Look at the look on the face of Paul Ryan. I'm not given to violence nut I sure would like to.punch that look off his face.
56
The dog caught up with the car. Now what?
57
It's horrifyingly evident the Republicans are only concerned with appearance and re-election rather than lives and well-being. Their rabid opposition to ACA is merely branding and hate mongering. "We're the party of UN-Obama."
72
The proverbial dog has finally caught the car.
16
Where’s my TrumpCare? C’mon, where is it? I’ve been hearing about all these “much better plans we have, yes we do, we’re going to repeal and replace and it’s going to be fantastic, really fantastic!!” plans for a long, long time now, so where are they?
What a joke. And don’t even think about blaming any of this on Obama. All President Obama ever wanted was health care for people. It would have been nice if the Republicans were helpful with that, but they simply didn’t want it. The Republicans are very big on rewriting the past on the Affordable Care Act, saying they had a much better idea about how to do it. So where’s your big idea now?
Providing universal health care from birth is a given in civilized countries. That tells you a little bit about us, doesn’t it.
What a joke. And don’t even think about blaming any of this on Obama. All President Obama ever wanted was health care for people. It would have been nice if the Republicans were helpful with that, but they simply didn’t want it. The Republicans are very big on rewriting the past on the Affordable Care Act, saying they had a much better idea about how to do it. So where’s your big idea now?
Providing universal health care from birth is a given in civilized countries. That tells you a little bit about us, doesn’t it.
56
I believe the term for what Trump and the Republican legislators are embarking on is, a fool's errand.
18
If the Republicans had half a brain they would simply tweek the ACA and rename it to "Trump Care," and then claim victory.
19
This is what comes of allowing immature minded MEN to pull off their little boy spite tactics. This, they think women miss entirely. Men like Ryan and McConnell are Mommys' boys just like Donny Boy. Their mommies thought the sun shone only on their little boys heads. Too much sunshine on their now middle aged heads has caused brain damage.
Ryan and McConnell don't EVER bother to check out what is legally possible and what isn't. They shoot from their fat lips first and then ask questions later.
The stupidity is that the Republican Party, paid off by Koch and other billionaires has let money go to their heads. So, they angle for ways to keep those line item earmarks in corporate budgets that end up in their campaign troughs. They fool no one.
Instead of their obstructionist bully tactics from 2008 until 2016, these lazy little bums should have had their butts busy working to improve the ACA. But oh no. That would have been too too much like siding with the enemy: We, the People, of the United States.
They own this mess just as Senator Schumer has said. They are too immature to listen to reason and maybe it is time Mommies started to hand these little boys a "time out." Permanently.
Ryan and McConnell don't EVER bother to check out what is legally possible and what isn't. They shoot from their fat lips first and then ask questions later.
The stupidity is that the Republican Party, paid off by Koch and other billionaires has let money go to their heads. So, they angle for ways to keep those line item earmarks in corporate budgets that end up in their campaign troughs. They fool no one.
Instead of their obstructionist bully tactics from 2008 until 2016, these lazy little bums should have had their butts busy working to improve the ACA. But oh no. That would have been too too much like siding with the enemy: We, the People, of the United States.
They own this mess just as Senator Schumer has said. They are too immature to listen to reason and maybe it is time Mommies started to hand these little boys a "time out." Permanently.
59
'A spokesman for Mr. Cornyn said he “meant no one will lose access to coverage.” '
We all have access to BMW's Series 7, but few can afford the price.
We all have access to BMW's Series 7, but few can afford the price.
55
The risk for Republicans is that the backlash by people losing healthcare will be at the state level. BUT the Democrats seem so incompetent that after the "thrashing" they took (is this the second or third thrashing in an election?) they still can't agree even on a national DNC Chair.
9
Here's a concept Republicans - lie! Really, you are already good at it, use it to your advantage.
Keep Obamacare, offer price incentive and tax credits to make it affordable, cut a few onerous regulations, slip in a tax increase or two that no one can find while loudly repealing noticeable ones, and publicly and loudly rename it GOPcare. You can pay for it by not funding an idiot border wall.
If you just repeal the ACA you *will* cut off access to healthcare for tens of millions of people, and you *will not* solve the problem of health policies being too costly for people in middle to upper incomes.
So lie. Make a whole bunch of Facebook memes and Breitbart stories about how much better Gopcare is and run with it. It has worked so far for everything else.
Keep Obamacare, offer price incentive and tax credits to make it affordable, cut a few onerous regulations, slip in a tax increase or two that no one can find while loudly repealing noticeable ones, and publicly and loudly rename it GOPcare. You can pay for it by not funding an idiot border wall.
If you just repeal the ACA you *will* cut off access to healthcare for tens of millions of people, and you *will not* solve the problem of health policies being too costly for people in middle to upper incomes.
So lie. Make a whole bunch of Facebook memes and Breitbart stories about how much better Gopcare is and run with it. It has worked so far for everything else.
17
Elections are never far away. Republican lawmakers had better start agonizing in public, tweets be damned.
11
This is what happens when ignorant ideologues elect ignorant sociopaths (AKA Republicans) into office.
44
Republicans have had 6 years to come up with an alternative plan. Literally 6 years. With all that time they should have been ready on day one to repeal and replace. Trump was not crazy on this point. You had six years to come up with a plan and you still have nothing! C'mon man!
48
Oh, I am loving this. The phrase, "You made the bed, now lie in it", comes to mind. But the Democrats have the name wrong. It's not TrumpCare. It's "Trump's Care", which gets shortened to TrumpScare.
19
If you "campaign in poetry and govern in prose," these guys couldn't write a grocery list. They want market-driven care and plan to catastrophically disrupt the insurance market. Many, if not most of them do not appear to understand the economic dynamics of health insurance and shared risk. They let their spite for President Obama get in the way of actually doing the job they were elected to do: governing.
They need a leader with some spine to call out the nonsense. "Access" is not "coverage." Everybody has "access" now: We call it the Emergency Department; the most expensive form of "access" in the system. They have created this mess and won't accept help in resolving it. "Rescue party" indeed!
If you don't have a mandate then you need a lot of cash to offset the effects of adverse selection. Or...gasp...you could offer Medicaid as universal coverage. Call it Trumpcare if that makes you happy. But as the bumper sticker says, "Lead, follow or get out of the way."
They need a leader with some spine to call out the nonsense. "Access" is not "coverage." Everybody has "access" now: We call it the Emergency Department; the most expensive form of "access" in the system. They have created this mess and won't accept help in resolving it. "Rescue party" indeed!
If you don't have a mandate then you need a lot of cash to offset the effects of adverse selection. Or...gasp...you could offer Medicaid as universal coverage. Call it Trumpcare if that makes you happy. But as the bumper sticker says, "Lead, follow or get out of the way."
37
The "free market" ideology comes first. Your health and your life are a distant second.
14
What's the problem Republicans? Your Dear Leader has decreed that the ACA will be repealed and swiftly replaced with "something terrific".
Reality can be a harsh concept.
Reality can be a harsh concept.
21
It's nice to see the Republicanshousted on their own petard
7
"Access" a code word for doubletalk. Access to what? To inexpensive plans that do not cover major health issues, like the plans that were available prior to the ACA. I sincerely hope NYS will have a plan to cover all New Yorkers should the ACA be repealed and replaced with "access for all"
10
Republicans should swallow their pride and ask Hillary Clinton how to fix ACA, starting with reading the fact sheet she published before the election: an actual plan. Then invite her to Congress for nuts and bolts legislative action solutions- she is such a patriot she'd probably show up.
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2016/07/09/hillary-cl...
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2016/07/09/hillary-cl...
28
I'm inclined to believe the words of that White House leaker who claims that not only does Trump have no clue how to "repeal and replace" the ACA (aka Obamacare) but Trump still doesn't even understand what a high risk pool is.
And people voted for this guy?!
And people voted for this guy?!
27
“No one who has coverage because of Obamacare today will lose that coverage,” Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, said on Jan. 10.
If you like your health insurance, you can keep it!
If you like your health insurance, you can keep it!
7
We the people should demand that all members of Congress cede their heath and retirement benefit privileges immediately! Medicare for all...it's simple if maximizing profits isn't the end game.
40
This is based upon a recording "obtained by the New York Times." What does that mean? Secretly recorded? A Russian spy? I doubt that it was an authorized recording of a session "behind closed doors." And the rest of the story is of course based on sources unwilling to be named. Why should I believe any of this? This is not "crusading journalism," more like eavesdropping.
1
We will give everybody access to health care. That's what was in place before. Anybody was free to walk into a doctor's office or medical clinic. That's what access means... Now, will everybody be covered? "Oh look, my Boston Terrier's name is Lily."
5
You have to be kidding, Ryan wasn't listening to Trump's inaugural speech. That smirk on Ryan's face says, "someday he is going to fall, going to fall big time, and I am going to be there, with a big shovel to scoop up the pieces." And the new GOP medical healthcare plan known as TrumpCare will not pay for the funeral costs.
5
As always follow the money. All the republicans want to do it end the ACA tax on the wealthy. As soon as they figure out how to do without being too obvious they'll roll out their plan
5
I ish I could wipe that sickening, smug smile off the face of that sickening, smug Paul Ryan. Someday he'll realize what his weasels got has gotten us into. Maybe not until his deathbed, though.
8
I'm a little confused. Didn't the President tell us that the replacement plan was nearly complete? This doesn't sound like they've even started crafting a plan.
14
There are only ever two things that republicans agonize over.
1. Will they ever get caught ?
2. When they do, will it affect them getting re-elected ?
1. Will they ever get caught ?
2. When they do, will it affect them getting re-elected ?
15
I recently had a conversation with one of those 'low information voters' about entitlements, which she is, of course, against. She doesn't want us to become a "communist country". When I mentioned what she was referring to were socialist-like programs, and we've had them for many decades, she was infuriated...however didn't want anything to get in the way of her Social Security or Medicare "Keep you damn government hands off my Medicare" is their mantra. It's called people unclear on the concept...
...and in that regard, she grouped Food Stamps in the entitlement basket. When I suggested that they were not really 'entitlements' but rather social programs to help the less fortunate, that didn't matter...we just shouldn't help those 'takers' who can't afford to feed themselves or their families.
That all is what we're dealing with these days. What a country.
...and in that regard, she grouped Food Stamps in the entitlement basket. When I suggested that they were not really 'entitlements' but rather social programs to help the less fortunate, that didn't matter...we just shouldn't help those 'takers' who can't afford to feed themselves or their families.
That all is what we're dealing with these days. What a country.
16
the problem is that the GOP has, for the past 40 years, been more and arguably solely invested in warring against Democrats, for war's sake. I have long believed that the main reason they reject climate change is because it was Al Gore who brought the issue to the world. Same with health care. It's because it was a Democrat's policy. Had a Republican president created the ACA, they'd be calling him the new FDR and it great legislation.
The GOP cares more about crushing Democrats for political reasons than they do about the wellbeing of the country. Witness the Benghazi Attack. While Democrats rallied behind Pres. Bush after 9/11, despite the recent very bitter decision by the Supreme Court, Republicans immediately set about trying to destroy Pres. Obama and Hillary Clinton over Benghazi, using an attack on American interests as a cudgel against the president and SOS. Look at what they did to Pres. Bill Clinton. Until the GOP wrests itself from its post-Watergate rage against Democrats, nothing is going to change. They are like a divorcing parent who would rather kill the children to make the other spouse pay than get along for the sake of the children.
The GOP cares more about crushing Democrats for political reasons than they do about the wellbeing of the country. Witness the Benghazi Attack. While Democrats rallied behind Pres. Bush after 9/11, despite the recent very bitter decision by the Supreme Court, Republicans immediately set about trying to destroy Pres. Obama and Hillary Clinton over Benghazi, using an attack on American interests as a cudgel against the president and SOS. Look at what they did to Pres. Bill Clinton. Until the GOP wrests itself from its post-Watergate rage against Democrats, nothing is going to change. They are like a divorcing parent who would rather kill the children to make the other spouse pay than get along for the sake of the children.
15
The GOP has to know that their POTUS is not a reflective person who also pays little attention to details. They didn't play their cards right and now are stuck with him. But would Pence or Ryan have plans which would fare better? I don't think so from what both have stated in the past. Can the GOP stand up to their president?
8
Note the smug smile on House Speaker Ryan's face in the picture that accompanies this article. A look of agony? Looks more like the face of a happy dog seen rolling in fecal matter on a lawn.
16
Dismantling the ACA will be the GOP's white whale because they've promised something they cannot possibly deliver. You cannot prvide affordable, credible coverage to everyone without compelling everyone to participate. It's really that simple. Within a year, were going to see horror stories in the media of people denied coverage, hospital ERs bleeding red ink, and medical bankruptcies.
16
Ryan and McConnell and the GOP were caught with their pants down when Trump was elected. They had an easy path ahead if HRC was elected, continue the political attacks on the ACA while posturing that they have a better plan. Surprise!
This leak confirms what many Americans have suspected. The GOP has no plan. Lots of concern behind closed doors about future elections, destabilizing insurance markets. But they're playing around with the health and lives of all Americans.
Your big moment is here, GOP. Time to show vision and leadership. You own this, American lives are at stake.
This leak confirms what many Americans have suspected. The GOP has no plan. Lots of concern behind closed doors about future elections, destabilizing insurance markets. But they're playing around with the health and lives of all Americans.
Your big moment is here, GOP. Time to show vision and leadership. You own this, American lives are at stake.
19
So after 7yrs their Alternate Plan is feigned Sympathy?
Not complaining, just an observation; for I believe it's All they can muster:)
Not complaining, just an observation; for I believe it's All they can muster:)
3
Is there a path for 'replace & repeal' that dovetails with Herr Trump's pronouncements, content and timeline ? If so, can that legislative effort produce the results to satisfy or will this be strung out like salt water taffy?
3
Trumpcare is going to be the biggest disaster. Self interest of the GOP over care for the people who voted them in. Their voters elected them mindlessly, like pigs going to a slaughter market. However, pigs have a little more intelligence than humans, they at least sense danger. History bound to repeat itself, every nation has its rise and fall and the fall starts with trump and his idiotic policies embraced by the GOP - in public.
5
Note how "none of the newly-insured will lose coverage" suddenly becomes "none of the newly-insured will lose coverage overnight", or even more deviously, "none of the newly-insured will lose access to coverage". This slippery Republican rhetorical tactic is designed to reassure the frightened and gullible --- but of course their fate will depend on the definition of "access". My guess is it means "if you can afford it, you can get it" --- which was of course the case before the ACA.
10
It does seem odd that given that the GOP led house voted numerous time to repeal the ACA, that no one formulated a plan that would serve as a replacement.
They are playing a dangerous game of Jenga, and as they work to remove some pieces while fretting about keeping others, the whole thing is likely to collapse.
That's not leadership; that's incompetence.
They are playing a dangerous game of Jenga, and as they work to remove some pieces while fretting about keeping others, the whole thing is likely to collapse.
That's not leadership; that's incompetence.
11
Let's call this "Republican Russian Roulette." At some point, they'll be forced to pull the trigger. The Republicans in the photo are praying that the gun doesn't go off.
The Democrats couldn't reform healthcare at all in 1993-94, and it was the main reason they lost control of Congress. Then, the Democrats gave the country the ACA in 2009-10, and the ACA, though popular with some, lacked the kind of universal popularity of Medicare. The Democrats lost control of Congress again.
Republicans know the lessons of 1994 and 2010 all too well. And those lessons are scaring the heck out of them. Rightly so. I'm tempted to root for them to fail, but I know that failure will mean that many people will suffer and some will die. I can only hope that the Republicans give us something better than the ACA. But it's a long shot.
The Democrats couldn't reform healthcare at all in 1993-94, and it was the main reason they lost control of Congress. Then, the Democrats gave the country the ACA in 2009-10, and the ACA, though popular with some, lacked the kind of universal popularity of Medicare. The Democrats lost control of Congress again.
Republicans know the lessons of 1994 and 2010 all too well. And those lessons are scaring the heck out of them. Rightly so. I'm tempted to root for them to fail, but I know that failure will mean that many people will suffer and some will die. I can only hope that the Republicans give us something better than the ACA. But it's a long shot.
5
The price tag for the over 50 attempts to repeal the ACA and no viable GOP replacement; somebody come up with the Estimate cost to the tax payer for just that.
7
How about the same healthcare for every American that every member of Congress enjoys for life?
13
Obama spent majority of his political capital on ACA and thus was less effective in dealing with other issues in the last 6 years. It will be unfortunate if this does get repealed. On a positive note, ACA has forced Republicans hand to deal with healthcare issue one way or the other. If not for ACA, Republicans would never have touched this most important healthcare crisis in the US. And now they have cornered themselves to do something and invest their political capital. They now will have to either take credit or the blame for what will soon be Trumpcare!!
5
They're worse than ridiculous. They've had six or seven years to come up with an alternative plan, and what do they come up with? Zilch. Which begs the question: Why do they get paid? Each one of them should be head-slapped out of office. They would be of more use to the nation if they cleaned the public restrooms along our interstate highways. My God. Since they're madly determined not to improve the ACA but rather kill it, you'd think they'd at least reach back into the past and pull up Richard Nixon's Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan, or CHIP, which Tricky Dick--positively Mother Teresa-like compared with these batch of reptiles--presented to the Congress in 1974. Mr. "I Am Not a Crook" at least wanted affordable health insurance for every American. CHIP never went anywhere, but what they hay: today's GOP could snatch it from the wastebasket, try to blend it with the ACA, and throw it out there. At least they'd be showing us something instead of absolutely nothing.
7
The GOP is just like the dog that spent years chasing the car, but one day catches it and realizes it doesn't know how to drive.
5
They're not agonizing about making sure humans get health care they are agonizing about political fall out. There is a big difference.
12
"Healing in America", T.R. Reid's tome on how to fix healthcare waqs widely read and promoted on how to move forward in the US just prior to Obama's first election. I recommend reading up on what Reid had to say, and apply it today.
Healthcare for all.
Healthcare for all.
4
The Republicants continually expose what despicable hypocrites they are.
Yet about half of Americans either are too ignorant to see it, or too immoral to care.
- I'm tired of being called an "politically-correct elitist librul," with the L-word spit out as if it's as loathesome as the N-word.
- I'm tired of being called "elitist," when actually what we're trying to do is provide healthcare to a bunch of yahoos who complain about govt handouts but gladly accept their food stamps ad welfare checks.
- I'm tired of being called "politically-correct" while the Rublicants clearly sell out their own moral values just to poltically appease certain constituencies.
- I'm tired of hearing uneducated hicks say that they support the Affordable Care Act but that they hate Obamacare.
- I'm tired of being told that we've "been divisive" while readers of Faux News have been writing disgusting things about the Obamas and the Clintons for the past eight years. (e.g. calling them Odumbo, Ni&&ers, Mooschelle, Hildebeast, KKKlinton, Kun*on, etc.)
I'm tired taking the high road. I'm tired of putting up with their ignorance, intoleraqnce, amorality, and hypocrisy. I'm tired of caring about people who hate me.
They elected tRump, who has destroyed any sense of truth and civility in public discourse. Fine. Let's hold up a mirror to them. Let's take off the boxing gloves, and start talking and behaving like they have been. It's time to stop being reasonable, and start fighting back.
Yet about half of Americans either are too ignorant to see it, or too immoral to care.
- I'm tired of being called an "politically-correct elitist librul," with the L-word spit out as if it's as loathesome as the N-word.
- I'm tired of being called "elitist," when actually what we're trying to do is provide healthcare to a bunch of yahoos who complain about govt handouts but gladly accept their food stamps ad welfare checks.
- I'm tired of being called "politically-correct" while the Rublicants clearly sell out their own moral values just to poltically appease certain constituencies.
- I'm tired of hearing uneducated hicks say that they support the Affordable Care Act but that they hate Obamacare.
- I'm tired of being told that we've "been divisive" while readers of Faux News have been writing disgusting things about the Obamas and the Clintons for the past eight years. (e.g. calling them Odumbo, Ni&&ers, Mooschelle, Hildebeast, KKKlinton, Kun*on, etc.)
I'm tired taking the high road. I'm tired of putting up with their ignorance, intoleraqnce, amorality, and hypocrisy. I'm tired of caring about people who hate me.
They elected tRump, who has destroyed any sense of truth and civility in public discourse. Fine. Let's hold up a mirror to them. Let's take off the boxing gloves, and start talking and behaving like they have been. It's time to stop being reasonable, and start fighting back.
13
Golly, governing is much harder than opposing, and not nearly as much fun.
12
Interesting photo accompanying the story. Is the smirking Ryan thinking "it's going to be easier to impeach this guy than I originally thought."
8
Republicans carried out a scorched earth policy regarding Democrats during President Obama's terms. Now they want cooperation? They did everything they could to make his administration seem illegitimate and for him to seem not even American.
Payback is as American as Hiroshima.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
Payback is as American as Hiroshima.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
5
CLIP: "Republicans revealed that they understood the predicament they had largely created for themselves."
Unless something changed in the history of the ACA this was a program that was signed into law solely by the Democrats with not one Republican vote. It was also signed into law without anyone reading what they were forcing on the public. My insurance cost has gone up every year since the ACA has become law. Someone needs to reign in the insurance companies because the Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable.
Unless something changed in the history of the ACA this was a program that was signed into law solely by the Democrats with not one Republican vote. It was also signed into law without anyone reading what they were forcing on the public. My insurance cost has gone up every year since the ACA has become law. Someone needs to reign in the insurance companies because the Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable.
These clowns tried for eight years to block or repeal Obamacare and still don't have an alternative plan!!
Says a lot about their motives and competence.
Says a lot about their motives and competence.
4
There is one bipartisan aspect in this, which is that Congress has arranged for itself a health insurance program that most Americans could not dream about. If this is true, has anyone heard a good reason for it? They do it because they can? Why doesn't this get more attention?
7
Republican Congressmen have known this for years. During that time they attacked President Obama by withholding any effort to improve the ACA or honestly give alternatives. American citizens have been wronged by these politicians willing to endorse alternative truth to gain power. Sadly we are about to be mistreated again.
7
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, and now the opposition to the Affordable Healthcare Act will get to put their money where their mouth is. How's it working for you so far folks? As my uncle was fond of saying, 'it's a lot of fun being the clown until you got to run the circus.'
6
Am I wrong to be enjoying this too much? Between this, and the wall, and banning brown people, I hope they choke on their delusional ideas.
6
Wake up Republicans. Planting seeds of healing and good health will never flourish when coming from a place of hating a black man.
3
It's only day 8. Republicans are acting like scolded dogs who have gone to the corner with their tails between their legs. Perhaps they will realize that they are not naughty, they just have an abusive master. Come on, you are in the majority! Growl back!
2
I know the photo is unrelated to the article, but it doesn't seem to me that congressional weasel Paul Ryan is especially agonized--he appears to be his smug, complacent self, as always. (Mitch McConnell on the other hand looks positively shell-shocked!)
4
I have a single hope for Donald Trump: he manages to blow up and wreck forever the Republican parties' last few decades or orthodox idiocy. With ACA, their position starts and stops with:
government social welfare program = BAD
government intervention in "free" market = BAD
But, enter Trump: "hey, I like the idea of not excluding pre-existing conditions; hey, not discriminating against people because they are sick sounds right..."
This ain't rocket science -- large employer sponsored plans work because, guess what, they include all ages and health conditions, and, guess what, young healthy people's premiums pay for the old/sick.
Unless prevented from doing so by law, in the individual marketplace, insurers will do whatever they can to reduce risk and increase profits, and that means....denying coverage to the sick, excluding pre-existing conditions, and discriminating against the sick by charging higher premiums.
Duh.
And the few Republicans who aren't braindead after drinking the idiocy Kool Aide for so long and have the courage to speak up (or care about people who need help...) are pointing out that their hollowed "free" market approach will create a bloody mess.
government social welfare program = BAD
government intervention in "free" market = BAD
But, enter Trump: "hey, I like the idea of not excluding pre-existing conditions; hey, not discriminating against people because they are sick sounds right..."
This ain't rocket science -- large employer sponsored plans work because, guess what, they include all ages and health conditions, and, guess what, young healthy people's premiums pay for the old/sick.
Unless prevented from doing so by law, in the individual marketplace, insurers will do whatever they can to reduce risk and increase profits, and that means....denying coverage to the sick, excluding pre-existing conditions, and discriminating against the sick by charging higher premiums.
Duh.
And the few Republicans who aren't braindead after drinking the idiocy Kool Aide for so long and have the courage to speak up (or care about people who need help...) are pointing out that their hollowed "free" market approach will create a bloody mess.
6
The GOP never had a sketchy plan.
Now that the onus is upon them, it's clear they don't have a clue.
Now that the onus is upon them, it's clear they don't have a clue.
3
I don't thing the GOP agonizes over anything except maybe where they are going to eat lunch.
4
Much as I enjoy reading thoughtful comments to good journalism, we are "preaching to the choir" here. Take pen in hand and write to every accountable legislator you can. Let them know reelection depends on it--the economics and ethical issues don't count for much with this group.
8
Please stop giving credence to Republican’s calling the Obamacare replacement “Trumpcare.” Republican’s handed us that moniker for the ACA as a monumental act of disrespect for the nation’s first black president. That replacement needs to be called “Republicare” to constantly remind us of the folks who have embarked on their mission to wantonly harm 20 million + citizens currently covered by the ACA.
10
A bunch of lying hypocrites. I have access to a lot of things I can't afford. This country is in for real dark times.
9
A "policy retreat"? Looks more like the start of a headlong flight.
They may pray (as in the photo) that heir (no doubt) Republican Deity will rescue them from their dilemma, but they themselves seem powerless to rescue themselves from the disaster their blind obedience to Trump has led them into.
Their choices now is starkly simple, Stick with the T rump WH as it crashes in flames, or bail out while they can. It looks like at least some of them realize this. They've got to decide which. And soon.
They may pray (as in the photo) that heir (no doubt) Republican Deity will rescue them from their dilemma, but they themselves seem powerless to rescue themselves from the disaster their blind obedience to Trump has led them into.
Their choices now is starkly simple, Stick with the T rump WH as it crashes in flames, or bail out while they can. It looks like at least some of them realize this. They've got to decide which. And soon.
3
Just as Obamacare passed with no Republican votes, any "Trumpcare" should have no Democratic support. The Republicans must fully own the unworkable and disruptive health care system they plan to enact.
11
"An audio recording of a session at their annual retreat, obtained by The New York Times, shows Republicans in disarray,"
I would certainly like to read more about this "audio recording" that was obtained by the New York Times and was "first reported on by The Washington Post." Was it a secret recording done without the Republican's permission? Was it an illegal recording done "in their private session"? Was it a recording that the Republicans wanted to be released?
I feel that these are all important questions that need answers and should be important especially to those who were more concerned with where certain emails came from and who released them as opposed to what was contained within those emails.
I would certainly like to read more about this "audio recording" that was obtained by the New York Times and was "first reported on by The Washington Post." Was it a secret recording done without the Republican's permission? Was it an illegal recording done "in their private session"? Was it a recording that the Republicans wanted to be released?
I feel that these are all important questions that need answers and should be important especially to those who were more concerned with where certain emails came from and who released them as opposed to what was contained within those emails.
1
The pickle they find themselves in is that many of their constituents are receiving subsidies for health care yet support Trump and the "free market" approach to all things. You can't have it both ways.
2
The smug look on Paul Ryan's face makes me want to throw up. He sits there all holier than thou with his platinum healthcare provided by us, the taxpayers. Meanwhile the majority of American's are on pins and needles waiting to hear when our healthcare will go away to be replaced when and with what who knows. How about we use that 15 billion for Trump's ineffective wall to provide health care for ALL!
4
Their ineptness is actually driving us closer to universal care.
5
Why don't they do the right thing and admit they were wrong about the ACA. Wouldn't they get more credibility with their precious "base"? (There used to be some value in admitting one was wrong!) And wouldn't it show everyone else that quite possibly they are compassionate human beings?
I am not holding my breath here, and I am taking small pleasure watching them slither and squirm in the swamp they created for themselves.
I am not holding my breath here, and I am taking small pleasure watching them slither and squirm in the swamp they created for themselves.
3
In a way, Trump has called the GOP's bluff. The Republicans' goal was never to replace the ACA with anything, but simply to revert back to an extreme free-market approach without a care for the millions of people who would fall out through the cracks in the system.
Hey, the GOP had gotten away with it for decades before the ACA, they could do it again. They would line their pockets with campaign contributions, and they would secure themselves cushy consulting gigs in the health insurance industry or in big pharma later in their careers.
But Trump's populism and wild promises of free health care for all (with no idea on how to pay for it) has scuppered their plans. Now the GOP are exposed for what they are - lying, duplicitous hypocrites whose real goals never had anything to do with improving health care for the American population.
I hope they'll pay the price at the next mid-terms.
Hey, the GOP had gotten away with it for decades before the ACA, they could do it again. They would line their pockets with campaign contributions, and they would secure themselves cushy consulting gigs in the health insurance industry or in big pharma later in their careers.
But Trump's populism and wild promises of free health care for all (with no idea on how to pay for it) has scuppered their plans. Now the GOP are exposed for what they are - lying, duplicitous hypocrites whose real goals never had anything to do with improving health care for the American population.
I hope they'll pay the price at the next mid-terms.
9
The market did not allow people of modest means to get coverage that they could afford, hence the ACA. What makes the Republicans so sure that it will work now? Why don't they just give everyone access under a Universal Health care plan. Me thinks that the real reason they are trying to repeal the law is because their own health insurance coverage is at risk.
2
The national Republicans can't do what they've promised, so they won't. Duh. They'll do something else, perhaps deflect a lot of their responsibility down to the states and let it die there, perhaps have a few token national programs. We can't know specifics yet - they don't know yet. All we can know is that people will suffer and the Republicans will lie about it. Nothing can be done about that. But the Democrats can prepare to use the suffering.
They could be planning & preparing to actually fight, to shove the Republican's results and lies where the sun don't shine using data (graphs) & specific stories from people's lives. To expose the failure of the particular American system of health care persistently & relentlessly and prepare the way for its real replacement with something better. But that isn't gonna happen. Is it?
They could be planning & preparing to actually fight, to shove the Republican's results and lies where the sun don't shine using data (graphs) & specific stories from people's lives. To expose the failure of the particular American system of health care persistently & relentlessly and prepare the way for its real replacement with something better. But that isn't gonna happen. Is it?
5
Trumpcare? I believe after 60+ "Repeal and Replace" bills passed by Republicans, whatever they come up with - some patchwork of do-nothing plans that is "coverage in name only" - it will be called Republicare! They will most likely put something together that is essentially catastrophic health insurance and people will remember what it was like to have real coverage under the ACA. The problem is most people don't believe in "you get what you pay for" (subsidies or not) and can't figure out why Republicare is cheaper. What happened to my preventive care, my annual checkups, my drug coverage, no cap or limit, no pre-existing conditions, ..... And why can my insurance company keep a much larger percentage of my premium dollars that were not spent on actual healthcare?
The fix for the ACA is to put real teeth into the penalties for not carrying health insurance - force people to join the risk pool. The more people paying into the risk pool the lower premiums will be. Basic actuarial stuff! But Republicans - the party of business - don't understand this and just join the whiners...."Why are premiums so high?"
The fix for the ACA is to put real teeth into the penalties for not carrying health insurance - force people to join the risk pool. The more people paying into the risk pool the lower premiums will be. Basic actuarial stuff! But Republicans - the party of business - don't understand this and just join the whiners...."Why are premiums so high?"
4
Who is the GOP's constituency--Donald Trump, themselves or the people they serve? The answer is simple. If they stop putting winning elections before helping people, they will help people and win elections. Instead of building a stupid wall--shades of the Berlin Wall--and invest in saving lives--we will all be the better for it. Please, someone in the GOP--grow a spine and stand up to the mad man in the WH.
4
I'm confused. Isn't this good news that Republicans want to ensure the people who now have insurance keep it? Assuming that what is important is those people who now have insurance and not the partisan resentment of people who don't like Republicans this seems to me to be a good story.
2
Hmm. Nice backpedal from "everyone gets coverage" to "everyone has access to coverage." Neatly glosses over the questions of whether said access includes coverage with both premiums and deductibles that are actually affordable. If you're making $50k per year and your premiums are $12k with a $6k deductible, that is essentially not "access" to insurance at all. Unless, of course, it is heavily subsidized by the government. And I think we all know the Republican opinion on that topic. And if plans are not required by law to cover a specific chronic condition you might have, even if you somehow manage to come pay the premiums and deductibles, you are still getting nothing for it.
7
The grand plan appears to be that Republicans should say in speeches that everyone will have insurance. Everyone applauds and waits for the amazing low-cost, market-based insurance for *everyone* without mandates to buy it. Then aides can backtrack and say, "what we meant was universal ACCESS." This word choice only fools the gullible. We all have universal access to Tiffany diamonds. It's not a matter of access, it's a matter of affordability.
5
As the Republicans shift the goal from universal coverage to universal access, remember that Americans already have universal access to diamonds.
8
Let's go back to the good old days of the pre-existing condition trap, the kids out of college without a job trap, the un-insurability trap, the need to hang on to a bad job for the health insurance rather than risk a change trap.
Let's define healthcare as a drag on the economy rather than the basis of prosperity. Let's let people get sicker and sicker and then spend a fortune trying to repair the damage once they are rolled into the emergency room or they hit medicare. Let's give poor kids mediocre healthcare and exhort them to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.
Go for it trumpsters - give it your best shot.
Let's define healthcare as a drag on the economy rather than the basis of prosperity. Let's let people get sicker and sicker and then spend a fortune trying to repair the damage once they are rolled into the emergency room or they hit medicare. Let's give poor kids mediocre healthcare and exhort them to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps.
Go for it trumpsters - give it your best shot.
7
I hope they are agonizing and soul-searching and squirming painfully not just as Republicans but as human beings. I hope they are ashamed. I hope all those who are professed Christians or Jews or any other religion are fearing the wrath of their God. Because they are killing people as surely as if they were "radical Islamist terrorists" mowing down innocent people in a nightclub or steering a airplane into an office tower. To make their capitalist cronies richer and maintain their capitalist ideology, they are causing good hard-working people of modest means to suffer pain and ignore symptoms of cancer and heart disease until it's too late for successful treatment. They are not "dying the streets" but in their homes and workplaces. If they are not thinking about how to provide necessary, basic, and life-saving medical care to ALL citizens, they deserve the agony.
9
If Obamacare has really been the "disaster" that Trump and the other craven Republican liars have been telling us it is, then what is there to agonize about? Now that they can repeal this "disaster" without the inconvenience of having Pres. Obama (my God, do I miss him) veto the bill, then they should repeal it. I mean, it's not as if they don't know how; they've written legislation to do it more than 60 times since 2010.
Could it be that Trump and Ryan and McConnell and all the other Republicans were lying to us when they claimed to believe that Obamacare was a disaster? Could it be that the single solitary thing they disliked about Obamacare was the "Obama" part?
Could it be that Trump and Ryan and McConnell and all the other Republicans were lying to us when they claimed to believe that Obamacare was a disaster? Could it be that the single solitary thing they disliked about Obamacare was the "Obama" part?
18
"Republicans say they can get the same results for less money and without a statutory mandate that most Americans have insurance."
This can't be done.
This can't be done.
7
The country can't afford universal healthcare but taxpayers will fund an absurdist wall. Also Paul Ryan seems to have become heir to the Smirk.
6
people like republicans don't "agonize." especially over something that affects other people; that's called empathy, a value anathema to republicans.
6
Let me suggest that the Republicans forfeiting their own health care coverage be included as a part of Trumpcare.
Let's see these courageous leaders lead by example.
Let's see these courageous leaders lead by example.
10
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, the leaders of the Dysfunctional Do Nothing Obstructionists Republican Congress have voted umpteen times to repeal The Affordable Healthcare Act (Obama Care) since it's inception, have been critical and berating it in public, yet all the while there are many more success stories and life saving results than anything the GOP can use to demonize it.
It's been about 7 years since the GOP has been beating this dead horse of repeal, but in all that time one would think that they could have expended just a little of that energy in developing a comprehensive plan to improve it and make replacing it easy.........not even close, as is true to form with the GOP they blow a lot of hot air, but have never spent the time to do the heavy lifting and hard word that the President Obama did to come up with a plan to help 20 to 30 previously uninsured people of this country.
This is something the media, press and Democrats should not budge on or let the GOP off lightly, unless Trump and the Republican's come up with a plan that will improve and as Trump said provide insurance for anyone that wants it, NOT access, but provide it, then it should be a none starter.
It's been about 7 years since the GOP has been beating this dead horse of repeal, but in all that time one would think that they could have expended just a little of that energy in developing a comprehensive plan to improve it and make replacing it easy.........not even close, as is true to form with the GOP they blow a lot of hot air, but have never spent the time to do the heavy lifting and hard word that the President Obama did to come up with a plan to help 20 to 30 previously uninsured people of this country.
This is something the media, press and Democrats should not budge on or let the GOP off lightly, unless Trump and the Republican's come up with a plan that will improve and as Trump said provide insurance for anyone that wants it, NOT access, but provide it, then it should be a none starter.
2
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, the leaders of the Dysfunctional Do Nothing Obstructionists Republican Congress have voted umpteen times to repeal The Affordable Healthcare Act (Obama Care) since it's inception, have been critical and berating it in public, yet all the while there are many more success stories and life saving results than anything the GOP can use to demonize it.
It's been about 7 years since the GOP has been beating this dead horse of repeal, but in all that time one would think that they could have expended just a little of that energy in developing a comprehensive plan to improve it and make replacing it easy.........not even close, as is true to form with the GOP they blow a lot of hot air, but have never spent the time to do the heavy lifting and hard word that the President Obama did to come up with a plan to help 20 to 30 previously uninsured people of this country.
This is something the media, press and Democrats should not budge on or let the GOP off lightly, unless Trump and the Republican's come up with a plan that will improve and as Trump said provide insurance for anyone that wants it, NOT access, but provide it, then it should be a none starter.
It's been about 7 years since the GOP has been beating this dead horse of repeal, but in all that time one would think that they could have expended just a little of that energy in developing a comprehensive plan to improve it and make replacing it easy.........not even close, as is true to form with the GOP they blow a lot of hot air, but have never spent the time to do the heavy lifting and hard word that the President Obama did to come up with a plan to help 20 to 30 previously uninsured people of this country.
This is something the media, press and Democrats should not budge on or let the GOP off lightly, unless Trump and the Republican's come up with a plan that will improve and as Trump said provide insurance for anyone that wants it, NOT access, but provide it, then it should be a none starter.
7
We have packaged health care into a profitable business segment. Remember the Pentagon's $300 toilet seat and $50 screw driver? Well those ridiculous mark ups are common place in the health care industry from hospital administration, brokers fees and medical devices services and a $14 aspirin. Some medical device companies have over 60% profit margin - Apple Computer would be in awe! There is plenty of money to be saved- but nobody is willing to settle for a smaller slice of pie. The DEMS and REPUBS are both controlled by these lobbies. There will never be any magical bi-partisan compromise or radical reform. The system we have now works but we will run out of money in 2-3 years without major reform. A huge fall is on the horizon and both parties are on the hook.
2
There goal for the last 8 years was not to help the American people but to neutralize President Obama. Well he is gone, we have a new GOP "president" who has promised great health care for everyone. He also promised to build a wall which cost 15 billion, and to rebuild our infrastructure and military. Seems the only one the GOP has a problem with is health care for all, the one that will not make their pals richer. so much for the American people!!
1
In their cold and malignant hearts, the republican lawmakers have no room for empathy, just self-preservation.
1
"Insurance" is the revenue side of health care, not the delivery side, and it is a very inefficient way to raise money for a pay as you go system.
1
Get rid of the mandate and subsidies: big insurance companies hate losing people that pay. You stepped in it! Corporate masters want their profits. Republicans must keep them happy and try to not take away affordable insurance for millions. Good luck improving ACA, suckers. The penalties for not having insurance should have been much higher from the beginning and subsidies more generous. Or, OMG, we may get single payer which is the bogeyman of the Rep party! I'm enjoying this squirming!
5
Republicans don't "agonize" over the problems of real people. They may be worried about future elections, but if they and Trump have their way, there may not be any of those to worry about.
4
In the full light of dayside revealed the total partisanship of the republicans. They are now the 'death panel' for the entire nation. No wonder they pray at the beginning of the meeting.
2
The rolling dumpster fire rolls on, no one with the courage or skills or stature to put it out. Dems, make these weasels own the disaster that no one rouses to stop.
4
The greatest "win" of Obamacare: Americans now expect government to provide access to affordable care. Can't repeal an expectation!
1
They gerrymander districts to ensure only Republicans can get elected to the House; they do nothing but say No to Obama for eight years and vote against Medicare; now it's weasel words saying we meant "access" to all, not that all would be covered. What's next?
3
The Republicans are trapped by their own propaganda. For the past eight years they've told lies about "Obamacare" and now they need to come up with a workable alternative. That's pretty hard to do when you're lost track of reality.
I'm 70 years old and was a 4th-generation Republican. I can no longer support a political party that's lost all sense of reality. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have proved over and over that they put party and power above the interests of the nation. What can any rational human being say about an ill-informed and puerile Donald Trump. God save America (please).
I'm 70 years old and was a 4th-generation Republican. I can no longer support a political party that's lost all sense of reality. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have proved over and over that they put party and power above the interests of the nation. What can any rational human being say about an ill-informed and puerile Donald Trump. God save America (please).
8
And while the GOP struggles, like the dog that finally catches the car, with replacement beyond repeal, President Trump and other Republicans make matters worse for their party by uttering reassurances that have no grounds in reality. Coverage for all? Cheaper? Lower deductibles? Keep digging the hole deeper and deeper until it's a big enough grave to fit the whole elephant!
The ACA, largely birthed in The Heritage Institute, IS the conservative solution to universal healthcare, the liberal solution being the far more efficient and globally proven single payer approach. Sadly, the GOP got so hung up in the "Obama" part of "Obamacare" they failed to realize it was the market based solution, however clunky.
The ACA, largely birthed in The Heritage Institute, IS the conservative solution to universal healthcare, the liberal solution being the far more efficient and globally proven single payer approach. Sadly, the GOP got so hung up in the "Obama" part of "Obamacare" they failed to realize it was the market based solution, however clunky.
1
"The dog that caught the car" Even if Republicans don't consider the political sink holes, replacing the ACA will be very difficult. The healthcare business model is mind boggelingly complex. Whatever they do they are sure to pick winners and losers. The winners will be ungrateful and the losers will be furious. Furious people elect new Congress persons and Senators. Ungrateful people don't go to the poles. It's a twist on "no good deed goes unpunished" no matter how you feel about it or what you say.
I am not a supporter of the Republicans in general, but this is the single issue where I am really rooting for them to get it right. Keep the politics out of it, especially Planned Parenthood, and you will look like heroes. Allow those with an agenda, be it pro-life, ultra fiscal conservatism or just plain old narcissism let this go off the rails and you will not only lose the midterms but it will be the death nail in a party that is irrelavent beyond invoking nostalgia for a saner more stable political class.
1
Will congressional republicans and Trump intimidate democrats on ACA 'repair" as well? Even as Trump has moved aggressively with his fascist agenda, and millions rallied in opposition, congressional democrats have accepted domination and humiliation by the bully.
“We will give everyone access to affordable health care coverage,” Mr. Ryan said.."
"Affordable" means coverage Ryan and his cronies can pay for, even though they don't pay a dime for their super-special Senator plans.
The Putinista (Oops, sorry!) Republican Party is showing where its true loyalty lies.
"Affordable" means coverage Ryan and his cronies can pay for, even though they don't pay a dime for their super-special Senator plans.
The Putinista (Oops, sorry!) Republican Party is showing where its true loyalty lies.
I am blessing Mr. Obama. Now that healthcare is finally into the body politic it will never be off the table. We the people now expect that like our congress we will have healthcare coverage at a reasonable cost, unlike the healthcare that McConnell, Ryan and all their ilk have for free. And we pay! What a deal
4
Health care is not like other things, and a "free market" won't work. Insurance companies are simply not going to sell insurance to people they think are likely to cost them a lot, unless they get subsidies or there's a mandate. So a free market leaves millions without coverage.
Comparisons to car insurance are so misleading. People are rejected for car insurance every day. This just means they can't drive their own car. It doesn't mean they suffer- go broke - die, which is what happens without health insurance.
Thank You to whoever recorded this meeting and shared it!
Comparisons to car insurance are so misleading. People are rejected for car insurance every day. This just means they can't drive their own car. It doesn't mean they suffer- go broke - die, which is what happens without health insurance.
Thank You to whoever recorded this meeting and shared it!
6
I love it when I see Republicans praying, covering their privates. They're going to have to cover more than that over the next few years.
3
Note to Repulblicans" don't forget to include provision for caring for the Terry Schiavos on life support for years and years, regardless of wishes of their health proxies or advance directives (because there can be no "death panels" to prepare them)! With the baby boom moving toward sensecence that should cost about the same as your wall...
3
The proof is here...the Republicans never had a plan to replace the ACA nor a spit of an idea to do anything about the healthcare/insurance crisis in the country, all the while simply trying to score points with their minions by announcing a pushback on anything our first Black President tried to do. The interest of the general welfare was never their concern, as they keep on proselytizing about tax cuts for the rich, business and more military spending, all of which are nothing more than veiled subsidies anyway. Helping the working poor get health insurance by subsidizing the cost of insurance becomes "socialism" while "trickle up" tax cuts and corporate subsidies are said to be "good for the country". Today's Republican Party is an abject failure of ideas other than how to generate more cash for another election cycle. I am disgusted by their clear lack of integrity, lack of understanding in the very history of this country that makes border trade wars a huge mistake, or real interest in the very people of the Midwest who stand to suffer the most as the Party blunders along with old stuff that they know does not work.
3
This all makes me wonder what our Republican Congress does with their time. For 6 years or more, they excoriated the ACA and tried to repeal it so many times that even the media couldn't keep count. And they have no plan at the ready to replace it? It never occurred to some (most) that most middle-class people couldn't front cost of health care while waiting for a tax credit? That even then, there would be those who couldn't afford it?
So, I ask myself repeatedly, what have they been doing for the American people all this time?
So, I ask myself repeatedly, what have they been doing for the American people all this time?
4
I imagine they were praying to thank God for the top tier insurance plan they get, paid for by taxpayers, for life.
5
The Congressional Budget Office was mentioned several times in this piece on replacing Obamacare. The Republicans only pay attention to the CBO when it suits them. I asked this question of my first term Tea Party Congressman back in 2011. "Mr. Congressman, will you pay attention to the CBO's numbers when tackling the deficit, debt, and budget?" His answer was " Sometimes." The Republicans don't care about what the CBO says was my thought after this exchange.
1
The Republican "dilemma" proves once again the wisdom of Will Rogers: "Any fool can see a problem. It takes real eyesight to see the solution".
These fools - Trump included - were so eager to trash anything that Obama and the Dems did that they're willing to "Throw the baby out with the bathwater". And they're dead set against the ONLY solution: Medicare For All. They're hogtied by their own ideology. They deserve whatever scorn and wrath befalls them.
These fools - Trump included - were so eager to trash anything that Obama and the Dems did that they're willing to "Throw the baby out with the bathwater". And they're dead set against the ONLY solution: Medicare For All. They're hogtied by their own ideology. They deserve whatever scorn and wrath befalls them.
3
The Republicans have earned the mess they are now in. And given that I believe they are fundamentally wrong about the idea that the free market will solve our health care problems, we can count on things getting much worse before they get better.
Republicans care far more for drug company profits and the rest of profit-based medical industrial complex than they ever do about human beings. Their TrumpCare ---is anyone snickering at the oxymoron here--- is much like Reagan's neutron bomb, the perfect Republican weapon: preserves property, kills people. It's really never been any different. Given how little rural whites seem to care about anyone but themselves (see that other article today, pretty plain, isn't it?), they will also get what they hope for others when they are sick. There is a selfishness and absence of compassion in America that is just another feature of the way we lie to ourselves about how we are so very generous.
2
The verbal machinations continue. This seems like a redux of the pre-ACA days, when insurers were asked about the status of people with pre-existing conditions:
'We would never deny care. We are merely denying coverage.'
'We would never deny care. We are merely denying coverage.'
3
Look at that fawning image of Ryan watching Trump - it has sycophant written all over it. How these congressmen sleep at night knowing that they are enabling Trump - they get no credit for murmuring behind closed doors or when Trump's back is turned. Someone with needs to put this "president" in his place - and it has to come from the right. It's a "Nixon goes to China" moment upon which the very soul of our country depends.
2
It's clear there is no concern for humane and sensible policy. Instead they worry about how to stay in power. They will have blood on their hands.
1
Access to health insurance isn't the same thing as access to health care. Before Obamacare people paid a lot of money for bad policies that either didn't cover anything, refused to cover anything, or had such high out of pocket costs people couldn't afford to go to the doctor. Under Obamacare some people still struggle with out of pocket costs, particularly on the lowest tier of coverage. However, the really terrible policies are gone. It does't count if you can't use it.
1
Medicare For All! Why do Republicans always strive to make it difficult to impossible to have good health care, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, etc., for those of us who aren't millionaires like they are? For the past decade or so it has been a constant power play in Congress - all about which side can win, not about taking care of the voters! Let's get rid of McConnell, Ryan, and all members who are militantly intransigent when it comes to cooperative governing!
1
Under the GOP mindset, universal healthcare access is equal to universal healthcare coverage? Do I have that right?
We have universal access today - if you can afford it, everyone and anyone can obtain healthcare coverage from a private insurer. Access and coverage are two different things people.
We have universal access today - if you can afford it, everyone and anyone can obtain healthcare coverage from a private insurer. Access and coverage are two different things people.
1
Universal access, not universal coverage, seems to be the GOP's mantra. What good is universal access if no one can afford it? And if the insurance companies are only saddled with the sick no one will be able to afford it. The GOP is simply looking for a way to relieve their wealthy constituents of the .09% extra medicare tax that they pay on income over 200K without angering all the middle and lower middle income people who voted for their boss.
1
Elections have consequences. One of them is that the GOP now is to blame. Not Obama.
1
Republicans do not care about “we, the people” (the 30 million the Affordable Care Act helps), the GOP wants to repeal because 1) it is President Obama’s legacy, 2) the ACA is working, and 3) longer it is in force, the more benefits we will see. The GOP would be wise to leave it as is and work very hard to make it better. That should be the GOP’s legacy: enhancing the Affordable Care Act.
1
Clearly the Rep. do not care when a fellow citizen is ill or has an accident--
but they are interested in jobs.
So....
How many jobs will be lost if they destroy the ACA?
How many hospital employees, scientists, nurses, staff, healthcare providers, medical supply and equipment people, will lose their jobs when they throw the system into chaos?
How many people will lose their jobs because they are ill and can't afford treatment?
When heads of households lose jobs because of health issues or an accident (and it can happen to anyone, any time), families often become dependent on social services--what are the Rep. going to do about that?
So, let's talk about jobs. I hope to see many articles about job loss in the media.
but they are interested in jobs.
So....
How many jobs will be lost if they destroy the ACA?
How many hospital employees, scientists, nurses, staff, healthcare providers, medical supply and equipment people, will lose their jobs when they throw the system into chaos?
How many people will lose their jobs because they are ill and can't afford treatment?
When heads of households lose jobs because of health issues or an accident (and it can happen to anyone, any time), families often become dependent on social services--what are the Rep. going to do about that?
So, let's talk about jobs. I hope to see many articles about job loss in the media.
2
The problem is that people don't need health insurance. People need health care. Start with how do we provide health care for everyone.
3
They are not worried about the health of the American citizens, the folks paying for their salaries and bloated benefits. They're only worried about their worthless careers. Spineless weasels. Vote them all out in 2018.
The Republicans are making a huge mistake in accepting responsibility for making the ACA workable and affordable. The Democrats lied about keeping doctors and coverage but the most egregious one was of cost. That is why insurance costa are soaring and will continue to do so.
Why then are the Republicans offering to save the deeply flawed ACA? Perhaps because they care too much for working American but more likely because they just railroaded themselves into a really dumb decision.
Someone has to pay for the cost lie by Democrats. Who is it going to be?
Why then are the Republicans offering to save the deeply flawed ACA? Perhaps because they care too much for working American but more likely because they just railroaded themselves into a really dumb decision.
Someone has to pay for the cost lie by Democrats. Who is it going to be?
1
Any doubts remaining Republicans acted out of racial prejudice on this and many more issues? They should be thrown out next elections. Democrats need be more assertive and aggressive; even if those words have been Republican words.
1
Trump canceled the ads to remind signers that the deadline was approaching:
"With the deadline for signing up coming Tuesday, the motivation appeared to be simple: administrative sabotage. The ads were already paid for." (Huffington Post)
"With the deadline for signing up coming Tuesday, the motivation appeared to be simple: administrative sabotage. The ads were already paid for." (Huffington Post)
1
That self-satisfied smirk on Paul Ryan's face says it all: This is a party of no integrity. They will sink in the mire with Trump, as long as they can hold on to power and punish everyone who disagrees with them.
3
Republicans have had 6 years to develop an alternative to the Affordable Care Act, voted repeatedly to repeal it, campaigned on a promise to repeal it, passed a budget measure to fast track repeal, and now...have nothing to show for it. The rhetoric was all smoke and mirrors to galvanize the electorate against Obama and Democrats, while doing nothing to actually lead the country or benefit Americans. This recording just confirms it.
145
Equating having access to coverage to actually having coverage is a typical political con. Everyone already has access to coverage, provided they have the money to pay for it.
76
No Problem! Trump supporters won't care if there's a "little" collateral damage. Lots of people don't deserve healthcare in their opinion. As long as the "(r/w)ight" people are protected in the transition, they will applaud whatever the Republicans do. They already have a plan underway to prevent the undesirables from voting in the next election cycle.
30
If the stakes weren't so high, this could be a moment of great Schadenfreude. But the Republicans' intransigence is literally a matter of life or death for millions of Americans. We keep hearing from them how unsustainable the ACA is, but it was their party that hobbled and relentlessly demonized it. Now that they own it and have it on the chopping block, the amorality and cruelty of their position, which they've been able to mask with diversions and umpteen repeal votes, is raging to the surface. Americans want to know why this country can't have health care that works for all as other developed countries do? Why can't the top 5%—who can easily afford to do so—help pay for it? And what exactly justifies the Republicans' deep misgivings about a program that tries to help our profoundly flawed health care system? In the end we will learn that it's less about conservatism and much, much more about money and special interests.
93
We should all be very concerned about the social, economic and real life impact of repealing the ACA. In short, people will die. For that matter, we should all be concerned that this president is ramming an regressive, Fascist agenda down our throats. He is hell bent on dismantling everything that is good, honest and compassionate about America. This is a path to increasing strife and resentment of the US around the world. The Republican party needs to stop this egomaniac who they so foolishly supported.
89
It seems that seven years would have provided the Republicans enough time to come up with a ready-to-go replacement, but, considering all the weeks and months they are not working, perhaps that's an unfair conclusion.
The plain fact -- remember those? -- is that they will never have a plan, as actual governing is not part of their job description.
The plain fact -- remember those? -- is that they will never have a plan, as actual governing is not part of their job description.
117
Whatever Trump imagines, he presents as absolute reality. Republicans have follow this delusion also. By repeating their versions of reality ad infinitum, some of the people believe them all of the time. In this case, through some gerrymandering, it won them the election. Many of the mainstream media repeats these distortions, as that is their job. We gratefully appreciate the professional, ethical media, like most of the NY Times, Washington Post, and others, for their continuing efforts recognize what is actually real and what is imagined in the heads of fearful, biased politicians.
82
To repeat three recurrent themes in these comments:
"What is it about money (wealth) that is more sacred than life itself?" (Susan Anderson, Boston).
"For 7 years Republicans have had the opportunity to come up with something better. They haven't." (V, Los Angeles)
"Study the successful health care systems adopted and in place in other first world countries, and adopt the best one, lock stock and barrel." (RM, Vermont)
Seven years screaming for repeal of the ACA and forcing the act to end up way more complicated and compromised than it should have been. Seven years screaming that the health of Americans should be subjected to for-profit capitalism. Seven years ignoring the obvious: that universal health care covers everyone and provides "the people" (that would be us) huge leverage to drive down costs across the board.
Do you value the health and life of a poor person to be equal to that of a rich person? No? Then have the damn guts to admit it. Yes? Then get off your tarnished, seven-year old dime and give Americans the system that works: universal health care.
"What is it about money (wealth) that is more sacred than life itself?" (Susan Anderson, Boston).
"For 7 years Republicans have had the opportunity to come up with something better. They haven't." (V, Los Angeles)
"Study the successful health care systems adopted and in place in other first world countries, and adopt the best one, lock stock and barrel." (RM, Vermont)
Seven years screaming for repeal of the ACA and forcing the act to end up way more complicated and compromised than it should have been. Seven years screaming that the health of Americans should be subjected to for-profit capitalism. Seven years ignoring the obvious: that universal health care covers everyone and provides "the people" (that would be us) huge leverage to drive down costs across the board.
Do you value the health and life of a poor person to be equal to that of a rich person? No? Then have the damn guts to admit it. Yes? Then get off your tarnished, seven-year old dime and give Americans the system that works: universal health care.
42
Every single Republican Representative should lose his/her health care - the health care that the tax payers provide. Every single one.
65
The Republicans have every reason to be concerned. Trump's high speed demands are filled with dangers. Healthcare needs to be inclusive and more to the point, affordable, but never eliminated. The same problems arise with nearly every slap-dash "correction" Trump is blithely making.
The Republican Congress needs to look into the future more than two or three days ahead.
What will it take to get Trump's feet back on the ground? 2018 is not far away and like it or not, they have a country to run, not destroy.
The Republican Congress needs to look into the future more than two or three days ahead.
What will it take to get Trump's feet back on the ground? 2018 is not far away and like it or not, they have a country to run, not destroy.
14
So stupid. Now's the time to acknowledge that universal, single payer coverage is the only way. If Republicans did it their party would be massively strengthened. Democrats would have to pay ball. The majority of Americans would applaud. If Trump wants to win in 2020, that's the rabbit to pull out of his hat.
Not that I want a Republican triumph. But if I were a very smart Republican, that's what I'd be thinking. But they're not smart, or good, or able, and it'll be another mess, courtesy of the dysfunctional ideologues in Congress.
Not that I want a Republican triumph. But if I were a very smart Republican, that's what I'd be thinking. But they're not smart, or good, or able, and it'll be another mess, courtesy of the dysfunctional ideologues in Congress.
36
If I don't have homeowner's insurance and my house burns down, it is too bad for me. The house is gone and there is no recourse.
If I don't have health insurance and become sick, I will still receive treatment, and the cost burden will fall on the tax payer.
Without the individual mandate, there is no skin in the game. Unsustainable.
If I don't have health insurance and become sick, I will still receive treatment, and the cost burden will fall on the tax payer.
Without the individual mandate, there is no skin in the game. Unsustainable.
41
By "everyone will have access to healthcare coverage" Republicans mean that even poor people will be able to buy healthcare very little., but only policies with high, high deductibles and so many restrictions that they will cover . They will never be able to afford insurance that at actually provides the health care they need.
30
They will soon realize that it is not easy to expand 'affordable' coverage in a system largely run by private insurance companies. They will see that, while the ACA is far from perfect, they were overly critical of it and that it actually is fair middle ground in a country that doesn't seem to want either a fully universal ot totally private model of healthcare.
33
Th story here is really that the Republican Party - including every elected Republican member of Congress - after voting literally more than 50 time to repeal the ACA, still has no clue what it is doing. It's the pack of snarling dogs that finally caught the car. We are watching them stand there chewing on the bumper. And what a surprise, it doesn't taste very good. These Republican politicians are intellectually and morally bankrupt. There is no decent core left to the Party.
75
Senator Barrasso of my home state of Wyoming: "We are the rescue party. We campaigned to provide relief and repair the damage".
Relief to whom? Actually, tax relief to the very wealthy, many of whom use Wyoming as part time residence due to its very regressive tax system. (they're in Arizona or Florida now that its cold).
Where's the money going to come from, Mr Barrasso? Where's your plan? It's easy to trash something and not so easy to have a workable plan.
Relief to whom? Actually, tax relief to the very wealthy, many of whom use Wyoming as part time residence due to its very regressive tax system. (they're in Arizona or Florida now that its cold).
Where's the money going to come from, Mr Barrasso? Where's your plan? It's easy to trash something and not so easy to have a workable plan.
58
Its quite simple for me, changes to Medicare, I die. That simple.
Now that does solve a problem for the congress they no longer have to worry about me. But it doesn't solve a problem for my family and friends who by the way are active voters.
Now that does solve a problem for the congress they no longer have to worry about me. But it doesn't solve a problem for my family and friends who by the way are active voters.
45
They aren't going to "repeal" Obamacare. They've decided to "trash" it, the insurance exchanges, the rules that make it viable (the mandate), and the taxes on high earners that helps it remain solvent. It's being done with clumsy Executive Orders. Their supporters won't notice because, really, they don't know a thing about health insurance.
Then, they will blame it on Obama and their supporters will rage at the black man that took their coverage away. Republicans are good at this. Just watch.
Then, they will blame it on Obama and their supporters will rage at the black man that took their coverage away. Republicans are good at this. Just watch.
52
These clowns are frightened to realize that behind closed doors their constituents actually like "Obamacare" when the acronym ACA is used. Medicaid and Medicare expansion has brought many folks in for care who haven't seen a doctor in years. A Congressman from my home state of Colorado (Rep Mike Coffman, a self-proclaimed "Marine Combat Veteran") literally fled out the back door of a constituents meeting when confronted by his voters asking uncomfortable questions.
78
How many times have I read that Obamacare is so popular because so many millions of people have enrolled in it, conveniently forgetting that the law mandates they enroll, or face increasing fines that are enforced by the IRS. That's like saying the income tax is so popular because so many millions of people pay it.
2
"We don’t want to spend as much as liberals, and we don’t believe in coercing people to buy insurance.”
I don't believe the word "block grant" appeared in this article, but that's what the GOP wants to hand to the states, which will be grossly inadequate. Obamacare is marginally affordable for many of us,with premiums that have already gone sky-high, even with a pretty hefty subsidy. Take that away and hundreds of thousands won't be able to afford anything. And if participation isn't mandatory, the insurance companies will go under for want of a wide-enough pool of subscribers.
Clearly, a universal national plan is what's needed. Fund it by raising the limit for SS deductions, pot taxes, and a decreased military budget.
I must also comment on Paul Ryan's Inauguration smirk, which has been reminding me that he's likely the next most dangerous politician in the GOP.
I don't believe the word "block grant" appeared in this article, but that's what the GOP wants to hand to the states, which will be grossly inadequate. Obamacare is marginally affordable for many of us,with premiums that have already gone sky-high, even with a pretty hefty subsidy. Take that away and hundreds of thousands won't be able to afford anything. And if participation isn't mandatory, the insurance companies will go under for want of a wide-enough pool of subscribers.
Clearly, a universal national plan is what's needed. Fund it by raising the limit for SS deductions, pot taxes, and a decreased military budget.
I must also comment on Paul Ryan's Inauguration smirk, which has been reminding me that he's likely the next most dangerous politician in the GOP.
7
Republicans ran on a mission to search and destroy universal health care and replace it with something better. Now that they're in charge, they're stuck with facing the consequences of their contrarian behavior. But there is a simple solution; just bring on the plan they've been promising us for the past eight years. Perhaps their mentors at the Heritage Foundation can recommend something.
6
The only thing that the hateful Republicans are "agonizing" over is potential defeat at the ballot box when people lose their health insurance and vote them out of office. End of "agonizing."
They could care less about the public, they only care about themselves.
I'm sick, too, of reading about the "healthy" people who don't want to purchase insurance or pay a penalty for not doing so. Message to the uninformed: everyone ends up in a hospital or ER at some point -- illness, accidents, etc. happen to everyone at some point in their lives and only foolish people think they will sail through life without ever needing to avail themselves of the medical system.
I loathe the Republicans and Trump in that order for their unending hatred greed, and selfishness in regard to anyone who isn't them or their families.
When Sen. Ted Kennedy's son was being treated for cancer, his first thought was that every parent in that hospital had a precious child for whom they wanted the best care and he was glad he had the ability to afford that care but he also wanted other families to have the same access and he made universal health insurance one of his causes. This is in contrast to the Republicans who would only think they were happy they had the means to provide for their child and not give a fig about the loved ones of others. That's the difference between a man who was a Democrat and the less than men who are the Republicans seeking to harm others.
They could care less about the public, they only care about themselves.
I'm sick, too, of reading about the "healthy" people who don't want to purchase insurance or pay a penalty for not doing so. Message to the uninformed: everyone ends up in a hospital or ER at some point -- illness, accidents, etc. happen to everyone at some point in their lives and only foolish people think they will sail through life without ever needing to avail themselves of the medical system.
I loathe the Republicans and Trump in that order for their unending hatred greed, and selfishness in regard to anyone who isn't them or their families.
When Sen. Ted Kennedy's son was being treated for cancer, his first thought was that every parent in that hospital had a precious child for whom they wanted the best care and he was glad he had the ability to afford that care but he also wanted other families to have the same access and he made universal health insurance one of his causes. This is in contrast to the Republicans who would only think they were happy they had the means to provide for their child and not give a fig about the loved ones of others. That's the difference between a man who was a Democrat and the less than men who are the Republicans seeking to harm others.
12
After seeing how flawed the recent "voting process" went and knowing full-well how much republicans resent democracy, I predict that they will simply do away with voting altogether.
End of problem.
End of problem.
9
The Republican motive has nothing to do with health care and everything to do with getting elected. Since 2010, the Republicans have railed against the ACA by instilling hatred and anger in the public. That hatred and anger motivated people to vote winning them two elections so far. The Republican leaders know that it works so they have indicated a replacement plan will be delayed until after the 2018 elections. Of course so they can win another election. To Republicans, it is all about power, not health care.
11
We have been living in an era of record profits for corporations, record DOW levels, extraordinary wealth for the top 1% of Americans...so it seems to me that we have the finances and wealth to handle health insurance for all Americans but that the problem is, once again, the perverted distribution of that wealth, while we also have been cutting the taxes of those corporations and the very wealthy, as they, due to their massive and concentrated wealth, "own" Congress.
That is the cycle which needs to be broken. Those people have to care about the health and well-being of the nation as a whole, not just their own bank accounts, those of their shareholders, and their re-election campaigns, but as far as I can tell, they just do not.
That is the cycle which needs to be broken. Those people have to care about the health and well-being of the nation as a whole, not just their own bank accounts, those of their shareholders, and their re-election campaigns, but as far as I can tell, they just do not.
11
So, in fact, despite all the driveling hypocrisy, it comes down to the squeaky wheel of furious constituents getting attention. Indivisible is right on some things. Those in power would like to get elected, again. Keep the calls, coming, people.
On occasion, even Republicans have to leave the silos of their golf clubs and fat cat dinners and deal with the public.
On occasion, even Republicans have to leave the silos of their golf clubs and fat cat dinners and deal with the public.
5
Word of warning, do not listen to anything a "Republican" from California has to say. Best to just let that state leave the Union. Governor Brown has made it clear, he will not obey federal law, but his state does expect the nation to send the hard earned tax dollars of all Americans to support his agenda. After being a resident of California for 29 years I was forced to abandon the state. I had no desire to live in a governance model that emulates The People's Republic of China.
"Republican Lawmakers Agonize Over Health Law Repeal (In Private)"
They are waiting, those people Sec. Clinton called deplorables, they are waiting to see what their vote got them and if they will still have health coverage. If not, those little people, non-college educated working folks, will realize they have been had once again.
They are waiting, those people Sec. Clinton called deplorables, they are waiting to see what their vote got them and if they will still have health coverage. If not, those little people, non-college educated working folks, will realize they have been had once again.
7
"Access to" healthcare is something we all have already folks. Walk into any emergency room and you have access and can't be turned away. That's unmanageable and unsustainable. I think anyone with a nickels worth of sense will understand the enormous difference between access to coverage and coverage as defined by real health care plans. Promising access to coverage is like those credit card offers that say you are pre-approved to apply. It means exactly nothing.
Single payer is a real plan to cover everyone just like our military, fire and police cover everyone.
Single payer is a real plan to cover everyone just like our military, fire and police cover everyone.
8
What were they doing for seven years while they complained and postured? Why are we paying these people? A shocking display at every turn of unprofessional, immature thinking. It is an embarrassment to those who have given their lives to this country. These individuals have disdain for the people and believing anything else is an alternative to reality. As they work to close down the free press, attack the sick with threats of loss of insurance and tax the waning middle class as they and their cohorts live off the hog, the distractions they create will only become magnified. Be aware of planned 'terrorist' attacks and other catastrophic happenings to further their goals and make their actions obtuse. Utterances like 'got our backs' will be tossed about like shouts from a middle school soccer coach to appeal to a misinformed base.
9
Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone (particularly Republican office-holders, but also government officials in general) took the time and opportunity to learn how insurance actually works? I'm not really sure they understand the fundamental concepts such as risk pools.
8
Republicans' and Trump's empty promises and unreasonable attacks on Obamacare have put them, and Obamacare holders, in a nasty bind.
This is the right wing of the Republican Party, not the centrists. The fact that this faction is in control is due in part to egregiously partisan gerrymandering of election districts.
One hope for US politics and governance to move back to the center--where most Americans are and where more practical solutions are--is to end egregiously partisan gerrymandering. By this, I mean intricately slicing up election districts in a state so that Democrats are outnumbered by Republicans in most districts--or vice versa--so the votes of one party are drowned out, even if that party might actually outnumber (in raw numbers) the votes of the party doing the gerrymandering. This practice is wrong and needs to be stopped. It deprives citizens of their right to one person, one vote. And it allows the extremist wing of a party to gain control even though most citizens disagree with them.
Ending such partisan gerrymandering will help America move back to the center and to find more practical (less politicized) solutions to the country's problems.
This is the right wing of the Republican Party, not the centrists. The fact that this faction is in control is due in part to egregiously partisan gerrymandering of election districts.
One hope for US politics and governance to move back to the center--where most Americans are and where more practical solutions are--is to end egregiously partisan gerrymandering. By this, I mean intricately slicing up election districts in a state so that Democrats are outnumbered by Republicans in most districts--or vice versa--so the votes of one party are drowned out, even if that party might actually outnumber (in raw numbers) the votes of the party doing the gerrymandering. This practice is wrong and needs to be stopped. It deprives citizens of their right to one person, one vote. And it allows the extremist wing of a party to gain control even though most citizens disagree with them.
Ending such partisan gerrymandering will help America move back to the center and to find more practical (less politicized) solutions to the country's problems.
10
I don't profess to have the answers. However, when farmers, barbers, bodega owners, landscapers, and all others small business owners or middle class citizens pay high premiums out of pocket and still don't have access due to additional outrageous deductibles and also must give up their doctors, that is unfair. Why should a contributing taxpayer be denied access while they are literally paying for the poor Medicaid recipient?
I have survived cancer three times and have had to pay for most of my care. I am thankfully now close to Medicare age. But those who think "Medicare for all" is the answer, Medicare only covers 80%. Without private supplemental insurance, there are people left in the doghouse. My 90 year old mother pays $4000 year for her supplemental plan which increases yearly with age as older people access the system more.
Furthermore, the countries with socialized medicine do NOT have the same quality of care. Italy, Israel, Belgium, etc. are the countries American medical students attend when they are not accepted to our competitive schools. Citizens of those countries have choice health plans. All have access but if you want decent care, you must pay for it. In Israel it is a government sponsored higher level plan; In Great Britain there are private practitioners accepting cash.
Technology, expensive drugs and CEO salaries have driven up costs. Hardworking doctors have been disrespected, burdened and ignored, retiring rapidly. God help us all!
I have survived cancer three times and have had to pay for most of my care. I am thankfully now close to Medicare age. But those who think "Medicare for all" is the answer, Medicare only covers 80%. Without private supplemental insurance, there are people left in the doghouse. My 90 year old mother pays $4000 year for her supplemental plan which increases yearly with age as older people access the system more.
Furthermore, the countries with socialized medicine do NOT have the same quality of care. Italy, Israel, Belgium, etc. are the countries American medical students attend when they are not accepted to our competitive schools. Citizens of those countries have choice health plans. All have access but if you want decent care, you must pay for it. In Israel it is a government sponsored higher level plan; In Great Britain there are private practitioners accepting cash.
Technology, expensive drugs and CEO salaries have driven up costs. Hardworking doctors have been disrespected, burdened and ignored, retiring rapidly. God help us all!
7
As someone who is disabled and on Medicare I can see how the Republican plans could hurt me. I have a pre-existing condition, I am older and likely to need more Health services. As someone who works in a federally qualified health clinic I have seen how the expansion of Medicaid has help empowered the working poor, have allowed them to work rather than go on disability, and has also saved society, our hospital, And our emergency room money as people can now afford preventative care and can go through the primary care provider system. Yes, the Affordable Care Act needs to be improved as I've seen many folks with very high deductibles who in essence do not have insurance. We also need to reduce the cost of healthcare but not at the cost of coverage. I urge everyone to call their senators and congressional representatives and make it clear that universal access doesn't cut it. Share your stories. Work to change this.
18
The GOP is taking us over a cliff, not yet realizing it may well be political suicide for the party. We can expect that any GOP replacement plan for Obamacare will cost patients, families, and taxpayers more, and that we will all get less. This is all so foolish since there is a real solution in plain sight -(H.R.676 now filed in Congress)—single-payer national health insurance (NHI) if Republicans were not so blinded by ideology and unaware of the failed policies already proven by the last 25-plus years’ experience, including those of the ACA, much of which are still baked into their supposed “better way.” They also seem to be unaware of the most recent public polls strongly favoring NHI, regardless of political party. As just one example, a Gallup poll in May 2016 found that 41 percent of Republicans and leaners favored replacing the ACA with NHI.
It is irresponsible and foolish to not establish a nationwide, not-for-profit, one-tier system of universal, single-payer coverage, based on medical need and not ability to pay. This would resolve persistent problems of Medicaid, Medicare and failed market policies and provide health care for all.
It is irresponsible and foolish to not establish a nationwide, not-for-profit, one-tier system of universal, single-payer coverage, based on medical need and not ability to pay. This would resolve persistent problems of Medicaid, Medicare and failed market policies and provide health care for all.
19
The employer-provided health insurance model resulted from a government tax break in WWII intended to curb inflation. Inevitably, costs skyrocketed in a third- party payor system with no incentive to control costs. In response, the government created Medicare and Medicaid to subsidize the elderly and indigent, but did not control costs. When employees began changing companies and rising costs undermined corporate profitability, the system began to collapse. The government then allowed insurance companies minimal competition and permitted trial lawyers to create a derivative industry on unrestrained suits. A single payer government system cannot resolve ballooning costs and the VA underscores the government’s inability to deliver quality care.
The answer is to allow competing physician groups to contract with large purchasing groups (exchanges) to compete on costs and outcomes, measured by quality metrics (evidence-based medicine). Tools for consumers to educate themselves and evaluate programs are available. For those who still can’t afford it, there will always be government subsidies, but far fewer and at a much lower rate.
The model dates to C. E. Koop and the Center for Informed Medical Decision Making in the 1990s. The tools to make it viable are now here. Forward thinkers e.g. HealthFirst in NYC, have begun implementing it. This system will extend affordable, quality healthcare to the US, and will also be exportable to other countries via technology.
The answer is to allow competing physician groups to contract with large purchasing groups (exchanges) to compete on costs and outcomes, measured by quality metrics (evidence-based medicine). Tools for consumers to educate themselves and evaluate programs are available. For those who still can’t afford it, there will always be government subsidies, but far fewer and at a much lower rate.
The model dates to C. E. Koop and the Center for Informed Medical Decision Making in the 1990s. The tools to make it viable are now here. Forward thinkers e.g. HealthFirst in NYC, have begun implementing it. This system will extend affordable, quality healthcare to the US, and will also be exportable to other countries via technology.
6
Eight years. Eight long years to develop an alternative to the ACA, but the Republicans put in precisely zero work to come up with anything. For that matter, the "plan" that Paul Ryan waived around this past summer that was supposed to be his vision for the Party going forward on a variety of subjects -- while actually written on a few pieces of paper -- was as devoid of substance as the zero plan to replace the ACA. (Now that I think back on it, the fact that the Republicans never put forward any real plan to replace the ACA was probably the best indicator of what their true feeling was on the likelihood of a Republican retaking the White House.)
The question at this point is whether there are any Republicans in Congress who are actually intelligent enough to put a plan together. This is a real question, folks. It takes a lot of brain power and a lot of time to think through the myriad and incredibly complex issues and come up with something "better" that (from their perspective) still allows the insurance companies to make tons of money at the expense of enrollees. Paul Ryan, the "intellectual giant" of the House Republicans, sure doesn't have that ability. The rest of the Republicans in the House like to spout off a lot but in terms of substance, they have no idea what they're doing. As for the Senate, well, the Party's got supermen like Marco Rubio and John Cornyn in their corner.
The expression on McConnell's face in the photo says it all: deer/headlights.
The question at this point is whether there are any Republicans in Congress who are actually intelligent enough to put a plan together. This is a real question, folks. It takes a lot of brain power and a lot of time to think through the myriad and incredibly complex issues and come up with something "better" that (from their perspective) still allows the insurance companies to make tons of money at the expense of enrollees. Paul Ryan, the "intellectual giant" of the House Republicans, sure doesn't have that ability. The rest of the Republicans in the House like to spout off a lot but in terms of substance, they have no idea what they're doing. As for the Senate, well, the Party's got supermen like Marco Rubio and John Cornyn in their corner.
The expression on McConnell's face in the photo says it all: deer/headlights.
39
There never was a true "Replace" option and there never will be. Without the individual mandate or any incentive to enroll in the ACA, Paul Ryan can blame the Obamacare "disaster" on Democratics as it unravels due to benign neglect with underwriters fleeing the market. This, in turn, will impact Medicare dovetailing into Ryan's fanatical mission to destroy the safety net for middle and low-income Americans. Next on the agenda, Social Security.
33
Welcome to America. You're on your own.
15
Given that Obamacare was essentially a Republican plan, designed to get Republican votes, of course it is hard to come up with another plan that doesn't look like Obamacare.
The Republicans need time to come up with a way of adopting Obamacare without calling it Obamacare, come up with a different plan that will be equal to or better than Obamacare, or an inferior plan that they can falsely advertise as better.
Democrats can and will support an equal or better plan, because Democrats are guided by what is in the interests of their constituents.
PS. Why should Republicans care about costs? They are going to blow up the defense budget, do infrastructure spending and pay for the Trump boondoggle. And do tax cuts to boot.
Deficits only matter during Democratic Administrations.
The Republicans need time to come up with a way of adopting Obamacare without calling it Obamacare, come up with a different plan that will be equal to or better than Obamacare, or an inferior plan that they can falsely advertise as better.
Democrats can and will support an equal or better plan, because Democrats are guided by what is in the interests of their constituents.
PS. Why should Republicans care about costs? They are going to blow up the defense budget, do infrastructure spending and pay for the Trump boondoggle. And do tax cuts to boot.
Deficits only matter during Democratic Administrations.
30
Think about exactly how sick you need to be as a political party to take away people's access to medical care. Even more, think about how sick you must be to oppose a public healthcare plan - which is used and has worked in many, many industrialized states around the world - just because your ideology says so. So, the GOP is willing to waste hundreds of billions of dollars every year on an all but useless military but refuses to spend the money to provide every American with what is a basic human right - decent healthcare. The money is there; what is lacking is the decency and commonsense needed to govern with humanity and pragmatism. The Republicans are a party of extremists. They are the party of stupid.
17
Call me cynical, but what these people are is mostly worried about the midterm elections, not the health of the American people, many of whom are their constituents and many whom are also the most vulnerable and unhealthy among us. The ACA has its issues, but it has also become more popular and efficient over time and it has either saved lives or improved the quality of lives of a great many people.
12
Mr. Trump has spoken in the past in favor of universal health care. If he wants to be remembered for something truly great he could put together a blue-ribbon panel to study to plans from other countries, then push through Congress the best of these plans for the U.S. Otherwise, he may be remembered for something far, far different.
6
Of course, they will come up with something that's far inferior to Obamacare, but will boast that everyone has "access" to it even if many can't afford any decent level of coverage.
Trump will tweet out that he's succeeded in his mission and millions (the same "millions" at his inauguration) are now covered.
HHS Secretary Price will issue phony statistics on who's covered and how well the new plan is working.
The media will be told to "shut up" when they start to report the stories of individual suffering.
Oh, and announcement of the new "plan" will be made only after the 2018 mid-term elections (marked by more voter suppression).
Job done.
Trump will tweet out that he's succeeded in his mission and millions (the same "millions" at his inauguration) are now covered.
HHS Secretary Price will issue phony statistics on who's covered and how well the new plan is working.
The media will be told to "shut up" when they start to report the stories of individual suffering.
Oh, and announcement of the new "plan" will be made only after the 2018 mid-term elections (marked by more voter suppression).
Job done.
14
So many dangerous ways of presenting this. Cornyn knows access to coverage is in no way the same thing as coverage, as apparently does McMorris Rodgers, whose handlers have to come back in and clear up "what they meant" was access to and not actual coverage. So much room for devastating error and gross misleading of voters. I'll never understand Paul Ryan and his followers' determination to kill Planned Parenthood which has so few abortion services offered as to be counted nil but a source for poor women all over the country who can't afford health insurance period ever no matter what paying plans are available. They provide far more health care than anything else and for men as well, which has been pointed out to me many times. Obama urged Democrats not to help the Republicans on this. I think that's excellent advice and should be followed. They have a good two years now to surface all their broken promises and their plans to make the rich richer and to hell with the middle class on down. All those people who vote against their own best interests don't have anyone to hang the coming failures and disasters on but Republican leadership, if that's what you want to call it.
13
So basically this article is about a bunch of rich (majority of which are white) men with government paid health insurance, not worried whatsoever about common people losing their health insurance, only worried about the potential 'political disaster'.
We are are willing to invest trillions in wars and mass incarceration, but nothing in the well-being of our own people. Words cannot begin to describe how wrong that is.
We are are willing to invest trillions in wars and mass incarceration, but nothing in the well-being of our own people. Words cannot begin to describe how wrong that is.
29
Notice how the Republicans are mainly concerned about how they will fair in upcoming elections. Not one serious discussion about actual policy that would help Americans. All harmful consequences are weighed against the ballot box.
They have had over 6 years to show their concern for the health care system available to Americans. And still their real main concern is votes. Thanks for nothing.
They have had over 6 years to show their concern for the health care system available to Americans. And still their real main concern is votes. Thanks for nothing.
22
These people opened their conclave with a prayer to a God they believe punishes them for failing to ban abortion and discourage contraception. Among other things, they want to force people to bear to term and raise fetuses with congenital disabilities detectable at early states of pregnancy.
In other words, they demand policy that makes public health care more expensive in the name of an imaginary deity they conjure in their mirrors.
In other words, they demand policy that makes public health care more expensive in the name of an imaginary deity they conjure in their mirrors.
17
Surprise, surprise. Republicans are liars, hypocrites and dissemblers.
In fact, this is really about eliminating the 3.8% tax on the very rich's capital gains that are in the Affordable Care Act to help pay for healthcare for the poorest Americans and to subsidize healthcare for the lower middle and middle class families.. It's about the money. Obama's motivation was compassion.
Republican motivation is greed and power.
In fact, this is really about eliminating the 3.8% tax on the very rich's capital gains that are in the Affordable Care Act to help pay for healthcare for the poorest Americans and to subsidize healthcare for the lower middle and middle class families.. It's about the money. Obama's motivation was compassion.
Republican motivation is greed and power.
26
“No one who has coverage because of Obamacare today will lose that coverage the day it’s repealed”
The phrase "the day it's repealed" isn't a qualifier. It renders the sentence completely meaningless. This is naked duplicity to anyone paying attention. Unfortunately, I fear that most of America won't be.
The phrase "the day it's repealed" isn't a qualifier. It renders the sentence completely meaningless. This is naked duplicity to anyone paying attention. Unfortunately, I fear that most of America won't be.
18
Republicare will be a disaster to everyone except insurance and drug companies. The party of Big Business will see to it that the wealthy and powerful industries suffer no harm while not caring that individual people do. That is their priority and always has been.
21
I work in healthcare and have read the entire Affordable Care Act. It's an extremely complex law that works in its complexity because of all the moving parts. To use a metaphor, imagine healthcare as a car engine. People know it needs some basic things to keep running smoothly but most people really don't know how every component works. We just trust those who've designed it and who have built it and those who fix it. You wouldn't start removing parts just because without knowing what you're doing.
The healthcare system is an extremely complex system with multiple moving parts, some inefficiencies and some issues. Obamacare very complexly tried to solve some of those issues using free market concepts coupled with some government mandates. Pull on any one string and the whole thing unravels.
Republicans, I think, are starting to realize how complex the system is and how it'll pretty much blow up without careful retooling. Given that in most small and large cities, the largest employers are hospitals and universities, the blow back will go way beyond just people losing their health coverage. Hospitals will lose money and will start laying people off. Republicans will never see the end of it.
The healthcare system is an extremely complex system with multiple moving parts, some inefficiencies and some issues. Obamacare very complexly tried to solve some of those issues using free market concepts coupled with some government mandates. Pull on any one string and the whole thing unravels.
Republicans, I think, are starting to realize how complex the system is and how it'll pretty much blow up without careful retooling. Given that in most small and large cities, the largest employers are hospitals and universities, the blow back will go way beyond just people losing their health coverage. Hospitals will lose money and will start laying people off. Republicans will never see the end of it.
35
If you believe that everyone is entitled to health care as a right, start barraging your representatives and senators with mail, email, phone calls, and visits to their local offices, town hall meetings, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
If they are Democrats, warn them that you will hold them accountable if they even talk, let alone compromise, with Republicans on the repeal and replacement" the Affordable Care Act. Republicans must be made to own this in the same way Obama and Democrats were made to own the ACA. The only exception would be if Republicans propose to replace the ACA with a single-payer plan. As that is the only sane and humane way to organize health care, that is a virtually inconceivable event.
If they are Republicans, tell them that you will hold them accountable if you or your loved ones lose their insurance.
And wherever you or your Congresspersons stand on the political spectrum, never forget - and never let them forget - that depriving people of health insurance is, quite simply, legalizing manslaughter. The lack of insurance is the third leading cause of death among people aged 55-64 and it's estimated that at least every half hour one uninsured person dies in America.
If they are Democrats, warn them that you will hold them accountable if they even talk, let alone compromise, with Republicans on the repeal and replacement" the Affordable Care Act. Republicans must be made to own this in the same way Obama and Democrats were made to own the ACA. The only exception would be if Republicans propose to replace the ACA with a single-payer plan. As that is the only sane and humane way to organize health care, that is a virtually inconceivable event.
If they are Republicans, tell them that you will hold them accountable if you or your loved ones lose their insurance.
And wherever you or your Congresspersons stand on the political spectrum, never forget - and never let them forget - that depriving people of health insurance is, quite simply, legalizing manslaughter. The lack of insurance is the third leading cause of death among people aged 55-64 and it's estimated that at least every half hour one uninsured person dies in America.
28
Truly amazing that all the Republican concerns are political and economic, and there is not even a single word signalling any sense of the plight of our fellow Americans who do not have health insurance. What a ruthless, self-interested universe these Republicans operate in. And all to the detriment of our country as productivity and potential is lost through avoidable illness and suffering, and the rest of us pay the emergency room bills through our own health insurance.
27
It is such a beautiful picture, these three congressional representatives praying together and it is so reassuring that they have so much concern for the most vulnerable US citizens. We can all sleep soundly knowing that these men believe in the christian message of caring for those less fortunate.
21
For some reason, the Republicans fail to fully embrace their backwardness on the issue of health care. This is odd in light of their wholehearted support for medieval ways in all other aspects of life - from their belief you can change the weather through prayer, a position espoused by the current head of the Department of Energy, to their support of torture and to their belief in alternative facts. Republicans have a mess in the few gray cells that inhabit their skulls, it seems.
6
What's so striking is what's left unsaid; people will die, often in horrific pain, without health insurance in the richest country on earth if Obamacare is destroyed. All this manuevering by republicans doesn't change the fact that Obamacare is working within it's limitations and should be expanded to cover those so poor they are excluded because repub governors refused to expand Medicare.
Even the dullest trump voter doesn't want to lose insurance but wants Obamacare repealed - this cognitive dissonance is a huge problem created by republicans. Sure, it's fine to demonize healthcare designed by the Obama administration as long as you can't do anything about it - but now it's time for republicans to deliver and they're terrified because reality does indeed bite.
Even the dullest trump voter doesn't want to lose insurance but wants Obamacare repealed - this cognitive dissonance is a huge problem created by republicans. Sure, it's fine to demonize healthcare designed by the Obama administration as long as you can't do anything about it - but now it's time for republicans to deliver and they're terrified because reality does indeed bite.
5
The Republican's ludicrous attempt to "fix" our health insurance system is doomed to failure because it is driven by ideology and revenge against President Obama rather than compassion, common sense and practicality. This would be comical if it weren't so tragic for millions if Amercans who now live in fear of losing their protection.
6
While President Obama was reciting the Oath of Office in 2009, these same white republican congressmen were taking an oath of brotherhood that their raison d’etre would be to ensure that the Black President would not be successful and reelected -- they failed.
In trying to destroy a great president and his policies, these republican haters, like all haters, will destroy themselves and deliver nothing other than more hate to the disenfranchised, uninformed, and soon to be uninsured masses who elected them and Demagogue 45.
These republican obstructionist and haters are beginning to feel the onset of the underlying truth of "Frankenstein" -- that the monster you create, will eventually destroy the creator.
Oh Happy Day!
In trying to destroy a great president and his policies, these republican haters, like all haters, will destroy themselves and deliver nothing other than more hate to the disenfranchised, uninformed, and soon to be uninsured masses who elected them and Demagogue 45.
These republican obstructionist and haters are beginning to feel the onset of the underlying truth of "Frankenstein" -- that the monster you create, will eventually destroy the creator.
Oh Happy Day!
8
Straight from the biggest horse's mouth: Hypocrisy is bigger in Texas!
"(Sen. John) Cornyn was asked about concerns that people who benefited from the expansion of Medicaid might lose that coverage with a repeal.
“We’re all concerned, but it ain’t going to happen,” ... “Nobody’s going to lose coverage. Obviously, people covered today will continue to be covered. And the hope is we’ll expand access." As we'd say down here in Texas, "That's a hoot!"
Texas refused Medicaid expansion via the ACA and ACA subsidies on completely political and anti-constituent grounds. The #2 ranking Senator Cornyn led the way to leave an estimated $100 billion in federal money on the table and out of the hands of the neediest Texans and the hospitals that treat them. According to NPR, He and his fellow Texas politicians forced Texas hospitals to eat the estimated $5.5 dollar annual cost of treating uninsured Texans left behind by Cornyn and his cronies.
Senator Cornyn might well be truth telling when he says "no one is going to lost coverage" in Texas, because he made damn sure they never got it in the first place.
The heart of the matter, the part that is rarely brought up "healthcare politics", is the true heart of the matter. Real people suffer and real children and adults die when they do not have real access to affordable, quality care. Shame on those who deny access.
"(Sen. John) Cornyn was asked about concerns that people who benefited from the expansion of Medicaid might lose that coverage with a repeal.
“We’re all concerned, but it ain’t going to happen,” ... “Nobody’s going to lose coverage. Obviously, people covered today will continue to be covered. And the hope is we’ll expand access." As we'd say down here in Texas, "That's a hoot!"
Texas refused Medicaid expansion via the ACA and ACA subsidies on completely political and anti-constituent grounds. The #2 ranking Senator Cornyn led the way to leave an estimated $100 billion in federal money on the table and out of the hands of the neediest Texans and the hospitals that treat them. According to NPR, He and his fellow Texas politicians forced Texas hospitals to eat the estimated $5.5 dollar annual cost of treating uninsured Texans left behind by Cornyn and his cronies.
Senator Cornyn might well be truth telling when he says "no one is going to lost coverage" in Texas, because he made damn sure they never got it in the first place.
The heart of the matter, the part that is rarely brought up "healthcare politics", is the true heart of the matter. Real people suffer and real children and adults die when they do not have real access to affordable, quality care. Shame on those who deny access.
16
There are two main themes to the Republican philosophy. First, government cannot be seen to improve lives. That's not the job of government. Anything that the government does to improve lives must be done away with, lest some pesky voter get the idea that indeed the government can make their lives easier, more successful, less fraught, more secure. There are Aynal Zealots who believe this to their bones. Second, the 0.01% and those who serve them---most of the Republican Party---want no taxes at all. This theme ties in very well with the first theme, because if there is no money to do things, the government can do nothing. And that's the unholy marriage now reigning in Congress. Many voters did not understand this, apparently. They will soon learn, perhaps too late. Even in my home town, you can't vote after you're dead.
6
The GOP has abandoned any pretense of decency and morality by rallying behind Trump, a truly abominable human being. They have abandoned any sense of responsibility by rushing to dismantle all the initiatives of the previous popular president without any clear alternatives for governance. The GOP has become a soulless hollowed out vessel propelled by fear and polarization and occupied solely by rich and privileged white men. I pray every day for the complete collapse and destruction of the Republican party--then we can start working on the Democrats.
17
Other countries do well, believe it or not, with no insurance companies at all. Medical care is provided by the government just as elementary school education is provided in the US by the local government. Some patients prefer to pay for care in private hospitals with cash. It is very hard for Americans to understand this. The daft idea of businesses paying for workers health care actually was invented by Bismarck.
8
“No one who has coverage because of Obamacare today will lose that coverage the day it’s repealed.” Right. They'll lose it within the year, just not that day. Plus millions of people who had coverage independent of Obamacare will either be unable to renew their policies because of preexisting conditions, or will see their premiums skyrocket.
Just as well thought out as their obsession with defunding Planned Parenthood, which by all independent studies *prevents* abortion.
The driver has a history of multiple accidents, the car is traveling at 85mph toward the construction barriers, it has lost traction and is beginning to spin, and our jaws are dropping in horror as we watch the disaster unfold.
Just as well thought out as their obsession with defunding Planned Parenthood, which by all independent studies *prevents* abortion.
The driver has a history of multiple accidents, the car is traveling at 85mph toward the construction barriers, it has lost traction and is beginning to spin, and our jaws are dropping in horror as we watch the disaster unfold.
8
Is it because Republicans are so committed to "alternative facts" that they can't do the simple math involved in health care policy? Without a mandate, there is simply not enough revenue for the insurance companies to provide equivalent coverage to all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions that cost more to treat.
13
I am really exhausted by the anxiety associated with medical coverage give and then take back based on which party is in power - and I am a well person. I cant imagine what its like for those who have serious medical issues who don't have unlimited resources. Our representatives need to commit to medical cover as a right for all and do it right. Not chisel, and offer complicated choices - if I could look in my crystal ball and see what illnesses are in my future I could make good choices. But since I can't predict this I can't make good choices. And in any case why do I need to make choices - I'm not looking for choices, access and the like I am looking to feel secure that from a health standpoint I will be OK without being financially ruined or left without care because of "Choices" or "Access" or whatever other term du jour is being used to avoid providing proper coverage. I have to believe that this sentiment transcends party politics.
10
While the ACA was being debated, Republicans loved to complain about 'government takeover of healthcare.' Any objective observer knows that we have no such thing. We also know the actual reason we pay so much for healthcare is that large parts of it are ruled by private insurance, pharmacy and hospital corporations. We pay large sums to insurance companies, they DO NOT provide any actual health care, but they keep lots of our money, which goes into the pockets of stockholders and executives. Pharmacy and hospital corporations charge outlandish fees for products and services, and the insurance companies pay them a percentage (that they don't want us to know) of those fees, enough to give them tidy profits for their executives and shareholders. Unfortunately, we cannot expect Republicans to do anything about this, and there is no way they can otherwise offer 'affordable' insurance that covers important healthcare services. They have been complaining for eight years, and no plan yet; it's time to 'put up or shut up.'
17
Why not eliminate employer based health insurance and have Medicare for all?
Everyone has a monthly payment based on income/net worth. The current Medicare tax grows along with this.
Fund it additionally by taxing companies at roughly the amount they now and would in the future pay for their employees to be covered.
People can buy supplemental coverage and drug coverage as seniors do now.
The govt declares what costs should b, not doctors, insurance companies or drug companies. Doctors are still in private practice, but the costs are the same for all,not by your plan or lack of one.
Children are covered by parents policy till they are 25---then they get their own policy.
It works for 65 people now---with a few modifications it can work for everyone.
And I won't mind if you call it Mickeycare!!
Everyone has a monthly payment based on income/net worth. The current Medicare tax grows along with this.
Fund it additionally by taxing companies at roughly the amount they now and would in the future pay for their employees to be covered.
People can buy supplemental coverage and drug coverage as seniors do now.
The govt declares what costs should b, not doctors, insurance companies or drug companies. Doctors are still in private practice, but the costs are the same for all,not by your plan or lack of one.
Children are covered by parents policy till they are 25---then they get their own policy.
It works for 65 people now---with a few modifications it can work for everyone.
And I won't mind if you call it Mickeycare!!
20
President Trump has previously been on record supporting a single payer Canadian style health care model and as a businessman now operating on behalf of the people, he must be disgusted by all of the administrative and indirect costs of our system, estimated to be 30% of all dollars spent (compared to 7% for other first-world, single payers). If he is truly the populist he purports to be, the only efficient and righteous solution is to tell the insurance companies, "You're fired."
12
When law makers both democratic and Republican muck with the health of those previously insured who will lose their insurance are the responsibility of the government and the agony of the lawmakers is trivial. There needs to be action if Obmacare is not promptly replaced by a better and more affordable plan. If not the government needs to open up its hospitals and clinics to take care of all Americans who are need of medical care and who do not have any insurance to cover it because they have a low income. No one should die or suffer waiting for medical attention.
7
The Republicans will not make people happy when they start to take apart medicaid, Medicare and Obamacares and replace it with Trumpdoesn'tcare. Senior citizens in nursing homes will come under attack if Medicaid is switched to a voucher program and states are forced to choose between low income children or seniors. Prescription care for Medicare recipients will also be under threat if the donut hole is not allowed to close.
14
Gee, Republican representatives who are afraid that they might hurt their own constituents by repealing the ACA (and thereby jeopardize their own chances at reelection) DO have the option of voting against its repeal. Yes indeed, they can think for themselves and vote their conscience.
The Republicans have marched in lockstep opposition for so long that they have forgotten that they are supposed to be representing their constituents, not participating in some collective GOP brain where they lack the power of independent thought.
It is no surprise that the Representatives expressing consternation come from places like California and New Jersey. These places ARE more progressive than the red states in the Midwest and South. Their seats ARE the vulnerable ones in 2020. They should be worried. The Democrats have to learn to exploit these divisions within the Republican Party, especially by having good candidates ready to run as soon as possible for Republican seats in blue states in 2020. Knowing there are replacements waiting in the wings will make these Republicans from the coasts less likely to go along with their Ayn Rand-inspired radical colleagues who don't blink at swiping health insurance from those who already have it.
The Republicans have marched in lockstep opposition for so long that they have forgotten that they are supposed to be representing their constituents, not participating in some collective GOP brain where they lack the power of independent thought.
It is no surprise that the Representatives expressing consternation come from places like California and New Jersey. These places ARE more progressive than the red states in the Midwest and South. Their seats ARE the vulnerable ones in 2020. They should be worried. The Democrats have to learn to exploit these divisions within the Republican Party, especially by having good candidates ready to run as soon as possible for Republican seats in blue states in 2020. Knowing there are replacements waiting in the wings will make these Republicans from the coasts less likely to go along with their Ayn Rand-inspired radical colleagues who don't blink at swiping health insurance from those who already have it.
16
Oh, my...the GOP is getting a crash course in insurance underwriting. The only way they can reform the Affordable Care Act is to enlarge it, make it mandatory and subsidize those who cannot afford the premiums. It will be expensive but it's the only way to achieve a free market insurance solution. If they wanted to be statesmen, they would abandon the insurance industry altogether and create single payer national health insurance for all. It would be half as expensive, far easier to administer and we might actually regain our standing in the world of enlightened developed countries. Only Republicans can get away with doing this and would be applauded by everyone but the health insurance industry that, of course, will never let this happen!!!
32
"Trumpcare" being instituted as Obamacare is pulled by the GOP, will cause chaos, dysfunction and fear among the millions who have chosen the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance. Obamacare can't be repealed on the same day "Trumpcare" (whatever that is or may be - none of us have been enlightened by out 45th President) is enacted into being. If Planned Parenthood is not included in "Trumpcare" women will rise up for their health-care rights and will ashcan Trump's Obamacare replacement. Kitty Hats will march on Washington, DC, in immense crowds as yet unseen and counted by our Tweeting President.
20
I'm 75, retired, divorced, and kids are grown. But no matter: I'll drive to DC from New Mexico, wear a kitty hat, and march until the Republicans finally realize that being "public servants" means they should serve the public.
2
I am a 60-year-old man and live in Pennsylvania. I purchase my medical insurance from the ACA exchange. My premium is 1079 dollars for a PPO plan with a 4000 dollar deductible. I pay the full freight with no subsidy other than I am permitted to buy regulated insurance from the large pool that is the exchange. The policy is more expensive than my policy was before the ACA, but at least it is real insurance. Where will I buy real insurance once the Republicans destabilize or destroy the ACA? 900,000 PA residents purchase or are helped with insurance through the ACA. As Colin Powel said, "If you break it you bought it." 900,000 people are going to be as angry as a constituent can be and blame Senator Toomey. Republican Senator Toomey was swept in with the help of the FBI and the Russians, winning by only 100000 votes. I do not thnk he can count on FBI or Russian help in the next election. I am so angry with our Senator Toomey. I will spend every dollar and expend every breath I can spare, working to defeat him in the next election. How many friends and family of those 900,000 will also feel as I do? I think the Republican party is on a death march. They are the party of corruption and greed. I am a lifelong Republican turned independent. That statement that "I am a lifelong Republican" causes me to feel great shame. Thanks Comey and Putin for your gift.
304
There are three promising aspects to this article. First, there's a mole out to undermine and expose GOP bombast. Second, Republicans actually seem to care about the life-and-death struggles of the vulnerable, at least as far as their election results are concerned. Third, they seem to recognize the reality of cause and effect, again perhaps only to the degree it affects elections. Why can't they be more reasonable in public statements? Of course, the most worrisome aspect of this report is that, as we've long known, they have absolutely no idea what to do, despite campaign promises. No idea. The ACA is here to stay, whatever you call it next. Republicans need to make it stronger.
8
The elephant in the room remains cost containment. Healthcare providers, hospitals and care centers, pharma, etc. But don't expect a Republican Congress and Administration to make any reasonable moves in that direction. So those costs will continue to escalate, and the "system" that is already in danger of collapsing will be closer to the edge than ever. Single-payer ("Medicare for all") is of course a very good solution, but lots of luck there - see my first sentence above.
3
Time for democrats and Trump's critics to be honest. Obamacare is imploding. It will fail miserably on its own. The most politically astute thing Trump said was that republicans could do nothing and just let it fail.
Time for more truth. Obamacare moved millions onto Medicaid. And decimated the individual market in the process. Republicans need to address that market and leave the subsidized market alone. Of course, it's expensive, but it was always going to be expensive.
Simply put, the federal government has to stop shifting costs onto unsubsidized taxpayers. That's what republicans were elected to do.
Time for more truth. Obamacare moved millions onto Medicaid. And decimated the individual market in the process. Republicans need to address that market and leave the subsidized market alone. Of course, it's expensive, but it was always going to be expensive.
Simply put, the federal government has to stop shifting costs onto unsubsidized taxpayers. That's what republicans were elected to do.
Unfortunately, there is only one way out of this mess without going backwards, and that is not going to be acceptable to the GOP - moving like most advanced nations to so called universal healthcare. However, they will, like they have with Medicare, need to find a way for the insurance companies to participate. Unfortunately, until they can get there, our health and care is at risk, so much so, that any surgery could result in individual economic disaster (and result in higher medicare participation). Like the proposed 20% tarriff on Mexican goods and services, the real impact is higher costs to America, rather the intended result. It is best the GOP remember this.
5
Whimps.
Repeal and replace - with a tax deduction/voucher, as follows.
For the individuals/family:
1. If employed with health insurance, they give the voucher(s) to their employer. Anything above that amount, is a benefit to the employee. (Whether it becomes taxable or not, to be determined. This is the infamous Cadillac Plans in ObamaCare).
2. If not employed, the individual/family will go in to the open market and use their tax credit/voucher to get health insurance (see below).
For insurance companies:
They would need to offer the same plans to all. So a gold plated plan for IBM or GM would have to accept tax credits/vouchers from all applicants - individuals, small business employers, large companies or any groups, such as a non-profits.
For catastrophic care, Medicare/Medicaid would act as the backstop ONLY AFTER insurance companies have incurred a maximum payments of some amount for the condition, say $500,000 for someone with brain cancer or some other debilitating illness.
Of course, the devil will be in what amount you set the tax credit/voucher at.
Too high, people and insurance companies will be taking advantage of "free" medical care (watch over-the-air TV for the ads for medical devices, pills and malpractice firms to comprehend this).
Too low, health insurance companies will go bankrupt or gear their offerings only to expensive Cadillac Plans, thus moving to a de facto government pooled plan for those most in need.
ObamaCare is failing. Take the leap.
Repeal and replace - with a tax deduction/voucher, as follows.
For the individuals/family:
1. If employed with health insurance, they give the voucher(s) to their employer. Anything above that amount, is a benefit to the employee. (Whether it becomes taxable or not, to be determined. This is the infamous Cadillac Plans in ObamaCare).
2. If not employed, the individual/family will go in to the open market and use their tax credit/voucher to get health insurance (see below).
For insurance companies:
They would need to offer the same plans to all. So a gold plated plan for IBM or GM would have to accept tax credits/vouchers from all applicants - individuals, small business employers, large companies or any groups, such as a non-profits.
For catastrophic care, Medicare/Medicaid would act as the backstop ONLY AFTER insurance companies have incurred a maximum payments of some amount for the condition, say $500,000 for someone with brain cancer or some other debilitating illness.
Of course, the devil will be in what amount you set the tax credit/voucher at.
Too high, people and insurance companies will be taking advantage of "free" medical care (watch over-the-air TV for the ads for medical devices, pills and malpractice firms to comprehend this).
Too low, health insurance companies will go bankrupt or gear their offerings only to expensive Cadillac Plans, thus moving to a de facto government pooled plan for those most in need.
ObamaCare is failing. Take the leap.
1
The unrelenting hypocrisy which is so transparently the hallmark of the GOP is nicely highlighted in the picture at the head of this piece. These people do not resemble any Christian I have ever met. Since when were true Christians ever cynical, spiteful, cruel and untruthful for that is what these Republican politicians have been exposed to be in spades. There is no plan. There is only idle rhetoric which they are now flailing to turn into action so long as it doesn't upset their well feathered nests. Internationally the USA has been made a laughing stock this week with all the antics from the goons in the White House now compounded by the antics in Trump's party. Hope fully more Americans will wake up to the folly of their vote or failure to vote and the Republicans banished to the wilderness for some time to come. the rest of the world is now desperately depending on that.
10
Some of us feel "almost" sorry for the republican predicament, a spiteful action to erase Obamacare (with racial undertones), and try to replace it with anything worth the name of comprehensive health care at affordable prices. Certainly not achievable in private for-profit hands. Poor republicans, 'guided' by an unscrupulous and irresponsible Liar-in-Chief intent in ignoring the historic achievement of his predecessor. Impertinence in the making. Injustice and despair for the millions. The term "access" to health care must never be confused with 'having' health insurance.
12
Going through my dad's things after he passed away, I found a hospital bill for my birth in 1958. The bill which included a week-long stay for me and my mom was $275.00--no insurance. Twenty six years later my daughter's birth cost over 15K Can any one explain the difference? -birthing babies is pretty straightforward, after all.
All the conversations about health care seem to circle around insurance, but maybe, just maybe, doctors, nurses, administrators, pharmacists, and medical supply companies are paid too much and insurance only supports the inflation.
All the conversations about health care seem to circle around insurance, but maybe, just maybe, doctors, nurses, administrators, pharmacists, and medical supply companies are paid too much and insurance only supports the inflation.
4
Republicans are playing with fire and this is one place Trump, who is skilled at walking back commitments, is prepared to do just that. And Ryan's plan - converting coverage from "defined benefit" to "defined contribution" is a potential disaster. This is what most private sector employers began doing years ago with their pension plans and is why so many people are now unprepared for retirement. It does make the budgeting process more precise but it will give the Federal Government the ability to tell each American, each year, how much they will have to pay to get their coverage. I can just imagine the hair curling complexity of determining who pays how much and the never ending debates about the fairness.
5
The underlying issue is that Obamacare is an example of a channel to move public funding into what has been a private preserve. Appropriating public money requires taxation to control the money supply. Any channel that exposes wealthy people to the prospect of taxation is anathema.
1
Here's an idea: establish one multi-corporation partnership with Medicare to deliver single payer healthcare for everybody. This public-private partnership would use the apparatus already in place and rationalize the new system for maximum efficiencies. Each end user final payout would include a tiny surcharge akin to a financial transaction tax that would be paid out to the constituent partners as their profit.
3
Trump will force the repeal of the ACA without anything to replace it, other than the insurance market. Selling policies across state borders will not do anything except lower the bar on what is an acceptable policy. In TrumpWorld nothing counts except for the gold, shiny spin that is put on it.
Russia charged w/Treason those that it was afraid would tell of the Trump collusion with them. We will never see them again.
We are going down a dangerous road with a complete lunatic at the controls. Trump will need to be impeached and tried for treason for collusion with a foreign government to undermine the U.S. presidential election.
Russia charged w/Treason those that it was afraid would tell of the Trump collusion with them. We will never see them again.
We are going down a dangerous road with a complete lunatic at the controls. Trump will need to be impeached and tried for treason for collusion with a foreign government to undermine the U.S. presidential election.
8
There has to be so much acid indigestion among Republican senators and representatives that I wish I had the concession on Tums. The Great Boilermaker has turned them into a bunch of ineffectuals who, if they are not already, should be experiencing more sleepless nights than they ever imagined they'd have. The longer they wait to challenge The Man, the more difficult it will become - and "we the people" will pay the price - literally and emotionally.
12
The Fun begins. After all that bravado about repealing Obamacare and replacing it with something better, for six or so years, no less, Republicans suddenly hunker down because they have found that the the program works better than anything which they can devise. The obligatory payments of non-subscribers (no big deal; they are like those paid by uninsured drivers); the end of exclusions for pre-existing conditions; the absence of a cap; child coverage until age 26; subsidies for the poor; and competitive markets serving all--tough system to better, though the present one can be improved. Republicans now know that, in their monomaniacal racist hatred of all things Obama, they have a good chance to do something which screws the public, the health-care and health insurance industries, and, as a result, themselves. The latter is unacceptable. But, if they do nothing, they will have to try to find a way to save face by covering their posterior to protect it from the pit bulls which they have unleashed. This particular act is what promises the Fun.
22
Reality check only one solution medicare for all an trump knows it. Affordable health care law only accomplished one thing make wall street rich. Real concern is why a person has to have 5 health care plans for one family? Person works 38 years an retires to find out their employer wont let employee use there health care plan with out paying 2700 a month for premium .Then employer refuses to cancel plan an send the employee a bill for 19000 . Because of having to have insurance the employer tell employee they have to pay the bill its law to have insurance. Ex employer handles claims for government .Whos in charge of white house president or corperations?
2
The real elephant in that room--the real reason they are blundering around--is that they have not actually embraced the goals ACA was designed to accomplish how ever imperfectly. If they genuinely shared that affirmative goal, it would be easy: simply enact the fixes and provisions they opposed or rescinded under Obama. All this confusion arises from the simple fact that they don't want to do what the act was intended to accomplish. In short, the only real difficulties they face are in their heads. The only thing that's making the job so intractable is their own ideology.
21
Lots of talk about coverage... little about costs. The fact is that 'access' to insurance doesn't mean that you can actually use it. I pay a reasonable, employer-subsidized premium for private insurance. The plan itself- it sucks. There is one plan- no choice. Our deductibles are so high, we have to plan for liability of $6K year. Even after coverage kicks in, we have no co-pays... only co-insurance. That means we pay 20% of whatever outrageous amount some provider wants to charge. How about if the free-market capitalist Republicans actually force the key elements of a free market. Robust competition and price transparency. Medical emergencies are one thing- but if an x-ray is suggested by my doctor, why does it takes a dozen calls over several days to even understand the wide range of prices- the cost of which I must bear? Healthcare has become an organized criminal enterprise, holding Americans hostage for inferior products at outrageous prices.
15
First and foremost, let's get this out: the ACA is a Republican healthcare plan -- it's based upon the plan created at the Heritage Foundation, and, although essentially abandoned, it made its first appearance in Massachusetts under Republican Gov. Mitt Romney. The Republicans' opposition to the ACA as out into effect by the Obama administration is political and racist -- they didn't simply oppose because it was effectuated by the Democrats, but because it was effectuated by the Democrats and a black President.
Second, there is no such thing as a "free market" in healthcare. The provision of healthcare and the means of paying for it and helping others pay for it are controlled by powerful forces beyond the ability of ordinary citizens to deal with.
Third, healthcare in the US costs so much because each and every part of the healthcare system costs so d**n much and that is the direct result of a number of things, including absolutely no cost controls and outright greed.
The US and all of its citizens ought to be ashamed that, in the face of virtually all, if not all, other industrialized nations having figured out how to provide national healthcare for its citizens, the US cannot do so and has in fact steadfastly refused to do so. People claiming to by "pro-life" are blatant hypocrites.
Second, there is no such thing as a "free market" in healthcare. The provision of healthcare and the means of paying for it and helping others pay for it are controlled by powerful forces beyond the ability of ordinary citizens to deal with.
Third, healthcare in the US costs so much because each and every part of the healthcare system costs so d**n much and that is the direct result of a number of things, including absolutely no cost controls and outright greed.
The US and all of its citizens ought to be ashamed that, in the face of virtually all, if not all, other industrialized nations having figured out how to provide national healthcare for its citizens, the US cannot do so and has in fact steadfastly refused to do so. People claiming to by "pro-life" are blatant hypocrites.
37
This is for the Republicans, from their favorite, Freidrich Hayek, in "The Road to Serfdom": “Nor is there any reason why the state should not assist the individuals in providing for those common hazards of life against which, because of their uncertainty, few individuals can make adequate provision. Where, as in the case of sickness and accident, neither the desire to avoid such calamities nor the efforts to overcome their consequences are as a rule weakened by the provision of assistance—where, in short, we deal with genuinely insurable risks—the case for the state’s helping to organize a comprehensive system of social insurance is very strong.” Moving right along...
12
Republican narrow voals of saving taxes for the wealthy and promoting insurance cos profits blinds them on policy. Sen O'Connell is only a stratevist not a deep thinker on what is vood for all. Paul Ryan has proven to be a very livht weight budget thinker.
So no surprise they are unprepared. They now reap what tbey have. A party of slogans only.
Unfortunately, too many voters are consumers of oneliners. They deserve what they vote for and we all bear the consequences.
So no surprise they are unprepared. They now reap what tbey have. A party of slogans only.
Unfortunately, too many voters are consumers of oneliners. They deserve what they vote for and we all bear the consequences.
9
Ideology meets arithmetic. There is simply no way of providing coverage for pre-existing conditions, not to mention young adult children of insured parents, catastrophic expenses, and all the other things that people want, without everyone being in the pool. It simply doesn't add up. Whether you choose single payer, regulated utility, or extended Medicare models, it can't be done without universal participation. Politicians of any party will be undone when they bump into this mathematical reality. And there will be no solution until this reality is recognized by a sufficient majority of Americans.
Similarly, there can be no effective control of costs without unifying the buyers in this artificial and asymmetric market. Again, everyone needs to be involved.
Similarly, there can be no effective control of costs without unifying the buyers in this artificial and asymmetric market. Again, everyone needs to be involved.
34
It was necessary to pass legislation which made health insurance widely available to most citizens. The downside of the law is that 75% was written by the insurance lobby. Few in Congress admittedly had not read the 200+ pages before passage. Flaws that evolved are outrageous increases in premiums, high out of pocket expenses before one can get reimbursement for services, no competition across state lines, guarantees which indemnify insurance companies for losses , and one of the most egregious flaws allows insurance companies to withdraw from the program. Rather than repealing ACA, it could be made more affordable and equitable through modification. The largest insurance companies that have withdrawn from the program are continuing to reap revenues and profits from other contracts with Federal and State governments. Medicare Advantage plans are HMOs administered by the private insurance sector for all Medicare benefits including supplemental insurance and drugs. A change in the present law would be to mandate the equitable participation of those private companies in the ACA or not be eligible to bid for the above mentioned lucrative government contracts.
The only way I can see a rapid repeal and replacement of ACA without total chaos would be to move everyone to Medicare and Medicaid along with the ACA budget. To start from scratch the government would have to create another new infrastructure and administrative framework which took five years for the current ACA.
The only way I can see a rapid repeal and replacement of ACA without total chaos would be to move everyone to Medicare and Medicaid along with the ACA budget. To start from scratch the government would have to create another new infrastructure and administrative framework which took five years for the current ACA.
2
Our country is facing a crisis of the soul here: we need to decide upon what is the minimal health care that every human on US soil should expect ... expect (quality, quantity, availability, choice) to be able to provide for themselves or to have provided (by others) to them if they can't.
There is a difference between what this minimal expectation should be (a moral issue for our country) and what one should be "allowed" to pay for if one wants to (after all, what's the point of struggling to make more money if it doesn't marginally improve your health or happiness?).
It's naive to expect or require everyone to receive the same quality and fullness of health care as everyone else, just as it's barbaric to allow anyone to suffer just because of their socioeconomic situation. Finding that balance is what we need to be talking about before we throw out the ACA and make new policy.
This is not unlike the debates we have had (sort of, seems to be still evolving) over torture and privacy. As a country we need to make and then take some hard moral positions on these issues. Once we know what we stand for, we may then hope to make good policy.
There is a difference between what this minimal expectation should be (a moral issue for our country) and what one should be "allowed" to pay for if one wants to (after all, what's the point of struggling to make more money if it doesn't marginally improve your health or happiness?).
It's naive to expect or require everyone to receive the same quality and fullness of health care as everyone else, just as it's barbaric to allow anyone to suffer just because of their socioeconomic situation. Finding that balance is what we need to be talking about before we throw out the ACA and make new policy.
This is not unlike the debates we have had (sort of, seems to be still evolving) over torture and privacy. As a country we need to make and then take some hard moral positions on these issues. Once we know what we stand for, we may then hope to make good policy.
2
The challenge continues (as it has for 40 years) to provide people access to necessary, quality care that they (and we) can afford. Trump campaigned as a reform candidate with no regard to political party. Not too long ago, he publicly support single payer as a solution while very recently he disappointed many leaders in the republican party by saying everyone will have affordable health insurance (or something to that effect) to which many of his supporters tried to spin as he means 'everyone will have access to care' (or something to that effect). But if he is really the non-partisan disrupter he has worked so hard to prove he is, then maybe he will have the courage to lead the country toward a solution in which those struggling for coverage and care can be supported to acquire Medicare plans like everyone over 65. Yeah I know its a public plan and there are worries about its long term financing. NEWSFLASH: 10s of millions of USA citizens are already covered under a 'public' program and in terms of affordability, the marginal costs of adding the uncovered to Medicare would be arguably and materially lower given Medicare's fee arrangements with hospitals and doctors across the land. With regard to the long term financial viability of the program, the logical planner understands that this issue will remain regardless of what form any new program takes. Even more interesting, many private insurers are already vested in providing Medicare plans making implementation easier.
3
The only solution consistent with property rights and freedom is to stop all government intervention in the health market. Let each individual choose whatever service they wish to pay for. Remove barriers to entry in the health sector. Eliminate all licenses for doctors, medical technology etc. Allow for competition and consumer based ratings like in any other market. Without government regulations, talking to a doctor about your health issue would probably be only slightly more expensive than a Skype call. In short, eliminate Obamacare and replace it with no government forced action whatsoever.
1
For comparison, Medicare gives Australian residents access to health care. It is partly funded by taxpayers via a levy of 2% of their taxable income. The levy reduces for low incomes and you pay nothing if you have no taxable income.
Medicare covers:
• free or subsidised treatment by health professionals such as doctors, specialists, optometrists, and sometimes dentists and other allied health practitioners
• free treatment and accommodation for public Medicare patients in a public hospital
75% of the Medicare Schedule fee for services and procedures for private patients in a public or private hospital
(Non-public patients choose to have extra private insurance)
People with chronic medical conditions can claim additional payments for health care services and equipment. The Medicare Safety Net helps patients cover extra costs. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a universal cap on prescription costs. Once an annual limit is reached, the PBS Safety Net reduces the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines to US$5 or nothing.
Seniors and kids have extra entitlements, such as free sight and hearing tests and free shots for various conditions e.g. pneumonia and shingles for seniors, and a full set of immunizations for children.
US life expectancy is lower than Australia’s and Cuba’s.
According to WHO, annual health costs per person in the US in 2014 were double Australia’s and triple Cuba’s.
You need a universal entitlement, not bandaids.
Medicare covers:
• free or subsidised treatment by health professionals such as doctors, specialists, optometrists, and sometimes dentists and other allied health practitioners
• free treatment and accommodation for public Medicare patients in a public hospital
75% of the Medicare Schedule fee for services and procedures for private patients in a public or private hospital
(Non-public patients choose to have extra private insurance)
People with chronic medical conditions can claim additional payments for health care services and equipment. The Medicare Safety Net helps patients cover extra costs. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a universal cap on prescription costs. Once an annual limit is reached, the PBS Safety Net reduces the cost of a wide range of prescription medicines to US$5 or nothing.
Seniors and kids have extra entitlements, such as free sight and hearing tests and free shots for various conditions e.g. pneumonia and shingles for seniors, and a full set of immunizations for children.
US life expectancy is lower than Australia’s and Cuba’s.
According to WHO, annual health costs per person in the US in 2014 were double Australia’s and triple Cuba’s.
You need a universal entitlement, not bandaids.
4
We Republican leaders, including Paul Ryan, touting that their nominee to head HHS, Tom Price, was "endorsed by the AMA." That is true, on the surface. That was a board endorsement, not one approved by majority vote. It irritated many members. And keep in mind that that only about 15% of US physicians belong to the AMA. The vast majority do not.
More to the point, the New England Journal of Medicine recently reported that 75% of primary care physicians (PCPs) did NOT favor ACA repeal--they want the law improved (amended): http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1700144?query=TOC . Here is the concluding paragraph from that "Perspectives" piece:
"In the next few months, the country will embark on another major debate about the future of U.S. health policy. According to recent estimates, the health insurance coverage of nearly 30 million people could be at risk if critical elements of the ACA are repealed and the nongroup-insurance market is disrupted.5 As policymakers consider changes to the ACA, they might consider the views of PCPs, given their unique role in the U.S. health care system. We found that PCPs strongly endorse key elements of the ACA that enable individuals to obtain insurance coverage and that very few support repealing the law."
Perhaps the Republicans are getting the message. We'll see if they want to drive the nation over yet another cliff (thinking of the president's new immigration ban executive order).
More to the point, the New England Journal of Medicine recently reported that 75% of primary care physicians (PCPs) did NOT favor ACA repeal--they want the law improved (amended): http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1700144?query=TOC . Here is the concluding paragraph from that "Perspectives" piece:
"In the next few months, the country will embark on another major debate about the future of U.S. health policy. According to recent estimates, the health insurance coverage of nearly 30 million people could be at risk if critical elements of the ACA are repealed and the nongroup-insurance market is disrupted.5 As policymakers consider changes to the ACA, they might consider the views of PCPs, given their unique role in the U.S. health care system. We found that PCPs strongly endorse key elements of the ACA that enable individuals to obtain insurance coverage and that very few support repealing the law."
Perhaps the Republicans are getting the message. We'll see if they want to drive the nation over yet another cliff (thinking of the president's new immigration ban executive order).
3
The Republicans don't have and won't have a viable replacement for ACA because it is essentially their plan to be in with - devised in their think tank the Heritage Foundation and field tested with much success in Massachusetts by their very own Mitt Romney. Would that congressional Republicans seek to work with their Democratic counterparts to improve ACA where it can be improved or reasonably changed rather than intransigently and reflexively desiring to throw the baby out with the bathwater. For example, if the individual mandate is so abhorrent, perhaps actually keeping it for say 5-10 years or so then reevaluate its necessity as by then people may be accustomed to enrolling and having decent insurance and they conceivably won't feel coerced. How about getting over the notion that high risk people (e.g., seniors, preexisting conditions) should be spread across the entire pool to mitigate the effect on all - the exact point of insurance). Perhaps Republicans could actually be honest about the benefits of and fair and reasonable adjustments to ACA - to all of us, the entire country, individuals and businesses, national and local economics.
2
Trump is locked in debate with his own reflection. He has no foundational philosophy of government. He got elected by making promises many of which are incompatible with each other and with reality. The ACA is interwoven into the lives of many of us: no one seems to think of Medicare recipients and the donut hole, the life-time cap on benefits, and the right of doctors to refuse to take on new patients.
When Trump said "very senior people" told him that torture works, no one asked him who those people are and what he means by "works," Torture works to make people scream and soil themselves. It degrades them and threaten their sanity. It demeans their communities. And these are documented reasons why regimes adopt torture. No doubt Hank Voight or Jack Bauer can break down petty criminals with illegal methods, but ideologists and fanatics have a different kind of strength, as did Irish Rebels tortured by British forces. Torture does not provide reliable actionable intelligence. And on this subject, as on education, the climate, and much else, Trump is as ignorant as many of his supporters are. He attempts to rule like a Nero, depending on his gut rather than his head.
When Trump said "very senior people" told him that torture works, no one asked him who those people are and what he means by "works," Torture works to make people scream and soil themselves. It degrades them and threaten their sanity. It demeans their communities. And these are documented reasons why regimes adopt torture. No doubt Hank Voight or Jack Bauer can break down petty criminals with illegal methods, but ideologists and fanatics have a different kind of strength, as did Irish Rebels tortured by British forces. Torture does not provide reliable actionable intelligence. And on this subject, as on education, the climate, and much else, Trump is as ignorant as many of his supporters are. He attempts to rule like a Nero, depending on his gut rather than his head.
2
While the ACA is far from ideal ... It was a comprehensive policy with stated objectives. Unfortunately, instead of improving on that plan, we are in a confusion as to how to completely start over. Neither party is looking out for what is better for the population as a whole (with a view toward long-term viability).Instead, we are witnessing a slow implosion of governance while the elected "chickens" each cackle all about proving the opposite party is at fault.
All policy choices have consequences. In terms of healthcare, it is an opportunity stabilizer. If we do not consider the costs on those with less access to influence in our government, then (like education quality and access) we cannot really say we are a meritocracy. Affordable healthcare has become a basic need and universal access to it is essential to the long term success of our country. Those with pre-existing conditions should not be left to their own devises; families on the lower end of the income band should not be forced to choose between healthcare, food, shelter and education (especially if they hold a job); the kafkesque laberinth of bills and pre-approvals and "in vs out" of network and which treatment is best are too confusing against the opacity of healthcare billing. We should be evolving the current platform by having these type of policy discussions, not continually starting over depending on which "party" is in control.
All policy choices have consequences. In terms of healthcare, it is an opportunity stabilizer. If we do not consider the costs on those with less access to influence in our government, then (like education quality and access) we cannot really say we are a meritocracy. Affordable healthcare has become a basic need and universal access to it is essential to the long term success of our country. Those with pre-existing conditions should not be left to their own devises; families on the lower end of the income band should not be forced to choose between healthcare, food, shelter and education (especially if they hold a job); the kafkesque laberinth of bills and pre-approvals and "in vs out" of network and which treatment is best are too confusing against the opacity of healthcare billing. We should be evolving the current platform by having these type of policy discussions, not continually starting over depending on which "party" is in control.
2
Do not be deceived by the republican trick of talking access to health insurance instead of having it. As Bernie Sanders told the slick huckster Tom Price in his conformation hearing, I have "access" to a 15 million dollar house but I can't afford it. The republicans still don't want to reveal the truth that they want to go back to a system in which millions don't have health insurance and only employees of group plans of big corporations with negotiating leverage can afford to buy coverage. Republicans wasted tax payer time and money to vote over 60 times to "repeal" Obamacare over the past eight years, but it all was simply political theatre because they still do not have a real replacement plan. They are so used to lying and misrepresenting on health care they can't cope with having to make it real.
Furthermore, don't fall for the empty rhetoric of free market blah blan blah making health insurance affordable through competition. The health sector has never been a free market and never will be. This is why almost all advanced western economies like those of Europe have universal coverage a government plan, or public private hybrid. Please read this well researched and evidenced based article on the business sense that universal health insurance makes: http://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1132&....
This pulls away all the misinformation lying, deceiving republicans put out there about health care coverage. Take a look.
Furthermore, don't fall for the empty rhetoric of free market blah blan blah making health insurance affordable through competition. The health sector has never been a free market and never will be. This is why almost all advanced western economies like those of Europe have universal coverage a government plan, or public private hybrid. Please read this well researched and evidenced based article on the business sense that universal health insurance makes: http://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1132&....
This pulls away all the misinformation lying, deceiving republicans put out there about health care coverage. Take a look.
3
Let's be clear. The problem Republicans have is not that they can't agree on a single plan. The problem is that no plan can do what they want to do without violating their bedrock principles. It doesn't exist because it's logically impossible.
They want to simultaneously provide care for everyone (no pre-conditions test), not intrude into anybody's "individual freedom" (no mandate), and not impose new taxes. But covering everyone, including those with long-term conditions, guarantees there will be many people whose care will be much more expensive than the premiums they pay, so must be supported by everybody else. The only way to do that is to mandate everybody contribute by having insurance (they refuse), or have government pick up the tab using taxes, ideally in a single payer system (they refuse). The third option, mandating that the healthcare system provide "free" care in ERs, was tried before ACA and failed miserably, only forcing up the prices everybody else paid.
Republicans have refused to face these facts, and instead have spent years in an alternative reality of alternative facts. Now they're in power, and have to accept reality. But the emperor has no clothes. It is fun watching them spin naked in the wind.
They want to simultaneously provide care for everyone (no pre-conditions test), not intrude into anybody's "individual freedom" (no mandate), and not impose new taxes. But covering everyone, including those with long-term conditions, guarantees there will be many people whose care will be much more expensive than the premiums they pay, so must be supported by everybody else. The only way to do that is to mandate everybody contribute by having insurance (they refuse), or have government pick up the tab using taxes, ideally in a single payer system (they refuse). The third option, mandating that the healthcare system provide "free" care in ERs, was tried before ACA and failed miserably, only forcing up the prices everybody else paid.
Republicans have refused to face these facts, and instead have spent years in an alternative reality of alternative facts. Now they're in power, and have to accept reality. But the emperor has no clothes. It is fun watching them spin naked in the wind.
6
The insurance companies rule the Republican representatives just as they always have. This will be nothing more than a reversion back to the "Free Market" in which the sick are denied coverage by escalating premiums instead of outright coverage refusal. The cherry picking will begin anew.
With Obamacare, the burden of paying for indigent care will be thrust back on to the shoulders of the government instead of the patient contributing to their own care through insurance payments. In effect, the Republicans are shifting the cost of health care back from the patients to the government. That is contrary to everything they stand for and in direct opposition to the idea of something closer to a free market.
Republican doublespeak is deceptive. We all know that young and healthy people will not get their own health insurance until later age or signs of illness which led to the problems with health insurance originally.
Republicans painted themselves into a corner with their ill advised hatred mongering of Obamacare. It was working and the Republican habit of garnering support with hatred and anger is backfiring on them, and very justifiably so.
The Affordable Care Act is good and better than any program the private insurance companies ever had.
It's universal coverage versus universal access. The trouble is with universal access, much fewer people will be able to afford health insurance. I believe the Republican leadership knows it well and has avoided mentioning it.
With Obamacare, the burden of paying for indigent care will be thrust back on to the shoulders of the government instead of the patient contributing to their own care through insurance payments. In effect, the Republicans are shifting the cost of health care back from the patients to the government. That is contrary to everything they stand for and in direct opposition to the idea of something closer to a free market.
Republican doublespeak is deceptive. We all know that young and healthy people will not get their own health insurance until later age or signs of illness which led to the problems with health insurance originally.
Republicans painted themselves into a corner with their ill advised hatred mongering of Obamacare. It was working and the Republican habit of garnering support with hatred and anger is backfiring on them, and very justifiably so.
The Affordable Care Act is good and better than any program the private insurance companies ever had.
It's universal coverage versus universal access. The trouble is with universal access, much fewer people will be able to afford health insurance. I believe the Republican leadership knows it well and has avoided mentioning it.
5
Who’s helped by repealing ACA? ACA reduced revenue growth rates in health care. More healthy people means less sick people needing medicines, extreme care.
Who’s helped by ACA? Not just 20 million who now can get diagnostic, wellness, early treatment care. Their families are safer from ruin from uninsured medical costs. Public health has less risk of epidemic. The social safety net has less strain: fewer disabled means less spent by OASDI and fewer needing welfare. Employment must have improved: 20 million newly able to pay for wellness care means more demand for those workers; healthier employees must help productivity; more alert, healthy, children is good. Taxpayers also: nonpartisan estimates say repeal increases the deficit; vouchers so poor can buy insurance added only $43 billion to federal government’s $3.9 trillion total spending.
The mandate to buy insurance – no one refused, everyone must participate – is the most frugal way to universal access to health care. Insurers take the risk that otherwise would hit the federal budget. But the fine for not participating must be higher than the premium, which ACA’s is not. People should see paying the fine gets nothing; paying less than the fine gets them health insurance. This is no infringement of personal freedom. It’s a role for government states found effective to get near-universal car insurance coverage to benefit all citizens – pedestrians as well as other drivers.
Who’s helped by ACA? Not just 20 million who now can get diagnostic, wellness, early treatment care. Their families are safer from ruin from uninsured medical costs. Public health has less risk of epidemic. The social safety net has less strain: fewer disabled means less spent by OASDI and fewer needing welfare. Employment must have improved: 20 million newly able to pay for wellness care means more demand for those workers; healthier employees must help productivity; more alert, healthy, children is good. Taxpayers also: nonpartisan estimates say repeal increases the deficit; vouchers so poor can buy insurance added only $43 billion to federal government’s $3.9 trillion total spending.
The mandate to buy insurance – no one refused, everyone must participate – is the most frugal way to universal access to health care. Insurers take the risk that otherwise would hit the federal budget. But the fine for not participating must be higher than the premium, which ACA’s is not. People should see paying the fine gets nothing; paying less than the fine gets them health insurance. This is no infringement of personal freedom. It’s a role for government states found effective to get near-universal car insurance coverage to benefit all citizens – pedestrians as well as other drivers.
5
For decades, the republicans have been telling us that affordable health insurance is not the governments problem while at the same time they support both military and reconstruction actions abroad. Trillions have been spent or wasted on Iraq and Afghanistan. They want to build the Great Wall of Trumpistan, which they say they will support to the tune of $15B of our money, to what end? But no, it is not good governance to help support the health of the same people who will pay for the wall? Who are these people representing?
Many people think that the government should be run more like a business. Such a naive perspective, however, if that were the case, I would take the states with the lowest GDP and the greatest federal burden and divest them from the US. These are Mississippi, Alabama, Montana, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Let them go bankrupt (ala Trumpenomics) and they can then be sold on the open market to the highest bidder. Perhaps China, Saudi Arabia, or a European Country will buy them. Keep doing that until what we have next is the most efficient collection of states. Is that what the populous think should happen? We could then afford health care for everyone and created Elyssium in them process.
Their is health care and health insurance and until these are dealt with collectively by bringing everyone to the table, we will not see change just increased costs. There is no "parent" to make sure organizations are playing fair.
Many people think that the government should be run more like a business. Such a naive perspective, however, if that were the case, I would take the states with the lowest GDP and the greatest federal burden and divest them from the US. These are Mississippi, Alabama, Montana, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Let them go bankrupt (ala Trumpenomics) and they can then be sold on the open market to the highest bidder. Perhaps China, Saudi Arabia, or a European Country will buy them. Keep doing that until what we have next is the most efficient collection of states. Is that what the populous think should happen? We could then afford health care for everyone and created Elyssium in them process.
Their is health care and health insurance and until these are dealt with collectively by bringing everyone to the table, we will not see change just increased costs. There is no "parent" to make sure organizations are playing fair.
4
Republicans are dreaming if they believe Democrats are going to "come to the table and help them draft a replacement" once they understand that repeal is inevitable. (That is, unless the "replacement" is something more like universal single payer.) No, they are going to do this one all by themselves and then they can explain the effects of "Trumpcare" to its victims through the next two or three election cycles until we can clean up the mess they make. The Republicans are determined to wreck the suite of Democratic Party supported programs that make our country a more civilized place to live. They now have the votes, courtesy of a hornswaggled electorate who have bought into decades of Republican fear-mongering. Democrats' task is to consistently and totally oppose these efforts and wait our turn, which will arrive sooner rather than later.
5
Isn't it rich when a group of privileged, entitled people, whose health plans are gold plated and paid for by taxpayers (of which DJT is not one), don't believe that anyone should be required to buy health care coverage. The fact is that much of the care the uninsured do receive - which is often in the most expensive settings, because the emergency room is one of the few places where they can't be turned away - is paid for by someone. Generally, it's passed along to insurance companies, factored into hospitals' rates for care for those with coverage. This increases premiums for those who have coverage - premiums this lot don't pay. Taxpayers pay those premiums for them. For those insured through their employers, it raises costs for both the company and the employee, who typically share premium costs. So not requiring people to purchase health care is not respecting a personal liberty - which is rich coming from this group, who think they have the right to tell a woman what she can do with her body. Those who "choose" not to have health insurance impose the costs of their decisions on the rest of us. At a minimum, let's pass legislation that provides the same "access" to members of congress to the same coverage options they devise for the hoi polloi, and let them pay for their coverage themselves. Most of them are millionaires. If they see no reason to subsidize the cost of coverage for those who can't afford it, why should the taxpayers should subsidize theirs?
15
In my opinion, the only viable long term solution is a single-payer system. No market-based solution, which frankly includes the ACA, will work because healthcare markets fail to meet the conditions required for free markets to work efficiently.
Free markets work wonderfully for television sets and refrigerators and toothpaste. But if I think a new television set is too expensive, I can walk away. If my child needs surgery to live, I'm not going to walk away.
If I want a new television, I can shop around. If I'm bleeding out in the back of the ambulance, I'm not going to ask the paramedic to wait while I research the most cost effective trauma center.
If I decide the name brand TV is too expensive, I can buy a low-cost, low-quality brand. Are we willing to allow low-quality health care options? Because markets need that possibility to work efficiently. Are we willing to allow people to die on the hospital sidewalk because their insurance doesn't cover that condition? On the other hand, maybe I don't want to know the answer to that question?
Free markets work wonderfully for television sets and refrigerators and toothpaste. But if I think a new television set is too expensive, I can walk away. If my child needs surgery to live, I'm not going to walk away.
If I want a new television, I can shop around. If I'm bleeding out in the back of the ambulance, I'm not going to ask the paramedic to wait while I research the most cost effective trauma center.
If I decide the name brand TV is too expensive, I can buy a low-cost, low-quality brand. Are we willing to allow low-quality health care options? Because markets need that possibility to work efficiently. Are we willing to allow people to die on the hospital sidewalk because their insurance doesn't cover that condition? On the other hand, maybe I don't want to know the answer to that question?
13
See fixithealthcare.com for a business and economic perspective with real numbers as to why you are absolutely correct. Single payer would be a huge saving for our entire country now spending 18% of GDP when it could be 12%. Our current system which Obamacare has improved a bit by at least covering more people, is that bad.
Without resorting to partisan criticism one way or another, I would just like to comment on how the health care act impacted on my wife and I. When it became evident that the act was going to be presented and probably approved our local small town clinic, attached tour local county hospital, lost several of its long serving doctors who themselves were members of our rural community. Not wishing to be burdened by provisions of the proposed act, they preferred to work under a separate professional entity. We lost highly respected, experienced medics. From childhood both of us were raised with medical coverage for which originally our parents and later on we continued to pay the subscription. We were taught to be responsible for our own lives. Why should we have to be penalized for those with poor lifestyle habits (e,g, self-inflicted obesity, tobacco & drug addition, juvenile promiscuity, etc.) and who preferred too pay to sustain their habits instead of being responsible to their own well-being? If you don't want to help yourselves society should not be burdened by your sloth.
"Why should we have to be penalized for those with poor lifestyle habits".....Great idea, but remember to be born with good genetics, don't be in an accident caused by the another driver, and when you get old be sure to die quickly.
6
Would you trust doctors who would rather abandon their patients than have to also treat other patients under the Affordable Care Act? What if they take a disliking to you? Because that is really what it's all about, and doctors who attack plans that try to help people get the care they need, who cherry pick against the oath they swear to, should be kicked out of the profession.
Government exists to help all people, not just the ones you or your doctors think are worthy. We all, even those you disdain for "poor lifestyle habits," pay taxes. And some of those taxes support the very higher education institutors that got your undeserving physicians the degrees to become" doctors." Please don't be on the side of the bad guys in this.
Government exists to help all people, not just the ones you or your doctors think are worthy. We all, even those you disdain for "poor lifestyle habits," pay taxes. And some of those taxes support the very higher education institutors that got your undeserving physicians the degrees to become" doctors." Please don't be on the side of the bad guys in this.
1
Most Americans have no idea how fantastic the French national health care program, Carte Vitale, really is. The entire structure is oriented toward serving the patient instead of the doctor or the insurance corporations.
After living here for 14 years as an expatriate, Carte Vitale by itself is reason to move to France, particularly as a retiree from the United States. Both doctors and nurses do home visits at a cost of $40 while a doctor's office visit is $23 (yes I said $23).
Most pharmacy costs are also covered by Carte Vitale including many over the counter medications.
The advent of someone like Trump arriving on the scene may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, particularly if it finally forces Americans to redesign and correct their government so it serves all the citizens instead of a wealthy minority.
Steve Bannon's comment that the press should shut up is enormously revealing in the mentality and mindset of the Trump administration.
That one comment alone justifies a search for a new president, one way or the other!
After living here for 14 years as an expatriate, Carte Vitale by itself is reason to move to France, particularly as a retiree from the United States. Both doctors and nurses do home visits at a cost of $40 while a doctor's office visit is $23 (yes I said $23).
Most pharmacy costs are also covered by Carte Vitale including many over the counter medications.
The advent of someone like Trump arriving on the scene may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, particularly if it finally forces Americans to redesign and correct their government so it serves all the citizens instead of a wealthy minority.
Steve Bannon's comment that the press should shut up is enormously revealing in the mentality and mindset of the Trump administration.
That one comment alone justifies a search for a new president, one way or the other!
24
"Keep or Replace Obamacare? It Might Be Up to the States"....What an excellent idea. Everyone knows that prevalence of disease and medical needs are different from state. The training of physicians, and the best medical practices depend on location. The minutia and variations in state laws and the duplication of oversite required by each individual state will add additional layers of efficiency in delivery, and we have reams of evidence that state governments are always more effect than the Federal Government. And besides very few people today ever move or travel from the state where they were born.
9
I don't understand why so many people find it odious the U.S. citizens now have at lease some measure of the kind of health care that citizens of every industrialized nation in the world already have. England, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan, the Scandinavian countries and more have universal health care yet in the US it is anathema. Of course, Americans will be furious if they lose it. They have every reason to rage. Think about that Republicans. Maybe you should just label it Trumpcare and claim victory.
17
How things change. Republicans and their apologists want Democrats to cooperate in the dismantling of Obamacare in order to save them from their own misrepresentations. Republicans, absolutely refused to cooperate when their help was needed and what Republicans call the "ramming" of the ACA was a consequence of their steadfast refusal to tackle this very difficult issue. Until there is a recognition that health care, like transportation and defense, is a national responsibility and not a market issue, we will never resolve the question. There are two inimical elements that prevent an easy solution: the astronomical costs of health care and the financial incapacity of nearly 40% of the population to deal with them. Any solution must take them into consideration, by reducing the costs and by helping those who need support. There is no no other escape, other than leaving people to suffer and wait in the emergency rooms of overwhelmed hospitals.
67
The GOP took ownership of the ACA when they voted its repeal.
59
Psssttt! Republicans: Why don't you just ask Canada and Europe how they do it?
78
Nah. Why would the Republican Congress want cover everyone and save the country $800 billion dollars annually on their healthcare bill.
11
The underlying problem, and there's no solution in sight, is drug companies, device companies, hospitals and doctors treating patients like ATMs to be looted.
Universal insurance, without any ability to control costs, clearly isn't a solution. And free-market competition isn't a solution given the myriad ways the health care industry organizes itself to defeat competition.
Health care is already eating the American economy alive. We pay THREE TIMES what France and Italy do for health care, and their outcomes are better. Health care is strangling business just like it is destroying so many people's financial security.
It's a crisis that touches every person in America. Unfortunately we have a completely dysfunctional Congress, subservient to special interests and business lobbyists and riddled with kooks and right-wing fanatics.
So we will almost certainly see this problem go unsolved. Things will get worse, not better, for most people I think the Republicans are starting to realize that when they repeal, things will only get worse -- and not just for the former Obamacare policy holders, but for everybody else as well. This is going to be a political bloodbath for the GOP in two years and probably for Trump in four years.
Universal insurance, without any ability to control costs, clearly isn't a solution. And free-market competition isn't a solution given the myriad ways the health care industry organizes itself to defeat competition.
Health care is already eating the American economy alive. We pay THREE TIMES what France and Italy do for health care, and their outcomes are better. Health care is strangling business just like it is destroying so many people's financial security.
It's a crisis that touches every person in America. Unfortunately we have a completely dysfunctional Congress, subservient to special interests and business lobbyists and riddled with kooks and right-wing fanatics.
So we will almost certainly see this problem go unsolved. Things will get worse, not better, for most people I think the Republicans are starting to realize that when they repeal, things will only get worse -- and not just for the former Obamacare policy holders, but for everybody else as well. This is going to be a political bloodbath for the GOP in two years and probably for Trump in four years.
97
"Universal insurance, without any ability to control costs, clearly isn't a solution. And free-market competition isn't a solution".....Actually when you have a single payer, you have the leverage you need to play off one provider against another to deliver the best care at the lowest price. The experiment has already been run in most of the developed world. And if Republicans had a brain, they would understand that single payer is the most effective way to take advantage of market forces.
6
Yes, we are sold as captive consumers to oligarchs by the politicians we purportedly elect to represent us.
Voting is nothing but an illusion in the US.
Voting is nothing but an illusion in the US.
1
Right. And as such, the ACA may not only be Obama's greatest achievement but also the lever that could keep the GOP and Trump from being overly aggressive on domestic social issues. Republican presidents grow to like foreign affairs more as reality and popular resistance impinges at home.
Killing off the ACA never was going to be easy, even with undivided Republican government. You simply don't eliminate an entitlement once conferred and getting millions dependent on it with impunity or without GREAT care -- not unless you wish to do to Republicans what Democrats did to themselves in 2010, which was destroy their material influence on our governance at ALL levels -- perhaps for a generation.
Congressional Republicans would do well to heed Trump and reflect on how easily undivided Democratic government self-destructed in a mere two years, dramatically affecting their ability to secure ANY of their ideological aims; then turned into undivided Republican government in so few election cycles. What did that largely was the ACA. DON'T summon precisely the same historical catastrophe by your OWN monumental hubris.
We need to define government’s interaction with healthcare in America in a manner that WORKS for ALL Americas, that is fiscally sustainable and that is SALABLE, which means at least minimally bipartisan (unlike the ramming of the ACA itself). That argues for a two-year commission to craft that definition, then an up-or-down vote in Congress.
Get off this political suicide-watch of the ACA. Republicans have ENORMOUSLY important charges to roll back excessive regulation and restore the economic underpinnings that could secure yet another American century of material and general prosperity. We simply can’t afford any more self-destruction over the ACA.
Congressional Republicans would do well to heed Trump and reflect on how easily undivided Democratic government self-destructed in a mere two years, dramatically affecting their ability to secure ANY of their ideological aims; then turned into undivided Republican government in so few election cycles. What did that largely was the ACA. DON'T summon precisely the same historical catastrophe by your OWN monumental hubris.
We need to define government’s interaction with healthcare in America in a manner that WORKS for ALL Americas, that is fiscally sustainable and that is SALABLE, which means at least minimally bipartisan (unlike the ramming of the ACA itself). That argues for a two-year commission to craft that definition, then an up-or-down vote in Congress.
Get off this political suicide-watch of the ACA. Republicans have ENORMOUSLY important charges to roll back excessive regulation and restore the economic underpinnings that could secure yet another American century of material and general prosperity. We simply can’t afford any more self-destruction over the ACA.
7
The Republicans had no interest in a bipartisan plan as much as a long term wedge issue against Obama to make him a ine term President - Mitch McConnell's highest priority as per him. Any Republican senator who might have cooperated at any point were kept in line. The leadership saw to that so we could be assured you and every other opponent would have the "rammed through" tag to put on it for all time. every piece of major legislation has multiple corrections and fixes in smaller bills after the fact but none of that could ever be done to improve the ACA. There is poetic justice in the GOP owning the replacement but no justice for people who need its coverage or for the American people who via government, business, premiums and copays spend 18% of GDP on health care which is 6% more than the next most expensive country for poorer or care and lower life expectancy for all but the most well off Americans. And that 6% of GDP too much is a trillion dollar annual (up from 800 billion) wealth transfer but since its from people to businesses it's ok by GOP values.
3
Luettgen has zero credibility on discussing the ACA.
The repubs never were interested in a realistic, affordable plan to expand health care in this country.
They obstructed democratic efforts to do that at every turn for as far back in time as you want to go.
The simple fact is the repubs don't believe affordable health care should be available to everyone. The model for doing such is in Canada, France, Italy, England, Sweden, Norway and dozens of other countries, where healthcare per capita is roughly half what it is here in the US.
But lying is what the repubs and their supporters do better than anyone.
The repubs never were interested in a realistic, affordable plan to expand health care in this country.
They obstructed democratic efforts to do that at every turn for as far back in time as you want to go.
The simple fact is the repubs don't believe affordable health care should be available to everyone. The model for doing such is in Canada, France, Italy, England, Sweden, Norway and dozens of other countries, where healthcare per capita is roughly half what it is here in the US.
But lying is what the repubs and their supporters do better than anyone.
3
Yes, the GOP used "alternative facts" about supposed "death panels (thanks again again Mr. Luntz) and disgusting fake "commercials" portraying the President as a creepy gynecologist.
How proud conservative patriots must be of this behavior!
How proud conservative patriots must be of this behavior!
1
I have a simple question: exactly who has been harmed by the Affordable Care Act? I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of health care finance, but is the issue philosophical ("too much government intrusion") or financial (doctors are not able to make nine-figure annual incomes as easily)? Neat petard Republicans have created for themselves.
107
The spiteful little boys of the Republican Party never fail to show how childish and immature they are. Theirs are the states with the highest records of uninsured. Are we to believe the Republicans KNEW their states were forcing DEM states to pay for Republican uninsured? Are they expecting the DEM states to always pay for what their states need because their state taxes end up in their campaign troughs?
The main complaining parties seem to be young men, who think the ACA is making them pay for pregnancy and birth costs that they will never incur, young people who feel invulnerable and do not want to pay for health care "until they need it" and prefer using ER's anyway, and some employers who supposedly have religious objections to providing health insurance for their employers that covers birth control. But yes, mostly its the sense among elected Republicans that once you give the public some benefit from the taxes they pay, you'll never be able to take it away. It becomes a third rail that can't be touched, just like Social Security or public education. They are realizing that right now. Republican OFFICIALS also have a lot of nonsense that they talk about among themselves about moral hazard of government benefits. Then there's the sense among white Republican VOTERS that some minority ethnic, immigrant, or religious group must certainly be getting a benefit from the ACA that they are paying for. With a typical crab bucket mentality, they'd prefer there be NO health insurance for anyone, rather than see "the other" get a benefit. I think what Republicans would really like to provide is minimal health insurance to cover white people with limited incomes, but they can't do that because they can't write a bill that is constitutional and also discriminates against poor minority Democratic voters. But I'm sure they're working on it.
Chris Jacobs (whoever HE is?) says "we don’t believe in coercing people to buy insurance.” Don't Republicans believe in coercing people who have cars to buy car insurance? Well, 100% of Americans have good or bad "health," and they're born with it--it's not a choice, like buying a car. What disease turns someone into a Republican? Trumpcare may be the disaster that cures it!
156
So House Republicans wasted six years voting to repeal the ACA sixty times, yet spent no time on a plan to replace it while taking a generous salary & benefits paid by taxpayers? And yet American citizens keep them in office! Incompetent buffoons.
121
I share your anger, June, but whom do you consider the "incompetent buffoons?" Are they the House Republicans who wasted six years or the American citizens who keep them in office? I would suggest that either group deserves the label, but I realize we are not supposed to hurt the feelings of people who have been manipulated to vote against their own economic interests. It just makes them more stubbornly ignorant.
The basic issue is that the profit motive is at odds with the provision of universal health care. That should be obvious. Beyond basic civil order, nothing is a more important essential factor for human welfare and for the benefit of society.
It would seem to this Canadian, though, that the Republicans put the profits of the health care industry ahead of the well-being of many Americans.
Surely a government run health care system can be devised that offers essential, necessary coverage at a decent quality to all Americans which they can then choose to enhance with additional services offered by the private sector.
It would seem to this Canadian, though, that the Republicans put the profits of the health care industry ahead of the well-being of many Americans.
Surely a government run health care system can be devised that offers essential, necessary coverage at a decent quality to all Americans which they can then choose to enhance with additional services offered by the private sector.
65
The party of NO. Wait for 2018
Vote Donkey.
Vote Donkey.
70
Lot's of luck coming up with a better and cheaper plan that will provide "Insurance for everybody" without a health insurance mandate.
It "ain't" going to happen!
It "ain't" going to happen!
70
It's so obvious why Republicans are struggling so much... it's because the ACA was built on a foundation of a Republican plan and principles. Just like the plan that Romney enacted in Massachusetts.
It's important to remind everyone that this is insurance and not free healthcare. Republicans should love that high deductibles and copays help force citizens to be thoughtful and purchase only the healthcare they need. Republicans should love that the free market between insurers and providers is working to keep expenses low by negotiating with providers and creating competitive networks of insurers and providers.
Ok, Republicans don't like the mandatory nature, but it has been mandatory for people to have auto insurance for decades. If you drive on the roads you must protect yourself and fellow citizens against a possible accident. What's so terrible about the same for health? Carry health insurance, to protect your fellow citizens from having to choose between caring for you in an ER or letting you die. Ok, they don't like the Medicare tax increase on wealthy Americans, but at least they didn't use more deficit spending to pay. Lastly, they (now) hate the name Obamacare. They thought the name would stick and they would somehow throw rocks at it and make it fail. It needs help, but it hasn't failed and its inner structure is Republican based. Now what do they do? I don't have an answer. Perhaps eat a little crow and do your job for your fellow citizens, make it better.
It's important to remind everyone that this is insurance and not free healthcare. Republicans should love that high deductibles and copays help force citizens to be thoughtful and purchase only the healthcare they need. Republicans should love that the free market between insurers and providers is working to keep expenses low by negotiating with providers and creating competitive networks of insurers and providers.
Ok, Republicans don't like the mandatory nature, but it has been mandatory for people to have auto insurance for decades. If you drive on the roads you must protect yourself and fellow citizens against a possible accident. What's so terrible about the same for health? Carry health insurance, to protect your fellow citizens from having to choose between caring for you in an ER or letting you die. Ok, they don't like the Medicare tax increase on wealthy Americans, but at least they didn't use more deficit spending to pay. Lastly, they (now) hate the name Obamacare. They thought the name would stick and they would somehow throw rocks at it and make it fail. It needs help, but it hasn't failed and its inner structure is Republican based. Now what do they do? I don't have an answer. Perhaps eat a little crow and do your job for your fellow citizens, make it better.
105
The best way to handle ACA is to leave it as is, with an excuse that it's too late to alter it. Keep all provisions. Blame Democrats for a badly designed program, without any Republican input.
Pass a repeal bill, but delay its implementation until a good alternative with cheaper and greater coverage is designed, with bipartisan inputs.
If the repeal is implemented, without a better alternative, Republicans may lose both Houses in 2018 & crippled as the Democrats suffered in 2010 & 2014! Remember, Democrats have a growing demographic advantage. Don't play with fire. Think long-term.
Pass a repeal bill, but delay its implementation until a good alternative with cheaper and greater coverage is designed, with bipartisan inputs.
If the repeal is implemented, without a better alternative, Republicans may lose both Houses in 2018 & crippled as the Democrats suffered in 2010 & 2014! Remember, Democrats have a growing demographic advantage. Don't play with fire. Think long-term.
15
Republicans had 7 years to think of an alternative. The fact that they haven't is a truly sad state of affairs, demonstrating this was all about opposing Obama, nothing more.
1
Trust me, your suggestion is more than reasonable.
HowEva, consider they've had 7yrs and nothing but Pseudo Sympathy, untold Appeal Votes Notwithstanding.
So how would more years improve their "Alternate" Plans?
HowEva, consider they've had 7yrs and nothing but Pseudo Sympathy, untold Appeal Votes Notwithstanding.
So how would more years improve their "Alternate" Plans?
1
Everyone has always had "access". The question is under what conditions and at what cost.
I have "access" to a private jet - for $20,000 an hour.
Details.
I have "access" to a private jet - for $20,000 an hour.
Details.
158
Never fear. No matter how many millions lose coverage, Mr Trump will say that they have not and their suffering is just a piece of fake news by Democrats. And many of his supporters will believe him, as they do whatever he says.
145
One hopes that many of his supporters are among those who suffer greatly from the acts of the Cheeto Mussolini, his swamp things cabinet and the " freedom caucus " types in Congress.
I
Really have my doubts though about ever getting to a place where the American Government works for all Americans.
I
Really have my doubts though about ever getting to a place where the American Government works for all Americans.
The good news, if you want to call it that, is that many of Trump supporters will be the ones losing their healthcare coverage, not just poor minorities and women. So it'll be harder for the GOP to use their alt-fact strategy when their folks are also dying and suffering in droves.
1
So after 7 years of repeal votes, the better plan of the GOP turns out to be just a mess of alternative fact based shell games. Surprise surprise. And these clowns are finally grasping the concept of "you break it, you bought it". Meanwhile their dear leader, by executive order, and through swamp cabinet nominee and insider trader, Price have got the "break it" part firmly on track.
DEMS need to let the GOP own it, make sure that voters know the GOP owns it, and focus on the midterm elections.
DEMS need to let the GOP own it, make sure that voters know the GOP owns it, and focus on the midterm elections.
158
No - we've got to scare the Republicans into NOT breaking it in the first place
Note that they "agonize" over the politics, how it appears, not how it might hurt millions of innocent people.
They will do the same phony song and dance when they attack Medicare and Social Security.
Company benefit plans are also on the list. Ask Dr. Price.
For all you complacent Obama (care) haters, THEY ARE COMING FOR YOU NEXT!
They will do the same phony song and dance when they attack Medicare and Social Security.
Company benefit plans are also on the list. Ask Dr. Price.
For all you complacent Obama (care) haters, THEY ARE COMING FOR YOU NEXT!
177
My reaction to the first paragraph in this column was the same.
"The Congressional Republicans, meeting behind closed doors, expressed grave concerns about dismantling the ACA .... fretting that they could wreck insurance market and be saddled with politically disastrous Trumpcare."
No one seems to care that they're actually hurting people.
"The Congressional Republicans, meeting behind closed doors, expressed grave concerns about dismantling the ACA .... fretting that they could wreck insurance market and be saddled with politically disastrous Trumpcare."
No one seems to care that they're actually hurting people.
REALITY CHECK -- "Obamacare" was the result of the best effort by our government to create something we all deserve, universal health coverage. It took the form it did because of recalcitrant GOP legislators who didn't want us to have even a life-saving portion of the many benefit they enjoy. In its present form, it was the best we could do at the time. It was never thought to be perfect, and would certinly have evolved into a program with bipartisan support. Tune it up, of course. But, don't throw it away. Lives depend on it.
199
Please, journalists and everyone concerned with health insurance look under *all* the covers of the language with which this is being discussed by the GOP.
Not only is there the "access to healthcare" and "access to insurance" weasel phrases, there is the following.
My GOP congressman is referring to repeal and replace as "ACA reform".
A guarantee of insurance for those who have pre-existing conditions and lose, for example, their employer benefits, is stated as "coverage for those with pre-existing conditions". Please ask the next question: "Does this coverage *include* that for medical care related to that pre-existing condition to the same level as for a patient who did not yet present with that condition before signing up?"
"Continuous coverage" means stretches of time from 6 to even 18 months for those who have a lapse between insurance plans. Query closely about this - it could be a day's lapse! What are the provisions for those who don't have the means to obtain coverage, for example do to job loss.
"Patient centered" from what I can tell means plans which cover conditions that the *patient* anticipates that they'll need. Woe to the 27 year old who develops a kidney condition. Query this carefully and exactly.
"Insurance across state lines" can result in a race to the bottom similar to that experienced when usury laws in certain states and all credit card issuers simply relocated and issued only from those states. Query closely as to that.
Not only is there the "access to healthcare" and "access to insurance" weasel phrases, there is the following.
My GOP congressman is referring to repeal and replace as "ACA reform".
A guarantee of insurance for those who have pre-existing conditions and lose, for example, their employer benefits, is stated as "coverage for those with pre-existing conditions". Please ask the next question: "Does this coverage *include* that for medical care related to that pre-existing condition to the same level as for a patient who did not yet present with that condition before signing up?"
"Continuous coverage" means stretches of time from 6 to even 18 months for those who have a lapse between insurance plans. Query closely about this - it could be a day's lapse! What are the provisions for those who don't have the means to obtain coverage, for example do to job loss.
"Patient centered" from what I can tell means plans which cover conditions that the *patient* anticipates that they'll need. Woe to the 27 year old who develops a kidney condition. Query this carefully and exactly.
"Insurance across state lines" can result in a race to the bottom similar to that experienced when usury laws in certain states and all credit card issuers simply relocated and issued only from those states. Query closely as to that.
84
This is why Republicans pray so ostentatiously; will a divine miracle make an unworkable policy package yield impossible outcomes?
68
yeh, they close their eyes and brains to what they are doing.
I am a small businessman, actually it's just me and my business. I have a pre-existing condition (A-Fib) which precluded me buying insurance at virtually any price. The only solution was for me to incorporate my one-man business and hire my wife as an employee because the insurance companies would not issue policies to a corporation unless there were multiple employees. The residue of this is my additional burden of preparing 1041s, W4s, K1 etc. and the complexities of paying FICA, FUTA, etc. All that replaces my previous Schedule C. So much for the Republican access to health care and reduction of government regulation.
38
During the last presidential election cycle, a Trump's follower was asked which of his promises had to be fulfilled or run the risk of a backlash. His answer was the construction of a border wall with Mexico.
The unthinkable happened and Donald Trump is the 45th president. He's finding out that to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it is complicated.
To replace Obamacare, however, is the real make-or-break policy test for Trump/GOP. A better health program will certainly boost the Trump's administration and guarantees Republican control of both houses of Congress.
If a new health program fails to deliver on its basic promises, Republicans will be in deep trouble during the next legislative election cycle and Trump's prestige greatly diminished.
No wonder veteran Republicans are feeling angst and anxious. Make a mistake on health care reform and good by control of Congress.
The unthinkable happened and Donald Trump is the 45th president. He's finding out that to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it is complicated.
To replace Obamacare, however, is the real make-or-break policy test for Trump/GOP. A better health program will certainly boost the Trump's administration and guarantees Republican control of both houses of Congress.
If a new health program fails to deliver on its basic promises, Republicans will be in deep trouble during the next legislative election cycle and Trump's prestige greatly diminished.
No wonder veteran Republicans are feeling angst and anxious. Make a mistake on health care reform and good by control of Congress.
26
The picture illustrates the image and the substance of Republican politics. The smug, confident, face of Paul Ryan thinking about winning; and the worried, somber (almost grave), face of Mitch McConnell, thinking about governing.
56
I'd say it's the face of McConnell, worrying about his horrible approval ratings, especially as he was a big champion of gaslighting his poor constituents into ranting against Obamacare while they thought they were covered by the ACA, which they liked a great deal.
Yes, thank you for pointing this out -- the smarmy, self-satisfied mug of Paul Ryan as he imagines he can control the buffoon in front of him.
The Republicans have effectively blown up the individual insurance markets effective in 2018. Unless they can perform a miracle, insurance companies, which have to decide by April whether to participate in the Affordable Care Act exchanges, will drop out in droves.
From what I am reading, Democratic lawmakers seem content to sit back and watch this horrifying spectacle, believing that the Obamacare will somehow prevail. But after the Republicans destroy the delicate balancing act that allows profit-making insurers to offer affordable coverage, why would these companies ever come back, knowing it could happen again at any time?
If this country is ever to achieve universal coverage, the only solution is a single-payer system for the individual market. This would also solve the biggest problem with Obamacare, the failure of many states to expand Medicaid, leaving millions without coverage.
The Republicans certainly would not go for this, even if it were the only way to prevent millions of Americans from losing real health insurance. But if that happens, health care will be the biggest issue in the 2018 elections. Democrats should make big gains if they start now to develop and sell to the public a single-payer alternative to both the Obamacare exchanges and whatever the Republicans come up with as a substitute. After a few years of turmoil and tragedy, we could get a simple, stable single-payer plan for millions of Americans as soon as a Democrat is elected president in 2020.
From what I am reading, Democratic lawmakers seem content to sit back and watch this horrifying spectacle, believing that the Obamacare will somehow prevail. But after the Republicans destroy the delicate balancing act that allows profit-making insurers to offer affordable coverage, why would these companies ever come back, knowing it could happen again at any time?
If this country is ever to achieve universal coverage, the only solution is a single-payer system for the individual market. This would also solve the biggest problem with Obamacare, the failure of many states to expand Medicaid, leaving millions without coverage.
The Republicans certainly would not go for this, even if it were the only way to prevent millions of Americans from losing real health insurance. But if that happens, health care will be the biggest issue in the 2018 elections. Democrats should make big gains if they start now to develop and sell to the public a single-payer alternative to both the Obamacare exchanges and whatever the Republicans come up with as a substitute. After a few years of turmoil and tragedy, we could get a simple, stable single-payer plan for millions of Americans as soon as a Democrat is elected president in 2020.
86
The original Democratic plan in 2008 was to include a "public option." You could merely add this to what we already have with Obamacare. If a person wants to "single payer" they should have that right to be in that system. However, not everyone has bad experiences with private insurers. I have private insurance from my employer and it has never turned down a claim. Many people have had the opposite experience, but I bet since the ACA was passed, it is less common now, since there are more protective regulations in force now. So instead of being pure Single Payer where there are no private options at all, why not make it completely a choice for consumers to be in either a public or regulated, mandated and subsidized private system?
1
"delicate balancing act that allows profit-making insurers to offer affordable coverage" ... the balancing act is funded by those of us who pay for our coverage. I run a small business and under the so-called ACA health insurance for my firm has more than doubled even as we reduced the coverage and purchased high deductible plans.
This has had a dramatic effect on my employees. They have less coverage, the company is paying more, they are paying more. How is this better for them?
There is nothing delicate about the ACA. It is just another huge government program paid for by the productive residents of this country.
This has had a dramatic effect on my employees. They have less coverage, the company is paying more, they are paying more. How is this better for them?
There is nothing delicate about the ACA. It is just another huge government program paid for by the productive residents of this country.
"A few years of turmoil and tragedy" in exchange for your fantasy of a single payor health care system. And which one of the estimated 48,000 additional people a year who will die from lack of proper health care due to lack of health care coverage will you know personally - and be willing to sacrifice?
“Conservatives should not remain fixated on the number of people with health insurance when designing an Obamacare alternative,” Mr. Jacobs said. “We will never win the battle with liberals if you measure success in terms of how many people have health insurance cards."
Then what is the point?
Then what is the point?
91
Seriously. If their goal is only "access," as in, "I can buy it if I can afford it," then we have that now, as we always have. If their version of "access" is that it's easier to get health insurance now than it was before, than what is it other than more people getting health insurance. Are they seriously going to argue that health insurance is more "accessible" but 15 million fewer people have it. My guess is, yes, that's exactly what they're going to do. This is the party of "black is white" and "we must burn this village to save it." In this case, the village is our country.
And people are not insurance cards. The insensitivity of this crowd is astonishing!
The ACA was the result of politicians, lawyers, health care corporations insurance companies and big Pharma deciding how the market place, in a highly political atmosphere, should deliver health care. That was the wrong starting point. Basically leaving, for the most part, care givers (doctors, rns, etc out) and patients out of the mix. I'm not hopeful, but starting from the premis that health care is not here to guarantee profits to companies, control to corporations and government regulators while leaving the check to ordinary working people could be a start.
25
They've only had seven years and some 60 attempts to repeal the ACA and come up with a replacement. At this point, one would have to assume that they cannot do it. A sensible approach, then, would be to fix what we already have. But they can't do that, either, because it would violate the obvious GOP mantra of party over country.
124
Agree that Republicans have been complaining long enough, they should have some concrete ideas on how to replace and/or fix the ACA. But lets not pretend that the DNC isn't subscribed to the same self-serving mantra of party before country.
HA ha. Watch them sweat.
59
I have listened to the Republican Party leadership castigate and condemn the A.C.A. for almost a decade. The Republican House as voted for full repeal over 50 times. They have insisted that they have a better, affordable plan that will help our citizens to get better healthcare. It is time for them to either pay up, or shut up. There can be no partial end to what they call "Obamacare". It must all go now ass quickly as is legal, and be replaced by that magical healthcare plan that is better, and cheaper, and will cover all of the issues that the A.C. A. solved when enacted. Enough lollygagging on the issue. Just do it, or just shut up.
119
They've had eight years to come up with a viable replacement!! Where is it??
162
Clearly there is not and never was a replacement plan. The Republicans were simply out to destroy Obama as McConnell stated from day one. Now, seven years later, much to their chagrin, Obamacare has been mostly successful. So, the Republicans now are torn between the faction that wants the Federal Government to completely pull out of any responsibility for citizens to obtain health insurance and care and another faction that realizes that people dying from lack of care is a death wish for these political hacks' careers. I bet on the ACA being relabled Trumpcare followed by a massive lying campaign to attempt to dupe everyone into believing that Obama failed and they repealed Obamacare. Truth always prevails.
2
I think you learned all you need to know about Republicans from this article - they are worried, but not about the fact that millions of Americans will lose health insurance if they repeal Obamacare, they only care that doing so may cause them to lose votes.
231
Exactly! They expressed concern over "wrecking the insurance industry" with a repeal of the ACA. No mention of the wreck, and potential end, of people's lives. Do they have no sense of how having health insurance has helped improve the quality of life (and preserve life) for millions of Americans? Maybe not, living in a well funded bubble with excellent health coverage.
1
Is the political problem with ACA effectively the complexities and costs for members of the Middle Class compared to those who qualify for Medicare? The portion of the covered who are upset are those saddled with high deductibles and co-pays looking at poorer people next to them who participate in a basic but simpler system. Ironically, the political solution longer term appears to be offering more people, if not all, access to that system. As mentioned in other comments, this affords the government purchasing power with the providers including drug providers and hospitals, and cuts out the larger profit margin and billing costs of insurers. It does require more government spending, but saves people longer term as they only need to buy insurance for supplemental coverage above the base. As a result, the % of GDP funding healthcare (which is obnoxiously high in the US), declines overall, and political tensions between poor and middle class fall. If we could behave rationally, that would seem like the sustainable solution. But politicians seem to be caught on soundbites.
9
Here's an idea: Democrats & Republicans working together to come up with a plan that works for all Americans.
Ah, the good old days. Sigh.
Ah, the good old days. Sigh.
20
Metaphorically the well has been poisoned, "compromise", "the greater good", are anachronisms. Governing has become a zero sum game, your loss is my gain but as a legislator each is completely insulated from any pain. We are left to hope that empathy for those with pre-existing conditions will overcome ideology. We need to shine a spotlight on the faces of those at risk on the medical benefits chessboard.
They could have done that in the first place, had the Republicans not refused to participate.
Work with those GOPers? No frigging way. I hope they all slit their own throats - or their constituents do it for them once they realize - FINALLY - how much they have been screwed over by the representatives whose only priority and care is their continued funding of dark money flowing from the one percenters.
This Trump thing just COULD be a blessing.
The Republicans are going to mess up big time here.
And on NATO
And make things worse in the Middle East,
And by putting tariffs on countries based on geopolitical favor rather than based on sound protectionism of industries, carefully selectewd.
And by creating more unwanted children by restricting abortion
And by creating more unwanted immigrants by restricting birth control in poor countries.
And by hastening climate change.
All these things are really stupid and bad.
Now we NEED THE PRESS here to be relentless and merciless but true.
Keep on saying how bad all these things are. Label them GOP climate denial, GOPcare, GOPunwantedbabies etc.
Dont call it Trumpcare because he is not going to last.
Things are going to be really bad, so press willing the new Dem who get in in 4 years will have even more of a mandate than Obama.
The future is in your hands NYTimes. Dont go all prowall street and PC and call illegals dreamers and give Trump a second term.
Call him out, and the GOP for all of the above, and dont relent.
The Republicans are going to mess up big time here.
And on NATO
And make things worse in the Middle East,
And by putting tariffs on countries based on geopolitical favor rather than based on sound protectionism of industries, carefully selectewd.
And by creating more unwanted children by restricting abortion
And by creating more unwanted immigrants by restricting birth control in poor countries.
And by hastening climate change.
All these things are really stupid and bad.
Now we NEED THE PRESS here to be relentless and merciless but true.
Keep on saying how bad all these things are. Label them GOP climate denial, GOPcare, GOPunwantedbabies etc.
Dont call it Trumpcare because he is not going to last.
Things are going to be really bad, so press willing the new Dem who get in in 4 years will have even more of a mandate than Obama.
The future is in your hands NYTimes. Dont go all prowall street and PC and call illegals dreamers and give Trump a second term.
Call him out, and the GOP for all of the above, and dont relent.
54
Trump is a traitor and should be impeached immediately. He is in the process of disrupting and destroying our State Department and foreign intelligence apparatus precisely to counter and impede out intelligence and insight into how Putin and the FSB manipulated our voting through false information psyops, and other planned hacking and disruption.
The GOP is motivated by the greed of their corporate lobbyists and the hand that pays them. But, Trump is a traitor, and is depending on installing a fascist autocracy because that is the only path for his continued survival. Otherwise he will be discovered, impeached, and his name will live in infamy.
The GOP is motivated by the greed of their corporate lobbyists and the hand that pays them. But, Trump is a traitor, and is depending on installing a fascist autocracy because that is the only path for his continued survival. Otherwise he will be discovered, impeached, and his name will live in infamy.
1
"Trumpcare" = "TrumpDONTcare"
46
Republicans...you asked for it, now deal with it. What in the world have you been doing other than flapping your gums for years? Millions of us in healthcare are sick of your self-serving, unintelligent, mindless ranting about the evils of the ACA. You hamstrung its potential from the beginning and then whined about its perceived flaws. I am weary of telling my patients different potential options for their care that is wholly determined by the maddening political insanity that dominates D.C. Will they continue to have a PCP? Will my patient get their IUD? Will my MS patient have to fight again to retain or obtain insurance? You had years to figure this out. I am beyond disgusted. To Paul Ryan and his cronies: the quality of the lives of the patients I care for and love should not be compromised by your lust for power or whatever else is possessing you to mess with Americans' health. Get over yourselves and work in a bipartisan way to give us the healthcare we need and stop condemning the ACA.
106
Just in case my earlier attempt to point this out was unprintable, I'd like these worried Republicans to think about something else.
Issuing unconstitutional orders is technically a crime. A President committing a crime can be impeached. With his order to impose a religious test on immigrants, Trump has committed a crime.
Your worst fear, worried Republicans, is not that Trumpcare would be a miserable failure, because let's face it, you don't really care about people who can't afford their own health care with ease, paying out of pocket if necessary. Your worst fear is your party's misbegotten leader getting impeached in his first year of office, and he has probably already committed an impeachable offense.
Fear Trump.
Issuing unconstitutional orders is technically a crime. A President committing a crime can be impeached. With his order to impose a religious test on immigrants, Trump has committed a crime.
Your worst fear, worried Republicans, is not that Trumpcare would be a miserable failure, because let's face it, you don't really care about people who can't afford their own health care with ease, paying out of pocket if necessary. Your worst fear is your party's misbegotten leader getting impeached in his first year of office, and he has probably already committed an impeachable offense.
Fear Trump.
27
To show good faith, Congress people should tie their own health care and insurance to whatever they foist on the rest of us. End the platinum-plated policy that they enjoy while they debate about how scanty the crumbs that they throw us can be.
I would like to see newspapers cover exactly what Congress gets. Let us take a look at what we're buying them.
I would like to see newspapers cover exactly what Congress gets. Let us take a look at what we're buying them.
32
So, for many years they worked to repeal it. Something like 50 separate votes. Any now, all these years later, they still have no plan. They seems strong at opposing, but weak at actually governing.
24
There is only one good solution to the health insurance issue.
The Congressional Budget Office should expand its definition of cost to include premiums paid by individuals and employers, and all co-pays and deductibles, in addition to what insurance companies pay providers.
The Congressional Budget Office should then measure the benefits to those Americans who have insurance.
At that point, we would have figures for true cost and true benefits.
So, how to minimize the cost:benefit ratio? There is only one solution which is head and shoulders above all the rest: a single payer system, such as Medicare for all.
The Congressional Budget Office should expand its definition of cost to include premiums paid by individuals and employers, and all co-pays and deductibles, in addition to what insurance companies pay providers.
The Congressional Budget Office should then measure the benefits to those Americans who have insurance.
At that point, we would have figures for true cost and true benefits.
So, how to minimize the cost:benefit ratio? There is only one solution which is head and shoulders above all the rest: a single payer system, such as Medicare for all.
27
The ACA, Medicare and Medicaid are all major contributors to the country's debt. The best way to control that cost to the taxpayer and provide healthcare for all is a single-payer system that provides leverage to negotiate supplier prices while removing insurance company profit. Many countries implemented some form of this years ago. Seems simple. What exactly is the GOP goal? It certainly is not reducing debt or universal coverage.
26
Believe it or not they are also major contributors to our economy. Let me count the ways, hospitals are reimbursed for the cost of uninsured people who come to the emergency room, doctors and all other health care providers are paid. Providers of health care devices are paid. People who work in heath care are consumers too, their salaries go back into the economy which helps all of us. People act as tho the money that goes into health care goes into a black hole, not.
1
We require people to have car insurance to drive a car, but we don't require that they have health insurance to cover their health.
The biggest missing element in ACA is that it was not bipartisan. That is the element that should be fixed over anything else. Come up with a plan, even if it is essentially ACA, that both parties endorse. And, then, let's move on to something else that the country needs.
The biggest missing element in ACA is that it was not bipartisan. That is the element that should be fixed over anything else. Come up with a plan, even if it is essentially ACA, that both parties endorse. And, then, let's move on to something else that the country needs.
7
Now that we are trapped in a clown car, buckling our seat belts is the worst thing we could do. Welcome to the Politics of Chaos and Revenge!
Usually when I write a response to an editorial, I come up with at least one suggestion for a current problem. Sorry, I got nothin'.
Usually when I write a response to an editorial, I come up with at least one suggestion for a current problem. Sorry, I got nothin'.
22
It is good to see that some Republicans on Capitol Hill are beginning to grasp the folly of their rash repeal of the Affordable Care Act. The Republican leaders and President Trump richly deserve to bear responsibility for harming so many Americans.
Interestingly, the concern of the Republican politicians is how their actions will damage their electability, rather than the human suffering their actions will cause.
This tells us a lot about these G.O.P. politicians. It confirms their cynicism and cruelty.
Interestingly, the concern of the Republican politicians is how their actions will damage their electability, rather than the human suffering their actions will cause.
This tells us a lot about these G.O.P. politicians. It confirms their cynicism and cruelty.
47
It is this simple-the Republicans are all talk and no real action. They have no plan. Never did have a plan. Their sole goal was to destroy the ACA. Now the ball has been placed in their little hands and they don't know what to do. The repeal of the tax portion of the tax benefits only the very wealthy. Most Americans are not wealthy. The repeal of the law does not hurt the wealthy-they can afford insurance at any price. Most Americans are not wealthy and cannot afford insurance without the law. Who benefits by repeal-Congress-they have a health plan-the wealthy-they have a health plan-The rest of Americans-well you will have "access" to health care "if" you can afford it-which we can't . Now thats Trumpcare sort of like Trump U.
30
Yes, Paul Ryan and wife look to be in inconsolable agony. Agony means the same as smug. Right?
36
These vile Republican incompetents don't have a clue. No plan other than letting Americans suffer and die, while they enjoy their luxurious taxpayer-funded health insurance. Should we hope that those who do suffer or die are their constituents?
19
Let's get rid of it all. Employer paid health insurance is the largest federal tax break and the third largest health program after Medicare and Medicaid. Why are any of us paying for this? Let us also get rid of the VA, Medicare, Medicaid and all government employee health insurance.
OK. Now that we are on a level playing field, we can let the market take over. No health insurance at all just as Ayn Rand Republicans have always wanted. If you cannot afford cancer care then you die. Ditto heart surgery or expensive prescription drugs.
I suspect the result will be a dramatic reduction in the cost of health care which, at nearly 20% of GDP is outrageously over-priced and an incredibly drag on our lives and on the economy.
We are at each other's throats trying to pay for something which is a national disgrace. Why aren't we talking about how to slash the cost of this abomination first?
We don't have another shot at this life, why do we end up doing such foolish and irrational things. The other option to the Ayn Randian (the hypocrite had Medicare and SS) nightmare is single payer. One is brutish and the other is civilized. Ask your neighborhood Republican which one they want and you will see their teeth.
OK. Now that we are on a level playing field, we can let the market take over. No health insurance at all just as Ayn Rand Republicans have always wanted. If you cannot afford cancer care then you die. Ditto heart surgery or expensive prescription drugs.
I suspect the result will be a dramatic reduction in the cost of health care which, at nearly 20% of GDP is outrageously over-priced and an incredibly drag on our lives and on the economy.
We are at each other's throats trying to pay for something which is a national disgrace. Why aren't we talking about how to slash the cost of this abomination first?
We don't have another shot at this life, why do we end up doing such foolish and irrational things. The other option to the Ayn Randian (the hypocrite had Medicare and SS) nightmare is single payer. One is brutish and the other is civilized. Ask your neighborhood Republican which one they want and you will see their teeth.
14
I remember a cartoon from one of the elections showing a little boy and his father wearing the usual tea party hats. Father says: 'We are going to take this country back, son!' - as they are running towards an abyss.
Son answers: 'How far back, Dad?'
Answer (not given in the cartoon): 1775 - at least
Son answers: 'How far back, Dad?'
Answer (not given in the cartoon): 1775 - at least
11
Love the picture of Ryan. Doesn't look like he's "agonizing." This is going to be sweet to watch now that Trump has pulled the rug out from under their Plan A, Repeal and Do Nothing Until 2021. My prediction is that they'll by-pass Trump and decide to do exactly that. Like General Grant, they're going to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.
6
The GOP legislators are not concerned about the insurance market, they are concerned about not being reelectedin 2018.
34
Didn't know they were capable of agonizing. These are people who are devoid of compassion and empathy for others.
30
I live in a country with universal coverage where everyone pays into the nationalized system. We do so on a sliding scale. Please note: it's not "free" and it's not a perfect system, but almost everyone has "access" to a doctor and decent health care. If you want to use a parallel private system, you can do that as well. My friends and colleagues don't spend much time worrying about some unexpected mishap that lands them in the hospital and, subsequently, in the poor house (the American model: go to hospital, get gargantuan bill, hopefully have insurance....if problems with payment get sent to 3rd party collection agency, get sued, go bankrupt).
In Europe (generally) access to healthcare is considered a right. In the U.S. there is a right to "access" but, as another NYT commentator wrote, sure we all have access to a Ferrari, that doesn't mean we can all drive one.
It's almost impossible to try and explain to Italians why the U.S. has such a problem with this issue, but today, looking at that smug, conceited, vainglorious mug of Paul Ryan (a man who must have been given Dick Cheney's non-functioning heart), I know there's no explanation for the avarice and heartlessness of conservatives and their leaders.
Conservatives, especially the ones now supposedly in charge of the welfare of the American people can hardly be given credit for their "leadership" when they have to agonize about taking away something that people truly need (and want).
In Europe (generally) access to healthcare is considered a right. In the U.S. there is a right to "access" but, as another NYT commentator wrote, sure we all have access to a Ferrari, that doesn't mean we can all drive one.
It's almost impossible to try and explain to Italians why the U.S. has such a problem with this issue, but today, looking at that smug, conceited, vainglorious mug of Paul Ryan (a man who must have been given Dick Cheney's non-functioning heart), I know there's no explanation for the avarice and heartlessness of conservatives and their leaders.
Conservatives, especially the ones now supposedly in charge of the welfare of the American people can hardly be given credit for their "leadership" when they have to agonize about taking away something that people truly need (and want).
50
It's a pretty simple answer. Unfortunately the predominate American philosophy is that I made my money and don't take away from me to distribute to others less fortunate. This is disguised as Capitalism and the single payer healthcare model is labeled as Socialism. Obama tried to change this philosophy, but we ended up with Trump. Yes, this is truly sad.
1
Republicans can't change the laws of arithmetic. If you want guaranteed issue at community rated prices without making the insurers bankrupt you have to have mandates to swell the risk pools and subsidies to assist the low paid. There are over 22 million people covered (exchanges 11.5 million, Medicaid/Chip expansion 10.5 million, 21-26ers 1-2 million) who are going to be tossed off health insurance rolls with the risk the entire private insurance system could be destabilized. There are also collateral damage threats like the closure of small hospitals in small areas. No wonder Republicans are starting to panic. They've had 7 years to produce an alternative so they're not likely to produce one now.
53
John,
you cite a list of important and impressive facts about the damage soon to be visited upon us.
The mistake you make is assuming the Trumpkins care.
It is too ugly for many to contemplate, too embarrassingly alarmist for most media to countenance, but Trump and his henchmen have undoubtedly done the calculations and realized that if forty million or so people are covered by the ACA and if, say ten million die for lack of cash or coverage (their own damn fault), then they have just reduced the problem by 25% and increased their electoral power.
It's no different from the way airlines decide if it's cheaper to pay for the occasional in-flight tragedy or implement "onerous government safety regulations".
And it is, believe me, pure Trump.
you cite a list of important and impressive facts about the damage soon to be visited upon us.
The mistake you make is assuming the Trumpkins care.
It is too ugly for many to contemplate, too embarrassingly alarmist for most media to countenance, but Trump and his henchmen have undoubtedly done the calculations and realized that if forty million or so people are covered by the ACA and if, say ten million die for lack of cash or coverage (their own damn fault), then they have just reduced the problem by 25% and increased their electoral power.
It's no different from the way airlines decide if it's cheaper to pay for the occasional in-flight tragedy or implement "onerous government safety regulations".
And it is, believe me, pure Trump.
1
I wonder how many GOPers are thinking that there is an easy way to get this monkey off their back. Single payer. Contract the details to the French, then the R's can go back to what they do best, cutting billionaire taxes and passing voter restriction laws.
Any public plan does have to draw lines of triage to cap costs. That last few weeks of life that costs the most is hell anyway.
This week has been like a year.
And we have FOUR years of this.
Even if Trump is impeached or quits, we are still stuck with Pence.
At least the midterm elections are in November, so the campaigning may begin at the end of this year. Come on Democrats. Bring it.
And we have FOUR years of this.
Even if Trump is impeached or quits, we are still stuck with Pence.
At least the midterm elections are in November, so the campaigning may begin at the end of this year. Come on Democrats. Bring it.
155
Hopefully by 2018 people will see thorugh all this and we get a swing in the Senate and less of a GOP majority in the House. History says this can happen, but cultivating new voices that represent the electorate by the Democrats is needed now. Also, the strong voices that could become part of the 2020 Presidential race, including Adam Schiff and Kamala Harris, need to step up now. It is never too early.
Remember the 100 empty federal judicial slots. Wait until you see the antediluvian judicial creature Trump will nominate to re-assert God's purported will in the Supreme Court, coming up next week.
It's like listening to a bunch of talking snakes caught in a basket.
The Republicans know that if they take away any of the mandates, or the taxes, or the subsidies, etc. that the whole healthcare system will crash.
They know this.
And they keep trying to hiss their way out of it. They keep struggling for a new answer, but there isn't a "new" answer.
If you don't have EVERYONE sign up for healthcare, and apply a penalty for those who don't, many of the healthy people will drop out. The insurance companies don't want to insure only sick people, so they'll drop out.
If they take away the expanded medicaid piece of it, the poor are not insured. They'll be forced to drop out.
If the Republicans take away the subsidies, the middle - middle low income people can't afford the premiums. They'll drop out.
We'll have 40 million uninsured within a week.
The Republicans are hateful people.
THEY all have health insurance. And yet, they work so hard to take it away from their fellow Americans, all while desperately trying to keep themselves in power, and elected once again.
Note to Republicans: You are here to SERVE Americans, not gut them.
You are here to do what's best for Americans, not leave them hanging when they get a cancer diagnosis.
You are here to protect Americans, especially when they have a pre - existing condition and no insurance will take them on because Trumpcare says they don't have to anymore.
I am so sick of Trump. So sick of the Republicans.
The Republicans know that if they take away any of the mandates, or the taxes, or the subsidies, etc. that the whole healthcare system will crash.
They know this.
And they keep trying to hiss their way out of it. They keep struggling for a new answer, but there isn't a "new" answer.
If you don't have EVERYONE sign up for healthcare, and apply a penalty for those who don't, many of the healthy people will drop out. The insurance companies don't want to insure only sick people, so they'll drop out.
If they take away the expanded medicaid piece of it, the poor are not insured. They'll be forced to drop out.
If the Republicans take away the subsidies, the middle - middle low income people can't afford the premiums. They'll drop out.
We'll have 40 million uninsured within a week.
The Republicans are hateful people.
THEY all have health insurance. And yet, they work so hard to take it away from their fellow Americans, all while desperately trying to keep themselves in power, and elected once again.
Note to Republicans: You are here to SERVE Americans, not gut them.
You are here to do what's best for Americans, not leave them hanging when they get a cancer diagnosis.
You are here to protect Americans, especially when they have a pre - existing condition and no insurance will take them on because Trumpcare says they don't have to anymore.
I am so sick of Trump. So sick of the Republicans.
382
To hear the Republicans on this, they owe no guarantee, the government owes no guarantee and no one should expect any guarantee that they should have health coverage. It's so easy to say when you've never been on the precipice and now that the Congress is the richest in history, they can't possibly conceive of what some people endure in the U.S. Regardless of the fact that universal health care in other civilized countries around the world, while not perfect, is a success and available to all people and their costs haven't outrun their citizens' ability to pay nor their governments to provide it.
1
@Katie Katie there's no chance of reforming the Repubs because they have an entirely different notion of humanity from what normal people have. They believe that the majority of Americans are to be used, like feedlot pigs and cattle, to satiate the rich. People are not to be cared for and protected for their intrinsic value because they haven't any in the true value system of the Republicans of our era. I'm afraid that dreadful woman, Ayn Rand, has infected the lot of them.
2
Nothing has been repealed or replaced by the President. He stated those 2 nice things will be retained. Voted twice for Obama and what did he give us but more wars. Bottom line= all politicians are liars.
Actually what they could do is force the insurers to place all people in a group plan at group rates. I never understood why when I was on a group plan paying $500 a month and the next day when I had to go out and buy my own with the same insurer it cost $900. The insurers made a fortune on Obamacare. They know ever loophole. I suspect that they'll make even more money when the Republicans "fix" the law for the benefit of their crony friends. They'll be back at their old tricks, dropping people after they get sick, writing worthless policies with language so esoteric only God could understand, etc.
30
Primary health insurance coverage for everyone legally in the US should be via a "Medicare for All" program that does not involve private health insurance companies. Private health insurers can compete to sell "supplemental policies" to everyone, just as they now compete to sell supplement policies to over-65 Medicare recipients. Medicare must have the power to negotiate pricing for professional services, drugs, devices and hospital care by using its vast purchasing power. This will not be a perfect system, and there will be considerable shouting and objections from health insurers, health care professionals, medical device manufacturers, drug companies and hospital systems. But after the shouting and objections are over, we will have a system that is comparable to the rest of the developed world and a system that we can all move forward with - and continue to improve if necessary - but which will largely solve this issue for the next few decades.
57
They want to build a wall with a $15 billion price tag, but can't pick up the tab if the insurance mandate is eliminated?
151
This is the result of a party run on the propaganda of fear.
Obama offered hope.
Obama offered hope.
Wish I could give this one millions of recommendations
Are they praying on it again how many times do you think this is? Lordy, lordy, lordy perhaps working, using and listening to Harvard, Yale, Cleveland, UCDavis, France, Canada, Columbia ideas may help in coming with new implementations. HC settled would be so nice.
17
Trump and the GOP Congress have turned the provision of affordable healthcare into a purely political issue, that has nothing to do with the well being of Americans, but everything to do with their electoral prospects. The lives that will be lost or saved, the physical and financial misery ill health brings which will be either alleviated or increased by the decisions they make do not seem to factor into their thinking in any heartfelt way.
When Barack Obama spoke so movingly about his mother's struggle in her final days dying of cancer dealing with health insurers and expensive medical bills, you knew this was something he felt strongly about as a human being and not just as a politician. Obama wanted to spare Americans the kind of pain his family went through. The GOP just want to avoid blame and be reelected.
When Barack Obama spoke so movingly about his mother's struggle in her final days dying of cancer dealing with health insurers and expensive medical bills, you knew this was something he felt strongly about as a human being and not just as a politician. Obama wanted to spare Americans the kind of pain his family went through. The GOP just want to avoid blame and be reelected.
89
For sale: backbones. Never used.
84
Criticism is easy; solving problems is hard. For years the Republicans have noisily objected to Obamacare without offering viable alternatives. The Democrats should give this mess a wide berth so the Republicans will have no way to avoid taking full responsibility. As one of my favorite teachers used to say, "it's your baby - you rock it".
87
I love the photo accompanying this article. The contrast between Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan is hilarious.
Mitch McConnell looks openly miserable like he just swallowed something horrible.
Paul Ryan has a ridiculous caricature of a satisfied smile with barely concealed pain leaking out from his eyes.
The thought that they have to play the part of sycophant to a man they so obviously despise is almost worth Trump being president.
Mitch McConnell looks openly miserable like he just swallowed something horrible.
Paul Ryan has a ridiculous caricature of a satisfied smile with barely concealed pain leaking out from his eyes.
The thought that they have to play the part of sycophant to a man they so obviously despise is almost worth Trump being president.
77
Ryan is not in pain, he is very content and I would, say quite happy.
So, they know all their ideas (HSAs, selling insurance across state lines, etc) are inadequate. They know that even if they had a plan they wouldn't be able to implement it. They know that millions will be harmed and many will die. They know a vulnerable population will be left without a lifeline.
They know all of that and yet they're going to do it anyway. Craven doesn't even begin to cover it.
They know all of that and yet they're going to do it anyway. Craven doesn't even begin to cover it.
101
I am apalled and offended by the fact that the Republicans open their meetings with prayer.
163
I'm appalled that they open their meeting with a prayer and then do the bidding of the Devil.
32
Praying is a great way to remind people what they should be focusing on and why. Your offense is offensive, quite frankly.
1
They really rub our noses in their idolatry. They believe we are inferior for want of knowledge of Kenneth's frequency.
For decades, Republicans said that they want market based health insurance. That is what they had from Nixon to Romneycare.
In 2009 our nation was in crisis. We were in a major financial meltdown. Every month hundreds of thousands of people were losing their homes, their jobs, and their insurance. It was an all hands on deck emergency.
Attempts to stabilize the crisis began in the fall of ’08 under the leadership of Pres. Bush, Ben Bernanke, and Hank Paulson. Pres. Obama attempted to work with Republicans to continue that. He offered to continue in a bipartisan way what Republicans had begun to promote recovery.
What Obama did was nearly the same as what McCain would have done if he had been elected. (He already dealt with the S&L crash.) Economists agree that the ’08 crash would have become worse without these actions by Bush, Obama, and Bernanke.
Obama believed his programs for recovery would have bipartisan support. He could not know that, instead of helping when the nation was in crisis, Republicans would state their plan and carry out their plan to stonewall and gridlock all that he was doing – even though McCain would have done about the same. Republicans were willing to delay recovery for our nation.
The GOP chose to be partisan extremists, but covered their tracks by accusing Obama of that. It was a false charge. That false charge was sold to the nation by Fox ‘News’ and conservative talk. The truth is that something like what Obama was doing was needed.
In 2009 our nation was in crisis. We were in a major financial meltdown. Every month hundreds of thousands of people were losing their homes, their jobs, and their insurance. It was an all hands on deck emergency.
Attempts to stabilize the crisis began in the fall of ’08 under the leadership of Pres. Bush, Ben Bernanke, and Hank Paulson. Pres. Obama attempted to work with Republicans to continue that. He offered to continue in a bipartisan way what Republicans had begun to promote recovery.
What Obama did was nearly the same as what McCain would have done if he had been elected. (He already dealt with the S&L crash.) Economists agree that the ’08 crash would have become worse without these actions by Bush, Obama, and Bernanke.
Obama believed his programs for recovery would have bipartisan support. He could not know that, instead of helping when the nation was in crisis, Republicans would state their plan and carry out their plan to stonewall and gridlock all that he was doing – even though McCain would have done about the same. Republicans were willing to delay recovery for our nation.
The GOP chose to be partisan extremists, but covered their tracks by accusing Obama of that. It was a false charge. That false charge was sold to the nation by Fox ‘News’ and conservative talk. The truth is that something like what Obama was doing was needed.
135
Our economy was in a cash. Millions were suffering and losing their homes, jobs, and insurance, Obama offered a way to make health insurance available. Hoping for bipartisanship, he accepted the GOP market based ideas: Romneycare, mandate, choice of provider, buying insurance on an exchange or marketplace.
Ignoring that need, Republicans sought only to attack Obama. Opposing the mandate was an invented strategy. At first, almost no one opposed it. The GOP had long supported it. The only conservatives who opposed it were libertarians who were OK if millions had no access to health insurance.
It was always false to claim that the mandate is unconstitutional. The mandate does not initiate a new transaction. The only reason people buy health insurance is to pay for care. Most cannot afford to self-insure. The mandate is only the requirement to pay for a service that everyone is already using – in the only way most of us can – with insurance.
Insurance is when everyone pays in to cover the times when each person has an expense. High deductibles, partial coverage, high risk pools, vouchers, tax credits, personal saving account are not insurance. Those are proposals to remove the insurance function from ACA, Medicare, or Medicaid.
The law can be written so that the medical, not legal, profession determines malpractice. Rules for payment and care can be written to prevent over-diagnosis, and to use the doctor as gatekeeper, so that service is not overused. Pay if you want extra.
Ignoring that need, Republicans sought only to attack Obama. Opposing the mandate was an invented strategy. At first, almost no one opposed it. The GOP had long supported it. The only conservatives who opposed it were libertarians who were OK if millions had no access to health insurance.
It was always false to claim that the mandate is unconstitutional. The mandate does not initiate a new transaction. The only reason people buy health insurance is to pay for care. Most cannot afford to self-insure. The mandate is only the requirement to pay for a service that everyone is already using – in the only way most of us can – with insurance.
Insurance is when everyone pays in to cover the times when each person has an expense. High deductibles, partial coverage, high risk pools, vouchers, tax credits, personal saving account are not insurance. Those are proposals to remove the insurance function from ACA, Medicare, or Medicaid.
The law can be written so that the medical, not legal, profession determines malpractice. Rules for payment and care can be written to prevent over-diagnosis, and to use the doctor as gatekeeper, so that service is not overused. Pay if you want extra.
The GOP Plan: rewrite the rules as suggested in the last paragraph above.
To further cut costs: negotiate with drug companies and other providers; adopt Medicare for all or; cheapest of all, single payer.
If McCain had had two terms beginning in ’08, he would have implemented Romneycare (ACA) nationally. Republicans would have claimed credit for it. Only a few libertarians would have opposed it. They have no alternative and they are OK if millions are unable to afford, on their own, health insurance.
Dems would have supported it as they accepted it in MA. The large number of radical, extreme laissez-faire Tea Party politicians that came in recently were not yet in Congress at that time.
ACA has worked well in states where the GOP has not sabotaged it. Paul Krugman and others have shown that the problems with ACA can be fixed. Many people report that they are happy with ACA.
Health care costs were rapidly rising before ACA. The rate of increase slowed since ACA. There was a large increase this year in the premiums paid by some without subsidies. That is likely to be a one time adjustment, not every year. Some premiums were initially set too low. Some of the cost and premium increase in ACA resulted because its full implementation was blocked by Republicans.
Some of those with a large premium increase did not previously have adequate coverage. Some of the complaints about ACA are false stories, which misrepresent the case, promoted by the GOP and the conservative media.
To further cut costs: negotiate with drug companies and other providers; adopt Medicare for all or; cheapest of all, single payer.
If McCain had had two terms beginning in ’08, he would have implemented Romneycare (ACA) nationally. Republicans would have claimed credit for it. Only a few libertarians would have opposed it. They have no alternative and they are OK if millions are unable to afford, on their own, health insurance.
Dems would have supported it as they accepted it in MA. The large number of radical, extreme laissez-faire Tea Party politicians that came in recently were not yet in Congress at that time.
ACA has worked well in states where the GOP has not sabotaged it. Paul Krugman and others have shown that the problems with ACA can be fixed. Many people report that they are happy with ACA.
Health care costs were rapidly rising before ACA. The rate of increase slowed since ACA. There was a large increase this year in the premiums paid by some without subsidies. That is likely to be a one time adjustment, not every year. Some premiums were initially set too low. Some of the cost and premium increase in ACA resulted because its full implementation was blocked by Republicans.
Some of those with a large premium increase did not previously have adequate coverage. Some of the complaints about ACA are false stories, which misrepresent the case, promoted by the GOP and the conservative media.
The GOP Plan: rewrite the rules as suggested in the last paragraph above.
To further cut costs: negotiate with drug companies and other providers, adopt Medicare for all, or cheapest of all, single payer.
If McCain had had two terms beginning in ’08, he would have implemented Romneycare (ACA) nationally. Republicans would have claimed credit for it. Only a few libertarians would have opposed it. They have no alternative and they are OK if millions are unable to afford, on their own, health insurance.
Dems would have supported it as they accepted it in MA. The large number of radical, extreme laissez-faire Tea Party politicians that came in recently were not yet in Congress at that time.
ACA has worked well in states where the GOP has not sabotaged it. Paul Krugman and others have shown that the problems with ACA can be fixed. Many people report that they are happy with ACA.
Health care costs were rapidly rising before ACA. The rate of increase slowed since ACA. There was a large increase this year in the premiums paid by some without subsidies. That is likely to be a one time adjustment, not every year. Some premiums were initially set too low. Some of the cost and premium increases in ACA resulted because improvements were blocked by Republicans.
Some of those with a large premium increase did not previously have adequate coverage. Some of the complaints about ACA are false stories, which misrepresent the case, promoted by the GOP and the conservative media.
To further cut costs: negotiate with drug companies and other providers, adopt Medicare for all, or cheapest of all, single payer.
If McCain had had two terms beginning in ’08, he would have implemented Romneycare (ACA) nationally. Republicans would have claimed credit for it. Only a few libertarians would have opposed it. They have no alternative and they are OK if millions are unable to afford, on their own, health insurance.
Dems would have supported it as they accepted it in MA. The large number of radical, extreme laissez-faire Tea Party politicians that came in recently were not yet in Congress at that time.
ACA has worked well in states where the GOP has not sabotaged it. Paul Krugman and others have shown that the problems with ACA can be fixed. Many people report that they are happy with ACA.
Health care costs were rapidly rising before ACA. The rate of increase slowed since ACA. There was a large increase this year in the premiums paid by some without subsidies. That is likely to be a one time adjustment, not every year. Some premiums were initially set too low. Some of the cost and premium increases in ACA resulted because improvements were blocked by Republicans.
Some of those with a large premium increase did not previously have adequate coverage. Some of the complaints about ACA are false stories, which misrepresent the case, promoted by the GOP and the conservative media.
The only logical solution to this dilemma is to extend Medicare to all with the same monthly charge to citizens and the same pricing of payments to providers. To make it more cost effective, issue smart cards to everyone - this would allow providers to instantly see the medical history of any patient (on special readers) and get them paid instantly by electronic transfer when a service is provided. This system is used in Japan today. It would make the USA the best in the world.
143
Old people only pay 25% of their Part B premiums and the remaining 75% comes from the federal government. Medicare only looks like a bargain because it is so heavily subsidized. Lack of access to affordable healthcare comes from two factors: the U.S. spends too much per capita because of for-profit insurance companies and fee-for-service delivery models; and too many Americans are ill-equipped to compete in a global economy and therefore are seeing their real wages decline to second-world levels. Single-payer financed by a value added tax with strict price controls and limits on what medical services the federal government will pay for will help with the cost side. Perhaps we can reform our public education system by following what works well for our peers. They spend less per student and achieve better results so surely there is major room for improvement. Merely sending everyone to college is a non-starter since so many of our current college students are woefully unprepared to do the work and/or don't earn a degree that pays for itself with higher lifetime earnings.
All these comments are true and encouraging. I agree so completely with Carosell That clicking on "recommend" is not enough. The whole country needs to be on Medicare. I have it with supplemental and it works great. Everyone could still have the private option. The providers remain private. I stopped pushing for Medicare for All for a while, thinking the insurance have too much money and power to ever let it happen. But, as I hear more and more people coming to this conclusion, my hope is renewed.
1
Medicare for all is what I have been preaching but the premiums should be based on income, not one size fits all. If you want, you can still purchase a supplement which should be encouraged. Medicare Advantage plans should be outlawed as they limit access to healthcare.
Great! As we knew all along their biggest concern is,how will this effect our reelection.
41
Well, yes, their elections, but consider this: Trump will place a super version of Scalia in the Supreme Court, that means Citizens United will not be repealed, and Citizens United will pour money into their campaigns thus producing future Trumps, forever and ever, amen.
Why is Paul Ryan always smirking? We know that he doesn't know things that we don't know, we found that out when he so exposed himself running for vice president. Does Trump amuse him is some way? As I've said before, I'm a complete pacifist. I have to cover my eyes during gory parts of movies and I've never spanked my own children. But there is something about Paul Ryan that makes me want to punch him in the face every time I see him.
35
It is rare that a government wants to keep their citizens from having total health care. That is what is happening in America-a supposedly developed country. America will suffer the consequences of a poorly cared-for citizenry-as they have already with poor results in international test scores for young people in math and science. Health and education play a major role in how youth develop.
Without total health care for citizens, America will be a rich but backward country for health care. There is only one way that all citizens should have health care regardless of financial status and that way is for a single payer system.
The concept has been in existence for decades around the globe and works well in many countries. Capitalism will ensure that Americans, in spite of living in a rich country, have a health care system that will see then still ranked very low in the world in parameters that measure health care systems-maternal mortality and infant mortality.
I believe that most Americans have no idea what advantages citizens in other countries with unified health care systems enjoy. If they really looked at it closely, Americans should really wonder why they are paying so very much for so much bureaucracy and so poor coverage of basic medical needs for all. The American health system is doomed-unless there is a drastic reversal from private insurers of health. The signs are already visible.
Without total health care for citizens, America will be a rich but backward country for health care. There is only one way that all citizens should have health care regardless of financial status and that way is for a single payer system.
The concept has been in existence for decades around the globe and works well in many countries. Capitalism will ensure that Americans, in spite of living in a rich country, have a health care system that will see then still ranked very low in the world in parameters that measure health care systems-maternal mortality and infant mortality.
I believe that most Americans have no idea what advantages citizens in other countries with unified health care systems enjoy. If they really looked at it closely, Americans should really wonder why they are paying so very much for so much bureaucracy and so poor coverage of basic medical needs for all. The American health system is doomed-unless there is a drastic reversal from private insurers of health. The signs are already visible.
24
These Republican legislators have been playing a zero-sum for so long now (post -Gingrich) that they have forgotten that they serve all their constituents, not just their conservative ones. Step up and do the job that you should of done alongside Obama, and fix what needs fixing. The very wealthy are taxed. They'll live. And it's something worthwhile for that taxation to be spent out. The Declaration of Independence is not policy, but it does outline life as on our inalienable rights, and addressing that with universal health care is a worthy pursuit whether you feel it IS your responsibility or not. What a mistake to make and have something go horribly RIGHT. And how it would change how I feel about who Republicans care for, which suddenly would look like ALL of us. You should have worked with Obama the first time instead of trying to sabotage pieces of it in attempts to make it fail.
23
It's obvious that Republican zeal to repeal the ACA is motivated purely by spite and vindictiveness. Over the last 6 years they voted 50 times to repeal Obamacare, sabotaged it by cutting transitional funding and attacked it every possible way. But they haven't even pretended to come up with anything better to replace it.
Now that they finally are in a position to repeal it, they're beginning to recognize two inconvenient realities. The first is that the ACA gave some 30 million people health care. If they take that away, those people are likely to direct their anger at Republicans in 2018.
The second reality is that there is no viable replacement for the ACA. Insurance companies' obligation to their shareholders means they must offer coverage only to those who don't need health care, until they do need it. It's a dysfunction inherent to a "private enterprise" system, which even insurance company executives ultimately recognized was unacceptable. The ACA's mandates and subsidies are the only way to fix that inherent dysfunction.
Now that Republicans control the federal government, they fully own whatever they come up with to replace the ACA. If they simply repeal the ACA, or try to kick the can with "repeal and delay," they're certain to create an immediate disaster as insurers pull out of an uncertain market. And they can't blame Obama or the Democrats.
It's good to see them "agonize over health law repeal." Agony is exactly what they deserve.
Now that they finally are in a position to repeal it, they're beginning to recognize two inconvenient realities. The first is that the ACA gave some 30 million people health care. If they take that away, those people are likely to direct their anger at Republicans in 2018.
The second reality is that there is no viable replacement for the ACA. Insurance companies' obligation to their shareholders means they must offer coverage only to those who don't need health care, until they do need it. It's a dysfunction inherent to a "private enterprise" system, which even insurance company executives ultimately recognized was unacceptable. The ACA's mandates and subsidies are the only way to fix that inherent dysfunction.
Now that Republicans control the federal government, they fully own whatever they come up with to replace the ACA. If they simply repeal the ACA, or try to kick the can with "repeal and delay," they're certain to create an immediate disaster as insurers pull out of an uncertain market. And they can't blame Obama or the Democrats.
It's good to see them "agonize over health law repeal." Agony is exactly what they deserve.
57
Glad to see the word "spite" applied the Republicans in Congress. Spite is what I have already termed for all of Trump's actions in his first week in office. The Wall, the Russian sanctions, the torture, the pipelines, etc.
Republicans realized it's easier to be an opposition party with nothing to lose. Now that they will be accountable for their actions, they found themselves with no clothes.
53
It never occurred to these geniuses that they would be in this pickle until now? They must truly be as dumb as rocks. Of course they own it lock, stock and barrel. They are the party of greed and cruelty.
66
It's staggering that the US can't do what the rest of the developed world has enjoyed for decades -- healthcare at half the cost, yet with equivalent outcomes and covering every citizen from cradle to grave, no questions asked.
58
At some point, I have to believe, the lies and true intentions of the Republican Party will be exposed. This exposure - bold and plain enough for a large majority of Americans to see - is the only way I see to break this partisan divide in our country and actually move forward.
We might finally be close to this point.
So my request to congressional democrats is simple - get out of the republican's way. Simply don't cast votes at all. Don't let them claim "this would have worked if only the democrats hadn't blocked...".
Have one message only for why you're doing this - "we want to expose the true intentions of the GOP. We are confident that Americans won't like what they see, but realize they have to see it with their own eyes."
Pretty quickly, voters will see:
- "access" to health care only if you're rich, young and healthy and never have to use your insurance, or work for a large company.
- growth through tax cuts for the rich only grows the deficit
- deregulation leads to bad corporate behavior and another impending financial crisis
- ISIS is still around (and probably stronger than ever)
- oil drilling in Yellowstone does not jump start the economy.
- etc., etc.
The total amount of lies the GOP will get caught in will be weighed against the one lie they credit to Obama. All but the radical religious segments of the republican party will be forced to reexamine why they keep voting for these guys.
Save all your fight for the Supreme Court.
We might finally be close to this point.
So my request to congressional democrats is simple - get out of the republican's way. Simply don't cast votes at all. Don't let them claim "this would have worked if only the democrats hadn't blocked...".
Have one message only for why you're doing this - "we want to expose the true intentions of the GOP. We are confident that Americans won't like what they see, but realize they have to see it with their own eyes."
Pretty quickly, voters will see:
- "access" to health care only if you're rich, young and healthy and never have to use your insurance, or work for a large company.
- growth through tax cuts for the rich only grows the deficit
- deregulation leads to bad corporate behavior and another impending financial crisis
- ISIS is still around (and probably stronger than ever)
- oil drilling in Yellowstone does not jump start the economy.
- etc., etc.
The total amount of lies the GOP will get caught in will be weighed against the one lie they credit to Obama. All but the radical religious segments of the republican party will be forced to reexamine why they keep voting for these guys.
Save all your fight for the Supreme Court.
60
You're putting a lot of faith in what Bannon calls "the" American people (i.e those millions who were foolish enough to believe Trump would save them). I doubt they will be swayed to change their thinking, even on their deathbeds. They are impervious to knowledge.
Although this was leaked, it should come as no shock to anyone who has even the slightest knowledge of health care and the politics of health care.
If we are to cover everyone, which Trump voters want as much as anyone (maybe more so since they skew older), money must, repeat, must, be redistributed from those that have the most money (the rich and corporations) or who are cheapest to cover (the young and healthy) to those who are older and sicker. It is not possible to replace the ACA without this redistribution from the rich, young, and healthy to the older and sicker. And Republicans are ideologically opposed to this. Thus, they will never come up with an acceptable replacement even if given 100 years.
While repealing the ACA will be a social and economic disaster, there is a (political) silver lining. Millions of Trump voters, who thought Obamacare only helped minorities, will discover that they too were helped. They will discover that they should have taken Mr. Trump seriously when he said he vowed to repeal Obamacare. They also should have realized (but probably didn't) that Trump had no idea what he was talking about when he promised to replace it with something great.
Let the political fallout begin!
If we are to cover everyone, which Trump voters want as much as anyone (maybe more so since they skew older), money must, repeat, must, be redistributed from those that have the most money (the rich and corporations) or who are cheapest to cover (the young and healthy) to those who are older and sicker. It is not possible to replace the ACA without this redistribution from the rich, young, and healthy to the older and sicker. And Republicans are ideologically opposed to this. Thus, they will never come up with an acceptable replacement even if given 100 years.
While repealing the ACA will be a social and economic disaster, there is a (political) silver lining. Millions of Trump voters, who thought Obamacare only helped minorities, will discover that they too were helped. They will discover that they should have taken Mr. Trump seriously when he said he vowed to repeal Obamacare. They also should have realized (but probably didn't) that Trump had no idea what he was talking about when he promised to replace it with something great.
Let the political fallout begin!
76
The Republican plan all along was to repeal Obamacare, sucker the Democrats into working on a replacement plan, torpedo the replacement plan, and then blame the Democrats for the ensuing carnage.
It's not repeal and replace, it's repeal and blame.
It's not repeal and replace, it's repeal and blame.
43
How many years have they had to come up with something? All they did was vote to repeal and otherwise - nothing! Now we hear them worrying in private only about their own hides - the political
consequences. There was not a word of concern for the sick, for those facing terminal illness , a lifetime of suffering , a debilitating preexisting condition. These are the folks who rush to the microphone claiming they speak for the American people to justify actions that have nothing to do with the American people or actually work against them.
consequences. There was not a word of concern for the sick, for those facing terminal illness , a lifetime of suffering , a debilitating preexisting condition. These are the folks who rush to the microphone claiming they speak for the American people to justify actions that have nothing to do with the American people or actually work against them.
59
Are they desperately trying to spin straw into gold?
Or have they now discovered that their gold has turned to straw?
Or have they now discovered that their gold has turned to straw?
31
We are mandated to buy car insurance in Wisconsin. Why should people be able to opt out of health care? Obamacare is the first time I've had any insurance in many years. I've got medicine that runs 10,000/month. Without these meds I will be dead in 2-5 years. The Republicans do own this now.
23
These republicans are really concerned that they might be voted out of office. The possibility that millions will loose health insurance, and that tens of thousands might DIE before their time as a result, is strictly secondary.
27
Didn't Republicans know that they would dig a big hole for themselves when they said "repeal and replace" Obamacare? Only now they realize it is a difficult task? Unbelievable!
Moreover, they are willing to risk the health care of millions of Americans for pure ideological reasons? Unbelievable!
Republicans did not think Trump would be the president, and now they are caught unprepared. Otherwise why would they not have a workable plan by now?
Moreover, they are willing to risk the health care of millions of Americans for pure ideological reasons? Unbelievable!
Republicans did not think Trump would be the president, and now they are caught unprepared. Otherwise why would they not have a workable plan by now?
13
I'm an independent. I didn't vote for Reagan, Obama or Trump. After years of screaming that they want to repeal Obamacare, now that the Republicans have the power to do so, and the absence of a coherent alternative, demonstrates their lack of leadership. In 1980, I recognized that there was no leadership in this country.
14
I am ashamed that I ever was a Republican.
29
Chickens coming home to roost or to roast?
The Republicans had approximately 6 years to research and to develop an alternative to the ACA. But, they didn't. They persisted in preventing negotiation and compromise and Congressional gridlock. Granted the Democrats were not easy to deal with either.
Now, while Congress fiddled, citizens are beginning to burn...to suffer...to die.
A messy, messy situation because our elected representatives fought as grade school victims and bullies and not as sensible and mature adults.
What are we all dealing with now?
A scenario fictionalized in George Orwell's 1984. Where Federal officials consciously distort data to suit their political agenda and ignore reality.
The Republicans had approximately 6 years to research and to develop an alternative to the ACA. But, they didn't. They persisted in preventing negotiation and compromise and Congressional gridlock. Granted the Democrats were not easy to deal with either.
Now, while Congress fiddled, citizens are beginning to burn...to suffer...to die.
A messy, messy situation because our elected representatives fought as grade school victims and bullies and not as sensible and mature adults.
What are we all dealing with now?
A scenario fictionalized in George Orwell's 1984. Where Federal officials consciously distort data to suit their political agenda and ignore reality.
21
Obamacare works. and works well. The Republican Congressman need to actually have to buy individual healthcare policies and then they would know that even with rising premiums, they are so much lower than pre Obama--like half--and the costs of care are lower. So I'm not sure where the churlishness comes from. Not from caring much about other people or from from trying to ease their troubled loads.
7
Dear Republicans, It is Pottery Barn Ruies that prevail. "You break it, you own it." Now have at it. We all stand by wondering what the dog does when he catches the truck.
25
It says a lot that the people we have sent to Washington to govern us are more concerned about the political consequences of robbing millions of Americans of healthcare than they are about the health and welfare of these millions of America. Most of these nasty people face reelection in two years, America.
37
I wish the Republicans would just leave it as is and let it go bust on its own accord. The Democrats forced this on the country and it is theirs no matter who tries to fix it.
5
Senator Rubio defunded promised reimbursements to the ACA before the election for the desired effect of failure.
It can be fixed, but they do not care.
It can be fixed, but they do not care.
The republicans know that their health care plan will help very few and they will own it and it will be called trump care. And it will sink them like a rock thrown in a pond. Also their fearless leader will never accept his name associated with their fiasco.
13
So, they're all but admitting this is about revenge.
27
The Republicans' problem is that they never figured out what they thought was wrong with the Affordable Care Act, other than the identity of the President who brought it into being. So they called it Obamacare, thinking the link to his name was sufficient to damn it - and for some ignorant folks that was in fact enough.
But the ACA was written with extensive input from the healthcare industry and other stakeholders, it was based on a successful Republican model in Massachusetts, and it was designed to appeal to the Republican preference for competitive markets over single payer. In an environment where premiums and provider charges were skyrocketing each year, it actually reduced costs both to the insured and the government. And it ensured that health insurance was valuable to everyone, by providing for preventive care, eliminating caps, excluding denial for preexisting conditions, and other provisions.
The Republican campaign against the ACA was based on lies and motivated by partisanship probably tinged with racism. But Trump believed the lies, and now the Republicans are stuck trying to make sense of their rhetoric in the face of reality.
Meanwhile, Obama will always be remembered for making universal health coverage part of the federal government agenda.
But the ACA was written with extensive input from the healthcare industry and other stakeholders, it was based on a successful Republican model in Massachusetts, and it was designed to appeal to the Republican preference for competitive markets over single payer. In an environment where premiums and provider charges were skyrocketing each year, it actually reduced costs both to the insured and the government. And it ensured that health insurance was valuable to everyone, by providing for preventive care, eliminating caps, excluding denial for preexisting conditions, and other provisions.
The Republican campaign against the ACA was based on lies and motivated by partisanship probably tinged with racism. But Trump believed the lies, and now the Republicans are stuck trying to make sense of their rhetoric in the face of reality.
Meanwhile, Obama will always be remembered for making universal health coverage part of the federal government agenda.
40
Elliot, I do agree that the Republican campaign against the ACA was motivated by partisanship, but most definitely "tinged with racism" as you say. I'll include the past 8 years of Republican obstructionism in Congress - the most recent of denying a hearing for Merrick Garland - as most definitely "tinged with racism".
This is all their doing. Let them suffer.
24
I wish journalists would stop calling the Affordable Care Act "Obamacare." It's simply unprofessional to use a partisan-tinged nickname.
12
Does anyone understand what "universal access" is? Or even simply "access"? I haven't heard any politician or any journalist try to explain it. This article doesn't even try to explain it.
The Republicans are trying to pull a big con with this little phrase, clearly.
The Republicans are trying to pull a big con with this little phrase, clearly.
13
Is Paul Ryan, just as is your new "president," also a little boy? He is usually photographed grinning or smirking. After Trump was anointed the GOP presidential candidate, Ryan would have little to do with him, but now that he is "president" he is shown constantly grinning and smirking at the fact. This man is very religious, I understand, but how ethical is he?
14
If we had tackled universal health care after WW II like the Brits did, then all of this would be so much less complicated. But instead, we allowed private insurance companies and multiple layers of state and federal programs to develop, most for very altruistic reasons. And now we have a huge mess on our hands. Someone is going to lose regardless. Possibly lots of people will lose out.
Mrs. Clinton gave it a shot in the 90's and Mr Obama followed in suit. It sort of works if you are poor, but health care costs keep rising for everyone as we continually demand access to new and better technologies.
So, short of "socializing" the entire system thereby throwing health insurance company workers and state agency workers under the bus...what's the solution?
Really, the Dems don't know, and now we all know that the Republicans don't either. No shock there.
Can we all just come together on this and stop squabbling about who gets the blame and who gets credit? Maybe it takes us 10 or 15 years to get this right. In the mean time, we have a national conversation about health care and how we want to see those healthcare dollars spent. I think it's worth a shot.
Mrs. Clinton gave it a shot in the 90's and Mr Obama followed in suit. It sort of works if you are poor, but health care costs keep rising for everyone as we continually demand access to new and better technologies.
So, short of "socializing" the entire system thereby throwing health insurance company workers and state agency workers under the bus...what's the solution?
Really, the Dems don't know, and now we all know that the Republicans don't either. No shock there.
Can we all just come together on this and stop squabbling about who gets the blame and who gets credit? Maybe it takes us 10 or 15 years to get this right. In the mean time, we have a national conversation about health care and how we want to see those healthcare dollars spent. I think it's worth a shot.
3
Mr. Faso's concern - that Trump could switch positions on Planned Parenthood if it is unpopular enough - makes me think that Rep. Faso might very well be the most intelligent and prescient republican member of congress.
8
The Republican Plan:
Helping the uninsured quickly die, will result in the remaining living being close to 100% insured.
Helping the uninsured quickly die, will result in the remaining living being close to 100% insured.
14
True, dead people surely don't vote Republican.
It's hard for me to believe this secret Repugnant meeting never mentioned that, gosh golly, some Republicans might not be reelected if they vote to cause man of their constituents to lose health care, risking actual death for many.
Take away my type one insulin and I'm dead iwthin a year and without subsidized health care, this disabled American absolutely can't afford insuliin, not ven if I give up my apartment and live in a ditch.
Take away my type one insulin and I'm dead iwthin a year and without subsidized health care, this disabled American absolutely can't afford insuliin, not ven if I give up my apartment and live in a ditch.
16
I submit that Republicans have no foundation to create an alternative to the ACA. They are drawn in a thousand directions because they are not anchored in their duty to our country. Small minded and self absorbed, they cannot solve any difficult problem. Nor do they have the desire or the ability to unite to counter Trump.
9
Lil Trump IL told us that Trumpcare will be seamless, really good, and seamless. And it and the end of all crime in America were supposed to happen a week ago.
8
I'm was born in NY and now live in California. 1) I am happy (handsomely) to pay for Obamacare (healthcare is not free) and don't know what I would have done without it -- $40,000 of medical bills in the last 6 months; Thank you Obama for reducing it with the ACA 2) My daughter goes to college in New York and applied for coverage in NY -- I don't know what she would have done without it -- and my coverage for her in CA did not apply for college in NY 3) My brother in NJ has no coverage because NJ opted out and his federal subsidies disappeared as a result 4) Ditto for a East Coast college friend in TX, who has a pre-existing condition. Hard enough for Obama to get a plan through with resistance. Why would sane Republicans of which there are many start from scratch? We are all profoundly worried. California will fight back. All the things we ALREADY have here -- ACA, Dream Act, Environmental Legislation, $15 minimum wage, etc. -- make California know that the rest of the country is morally and legislatively out of touch.
21
We have a friend here, a lady who cleans houses for a living. She and her family came here from El Salvador, gained citizenship and built a decent life. When ACA passed, she tried to get it by going online to find affordable health care. She found plenty of "affordable health care sites" but of course, not one of them was truly ACA. She had given up on ACA because the health insurance providers she called were quoting her astronomical prices. Fortunately, I'd recently heard about the neighborhood centers here that
provide navigation services to people needing the real ACA. She and I sat down and looked for the real .gov site, then we found a neighborhood navigator location near her. I saw her a couple of weeks later and asked her if she'd followed up with a navigator. YES, fist bump time! She got insurance for her family of six for $75 a month! I don't know if her insurance went up much with the recent increases, but even if it went to $150, it's still a great deal. Texas has made it very difficult for people to even become registered navigators here because our craven Republican legislators don't want anything that Obama pushed through look like a good deal for some of the best citizens we have. These Republicans are fat and happy, they endlessly run their mouths about free markets and competition while cowardly hiding in their gerrymandered districts. I've had it with these gutless cowboys.
provide navigation services to people needing the real ACA. She and I sat down and looked for the real .gov site, then we found a neighborhood navigator location near her. I saw her a couple of weeks later and asked her if she'd followed up with a navigator. YES, fist bump time! She got insurance for her family of six for $75 a month! I don't know if her insurance went up much with the recent increases, but even if it went to $150, it's still a great deal. Texas has made it very difficult for people to even become registered navigators here because our craven Republican legislators don't want anything that Obama pushed through look like a good deal for some of the best citizens we have. These Republicans are fat and happy, they endlessly run their mouths about free markets and competition while cowardly hiding in their gerrymandered districts. I've had it with these gutless cowboys.
Fearless Leader Don Trump-Un is behaving exactly like the uninformed, impulsive, adolescent he has demonstrated himself to be, time and again. The chaos emanating from his administration is what one would expect if an 13 year old sociopath were running the country. If the shoe fits...
12
Republicans are addicted to a false economic theology: that the privately owned enterprise is always better than a government managed enterprise.
Medicare proves that theology false: it has the highest consumer rating of any health care provider. Universal access to Medicare is worthy of consideration.
But true conservative believers will ever cling to the one true doctrine, just as religious fundamentalists reject Darwin and insist the world is only 5,000 years old. They just can't let go.
Medicare proves that theology false: it has the highest consumer rating of any health care provider. Universal access to Medicare is worthy of consideration.
But true conservative believers will ever cling to the one true doctrine, just as religious fundamentalists reject Darwin and insist the world is only 5,000 years old. They just can't let go.
17
Just send your unpaid medical bills to the White House - the great white father will take care of everyone.
22
"“We will never win the battle with liberals if you measure success in terms of how many people have health insurance cards."
What??? Success in getting Americans health insurance is indeed measured by how many Americans get health insurance! Talk about moving the goal lines! Of course the irony is that health insurance from a private company is the wrong goal anyway...but these Republicans are so lost in their nasty swamp I don't even expect them to address the real moral issues.
What??? Success in getting Americans health insurance is indeed measured by how many Americans get health insurance! Talk about moving the goal lines! Of course the irony is that health insurance from a private company is the wrong goal anyway...but these Republicans are so lost in their nasty swamp I don't even expect them to address the real moral issues.
14
According to the ACLU and other reputable sources, the repeal of the Affordable Care Act will cause the death of an estimated 43,000 Americans per year. This is a kind of indirect genocide, since the vast majority of these people will be the poor, people of color, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. The bottom line is that Trump and his supporters do not value these people's lives. They are rapidly building a country in which people who are not able-bodied, straight, white, rich, conservative, and Christian cannot survive. The irony of calling this process "healthcare reform" is enough to make anyone sick.
18
With due respect to Trump supporters, I am not sure they can see beyond his simplistic promises to complex challenges facing the globe; or from narrow self-interest to what is best for the country. I consider this small-minded view the 'yahoo' mentality. Do they not realise the world does not work that way - America cannot get its way by bullying or throwing its weight around; China and the like are powerful countries and will resist; America needs allies in the Middle East, and Trump is well on his way to alienating them; he is ceding global leadership to an eager China. I wonder if the 'yahoos' have given these greater issues much thought. As a non-American, I have not being a big fan of American interference in global affairs, but I have always valued US leadership - and that shall be missed. And I have no doubt that amongst the biggest losers under Trump, will be his supporters. Probably they won't feel it right away, but they will before the four years is up. Like, for example, the 50ish something tanned-to-a-leather white woman in Florida, a beneficiary of Obamacare, who voted for Trump because she believed that he wouldn't really repeal the ACA. I have moved from feeling sorrow for folks such as her to downright contempt because their votes will now impact the world order. And the adage 'reap what you sow' gives me no comfort.
21
If you want to make sure that someone will never again vote for your party -
eliminate their access to Healthcare.
2018 is getting closer day by day.
eliminate their access to Healthcare.
2018 is getting closer day by day.
24
Presumably, Republicans have no argument with requiring drivers to carry mandatory liability insurance. Can someone please explain the difference between that and the ACA mandate?
8
Well, the Death Eaters are no longer confined to the pages of Harry Potter anymore.
12
"Trumpcare"? Surely what is meant is "Trumpdon'tcare"
10
The dog caught the car. Now what?
7
Let the smirking begin.
6
If the Republicans know so much about fixing the ACA why didn't they speak up six years ago when it was put before Congress? Well, it's probably because the only word that came out of their mouths was 'No'.
7
With all of the hot air griping about the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare that the Republicans have done all of these years, it is nothing short of amazing -- or is it? -- that they have no plan whatsoever to replace it. All hat and no cattle.
7
How many times in the past seven years did the Republicans in Congress vote to repeal ObamaCare? Fifty? Sixty? And now that they can finally dismantle the program they have nothing in line to replace it.
How pathetic is the Republican Party? It was easy to talk big when they knew President Obama would veto any vote to break apart his signature program. But now that they are in power they are powerless. What a bunch of hypocrites.
How pathetic is the Republican Party? It was easy to talk big when they knew President Obama would veto any vote to break apart his signature program. But now that they are in power they are powerless. What a bunch of hypocrites.
9
Republicans - who are these people? They more or less represent everything I was brought up to avoid.
8
How ridiculous that they've been "planning" to cancel the ACA for all these years and they haven't don't anything substantive to come up with an alternative, or even to figure out what the issues are. They seem to thing that the markets are magic and you don't need to collect facts and develop strategies. I remember the former GOP braintrust, Michelle Bachman, saying that the solution to health care costs was to cure diseases. I wondered why no one had thought of that before. I also really, really wish that these people could be put out into the real world and see how well they'd do trying to get an affordable policy if you aren't eligible through work.
5
Perhaps the 'hell or high water' approach republicans have brought to killing anything President Obama touched is finally being 'trumped' by a realization that they have no idea where they're taking us. You say agony, I say stupid!
7
Just stop agonizing already, Republicans! Just adopt the Canadian, or British, or German, or Swiss system. Healthcare will get a lot cheaper with much better outcomes. Not everything needs to be invented here. And while you are at it, adopt the metric system over our colonial measurements. If you are too proud to do this, why don't you change our number system to base 13 and invent a home-brew alphabet together with a language not based on us having been a colony. Then we won't have to deal with all those pesky foreigners again.
5
Nauseating to see the image of them praying. Who are they praying for? Themselves? Or the betterment of American society?!
15
It's time for a single payer. Medicare for all.
Taxes in, health care out.
Simple is better.
Taxes in, health care out.
Simple is better.
16
Sounds like republicans show deeper levels of concern than I expected. Concern for their careers, that is. And no doubt their taxpayer subsidized healthcare, too.
14
Where is the Democratic leadership? This recoding should be made into an advertisement that is broadcast on all media 24/7. Let everyone know that the Republicans have no plan, just don't want to appear weak. Even the Libertarian has suggested a plan. This is not the time for Democrats or other parties to be silent. Get out there and speak up.
7
What does a dog do if it catches the car it is chasing? Maybe the rightwingers can tell us. I'll wait.
393
So, "access" means what? That there is an ER down the street and a person can show up there to get care?
Funny how there's no issue with requiring folks to have auto insurance, but, 'oh, no' we couldn't think of requiring health insurance. Before we claim that auto wrecks can harm other people, let's consider what happens when the uninsured have a health crisis: they go for "charity care." Who pays for said, "charity care"? The taxpayers and all of those citizens who do pay for insurance for themselves and their families. Often an uninsured person puts off getting care, so that when he does show up he is likely to be far sicker and require longer and more expensive care. Than the bill is on all of us...
Funny how there's no issue with requiring folks to have auto insurance, but, 'oh, no' we couldn't think of requiring health insurance. Before we claim that auto wrecks can harm other people, let's consider what happens when the uninsured have a health crisis: they go for "charity care." Who pays for said, "charity care"? The taxpayers and all of those citizens who do pay for insurance for themselves and their families. Often an uninsured person puts off getting care, so that when he does show up he is likely to be far sicker and require longer and more expensive care. Than the bill is on all of us...
136
Car insurance is required in every state so the analogy is incorrect.
That said, as a a Democrat who supports a single payer system, I have written my Senators and Congressman (both Ds to NOT lift a finger to help them.
Once replealed , Obamacare will now be called Trump-care. Let THEM own it. Let them go into the rabbit hole, and once there, throw cement on the way out.
That said, as a a Democrat who supports a single payer system, I have written my Senators and Congressman (both Ds to NOT lift a finger to help them.
Once replealed , Obamacare will now be called Trump-care. Let THEM own it. Let them go into the rabbit hole, and once there, throw cement on the way out.
1
Items that all Americans 'have access' to: a Rolls Royce, Olympic Gold, a villa in the south of France, the presidency.
Items that citizens of nations more advanced than ours 'have access' to: anything that money can buy.
Items that the latter citizens all actually have, by virtue of being citizens: education (us too), highways (ditto), policing and firefighting (woo hoo, us too) and health care (um.)
It's becoming increasingly clear that that's the only way. People pay substantial taxes for education, but no one goes bankrupt, or anywhere near it, because of school taxes. It's such a no brainer.
Items that citizens of nations more advanced than ours 'have access' to: anything that money can buy.
Items that the latter citizens all actually have, by virtue of being citizens: education (us too), highways (ditto), policing and firefighting (woo hoo, us too) and health care (um.)
It's becoming increasingly clear that that's the only way. People pay substantial taxes for education, but no one goes bankrupt, or anywhere near it, because of school taxes. It's such a no brainer.
1
Well said.
Democrats don't explain this issue to voters. We all still end up paying for those without insurance.
If Republicans repeal ACA, they will find a way to blame Democrats. Republicans are heartless. They want cut taxes for the rich and make millions of Americans live in fear of a medical crisis that could financially destroy them.
Democrats don't explain this issue to voters. We all still end up paying for those without insurance.
If Republicans repeal ACA, they will find a way to blame Democrats. Republicans are heartless. They want cut taxes for the rich and make millions of Americans live in fear of a medical crisis that could financially destroy them.
Why are we always trying to re-invent the wheel?
Study the successful health care systems adopted and in place in other first world countries, and adopt the best one, lock stock and barrel.
The Nation's health should be a nonpartisan issue.
Study the successful health care systems adopted and in place in other first world countries, and adopt the best one, lock stock and barrel.
The Nation's health should be a nonpartisan issue.
143
I suspect it's because every other developed country has a national universal health insurance scheme as the backbone of its health program. That's considered too socialistic for too many Americans.
Canada's health system needs much improvement but at least having a single payer in each province eliminates needless administrative costs. It pays for hospital care and most services offered by doctors which still leave roughly one-third of health care costs to be born privately by people.
Canada's health system needs much improvement but at least having a single payer in each province eliminates needless administrative costs. It pays for hospital care and most services offered by doctors which still leave roughly one-third of health care costs to be born privately by people.
2
That is what you think, that is what I think, and it is the only alternative that makes any sense at all, especially as our health care systems have been in place and functioning smoothly for decades, actually close to a century. Such a project cannot be set up by means of guesswork, as though it was a puzzle of some kind. As I like Americans: Many do not think that any other country could actually have something they could adopt. In this case, imitation would not mean losing face, it would mean giving millions of people the medical care they need and, incidentally, save funds by doing so in terms of lifetime productivity.
3
Sure!
“No one who has coverage because of Obamacare today will lose that coverage,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference.
A spokeswoman her later tried to clarify what she had promised, saying
“she didn’t deliver her remarks exactly as prepared.”
The Grotesque Obsolete Political prostitutes know the truth.
And neither they nor their president is about to fess up to to it, either.
“No one who has coverage because of Obamacare today will lose that coverage,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers of Washington, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference.
A spokeswoman her later tried to clarify what she had promised, saying
“she didn’t deliver her remarks exactly as prepared.”
The Grotesque Obsolete Political prostitutes know the truth.
And neither they nor their president is about to fess up to to it, either.
1
Paul Ryan: "we will give everyone access to healthcare."
That's like saying everybody in the United States has access to a Mercedes-Benz! Sure, if we have the money.
They can't pick and choose what the public likes about the ACA and ditch the rest. It doesn't work that way. It's a complex law made up of three main pillars: individual mandate,expansion of Medicaid, and healthcare exchanges with subsidies based on income.
Good Lord Democrats: resist whatever idiotic thing they plan to do. They have had eight years to come up with a replacement, and there they sit, eating their steak dinners at a luxury retreat center, debating about whether some guy with cancer 10 states away will be able to live or die.
The problems with healthcare in this country are so massive that they cannot be simplified. The ACA is a complex piece of legislation, but it made a great start in remedying access to healthcare. If the GOP is so stupid as to return 20 million people to the free market system, they deserve whatever end they get.
The US had a free market system prior to the ACA. Employed people got health care if their company was big enough. Otherwise they had to spend a fortune for healthcare plans, and if they had a pre-existing condition they didn't get coverage at all.
Everyone else was at the mercy of rising premiums, high deductibles, and very little limited healthcare services.
So yeah Republicans: send all your constituents to the free market and watch what happens.
That's like saying everybody in the United States has access to a Mercedes-Benz! Sure, if we have the money.
They can't pick and choose what the public likes about the ACA and ditch the rest. It doesn't work that way. It's a complex law made up of three main pillars: individual mandate,expansion of Medicaid, and healthcare exchanges with subsidies based on income.
Good Lord Democrats: resist whatever idiotic thing they plan to do. They have had eight years to come up with a replacement, and there they sit, eating their steak dinners at a luxury retreat center, debating about whether some guy with cancer 10 states away will be able to live or die.
The problems with healthcare in this country are so massive that they cannot be simplified. The ACA is a complex piece of legislation, but it made a great start in remedying access to healthcare. If the GOP is so stupid as to return 20 million people to the free market system, they deserve whatever end they get.
The US had a free market system prior to the ACA. Employed people got health care if their company was big enough. Otherwise they had to spend a fortune for healthcare plans, and if they had a pre-existing condition they didn't get coverage at all.
Everyone else was at the mercy of rising premiums, high deductibles, and very little limited healthcare services.
So yeah Republicans: send all your constituents to the free market and watch what happens.
397
Except that we know what happens--Their constituents blame Obama, coastal elites, and libruls. The R's pulled this off with trickle down economics. Surely they can pull another rabbit out of the hat while they distract the folks back home with some street corner religious twaddle.
7
And the Republican first question would be is that person a Democrat or a Republican and did they vote for me. All they care about is getting elected again. The health and welfare of their constituents comes way down the list.
4
Good comments.
1
Death panels for the poor.
Republicans could redeem themselves and help our economy by installing universal health care. Their obsession with serving wealthy interests at the expense of their constituents is getting bloody obvious.
Surely at some point voters are going to realize these guys only care about their big donors and follow the money?
And you "social conservatives", what's with the right to life ending at birth? Why is only the fetus worthy of protection? What is the matter with health care for men and women that includes cancer screening, birth control, and help for the less fortunate? Do you really want to return to the era of coathanger and back-alley abortions? Do you really want to deny birth control and promote forced birth to victims of rape and incest, and mothers whose health is at seriouss risk?
The ability to negotiate for everyone is only negative to profit centers. Medicare has been a great success, until rules were put in place to prevent it. What is it that makes money more sacred than life itself?
I repeat ...
What is it about money (wealth) that is more sacred than life itself?
These are not "job creators", they are hoarders and looters. Science is as honest as the day is long; science denial not so much. We need health and opportunity, a good education, clean air and water, and equal opportunity.
What is wrong with you!!!
Republicans could redeem themselves and help our economy by installing universal health care. Their obsession with serving wealthy interests at the expense of their constituents is getting bloody obvious.
Surely at some point voters are going to realize these guys only care about their big donors and follow the money?
And you "social conservatives", what's with the right to life ending at birth? Why is only the fetus worthy of protection? What is the matter with health care for men and women that includes cancer screening, birth control, and help for the less fortunate? Do you really want to return to the era of coathanger and back-alley abortions? Do you really want to deny birth control and promote forced birth to victims of rape and incest, and mothers whose health is at seriouss risk?
The ability to negotiate for everyone is only negative to profit centers. Medicare has been a great success, until rules were put in place to prevent it. What is it that makes money more sacred than life itself?
I repeat ...
What is it about money (wealth) that is more sacred than life itself?
These are not "job creators", they are hoarders and looters. Science is as honest as the day is long; science denial not so much. We need health and opportunity, a good education, clean air and water, and equal opportunity.
What is wrong with you!!!
514
Bingo! Great letter! I couldn't have said it better myself, and all your great points are on my list!!! Thank you Susan Anderson!
(especially the weird idea that unborn foetuses need to be protected but only until they are born; after that they're on their own! When the young families with too many children cannot afford health care, will the rich just laugh? - when "access" means 'available but only to the rich' -
What's that noise? Abraham Lincoln rolling over in his grave - this is just not the party he belonged to. It is sickening that Republicans are showing us how they will take the "care" out of healthcare.
(especially the weird idea that unborn foetuses need to be protected but only until they are born; after that they're on their own! When the young families with too many children cannot afford health care, will the rich just laugh? - when "access" means 'available but only to the rich' -
What's that noise? Abraham Lincoln rolling over in his grave - this is just not the party he belonged to. It is sickening that Republicans are showing us how they will take the "care" out of healthcare.
4
The irony of it all is that these people profess to be good Christians, Evangelicals, and know their Bible. Then they should be aware of Christ's demanding his followers to practise charity and to help the less fortunate. G.O.P members, read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, really read these chapters. You may just discover that you aren't such great Christians after all.
4
Trump has already implemented the death panels for millions of women overseas with his much expanded gag rule.
As we all know, Trump has adopted the 1930s American Nazi slogan, America First, so why should Americans be excluded from Trump death panels? In fact, his promise to repeal Obamacare is basically America First in line for death panels.
As for being "pro-life" (Life is winning again -- no misogyny is winning again) as Pence pretends, the only life the majority of Republicans are interested in is fetal life. All other life on earth is of no importance whatsoever, which is why their position on climate change is that it is a hoax and they are trying so hard to destroy the EPA so all the rest of us can die of lead poisoning, just like Flint.
As we all know, Trump has adopted the 1930s American Nazi slogan, America First, so why should Americans be excluded from Trump death panels? In fact, his promise to repeal Obamacare is basically America First in line for death panels.
As for being "pro-life" (Life is winning again -- no misogyny is winning again) as Pence pretends, the only life the majority of Republicans are interested in is fetal life. All other life on earth is of no importance whatsoever, which is why their position on climate change is that it is a hoax and they are trying so hard to destroy the EPA so all the rest of us can die of lead poisoning, just like Flint.
3
I don't believe this was a leaked audio of congressional Republicans agonizing about repealing the ACA. I think these hucksters are floating it out there to show us how much they "care."
For 7 years Republicans have had the opportunity to come up with something better.
They haven't.
For 7 years they have pretended that the mandate was an outrage, when it was an idea conjured up by the extreme right to counter Clinton's healthcare plan in the 90's. By the way, Romneycare had a mandate as well.
Trump says he’s going to repeal Obamacare and replace it with “something terrific.”
Okay. You've said you have a plan, so let's see it.
While you're at it, let's see your plan to defeat Isis. and ah yes, let's see your tax returns.
For 7 years Republicans have had the opportunity to come up with something better.
They haven't.
For 7 years they have pretended that the mandate was an outrage, when it was an idea conjured up by the extreme right to counter Clinton's healthcare plan in the 90's. By the way, Romneycare had a mandate as well.
Trump says he’s going to repeal Obamacare and replace it with “something terrific.”
Okay. You've said you have a plan, so let's see it.
While you're at it, let's see your plan to defeat Isis. and ah yes, let's see your tax returns.
646
The prior administration was incapable of addressing ISIS. As to ACA, that debacle was 6 years in the making. Expecting the new administration to both repeal and implementation a replacement during their first week in office is not realistic. The first 100 days will set the tone and the revisions to the ACA will be set in motion.
Wrong. The GOP has had some 40 years since Nixon proposed healthcare reform. They now realize that however much they hate the ACA, by passing it Obama changed the reality. Now the GOP is talking about how to have coverage for millions, while as before they simply resisted that idea. A legacy the GOP will never admit.
5
"terrific" as in generatic terror, right?
2
Lies, Lies, and More Lies.
Does anyone in their right mind believe this pod of total and complete liars??
"Seamless healthcare" from Liar Trump.
"We have something better"- the lying GOP.
In Old Great America this bunch of sidewinders would have been tarred and feathered. That they pretend to have something better is in the territory of Let Them Eat Cake. It is immoral.
Does anyone in their right mind believe this pod of total and complete liars??
"Seamless healthcare" from Liar Trump.
"We have something better"- the lying GOP.
In Old Great America this bunch of sidewinders would have been tarred and feathered. That they pretend to have something better is in the territory of Let Them Eat Cake. It is immoral.
68
Snake-oil peddlers like Trump knew to keep a fast pony handy for a quick ride out of town.
3
The problem are not the lies, but the millions who gladly suck them up.
How many voted for Trump?
As for the Democrats:
Why did the Democrats even thought of Hillary? Of first lad Bill?
Why is that old clunker, Nancy Pelosi, still at their helm?
How many voted for Trump?
As for the Democrats:
Why did the Democrats even thought of Hillary? Of first lad Bill?
Why is that old clunker, Nancy Pelosi, still at their helm?
Evidently there're experiencing some technical difficulties with the smoke and mirrors.
141
Is anyone really surprised that Republicans appear so utterly clueless now that they actually have to govern? Their forte has always rested in being an effective opposition party, not in the nitty gritty of governance which is difficult for a party so limited by its own ideological predilections. The GOP had 7 years of carping about the ACA and how awful it is and yet here they are without even a ghost of a real plan on how to replace it. And Democrats would be fools to help them out as Republicans flail about.
94
But, but, but they kept telling us they had a plan all along. And our dear leader tells us he has a plan that fits on a sheet of paper or two and is the bestest, most wonderful plan ever created that will cover everyone at lower cost. Well, at least that's what he was saying. I think he claimed last week that he would share the plan with us this week, but here we are at the weekend and he hasn't told us about his plan yet. I guess it's sort of like his taxes which he told us multiple times he would release at some point and now admits he won't ever do so.
1
Nice photo of the responsible parties. The smirker, the strained, and the enraptured.
Barrasso of Wyoming does own the ACA, since the Republican Governors broke the market place of care by not enrolling, and thus creating an inefficient market for the insurers, a strategy to break the ACA.
The prayer trilogy photo, showing three more devout and hypocritical zealots,
perfect.
Barrasso of Wyoming does own the ACA, since the Republican Governors broke the market place of care by not enrolling, and thus creating an inefficient market for the insurers, a strategy to break the ACA.
The prayer trilogy photo, showing three more devout and hypocritical zealots,
perfect.
114
Wyoming, with a population so small it has only one Congresscritter.
But two senators. Plutocrats bought them to own us.
But two senators. Plutocrats bought them to own us.
9
To all politicians: I am a retiree needing reasonable-cost healthcare with prior condition. I don't care what you call it, but understand I and most boomers know the difference between access, coverage, and cost. If the new program is worse, there will be consequences! You can be voted in and voted out. By the way, lead by example, opt in to what us commoners have to use. You are servants of the people, no special privileges. Lastly, you in Congress are suppose to be independent of the executive branch. Why do you fear the one who tweets?
147
"You are servants of the people, no special privileges" - great mistake!
1
Lack of access to preventative care results in tens of thousands of preventable American deaths each year. Republicans were apparently fine with this silent carnage during the Bush Era. Why does it appear to bother them now?
40
Because what they really want, but won't admit, is:
death panels for the poor (actually, just death, never mind the panels, as long as they are out of sight while they sicken and die for lack fo proper care)
Just like they put blacks in prison to prevent them from voting after they lost the Jim Crow laws. Anything to grow their wealth and stay in power.
Mind you, they have excellent health care.
How's about Republicans provide Congressional Health Care for All!
death panels for the poor (actually, just death, never mind the panels, as long as they are out of sight while they sicken and die for lack fo proper care)
Just like they put blacks in prison to prevent them from voting after they lost the Jim Crow laws. Anything to grow their wealth and stay in power.
Mind you, they have excellent health care.
How's about Republicans provide Congressional Health Care for All!
65
You answered your own question. It only "appears" to bother them. They are fine with silent carnage as long as they are not blamed or face consequences at the ballot box.
7
I recall a skilled politician who promised to improve and build upon the Affordable Care Act. It is our country’s great loss that she was not given the opportunity to do this.
Commonsense warns that the Republicans’ combative and destructive approach to policy will not end well. Far from being winners, we will be losers.
Commonsense warns that the Republicans’ combative and destructive approach to policy will not end well. Far from being winners, we will be losers.
85
But for some people on the left, that was only tinkering around the edges and incrementalism and demonstrated that she didn't really care about the issue, she was satisfied with the status quo. It provided some people with an excuse to not vote or to support a third-party candidate.
1
For starters, I’m in favor of Medicare for all.
But if you want to go back to the “free market” system, repeal all the drug laws and let people self-medicate as they please. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin grew poppy plants in their back yard and settlers of the western frontier self-medicated. Before Congress got involved in regulation, the average American paid $5 a year in health care costs (circa 1900) - $100 a year in today’s dollars. There was no need for health insurance and it didn’t exist. Get rid of the FDA’s and the Patent Office’s authority to issue monopolies on intellectual property (i.e., drug patents - should Einstein have been issued a patent on the theory of relativity). Let these issues be determined by the courts. If companies want to keep information private, don’t publicize it (the same with selfies). Most of the improvements in longevity have been the result of public health campaigns - clean drinking water, flushable toilets, neonatal care with respect to diets, vaccinations, the 1930’s hand-washing campaigns, anti-smoking crusades, etc. The whole mess we have on our hands known as “health care” is the sole creation of Congress. Remember that.
But if you want to go back to the “free market” system, repeal all the drug laws and let people self-medicate as they please. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin grew poppy plants in their back yard and settlers of the western frontier self-medicated. Before Congress got involved in regulation, the average American paid $5 a year in health care costs (circa 1900) - $100 a year in today’s dollars. There was no need for health insurance and it didn’t exist. Get rid of the FDA’s and the Patent Office’s authority to issue monopolies on intellectual property (i.e., drug patents - should Einstein have been issued a patent on the theory of relativity). Let these issues be determined by the courts. If companies want to keep information private, don’t publicize it (the same with selfies). Most of the improvements in longevity have been the result of public health campaigns - clean drinking water, flushable toilets, neonatal care with respect to diets, vaccinations, the 1930’s hand-washing campaigns, anti-smoking crusades, etc. The whole mess we have on our hands known as “health care” is the sole creation of Congress. Remember that.
18
A comparison with what medical treatments used to cost and what they cost now is ridiculous. The field of medicine has changed in profound ways thanks to technology. Many common conditions that used to kill people in short order can now be cured or managed. In 1900--even in 1950 or 1960 or more recently than that--no one was doing organ transplants, there were no CAT scans and MRIs that provide information that guides treatment, we didn't have the variety of cancer treatments we have now, heart attacks were usually fatal. Even seemingly small things like hospital beds that are marvels of flexibility (a family member is currently hospitalized and I've been impressed with how much the specialized beds available in hospitals now contribute to improving care) but also are certainly models of expense.
1
This has always been super easy. Get the government out of ALL the stuff it has no business being in. We have a constitution for a reason. If a Republican has a problem gutting the ridiculous spending problems, they should either quit or just join the Democrats. What a bunch of dolts.
4
Taz hates "government spending," except for the money he takes, or approves of, like defense. A hypocrite.
2
You do realize the Constitution was written in an era when medical care was rudimentary at best. As many people were likely killed by medical treatments as were saved. If you think that you'd like to live in that era, please help yourself. The rest of us realize that, as our country has grown and become more complex, the governing structure has had to grow along with it to deal with the realities of where we are now. Contrary to the absurd and idiotic claims of the late Justice Scalia, the Constitution was not handed down as an immutable document by some god on high but created by a group of men who knew the future would bring changes, even if they could not predict in what ways. They created a system of government endowed with flexibility that could deal with the problems of today, not remain rigidly wedded to those from bygone times.
Yes, medical care in the United States is, for a variety of reasons, for more expensive than it could or should be. But even if the cost of many modern treatments was reduced by half, most of us would be unable to pay for them without going broke. And for the poor, including the working poor who are without any sort of medical insurance, even a simple $10 or $25 charge for a treatment might be enough to cause them to be unable to afford care.
Yes, medical care in the United States is, for a variety of reasons, for more expensive than it could or should be. But even if the cost of many modern treatments was reduced by half, most of us would be unable to pay for them without going broke. And for the poor, including the working poor who are without any sort of medical insurance, even a simple $10 or $25 charge for a treatment might be enough to cause them to be unable to afford care.
2
Nothing radically different will probably result from all of this repeal, partial repeal or no repeal dance as long as health insurers are profiting and their lobbyists are still in Washington D.C. (or if the states get more control, influencing the states' legislators). Insurers love the ACA!
16
So the GOP is getting into Trumpspeak: people will have "access" to insurance, but not insurance.
Translation: you will be able to get insurance if you can afford it, but, while we don't want to admit it, we are going to change the system so that prices will go up. We are going to get rid of the mandate, because we hate having government tell people they have to do something. That will mean fewer people insured, and prices will go up. Many people will be uninsured, and health care costs for severe interventions will also rise. But we will feel better as Republicans, because we've been true to our ideology. We will blame Obama for starting the whole thing anyway.
Translation: you will be able to get insurance if you can afford it, but, while we don't want to admit it, we are going to change the system so that prices will go up. We are going to get rid of the mandate, because we hate having government tell people they have to do something. That will mean fewer people insured, and prices will go up. Many people will be uninsured, and health care costs for severe interventions will also rise. But we will feel better as Republicans, because we've been true to our ideology. We will blame Obama for starting the whole thing anyway.
139
They don't hate having the government tell people they have to do something. Almost every state in the US tells people they have to have auto insurance and no Republican anywhere has ever opposed mandatory auto insurance. Rather they recognize its necessity. Republicans don't like every American having health care with the government having to PAY for some of us to have it. That's what they don't like.
1
When I got ill in the USA some years ago, it cost $40 just to have access to the doctor's office. To have access to medication I had to pay out of my own pocket. For the last appointment, the doctor was kind enough to talk to me in the reception area as there was no one there, thus saving me additional expense. I'm not saying where this doctor was, nor his name, but it showed me very clearly what it means to have no health care. At least I recouped the costs because my German insurance pays for care abroad. A poor American? He or she would have been out of luck. Those $40 could have wiped a poor person out.
3
People have insurance today that they cannot afford to access. They've been forced to buy something that is not even useful to them because they cannot afford to access care.
Hard to see how it's any better now for these people.
Hard to see how it's any better now for these people.
We're not going back to the glory days of pre-ACA. Our population is aging and the cost of health care will continue to go up. When Trump voters discover that their premiums and deductibles are rising, their coverage is getting worse, and their local hospital is closing, they are going to be very, very angry. Short of adopting a single payer system, I don't see an alternative scenario.
114
In some ways I hope that does happen. People are going to have to suffer in order to see what their hatred of government and racism is responsible for. Only when they are affected or something catastrophic happens will they realize what they've brought on themselves.
6
The Republicans have fought The ACA from the beginning. They were going to kill it. Their incessant lawsuits came as proof of their incompetence and. Shoddy partisanship.
They have had 8 years to put together legislation that could meet the needs of the people at a rational cost. They are great pretenders whose foolish. Can't win the House? Gerrymander.
What we've know for years now is that their objective was to defeat Obama. How'd that work out. If he had been able to run for a third term? Sure think.
The GOP has matured into a tasteless product without provable skills other raising the roof.
They are pathetic.
They have had 8 years to put together legislation that could meet the needs of the people at a rational cost. They are great pretenders whose foolish. Can't win the House? Gerrymander.
What we've know for years now is that their objective was to defeat Obama. How'd that work out. If he had been able to run for a third term? Sure think.
The GOP has matured into a tasteless product without provable skills other raising the roof.
They are pathetic.
105
These Ugly Americans sadists enjoy taking health care and the social safety net away from deserving Americans while they deficit spend to enrich their military industrialist paymasters to deliver killing weapons to all corners of the world. Should the US really supply over 50% of the worlds arms while denying their own citizens adequate health care?
Talk about insanity. Who voted these dorks into office? Vote for change in 2018.
Talk about insanity. Who voted these dorks into office? Vote for change in 2018.
297
Unfortunately the people that voted them into office are the exact same people who will have their health care taken away. They just thought repeal of the ACA would only affect black and brown people and those snobby over educated liberals. In a nutshell they let their hatred of a black man and an educated white woman determine their vote. They'll suffer now along with the rest of us.
7
Who voted those dorks into office? Why they were Americans.
We ain't what we used to be.
We ain't what we used to be.
The members of congress not eligible for Medicare should be required to purchase healthcare through whatever they come up wit. Give themselves a 15,000 per year increase in salary to defray the cost. Then I bet they will come up with something good. I resent paying for their healthcare if they take its availability away from me.
100
Judy - I totally agree with you, but there is one problem with hoping Congress will somehow learn a lesson if they have to pay more for health coverage: Half of them are millionaires! What's another $15,000 matter to them? They have no understanding of what it is like to support a family on $50,000 a year - much less $20,000!
No salary increase. In fact, let's decrease their wages. They need to be paid the median hourly wage and pay into Social Security. And then they need to buy their own health insurance and, if they feel they won't be able to live on SS alone, fund their own retirement out of their wages. Just like most Americans have to do.
We'd see wages rise and universal healthcare arrive in a heartbeat.
We'd see wages rise and universal healthcare arrive in a heartbeat.
1
The Republicans are like a dog that has been chasing a car -- and finally catches it. And what do I do now? the dog asks.
They now must do what do they have neglected to do through the long years of attacking Obamacare -- assume responsibility for the health and lives of millions of Americans who could not obtain health insurance without it. They are unprepared to assume the responsibility however.
They are unprepared because they have been indifferent to the fact that thousands of Americans were dying every year through lack of health insurance and the access to medical care that insurance brings. The needless suffering and dying of their fellow Americans never registered with them as a problem.
So now they must do what the Democrats did -stop talking and come up with a plan. It's tedious work, full of difficulties at every step. But it's what you get when you catch the car.
They now must do what do they have neglected to do through the long years of attacking Obamacare -- assume responsibility for the health and lives of millions of Americans who could not obtain health insurance without it. They are unprepared to assume the responsibility however.
They are unprepared because they have been indifferent to the fact that thousands of Americans were dying every year through lack of health insurance and the access to medical care that insurance brings. The needless suffering and dying of their fellow Americans never registered with them as a problem.
So now they must do what the Democrats did -stop talking and come up with a plan. It's tedious work, full of difficulties at every step. But it's what you get when you catch the car.
185
Once the dog catches the car, he usually gives it a few sniffs, then lifts its leg and pees on it.
Expect the same here.
Expect the same here.
70
Apparently this dog is agonizing overthefact they want to but can't bite off the tires.
I have been disabled since 2004 after a bus ran me over.
(yes, really).
Let me 'splain something about the repeal of the ACA and the looming ripping up of Medicare and Medicaid.
This affects ALL Americans, not just Trump voters.
Case in point:
On December 7th I went to the ER at Mercy Hospital in Florida. I was there for 8 hours, had 2 ultrasounds and a contrast scan and was hooked up to an IV.
The bill is $22,000.
Yes, really.
My Medicare covers currently 80% (Good!) The supplemental insurance I carry because I can get it under ACA, covers another 15% leaving me with with a bill that, if I cut back on certain things for 2 months, I can handle.
On average, I am in the ER 4 times a year and I count myself lucky that I have not had to be admitted so far.
Understand the economics. Once this all is taken away I and many, if not all Americans will not survive.
(yes, really).
Let me 'splain something about the repeal of the ACA and the looming ripping up of Medicare and Medicaid.
This affects ALL Americans, not just Trump voters.
Case in point:
On December 7th I went to the ER at Mercy Hospital in Florida. I was there for 8 hours, had 2 ultrasounds and a contrast scan and was hooked up to an IV.
The bill is $22,000.
Yes, really.
My Medicare covers currently 80% (Good!) The supplemental insurance I carry because I can get it under ACA, covers another 15% leaving me with with a bill that, if I cut back on certain things for 2 months, I can handle.
On average, I am in the ER 4 times a year and I count myself lucky that I have not had to be admitted so far.
Understand the economics. Once this all is taken away I and many, if not all Americans will not survive.
965
Your story is heart-breaking. No one should be in your position. I live in Norway where we have universal coverage funded through our taxes. Yes, the tax is mandated, but we like to share here.
If you were in Norway and had all those tests done, they would have cost you nothing but a small co-payment, if anything.
We are not the only country in Europe with health plans like this. Democrats - and Republicans - should do some research. Find a solution that benefits everyone. Then everyone needs to let go of their pet peeves, like mandates, birth control and abortion, then reach out a hand.
If you were in Norway and had all those tests done, they would have cost you nothing but a small co-payment, if anything.
We are not the only country in Europe with health plans like this. Democrats - and Republicans - should do some research. Find a solution that benefits everyone. Then everyone needs to let go of their pet peeves, like mandates, birth control and abortion, then reach out a hand.
9
An admission for me, and treatment for gallstone-related pancreatitis came to $60,000 dollars, thankfully covered by employer insurance.
It started with a tummy ache.
It started with a tummy ache.
4
This is a ludicrous amount; This is why American health insurance system is so corrupt; those services you received that day don't actually cost that much money, piece by piece; you were their opportunity that day to bolster the profit they need to grab for their shareholders, whose greed is limitless.
1
Any company or organization knows that failure to maintain its assets represents disaster in the long term--the ACA was the first attempt by this country to maintain the human capital of its citizens. And yes, it is a mess right now, because Republicans mainly refused to work it into a better shape, for which aid they could have taken credit. "Access" "choice", "empowered to make better healthcare decisions" are all stalking-horses for you will have to pay, even though you can't. I speak from the perspective of one who has beautiful insurance and lost a wife to cancer, only setting us back 10's of thousands. My current partner is on ACA, has pre-existing lymphoma, and the insurance market is already in free fall. These costs accrue, and accrue exponentially.
On an extended visit to Germany with a 9-month old son, within 3 weeks we were offered free immunizations and a check-up. To what end? Germany was for that a safer, healthier, more unified country, bringing visitors into its fold. We won't even do that for our citizens.
On an extended visit to Germany with a 9-month old son, within 3 weeks we were offered free immunizations and a check-up. To what end? Germany was for that a safer, healthier, more unified country, bringing visitors into its fold. We won't even do that for our citizens.
1174
With healthcare the number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S, the ACA not only contained rising costs but put affordable healthcare within reach of millions (along with expanded Medicaid). Now the GOP natters about throwing healthcare decisions back to the states (some of which not only rejected the ACA but Medicaid dollars leaving their citizens destitute and desperate). The GOP doubles down on this harm by swearing to de-fund Planned Parenthood and carrying it out in Texas which hurt hundreds of thousands of people and led to a spike in unplanned pregnancies. It appears the GOP has have nothing better to do than threaten others who might speak out or provide real facts on the cost of their plan to gut the ACA. "The GOP Just Gave Congress the Power to Cut the Salaries of Individual Civil Servants to $1". http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/01/congress-can-now-cut-the-pa...
12
and Germany has a humane refuges policy!
6
In March 2013 I was in Turin, Italy for an educational conference. I collapsed with low blood pressure. I was immediately taken to the emergency room. They ran a bunch of tests. All were okay. I was observed for a couple of hours & let me leave. Nobody asked me for my insurance or visa/citizenship status; no bills, nothing. They were interested only in how to treat me & safely send away. I couldn't have been more satisfied.
12
The Republicans do indeed want to pull the rug out from under the American people, but don't want to be taken to task for it. Their concern is how to best manage expectations, not how to actually help people who can't afford insurance or sick people. Their obligation as they see it is to lower taxes, and it doesn't take an MBA to figure out that funding medical costs for sick, relatively unproductive people isn't a winning strategy for improving the bottom line. Indeed the beauty of running gov't like a business in terms of healthcare is that once people become unproductive at work, they are let go, and have to fend for themselves when it comes to paying for healthcare. That is the American way.
Republicans have been lying about their proposals which are simply ways to allow healthy people to spend less on insuring sicker people, but the insurance companies have not called them out on it, have not pointed out say, that the goal of allowing insurers to compete across state lines would basically induce them to come up with the same policies designed to cherry pick healthy people that the ACA got rid of. So now we are at this point where some people are still under the illusion that a "more affordable" (for who?) solution exists, and insurers are afraid to speak up for fear of angering the President.
The only question is if President Trump will succeed at spinning this disaster as a remarkable success.
Republicans have been lying about their proposals which are simply ways to allow healthy people to spend less on insuring sicker people, but the insurance companies have not called them out on it, have not pointed out say, that the goal of allowing insurers to compete across state lines would basically induce them to come up with the same policies designed to cherry pick healthy people that the ACA got rid of. So now we are at this point where some people are still under the illusion that a "more affordable" (for who?) solution exists, and insurers are afraid to speak up for fear of angering the President.
The only question is if President Trump will succeed at spinning this disaster as a remarkable success.
99
Here's hoping President Trump will figure out that Single Payer healthcare is the best "bang for the buck". He can bully Big Pharma on the issue of price negotiations, having already said prescription drug prices are way too high. And with a stroke of a pen, he can eliminate the Health Insurance industry for a vast savings. Such an action will have a big impact on the pocketbooks of millions of Americans now stuck with ridiculously high co-pays. And the system already exists to bring this about: It's called Medicare.
87
Exactly.
Just remove two words from the Medicare laws: "over 65".
Problem solved, & the parasitic insurance industry can all retire on the obscene profits they have been socking away for decades.
Just remove two words from the Medicare laws: "over 65".
Problem solved, & the parasitic insurance industry can all retire on the obscene profits they have been socking away for decades.
4
Trump is distracted building walls, banning muslim, and launching a bogus investigation into voter fraud. This will make his base feel like he is actually doing something for them.
5
If these Republicans are so worried about rushing the repeal and replacing of Obamacare with a disastrous policy that will kill people they could refuse to do it. Refusing to legislate is something they could no doubt do with their eyes closed and hands tied behind their backs. They wouldn't give Obama anything when he was President. I believe McConnell each stated that fact in just so many words. Isn't Kharma great?
68
I guess it would have been unthinkable for these Republicans to work with Democrats to iron out the kinks in Obamacare one year at a time. Instead, they focused on sabotaging health care for Americans and childishly voting more than 60 times for its repeal. Now that they are faced with the challenge of doing something constructive, they are chasing their tails. All their proposals, such as high-risk pools, have already been tried with very poor results. By "equal access," they mean that anybody can go to the emergency room and leave insured Americans holding the bag.
260
High risk pools are apparently designed to make health insurance more affordable for healthy people. The question remains, who foots the bill for the sick people? If the answer is, they do, then this is clearly not insurance. If they are subsidized, then who is doing the subsidizing? Republicans don't believe in "transferring wealth", which may be why the high risk pools that were established were chronically underfunded, and had waiting lists.
Republicans want to ration care by ability to pay, and the fact that everybody supposedly concerned about healthcare in American hasn't admitted it is outrageous. Sadly, too many people engaged in the healthcare debate are more solicitous of offending their colleagues than calling them out on their lies.
Republicans want to ration care by ability to pay, and the fact that everybody supposedly concerned about healthcare in American hasn't admitted it is outrageous. Sadly, too many people engaged in the healthcare debate are more solicitous of offending their colleagues than calling them out on their lies.
51
Congressional Republicans are waking up to the reality that actually governing is much harder than simply criticizing and obstructing. They have never had any intention of providing a viable alternative to the ACA. Repeal has always been the objective, and any "replacement" they offer will be nothing but ineffective window dressing that will leave millions more without care or bankrupt. The only silver lining I can see is that this might be the tipping point that causes those people who have been voting for Republicans against their own interests to finally wake up and reject this immoral profits-over-people madness.
144
If the Republicants truly believe that the ACA is unsustainable why not allow it to die of its own accord? If that were to happen they could easily say "told you so" and go back to handling health care in the manner they've long preferred- letting the CEOs take care of the whole thing while the poor and the disabled check out books from the library entitled "How to Heal Your Own Disease." BTW, if they're really as much opposed to mandates as the rest of us are to paying for visits by the resolutely uninsured to hospital emergency rooms, how's this for a compromise: anyone who visits a hospital and is either uninsured or otherwise unable to pay their bill for services rendered MUST immediately apply for insurance or be refused treatment. Once having been approved for insurance the patient would thereupon be committed to remain in such a plan until such time as he/she shuffles off their mortal coil. Fair enough?
84
except those who croak waiting for their approval.
No. For two reasons (at least): One is the free rider problem. Many people would not purchase insurance if they were not required to, thus decreasing the number of people in the insurance "pool". They would be comfortable doing so because they would know that if and when they ever did need insurance, they could just purchase it at that time, but that means they would have contributed nothing until that time, putting more of a burden on everyone else. The second problem is that such a proposal does nothing for those who who can't afford to purchase whatever insurance is available. And would a requirement like this take care of the problem of pre-existing conditions or of lifetime limits on care, etc. As Trump may eventually figure out, it's not as simple as he likes to claim it is when he's making his absurd statements. That doesn't mean national health insurance can'be done--after all, the rest of the developed world has single payer set up in a variety of ways. Are we Americans too stupid to come up with a plan?
1
How perfect to see these do nothing republican hypocrites bow their heads in prayer before they huddle together to do their evil deeds dismantling healthcare for Americans. Good Lord. Judgement day is coming!
326
Their idolatry demonstrates that everything is magic to them and they have no understanding of real cause and effect. The take the name of God in vain.
16
Over five dozen attempts at repealing the ACA, and Republicans have no viable alternative. They never did. All those taxpayer hours were wasted on theatrics.
It is just desserts for the GOP that their mirage was revealed by a Republican president. They can't hide behind smoke and mirrors anymore.
It is just desserts for the GOP that their mirage was revealed by a Republican president. They can't hide behind smoke and mirrors anymore.
417
I'm sure they're collecting $millions from lobbyists, and that is what matters to them.
11
But they'll try.
The Republicans are going to be a complete circular firing squad. Such a lethal combination of ignorance and arrogance. Unfortunately, they are going to have their firing range in public, and many people are going to be hurt.
147
Not only are they a circular firing squad, they can't even shoot straight.
9
They really are a cult practicing idolatry ever more frantically the more futile it is.
6
The Black Man is out of the White House and the GOP is discovering that the ACA is basically "RomneyCare" for America. In other words, it is the Republican Health Plan of 20 years ago and the 99% of Americans either benefit from the ACA or are untouched by it. Only the top 1% have something to grip about. How many politicians are going to succeed by voting for the interests of 1% of the population? They may nibble at the edges, but the fundamental structure of the ACA is here to stay. Reagan made it inevitable with EMTALA. The Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act made it a crime to refuse care for anyone who makes it to the emergency room. But why would anyone with sense mandate an amputation for gangrene and still refuse to cover diabetes care that will prevent the same gangrene? How does making someone a permanent ward of the state make more sense than keeping someone well enough to work? The GOP can make rules, apply limits, and otherwise put boundaries on the ACA, but the basic structure of mandatory enrollment, financial support, and full coverage will not be undone.
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"How many politicians are going to succeed by voting for the interests of 1% of the population?"
The Republicans have been very successful for decades doing that very thing. They don't even try to hide it anymore.
The Republicans have been very successful for decades doing that very thing. They don't even try to hide it anymore.
2
President Obama really boxed in Republicans when the law went into effect. So many more people have been helped, than have been hurt, that repeal will involve significant pain and political consequences. The 'pan' is hot. The only question is: will Republicans grab it?
85
Well I've got good news for these worried Republicans. Trumpcare is really the least of their worries right now. No matter what happens, it's not going to be able to be implemented for about a year.
Before that ever comes about the things to worry about include, in this first week, he's managed to alienate Mexico. He's antagonized most of the Middle East as of today with a Muslim ban. He's courting Britain but spurning the entire E.U.. He's toyed with crossing China's immutable bottom line by recognizing Taiwan's independence.
Trade pacts are being torn up, foreign aid is being warped, terrorists are being motivated against the U.S. in particular, chaos is being sown. Nobody, not even Trump's advisors, know what is going on exactly day to day.
So since putting Trumpcare into effect is such a long-term process, really don't worry about it at all, it's minor compared to everything else. In all likelihood, a year from now Americans won't have to worry about health care, just finding food or fighting uselessly against radiation sickness.
Before that ever comes about the things to worry about include, in this first week, he's managed to alienate Mexico. He's antagonized most of the Middle East as of today with a Muslim ban. He's courting Britain but spurning the entire E.U.. He's toyed with crossing China's immutable bottom line by recognizing Taiwan's independence.
Trade pacts are being torn up, foreign aid is being warped, terrorists are being motivated against the U.S. in particular, chaos is being sown. Nobody, not even Trump's advisors, know what is going on exactly day to day.
So since putting Trumpcare into effect is such a long-term process, really don't worry about it at all, it's minor compared to everything else. In all likelihood, a year from now Americans won't have to worry about health care, just finding food or fighting uselessly against radiation sickness.
332
Unfortunately I think this is true. We can undo what Trump does domestically in fairly short order, but we will have to live with what he does in foreign affairs for a long time to come.
10
Trump is about the worst thing for economic confidence a traitor could prescribe.
6
Or moving inland because of that Hoax Invented by the Chinese that Totally Doesn't Happen, Believe Me.
10
To Every Democratic Member of Congress - For the love of God, please walk away from this Republican-made disaster. They own it. All of it. If you do involve yourselves in their health care train wreck, they'll only persuade their voters that you were to blame for their screw ups. Please represent your base, for once, and don't cave in to them.
1274
This dishonesty in these recordings is breathtaking, though not particularly surprising coming from the modern Republican party.
181
Republicans should be agonizing over the mental state of their dear leader.
494
Heads in the sand. That'll make the problem go away.
4
Yep, US mental health is pretty awful too. Giving official credibility to religious delusions is seriously bad public policy.
11
Many *are* agonizing over that. The problems are clear to see. Even supporters are excusifying for it, referring to concepts of leadership and large egos.
2
Why do politicians design health care?
The USA has access to health care delivery professionals who have a much greater understanding of health care systems. We would be better served by having these professionals review, design, and propose 2-4 models for national review. Let there be open discussions of the alternatives, then proceed to Congressional choice. Lets see the plan.
The USA has access to health care delivery professionals who have a much greater understanding of health care systems. We would be better served by having these professionals review, design, and propose 2-4 models for national review. Let there be open discussions of the alternatives, then proceed to Congressional choice. Lets see the plan.
56
Sadly, the professionals have also been politicized. The AMA has demonstrated that what they care about is their members. Conservative think tanks have poisoned the debate amongst healthcare economists, and are stuck debating ridiculous and cruel ideas for putting the responsibility for cutting costs in the hands of sick patients. Many doctors remain apolitical.
19
Doctors did this in California. They create Kaiser Permenente, which has been the model for many successful HMOs and could be the model for a national single payer system
9
Not all of them. Physicians for a National Health Program is a non-profit research and education organization of 20,000 physicians, medical students and health professionals who support single-payer national health insurance. You can find out more at http://www.pnhp.org/.
Republican intransigence against universal health care dates back to 1945, before Obama was even born, when Earl Warren was governor of California: "...during his State of the State address, (Warren) announced his proposal for comprehensive, compulsory health insurance for the state of California." His proposal failed in the California legislature by one vote. A few months later, Truman proposed a national program. At the beginning, the idea had a lot of popular support. By the time a marketing team hired by the American Medical Association did their work, it was hated. And we're still battling the results of the campaign against "socialized" medicine today. "The Lie Factory," which appeared in The New Yorker in 2012, tells the whole ugly story. It can be found at http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/09/24/the-lie-factory and is most definitely worth a read to learn how we ended up where we are now. The section dealing with Warren's and Truman's efforts to get national health insurance is only part of the article and starts some way into it.
Republican intransigence against universal health care dates back to 1945, before Obama was even born, when Earl Warren was governor of California: "...during his State of the State address, (Warren) announced his proposal for comprehensive, compulsory health insurance for the state of California." His proposal failed in the California legislature by one vote. A few months later, Truman proposed a national program. At the beginning, the idea had a lot of popular support. By the time a marketing team hired by the American Medical Association did their work, it was hated. And we're still battling the results of the campaign against "socialized" medicine today. "The Lie Factory," which appeared in The New Yorker in 2012, tells the whole ugly story. It can be found at http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/09/24/the-lie-factory and is most definitely worth a read to learn how we ended up where we are now. The section dealing with Warren's and Truman's efforts to get national health insurance is only part of the article and starts some way into it.
4
It's like when it comes to health insurance, Republicans suddenly don't get insurance pools. The bigger the pool the lower the unit cost. It's how auto and home insurance work. Most peoples homes don't burn down.
Single payer, with a huge pool is the ONLY answer to our health insurance problem.
Single payer, with a huge pool is the ONLY answer to our health insurance problem.
436
This is one of the things I find most baffling - that they don't seem to understand that. At this stage, though, I don't know that they care about facts.
9
And then the only smart way to pay for it is with a broad-based tax.
5
Oh and another thing for Republicans to worry about is how they're going to react when Trump's investigation into voter fraud discovers that it's widespread, it altered the vote in key states specifically, and due to the efforts of Trump's inner circle (many registered to vote in two states) and Putin, Trump should have lost the election by over 100 electoral votes.
It's not going to be easy for them to deal with, so forget Trumpcare, worry about something coming up sooner.
It's not going to be easy for them to deal with, so forget Trumpcare, worry about something coming up sooner.
67
I would really like to know exactly why Mr. Bannon went to so much trouble to ensure that he was on the voter rolls in Florida that he registered his ex-wife's address where he never lived. You don't do something like that without a really good reason...
13
The Electoral College throws away so many votes that voting in two states doesn't make any more difference than voting in one. It is taking a risk for absolutely nothing because voting is an empty exercise wherever you do it.
1
Even the people who exploit the system are conned by it. Bannon is a pinhead.
Dems put this county in this burden period... no matter what that won't change. The market is already crashing and no one will have heath care at all. It's why they lost power and rightfully so.
They should repeal immediately and care more about the middle class who are suffering under this law and let the free market work for the first time ever. It should have been repealed by now and let the free market replace it.
They should repeal immediately and care more about the middle class who are suffering under this law and let the free market work for the first time ever. It should have been repealed by now and let the free market replace it.
"No one will have health care at all." Come on! There will always be doctors, medical centers, insurance and pharmaceutical companies ready to offer a helping hand at a healthy price. Please tell us how you personally are "suffering" as a consequence of other people finally having access to care that remains more affordable (for them) than it was before the Act was implemented.
102
There will never be free market forces in health insurance. Insurers are doing so well with the way things are that we will never get anything radically different until we get rid of their lobbyists (and those of big pharma).
35
Right, the "free market"is only for those who can pay. That's not the issue, the real problem is those who cannot pay, what should we do with them??
I got it, lets pretend they don't exist.
I got it, lets pretend they don't exist.
18
So then, to be clear, Trump and the rest of the republicans claimed they had a better plan, but they do not in fact have any plan. I think that is what we call a lie.
1507
Or "alternative truth?"
6
no no no its an alternative alternative.
11
That is indeed a lie. But we're going to need "big data" to keep track of their lies -- there are far too many for individual tracking.
6
Why don't they ask Bill Clinton's help. They've been using his comments as justification for repeal.
12
Republicans appear cruel and punitive, even vengeful, much like Trump. This is not a problem if one decides medical insurance should be a right for all Americans. It is not a problem if one does not really want to pull the rug out from under others. It is not a problem if political ideology based on Magic 8 Ball thinking that the "market should decide" who lives and who dies is accepted as cold and inhuman, and wrong.
This is another example of Republicans trying to square a circle. This is pure greed and meanness pretending to care.
This is another example of Republicans trying to square a circle. This is pure greed and meanness pretending to care.
491
If happiness is sadomasochism, the Republicans pursue it furiously.
6
"We are making a grave mistake (defunding) planned parenthood .. In this health care bill" . last week 3.2 million Americans, that would be 1% of the population of the United States of America, went to the streets to protest defunding pp and the undermining of many other programs that working families and the middle. Class relie on. Grave mistake? You ain't seen noth'n yet. Just keep it up. The anger out here is unmistakably palpable. We are just waking from our stupor. And note to McClintock: just why are you and your Koch funded cronies sooooo opposed to health care for all American citizens? WHY?
585
Their abhorrence of planning parenthood is really a death wish for this whole planet.
10
Why are these corporatists opposed to universal health care? Or good public education? Because an ignorant, sick, overworked, and desperate population is easier to control and will settle for lower wages, longer hours, and no benefits. Follow the money.
2
I don't recall the Republicans clamoring 7 years ago to be part of developing health care insurance for more Americans. Democrats had to push it through primarily because Republicans would not participate in developing a solution. Now they hope for Democrats to help them craft an alternative. Such irony. Hoisted on their own petard.
698
Well, it would be ironic if the Democrats would just let them fail, but of course we'll have Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer et al jumping up & down to get involved, & help the GOP make an even bigger hash of the law:
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/politics/affordable-care-act-congre...
More "bipartisanship", just to make sure the insurance industries aren't too inconvenienced.
http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/us/politics/affordable-care-act-congre...
More "bipartisanship", just to make sure the insurance industries aren't too inconvenienced.
5
Only if Democrats remain united and force the Republicans to own it. I wish I were more confident.
Of course Republicans are worried over healthcare, the masses have gotten a taste of the forbidden fruit and they like it.
As in baseball the organization that embraces turning their back on pitch counts and work on mechanics will foster a dynamic starting five that will dominate for a generation.
The political party that embraces single payer universal coverage will not only generate millions of votes but millions of jobs as health insurance requirements are place on the government (...promote the general welfare...) and off the backs of employers allowing business to focus on being competitive in a global market place; rather than worrying about the health insurance industry's need for profits to continue feeding their executive classes' bonus structure.
Time is up Democrats, either fight for what you supposedly believe in or get out of the way.
As in baseball the organization that embraces turning their back on pitch counts and work on mechanics will foster a dynamic starting five that will dominate for a generation.
The political party that embraces single payer universal coverage will not only generate millions of votes but millions of jobs as health insurance requirements are place on the government (...promote the general welfare...) and off the backs of employers allowing business to focus on being competitive in a global market place; rather than worrying about the health insurance industry's need for profits to continue feeding their executive classes' bonus structure.
Time is up Democrats, either fight for what you supposedly believe in or get out of the way.
132
That's right, blame the victims. Do you think Democrats would not have opted for universal health care if they could?
You just like infighting enough to let Trump and Republicans win. Get over it, please, wake up. Republicans depend on people like you blaming your allies.
There are real enemies out there; stop blaming your allies.
You just like infighting enough to let Trump and Republicans win. Get over it, please, wake up. Republicans depend on people like you blaming your allies.
There are real enemies out there; stop blaming your allies.
24
and the republicans will go for single payer - hilarious
1
Universal access? Do you mean people will be able to buy it?
Gee, thanks. I have universal access to a Rolls Royce, but it won't be in my driveway anytime soon.
No American would balk at a better health care solution, no matter which party delivered it.
This article makes it clear that the GOP won't be the party to do so.
Gee, thanks. I have universal access to a Rolls Royce, but it won't be in my driveway anytime soon.
No American would balk at a better health care solution, no matter which party delivered it.
This article makes it clear that the GOP won't be the party to do so.
855
The biggest health care problem we face, by far, is the disease called the Trump Republican Administration. These are the double talking con men and women who all have free "Cadillac" insurance coverage paid for by you and me, the taxpayers. They all have sworn to uphold the Hypocrisy Oath!
37
It sucks when you have both authority and responsibility, yes? Wonder, have any of them learned the pit falls of obstructionism, yet?
392
One thing to remember about Republicans; When they say they want to reduce health care costs, they refer to costs for the insurance industry, providers, and big drug companies, not good affordable insurance to the little people. They want the little people to pay more so the costs to the above mentioned groups will go down.
183
Their not a crew that looks in a mirror and says "we said no for eight years; and it worked, could there be consequences?" Their a crew that only thinks of two things, dismantling social programs and shoveling money to the wealthy political donor class.
Only if we hold their feet to the fire.
Republicans dont really care about providing health care for Americans they just want to destroy a major accomplishment of the black guy.
The challenge they face is looking like they are "improving" the health care system while doing as little as possible to make it serve the interests of the American people.
They dont want to take the blame for the ensuing disaster that will result from their destroying a system that needs improvement but it way better than nothing, which is what they offer.
The challenge they face is looking like they are "improving" the health care system while doing as little as possible to make it serve the interests of the American people.
They dont want to take the blame for the ensuing disaster that will result from their destroying a system that needs improvement but it way better than nothing, which is what they offer.
759
President Obama has been unequivocal that if someone could come up with a better version of the ACA, with its same protections, he would get behind it. And that's because he knows full well that there is not one. You can't have the bells and whistles without the software.
Let's hold on to the nickname "Obama care," too, as a reminder of a President who really did care about us.
Let's hold on to the nickname "Obama care," too, as a reminder of a President who really did care about us.
1058
"Universal access" means access to only those who can afford it.
56
ACA could no doubt be improved, but it wouldn't be something that Republicans in Congress would support.
16
It's obvious that the answer is universal health care like Medicare. There are some 28 western democracies that have national health plans. You would think that we could simply pick the best attributes from those 28 and come up with a great health care plan that helps everyone at a reasonable cost. Why isn't Congress studying those plans to better understand what is cost effective and works. Folks, just remember it's not the ACA (Obamacare) that raised premiums, but insurance companies, who need to make what: 30% profit or more?
957
Of course that makes sense, but the trouble is, to have a single payer system like ours, there is no escaping the need to raise taxes. Canadians do pay significantly higher taxes to fund medicare. There needs to be collective will to decide to raise taxes, especially in the higher income brackets to carry those who cannot pay. This of course represents a step towards the dreaded socialism, a term which has demonized for so long, that it is hard to see how it would fly. Maybe rename socialism to humanism?
44
" Why isn't Congress studying those plans to better understand what is cost effective and works"--- because it would put the insurance companies out of business, and doctors would see their average income cut in half. Note the number of doctors in Congress, and which of them supports Obamacare. They want it gone, because 3 houses a Lexus and a Mercedes aren't enough for them.
33
The health insurance company that I work for covers five states and lost a billion dollars last year. They just outsourced a couple of thousand people to India in order to cut costs. Health insurance companies don't get out of viable markets which is exactly what most of them have been doing.
Now what were you saying about 30% profits?
Now what were you saying about 30% profits?
2
These politicians all worried about the possible political damage they might suffer if their plan does not work.
What about the damage to people's health and finances that might result from their actions? Why was that suffering not mentioned even once?
What about the damage to people's health and finances that might result from their actions? Why was that suffering not mentioned even once?
1358
They don't care about our health, finances or general welfare. They barely care about the impacts to the health care market or the repercussions to the economy.
29
3 guesses
7
Because they don't really care if others suffer, as long as they are reelected.
22
They've already figured out how to solve their problem.
First, repeal Obama Care.
Then cross out the name "Obama", and write in the name "Trump".
Then pass the "new" Health Care Bill - called "Trump Care".
See?
Problem solved.