by the gangrenous sores earlier, he was eligible for SSI and Medicaid at that time Had you told the hospital that your son couldn't afford the hospital charges, they would have helped you apply for Medicaid. The reason they didn't was they preferred to bill you retail prices rather than the lower reimbursements Medicaid would have paid.
There has been a robust safety net program in place since long before ObamaCare.
Ingrid, thanks, just thanks for sharing your story. So rich people out there who belly ache about the ACA's effect on your taxes, and your insistence that charity will do the real work of caring for people like Irene's son-- just do it. Let's see one of you come forward to contact this wonderful mom and help her help her son. NOW. Before the repeal. And LATER-- when he has no coverage, help him some more. Buy a few less gucci bags, skip a pair of jimmy choos. Do it. Prove you are really an American giver. Not the selfish brutes that the rest of believe you to be.
In my view the ACA was a flawed act, passed using the same arcane rules now proposed to repeal it. It has never been popular. However, it was likely the best the Democrats could do under the circumstances using the arcane rules of the Senate with no Republican support. In retrospect, it has been far better than nothing.
Many Americans have health care as a result of this act, and as a result can get preventive treatment that saves money in the long run. Hospitals benefit because they get paid for treatment, rather than being forced to provide care for patients who cannot pay. For all of its problems, it apparently has reduced the rate of growth in health care costs.
To get something better, we either need a Democratic Congress, or a mixed congress that it more interested in solving problems than ideological purity. If ideological purity wins out, we might get the former. Or perhaps Mr. Trump will remember his suggestion that single payer might be a good idea.
Many Americans have health care as a result of this act, and as a result can get preventive treatment that saves money in the long run. Hospitals benefit because they get paid for treatment, rather than being forced to provide care for patients who cannot pay. For all of its problems, it apparently has reduced the rate of growth in health care costs.
To get something better, we either need a Democratic Congress, or a mixed congress that it more interested in solving problems than ideological purity. If ideological purity wins out, we might get the former. Or perhaps Mr. Trump will remember his suggestion that single payer might be a good idea.
63
I think by " ideological purity" you mean "money".
1
No one has health care as a result of ObamaCare. There are people who have health insurance, but that means if they go to the hospital the hospital will be paid for everything except the deductible which prevents them from getting care outside of the hospital. ObamaCare was designed to benefit big medicine.
The charges for hospital services have grown, not only for ObamaCare participants but for everyone. Big medicine wins, everyday Americans pay more. Democrat cronies get paid back for their support of Democrats.
The charges for hospital services have grown, not only for ObamaCare participants but for everyone. Big medicine wins, everyday Americans pay more. Democrat cronies get paid back for their support of Democrats.
Thank you. I immediately called both my Democratic Senators. You're right - we have to learn to fight tooth and nail, claws bared, for these things.
1
The Republicans pushing for "repeal and damn-the-consequences" perhaps also function with arguments that empathy is not necessary for moral behavior? It does not bode well that we are at a time in history where narrow partisan "ideals" (using the term loosely) and perceived commitments might override any sense of broader social obligation to those less fortunate.
1
The GOP knows that to make an omelet you have to break some eggs. Sure there will be collateral damage from repealing the ACA but this serves the greater good of harvesting profit from the masses.
1
Having participants in the Women's March on 1/21 demonstrate to keep ACA would send a powerful message.
Not one for Biblical quoting, but the God-fearing right arm of the GOP needs this reminder. (Somehow fiscal polity didn't make the editor's cut):
Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:35-40
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
2
All Americans should take to the streets to demand that all those in the Senate and the House forego their health insurance until they can offer those benefits for all the people in this country.
1
Obamacare WAS better---until the Republicans got their mitts on it. Every state was going to have expanded Medicaid to help those for whom the subsidies would be inadequate---killed by the Supreme Court. There was supposed to be a federal coverage alternative in every state as a fallback if too few private insurers participated or raised prices too high----killed by Congress. There was supposed to be real teeth in the mandate that would have resulted in more healthy people participating to keep costs down---emasculated by Congress to a mere hand slap that negated any "mandate".
And remember, the entire Obamacare plan was dreamed up by the conservative Heritage Foundation and was the REPUBLICAN alternative to the Clinton-era attempt at health care reform. And of course was Mitt Romney's program in Mass. Which was implemented without handcuffs and has been a success.
And remember, the entire Obamacare plan was dreamed up by the conservative Heritage Foundation and was the REPUBLICAN alternative to the Clinton-era attempt at health care reform. And of course was Mitt Romney's program in Mass. Which was implemented without handcuffs and has been a success.
336
Your memory is interesting. Had the SCOTUS been partisan Republican, they'd have killed the whole law, and there was plenty of legal justification.
There was never a "federal coverage alternative" written into the law and no Republican voted for it. If you view that as a deficiency, it is a deficiency that is solely the responsibility of Democrats. Zero responsibility of Republicans.
If you view the mandate as emasculated by Congress, that was a Democrat Congress that emasculated it. And remember, it was the Democrat Obama who decided that the employer mandate was waived for 2014 and 2015. No Republican had anything to do with that.
ObamaCare is not anything like the HF proposal. ObamaCare does the exact opposite of every single policy recommendation in the HF proposal.
ObamaCare is bad law. It was created with no Republican input. Its failure is the responsibility of Only Democrats.
There was never a "federal coverage alternative" written into the law and no Republican voted for it. If you view that as a deficiency, it is a deficiency that is solely the responsibility of Democrats. Zero responsibility of Republicans.
If you view the mandate as emasculated by Congress, that was a Democrat Congress that emasculated it. And remember, it was the Democrat Obama who decided that the employer mandate was waived for 2014 and 2015. No Republican had anything to do with that.
ObamaCare is not anything like the HF proposal. ObamaCare does the exact opposite of every single policy recommendation in the HF proposal.
ObamaCare is bad law. It was created with no Republican input. Its failure is the responsibility of Only Democrats.
As long as we have fee for service health care, a system of education that costs physicians, potential and actual, so much that it forces them into debt, no transparency on the cost of health care, health insurance where the only affordable part is the premium, a lack of coordination between providers with the attendant duplication and confusion about care, test results, and so on, we will be unable to properly treat patients or control the cost of health care in America. Apparently we don't care about that since we vote in politicians who don't care either or favor the health care industry's desires over patient needs.
This goes along with how we treat people in general in America. We make it as difficult as possible for people to receive any help they need whether it involves health care, shelter, education, food, or living in general. At the same time we subsidize big businesses with outsized tax breaks, allow them to dodge safety regulations, and let them get away with underpaying employees on the grounds that what's good for big businesses is good for Americans. We've seen ample evidence that that is not true but we deny it. The bill for this is coming due and it won't be pretty. Health care, which includes dental care, eye care, mental health, physical therapy, and respite, is one piece of the bill. I doubt that the GOP is going to get it even half right (pun intended) because they are not concerned with Americans period.
This goes along with how we treat people in general in America. We make it as difficult as possible for people to receive any help they need whether it involves health care, shelter, education, food, or living in general. At the same time we subsidize big businesses with outsized tax breaks, allow them to dodge safety regulations, and let them get away with underpaying employees on the grounds that what's good for big businesses is good for Americans. We've seen ample evidence that that is not true but we deny it. The bill for this is coming due and it won't be pretty. Health care, which includes dental care, eye care, mental health, physical therapy, and respite, is one piece of the bill. I doubt that the GOP is going to get it even half right (pun intended) because they are not concerned with Americans period.
10
America, the dumbest, greediest, slowest kid in the universal health care class, tries to catch up with the rest of the world, which has mastered universal healthcare for decades, and Republican misanthropes continue to demand devolution.
Country - Universal Health Care Implementation - Type
Norway 1912 Single Payer
New Zealand 1938 Two Tier
Japan 1938 Single Payer
Germany 1941 Insurance Mandate
Belgium 1945 Insurance Mandate
United Kingdom 1948 Single Payer
Kuwait 1950 Single Payer
Sweden 1955 Single Payer
Bahrain 1957 Single Payer
Brunei 1958 Single Payer
Canada 1966 Single Payer
Netherlands 1966 Two-Tier
Austria 1967 Insurance Mandate
United Arab Emirates 1971 Single Payer
Finland 1972 Single Payer
Slovenia 1972 Single Payer
Denmark 1973 Two-Tier
Luxembourg 1973 Insurance Mandate
France 1974 Two-Tier
Australia 1975 Two Tier
Ireland 1977 Two-Tier
Italy 1978 Single Payer
Portugal 1979 Single Payer
Cyprus 1980 Single Payer
Greece 1983 Insurance Mandate
Spain 1986 Single Payer
South Korea 1988 Insurance Mandate
Iceland 1990 Single Payer
Hong Kong 1993 Two-Tier
Singapore 1993 wo-Tier
Switzerland 1994 Insurance Mandate
Israel 1995 Two-Tier
United States 2014 ACA Insurance Mandate
Now, GOP Death Panels want to usher America back to their 'free-market' health care dungeon that has produced the most expensive, the most extortive and economically abusive health care system in the world.
Drop dead, America !
GOP 2017
Country - Universal Health Care Implementation - Type
Norway 1912 Single Payer
New Zealand 1938 Two Tier
Japan 1938 Single Payer
Germany 1941 Insurance Mandate
Belgium 1945 Insurance Mandate
United Kingdom 1948 Single Payer
Kuwait 1950 Single Payer
Sweden 1955 Single Payer
Bahrain 1957 Single Payer
Brunei 1958 Single Payer
Canada 1966 Single Payer
Netherlands 1966 Two-Tier
Austria 1967 Insurance Mandate
United Arab Emirates 1971 Single Payer
Finland 1972 Single Payer
Slovenia 1972 Single Payer
Denmark 1973 Two-Tier
Luxembourg 1973 Insurance Mandate
France 1974 Two-Tier
Australia 1975 Two Tier
Ireland 1977 Two-Tier
Italy 1978 Single Payer
Portugal 1979 Single Payer
Cyprus 1980 Single Payer
Greece 1983 Insurance Mandate
Spain 1986 Single Payer
South Korea 1988 Insurance Mandate
Iceland 1990 Single Payer
Hong Kong 1993 Two-Tier
Singapore 1993 wo-Tier
Switzerland 1994 Insurance Mandate
Israel 1995 Two-Tier
United States 2014 ACA Insurance Mandate
Now, GOP Death Panels want to usher America back to their 'free-market' health care dungeon that has produced the most expensive, the most extortive and economically abusive health care system in the world.
Drop dead, America !
GOP 2017
298
Quite an impressive list of countries to consider for emigration.
1
Where did you get that list or did you totally make it up?
The United Kingdom DOES NOT HAVE SINGLE PAYER. They don't have insurance at all. They have socialized government health care, where the government runs all the hospitals and employs all the doctors and nurses on salary. EVERYONE has the same government health care there -- the NHS.
A government system is somewhat like our VA system, and you know how flawed THAT is. It often gives skimpy care, because it has no point of care costs. Everything is "free", so people have no incentive to moderate their usage of the system. On the other hand, they frequently deny care for ordinary health problems.
Whether you like that system or not...the point is, IT IS NOT SINGLE PAYER.
Single payer is something quite specific, when the government runs the INSURANCE -- not the hospitals or doctors. Our Medicare system is a true single payer system. The Federal government provides the INSURANCE, but the people on Medicare can go to nearly any doctor or hospital of their choice.
Until you learn what "single payer" even means... stop posting. You are just parading around your ignorance.
The United Kingdom DOES NOT HAVE SINGLE PAYER. They don't have insurance at all. They have socialized government health care, where the government runs all the hospitals and employs all the doctors and nurses on salary. EVERYONE has the same government health care there -- the NHS.
A government system is somewhat like our VA system, and you know how flawed THAT is. It often gives skimpy care, because it has no point of care costs. Everything is "free", so people have no incentive to moderate their usage of the system. On the other hand, they frequently deny care for ordinary health problems.
Whether you like that system or not...the point is, IT IS NOT SINGLE PAYER.
Single payer is something quite specific, when the government runs the INSURANCE -- not the hospitals or doctors. Our Medicare system is a true single payer system. The Federal government provides the INSURANCE, but the people on Medicare can go to nearly any doctor or hospital of their choice.
Until you learn what "single payer" even means... stop posting. You are just parading around your ignorance.
1
Concerned Citizen,
Here is my source showing that America is not part of the civilized health care world.
https://truecostblog.com/2009/08/09/countries-with-universal-healthcare-...
England has socialized medicine WITH the single-payer known as the National Health Service.
You can choose to get excited and deny that the National Health Service is an example of a single-payer, but it is single-payer AND scoialized medicine.
A more pure example of single payer would be Canada, Medicare and the VA, none of which are failures, in spite of right-wing protests.
Thanks for the diversion down your narrow vocabulary hole while contributing nothing constructive toward improving America's unaffordable, extortive healthcare system.
Here is my source showing that America is not part of the civilized health care world.
https://truecostblog.com/2009/08/09/countries-with-universal-healthcare-...
England has socialized medicine WITH the single-payer known as the National Health Service.
You can choose to get excited and deny that the National Health Service is an example of a single-payer, but it is single-payer AND scoialized medicine.
A more pure example of single payer would be Canada, Medicare and the VA, none of which are failures, in spite of right-wing protests.
Thanks for the diversion down your narrow vocabulary hole while contributing nothing constructive toward improving America's unaffordable, extortive healthcare system.
2
Let's call it the Affordable Care Act and keep it. Then let's make it better.
47
Lets replace it with what the country really, really wants: universal health care.
1
A lot of people who have job provided insurance and who despise the ACA have not thought ahead to their retirement. A majority retire at 62, which leaves a gap of several years before Medicare kicks in (until Congress changes that too!). Paying for healthcare during that gap is terribly expensive without the ACA. I paid $1275 a month for myself and spouse without the ACA. What are these people thinking?
75
Dial 202-224-3121 to connect to any US Senator (or Representative). Take two minutes - Do it now.
9
I put my senators' numbers--their own DC offices--on my contacts in my phone. Makes it easy to do all the calling I will be doing.
Just tried calling both of senators. "Mailbox is full." Good work, Charmcitymomma! I will try again later. I've heard that emails are not effective(?)
I have, Charmcitymomma -- for the last 8 years. I have called nearly every week, to tell my two Senators and my Congressperson, and anyone else who will listen, that Obamacare is destroying my life and my financial security while not giving me ONE DIME OF HEALTH CARE.
And there are millions of us.
We just elected the ONLY candidate who ever listened to us!!!
And there are millions of us.
We just elected the ONLY candidate who ever listened to us!!!
1
"Republican leaders have muddied the Obamacare debate with bureaucratic jargon: deductibles, premiums, the individual mandate ..."
Deductibles, premiums and the individual mandate are terms that affect every American were it counts -- the bank account.
NYT columnists willfully ignoring salient facts about the ACA, preferring instead to hype the 20 million newly insured without pointing out the costs is intellectual malpractice ... and a surefire way for Democrats, liberals, progressives etc. to lose the next round of elections.
Based on a 50K annual income for family of four, the average out-of-pocket costs for silver plans on the small business market: $276 per month ($3,309 per year in premiums (which equals 6.62% of household income).
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=...
What is not immediately available on the Kaiser Family Foundation website is the amount a family must spend on health care (aka one’s deductible) before the insurance kicks in.
Average medical deductible for family of four is $4,946. Total cost for health care = $7995 per year or 16% of gross income. Outrageous.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=obamacare%20silver%20plan%20deductible
A good football coach clearly understands the strengths and weaknesses of his team. Absent a knowledge of the ACA's pro's and cons, Leonhardt's plan won't win a single game.
Deductibles, premiums and the individual mandate are terms that affect every American were it counts -- the bank account.
NYT columnists willfully ignoring salient facts about the ACA, preferring instead to hype the 20 million newly insured without pointing out the costs is intellectual malpractice ... and a surefire way for Democrats, liberals, progressives etc. to lose the next round of elections.
Based on a 50K annual income for family of four, the average out-of-pocket costs for silver plans on the small business market: $276 per month ($3,309 per year in premiums (which equals 6.62% of household income).
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=...
What is not immediately available on the Kaiser Family Foundation website is the amount a family must spend on health care (aka one’s deductible) before the insurance kicks in.
Average medical deductible for family of four is $4,946. Total cost for health care = $7995 per year or 16% of gross income. Outrageous.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=obamacare%20silver%20plan%20deductible
A good football coach clearly understands the strengths and weaknesses of his team. Absent a knowledge of the ACA's pro's and cons, Leonhardt's plan won't win a single game.
9
Not sure of your point. To simply criticize without an alternative is boring and common with Republicans. Personally, I think our present system of how we finance health care is ridiculous, has the wrong incentives for providers and has reaulted in a lot of highly paid doctors and executives (I was ond of them) who produce second rate results compared to other countries. I am very happy to see that we may be about to accomplish the end of two seemingly impossible goals; the end of Republcans' credibility when they are blamed for undermining the present "system", and the destruction of a financing method most folk do not understand is dysfunctional to its basic purpose. Health care does not respond to market principles, so a single payer is probably the only solution. And the Republicans are rejecting the ACA which the last chance for any marketplace--so we appear to be on our way. There is something ironic that Obama created the last stand for a marketplace based solution and that the Republicans look like they are going to make way for single payer by destroying that option. Go figure.
4
What was the average deductible for a comparable plan for this average family before the ACA was implemented? Did it provide for mammograms, colonoscopies, and immunizations with no co-pays, as the ACA does? The monthly premiums for a family of 4 earning $50,000 are now substantially subsidized on federal and state exchanges. What would they have been without the subsidies?
The problem with your reasoning is that you skipped the part about how steeply health care costs were rising for people who had insurance before the SCA was implemented; how many millions of people were uninsured; how insurance companies could raise rates for the people who needed care the most or dump them altogether; or how many people used emergency rooms as their principal primary care option before an expansion of Medicaid enabled them to receive treatment from doctors earlier in the treatment process.
We agree that deductibles are still too high. Let's work on that instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
The problem with your reasoning is that you skipped the part about how steeply health care costs were rising for people who had insurance before the SCA was implemented; how many millions of people were uninsured; how insurance companies could raise rates for the people who needed care the most or dump them altogether; or how many people used emergency rooms as their principal primary care option before an expansion of Medicaid enabled them to receive treatment from doctors earlier in the treatment process.
We agree that deductibles are still too high. Let's work on that instead of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
4
Just curious - re the $3309 cost for health insurance for an imaginary family of 4- the premium may be 6% of income - but that is cheap. no private policy with no govt support would be so inexpensive.
1
The Republicans are masters of "bait and switch".
24
And the hapless Democrats are lick-spittles who cower in the corner when the game calls for aggressive action. I hope - with little reason to believe in it - that the Democrats will stand with, not behind, Bernie and Warren who seem to be the only people on their side who are not afraid to call a spade a spade.
Come on, Dems, get on the morning shows with photos of little guys like Sam and ask if he and others like him deserve to be deprived of health care to assure that companies like Verizon and IBM and Boeing can continue to pay nothing in taxes while parking billions overseas and getting tax rebates from the Treasury. Do we really want to live in a country where Tiny Tim dies for want of access to care
Come on, Dems, get on the morning shows with photos of little guys like Sam and ask if he and others like him deserve to be deprived of health care to assure that companies like Verizon and IBM and Boeing can continue to pay nothing in taxes while parking billions overseas and getting tax rebates from the Treasury. Do we really want to live in a country where Tiny Tim dies for want of access to care
Perhaps, Just perhaps we should temper our feelings about health care with another connected subject. Why do we become sick in the first place? Why are there 35 countries healthier than we are? Why do some countries have one third the infant death rate we do?
The real problem is much deeper than the simplicity of the health care issue. It lies in our very nature and values. If we can fix this health care may take care of itself.
The real problem is much deeper than the simplicity of the health care issue. It lies in our very nature and values. If we can fix this health care may take care of itself.
5
Funny, the answer to your question is right there: the people in other countries have universal health care. They seek care when they need it and don't wait, hoping it will resolve on its own, because they cannot afford it. Their mothers all have access to excellent pre-natal care; their babies are given a good start in life because mothers get paid maternal leave for months after the child is born. Visiting nurses are routine to help the family get a healthy start with their newborn.
2
Let's not take away peoples' insurance while we do that.
Why can't you just accept that this whole Trump phenomenon has got to work its way to a conclusion where somebody cares enough to vote for what you're talking about?
Trump is going to make rich people richer. He will let his Republican pals gut social programs like Obamacare. He will fail to bring back jobs the way he promised. He will lie as he lied throughout the campaign - not the usual evasive political double-talk...but out and out falsehoods.
The people who couldn't bother to vote for Hillary will gripe about it and the people who bought Trump's half-baked promises will shrug - though they'll be four years older, with nothing to retire on and no medical benefits to protect them if something goes wrong.
As an American citizen, I was horrified not only that Trump won but that the people who voted for him are the ones who are going to pay the price for it. As a three-percenter, I'm looking forward to my tax cut while the Trumps help themselves to whatever is left in the vault.
Trump is going to make rich people richer. He will let his Republican pals gut social programs like Obamacare. He will fail to bring back jobs the way he promised. He will lie as he lied throughout the campaign - not the usual evasive political double-talk...but out and out falsehoods.
The people who couldn't bother to vote for Hillary will gripe about it and the people who bought Trump's half-baked promises will shrug - though they'll be four years older, with nothing to retire on and no medical benefits to protect them if something goes wrong.
As an American citizen, I was horrified not only that Trump won but that the people who voted for him are the ones who are going to pay the price for it. As a three-percenter, I'm looking forward to my tax cut while the Trumps help themselves to whatever is left in the vault.
40
Let's be clear, Obamacare is not a tax on the wealthy, it's a barely disguised stealth tax on the MIDDLE CLASS AND POOR. It's a poorly thought out bill that has some good provisions but harms many many more people than it helps. The democrats have paid handily for the mess they introduced and the way it was done and republicans will too if they don't step up and make significant improvements.
I would be in favor of single payer in principal, but in practice it would be a mess in the USA because too much will be spent on bureaucracy and not enough at the sharp end. The big elephant that nobody addresses is cost. Why is everything from the most basis of procedures and up extortionately expensive? Start with that question and work forward.
I would be in favor of single payer in principal, but in practice it would be a mess in the USA because too much will be spent on bureaucracy and not enough at the sharp end. The big elephant that nobody addresses is cost. Why is everything from the most basis of procedures and up extortionately expensive? Start with that question and work forward.
5
Sorry, what you say about paying "too much on bureaucracy" is simply not true. Medicare has very low administrative expense, somewhere around 3% the last time I looked. Private health insurance has overhead of close to 20%. Those CEOs have expensive mouths to fill!
How is the ACA "a barely disguised stealth tax on the middle class and the poor"? Until you use facts to back up your claim, the onus to provide clarity is on you.
This is a fact: subsidies for lower and middle income Americans to purchase insurance on the exchanges are paid for by taxes on high income Americans and sales of medical equipment.
This is a fact: subsidies for lower and middle income Americans to purchase insurance on the exchanges are paid for by taxes on high income Americans and sales of medical equipment.
1
"Let's be clear..."
How about trying to be right? There is some value in that you know.
How about trying to be right? There is some value in that you know.
1
"Tea Party" messaging is typically fact poor propaganda gobbled up and spit out by lazy right wing media. Real people who loose health insurance will face a world full of facts, not fantasy. The Ryan/McConnell/Republican plan is really to "Make America Sick Again", and even those of us with private insurance should expect a nice hefty rise in premiums as insurers scramble to manage a fractured marketplace.
22
Who did this sympathetic family vote for as small business owners before I sign on?
They live in New England, not the deep south.
we are working, or not
we are elderly, or not
we are poor, or not
we are sick, or not
we are all human beings
we are elderly, or not
we are poor, or not
we are sick, or not
we are all human beings
10
Elections have consequences. The voters have spoken. Obamacare is history.
6
Oh? The voters get to speak more than once every four years. We get to speak through our elected representatives in Congress. And we will.
Infantalizing is counterproductive. Engage with your opponents. Democracy is work.
Ah, but your first two sentences didn't apply when it was President Obama being chosen, did they? Why was it okay for the Republican leadership to decide that he was to fought at every turn, but now the other side should sit back and watch the unraveling of our safety net?
"You can call your senator" is only half the battle. Everyone has two. Even the 586,000 people of Wyoming.
30
Another writer who doesn't understand what's happening with health insurance. Just cause you are paying premiums, or tax dollars are paying and you have insurance, does not mean you have health care. Medicare for all is what the Democrats should fight for, but they won't. Not Medicaid expansion ( a bad and wasteful program ) or the ACA. Because in the end what we have doesn't work, what we had doesn't work and little tweeks won't work. Single payer or Medicare for all that's it. That's why every other country has some form of it. This whole conversion and these articles every couple days have become ridiculous and the definition of insanity.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
37
Of course while Medicare is great, It also has copays and deductibles which is why most buy supplemental insurance as well.
Briley*** Some of my working class friends pay an extra $100.00 to $125.00 a month for supplemental insurance with medicare. That is very reasonable. Keep in mind because of Obama Care and the expansion of Medicaid, they ( the government ) have had to take some money from and mess around ( negatively ) with medicare.
Health Care in the United States of America is the furthest thing possible, from its generally accepted meaning, as being a plan to provide physical and mental healthcare for the population.
The true definition of Health Care, is "A program, specifically designed to provide for the economic healthcare of Big Insurance, Big Pharma, and Hospitals, and to provide an evergreen revenue stream for the myriad other beneficiaries, such as our wholly corporate owned Congress, and our wholly corporate owned government.
Understand that reality, and then one will finally understand why Universal Healthcare, funded by a tax, primarily on corporate America, and a lesser payroll tax, is anathema to the masters of our economy, and the people.
Listen to Noam Chomsky explain it all, in "Requiem for the American Dream" -
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=13&cad=rja&...
The true definition of Health Care, is "A program, specifically designed to provide for the economic healthcare of Big Insurance, Big Pharma, and Hospitals, and to provide an evergreen revenue stream for the myriad other beneficiaries, such as our wholly corporate owned Congress, and our wholly corporate owned government.
Understand that reality, and then one will finally understand why Universal Healthcare, funded by a tax, primarily on corporate America, and a lesser payroll tax, is anathema to the masters of our economy, and the people.
Listen to Noam Chomsky explain it all, in "Requiem for the American Dream" -
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=13&cad=rja&...
31
Correcting the error, by placing a period after "... our economy", and removing "... and the people".
1
Republican psychology is as fascinating as it is disturbing. Over the last six years, millions of these creatures donated to, and voted for, candidates who zealously and unapologetically promised - and tried - to take away healthcare from millions of other people who couldn’t previously afford it. It’s one thing to support and vote for a candidate who at least *pretends* to care about the less fortunate. It’s another thing entirely to vote for Darth Vader.
65
Well see as long as they think health care will be taken away from someone other than themselves they don't care. They seem to think it'll only be taken away from the non deserving folks and liberals
1
Taking health care insurance away from 22 million people is just evil. The Republicans will not tell the public what their wrecking crew is specifically going to do because it is going to be a disaster for individuals and families and Republicans know it. And they are not just yanking the health care rug out from underneath 22 million. Medicare is the next item that they have promised will go on the block.
Why should we believe that the Republicans are going to do anything to fill the craters in health care they plan to create? Their own Heritage Foundation think tank created the plan that became the ACA and Republicans never raised a finger to enact it, except for Romney in Massachusetts. When the Democrats actually delivered on health care, Republican when ballistic. They want to kill the ACA. 22 million and counting will be the collateral damage.
Why should we believe that the Republicans are going to do anything to fill the craters in health care they plan to create? Their own Heritage Foundation think tank created the plan that became the ACA and Republicans never raised a finger to enact it, except for Romney in Massachusetts. When the Democrats actually delivered on health care, Republican when ballistic. They want to kill the ACA. 22 million and counting will be the collateral damage.
267
It is evil, but many of those 22 million people deserve it because they voted Republican. I did not. I will not suffer from this. But I hate it. And I don't feel sorry for those who voted Republican.
1
At most, eight million people will lose their insurance and the replacement plan will make provision for them.
The Heritage Foundation plan has zero in common with ObamaCare, ObamaCare did the exact opposite of every single policy recommendation in the HF proposal. Which you would know if you actually read the HF plan. The people who sold you on ObamaCare know that it is a dog of a plan. So they claim it is a Republican plan. You don't see the humor in that?
The Heritage Foundation plan has zero in common with ObamaCare, ObamaCare did the exact opposite of every single policy recommendation in the HF proposal. Which you would know if you actually read the HF plan. The people who sold you on ObamaCare know that it is a dog of a plan. So they claim it is a Republican plan. You don't see the humor in that?
I am pleased to see both the pro ACA and the con represented in the comments. The claim that the ACA hurt more people than it helped makes me think there must be a lot of data out there I haven't seen. I know a man whose life was saved by the ACA, but I don't know anybody who was hurt by it. Maybe some people consider being hurt by taxes the same as being hurt by cancer? If so, the end of the ACA will certainly end a lot of financial pain for those people who are lucky enough to have their taxes be a bigger worry than their health care. For the greater financial good of the wealthy, we throw those less fortunate under the bus. To make America great again....
316
as the article states, the ACA is being paid for by some seriously over-due wealth redistribution. That is the ENTIRE reason it is under republican attack--no one has been "hurt" by it, but the 1% do have slightly higher tax bills. The notion that the ACA is harming anyone is right up there with "voter fraud" and "families losing their farms" to the estate tax. Not a single example of either of those has ever been found.
1
Many of us had real health care plans instead of essentially catastrophic. Now even those with workplace provided health care plans have only a choice of various catastrophic plans, with high deductibles. If the insurance companies can get away with it, they do. That's not to say that all workplace provided plans would have stayed as they were if there were no ACA. The ACA probably didn't cause this catastrophic-only environment, but the lack of single payer sure did.
1
I'm an advocate of the vision of ACA, but it comes down to thresholds for me.
I can afford to pay my monthly car insurance, which is in the $150 zone, but my healthcare quotes were in the $300-400s and i am young and healthy. It was a matter of threshold. I just don't feel comfortable pouring that much money every month into healthcare. Especially when i know i will be also paying deductible and out of pocket.
President Obama compared Healthcare Insurance to Car Insurance. It was a good analogy but not a great one.
I can afford to pay my monthly car insurance, which is in the $150 zone, but my healthcare quotes were in the $300-400s and i am young and healthy. It was a matter of threshold. I just don't feel comfortable pouring that much money every month into healthcare. Especially when i know i will be also paying deductible and out of pocket.
President Obama compared Healthcare Insurance to Car Insurance. It was a good analogy but not a great one.
I will lose my healthcare insurance if the Republicans demolish the Affordable Health Care Act. I am a single healthy 56 year old retired Olympic runner. I am a real person who has had real insurance the last few years because of this legislation. It hasn't been a failure for me.
What happens when I lose this insurance? Go without? Come on people. Wake up! Call your Senators and Representatives today -- this is real and the consequences will be weighty and felt across all strata of our society.
Thank you for writing this column -- let the phones ring!
What happens when I lose this insurance? Go without? Come on people. Wake up! Call your Senators and Representatives today -- this is real and the consequences will be weighty and felt across all strata of our society.
Thank you for writing this column -- let the phones ring!
443
What did you do before the ACA, Lisa? It's only been in effect since January 2014! that's 3 years!
You are 56; what did you do for the 53 years prior to the ACA?
Go back and do that again.
See? problem solved!
You are 56; what did you do for the 53 years prior to the ACA?
Go back and do that again.
See? problem solved!
1
in 2008, at your age, I moved to a country that has health care, bc after I was out of a job for a while, I lost my health insurance and could not get coverage at any price. This is because allergies are considered an autoimmune disorder in the health insurance world, like lupus and conditions much graver. This "pre-existing condition" -in my otherwise healthy body, was reason for insurance companies to refuse to insure me. This is what it is like without the ACA. You can go to another country.
If you went without insurance in the years before ObamaCare, you will be no worse off than you were then. That you can think it is justified that people under the age of 45 should be forced to pay premiums that are two to four times a fair value so that you can get a 50% discount on your insurance is despicable. Pay a fair value for your insurance, don't expect handouts from others.
The issues aren't straightforward and that has always been the problem for Democrats with the ACA. Shockingly the ACA policies have absurdly high deductibles. Shockingly the networks that ACA policies include are some of the thinest and poorest networks for people who are actual sick and need critical care. Shockingly many in network providers use out of network services which aren't covered or have additional high premiums that are dumped on people who are effectively duped into believing they are covered.
There are solid features to the ACA, but the shameful way it was rolled out, the shameful way it's currently being sold by brokers and shameful coverage it actually provides for people with serious illnesses has to be fixed.
It's time for the Democrats to show some leadership and put forward the fix instead of defending a policy that most people don't like. The Democrats have been destroyed politically since the ACA was passed. To say that it's straightforward is a total denial of the reality. Until that denial is addressed by Democrats they will continue to be vulnerable to Republican attacks.
"If you like your doctor you can keep him" is a symptom of the Democratic parties delusion about the ACA.
I don't support repeal without a replacement. I know the Republicans don't support universal coverage or access. That doesn't make me delusional about the ACA.
There are solid features to the ACA, but the shameful way it was rolled out, the shameful way it's currently being sold by brokers and shameful coverage it actually provides for people with serious illnesses has to be fixed.
It's time for the Democrats to show some leadership and put forward the fix instead of defending a policy that most people don't like. The Democrats have been destroyed politically since the ACA was passed. To say that it's straightforward is a total denial of the reality. Until that denial is addressed by Democrats they will continue to be vulnerable to Republican attacks.
"If you like your doctor you can keep him" is a symptom of the Democratic parties delusion about the ACA.
I don't support repeal without a replacement. I know the Republicans don't support universal coverage or access. That doesn't make me delusional about the ACA.
71
HL:
What does make one "delusional" is the notion that the ACA was ever perfect, that it was intended as an end-all for the need to pursue ongoing reform of a seriously dysfunctional health care system. The whole notion of "repeal" relative to "ammend" is constructed as some sort of partisan battle-cry, one that does not help to encourage ongoing improvements in existing laws. The idea that health care should be a partisan issue is fraught. Republicans have been obstructionist throughout--perhaps peeved that this was passed without more of their input. Reliving past fights does nothing (other than foster environs like the modern Middle East).
What does make one "delusional" is the notion that the ACA was ever perfect, that it was intended as an end-all for the need to pursue ongoing reform of a seriously dysfunctional health care system. The whole notion of "repeal" relative to "ammend" is constructed as some sort of partisan battle-cry, one that does not help to encourage ongoing improvements in existing laws. The idea that health care should be a partisan issue is fraught. Republicans have been obstructionist throughout--perhaps peeved that this was passed without more of their input. Reliving past fights does nothing (other than foster environs like the modern Middle East).
I have not seen any evidence that "most people don't like" ACA.
As for heath care networks, physicians can still accept patients with certain insurances. ACA has very low reimbursements for physicians, possibly lower than those provided by Medicare. It is a shock to many who retire, losing employer insurance, to discover that their physicians will not accept Medicare and they have to find new providers.
As for heath care networks, physicians can still accept patients with certain insurances. ACA has very low reimbursements for physicians, possibly lower than those provided by Medicare. It is a shock to many who retire, losing employer insurance, to discover that their physicians will not accept Medicare and they have to find new providers.
Why not listen to president Obama ? There is nothing in the least bit shameful about the issues. Poor net works can be solved by public option in areas with little or no private insurance markets. Increasing subsidies and expanding Medicaid can ease the high deductibles. It is very straightforward. Republicans have tried to muddy the waters. They just don't want to spend the money. I want to spend the money so people can have access to affordable health care. Do you?
The biggest difference between the Tea Party in 2009/10 and the Dems today is that the Tea Party believed lies about "death panels" while Dems know the truth about tax cuts, health care cuts, and Medicare/SSI cuts. We will be opposing actual (horrible) policy choices, while they were fighting phantoms created by lying right-wing radio hosts vented via the Republican Party's official Faux News channel. My hope is simple: a lot of demoralized Dems stayed home on 11/8/16 or didn't vote the top of the ticket, and I think a lot of them will come to regret that decision dearly, and they will attempt to rectify it with each coming election. God help us if they don't.
4
We spend more money taking care of fewer people in this country than any other industrialized nation and have poorer health outcomes than all of the less expensive one. The health care industry needs to be blown up and reorganized to bring meaningful care to all our people.
The cruel, money hoarding Royalist GOP are not the ones to do it. It will be their undoing if the Orange One doesn't light the big mushroom first.
Expose the liars and educate the voter. Put these criminals behind bars in 2019.
The cruel, money hoarding Royalist GOP are not the ones to do it. It will be their undoing if the Orange One doesn't light the big mushroom first.
Expose the liars and educate the voter. Put these criminals behind bars in 2019.
8
We really do no need to mobilize. A significant majority of Americans favor some forms of moderate gun care. Yet time after time, the will of the majority is defeated by the power of the gun lobby and the relative political passivity of voters. The result --more needless gun deaths and injuries. I'm sure most do want to preserve at least the obvious benefits of the ACA [broadened coverage, no preexisting conditions, coverage for children up to 26], but unless there is an overwhelming wave of political organization, these features and others in the ACA which are reducing the rise of healthcare costs will perish.
1
The basic concept of the ACA is sound. Everyone, young or old, ill or healthy, must purchase some form of medical insurance or face a penalty. Subsidies are available, paid for by general taxation. That is what is promoted by its supporters. Whether penalties were or will actually be enforced remains to be seen.
The ACA, also, however, comes with a load of agency-regulative baggage,which has both vitiated the private practice of medicine, and has mandated practices, which, to some, represent encroachments upon the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of religious practice. These are serious defects.
Without strict enrollment enforcement, and with the mandate that the actuarial burden of preexistent conditions be placed on insurers and not the government, the financial structure of the system may ultimately collapse, and seems now to be on the verge of collapse..
The Presidential "promise" that one would not lose one's current physician, and that premiums would not rise, has proven elusive and was probably deceptive to begin with.
Change of Administration or not, the ACA required major administrative changes. These were not made.
The entire edifice will now collapse legislatively and be "replaced" because of a grossly mismanaged election by those who hurriedly erected it.
Arthur Taub MD PhD
The ACA, also, however, comes with a load of agency-regulative baggage,which has both vitiated the private practice of medicine, and has mandated practices, which, to some, represent encroachments upon the Constitutional guarantee of freedom of religious practice. These are serious defects.
Without strict enrollment enforcement, and with the mandate that the actuarial burden of preexistent conditions be placed on insurers and not the government, the financial structure of the system may ultimately collapse, and seems now to be on the verge of collapse..
The Presidential "promise" that one would not lose one's current physician, and that premiums would not rise, has proven elusive and was probably deceptive to begin with.
Change of Administration or not, the ACA required major administrative changes. These were not made.
The entire edifice will now collapse legislatively and be "replaced" because of a grossly mismanaged election by those who hurriedly erected it.
Arthur Taub MD PhD
1
In 2015 healthcare spending was $9990 per person in the US. The debate over Obamacare and the coming debate on Medicare and Medicare is about who will pay. Individuals with preexisting conditions could not afford health insurance if they could find it before Obamacare. Small employers could not afford it either. Apparently the government cannot afford it. When the debate on Medicare begins the ultimate question will be can the US afford healthcare coverage of its elderly. Ultimately the average American will be unable to afford healthcare unless you are young and healthy or wealthy.
2
And why is it NOT affordable?
***
Health care execs who make tens of millions of dollars.
Lobbyists from those wealthy companies in DC.
Doctors who make $500K a year in specialities like "sports medicine".
Medical schools allowed to hold down the number of students, so that there is a permanent doctor shortage in most of the country.
Half of the places in medical schools are "reserved" for wealthy foreign students, who can pay "full freight" tuition.
Even our NURSES make 50-100% more than nurses in other countries.
Big hospital chains gobble each other up, ensuring NO COMPETITION in most markets. In many areas, there is only ONE hospital -- and ONE insurance companies.
Greedy, big FOR PROFIT insurance. Let me say that 50,000 more times. No other nation allows INSURANCE COMPANIES to make profits off the sick.
Bean counters running the afore-mentioned Greedy For Profit Insurance companies.
25 million ILLEGAL ALIENS, who all get free health care at our Emergency rooms...unlike us, they cannot be billed as they have fake IDs...they laugh at us, with our sanctuary cities, as we grovel to their demands for "rights" (as illegal criminals stealing our jobs).
Big Pharma, raping us on drug prices ($600 EpiPens?) while giving discounts to other nations...why? because they know they can "make it up" on stupid Americans.
That's just off the top of my head. Anyone sitting down and thinking about it, could come up with 100 more reasons.
$10,000 per person is not sustainable!
***
Health care execs who make tens of millions of dollars.
Lobbyists from those wealthy companies in DC.
Doctors who make $500K a year in specialities like "sports medicine".
Medical schools allowed to hold down the number of students, so that there is a permanent doctor shortage in most of the country.
Half of the places in medical schools are "reserved" for wealthy foreign students, who can pay "full freight" tuition.
Even our NURSES make 50-100% more than nurses in other countries.
Big hospital chains gobble each other up, ensuring NO COMPETITION in most markets. In many areas, there is only ONE hospital -- and ONE insurance companies.
Greedy, big FOR PROFIT insurance. Let me say that 50,000 more times. No other nation allows INSURANCE COMPANIES to make profits off the sick.
Bean counters running the afore-mentioned Greedy For Profit Insurance companies.
25 million ILLEGAL ALIENS, who all get free health care at our Emergency rooms...unlike us, they cannot be billed as they have fake IDs...they laugh at us, with our sanctuary cities, as we grovel to their demands for "rights" (as illegal criminals stealing our jobs).
Big Pharma, raping us on drug prices ($600 EpiPens?) while giving discounts to other nations...why? because they know they can "make it up" on stupid Americans.
That's just off the top of my head. Anyone sitting down and thinking about it, could come up with 100 more reasons.
$10,000 per person is not sustainable!
2
One truth about the ACA is that it greatly helped small entrepreneurs get quality insurance at a reasonable price. The small business owners in this piece are just one of many thousands of small businesses that rely on Obamacare. At my business, pre-ACA "junk" health insurance absorbed a whopping 18% of our income. Post ACA, closer to 8% and I'm confident we'll actually be covered if something happens.
It is remarkable the "party of small business" is now poised to throw thousands of true small businesses under the bus. These are the folks at the mom-and-pop stores, small manufactures, inventors and the people you buy stuff from at the farmers market. Many will fail due to the financial strain or simply go without insurance. Please call your Representatives and express your outrage.
It is remarkable the "party of small business" is now poised to throw thousands of true small businesses under the bus. These are the folks at the mom-and-pop stores, small manufactures, inventors and the people you buy stuff from at the farmers market. Many will fail due to the financial strain or simply go without insurance. Please call your Representatives and express your outrage.
20
This, until this year. I loved ACA, it allowed us to start our business, have manageable healthcare costs with good coverage/provider network. This year however is different, only 1-2 insurers are left on TN's ACA network, legislature approved up to a 60% increase in premiums, which happened, and less people are accepting these hugely expensive plans. I have no idea how to fix it outside of Medicare for all, which is a pipedream but still my dream. It is painful watching the money we work so hard for go towards premiums for a plan that covers so very little, at so very few places.
1
Share this column, call your Congressman and Senators, Write them letters and send emails. Write to Trump, and your Governor, and your state legislators. Write to your Insurance company. Support the AMA, support the American Nurses Association opposition to repeal. Write to AARP and demand protection of the 57 million Medicare recipients who benefit from improvements under Obamacare.
The fear and despair of those who are enrolled in Obamacare, the fiscal collapse that small hospitals, rural hospitals will face, the Health Professionals and the states who will confront millions of patients who will lose healthcare and it's protections, parents whose children will lose coverage, Medicare recipients who will face escalating medication costs, chaos in the investment community are genuine but ignored by the rush to end the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. Act.
The fear and despair of those who are enrolled in Obamacare, the fiscal collapse that small hospitals, rural hospitals will face, the Health Professionals and the states who will confront millions of patients who will lose healthcare and it's protections, parents whose children will lose coverage, Medicare recipients who will face escalating medication costs, chaos in the investment community are genuine but ignored by the rush to end the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. Act.
4
I think it's important to note that healthcare was one of the things that Trump was clearly leaning left from the rest of his Republican brethren during the primaries.
While the congressional Republicans may attempt to completely abolish the ACA, I think there is a very good possibility Trump will have them do away with certain provisions - such as having it be mandatory or faced with a fine only puts financial pressure on people who may be strapped as is.
He may also allow medicare to negotiate prescription prices to begin the fight against outrageous Rx prices and is something he argued for during the election. The politicians who pushed that provision and their arguments to justify it - "it's the private sector's job to bring down prices" - are so blatantly bought by pharma lobbyists that it disgusts me to think about.
I think the people need to be more active in pushing the Republican congress to act rationally rather than post on twitter a bunch of Trump hate as this is one of the few things he is likely to be somewhat liberal leaning on. It's the bought Senators and Reps that the people need to be wary of.
While the congressional Republicans may attempt to completely abolish the ACA, I think there is a very good possibility Trump will have them do away with certain provisions - such as having it be mandatory or faced with a fine only puts financial pressure on people who may be strapped as is.
He may also allow medicare to negotiate prescription prices to begin the fight against outrageous Rx prices and is something he argued for during the election. The politicians who pushed that provision and their arguments to justify it - "it's the private sector's job to bring down prices" - are so blatantly bought by pharma lobbyists that it disgusts me to think about.
I think the people need to be more active in pushing the Republican congress to act rationally rather than post on twitter a bunch of Trump hate as this is one of the few things he is likely to be somewhat liberal leaning on. It's the bought Senators and Reps that the people need to be wary of.
2
Public outcry and Trump's criticism had the effect of undoing the Congressional Republican's scuttling of the Congressional Ethics Office. Even with interests aligned differently, perhaps the same thing can sustain some parts of the ACA until a real alternative can be put into place.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act began with Richard M. Nixon's universal health care dream that morphed into the conservative Republican Party Heritage Foundation's free market capitalist response to the failed Clinton Administration Hillary Clinton effort.
The centerpiece of the plan was the individual and employer mandate which Republicans universally supported. Before Heritage Care evolved into Romney Care which evolved into Obamacare. The partisan politics of color, socioeconomics and education fueled Republican opposition to what began and still is mostly their plan.
Candidate Obama was opposed to both the individual and employer mandate and for a robust public option. President Obama was for both mandates and against the public option. President Obama proposed and promised the private drug, medical device, hospital, health insurance and medical providers that Americans would have them as their only healthcare option.
Affordable quality basic health care is a humane humble empathetic universal human right. It is not a privilege for the few. Single payer today. Single payer tomorrow. Single payer forever.
The centerpiece of the plan was the individual and employer mandate which Republicans universally supported. Before Heritage Care evolved into Romney Care which evolved into Obamacare. The partisan politics of color, socioeconomics and education fueled Republican opposition to what began and still is mostly their plan.
Candidate Obama was opposed to both the individual and employer mandate and for a robust public option. President Obama was for both mandates and against the public option. President Obama proposed and promised the private drug, medical device, hospital, health insurance and medical providers that Americans would have them as their only healthcare option.
Affordable quality basic health care is a humane humble empathetic universal human right. It is not a privilege for the few. Single payer today. Single payer tomorrow. Single payer forever.
18
The liberal socialist monstrosity of Obamacare will be dead in 10 days. Replace it with nothing and it will be better than what we have. Repeal first. Replace later. That was on the ballot. We had an election. Trump won.
4
Replace it with nothing and that will be worse. Republicans in Congress (and their allies outside) have had the better part of a decade (longer, really) to come up with a replacement. What they opted for instead was moral and intellectual bankruptcy. Do you really expect the majority of voters to take this lying down?
How is it that your party has six years to create a reasonable option and have failed to do so. So now that they have landed they want to burn the boats so there is no retreat just fight or die. Nice job
This was what the election was about? I thought it was about an email server in NY.
1
Just one demurral about the ACA. The deductibles are too high. We need instead a single plan, not 3 tiers, and a return to affordable copays and paying benefits from the first dollar. The bronze plans especially create a double whammy - yes you have catastrophic insurance but you can't afford regular care.
The notions that created high deductibles came from failed ideas - like the coupling of savings accounts with catastrophic care insurance. these plans failed.
We simple $25 copay for an in network visit makes better sense. So does covering ER visits at some affordable co-pay ($100?).
The notions that created high deductibles came from failed ideas - like the coupling of savings accounts with catastrophic care insurance. these plans failed.
We simple $25 copay for an in network visit makes better sense. So does covering ER visits at some affordable co-pay ($100?).
9
Neither of those copays would come close to covering even 5 - 10 % of the cost. I agree the deductibles are awfully high but the cost of care is a lot more A deductible of 7500 may cover 1 - 2 visits in the ER and would not cover one day in the hospital. Its about the costs which should be set and capped and transparent which is what happens in other countries
The fight for health care has begun?
What a blatant lie!
Can Medicaid/Medicare or Obamacare negotiate lower prices with hospitals or drug manufactures? Nope!
Why is it that I can buy drugs cheaper by going direct with the Pharmacy rather than having my insurance, Unitedhealthcare, pay for it?
Are hospitals advertising their rates? Nope!
Are drug companies advertising their rates? Nope!
Are Pharmacies advertising their rates? Nope!
Are Doctors advertising their rates? Nope!
Are Emergency Rooms advertising their rates? Nope!
We could get better healthcare in South Korea at a cheaper rate than here in the United States. We could go to Canada or Mexico and save money.
The United States has, without a doubt, the worst health care system in the world. It is so bad that people don't even realize that most of the drugs they are buying come from China, Canada, Europe... even our vaccines are being made in other countries!
If our system is so great, why are so many foreign companies making money off of us?
The fight for health care? Really?
What a joke!
What a blatant lie!
Can Medicaid/Medicare or Obamacare negotiate lower prices with hospitals or drug manufactures? Nope!
Why is it that I can buy drugs cheaper by going direct with the Pharmacy rather than having my insurance, Unitedhealthcare, pay for it?
Are hospitals advertising their rates? Nope!
Are drug companies advertising their rates? Nope!
Are Pharmacies advertising their rates? Nope!
Are Doctors advertising their rates? Nope!
Are Emergency Rooms advertising their rates? Nope!
We could get better healthcare in South Korea at a cheaper rate than here in the United States. We could go to Canada or Mexico and save money.
The United States has, without a doubt, the worst health care system in the world. It is so bad that people don't even realize that most of the drugs they are buying come from China, Canada, Europe... even our vaccines are being made in other countries!
If our system is so great, why are so many foreign companies making money off of us?
The fight for health care? Really?
What a joke!
16
I suppose other countries have debates about how to provide health care. In this country we have debates about whether to provide health care. As bad as you may think it is now, under the Republican "plan" it will only get much worse.
The best strategy for Democrats would be, in the years to come, to insist that the replacement bill include a public option. That should be the Democrat's one and only demand. It should be non-negotiable.
15
For the record, I support a one-payer system. I am in my 50's, self employed , make a modest income, and pay for my own insurance. My yearly insurance premiums are 20% of my gross income. Under the ACA, my premiums have risen at an alarming rate. I can only deduce that the insurance companies are raising our premiums to cover the costs for those whose care is subsidized, so that profit is ensured.
One question to ask is what will happen to escalating premium costs if the ACA gets repealed. I highly doubt that the insurance companies are going to lower the premiums that have steadily risen. Health care reform is sorely needed, and we have to take insurance companies out of the equation if we are looking for affordable health care. We need to educate and encourage preventative medicine and provide Medicare for all!
One question to ask is what will happen to escalating premium costs if the ACA gets repealed. I highly doubt that the insurance companies are going to lower the premiums that have steadily risen. Health care reform is sorely needed, and we have to take insurance companies out of the equation if we are looking for affordable health care. We need to educate and encourage preventative medicine and provide Medicare for all!
31
"Republican leaders say they will repeal Obamacare with a delayed effective date and later make sure that people don’t lose insurance, but the leaders have no credible plan for doing so."
This is rich. Republican leaders now want to know more about the consequences of the repeal before they actually go through with it. Does this mean that the more than 60 times they voted for the repeal of the ACA over the last 6 years or so, they had no idea what they were doing?
This is rich. Republican leaders now want to know more about the consequences of the repeal before they actually go through with it. Does this mean that the more than 60 times they voted for the repeal of the ACA over the last 6 years or so, they had no idea what they were doing?
415
yep both sides have no idea what they are doing - we the public are the ping pong balls in their delusional game.
2
Yes, William, that's exactly what it means.
2
Pretty much!
I have never been able to understand the objection to the mandate in the GOP. Oh, sure, I get that there are swaggering individualists who think "no government can tell ME what to do." Yet, those same persons fully plan, if they have an accident or sudden illness, to go to an ER and get care. They plan to count upon a combination of the insurance premiums the rest of us pay along with taxpayer dollars to cover their "charity care."
Health care is never free (countries like Canada pay higher taxes to cover it). Someone is always paying for it. Sooner or later we all need to access care. Knowing that insurance (health, car, home etc.) only works because everyone pays in and then those who have need get a pay out, what really is the objecting to requiring all to pay in?
Health care is never free (countries like Canada pay higher taxes to cover it). Someone is always paying for it. Sooner or later we all need to access care. Knowing that insurance (health, car, home etc.) only works because everyone pays in and then those who have need get a pay out, what really is the objecting to requiring all to pay in?
18
I think we should go all in. Get rid of EMTALA. Can't show an insurance card at the ER--you don't get in the door. No treatment for freeloaders who were against the mandate anymore. And while we're at it get rid of the tax subsidies for employer plans so that the employed pay the full cost for their insurance. Why should they get subsidies while opposing the subsidies given to the self-employed?
1
The only plausible reason for those who are against ACA is that it helps provide health insurance for the poor and middle class by taxing the rich.
Today's GOP and the rich they work for care more about lower taxes than the health of the poor and middle class.
Great country we live in!
Today's GOP and the rich they work for care more about lower taxes than the health of the poor and middle class.
Great country we live in!
111
Exactly. I'm so sick of hearing Republicans
discuss the ACA only in terms of taxes and deductibles. It's all totally about money to them. But what about the lives it saves?
I have a child who is a survivor of a frequently fatal pediatric cancer. He requires periodic monitoring due to the effects of chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries. Without the ACA, he would never be insured due to this serious pre-existing condition and would be unable to access the medical care
he requires.
And yet, when I discuss this with Republicans,
my son's precious young life means nothing to them; it's all about their wallets.
I invite our president-elect to walk the few short blocks from Trump
Tower to the pediatric floor of Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. There he'd
see beautiful, innocent babies and kids
suffering the ravages of this horrible disease
and its grueling treatment. It's a sight that brings many to tears. And yet he supports depriving them of the coverage they so
desperately need. Sadly, I doubt that
he would be at all moved by seeing these bald, sad, emaciated children. He'd probably prefer to spend his time tweeting insults
to a comedian or a restaurant critic.
And this is what people think will
make America great again?
discuss the ACA only in terms of taxes and deductibles. It's all totally about money to them. But what about the lives it saves?
I have a child who is a survivor of a frequently fatal pediatric cancer. He requires periodic monitoring due to the effects of chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries. Without the ACA, he would never be insured due to this serious pre-existing condition and would be unable to access the medical care
he requires.
And yet, when I discuss this with Republicans,
my son's precious young life means nothing to them; it's all about their wallets.
I invite our president-elect to walk the few short blocks from Trump
Tower to the pediatric floor of Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. There he'd
see beautiful, innocent babies and kids
suffering the ravages of this horrible disease
and its grueling treatment. It's a sight that brings many to tears. And yet he supports depriving them of the coverage they so
desperately need. Sadly, I doubt that
he would be at all moved by seeing these bald, sad, emaciated children. He'd probably prefer to spend his time tweeting insults
to a comedian or a restaurant critic.
And this is what people think will
make America great again?
174
I think many Republicans think that the ravages of cancer and spina bifida are punishments of a just god on mortals who must have done something to deserve those punishments. Those who have enough money to pay for treatment must be appeasing that 'just' (malevolent) god in order for them to have the successful personal finances to pay for that treatment. For them, the ACA just stands in the way of god's tender mercies. It's like returning to hundreds of years ago, and living like superstitious primitives. Or you could just call it I got mine, Jack, but that doesn't sound very pious or benevolent, does it?
5
The real issue is that they just don't care. It's all about the wallet and the actual people that are hurt by it, well they think people are expendable anyway. The only thing people below a certain level of income are good for are pockets to be continually picked to serve the interests they deem to be important. You know, little things like bailing out the banks when the rich gamble away all the money and ruin the world economy. Then we are suddenly important because we get to bail out those very important elites.
6
The editorial presumes the ACA was a success, it wasn't it was a failure. Anyone who has insurance who wouldn't have had it anyway has it because the government spent billions of dollars in subsidies. The government could have just put them on Medicaid or other programs and saved the huge government program, the questionable constitutional mandates, and all the irrelevant nonsense like incentives for electronic medical records.
The ACA's record is clear. Young healthy people, who were supposed to subsidize the mandates for pre-existing conditions, didn't sign up. As a result insurance companies left the exchanges because it wasn't feasible. Suddenly, people had one or no choices. Prices had to go up. The only way they could afford their "new" insurance was for us to pay for it. Meanwhile, thousands of doctors, like myself, closed our practices-even if people "liked" us they couldn't keep us. Period.
The record of Obama care was determined in election after election. The very people who supposedly benefited, the lower middle class, voted against it in droves. No one knows what will replace it, but the lesson for its supporters is if you pass legislation against the will of the people eventually the people's will will be heard. This is supposed to be a democracy.
The ACA's record is clear. Young healthy people, who were supposed to subsidize the mandates for pre-existing conditions, didn't sign up. As a result insurance companies left the exchanges because it wasn't feasible. Suddenly, people had one or no choices. Prices had to go up. The only way they could afford their "new" insurance was for us to pay for it. Meanwhile, thousands of doctors, like myself, closed our practices-even if people "liked" us they couldn't keep us. Period.
The record of Obama care was determined in election after election. The very people who supposedly benefited, the lower middle class, voted against it in droves. No one knows what will replace it, but the lesson for its supporters is if you pass legislation against the will of the people eventually the people's will will be heard. This is supposed to be a democracy.
11
That is a strong argument for a single payer plan. Medicare for all and government negotiating drug prices. Like they do in most all of civilized countries, except the USA. They can call it Trump care if they want.
3
The ACA also provides insurance for the self-employed. It decoupled insurance from work. How many people do you know who have made work decisions based on either continuing or losing their health insurance thru their employment? Is it fair that small companies and the self-employed pay higher rates because they have less bargaining power? Is health care purely for fiscal profit of the companies or is it a necessary part of modern life for all citizens? And do we not in the end pay the (higher) costs anyway thru supporting emergency rooms, disability, lost lives of parents and children--due to health concerns ignored for fiscal reasons until treatable problems become untreatable?
10
This would be all well and good but for the what happens to those who don't have affordable insurance. Their unpaid bill end up be absorbed by the rest of this - and when they become disabled, as some do, we also pay their social security benefits.
So this is not just about them, but about what is prudent for all of us. It would have helped had Republicans been honest in discussing the pros and cons but they were never honest.
So this is not just about them, but about what is prudent for all of us. It would have helped had Republicans been honest in discussing the pros and cons but they were never honest.
6
To fully disclose upfront, I am in favor of a single-payer system, something like Medicare for all citizens. However, I am also someone who came out better under the ACA than before. My premiums dropped because of community-rating - before the ACA I was paying a high rate due to a chronic condition I have had for more than 20 years. Having been declined coverage before the ACA when I was healthier than I am now, I feel confident that I would not be able to buy insurance without the guaranteed-issue provisions of the ACA.
But the ACA is not perfect. Some states seem to have got the exchanges working well, with numerous providers and plans for young people starting under $300 per month. But other states, like North Carolina, seem to have dropped the ball, with almost no competition and rates over $400, even for 20-somethings. It is not enough to just keep the ACA as is. The program needs tuning in many states to achieve its potential. Ideally, our supposedly business-minded president-elect might be the kind of person to get the program running well. But I'm not holding my breath.
But the ACA is not perfect. Some states seem to have got the exchanges working well, with numerous providers and plans for young people starting under $300 per month. But other states, like North Carolina, seem to have dropped the ball, with almost no competition and rates over $400, even for 20-somethings. It is not enough to just keep the ACA as is. The program needs tuning in many states to achieve its potential. Ideally, our supposedly business-minded president-elect might be the kind of person to get the program running well. But I'm not holding my breath.
21
The states who expanded Medicaid and set up their own exchanges are faring the best. The obstructionist republican governors in some red states refused to do either. I live in Massachusetts which got the ball rolling. We have 96 % coverage (best in the nation), close to a hundred plans from multiple insurers and our rates rose 3 - 5 % this year. I feel sorry for those in regressive states but they voted against their own interests
5
Let look at the facts: Socialistic democrats (lacking business acumen) initiated a healthcare plan that does not work today. With escalating premiums, people preferring not to join (or preferring to be fined rather than join), along with exiting providers. This ends in FAILURE for Obamacare. Now the Republicans must get a new plan up and running perfectly (because socialistic democrats will whine when one more penny in 2018 is expected) and it must be ready the minute after Trump takes office. Get a reality check.
5
Well I’m one of those Socialistic Democrats. 73 years old and receiving Social Security and Medicare benefits. There are 55+ millions of us benefiting from these two socialistic programs. Now guess what party introduced them and made them law. Yes Social Security under FDR, and Medicare under LBJ. And, the vast majority of us are well pleased with these programs.
The ACA is actually working to benefit 20+ million and does need some improvement. This could have been done some years back. But a certain Republican Congress has tried to repeal it some 60+ times over that period. Not once have they tried to introduce legislation to improve it. And remember they were the majority during this period.
The ACA is actually working to benefit 20+ million and does need some improvement. This could have been done some years back. But a certain Republican Congress has tried to repeal it some 60+ times over that period. Not once have they tried to introduce legislation to improve it. And remember they were the majority during this period.
524
The ACA did not come from "Socialistic" democrats. The Socialistic Democrats would have preferred a single-payer insurance system like that enjoyed by the elderly, the US military, and the rest of the industrialized world. Instead, President Obama adopted the plan that Governor Mitt Romney had championed in Massachusetts - a plan created by the conservative Heritage Foundation. Obamacare is a conservative plan because it preserves the existing private insurance market. If you are one of the people with insurance for the first time it did not fail. Take your choice, you will either pay taxes to support the premium subsidies, or repeal the ACA, you will pay higher private insurance premiums so the formerly ACA-insured people can receive their health care in emergency rooms.
94
Republicans created the original footprint for the ACA. Republicans did what they could to hobble it, then Republicans tried their best to abolish it. Republicans want to destroy the lives of countless people by repealing the ACA with no replacement plan in sight. Republicans need a reality check
59
I wish that the discussion would focus on the impact on everyone's healthcare of taking away health insurance from the 20 to 30 million Americans covered by Obamacare.
When people without insurance get sick many will flood emergency rooms. If millions of additional people go to emergency rooms, that will keep everyone else from having effective emergency care and will bankrupt many hospitals.
If uninsured sick people don't get treatment, they will still go to work and send their sick children to school and create more infectious disease.
Please help people understand their self-interest in healthcare for everyone.
It is not just about the cost of healthcare. The fight is to keep America healthy.
When people without insurance get sick many will flood emergency rooms. If millions of additional people go to emergency rooms, that will keep everyone else from having effective emergency care and will bankrupt many hospitals.
If uninsured sick people don't get treatment, they will still go to work and send their sick children to school and create more infectious disease.
Please help people understand their self-interest in healthcare for everyone.
It is not just about the cost of healthcare. The fight is to keep America healthy.
541
I would like to see the evidence that the ACA has reduced emergency room visits. Making a statement doesn't make it so.
Before the ACA passed we had a shortage of primary care physicians. Adding demand without adding supply is not going to reduce emergency room visits it will increase them and it has.
I don't argue that this is good or bad but I certainly wouldn't assume that emergency room care has been reduced by the ACA since it reality it hasn't been reduced.
Before the ACA passed we had a shortage of primary care physicians. Adding demand without adding supply is not going to reduce emergency room visits it will increase them and it has.
I don't argue that this is good or bad but I certainly wouldn't assume that emergency room care has been reduced by the ACA since it reality it hasn't been reduced.
2
Republicans are totally ignorant of a simple concept called public health, preferring to believe that, say, tuberculosis bacilli would never cross the walls of a Trump Tower. Such beliefs are beneath naive.
As for the rest, it's a thinly-veiled genocide effort. That's why the "47%" comment lost the White House for Romney: it implies that some 150 million fellow Americans, including the elderly, the poor, people of color, "immigrants," and LGBTQ people are somehow "life unworthy of life." Yet while the GOP and whoever is sponsoring it (nowadays Putin?) wants these people out of the way, they don't want to spend anything to round them up, shoot them, work them to death in concentration camps or debtors' prisons, or send them to murder factories.
If what the GOP wants to accomplish in this is somehow "American," it shows how far we have fallen since 1945. We are opening the gates of Buchenwald...and hell.
As for the rest, it's a thinly-veiled genocide effort. That's why the "47%" comment lost the White House for Romney: it implies that some 150 million fellow Americans, including the elderly, the poor, people of color, "immigrants," and LGBTQ people are somehow "life unworthy of life." Yet while the GOP and whoever is sponsoring it (nowadays Putin?) wants these people out of the way, they don't want to spend anything to round them up, shoot them, work them to death in concentration camps or debtors' prisons, or send them to murder factories.
If what the GOP wants to accomplish in this is somehow "American," it shows how far we have fallen since 1945. We are opening the gates of Buchenwald...and hell.
1
In the era of the Con In-Chief the prevailing attitude is "I got mine, so screw you." Unfortunately a majority of American's simply don't care, think it won't happen to them or their loved ones or believe people without insurance deserve what they get.
4
Democrats are off to a decent start, but they can do more.
They could have stayed on the Senate Floor for more than 5 hours.
There are 48 of them. That's just 6 minutes each.
Just shows how much fire they have in their belly.
They could have stayed on the Senate Floor for more than 5 hours.
There are 48 of them. That's just 6 minutes each.
Just shows how much fire they have in their belly.
32
How ironic--that Liberals try to deny the legitimacy of Trump's presidency, by pointing out his opponent won the popular vote--while trying to claim legitimacy for the ACA--when it NEVER achieved 50 percent support from the American people. In truth, it was rammed down our throats by arrogant Progressives--who always claim to know what we need--without a single Republican vote.
Obamacare will rightfully be repealed. Like so many illegal aliens that will be deported--it should never have been here to begin with.
Obamacare will rightfully be repealed. Like so many illegal aliens that will be deported--it should never have been here to begin with.
4
Do you plan to deport little Sam too? Do his health care issues annoy also?
By the way, unlike Trump and W Bush President Obama was elected and reelected with over 50% of the vote. ACA was one of the issues in the last campaign.
By the way, unlike Trump and W Bush President Obama was elected and reelected with over 50% of the vote. ACA was one of the issues in the last campaign.
1
I'm certain you will be quite pleased when the Rs ram repeal down out throats with no Dem votes.
1
Jesse, I assume you have an alternative health care plan in mind. Why not share your ideas with us? As Pres. Obama said, if anyone has anything better to offer than ACA, he'd be happy to hear about it.
I'm certainly not wedded to the ACA if you have something more effective in mind. Please share.
Tnanks.
I'm certainly not wedded to the ACA if you have something more effective in mind. Please share.
Tnanks.
4
Why in the world should Dems work feverishly to prevent the Repub Congress from shooting itself in the foot with a 12-gauge shotgun? The biggest problems with health care reform stem from the fact that Congress whether under Repub or Dem control, is constitutionally incapable of addressing costs controls opposed by mega industries: insurance; pharmaceuticals; hospitals. It's going to require some chaos and ensuing consumer outrage before the public wakes up to this. Young people who see themselves stiffed by Obamacare's mandate, and middle class unsubsidized people who are in fact stiffed by Obamacare's gigantic premium increases and deductibles, are not going to march in the street or flood the phone lines in support of Little Sam. Sorry, it ain't going to happen. So allowing the Repubs, with not a single Dem vote, to create their own version of chaos is exactly the way forward to where we ultimately need to be.
11
Meanwhile, millions of people needlessly suffer and die, the GOP will find a way to blame the Democrats for their own failure, and the credulous rubes will buy it hook, line and sinker.
9
For each Obamacare success story you can find hundreds of families who are hurting because of Obamacare. When the premiums go up double digits and the deductibles are in the thousands that is not insurance that is helping most people. If you don't qualify for subsidies then Obamacare is an expensive waste of money in many cases. Why are Democrats fight to keep this insurance that is so flawed and expensive for many people? You lied to the American people to pass the law. It didn't save families money. They didn't get to keep their doctors or insurance plans. If you don't qualify for subsidies it is a burden. If you can't afford the Obamacare plan and choose not to purchase insurance you face the mandate and get fined. Again I ask why you are fighting to keep this unworkable program? Why would you not want a better program? Be an adult and work to make a better health care program for the people.
7
Please get some facts. Only a small proportion of persons enrolling in ACA exchanges do not qualify for the subsidies. The ACA was a conservative plan created by the Heritage Foundation in order to conserve the existing private insurance market instead of replacing it with Medicare for all, i.e., a single payer system of the sort enjoyed by our elderly, our military personnel, and the rest of the industrialized world. If the ACA is repealed you will not get a better health care plan that allows you to keep your doctors. The GOP has controlled Congress for the last 6 years and while the House took more than 40 votes to repeal the ACA, they GOP proposed how many replacement plans? None. Why? Because there is really no way to retain the existing private insurance system. As VP Joe Biden has said: "Don't compare me to the Almighty, compare me to the alternative."
12
People would love a better program. By all means bring one on. But we are looking at the possibility of no program. That is dire.
7
Single payer, MEDICARE for all who want it is the solution... you are right.
1
Democrats didn’t kill the attempt by Republicans to gut the congressional ethics office. Donald Trump did.
Congressional Democrats have zero power to mount an effective fight to save the ACA. Which isn’t to say that they’re powerless to fight for health care in America.
Ironically, by the same parliamentary shenanigans that avoided the need for a Senate floor vote over the ACA in 2010 (where otherwise it would have been filibustered, crashed and burned), Republicans are making repeal a matter of defunding, which is a budgetary matter on which the Senate majority can opt for automatic movement to reconciliation with the House, bypassing the minority entirely. Live by the shenanigan, die by the shenanigan.
Of course, any ACA repeal, even one whose future implementation hangs on development of a Republican replacement – the current plan – puts Republicans squarely in the cross-hairs. They will need to deliver that replacement, and vouchers and HSAs alone won’t cut it. THAT will require Democratic acceptance, unless McConnell kills the filibuster and super-majority requirements for closing debate entirely, which is unlikely.
But if Dems truly want to benefit Americans, they will accept the results of the recent election as well as the inevitability that the eventual solution will be largely a Republican one; and compellingly argue their case with enough art and effectiveness to get SOME of their views included.
Congressional Democrats have zero power to mount an effective fight to save the ACA. Which isn’t to say that they’re powerless to fight for health care in America.
Ironically, by the same parliamentary shenanigans that avoided the need for a Senate floor vote over the ACA in 2010 (where otherwise it would have been filibustered, crashed and burned), Republicans are making repeal a matter of defunding, which is a budgetary matter on which the Senate majority can opt for automatic movement to reconciliation with the House, bypassing the minority entirely. Live by the shenanigan, die by the shenanigan.
Of course, any ACA repeal, even one whose future implementation hangs on development of a Republican replacement – the current plan – puts Republicans squarely in the cross-hairs. They will need to deliver that replacement, and vouchers and HSAs alone won’t cut it. THAT will require Democratic acceptance, unless McConnell kills the filibuster and super-majority requirements for closing debate entirely, which is unlikely.
But if Dems truly want to benefit Americans, they will accept the results of the recent election as well as the inevitability that the eventual solution will be largely a Republican one; and compellingly argue their case with enough art and effectiveness to get SOME of their views included.
7
Aca's underpinnings were indeed hatched by a right leaning think tank. So in effect it already is a largely Republican solution.
Yes Trump did win the election by the electoral college. And Rs also need to accept that more people voted for P Trump's opponent. Discounting NY and CA voters is, to quote Joe Biden, a bunch of malarkey.
Yes Trump did win the election by the electoral college. And Rs also need to accept that more people voted for P Trump's opponent. Discounting NY and CA voters is, to quote Joe Biden, a bunch of malarkey.
11
What utter hypocrisy to tell the Democrats to accept the recent election as proof of the unpopularity of their ideas, when the GOP did exactly the opposite in 2009. In that election, Mr. Obama won both the electoral and the popular vote.
44
Smath:
If California had voted as most Dem states did that Mrs. Clinton won, she would have won by an average of 53.5% of the vote, instead of by a 4-million vote majority. To suggest that she WASN'T given a 2.8 million vote plurality nation-wide by CA alone is absurd -- with average performance from CA, the popular vote would have been a dead heat; and without CA, Trump would have won the popular vote by over 1 million.
There are a ton of Americans who don't wish to be ruled by California. As it happened, the majority of STATES that Trump won avoided that fate.
If California had voted as most Dem states did that Mrs. Clinton won, she would have won by an average of 53.5% of the vote, instead of by a 4-million vote majority. To suggest that she WASN'T given a 2.8 million vote plurality nation-wide by CA alone is absurd -- with average performance from CA, the popular vote would have been a dead heat; and without CA, Trump would have won the popular vote by over 1 million.
There are a ton of Americans who don't wish to be ruled by California. As it happened, the majority of STATES that Trump won avoided that fate.
2
It is surprising that in a country with many guns and easy ownership, it is possible to be involved in sentencing millions to the misery of bad health or earlier death and be safe from these people and those who love them. If this changes, things will get much messier.
5
Sorry many multiples of the number people who the ACA purportedly helps were sentenced a future of paying for it in higher premiums and deductibles. Unfair, untenable and unaffordable. Repeal and replace!!
1
I wonder if Mitch and Paul have unplugged the phones? Efforts to get a phone call through have been near impossible. Wouldn't put it past them.
79
Isn't it funny? Now that it comes down to the threat of people finally not being treated, the phones are ringing off the hook? But Trump supporters and those that voted for him thought his words to get rid of Obamacare were ok?
Our Republican Congress who has spewed about Obamacare for going on seven years, who did nothing to support it, just the opposite, are having their phones ring off the hook!
Did they think Affordable Care Act benefactors were just made up surreal people somewhere out here in la la land? That real people were not receiving medical care? That Democrats and supportive healthcare providers were just making up stories that there were Americans who needed healthcare treatment? That it has been a hoax that there actually have been no other means for people to get health care and health care insurance if not the ACA?
While these Republicans have already shown they could have don't care about people like this toddler and the mother for all these years, they are supposed to now be getting a "wake up call"?
These lawmakers have been, yes, deplorable and disgusting all this time. They have opposed this little child's well being from before he was even born by opposing the ACA.
But now people are just realizing this and doing something about it?
Where have you been people? Barack Obama saved your lives and you let him be criticized, hammered, and you almost lost the coverage he handed to you.
You should be thanking him from the bottom of your heart.
Our Republican Congress who has spewed about Obamacare for going on seven years, who did nothing to support it, just the opposite, are having their phones ring off the hook!
Did they think Affordable Care Act benefactors were just made up surreal people somewhere out here in la la land? That real people were not receiving medical care? That Democrats and supportive healthcare providers were just making up stories that there were Americans who needed healthcare treatment? That it has been a hoax that there actually have been no other means for people to get health care and health care insurance if not the ACA?
While these Republicans have already shown they could have don't care about people like this toddler and the mother for all these years, they are supposed to now be getting a "wake up call"?
These lawmakers have been, yes, deplorable and disgusting all this time. They have opposed this little child's well being from before he was even born by opposing the ACA.
But now people are just realizing this and doing something about it?
Where have you been people? Barack Obama saved your lives and you let him be criticized, hammered, and you almost lost the coverage he handed to you.
You should be thanking him from the bottom of your heart.
115
Believe me I do, and dread the day after he is no longer leading our nation.
I know the whole world is too.
I know the whole world is too.
3
This is not only about people's lives, like Sam, but it's about the economy and our standing in the world. If 20 million people lose health insurance we will have an economic downturn. And the not rich will have to pay for people who go to the hospital anyway. The republicans are already planning to cut taxes on the wealthy. Getting ride of health insurance won't effect them. President Obama is totally welcome to making Obamacare better, but the republicans don't have a plan. This move is pure and simple spite and they will pull it off if we don't push back. Yes, please make phone calls, let's overwhelm our government officials with calls.
50
We can start by describing what the Republican plan is and calling it what it is: Making Americans sicker and poorer.
102
trump's strongest demographic was voters who earned under 30k. they voted to take away their own healthcare - they can live with the results of their own foly.
44
Yes, they should learn the hard way. Unfortunately, as they try to get by without insurance they will flock to emergency rooms, won't be able to pay for the expensive care they receive, and the hospitals and insurers will pass those losses on to those of us who can pay.
If we were a sane nation, we would have national health insurance like the rest of the developed world. A healthier populace benefits all of us. Health care should be seen in the same way we view national defense and the interstate highway system, as an investment by all that benefits all of us.
If we were a sane nation, we would have national health insurance like the rest of the developed world. A healthier populace benefits all of us. Health care should be seen in the same way we view national defense and the interstate highway system, as an investment by all that benefits all of us.
8
Ingnorance has it consequences.
1
Well said JD. Health Care is a "Public Good"! We all benefit financially from a healthier country.
1
Talk radio in your community. Call in with facts. Most people have no idea what they are about to loose. And Facebook and Twitter.
23
The word is spelled "lose", BTW, and I'm one of those who would "lose" or be unable to afford health insurance if this repeal goes through.
I agree, however! Spread the word!!!!!!!!
I agree, however! Spread the word!!!!!!!!
Gosh, what a cute little boy Sam is! Alyce is lucky to have him. Democrats should put out a video picturing Sam and saying, "Trumpdontcare will throw this little boy under the bus". Democrats should not put people to sleep with boring words like "reconciliation" or "transparency" or "repeal-and-delay". Just keep it simple: Trump will throw children under the bus.
190
I wish I could recommend this more than once.
3
Yes indeed get involved! Call and write your congresspeople. Send a dozen or so emails to your Senator. When you've done that start sending emails to representatives & senators on the right who support repeal and tell them what you think of them. Be polite but be firm.
Then write anywhere and everywhere in the media. Use your Facebook page for something important. Attend some meetings in your town and stand up and speak.
The only way the reactionary's win on this is to roll over and change the channel. Stay awake. Resist.
Then write anywhere and everywhere in the media. Use your Facebook page for something important. Attend some meetings in your town and stand up and speak.
The only way the reactionary's win on this is to roll over and change the channel. Stay awake. Resist.
32
Hands Off My Health Insurance!" "Hands off my Medicaid!"
That should be the line in ads, radio spots, commentaries.
Use their playbook to do the job!
Then run stories showing how after they repeal ACA they're going after Medicare and Social Security. Sic the boomers on them! Hell hath no fury like one's grandparents harping and carping. God love 'em!
That should be the line in ads, radio spots, commentaries.
Use their playbook to do the job!
Then run stories showing how after they repeal ACA they're going after Medicare and Social Security. Sic the boomers on them! Hell hath no fury like one's grandparents harping and carping. God love 'em!
64
While my fellow retired Americans were agonizing about health insurance being denied them or overpriced with poor coverage, I decided to give up on the whole thing and decamp to a country that believes in a real national health care program for all residents.
The Carte Vitale health program in France is available to all residents of the country regardless of citizenship. How much you contribute depends on your status as working, retired, disabled, age, etc.
We Americans expend furious energy being angry at government and each other but often fail to take action to correct the problem. America is the only developed country without a decent national health plan. For most countries, health care is a right, not a privilege!
The view outside my village window is of the ancient chateau on the hill overlooking Roman ruins. Doctors are plentiful and the village has its own hospital.
Need I say more?
The Carte Vitale health program in France is available to all residents of the country regardless of citizenship. How much you contribute depends on your status as working, retired, disabled, age, etc.
We Americans expend furious energy being angry at government and each other but often fail to take action to correct the problem. America is the only developed country without a decent national health plan. For most countries, health care is a right, not a privilege!
The view outside my village window is of the ancient chateau on the hill overlooking Roman ruins. Doctors are plentiful and the village has its own hospital.
Need I say more?
169
Michael Kittle, I guess you can afford to up and move to France from the US. How fortunate you are! Very few of us are able to do the same, or want to. I'll stick with my view of NYC rooftops and a slice (riv view) of the lordly Hudson.
11
That's fine, michael, but it is hardly a solution to have everyone move to FRANCE. And France has very high taxes and very high unemployment rates. Could you be helpful here, and tell us exactly what you pay in taxes -- ALL taxes, the VATs and property taxes and income taxes and US taxes -- on your income and home, and also the exact cost of the Carte Vitale? It surely is not free!
Note that France does not have illegal immigration, and has secure borders...you can only live there with a visa and permission from the state.
A nation cannot have massive illegal immigration -- porous borders -- sanctuary cities -- H1B programs -- and still expect to provide good quality health care for every citizen at a reasonable cost.
Here is another question: next time you see a doctor with your Carte Vitale...ask what they are paid in annual salary. The average US doctor makes about $275,000 and one who specializes in (say) orthopedic surgery makes about $500,000. How does that compare with similar doctors in France?
Note that France does not have illegal immigration, and has secure borders...you can only live there with a visa and permission from the state.
A nation cannot have massive illegal immigration -- porous borders -- sanctuary cities -- H1B programs -- and still expect to provide good quality health care for every citizen at a reasonable cost.
Here is another question: next time you see a doctor with your Carte Vitale...ask what they are paid in annual salary. The average US doctor makes about $275,000 and one who specializes in (say) orthopedic surgery makes about $500,000. How does that compare with similar doctors in France?
1
One can move to many countries (France included) on a relatively meager budget. it's really not as expensive as some might think.
1
Republicans couldn't be bothered about taking away health insurance from millions of Americans. They just can't abide the fact that a hated president enacted legislation without Congressional approval for the benefit of people who needed ACA the most. The repeal and delay refrain is just a signal to their red base that they're "working on it" and Obamacare will disappear in short order.
Also, if "transparency is the enemy of repeal", it's no surprise that the Senate Republicans want to rush through the next president's Cabinet nominees. They stonewalled on Merrick Garland's nomination but now they're in an all fire hurry to do their Constitutional duty. The GOP has always been about their party and not the American people. Republicans are Robin Hoods in reverse -- they steal from the poor to give to the wealthy. Depriving Americans of Obamacare has been their unifying goal for years. It's unthinkable that the GOP would callously dismiss the plight of toddlers like Sam and their families to whom Obamacare is a lifeline in more ways than one.
Also, if "transparency is the enemy of repeal", it's no surprise that the Senate Republicans want to rush through the next president's Cabinet nominees. They stonewalled on Merrick Garland's nomination but now they're in an all fire hurry to do their Constitutional duty. The GOP has always been about their party and not the American people. Republicans are Robin Hoods in reverse -- they steal from the poor to give to the wealthy. Depriving Americans of Obamacare has been their unifying goal for years. It's unthinkable that the GOP would callously dismiss the plight of toddlers like Sam and their families to whom Obamacare is a lifeline in more ways than one.
185
The President enacted legislation without Congressional approval???????? Presidents do not enact legislation. The Congress enacted the ACA and Obama signed it. The Republicans labeled the law Obamacare so that people who hated Obama would then hate the law, this was an effective approach, just like they labeled the health reform effort under Clinton as HillaryCare so that people who hated Clinton and Hillary would hate the reform.
You need to educate yourself about how your government works. You will never be effective in your political activism without knowledge of basic facts.
You need to educate yourself about how your government works. You will never be effective in your political activism without knowledge of basic facts.
1
It is outrageous that the same legislators for whom we taxpayers provide the country's best health care plan -- and within it, they are probably treated better than anyone -- can even entertain the possibility of stripping so many citizens of health care. And for no other reason than spite.
343
Very,very well -said Caroline. how about no insurance for them from the taxpayer. Let them buy their own Cadillac insurance. and let's keep reminding them of this important issue at the voter's booth.
2
Caroline B, I think it's much more than spite. These hateful greedy elected shills are the paragon of the odious contempt for all who threaten the wealth of the monied class. The celebrated joy congressmen displayed in cutting allocations for food stamps by increasing their own personal gain in the Farm Bill: https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=food+stamps+cut+for+vet...
1
@Caroline, this is a point which needs to repeated in an ad on the 24/7 cable news cycle like the GOP hammered Benghazi on the Faux network so that this fact is all we are talking about.
The crys of outrage from ordinary Americans should be deafening.
The crys of outrage from ordinary Americans should be deafening.
3
Please stop using the term "Obamacare". The correct term is "the Affordable Care Act" or ACA.
Many do not believe that the loss of "Obamacare" will affect them, but curiously the same do not want to lose their benefits under the Affordable Care Act.
The nickname was given to the Act by Republicans hoping to deflate support. Regretfully that seems to have worked and many appear to hate it just because of the name.
Please stop using "Obamacare", I'm certain President Obama will thank you.
Many do not believe that the loss of "Obamacare" will affect them, but curiously the same do not want to lose their benefits under the Affordable Care Act.
The nickname was given to the Act by Republicans hoping to deflate support. Regretfully that seems to have worked and many appear to hate it just because of the name.
Please stop using "Obamacare", I'm certain President Obama will thank you.
148
Actually Obama approved of "Obama care" as a term of usage, even though Affordable Care Act was perfect. As Obama was vilified the name association did not help the ACA. In fact, anything Obama would want to get rid of, he should have attached his name to. It just gave the Republicans a name association they could use as a sledge hammer.
Since Romney initially came up with the concept, they should have called it the Republican Idea Act. But that would have taken forethought and imagination.
Since Romney initially came up with the concept, they should have called it the Republican Idea Act. But that would have taken forethought and imagination.
1
That's the Republican Party's plan: repeal Obamacare and keep the ACA. It worked for Sen. McConnell in his reelection campaign.
1
No, Mr. Leonhardt, you're continuing the tradition of the MSM of the past 18 months. You're putting this fight to end ObamaCare on the public. It's the media's business, or should be, to alert us to the dangers of "repeal and delay."
You correctly note that "Obamacare was paid for... with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. It was the biggest attack on economic inequality since inequality began rising four decades ago". This is the arrow in the gold--the footstep of doom--that you, and other responsible writers, need to make on a daily and, if necessary, hourly basis.
The media have the benefit of educated professionals, not only reporters and editors but also quality research staffs and librarians who can dig out the nuggets from the almost-hopeless mountain of facts. Rank and file citizens don't have the time or the patience or the money to do the work that the media does.
When you urge us, Mr. Leonhardt, to call our Congressional representatives, all you're telling us is the obvious. Where was the MSM outrage last spring when Mitch McConnell overturned the Constitution and told President Obama "No!" to Merrick Garland's appointment? Where were the primers for daily consumption about the dangers of a frayed, torn national document that underlines what we're about as a society? The media must interpret these complexities for us, both the educated and the unwashed.
Do you really think McConnell, Ryan or Trump care about little Sam and his small business parents?
You correctly note that "Obamacare was paid for... with taxes on the wealthy and corporations. It was the biggest attack on economic inequality since inequality began rising four decades ago". This is the arrow in the gold--the footstep of doom--that you, and other responsible writers, need to make on a daily and, if necessary, hourly basis.
The media have the benefit of educated professionals, not only reporters and editors but also quality research staffs and librarians who can dig out the nuggets from the almost-hopeless mountain of facts. Rank and file citizens don't have the time or the patience or the money to do the work that the media does.
When you urge us, Mr. Leonhardt, to call our Congressional representatives, all you're telling us is the obvious. Where was the MSM outrage last spring when Mitch McConnell overturned the Constitution and told President Obama "No!" to Merrick Garland's appointment? Where were the primers for daily consumption about the dangers of a frayed, torn national document that underlines what we're about as a society? The media must interpret these complexities for us, both the educated and the unwashed.
Do you really think McConnell, Ryan or Trump care about little Sam and his small business parents?
138
Mother Jones is such as publication, independent and hard hitting. The major problem as I see it is the ownership of a great deal of our media by large corporations controlled by right wingers. Add in the scourge of "at will" employment and weakened unions, and any journalist who actually tries to speak truth to power will enjoy a quick trip to the unemployment line. Get big money and big greed out of our MSM and bring back the fairness doctrine.
2
Obamacare isn't perfect but neither was Medicare when it was first implemented. But our politicians are no longer grown-ups who are able to work together and fix what's broken for the good of their constituents.
Part of the problem is that people don't understand what they will be losing if Obamacare is repealed. If the Democrats and our healthcare industry really want to save this program they need to start educating the public. Where are the adds telling us what we stand to lose? Millions are spent campaigning but no effort is made when it counts.
We are the only first world country who thinks health insurance is a luxury. Individualism only takes you so far. People would be a lot more productive and have a lot more money if healthcare wasn't a concern.
Part of the problem is that people don't understand what they will be losing if Obamacare is repealed. If the Democrats and our healthcare industry really want to save this program they need to start educating the public. Where are the adds telling us what we stand to lose? Millions are spent campaigning but no effort is made when it counts.
We are the only first world country who thinks health insurance is a luxury. Individualism only takes you so far. People would be a lot more productive and have a lot more money if healthcare wasn't a concern.
254
Actually, Medicare was fair, honest and well-designed from the get-go and always accepted by the public.
Mr. Leonhardt is lying in this article (talk about "fake news"!): Obamacare is not paid for by a "tax on the wealthy" but by forcing working class and middle class participants to pay very high premiums AND insane deductibles (or face huge fines). So it takes from the ordinary worker and gives to the poor or near-poor. The wealthy get off scot-free.
Mr. Leonardt refuses to talk about the high deductibles, that make Obamacare a joke and make it hated amongst the public. He, of course, has wonderful employer health care via the NYT.
Mr. Leonhardt is lying in this article (talk about "fake news"!): Obamacare is not paid for by a "tax on the wealthy" but by forcing working class and middle class participants to pay very high premiums AND insane deductibles (or face huge fines). So it takes from the ordinary worker and gives to the poor or near-poor. The wealthy get off scot-free.
Mr. Leonardt refuses to talk about the high deductibles, that make Obamacare a joke and make it hated amongst the public. He, of course, has wonderful employer health care via the NYT.
5
Concerned Citizen: your ignorance of the history of Medicare is profound. I am amazed you continue to put yourself out in front of the public with your may comments.
I challenge you to find one person within your circle of friends who has health insurance due to the provisions of the ACA. Please get back to us with the person's actual experience with the ACA. If you think high deductibles is a new problem you clearly don't remember what health insurance was like for Americans prior to the ACA.
How do you fund your medical care?
I challenge you to find one person within your circle of friends who has health insurance due to the provisions of the ACA. Please get back to us with the person's actual experience with the ACA. If you think high deductibles is a new problem you clearly don't remember what health insurance was like for Americans prior to the ACA.
How do you fund your medical care?
10
Get your head off Breitbart.com. Tax on the wealthy and on medical devices is paying for most subsidies. The rest is paid by around 15% of Obamacare users who do not get subsidies.
2
The people voted overwhelmingly for Republicans. They must learn by experiencing the consequences.
For my younger family migration to one of the other"first world" countries is the answer for us. Single payer systems costing half of what we pay and with better results. Canada is beckoning. Other advantages of emigration include real public support of education and a much reduced military budget. See ya!
For my younger family migration to one of the other"first world" countries is the answer for us. Single payer systems costing half of what we pay and with better results. Canada is beckoning. Other advantages of emigration include real public support of education and a much reduced military budget. See ya!
26
We don't know what "the people" voted for on a Congressional level. In the presidential election, they voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton, we do know that.
We need to take a break and eliminate gerrymandering, fake news, voter suppression, and the Electoral College. The next election would show what the people really want.
We need to take a break and eliminate gerrymandering, fake news, voter suppression, and the Electoral College. The next election would show what the people really want.
69
@Anne. Corporations rule. Single payer will never happen here; the medical industrial complex won't allow it. We will remain a warrior nation thanks to the military industrial complex, and charge mucho dinero and userous interest rates for higher education, The prison industrial complex is active and our response to climate change inadequate. The NRA will prevail.
So we're out of here. You think the people rule? You might reconsider.
So we're out of here. You think the people rule? You might reconsider.
4
Are you aware that if you are not a Canadian citizen, you will not be covered under their national health insurance system? You will need to purchase private health insurance if you move there. You will also have to file tax returns in both countries. The process for filing US tax returns regarding income and assets in foreign countries is quite burdensome, and expensive if you need to pay a tax preparer to do it. And if you are not independently wealthy or in possession of really unusual skills, getting a work visa will also present challenges, in Canada or pretty much anywhere else. Moving to another country not only leaves more vulnerable Americans behind, it's not even an option for most people.
Yes, it would be nice if that was what it was about. More probably it's about less taxes for GOP donors and finding how to "package" that so voters won't get the picture.
How can we make the subject what it should be about?