There is nothing to ask of Donald J. Trump since DJT has unquestionably shown that he is incapable of telling the truth, keeping his promises on the campaign trail and twists and turns in the wind while reversing himself on every single issue.
It is as clear as daylight that mean-spirited, greedy Donald J. Trump and the complicit GOP/Tea Party folks will soon learn a bitter lesson in 2018 that taking away fellow Americans health insurance to pay for TAX CUTS FOR THE TOP 1% will be rewarded at the polls by voting these pack of Robin Hoods OUT OF OFFICE, done, done, done!!!!!!
Enough already!!!!!!!
How wicked and heartless can Donald J. Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican Party be????
For goodness sake, none of you were elected to wreck maximum pain on the folks that voted for you darn nuts.
No worries, 2018 cannot come soon enough! I am out!!!!!!
It is as clear as daylight that mean-spirited, greedy Donald J. Trump and the complicit GOP/Tea Party folks will soon learn a bitter lesson in 2018 that taking away fellow Americans health insurance to pay for TAX CUTS FOR THE TOP 1% will be rewarded at the polls by voting these pack of Robin Hoods OUT OF OFFICE, done, done, done!!!!!!
Enough already!!!!!!!
How wicked and heartless can Donald J. Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell and the rest of the Republican Party be????
For goodness sake, none of you were elected to wreck maximum pain on the folks that voted for you darn nuts.
No worries, 2018 cannot come soon enough! I am out!!!!!!
2
I welcome Trump's threats. They will flip Congress to Democrats in 2018, the presidency to Democrats in 2020, and the Supreme Court to Democrats for a long, long, long time.
Bring it on.
Bring it on.
4
In taking this action, Trump is acting like an ignorant thug.
2
Democrats rammed this bill down the throat of every American, in the dead of night, before anyone had a chance to read it. I hope the Administration let's the appeal die without pressing it forward. The courts have ruled the subsidies unconstitutional. Leave it at that. The Democrats should have thought about that when they were crafting the bill. The ACA will then die a natural death.
1
Surely, your health is safe for life and God willing you will NEVER EVER need health insurance.
Wake up and smell the roses....your Party are showing themselves to be greedy, mean-spirited, wicked, etc.
You get the picture.
Yes, take away everything from fellow Americans...health insurance, food for poor Children, Meals on Wheels for the Elderly, make College Loans un-affordable, need I say more??????????????
Wake up and smell the roses....your Party are showing themselves to be greedy, mean-spirited, wicked, etc.
You get the picture.
Yes, take away everything from fellow Americans...health insurance, food for poor Children, Meals on Wheels for the Elderly, make College Loans un-affordable, need I say more??????????????
3
So much for the master negotiator. He's not trying to strike a deal at all, of course. He's preemptively trying to shift blame to Congressional Democrats. But if continued Republican majorities (and a man named Merrick Garland) have taught us anything, it's that people never hold Congress accountable for anything. Trump will own it, and by extension, his party.
What's really perverse is that he sees the physical and financial wellbeing of millions of people as a "bargaining chip". But then, what's *not* perverse about the Shirker-in-Chief?
What's really perverse is that he sees the physical and financial wellbeing of millions of people as a "bargaining chip". But then, what's *not* perverse about the Shirker-in-Chief?
3
All this president seems to know are strong arm tactics and threats.
Why would the Dems negotiate and expect him to change or act in good faith?
Let this President create chaos, and own it.
Why would the Dems negotiate and expect him to change or act in good faith?
Let this President create chaos, and own it.
4
Ryan never even broached the topic with the Democrats in Congress. The GOP has a majority, they don't need the Democrats, right? I don't understand how Democrats bargaining with Trump is going to make Ryan bargain with Democrats. A bill that truly improved the situation would get the vote of every member except the "Freedom Caucus".
2
Medicare for all, Dems. Otherwise, no, thanks.
5
Brow beating, reneging, not paying workers/contractors, using bankruptcy to avoid responsibility and leaving investors and banks high and dry have been Trumps' business practices as a developer. And, he always had the 2 X 4 to use on others.
Unwilling to give up and wanting to repeal ACA, he's going to feel that 2 X 4 in a way he'll never forget, governing is not running a business.
Unwilling to give up and wanting to repeal ACA, he's going to feel that 2 X 4 in a way he'll never forget, governing is not running a business.
3
No healthcare reform plan will work which does not contain costs. Neither the ACA or other proposed plans do this.
The only viable way to contain costs is to replace the current dominant approach, fee-for-service, with competing regional staff-model HMOs similar to Kaiser.
Under the Kaiser model, the insurance function is combined with the medical-care delivery system in one organisation. This aligns the economic incentives.
Under fee-for-service, the incentives are perverse: folks make money when you get sick. Under the Kaiser model, the incentives are aligned: folks make money when you stay well. It's that simple.
The only viable way to contain costs is to replace the current dominant approach, fee-for-service, with competing regional staff-model HMOs similar to Kaiser.
Under the Kaiser model, the insurance function is combined with the medical-care delivery system in one organisation. This aligns the economic incentives.
Under fee-for-service, the incentives are perverse: folks make money when you get sick. Under the Kaiser model, the incentives are aligned: folks make money when you stay well. It's that simple.
4
The HMO free-for-all is what we had before the ACA, since Nixon signed the HMO Act in '73. The problem was that they incentivized excluding people and insurers were permitted to provide shoddy networks, which is where Obamacare's individual mandate and regulations came in. You can still enroll in HMOs on the exchanges in many markets, but the problems persist: their premiums tend to be higher and/or their networks are subpar. The problem is that the HMO model is unsustainable unless:
(1) You exclude all the sick people, or
(2) Everyone is in it
(1) is a return to the laws of the jungle of the Bush years, and (2) is just a single-payer model, except worse, because there's someone scooping profits off the top, which could otherwise be invested directly in care or in R&D.
But yes, fee-for-service is one of the biggest problems. Transitioning from it to something else will go a long way to fixing our healthcare system. But you can't talk cost-savings without mentioning our IP laws and R&D model, which give (taxpayer-funded) drug monopolies to pharmaceutical companies and shift the incentive away from genuine breakthroughs that are much needed -- particularly in antibiotics -- towards cheap reformulations of existing drugs, need to be pulled out root and branch. Ideally, the big pharmaceutical companies need to be dismantled with antitrust legislation as well.
(1) You exclude all the sick people, or
(2) Everyone is in it
(1) is a return to the laws of the jungle of the Bush years, and (2) is just a single-payer model, except worse, because there's someone scooping profits off the top, which could otherwise be invested directly in care or in R&D.
But yes, fee-for-service is one of the biggest problems. Transitioning from it to something else will go a long way to fixing our healthcare system. But you can't talk cost-savings without mentioning our IP laws and R&D model, which give (taxpayer-funded) drug monopolies to pharmaceutical companies and shift the incentive away from genuine breakthroughs that are much needed -- particularly in antibiotics -- towards cheap reformulations of existing drugs, need to be pulled out root and branch. Ideally, the big pharmaceutical companies need to be dismantled with antitrust legislation as well.
I can see this going to the Supreme Court. The question about whether or not the government subsidies violate the constitution just seems to beg for this issue to end up there. If it does the Donald can then blame the Obama administration for the outcome if the court rules in favor of the subsidies or he can blame the court if they make healthcare unaffordable by denying the subsidies. Either way he "wins".
1
If the end result is the same my advice to Democrats, Independents and Republicans of conscience (this group excludes McConnell and Ryan) is the hold fast to what is right. Resist this White Houses degradation of our country at every single opportunity. I've seen many comments from people who clearly don't understand the Dems don't have enough votes to truly turn away the worst Republican impulses. But the opposition can and must ensure the most vulnerable (elderly, children, disabled, very poor) remain protected. Imagine a US budget without the tax dollars of NY, MA , CA, OR, WA, CT, VT, NJ, MD, IL. Not sure what's left could or would fund congressional salaries of $175k a year and lifetime benefits. #resist
5
Lets see if I understand the art of the deal. Trump threatens to let thousands of people suffer and die so that Democrats will agree to a bill that will lets millions of people suffer over the long term.
Well, that's an interesting tactic.
It is based on the knowledge that since Republicans don't care if people die, that Trump needs to hope that Democrats, who do care if people die, will negotiate to save these people so that Trump can win another term to make more people suffer.
Very interesting tactic indeed
Well, that's an interesting tactic.
It is based on the knowledge that since Republicans don't care if people die, that Trump needs to hope that Democrats, who do care if people die, will negotiate to save these people so that Trump can win another term to make more people suffer.
Very interesting tactic indeed
15
We can drop a piece of metal worth 16 million dollars on Afganistan to turn a pile of rocks into a smaller pile of rocks and kill a couple dozen bad dudes but we cannot pay money to keep American citizens healthy and in many cases alive.
Makes sense to me!
Makes sense to me!
21
How many of those individuals don't give a hoot about their own health? How many want health care rather than health insurance? How many smoke? How many are obese? How many fail to exercise? How many are addicted to prescription drugs? Put measures in place so that recipients of plans offered through the ACA are nicotine free, drug free, exercise on a regular basis and losing weight on a prescribed schedule and more American taxpayers will support the healthcare act. It's time taxpayers started getting some help from individuals receiving entitlements!
let him with hold the payments if he dares
4
Sadly, the ACA was not health care reform, but health insurance reform. Even for that, we have two government programs that are far better than the ACA, and certainly better than the current Republican proposals. The proof that they are better is that their users like these programs (mostly). These are Medicare and the Federal Employee Health Benefit program. Real health care reform would be better still, but I don't see how Congress could ever propose something that would eliminate an industry as large as the health insurance industry. But there is quite a thriving market for policies to supplement what Medicare provides. FEHB simply organizes all federal employees into a single group and any insurance company that is willing to meet the minimum standards for a policy can take advantage of all the information available for such a large group when it proposes premiums. The benefits of expanding that group to be basically everyone in the country would be huge (to borrow a word from someone or other).
12
TrumpCare's slogan: "Pay or die suckers." Getting rid of the ACA should be called 'the healthcare insurance companies welfare plan'. Save the corporate jets, get rid of the ACA and make em all pay. Suckers.
4
The Dems do not have to negotiate with the GOP. The GOP does not have an alternative to the ACA and it is proven that they are unable to create one.
The Dems should negotiate to improve the program for the users and our treasury. These are the only valuations that make sense for everyone. The Dems hold all the cards however.
Cooperation is an imperative here. Most likely, the GOP will stonewall on everything.
The Dems should negotiate to improve the program for the users and our treasury. These are the only valuations that make sense for everyone. The Dems hold all the cards however.
Cooperation is an imperative here. Most likely, the GOP will stonewall on everything.
3
TO: Democrats
FROM: Your Base
RE: Don't cave on this
FROM: Your Base
RE: Don't cave on this
55
That is the way he makes the deals, extortion is the name of the game.
14
Right if you do a construction job for him after you finish he won't pay you the balance he'll make you sue him.
Often that balance is the difference between profit and loss for the construction company. He's a first class dirt bag.
Often that balance is the difference between profit and loss for the construction company. He's a first class dirt bag.
16
So Trump's plan to control the outcome that even most of his own party is against is to blackmail our elected leaders into voting his way or have Americans suffer his wrath. I've got to say that I've never seen such a blatant abuse of a power trip where the president of our country is threatening to destroy the medical insurance and health care system, along with the financial stability of any American that gets sick in one fell swoop if he doesn't get his way. There may be better improvements that can be made to Obamacare, but even the Republicans voted down the last bill because it wasn't a good replacement because it wasn't well thought out. Work together to develop something that works, don't blackmail and threaten to hurt your citizens because you didn't get your way. Can't believe anyone still trusts this horrible , narcissistic, megalomaniac.
19
The subsidies are showing to have no affect on companies that have been gladly accepting them while raising prices anyway. Not that current leadership cares beyond threats to their spoils. The outcome wasn't hard to predict back when they were emplaced, either.
Since 2008, industry has only increased its profit.
Our overall net since 2008 has not been in the black. It doesn't matter if you have coverage you can't afford long term. It doesn't matter if it's "free" but you don't have rational access to it or have to sacrifice undue amounts for it. It's not a net positive if you're forced to buy it, don't want it, and can't recoup any of the cost.
Did we prepare properly for the ACA while it was being "gently pushed" into law? Were the 1st few years as smooth as they could've been?
Are insurance companies greedy? If so, has that been some kind of a secret?
Where are the government-mandated cost caps? Insurance companies have room to sacrifice some profit don't they? We're capable of passing laws that force them to, aren't we?
Even if the plan was to move to single payer, why would anyone knowingly subject our health to what we've been experiencing? And for an indeterminate amount of time (8 yrs and counting)?
The only logical explanation is that this has been the plan all along in one form or another. What does it matter then if the "insurance markets collapse"? Are we expected to make a choice between lesser/greater evils? Don't we have enough of that with our parties?
Since 2008, industry has only increased its profit.
Our overall net since 2008 has not been in the black. It doesn't matter if you have coverage you can't afford long term. It doesn't matter if it's "free" but you don't have rational access to it or have to sacrifice undue amounts for it. It's not a net positive if you're forced to buy it, don't want it, and can't recoup any of the cost.
Did we prepare properly for the ACA while it was being "gently pushed" into law? Were the 1st few years as smooth as they could've been?
Are insurance companies greedy? If so, has that been some kind of a secret?
Where are the government-mandated cost caps? Insurance companies have room to sacrifice some profit don't they? We're capable of passing laws that force them to, aren't we?
Even if the plan was to move to single payer, why would anyone knowingly subject our health to what we've been experiencing? And for an indeterminate amount of time (8 yrs and counting)?
The only logical explanation is that this has been the plan all along in one form or another. What does it matter then if the "insurance markets collapse"? Are we expected to make a choice between lesser/greater evils? Don't we have enough of that with our parties?
1
Why won't Trump and the GOP simply shut up, do nothing and prove that their dire predictions about "Obamacare" were accurate? Because they know they're wrong, and no matter what happens, they're culpable. The truth is, the GOP majority has "owned" the health care issue for years because they deliberately undermined the ACA from the start, exploiting enforcement loopholes and refusing to implement the provisions that made it work in the first place. Now they are the party wielding near-absolute power over all three branches of government -- executive, legislative and (arguably) judicial. Can they govern? Evidently not.
None of the previous Republican doomsday predictions about Obamacare have materialized. But they don't care about crafting a plan that would help private insurers "fix" what's broken in America's current, private-enterprise-based health care non-system because they know anything they want to do will inevitably reflect badly on them with most voters. That puts the ideologues in quite a pickle. They could pursue something practical and constructive for the country and their constituents, but they don't have the first idea of what that might be.
None of the previous Republican doomsday predictions about Obamacare have materialized. But they don't care about crafting a plan that would help private insurers "fix" what's broken in America's current, private-enterprise-based health care non-system because they know anything they want to do will inevitably reflect badly on them with most voters. That puts the ideologues in quite a pickle. They could pursue something practical and constructive for the country and their constituents, but they don't have the first idea of what that might be.
10
As a physician with one of the highest medical degrees in the US, specialist in many areas, including internal medicine, family medicine, geriatrics, preventive and alternative medicine, with a PhD in preventive medicine and Master in public health, I had a comprehensive plan for healthcare sent to the White House several years ago which was included in my campaign platform when I ran for US senate in Washington State last year. It is an improvement of Obamacare. There is lots of abuse of the system. Among those ideas was to ask for every welfare patient to pay $2-5 every time the patient sees a doctor, uses the emergency room, or fills a prescription. Other ideas are one payer, expand Medicare up to the age of 25, universal health for the basic only, shift hospital care to home health care, staff underserved areas in big cities with primary care from overseas when there are not enough doctors in that area to do the job, allow the Federal Government to participate in prescription drugs, consider medical cannabis as an alternative medicine recommended by physicians trained to do that, etc. See my Facebook and website for more details.
9
Seems to me that Trump/Ryan need to first come up with a "reasonable" plan that cause fewer people (a LOT fewer) to lose benefits.
Otherwise, no reason for Dems to negotiate.
I guess "reasonable" is no longer in the dictionary due to "dictionary budget cuts"!
Otherwise, no reason for Dems to negotiate.
I guess "reasonable" is no longer in the dictionary due to "dictionary budget cuts"!
6
Politicians are caught up in who's to blame, but are missing what's really at stake. The issue is not whether the ACA or the impending AHCA will fail, in the long term, for-profit healthcare is unsustainable. Are we too proud to try another system outside the bounds of unfettered capitalism? As we head into the future with increasing populations and further wealth concentration, it is easy to see that for-profit is not for people. There is nothing un-American about wanting all Americans to have healthcare, not access to healthcare, but actual healthcare, even if it's duh-duh-duhn, socialized.
14
"Mr. Trump has failed to get enough support from his own party, but he hopes to get the Democrats’ help by forcing them to the negotiating table with hints about the chaos he could cause."
Let's just hope Trump gets tagged with responsibility for his chaos - if it is made obvious, he'll come around. All he really wants is adulation - show him the way!
Let's just hope Trump gets tagged with responsibility for his chaos - if it is made obvious, he'll come around. All he really wants is adulation - show him the way!
11
Trump touted that his success as a businessman would make him a great president. The centerpiece of his argument was his ability to negotiate anything and win. His negotiation style seems to be: pivot on your first stance, lie about the subject when in trouble and threaten whomever doesn’t give you what you want.
He has pivoted on his promise to give everyone better health care than the ACA. Goodness only know how many lies he’s told the Republicans while bargaining with them to repeal and replace the ACA. Now he’s threatening the Democrats with, “hints about the chaos he could cause” if they don’t bargain with him his way.
Would someone around Trump please tell him that negotiations are two-sided. And while they are at it, remind him that he works for the American people. We are his board of directors and we do have a vote!
He has pivoted on his promise to give everyone better health care than the ACA. Goodness only know how many lies he’s told the Republicans while bargaining with them to repeal and replace the ACA. Now he’s threatening the Democrats with, “hints about the chaos he could cause” if they don’t bargain with him his way.
Would someone around Trump please tell him that negotiations are two-sided. And while they are at it, remind him that he works for the American people. We are his board of directors and we do have a vote!
12
Removing billions of dollars in payments to insurance carriers is a winner for Trump on multiple levels. Why the Dems think this will work in their favor is beyond me... oh, I forgot - they have been ordered by the Left to resist everything. They think permanently wiping out Obamacare and giving the GOP a clean slate amid emergency conditions to create a different market will get voters to clamor for bringing back billion dollar payments to health insurers. Highly unlikely.
3
When the people who are going to lose coverage are the same ones that voted for Trump I don't see how that hurts the Democrats. Trump will be the one cancelling these payments and the Republicans are going to have to explain how they have no plan that replaces the ACA - not the Democrats. Besides, nothing like this is going to happen anyway - Trump proposes; Congress disposes.
So Trump threatens to purposely make things worse if Democrats don't agree to his demands, but somehow the Democrats are the ones being unreasonable. Makes sense. It's like on TV, where the guy with the list of demands and his finger on the detonator is the good guy, despite the best efforts of that evil FBI guy trying to stop him from blowing up the city.
Why Trump thinks that bullying the Dems will work politically when the great majority of Americans (even Trump voters) are adamantly opposed to the actLESS GOP sponsored AHCA is beyond me. Even Trump voters, in rural areas that voted for him are coming out at town halls to protest the scrapping of the ACA. They want to see improvements - not a wholesale toss into the dumpster, realizing that no matter how much lipstick Trump and the GOP put on their plan, a Hoax is still a Hoax.
3
As Dr. Krugman notes, this 'tactic' is both vicious and stupid. The probable benefit will be found in the successful Democratic sweep of the mid-terms.
We should give the Trump voters exactly what they voted for. All new policies should be implemented in the largest states that went for Trump first. After one year we can then roll them down to other states a month at at time with the largest population centers getting the great new policy first
I am sure they will love it. Bigly
I am sure they will love it. Bigly
19
Bargaining? Bargaining with Trump on this issue is being Chamberlain in Munich. To win in the long run, the Democrats need to become completely unreasonable and remain so.
9
Canada has had a single-payer system since 1984. Why doesn't Trump call Trudeau to ask him how they did it? Are Canadians smarter than we are?? (Wait - don't answer that.)
26
Most people are smart enough to realize that it's relatively easy to insure a Canadian population of 35 million (versus a population almost 10 times as large in the USA).
1
You left out 10 times as wealthy.
3
They certainly are smarter than the GOP.
2
We can talk politics all day long without getting to anything we can agree on. But when we talk about what is life sustaining vs life denying outcomes for the majority of people, especially after experiencing the Affordable Care Act, the variance in opinion shrinks considerably to tilt in favor of ACA. Alternate facts put forth by the investor class and their legislative minions ring hollow to the point of inspiring angry mobs from both sides of the political aisle. This is a class struggle that we haven't seen the likes of since before the early 1930s. It will end in a loss for the investor class and Conservatives. The people will guarentee it.
12
"It will end in a loss for the investor class and Conservatives. The people will guarentee it."
I hope you're right, but I fear we "the people" are going to end up as selections on the dinner menu at Mar-a-Lago and other fine Trump resorts. Please don't let the so-called president pour ketchup on me.
I hope you're right, but I fear we "the people" are going to end up as selections on the dinner menu at Mar-a-Lago and other fine Trump resorts. Please don't let the so-called president pour ketchup on me.
4
Mr. Trump seems to have only tool in his toolbox: bullying. If he can't get his way otherwise, out comes his bully tool. He fails to understand that the point of government is to benefit the governed by ensuring their safety, which includes their physical and mental health.
The ACA is imperfect; it needs repair not dismantling. It's still better than what people had before it, which was often no health insurance at all.
If the Republicans have their way, they will enact a weak plan that hurts millions of Americans, who will end up with inadequate health insurance or none at all.
The ACA is imperfect; it needs repair not dismantling. It's still better than what people had before it, which was often no health insurance at all.
If the Republicans have their way, they will enact a weak plan that hurts millions of Americans, who will end up with inadequate health insurance or none at all.
17
It's about time the Republicans began thinking about bipartisan negotiations to provide health care for all Americans at an affordable price. What the Repubicans are doing is, basically, putting millions of Americans in a position where they will lose their health care. "Access" is a joke when you can't afford the high premiums and co-pays.
It's time for the Republican party to take the responsible, not the ideological path to the future. Give us Medicare/Medicaid for all, with premiums based on income. Subsidize the rest of the cost. Be practical and give the people what they need. Cut military expenses if that's what's needed. Surely the nation which pays more than any other nation for its military can afford a few billion for health care!
It's time for the Republican party to take the responsible, not the ideological path to the future. Give us Medicare/Medicaid for all, with premiums based on income. Subsidize the rest of the cost. Be practical and give the people what they need. Cut military expenses if that's what's needed. Surely the nation which pays more than any other nation for its military can afford a few billion for health care!
18
As I understand it, Trump is asking the Dems to become complicit in the destruction of the ACA, or he will destroy it himself. Sounds like a no-brainer to me: let him break it - he owns it!
82
"Mr. Trump threatened to withhold the subsidy payments as a way to induce the Democrats to bargain with him."
Yeah, if you don't do what I want, I'll beat up the least prosperous among our citizens and make you watch.
"Or let the whole system collapse?"
Not LET it collapse--MAKE it collapse. It won't collapse by itself. And the ACA, which benefits so many, will be hard to kill.
Yeah, if you don't do what I want, I'll beat up the least prosperous among our citizens and make you watch.
"Or let the whole system collapse?"
Not LET it collapse--MAKE it collapse. It won't collapse by itself. And the ACA, which benefits so many, will be hard to kill.
8
It's the democrats fault in the first place for passing a half-baked bill where they lied about the costs, having it evaluated based upon 10 years of taxes, but only 7 years of benefits, and by pushing the majority of cuts into the future (2018) to avoid the hard decisions. What democrats are going to now define the $1 TRILLION in cuts to medicare promised by the ACA to make it "affordable"? Also, tell me how the democrats giving big Pharma extended drug patents, that is keeping generics off the market, is helping the "affordability"?
Democrats lied, Democrats screwed up, Democrats own this.
Democrats lied, Democrats screwed up, Democrats own this.
3
You wish! Half-baked plan was the best that could be passed with the party of NO in majority in Congress. The lies you are talking about were pangs of growing pains. Everything that is new will need copious tweaking until it gels into a coalescent system. No, Obamacare is not perfect. It is much better than nothing, though. We should have universal healthcare as all other civilized nations do.
9
No longer! It's now on the Republicans -- and Trump!
If he cuts subsidies, throws people of Obamacare, gives tax breaks to to the wealthy, and then tries to blame the Democrats, as you have, it won't work!
What people will experience is what *Trump* has done to them; the new pain *he's* causing; and the loss of insurance that *he* created!
Go ahead, Donny Boy, make our day!
If he cuts subsidies, throws people of Obamacare, gives tax breaks to to the wealthy, and then tries to blame the Democrats, as you have, it won't work!
What people will experience is what *Trump* has done to them; the new pain *he's* causing; and the loss of insurance that *he* created!
Go ahead, Donny Boy, make our day!
How many years has the GOP Party of Death had to come up with a workable replacement? How many times did Congress try to repeal Obamacare with the promise that their better, cheaper plan was ready to go?
Only children and politicians blame others for their mistakes.
Only children and politicians blame others for their mistakes.
11
Trump's modus operandi in business was threats and bullying. So are we really surprised that he is trying to run the government the same way? Everything with him is "you'll be sorry if you try to thwart me." He drops the biggest non-nuclear bomb we have on Afghanistan, runs secret ops in Yemen, throws missiles at Syria, sends the navy steaming off the coast of North Korea, just daring them to shoot at them so he has an excuse to retaliate bigly. Not so long ago there were so many people calling HRC a warmonger while Trump was claiming to have no plans for foreign engagement. He was going to replace Obamacare with something better and less expensive with coverage for all. Now he's just nearing the verge of destroying everything while running off to his fancy resort to play golf and visit with his billionaire buddies. Sad
18
Trump is trying to run the government like a business--and demonstrating that it doesn't work--and also what a rotten businessman he is. CEO as bully--what a role model!
10
Much as I loathe the idea of a government shutdown, if that's what it will take to make millions of Americans see the truth behind Trump/Ryan/Mulvaney ideas for healthcare, shut it down. Too many still don't realize what's truly at risk - i.e., losing access to Medicare/Medicaid.
10
What do Americans have against universal health care. It's benefits: it covers everyone, from cradle to grave, and costs less. What's not to like?
Apparently too many people in the United States have never been to other First World nations who have universal health care, or acquired the knowledge needed that would show how better their systems operate (no pun intended) then that of the US. If they did they would be flabbergasted.
There are numerous formulas to achieve universal health care. No country has the same system, but once one system is picked, it must be adhered to to be successful. So, America, why not take your investigations beyond your borders, and realize that other First World nations do it better than you? Instead of being filled with Right-wing Republican propaganda lies?
You're still a semi-free country even under the demagogue Trump. Demand universal health care, or at least what members of Congress enjoy. That nonsense about "freedumb" is just that, nonsense. You're being bamboozled. You can pay less and get more. What's your problem?
DD
Manhattan
Apparently too many people in the United States have never been to other First World nations who have universal health care, or acquired the knowledge needed that would show how better their systems operate (no pun intended) then that of the US. If they did they would be flabbergasted.
There are numerous formulas to achieve universal health care. No country has the same system, but once one system is picked, it must be adhered to to be successful. So, America, why not take your investigations beyond your borders, and realize that other First World nations do it better than you? Instead of being filled with Right-wing Republican propaganda lies?
You're still a semi-free country even under the demagogue Trump. Demand universal health care, or at least what members of Congress enjoy. That nonsense about "freedumb" is just that, nonsense. You're being bamboozled. You can pay less and get more. What's your problem?
DD
Manhattan
15
Regarding health insurance: The people should get what congress gets. (Or) Congress should get what the people get.
5
Wait....I thought President Trump promised "Affordable healthcare for all, and less expensive, without throwing anyone off their plan".
I'm pretty sure if he and Ryan actually offered something like that we'd all jump for joy.
The problem with that promise is, of course, the devil's details.... once people found out what those were, they preferred Obamacare and Republicans couldn't even face their own constituents over the fallout.
And here's an FYI for Republicans and supporters who say Obamacare without subsidies is too unaffordable: it's still cheaper than what the individual market price was way back in 2003! They just have no clue what that situation was all about before the ACA came along. To wit: My 57 year old husband, with one (resolved) health problem in his twenties, was charged $743 PER MONTH, with a $7,500.00 deductible for the best he could get. We only wished for the non-subsidized ACA prices of today!!!
Don't be fooled by the threat of cutting subsidies. It's important to know what the costs would be to be insured without the subsidies *compared to what it always used to cost* to realize that it's still better than what it was in the past.
I'm pretty sure if he and Ryan actually offered something like that we'd all jump for joy.
The problem with that promise is, of course, the devil's details.... once people found out what those were, they preferred Obamacare and Republicans couldn't even face their own constituents over the fallout.
And here's an FYI for Republicans and supporters who say Obamacare without subsidies is too unaffordable: it's still cheaper than what the individual market price was way back in 2003! They just have no clue what that situation was all about before the ACA came along. To wit: My 57 year old husband, with one (resolved) health problem in his twenties, was charged $743 PER MONTH, with a $7,500.00 deductible for the best he could get. We only wished for the non-subsidized ACA prices of today!!!
Don't be fooled by the threat of cutting subsidies. It's important to know what the costs would be to be insured without the subsidies *compared to what it always used to cost* to realize that it's still better than what it was in the past.
13
We elected Machiavelli.
We pay more for health care from public funds per capita than any other nation including those with socialized medicine. We are keeping this system alive to enrich a few at the expense of many while our legislatures give us double speak and take campaign donations to keep feeding this health care monster.
We need a single payer system.
We pay more for health care from public funds per capita than any other nation including those with socialized medicine. We are keeping this system alive to enrich a few at the expense of many while our legislatures give us double speak and take campaign donations to keep feeding this health care monster.
We need a single payer system.
16
Machiavelli was a theorist, not an actor, and he was very, very smart.
4
Exactly. Trump is neither of those.
2
Claire McCaskill is wrong: Republicans have demonstrated beyond all doubt that they are not "in control of government." They are in government and out of control. This is just further proof. The incompetent GOP leadership displays no aptitude for governing, nor any desire to serve the interests of the (minority of) voters who elected them.
Why have Republicans been so determined to put health care beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest Americans? Imagine a world in which only those making more than $250,000 a year could afford to drive because automobiles cost so much to manufacture and insure. Vehicles and insurance premiums could be priced astronomically, but car companies and insurers would do just fine. That's the free market in action, so what's the problem?
These Republicans would rather stiff taxpayers covertly -- undermining competition, driving up prices, killing insurance jobs -- than reduce costs by enlarging the pool of insured, thereby spreading risk and sharing expenses among greater numbers of people. Insurance doesn't function (and isn't necessary) if everyone simply pays top dollar for what they use when they use it. Only the very rich can afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a life-saving surgical procedure, or an ER visit, or even a brief hospitalization, whenever the need arises. Everyone else pays with their lives, their health and their financial security.
Why have Republicans been so determined to put health care beyond the reach of all but the wealthiest Americans? Imagine a world in which only those making more than $250,000 a year could afford to drive because automobiles cost so much to manufacture and insure. Vehicles and insurance premiums could be priced astronomically, but car companies and insurers would do just fine. That's the free market in action, so what's the problem?
These Republicans would rather stiff taxpayers covertly -- undermining competition, driving up prices, killing insurance jobs -- than reduce costs by enlarging the pool of insured, thereby spreading risk and sharing expenses among greater numbers of people. Insurance doesn't function (and isn't necessary) if everyone simply pays top dollar for what they use when they use it. Only the very rich can afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a life-saving surgical procedure, or an ER visit, or even a brief hospitalization, whenever the need arises. Everyone else pays with their lives, their health and their financial security.
13
If Republican voters can't see by now that their leaders' principal goal is to rob and kill them (and us), there is no hope that their significant portion of the population can ever become responsible citizens.
I don't know what we can do about them that's fair, humane and legal. Shaming them makes them even madder. Trying to educate them makes them downright violent.
I don't know what we can do about them that's fair, humane and legal. Shaming them makes them even madder. Trying to educate them makes them downright violent.
19
OK, let's stipulate that not everyone is paying attention to all the configurations of this healthcare debate. Who will get blame, who will blink first, who is the better negotiator, who needs to compromise, who has the best ideas and who has the best interests of the American people at heart? In the end who cares? The first repeal and replace bill had a 17% favorability rating. At this point, we have to ask who are the Republicans even representing in this debate. No one likes their bill and they will take all the heat for any failure in trying to legislate changes to it. If Trump came to me with this weak a hand I'd call his bluff. If he wants to take his supporters' healthcare away from them, the only Democratic response should be "I dare you".
24
Let's see, punishing the public for political gain - sounds like something Trump picked up from Christie.
17
If you break it you own it. Other countries have figured out how to provide quality affordable healthcare that is both affordable for the patient and manages to not be a drain on the overall GDP. Because our country chose to tie healthcare to employment for so long a lot of people lost their healthcare during the recession.
Our politicians need to behave like the grownups we assumed they were when we elected them. We didn't like the Republican proposal on healthcare and made sure that they understood that when it was unveiled. Undermining our healthcare by sabotaging the subsidises needed to ensure that the system functions will not end well for Republicans.
If both sides can come up with bipartisan solutions to make the ACA stronger the American people will support those solutions. But if Republicans break the system by undermining it they're just setting the stage for single pay healthcare. I seriously doubt that the insurance industry will thank them for that.
Our politicians need to behave like the grownups we assumed they were when we elected them. We didn't like the Republican proposal on healthcare and made sure that they understood that when it was unveiled. Undermining our healthcare by sabotaging the subsidises needed to ensure that the system functions will not end well for Republicans.
If both sides can come up with bipartisan solutions to make the ACA stronger the American people will support those solutions. But if Republicans break the system by undermining it they're just setting the stage for single pay healthcare. I seriously doubt that the insurance industry will thank them for that.
22
There are two certainties in the present health care situation: One, it is not sustainable. And two, changes are going have to be made to reduce premiums. There is only one way to lower healthcare premiums, get government out of the business of providing health care subsidies to private health care insurance companies and let market competition work to lower premiums.
Is this the final answer? No, but it is the only way to proceed and the sooner congressional Democrats understand this point, the sooner health care can be guaranteed for all.
Is this the final answer? No, but it is the only way to proceed and the sooner congressional Democrats understand this point, the sooner health care can be guaranteed for all.
2
As long as pre-existing conditions are covered and lawyers are around there will be no reduction n premiums.
Unfortunately, the only solution (given that the assumption of individual responsibility has been dumped in the trash bin) is single payer.
Unfortunately, the only solution (given that the assumption of individual responsibility has been dumped in the trash bin) is single payer.
1
You've just described the health care system as it was prior to the enactment of the ACA. it didn't work -- 40 million Americans lacked health coverage. Any ideology that requires a return to a failed health care system is not only morally bankrupt, it's also stupid. 45 has a lot to learn about the Democratic base if he thinks they will allow their representatives to cave on this issue.
9
There are many ways to reduce premiums. The ACA provides one mechanism, make everyone have insurance. Other options are; reduce coverage, set benchmark pricing for common procedures and medications, allow insurance companies to deny coverage to anyone that needs health care, or promote healthier lifestyles.
But if you really want to permanently reduce premiums, get the insurance companies out of the health care business.
Every dollar that they skim off the top of medical bills is one less health care dollar actually providing health care.
In a billion dollar industry, that's a lot of lost health care dollars wasted.
But if you really want to permanently reduce premiums, get the insurance companies out of the health care business.
Every dollar that they skim off the top of medical bills is one less health care dollar actually providing health care.
In a billion dollar industry, that's a lot of lost health care dollars wasted.
14
Isn't it about time the Dems press for what everybody wants -- true, 21st century socialized medicine, like the rest of the civilized world has?
Press for what Trump says he likes, the Beveridge Healthcare Model, like they have in Scotland (and the rest of UK, and Spain, most of Scandinavia, New Zealand, and even Hong Kong, all places where it's very popular).
Press for what Trump says he likes, the Beveridge Healthcare Model, like they have in Scotland (and the rest of UK, and Spain, most of Scandinavia, New Zealand, and even Hong Kong, all places where it's very popular).
17
Isn't it about time some of the blame for making the American people victims of political posturing by a minority of conservatives got pinned on the insurance companies as well? These lobbying profiteers have a lot to do with what has gone wrong with Obamacare....and needs to be fixed first. Examine their corporate profits for the last couple of years and ask yourself how these middlemen dare to serve up threats of more increases, less coverage, pulling out of "unprofitable" markets and creating a shrinking list of medications they will cover.
And, what about the sweet talk to the Administration on mergers and the need to operate sales across state lines? So why can't the American people swallow some form of Universal health care if they can take dropping 23,000 pound bombs on other nations without Congressional approval ?
And, what about the sweet talk to the Administration on mergers and the need to operate sales across state lines? So why can't the American people swallow some form of Universal health care if they can take dropping 23,000 pound bombs on other nations without Congressional approval ?
14
I agree with some of the sentiments here, let 'em own it! The twitter-in-chief seems to believe that he can strong arm anyone for anything that HE wants! Healthcare is a very personal thing and if he and the rest of the GOP believe that we citizens will sit by and allow them to play with our lives in this manner, I believe that they are delusional. This is one issue that affects us all and always will, so where are their big ideas? Their veiled threats are just that and they will be the ones that feel the backlash of an electorate that is fed up with their small ideas and nothing to benefit us, only them. As they say, "all blow and no go...."
32
"If the subsidies are interrupted, insurers say, some health plans will increase premiums and others will withdraw from the individual insurance market. That will, in turn, affect millions of other people who do not receive the subsidies."
Trump and my Republican Congressman John Faso will be holding a financial "gun" to our heads if Congress refuses to pass the GOP's ObamaScare repeal bill.
Trump and my Republican Congressman John Faso will be holding a financial "gun" to our heads if Congress refuses to pass the GOP's ObamaScare repeal bill.
1
"ObamaScare"
A perfect coinage for the knee-jerk right wing reaction to a non-white president. I'll bet when Mitt Romney introduced virtually the same health insurance program in Massachusetts you hailed him as a genius.
A perfect coinage for the knee-jerk right wing reaction to a non-white president. I'll bet when Mitt Romney introduced virtually the same health insurance program in Massachusetts you hailed him as a genius.
2
Democrats, please do NOT bargain.
28
Can we make an appropriate correction to the headline?
"Trump Threatens to Throw Seven Million Hard Working Patriotic Americans Off Their Health Insurance."
There... that's better.
"Trump Threatens to Throw Seven Million Hard Working Patriotic Americans Off Their Health Insurance."
There... that's better.
67
We've all been told that the GOP is in charge now...so take charge.
10
" We should have worked with Democrats from the very beginning" say the so-called Freedom Caucus member. You mean from 2009, when you called the Heritage Institute's health care plan "Obamacare" and lied about "death panels" to get yourself elected in the first place? Or maybe you mean from 2016, when you stole a Supreme Court seat? Don't hold your breath until you get Democrats to work with you "on a bipartisan basis." Your leaders tore that page out of the playbook and burned it.
66
The Democrats never like to discuss what the Unaffordable Healthcare Act has done for the middle class, but it's been devastating if you don't receive the subsidies. Premiums through the roof, sky high deductibles, and worse coverage.
Get rid of it. Claire McCaskill needs a serious reality check, instead of continuing to act like this sinking Titanic piece of legislation can stay afloat.
Get rid of it. Claire McCaskill needs a serious reality check, instead of continuing to act like this sinking Titanic piece of legislation can stay afloat.
4
Yes, the ACA has problems which the GOP has had 8 years to fix.
However, it is still better than no coverage at all for millions of people.
However, it is still better than no coverage at all for millions of people.
26
You could blame the Democrats for the Affordable Care Act, from here to forever. But without this this plan or expanding Medicare for everyone, the Republican plan is an affordable pine box (aka coffin).
We are the only civilized nation that does not provide healthcare for it's citizens.
We are the only civilized nation that does not provide healthcare for it's citizens.
9
"it's been devastating if you don't receive the subsidies. Premiums through the roof, sky high deductibles, and worse coverage."
I'm sorry if the above describes your situation or the problems faced by people you know, but I really suspect the ACA hasn't affected you and yours in the least and you are merely repeating fictions you heard from Rush Limbaugh.
I'm sorry if the above describes your situation or the problems faced by people you know, but I really suspect the ACA hasn't affected you and yours in the least and you are merely repeating fictions you heard from Rush Limbaugh.
the dems should NOT help rescue this guy, period.
23
There is ice flowing through Trump's veins....cold, cruel, uncaring. Has this man no decency, no moral compass, no soul?
22
When many health insurance plans will drop out of 'the market' without state subsidies, I understand that these plans are already not part of the insurance market.Because the market can not sustain them on its own.Why not take them out of that 'market' altogether and create a state run company for the segment.
5
No president has the power to arbitrarily suspend payments to insurance companies as a political lever. I thought Trump was all busniess all the time, but the longer he's in office the more his thinking and actions resemble those of Nixon, one of the most vindictive, childish president's American has ever had.
Trump assumes that more of his empty treats will force democrats to the table to help pass Trumpcare, (i.e., tax cuts disguised as 'conservative-style' healthcare for the wealthy? AKA "steaming pile of garbage"?)
I hope the Democratic party is giving Trump the middle finger. He richly deserves it.
Trump assumes that more of his empty treats will force democrats to the table to help pass Trumpcare, (i.e., tax cuts disguised as 'conservative-style' healthcare for the wealthy? AKA "steaming pile of garbage"?)
I hope the Democratic party is giving Trump the middle finger. He richly deserves it.
27
All of a sudden Nixon looks like a saint next to this behemoth.
6
How's that 'we need a businessman to run the Government' thingy going? Not to well. The elevation of an American real estate shister to the position of President is typical American no-nothingism, consistent with the history of a country that has committed genocide, slavery and nuclear terror. Why would that country care about the citizens health? War War, not Health, Health!
32
Of course a businessman's interest the opposite of that of an honest public servant. The businessman's main goal is to make a profit, not the well-being of his employees. They answer to their shareholders, not to the rank and file of their workers. Why would anybody think that a person brought up in and thriving in this milieu would feel any empathy for those who worry about their next mortgage payment?
The Democrats are in a jam on this one and they don't even know it. It's called Obamacare for a reason, the Democrats totally own it and with it all its inadequacies and sadly Obamacare is very likely to fail even without Trump's defunding. When it fails, their refusal to work with Republican to replace it with something better will hurt Americans. They will be blamed and they should be blamed. Democrats are too stubborn to compromise, too self absorbed to think of the needs of others and lack the moral imagination to create something decent and worthwhile. Good luck with that.
5
Raul, You are living in Dreamland if you think anything Paul Ryan and the Republicans have come up with yet is better than the ACA with all its faults. Democrats would be happy to work with Republicans if the Rs ever actually had a willingness to compromise.
14
You seem to forget that the ACA or Obamacare was modeled on a *Republican* health insurance plan first enacted in Massachusetts when Romney was the governor there.
Republicans liked the plan then, but their hatred of Mr. Obama has led them to disown it, refuse to consider what is best for the American people and stubbornly continue to try to dismantle it by any means possible.
I applaud Democrats who are working hard to fix rather than dismantle the ACA, which, though imperfect, is much better than anything Republicans have recently offered.
Republicans liked the plan then, but their hatred of Mr. Obama has led them to disown it, refuse to consider what is best for the American people and stubbornly continue to try to dismantle it by any means possible.
I applaud Democrats who are working hard to fix rather than dismantle the ACA, which, though imperfect, is much better than anything Republicans have recently offered.
11
You think the Republican party won't own the resulting mess if ACA DOES somehow "fail" while the president and Congress stand by idly and do nothing? Are you serious?
9
Seriously, somebody help me out, here. Trump is saying to the Democrats, right out loud, so we can all hear him, "Work with me to take away people's benefits, or I'll cause the whole shebang to collapse, and then....". And, that's when the thing gets away from me. We're supposed to help him destroy our people's health care program or he'll destroy it, himself? Clearly, there's something about this that I'm missing. Maybe the leverage, such as it is, is that the Democrats can save a little bit of the ACA, if they cooperate, or watch him bring the whole thing down, is that it? It doesn't make much sense, but, then, I'm afraid I'm getting used to that, since "The Great Pretender" moved in.
77
As usual, the republicans shoot themselves in the foot while trying to force-fit their rigid ideology in an imperfect world.
5
"We're supposed to help him destroy our people's health care program or he'll destroy it, himself?"
That's the Republican version of freedom of choice.
That's the Republican version of freedom of choice.
12
I don't think you're missing anything, I think the missing piece is Donald's brain.
2
Our Democratic representatives won't cave to this sorry tactic, I hope. If the Republicans threaten this, it's worth shutting down the government.
As for Trump, he has failed to learn that it's his government now—Republican lock, stock, and barrel. If they break health care, they own it.
As for Trump, he has failed to learn that it's his government now—Republican lock, stock, and barrel. If they break health care, they own it.
40
I agree with your strong feelings but it's not his government -- it's ours and we need to take it back!
12
It's all about politics with the Republican Party. They could care less who dies or how many die as long as they don't get the blame and could still remain in office. They would throw everyone out on the street without anything if they can get away with it. We should send them all to Russia where they belong.
32
Trump has only one advantage in this negotiation. He knows, and the Democrats know, that the Democrats care if thousands of Americans live or die, and he does not.
The only people who don't realize that are millions of Trump's own voters.
The only people who don't realize that are millions of Trump's own voters.
74
The voters who support the Democrats are urging them to not be bullied by the orange one. They realize that they could negotiate with him and he would still blame them when the whole thing goes sideways. He and the GOP are the ones who put the ACA in peril, they own it. The voters know that too.
12
The incredible part is that these same people will continue voting for him! It's like continuing to root for your favorite football team even though they're ranked last in their league, the quarterback fumbles nearly every pass, the rest of the team has never played football before in their lives, and they have a 70-year-old coach with the emotional maturity of a spoiled child who also has never played football before. What could possibly go wrong?
13
I would withhold support from any Democrat who capitulated to this gangster's protection tactic; but I do not think that will be necessary. I cannot imagine a Congressman or Senator inflicting harm on the American people -- or committing aggressive war on others, now that you mention it -- except to protect his Party's figurehead at all costs. How far that other Party will go, to maldistribute wealth in this nation further still, this grossest misgovernment since Grant has failed to suggest.
25
The Democrats needs to stand firm. As the Freedom Caucus in Trump's own party has proven, when you stand up to this bully he backs down.
44
Even if the administration doesn't appeal the judges ruling, can't some other entity pick it up? There are millions of people who are affected and have standing.
3
Not that I would put it past them, but the Democrats would have to be pretty feckless to take Trump's deal. They should ask themselves what the opposition would have done given the chance to make such a deal with Obama? Obstruction worked for them and will work for the Dems. Constituents continue to scream at Republicans about cutting the ACA in their town hall meetings, and Trump's latest move will lead providers to become incensed. It is clear that the electorate and the insurance industry know full well that Republicans own the problem . . . bigly.
29
"Democrats would have to be pretty feckless to take Trump's deal."
What deal? "Drop dead" is not a legitimate negotiating position.
What deal? "Drop dead" is not a legitimate negotiating position.
5
All this shows is that Trump is morally corrupt.
52
"Mr. Trump threatened to withhold the subsidy payments as a way to induce the Democrats to bargain with him."
How is the promise of these people being worse off under the so-called AHCA than under ObamaCare an incentive to come to the negotiating table?
How is the promise of these people being worse off under the so-called AHCA than under ObamaCare an incentive to come to the negotiating table?
43
The Democrats need to let the GOP and Trump own this, there is no benefit to bargaining with them over healthcare. Let Trump's supporters see just how much he really cares about them. How clueless he really is about the subject. Big, beautiful and inexpensive coverage for all is what he promised. Let them see what he and Ryan and the Freedom Caucus will actually deliver.
97
I'm afraid you're right...
5
And by that, they mean take money out of your bank account and send it to billion dollar insurance companies and hospital conglomerates. That's the Obama way.