It sounds like this new version of the Trump-Ryan "Health Care Bill" will allow the Red States to opt out of health care and kill off the Trump Voters.
12
"The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot."
What a hollow, meaningless reassurance from our sleazy salesman in chief. Pathetic.
What a hollow, meaningless reassurance from our sleazy salesman in chief. Pathetic.
14
Matt and Reed, if Trump and the Republicans were not such hateful bunch, we didn't have to see a day like this when the most racist members of our societies 'look at the color of the skin of a person than the content of his or her character' as famously quoted by MLK in 1963.
And because of this Republican Congress members obsession with our first Black president Obama's color of the skin, we're all going to pay a heavy price for their totally irresponsible and racially motivated legislation to dismantle Obamacare as is commonly known and replace it with their very racist & White president's name called Trump.
Otherwise why would a party and their president will dismantle a law that is helping 20+ millions of new healthcare recipients with many millions from their own constituencies who always voted for their Republican candidates including their demagogue president Trump ?
I like many other citizens of this great country find no rationale to these racially obsessed Republicans' state of mind.
But looking at their past efforts to dismantle this law 60+ times in the Congress and their leader Trump's repeated promises to tear up the entire law on his very first day in the office, one has to wonder how these racist individuals actually call themselves human beings.
Maybe after all of these racist people die, our scientists should sever their brains from their bodies and study them in the labs to find out how some people turn out to be such racists whereas most of us don't.
And because of this Republican Congress members obsession with our first Black president Obama's color of the skin, we're all going to pay a heavy price for their totally irresponsible and racially motivated legislation to dismantle Obamacare as is commonly known and replace it with their very racist & White president's name called Trump.
Otherwise why would a party and their president will dismantle a law that is helping 20+ millions of new healthcare recipients with many millions from their own constituencies who always voted for their Republican candidates including their demagogue president Trump ?
I like many other citizens of this great country find no rationale to these racially obsessed Republicans' state of mind.
But looking at their past efforts to dismantle this law 60+ times in the Congress and their leader Trump's repeated promises to tear up the entire law on his very first day in the office, one has to wonder how these racist individuals actually call themselves human beings.
Maybe after all of these racist people die, our scientists should sever their brains from their bodies and study them in the labs to find out how some people turn out to be such racists whereas most of us don't.
8
In some ways I feel for the Republicans - their base wants to get rid of Obamacare but keep ACA.
20
Kind'a puts a whole new definition to the word STUPID doesn't it. These mental giants deserve Donald Trump.
10
Trumpistas will be unable to put together a plan that garners enough votes to assure passage in both the House and Senate. The demands from polarized interests are impossible to reach consensus. They will be unable to accomplish the prez campaign promise. Another example of making promises he was never going to be able to deliver.
7
My current $691 high deductible HSA plan with a $4,800 deducible that has some preventive care. Because I am over 60 years under this new G.O.P. Plan I could see the following increase $691/3= $230.33 x 5 +$1,152 per month ( $13,824 annually plus the deductible) !!!
Big deal they will increase the amount of money I can put into my HSA, Where Will I get that extra money if my premiums are thru the roof?
How am I, a self employed artist, over 60 years old, suppose to pay that until I reach medicare age? What about Medicare for all?
Big deal they will increase the amount of money I can put into my HSA, Where Will I get that extra money if my premiums are thru the roof?
How am I, a self employed artist, over 60 years old, suppose to pay that until I reach medicare age? What about Medicare for all?
13
How about Canada or some other civilized country. We have been brain washed to think this country is so great. The slave tradition lives on just well disguised. Enslaved to college debt, enslaved to medical bills, living paycheck to paycheck reduced pension benefits, job insecurity. Safety net in tatters. Talk of social security and Medicare "reform". Reducing Medicaid benefits.
Any making wars and killing and droning. Even I am droning on and on.
Just notice: this is not such a great country. We did elect Trump, corporations rule. Climate change challenge being ignored as we pull out of Paris accord.
Any making wars and killing and droning. Even I am droning on and on.
Just notice: this is not such a great country. We did elect Trump, corporations rule. Climate change challenge being ignored as we pull out of Paris accord.
18
How about getting the insurance companies in line with a code of ethics clearly defined and not authored by their actuaries. You know those mathematicians who write policies that make Rubik Cubes seem like a game of checkers because one can put them together more quickly than the language associated with insurance policies. When the insurance companies put you on hold when phoning them you can hear the song "Bleeding Heart" with only the chorus play. "Never never mind your bleeding heart, bleeding heart." That's basically the message they conveyed to the beneficiaries who are not being paid death benefits. I understand the figure to be near or over the two billion dollar mark. Insurance companies have no compassion that they have left many in a financial bind and no where to turn for relief. What planet do the aliens who run such insurance companies hail from? The Catch 22 Industry!
5
The planet Mongo ruled by Ming the Merciless who is focusing a death ray on planet earth manifesting as climate change. The military industrial complex is one manifestation but the medical industrial complex is devastating to our economy.
Flash Gordon was reincarnated as Bernie Sanders. but can't save us by himself. Elizabeth Warren was Dale Arden. Where is Dr Zarkov?
Flash Gordon was reincarnated as Bernie Sanders. but can't save us by himself. Elizabeth Warren was Dale Arden. Where is Dr Zarkov?
4
Instead of a sensible health care system for everyone, supported by the government like all the other developed countries, America goes through all kinds of contortions in order not to be characterized as "socialist" . So Americans are paying more and getting less than people in other countries in order to satisfy the ideologies of some billionaires.
23
Please know that repubs are not anti-Socialist anymore with Russia being their savior in last election,
2
Universal health care-- and a longer life expectancy.
10
Ludicrous. I wonder if the full-on to get something, anything in the Win column might just include threats, veiled or otherwise.
5
If the GOP truly cared about healthcare, it would have formulated a plan to compete and contrast with ACA seven years ago.
All that "Repeal and Replace" talk was political bluster.
Don't look behind the curtain, Dorothy!
All that "Repeal and Replace" talk was political bluster.
Don't look behind the curtain, Dorothy!
14
Single Payer, just get on with it.
"You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else."
Winston Churchill
"You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else."
Winston Churchill
21
Are we really at the point where the Federal government is paying people to buy private health insurance in perpetuity? If so, that, alone, is a victory for obama and democrats who jammed obamacare down out throats. They changed the game forever, making the Federal government, and taxpayers, responsible for the health of the health insurance industry (no pun intended). Which industries are we going to bail out next, one wonders?
Yes it would be much, much better to save a few bucks and watch your fellow citizens die...especially if they're women or brown people.
15
Considering the health of the American people, and the definition of preexisting conditions, wouldn't about 80% of the population be in the high risk polls? Doesn't this reek of some sort of superior race, I'll come out and say it, Nazism? The sick and poor will be cast aside to die. Only the wealthy and strong will populate our society. I think a petition should be started, force everyone in Congress to buy their insurance on the open market.
12
Cut to the chase on providing health care to all Americans: The primary flaw of the ACA was that it attempted to use inefficient, profit seeking, commercial insurance companies to administer the system. Profit seeking insurers survive by taking in as much in premiums as possible and paying as little in benefits as possible. Profit seeking insurer administration is the worst available tool for funding health car. Medicare spends 2% of premium on administration versus up to 30% for profit seeking insurance companies. Put all Americans in the same boat of Medicare for all, cut Bush2's Part D gift to Pharma which prevents Medicare from negotiating drug prices, and leverage the enormous negotiating strength inherent in such an approach and deliver comprehensive high quality health care to all for much less than the mediocre coverage now provided through profit seeking insurers.
21
The only way to make this work is single payer insurance.Republicans have had 7 years to have a plan and if they had one they would have been able to put it in on day one but guess what they lied and our new commander in lies also lies so I guess we have nothing people need to wake up and vote these shills who only represent the rich out.
13
Now this major admission from Senator Corker, " We realize that this is real — that it’s going to affect people in a real way.” Don't people ever listen to what Republicans say? Until this moment they did not realize their decisions actually affect people. Good help us, for we refuse to help ourselves and continue to elect these very ill-intentioned wealth-hoarding Republicans to Congress.
19
How is this new bill any different when it comes to getting past the core Republican "just say no" House members?
Trump is just looking for a legislative win before the 100 day mark, and is already downplaying that scorecard in a recent Tweet. This man is so transparent. He has never in his life had to commit to anything that required patience, in-depth knowledge, research.
He is trying to govern like he manages his business, which is getting paid from third parties so they can put "TRUMP" on a building in gold letters.
I hope the people who voted for this man are happy with their government. Looks like these are the core group of individuals who will be most hurt if Trump, Ryan et al., dismantle the ACA.
Trump is just looking for a legislative win before the 100 day mark, and is already downplaying that scorecard in a recent Tweet. This man is so transparent. He has never in his life had to commit to anything that required patience, in-depth knowledge, research.
He is trying to govern like he manages his business, which is getting paid from third parties so they can put "TRUMP" on a building in gold letters.
I hope the people who voted for this man are happy with their government. Looks like these are the core group of individuals who will be most hurt if Trump, Ryan et al., dismantle the ACA.
14
Republicans have now realized that this issue affects actual human beings? What a discovery.
Health insurance only for healthy people? What a concept.
Turning our country over to these people has turned the U.S. into an idiocracy.
Health insurance only for healthy people? What a concept.
Turning our country over to these people has turned the U.S. into an idiocracy.
9
POTUS and the GOP could could wake-up and pass the only logical solution to the nations healthcare - a Medicare for All option. Paul Ryan's insistence on "access" is nothing more than a smoke-screen to say HC insurance will be available to all, and if the consumer cannot afford a for-profit policy, that is entirely their own fault.
All US citizens should have the exact same HC as the members of Congress and their senior staffers - a ACA Gold plan with 75% of the premiums paid for by US Taxpayers.
All US citizens should have the exact same HC as the members of Congress and their senior staffers - a ACA Gold plan with 75% of the premiums paid for by US Taxpayers.
10
Headline is wrong. They're craving "regression," not "progress."
8
What is it about basic mathematics that Republicans cannot grasp?
12
Republicans can do the math. They're just having a bit of trouble formulating the film-flam that will put a pretty face on the enormity of their actions.
12
1. Congress must pass a giant spending bill in four days or govt will shutdown.
2. Trump is pushing Congress to instead prioritize health care to save face.
3. Congress usually cannot take on two big things at once.
4. Congress prioritized a two week vacation instead of working on these bills.
5. GOP gained control all of Congress plus the Presidency last November.
6. Why did Republicans wait so long to start governing and get to work?
7. Are Republicans really interested in doing the hard work of governing or are they just interested in advancing the components of their own narrow agenda and the rest be damned?
2. Trump is pushing Congress to instead prioritize health care to save face.
3. Congress usually cannot take on two big things at once.
4. Congress prioritized a two week vacation instead of working on these bills.
5. GOP gained control all of Congress plus the Presidency last November.
6. Why did Republicans wait so long to start governing and get to work?
7. Are Republicans really interested in doing the hard work of governing or are they just interested in advancing the components of their own narrow agenda and the rest be damned?
19
Has he been there four years yet? Seems like a lot longer, especially with no accomplishments and still can't stay on topic, express give a speech, a briefing, or express his intent in the form of policy.
7
Actually, the Republicans are just looking for money to reward their rich donors. If they can do away with the taxes imposed on high earners to support the ACA, they will have achieved their goal - to make the rich richer and the poor sick. And by the way, in this bill to keep the lights on, would someone please slip in the Congressional requirement that the government fund the subsidies under the ACA? That law should not be held hostage to Trump's threats to stop this funding. If you just put some language in somewhere innocuous the Republicans will never notice ......
7
"Why would these high-risk pools work better now than they have historically?" Indeed. Why would trickle down, supply side economics work better than it has historically? Why would blind military intervention work better than it has historically? Why would any Republican policy work better than it has historically? What's the definition of insanity? That still works.
24
The more I read or hear about Trump, especially when it's self appraisals of himself, I come to the conclusion that he is surely number one with respect to being the biggest numb skull of the rich and famous. The NY Times columnist who stated, "not much happens at Mr. Trump's summits. It's like going to a dinner party where no one has bothered to cook anything - you sit around for a bit and then leave on an empty stomach.
18
NYT, keep the pressure on regarding Russia! This healthcare exercise is yet another distraction.
Failed healthcare bill
On to tax reform
Bomb Syria (DJT said it was Iraq one day later)
Provoke North Korea
Mother of all bombs dropped on ISIS
Host the Patriots SB team
Trade deals are the thing... what to do about NAFTA?
Back to healthcare care bill
The one constant in all of this...the Russians interfered with our election to the benefit of DJT.
Now the FBI an Congress are looking to find out what part DJT may have played in it. THAT is the only real news coming out of DC now.
Failed healthcare bill
On to tax reform
Bomb Syria (DJT said it was Iraq one day later)
Provoke North Korea
Mother of all bombs dropped on ISIS
Host the Patriots SB team
Trade deals are the thing... what to do about NAFTA?
Back to healthcare care bill
The one constant in all of this...the Russians interfered with our election to the benefit of DJT.
Now the FBI an Congress are looking to find out what part DJT may have played in it. THAT is the only real news coming out of DC now.
22
Stop and consider the entire "big picture" here. Not just the impact to the poorest and sickest Americans because of the loss of access to health care and financial assistance with premiums. The turmoil for insurance companies and the damage to markets are also not what we need to be looking at. Although, surely they will the harsh outcomes of any republican health care bill they might pass.
Trump & his team have an ulterior motive. Chaos. This is but one more thing added to the list of distractions which allow this administration to hide what their current objectives are. Yes, Trump sold his supporters (and the rest of us) out when he lied about better, less expensive heath care for all. And yes, he does intend to do away with Obamacare, and will if allowed to. But, his main objective right now is to distract from the investigations into his campaign (and perhaps his administration's) likely collusion with Russia to win the presidency. That above all else must be thwarted!
To be sure, most of these distractions are places Trump wants to take us. Realistically, there is no way they can push through another healthcare bill so quickly with the federal government about to run out of money AND avoid allegations of hasty planning when it fails. Maddow was wrong. One can be both Stupid & Nefarious at the same time!
Trump & his team have an ulterior motive. Chaos. This is but one more thing added to the list of distractions which allow this administration to hide what their current objectives are. Yes, Trump sold his supporters (and the rest of us) out when he lied about better, less expensive heath care for all. And yes, he does intend to do away with Obamacare, and will if allowed to. But, his main objective right now is to distract from the investigations into his campaign (and perhaps his administration's) likely collusion with Russia to win the presidency. That above all else must be thwarted!
To be sure, most of these distractions are places Trump wants to take us. Realistically, there is no way they can push through another healthcare bill so quickly with the federal government about to run out of money AND avoid allegations of hasty planning when it fails. Maddow was wrong. One can be both Stupid & Nefarious at the same time!
15
Trump and his goons know how stupid they will look when the 100 day mark comes and he will have accomplished virtually NOTHING. "But we nominated Gorsuch!" Who cares, far as I'm concerned Gorsuch is a notch for McConnell, not Trump. How much was Obama able to accomplish in 50 days domestically, let alone 100 days? PLENTY. Trump is a moron incapable of leading.
15
I agree that Trump has few leadership skills--his talent is profiteering. How much money did Obama make for himself in his first 50 or 100 days? That's the comparison that matters to Trump. All of the noise about political accomplishments is just a distraction and a pretense.
4
There's a chance Trump's debt with Deutsche Bank could be rewritten because the 14 billion dollar fine Deutsche Bank had hanging over their heads was greatly reduced. I believe it was fifty percent or less. If this be the case Trump's take will make Obama's eight year take seem like alms to the poor. And how about Jared Kushner's deal of selling a property in NYC for a price over three times what he paid for the property. Seems the presidency is secondary in Trump's agenda or maybe even further down on his list. Cause many didn't read the small print when it came to Trump. They got caught up in the moment. Now they are caught up paying for their lack of being informed before voting and have dragged everyone else down. How unfortunate we all have to share in the loss.
3
It is patently obvious to anyone who has worked in medical care in any other country and/or with health care professionals from other industrialized nations that we need a single payer system with coverage for all--it would be better and less expensive.
18
Trump would throw up to 24 million people under the wheels of his bus to obtain a legislative win in his first 100 days in office.
Immoral and disgusting by any standard of decency.
Immoral and disgusting by any standard of decency.
17
There r no plans to throw anyone under the bus. Obama threw millions under the bus with crushing premiums and co pays thru the roof so that people r skipping seeing their doctors- and that includes children. It's not a one way street as you libs like to espouse
There is no way the Senate will pass it. Just like they would not in the last 7 years under Obama - over 50 times.
If they ever do pass a bill that will not cover patients with pre-existing conditions and drop 10 to 24 million from health insurance - many in his/their base and the rest of America will revolt. They will own it and may not win a major election in a very long time.
If they ever do pass a bill that will not cover patients with pre-existing conditions and drop 10 to 24 million from health insurance - many in his/their base and the rest of America will revolt. They will own it and may not win a major election in a very long time.
1
You lie and evidently just repeat their untrue talking points.
Read and educate yourself that 10 million will lose their insurance in the first year and up to 24 million by 2026 plus now they want to take away healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions and many will suffer and die.
Blatant ignorance is bliss in your world.
Read and educate yourself that 10 million will lose their insurance in the first year and up to 24 million by 2026 plus now they want to take away healthcare for people with pre-existing conditions and many will suffer and die.
Blatant ignorance is bliss in your world.
Incompetence and the American government at work. The New Banana Republic is emerging.
13
And yet Liberals are desperate to have the government manage our health care. Go figger.
Go figger, exactly, look how the govt has botched up Medicare, opps, they haven't, so maybe we figger they could do the same job with medicare for all--is that so hard to imagine?
The United States needs a national health insurance system similar to many in Europe. Americans could benefit from excellent, affordable health services if the costs and risks are spread across the entire 310 million population.
The private health insurance industry in the U.S. should be scrapped. Insurance companies come between patients and physicians, sucking fees from both to enrich shareholders and insurance company executives.
Establishing high-risk pools for the elderly prone to illness may reduce premiums for the young, but they will inevitably age. What happens then?
The private health insurance industry in the U.S. should be scrapped. Insurance companies come between patients and physicians, sucking fees from both to enrich shareholders and insurance company executives.
Establishing high-risk pools for the elderly prone to illness may reduce premiums for the young, but they will inevitably age. What happens then?
16
However, sadly, young people are not immune from getting sick.
1
Of course we need that, and we have it, for the old, the very poor, and those military veterans who qualify for TriCare. Medicare and TriCare work exceedingly well. Medicaid, not so much, because the states are involved, and some states are just anti anything that involves collecting taxes and spending the money.
But we will never get Medicare for all, because the insurance companies are in business and in the hip pockets of our representatives.
But we will never get Medicare for all, because the insurance companies are in business and in the hip pockets of our representatives.
I cannot shake the thought that the GOP and WH only push for another shot at repeal and replace to atleast fulfill one big campaign promise in the first 100 days. Because what has Trump achieved so far? Nothing.
The other reason is to distract from Russiagate.
I doubt that they will have any replacement plan this time as well that won't leave millions of Americans uninsured. You just know that if the "Freedom" Caucus is happy with a bill that it only benefits the insurance industry and the wealthy.
The other reason is to distract from Russiagate.
I doubt that they will have any replacement plan this time as well that won't leave millions of Americans uninsured. You just know that if the "Freedom" Caucus is happy with a bill that it only benefits the insurance industry and the wealthy.
13
The danger regarding the health insurance situation is that congress will actually come up with and pass something in order to look good to the R base. Of course, Trump will sign ANYTHING that is passed, because it will be called "repeal and replace, better and better." He won't know or care what is in it, he will crow that he got it done. And the people who need insurance coverage will be out of luck.
3
“"The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said."
Trump obviously never read this bill, since it is even worse than the last GOP measure to strip tens of millions of health insurance to fund tax cuts for the rich.
Trump obviously never read this bill, since it is even worse than the last GOP measure to strip tens of millions of health insurance to fund tax cuts for the rich.
10
This quote of Trump's sounds like it came from a child. I wonder if he can read beyond a second grade level.
6
What intelligent person, no less our president' talks in such grammar school jibberish? His vocabulary is atrocious and shameful.
He is a disgrace and incapable of holding that office "bigly" .......
He is a disgrace and incapable of holding that office "bigly" .......
5
This latest legislative hair ball coughed up by an incompetent Administration and the right wing wing extremists in Congress is an insult to the intelligence of the American people. It comes as no surprise that this Administration, intent on demonstrating its total lack of understanding of the issue and a grade school level understanding of how the legislative process works, has produced yet another show down nobody wants. Are there any grownups left in Washington and if there are when will they make an appearance? All this nonsense could be bought to a swift end if a bipartisan group of legislators in both Houses stood up and said, 'enough is enough,' and began the process of restoring comity and compromise. An honest process of presenting legislation for debate and a vote would change the course of history and those brave leaders would become overnight heroes. Who wants to be a hero.... anybody?
12
We can't continue with a government run by individuals who's only goal is to exact a vendetta against the party out of power and punish the citizens they are supposed to be serving. There is no reason to repeal the ACA except that they can. The reality is that the only systems that make more sense than the ACA is the ACA with a public option or Medicare for all. After the Republicans are finished with bankrupting the government with tax cuts for the wealthy, destroying the environment and cutting off people's access to health care, what will be next? A big war?
11
The big war may come sooner rather than later to distract us from the mess that you describe.
3
I will have nine months next year before I get to Medicare. If rates skyrocket, I will take my chances and go without coverage for nine months. My risk is very low. Insurance companies need people like me paying premiums. I will stay home, keep working out and maintain my vegetarian diet. Trump has already destabilized the insurance market with his unpredictability and extreme ignorance. Unless the GOP guarantees to keep things going, insurance companies will have no option other than switch to plan B.
I wish someone would organize a nationwide boycott where all healthy people refuse to participate in the insurance market. Isn't that what the GOP wants?
I wish someone would organize a nationwide boycott where all healthy people refuse to participate in the insurance market. Isn't that what the GOP wants?
2
why not you?
America is badly in need of helthcare reform. President Trump will succeedh he will acheive. I support President Trump. Thank you.
I don't understand you. Why would you support someone who is a rich man getting richer from being in office. With all of the rotten stuff said about Mr. Obama, no one accuses him of trying to make money of the backs of the people. Mr trump and his family are raking in the dough. That is not right or honorable. Doesn't honor matter anymore? Is our country going to become the Big Brother House?
3
You got the first part right, we need a better healthcare system, but what makes you think going back to per-Obamacare is the answer--when 40 million were uninsured, when insurance companies dictated what was covered or not (anything that cost money was not covered), and when premiums were low but covered nothing and were only for the healthy. Is that the answer?
2
And your hero Donald Trump, is in need of serious psychological treatment and therapy. His delusions of grandeur and self importance are dangerous. Lock him up, lock him up.
It would be funny watching Trump and Ryan blunder about, pretending they have a viable plan for meeting people's health care needs, if the stakes weren't so high. As it is the arguing back and forth over who will be left behind is just sickening, both figuratively and literally. Not an ounce of sense or compassion in the lot of them. Sickening, just sickening.
9
The opportunity for Trump and the Republicans to win on health insurance is rapidly shrinking. The number of people in the US who are fearing the consequences of a Republican plan--even fearing for their lives--is growing. Now Trump and the Republicans not only have to agree on a plan and get it passed but also convince the people that the plan is in their best interest. Republicans generally seem incapable of coming up with a plan that would actually benefit people and people are increasingly tired of being played for fools on this issue. No one who needs health insurance is going to care whether Trump was able to satisfy his craving for progress. If Republicans do get a plan through then they may well have sealed their own fate for the sake of enabling Trump to brag.
4
Explain what you mean by Trump's "craving for progress." So far as I can tell his only craving is for his own aggrandizement.
2
Honestly, one of the most vexing problems with health insurance in the US is that the benefits so dearly purchased are useless outside the service area of the insurer. You're fine as long as you're injured or grow ill close to home.
But go on vacation -- or just visiting friends in another part of the state -- and you are SOL if you experience a health problem.
Which makes the notion of tying health insurance even more strongly to the states completely insane. The only nationwide health insurance system I know of is -- ta da! -- the government run Medicare for us old folks, and maybe Medicaid although I'm uncertain about that.
When are these allegedly smart Republicans going to address that issue rather than tying their constituents even more strongly to state control of their health insurance? Anyone?
But go on vacation -- or just visiting friends in another part of the state -- and you are SOL if you experience a health problem.
Which makes the notion of tying health insurance even more strongly to the states completely insane. The only nationwide health insurance system I know of is -- ta da! -- the government run Medicare for us old folks, and maybe Medicaid although I'm uncertain about that.
When are these allegedly smart Republicans going to address that issue rather than tying their constituents even more strongly to state control of their health insurance? Anyone?
4
In dire desperation...
A horribly bad law passed will be a symbolic win still, with victory speeches attempts to spin away its onerousness.
A horribly bad law passed will be a symbolic win still, with victory speeches attempts to spin away its onerousness.
6
Every other developed country offers its citizen single payer universal coverage . America is in a position to pick and choose those plans which best fit our country. Why is this so difficult?
9
It's difficult because the Republicans are in power and hate the idea that government can do good.
12
obviously true and very sad.
1
So let me get this straight; for the last seven years, the GOP has railed against Obamacare while at the same time not bothering to put together any kind of alternative. Now, with an arbitrary deadline approaching, they're going to try to throw something together in a pathetic attempt to make Trump look somewhat successful at something, while at the same time trying to keep the lights on. This is what happens when you put party before country. You got played, Trump supporters. You got played...
5
"Yup" in a nut shell.....!
3
A victory, right.
For the wallets & egos of a few at the expense of many.
For the wallets & egos of a few at the expense of many.
4
The GOP cannot govern. All they know how to do is lie, pander and have bogus investigations (Benghazi) that cost the tax payers. They are incompetent just like the man in the Oval Office.
4
Is there no effort to examine other countries' health systems to see how it's done. The U.S. has much to learn. Its skyrocketing health costs, twined with lack of coverage, is an anamoly in the developed world. Or is it more cynical than that? Is the survival of the fittest doctrine among Republicans so strong, the Ayn Rand philosophy that humans have no inherent value unless they acquire wealth so well accepted, that they're willing to sacrifice the vast majority of the population. That vast majority is, paradoxically, to a large extent comprised of Trump voters.
4
I was with you all the way until your last sentence. A majority, let alone a "vast majority" did not vote for Trump. A majority voted for Clinton.
1
Of course "healthcare for all" will mean they must eliminate their health insurance buddies and drastically reduce the profits of their other buddies - the pharmaceutical companies.
Something we should have done long ago. Making money off the backs of sick citizens, paying $millions in CEO bonuses, and earning huge profits is not only wrong - it is inhumane.
Something we should have done long ago. Making money off the backs of sick citizens, paying $millions in CEO bonuses, and earning huge profits is not only wrong - it is inhumane.
If Republicans were serious about reforming health care they would insist on single payer and that would be that.
But they aren't. Instead, they'll keep following the playbook of Wile E. Coyote and shortly we'll be treated to the spectacle of yet another anvil falling on Paul Ryan's head.
But they aren't. Instead, they'll keep following the playbook of Wile E. Coyote and shortly we'll be treated to the spectacle of yet another anvil falling on Paul Ryan's head.
8
Could not happen to a nicer guy. :-)
1
All the complaints and obstruction by GOP past several years and now that they rule both houses and White House, we are facing another government shutdown? I am sure they will pass another CR to prevent shutdown, but GOP is incapable of governing the country. GOP should work with Democrats and govern rather than being pushed by the clown in White House, is GOP an extension of Trump's ignorance and stupidity, or GOP is the rule party of the country? Trump doesn't understand the health bill, he doesn't understand anything he signs. As another commenter said Trump doesn't read, only watch Fox channel. He probable find out what he signed fromFox news. The worst thing is Trump doesn't care about people, that include all the Trumpers. All Trump wants is getting on the winning column.
3
It is patently disgusting that Republicans consider denying tens of millions of our fellow citizens access to health care, denying children access to doctors, a "win." They are so low they give immorality a bad name
10
All Trump wants is a bill about which he can lie. Recall that he once said he could shoot someone in the street and not lose any support. Any Republican health bill will likewise start killing people, as sure as gunfire, but that won't matter behind the lies that Trump with garnish the poison plate with.
2
From the Oklahoma:New Mexico comparison, it is clear that Oklahoma made stupid decisions and New mexico made smart ones. Okkies should not blame Democrats for their own mistakes.
2
For better or worse the Democrats should stay out of this Mess. Let Trumpcare be a pure reflection of republican policies and let the chips fall where they may.
Let the people have a clear, direct dose of republican "medicine", and then they can decide for themselves just how much the republicans care about them.
For Trump's part, he knows that to his supporters, they won't know the difference; so long as they don't have healthcare from a black president.
Let the people have a clear, direct dose of republican "medicine", and then they can decide for themselves just how much the republicans care about them.
For Trump's part, he knows that to his supporters, they won't know the difference; so long as they don't have healthcare from a black president.
3
For a party that is supposed to be "pro-life" above all things (the GOP, that is) Republicans sure seem to have a lot of interest (and money) invested in taking away the availability of health care for plain, ordinary folks!
2
I suppose there's no reason why 'Health Care' should be any different than any other portfolio being 'managed' by the White House.
But you'd think President Trump would at least let everyone know for the coming year nothing much will change, if for no other reason than to let the insurance companies go about setting their premium rates and such.
But you'd think President Trump would at least let everyone know for the coming year nothing much will change, if for no other reason than to let the insurance companies go about setting their premium rates and such.
We already know that the Republicans don't want health care for the masses. What annoys them about the ACA is not that President Obama put it in place, but that it works. It's another example of a federal program that does good, just like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. And the agenda of the Republicans is to prove that the federal government can't do anything right.
It's predictable that any Republican plan will fail to provide healthcare to those who need it, because that failure is a mandatory requirement of their plan.
Working with these Republicans is like working to repair leaks in a boat while your partners are working to make the whole boat sink. They are incapable of speaking or acting in good faith, because their very agenda is to wreck the system.
It's predictable that any Republican plan will fail to provide healthcare to those who need it, because that failure is a mandatory requirement of their plan.
Working with these Republicans is like working to repair leaks in a boat while your partners are working to make the whole boat sink. They are incapable of speaking or acting in good faith, because their very agenda is to wreck the system.
2
This bill repeals Obamacare, by permitting States to opt out.
It is not "repeal and replace" as Trump promised. It takes away coverage, and makes coverage more expensive, which Trump also promised not to do.
Trump's true believer will surely thank him for taking away their healthcare, and for abandoning straight talk in favor of cheap political trickery.
It is not "repeal and replace" as Trump promised. It takes away coverage, and makes coverage more expensive, which Trump also promised not to do.
Trump's true believer will surely thank him for taking away their healthcare, and for abandoning straight talk in favor of cheap political trickery.
2
Americans who care about progressive issues like healthcare the environment and the Supreme Court nominees have learned a painful lesson.
We can not rest. We must fight for every last issue that is important to us.
Elections where 62% of the votes can get this incompetent man child into the highest office in the world has dire consequences.
We must stand Indivisible.
We can not rest. We must fight for every last issue that is important to us.
Elections where 62% of the votes can get this incompetent man child into the highest office in the world has dire consequences.
We must stand Indivisible.
3
Bob Corker's statement that republicans NOW realize that health care will affect people in a "real way" goes on the top-ten list of inane republican comments. Healthcare affecting people is about as elementary as it comes. Again, the republican obsession with healthcare reveals that their motivation was to negate ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that Obama accomplished, regardless of the effects. For years, and I mean years, they could have negotiated and passed legislation to fix the holes in the ACA. But that would have required a recognition of Obama's station.
6
Allowing states, or insurers to weaken "health care" coverage (e.g., pay for aromatherapy but not chemotherapy) buries transparency in legal fine print and makes it impossible to gauge the true impact of the proposals.
The GOP will continue to spin their bills until they becomes too complex for the public to understand, or until resistance fatigue sets in. At that point, opposition will falter and the ACA will be repealed.
The GOP will continue to spin their bills until they becomes too complex for the public to understand, or until resistance fatigue sets in. At that point, opposition will falter and the ACA will be repealed.
1
There is NO BILL.
NOTHING on paper, folks.
But the fools want you to *believe* they are 'working on it'
The ONLY thing the Republican Congress is working on is stripping us of any Health Care we have......to the benefit of the Insurance Industry.
6
Single Payer: Health Care for all Americans
RNC: Health Care for a lot of Americans but not the 24 million
Freedom Caucus: Health care for the rich and forget the middle class and poor.
Trump; Who knew health care was so complicated.
RNC: Health Care for a lot of Americans but not the 24 million
Freedom Caucus: Health care for the rich and forget the middle class and poor.
Trump; Who knew health care was so complicated.
2
But, but, but Mr. Trump said several weeks ago, when there was no vote on healthcare because the repeal was a doomed failure, "on to Tax Reform!"
Oh, yes, that was before the tax protests demanding his taxes. The same taxes Kelleyanne Conway indicated no one is interested in.
What an upside down time in our country. Historians must be going nuts!
Oh, yes, that was before the tax protests demanding his taxes. The same taxes Kelleyanne Conway indicated no one is interested in.
What an upside down time in our country. Historians must be going nuts!
5
The republicans are having so much trouble fashioning a health insurance bill because all they really care about it repealing the upper-income tax in the current law that makes possible the reducing of costs for lower and middle income Americans. They don't really care much about health care, nor about how people can afford it. they care about the fact that Obamacare includes a subsidy for premiums and that this subsidy is paid for by the wealthiest among us.
This helps explain their difficulty in crafting a replacement health insurance bill--they don't really care about, so haven't tried hard to figure out, health insurance at all. they care about repealing those taxes on the wealthy.
Health care is too damned expensive, and Obamacare attempts to distribute these costs so that they don't crush the sickest, and don't bankrupt working people. The Republicans so far cannot solve this conundrum: how do you pay for this expensive stuff if you don't require significant contributions from them what got. They will eventually resolve this by cutting benefits greatly or by raising premiums on regular and poor Americans. They certainly don't intend to leave Washington with this tax on the rich intact.
This helps explain their difficulty in crafting a replacement health insurance bill--they don't really care about, so haven't tried hard to figure out, health insurance at all. they care about repealing those taxes on the wealthy.
Health care is too damned expensive, and Obamacare attempts to distribute these costs so that they don't crush the sickest, and don't bankrupt working people. The Republicans so far cannot solve this conundrum: how do you pay for this expensive stuff if you don't require significant contributions from them what got. They will eventually resolve this by cutting benefits greatly or by raising premiums on regular and poor Americans. They certainly don't intend to leave Washington with this tax on the rich intact.
3
Obama Care is the law and will remain the law. With that said it will continue and find some limited appeal as Insurance companies and and government subsidies determine Insures can make money. sA model that called for healthy people to pay for sick people is bizarre , with Insurance companies depending on subsidies to make up any shortfall. America wants single payer, why is that so hard for our lawmakers to come to grips with.
3
All American citizens should have the same insurance congress has. There is no excuse for this not being the case except republicans, especially Ryan and McConnell, think that poor and middle class people are beneath them and don't deserve health insurance. Heck, they don't even deserve to be on this earth. Hurry up and die already.
3
Ridiculous. States will have options to use waivers and we'll end up with fifty different and disparate health care programs. This bill will not be in the interests of the country or Americans.
5
Why don't Republicans just call their 21st century party the Cruelty Party. Eliminate all regulations so we breathe polluted air and drink polluted water, put women and minorities in their place, bankrupt the country with tax cuts for the rich, and make everyone sick who isn't rich, not to mention start WWIII. What's not to like.
5
Yep. Back to the good ol' days. Kill people slowly so the 1% can have tax cuts. "High risk pools" just put make-up on a pig. The deep red southern states treat people worse than farm animals. Paul Ryan and his 'Ayn Rand" devotees are gleeful.
3
So the WH is trying to jam through a piece of legislation that hasn't been reviewed by House members, hasn't been scored by the CBO, and is arguably even worse than the original AHCA. All for the sake of an artificial deadline (again) and a "win." (Even if it passed, it's DOA in the Senate.) And meanwhile Trump and the House are playing with fire with a government shutdown looming.
Fool me once, shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me.
Fool me once, shame on you...fool me twice, shame on me.
1
How can it ever be a victory if so many people will be hurt and so few want to scrap the ACA? A victory for whom?
1
Our GOP heroes once again are going to be felled by their own lies. For the past 7 years, they have PRETENDED to believe that all Americans should have coverage. They seemed to concede that rhetorically, but in practice and in POLICY they tried to prevent that from becoming reality. But you can't have two different policies simultaneously. I wish Trump, McConnell and Ryan, not to mention the Freedom Caucus, the same ignominious failure that they achieved last month. Long live Barack the Great.
1
Every time Paul Ryan and his Republican cohorts step to the podium to talk about their new Healthcare proposal and repealing the Affordable Healthcare Act, they should start playing the song "Send in the Clowns".
1
I simply don't understand why we the American people have come to a point where we are struggling to preserve an expensive inefficient medical system that fails to serve so many people. Why are we trying so hard to preserve the profits of the medical insurance industry. Why is keeping a useless middleman afloat "trumping" affordable healthcare for everyone? We can either have affordable healthcare for EVERYONE or record breaking profits for the people making money on your cancer. We can't have both. Expand Medicare for all and let the medical insurance industry die. They don't provide care, we don't need them.
2
Cruelty is an ugly thing to watch. Insurers are up in the air, millions stand to lose healthcare if insurers pull out, and poorly funded high risk pools--the real "death panels" are back on the agenda. Moderates with compassion won't vote to hurt millions of families, including "beautiful babies", hart-liners want no guarantees for anyone and Trump's statement, it's getting "better and better and better" so now it's gotten "really, really good" demonstrates a complete lack of interest in or understanding of the complex details of health care. We are horribly adrift as a nation, mostly because we cannot even agree that health care is a right, and that we don't want to see our neighbor or our neighbor's newborn die from lack of affordable care while living in the richest and most medically advanced country in history. Not sad. Disgusting.
3
Great idea! Shut this government down.
1
In the dystopia of trump land, don't get old... and don't get sick.
1
Unusual gaffe for the Times.
Headline reads, "White House Officials, Craving Progress. . ."
Actual text, "White House Officials, Craven Progress . . ."
Perhaps a correction will be made. Everyone makes mistakes.
Headline reads, "White House Officials, Craving Progress. . ."
Actual text, "White House Officials, Craven Progress . . ."
Perhaps a correction will be made. Everyone makes mistakes.
1
We've seen this before; like a few weeks ago. It failed miserably then, and the outcome will be no different now. Why is the White House engaged in this insanity of doing the same things and hoping for different results?
"Some members of the president’s team have grown consumed by that (Trump's 100th day in office) deadline, worrying that appraisals of the president’s tenure will be brutal and hoping that a last push on health care might bring a measure of salvation."
Yes, that's it. Forget Trump's broken promise that "everyone will be covered." It's really about, "I don't care if millions lose their health insurance, I want a win." It's deplorable that health insurance for real people is being thrown overboard in an attempt to feed the very fragile and insatiable ego of our so-called president.
"Some members of the president’s team have grown consumed by that (Trump's 100th day in office) deadline, worrying that appraisals of the president’s tenure will be brutal and hoping that a last push on health care might bring a measure of salvation."
Yes, that's it. Forget Trump's broken promise that "everyone will be covered." It's really about, "I don't care if millions lose their health insurance, I want a win." It's deplorable that health insurance for real people is being thrown overboard in an attempt to feed the very fragile and insatiable ego of our so-called president.
2
The Trump Administration cannot focus its efforts on anything. Like a petulant go ahead old, whatever strikes his fancy today is what he will go after, quickly dropping what was yesterdays most pressing issue, or what was most important two weeks ago. Aside from their inability to focus, the under staffing of key roles in not only the White House, but in State, Defense and every either agency makes it almost impossible frontrunner provide relevant and useful information. Steve Bannon's wish to break the system is being fulfilled.
Who knew this being-a-President thing would be so hard?
1
There are one of two realistic options. Neither will please everyone but both will work. One, is a single payer system, like in majority of the advanced countries in the world. Or second, a totally market based system, with doctors and patients dealing directly with each other, and no insurance companies or anyone else in the middle.
"...the plan has gotten really good...and better and people are liking it a lot..."
Wow! If thats not a stellar sales pitch!
How did this guy get the Art of the Deal tagline? Oh right, he gave it to himself.
I dont expect a win on this alleged "new" plan. No one is going to trust the States to do whats right, especially since they are all in financial trouble.
Wow! If thats not a stellar sales pitch!
How did this guy get the Art of the Deal tagline? Oh right, he gave it to himself.
I dont expect a win on this alleged "new" plan. No one is going to trust the States to do whats right, especially since they are all in financial trouble.
1
I will agree and support any GOP plan for health insurance, IF, they agree to coverage that is no better than the least covered in their state or district.
Instead of having the courage to simply do what they said they were going to do for seven long years, the House has created a Frankenstein healthcare bill that is supposed to both repeal the A.C.A., and not repeal the A.C.A. all at once. It will allow states to ignore all of the A.C.A.'s consumer benefits and still hand out massive amounts of money to health insurance companies. Their new replacement will allow states to create insurance pools for the very ill and uninsurable citizens, but will not control the costs to people enrolled in those pools. In other words, sick people will be right back where we started a decade ago, losing everything to the insurance companies and health care providers in order to stay alive. You Republicans may call it repeal and replace. I will call it a free market medical Frankenstein that preys on the sick and desperate.
2
Allowing states to opt out of several of the more expensive part of the proposed bill (preexisting conditions, etc.) could possibly spawn another "great migration movement" within the US as red states opt out and blue states remain. This could conceivably result in a few red states turning redder due to outmigration, but more likely it would turn many of the less informed Republicans against the party once they see how contrary it is to their personal interest.
Only a fool doesn't know when he beaten.
1
How about negotiating drug prices to take down costs. Start with something everyone might well agree to.
1
Senator Bob Corker, on efforts to pass a bill palatable to his Republican brethren, “Now we’re taking our time. We realize that this is real — that it’s going to affect people in a real way.” He's like The Donald having one of this "who knew" epiphanies. Who knew that health care was a real issue for so many Americans. I'm glad he just realized this. What was it before, a phony issue affecting people in a trivial way? To be fair, beating down unions and fighting the global warming nonsense take a lot of time.
2
Watching Republicans try to craft a social policy is like watching a rooster try to lay an egg.
3
Trump “The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,”
Is that even English ...the language of a toddler! What hope is there for Americans to have a decent Health Care!
Is that even English ...the language of a toddler! What hope is there for Americans to have a decent Health Care!
2
Wel, now that Trump has had a visit from the "Ghost of Christmas Past" (Sarah Palin), perhaps Trump will be a changed man. At least, he may be able to find his Nimitz fleet..............
Ryan said on the last try that this is the best deal you can get, guess he was lying just like trump. republicans have no good plan and have no idea of how to tell Americans.
1
Make no mistake, Obamacare became Trumpcare on Election Day. Trump and the Republican Party now own our healthcare system and they cannot shirk the responsibility.
2
So, now the GOP will simply create a bill that basically gives everyone 1 free band aid per month, eliminating Medicaid for all... and call it good.
Instead of 24 million losing accessible and affordable healthcare, what is their goal now? 30 million, 40 million?
Instead of 24 million losing accessible and affordable healthcare, what is their goal now? 30 million, 40 million?
1
It's quite amazing to read some of the comments here that mimic conservative cable news program arguments about the plans to repeal and replace the ACA. The perverse in me hopes that such people suffer some catastrophic illness and understand the impact that it has on an individual, the family, and the community. USA healthcare costs money, big money, an issue of a different kind. But first we have to get to a consensus that healthcare is something every human being is entitled to, yes, entitled to. All the Republican efforts to repeal and replace leave out that premise!
1
Those adorable Republicans are trying yet again to disguise a tax cut for the rich as a "health care" bill. They are so cute.
7
I don't understand their sense of urgency. Is it a right wing media feedback loop? Are people, and their representatives, and the think tanks crafting this legislation all completely convinced that life was so great economically before the ACA? Because it wasn't.
If they were smart, they would focus their dwindling political capital and marginal mandate on something achievable that has demonstrable value, like infrastructure. They could even get bipartisan support.
I guess it's better this way, with them going down swinging, to their dying days denying which direction is forward. I have no use for any of them.
If they were smart, they would focus their dwindling political capital and marginal mandate on something achievable that has demonstrable value, like infrastructure. They could even get bipartisan support.
I guess it's better this way, with them going down swinging, to their dying days denying which direction is forward. I have no use for any of them.
5
The President could care less about what the health care bill does or doesn't say. The President hasn't read any parts of the Congress' health care legislation. The president hasn't read any of the executive orders he's signed. The president doesn't read. The President watches television. All this President wants to do is replace the ACA, aka Obamacare. What the proposed bill does or does not do is of no concern to Trump.
121
In this case the best hack for our country would be to change the TV channels that the president watches.
It is not about what is best for the country, it's about an egomaniac with low self esteem trying to act important. but looking like a fool.
88
With all of his republican congress people panting at his heels!!!!
You know what President Obama and the Dems should have done? Around the 50th time the GOP voted to repeal the ACA they should have voted with them, in the House and the Senate, and let the president sign it. Just for kicks.
Boom goes the dynamite!
Because it becomes clearer every day that these people don't have a clue what the ACA does, how much it's liked, how important it is for average people. They had no plan - none! - to replace it, ever. They wanted to go back to the "good old times". But now they realize that the people think these were actually the BAD old times, and rightfully so.
I got a chuckle out of DJT blaming President Obama for creating things that are now hard to undo, like that was his intention when he got the ACA thing rolling. Donny, people LIKE IT if they get good things! Is that so hard to understand? And since the ACA also reduced the deficit all your talking points go out the window.
These new AHCA provisions also make no sense. If a state can get an exemption if he proves that "providing less service saves money" all states will get an exemption and the system will collapse. But I guess that's the endgame anyway.
Oh, and, Donny, _please_ go ahead and link the AHCA to the federal budget deadline. Exert pressure on everybody. Bully like only you can bully. And then watch the whole thing come crashing down and the U.S. credit rating slip another step. Well done for the first 100 days. No need to run for reelection if you can kill the U.S outright!
Boom goes the dynamite!
Because it becomes clearer every day that these people don't have a clue what the ACA does, how much it's liked, how important it is for average people. They had no plan - none! - to replace it, ever. They wanted to go back to the "good old times". But now they realize that the people think these were actually the BAD old times, and rightfully so.
I got a chuckle out of DJT blaming President Obama for creating things that are now hard to undo, like that was his intention when he got the ACA thing rolling. Donny, people LIKE IT if they get good things! Is that so hard to understand? And since the ACA also reduced the deficit all your talking points go out the window.
These new AHCA provisions also make no sense. If a state can get an exemption if he proves that "providing less service saves money" all states will get an exemption and the system will collapse. But I guess that's the endgame anyway.
Oh, and, Donny, _please_ go ahead and link the AHCA to the federal budget deadline. Exert pressure on everybody. Bully like only you can bully. And then watch the whole thing come crashing down and the U.S. credit rating slip another step. Well done for the first 100 days. No need to run for reelection if you can kill the U.S outright!
50
Trump never misses an opportunity to display his racism and ignorance. He thinks "governing" is a cross between Pharaoh in "The Ten Commandments" ("So it shall be written, so it shall be done!"), Alexis Carrington (Joan Collins) in "Dynasty," his own "reality" show...and fascist dictators of yore.
1
I think Bernie Sanders missed his cue on this issue. When we were neck-deep in this discussion a few weeks ago, when people were actually paying attention to the fine print of the gops dreadful plan and getting their minds around what they want from a health care system, it seems to me that we were just on the edge of turning the narrative and moving in the direction of Medicare for all.
I kept waiting for Bernie to jump in and take advantage of the moment. It would have been the perfect opportunity for him to connect the dots; especially for those who were beginning to realize they stand to lose a lot if the gops have anything to say about it.
So maybe if trump forces the issue again, someone somewhere (Bernie, this is your big chance!) can hijack the inevitable failure of the coming proposal, and turn the discussion to where we all know it should be: Medicare for all.
There is no other sane solution.
I kept waiting for Bernie to jump in and take advantage of the moment. It would have been the perfect opportunity for him to connect the dots; especially for those who were beginning to realize they stand to lose a lot if the gops have anything to say about it.
So maybe if trump forces the issue again, someone somewhere (Bernie, this is your big chance!) can hijack the inevitable failure of the coming proposal, and turn the discussion to where we all know it should be: Medicare for all.
There is no other sane solution.
15
Bernie *missed* his cue when he only gave grudging support to HRC.
Now, we have trump.
THANKS, Bern.....
Now, we have trump.
THANKS, Bern.....
3
With respect, how does sanity enter this discussion.
On the Bell curve, your fringe helps balance out the
Trump supporters. Both groups are ideologically driven
by our 2 political parties' unwillingness to address their
constituents' concerns, and both groups have no sense of
what can be moved through Congress at this point in time.
On the Bell curve, your fringe helps balance out the
Trump supporters. Both groups are ideologically driven
by our 2 political parties' unwillingness to address their
constituents' concerns, and both groups have no sense of
what can be moved through Congress at this point in time.
1
Thanks for calling it the "Affordable Care Act," which is its name as originally conceived.
Two things always missing on the repeal and replacement call:
- Why. Why is the current plan so bad? I would like to see a list of reasons, real reasons, and readable reasons. Not Twitter posts.
- How. How is the current plan going to be replaced, and with what? Again, I would like to se a list that directly and specifically provides details of this so-called new health care plan, which frankly sounds so far like the same healthcare plan that the new administration is proudly not (and erroneously) naming "Obamacare."
Two things always missing on the repeal and replacement call:
- Why. Why is the current plan so bad? I would like to see a list of reasons, real reasons, and readable reasons. Not Twitter posts.
- How. How is the current plan going to be replaced, and with what? Again, I would like to se a list that directly and specifically provides details of this so-called new health care plan, which frankly sounds so far like the same healthcare plan that the new administration is proudly not (and erroneously) naming "Obamacare."
22
Why is it so bad? It taxes the rich to subsidize the poor. What will replace? Lower taxes on the wealthy. Got it?
What I'd like to see:
Everybody would have catastrophic insurance, paid for by taxes.
By "catastrophic insurance" I mean insurance with a deductible that would be based on the person's ability to pay their medical bills. So a very poor person would have a $0 deductible; a rich person who could pay $50,000 in medical bills every year would have a $50,000 deductible. The catastrophic insurance would also include free preventative care, as the ACA does - that's a good idea.
The catastrophic insurance could be either public or bought from an insurance company.
Paying for it with taxes would eliminate the mandate and penalty for not having insurance that people dislike so much. Everybody would have insurance automatically.
If people wanted more than catastrophic insurance, they could buy it. Or they could open a health savings account.
This would take care of poor people, as the Democrats want; and it also allows the freedom that Republicans want for better-off people to self-insure with a health savings account, or simply self-pay.
Everybody would have catastrophic insurance, paid for by taxes.
By "catastrophic insurance" I mean insurance with a deductible that would be based on the person's ability to pay their medical bills. So a very poor person would have a $0 deductible; a rich person who could pay $50,000 in medical bills every year would have a $50,000 deductible. The catastrophic insurance would also include free preventative care, as the ACA does - that's a good idea.
The catastrophic insurance could be either public or bought from an insurance company.
Paying for it with taxes would eliminate the mandate and penalty for not having insurance that people dislike so much. Everybody would have insurance automatically.
If people wanted more than catastrophic insurance, they could buy it. Or they could open a health savings account.
This would take care of poor people, as the Democrats want; and it also allows the freedom that Republicans want for better-off people to self-insure with a health savings account, or simply self-pay.
Real healthcare starts with healthy living. Provide FREE healthy meals in public schools. Mandate physical education in public schools based on scientific evidence of health benefits. Restrict advertising of junk food, as we've done with cigarettes, and tax it accordingly. A gallon of sugar soda should cost considerably more than a gallon of milk. Provide free nutritional advice to low-income new parents.
1. Medicare for all.
2. Currently I believe there is no salary cap on Medicare tax. Keep that. Make the tax more progressive and include bonuses and stock options in the calculation.
3. Devise programs to reduce the cost of Medical education so doctors are not starting their careers with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt.
4. Tighten requirements on medical malpractice suits so doctors and hospitals don't have to shell out huge amounts in malpractice insurance.
5. Subsidize medical research through universities and DO NOT LICENSE the production of new treatments to private, for profit drug companies. Right now a lot of drug companies are making too much money off of drugs that were developed at the public expense.
6. Develop a better system to allow for imported drugs that meet American safety requirements.
This is not a matter of just a few weeks of work and negotiations. Our representatives need to take the time to talk and listen to the public, craft a proposal, return to the public for feedback, modify it, and pass it with significant buy-in from both parties.
1. Medicare for all.
2. Currently I believe there is no salary cap on Medicare tax. Keep that. Make the tax more progressive and include bonuses and stock options in the calculation.
3. Devise programs to reduce the cost of Medical education so doctors are not starting their careers with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt.
4. Tighten requirements on medical malpractice suits so doctors and hospitals don't have to shell out huge amounts in malpractice insurance.
5. Subsidize medical research through universities and DO NOT LICENSE the production of new treatments to private, for profit drug companies. Right now a lot of drug companies are making too much money off of drugs that were developed at the public expense.
6. Develop a better system to allow for imported drugs that meet American safety requirements.
This is not a matter of just a few weeks of work and negotiations. Our representatives need to take the time to talk and listen to the public, craft a proposal, return to the public for feedback, modify it, and pass it with significant buy-in from both parties.
23
I agree - shout this list at the top of your healthy lungs !!!!
All our fans of socialism have not the merest clue about why America is different from our friends in Europe. Our profit demand has created the most advancements in medicine in the last century.
Had we have overwhelmingly large and expensive government, those drugs, objects, and procedures might very well not have been tried. The cost structure here is unnecessary in Europe, but SOME place has to offer the pioneers their doe for society to benefit.
Another difference between us & them is their legal profession is not assailing Europe for a thousand bucks a year per citizen as it is here. Way too much is done here to rule out the tiniest possibility simply because of the greedy lawyers that Democrat John Edwards has come to symbolize.
Had we have overwhelmingly large and expensive government, those drugs, objects, and procedures might very well not have been tried. The cost structure here is unnecessary in Europe, but SOME place has to offer the pioneers their doe for society to benefit.
Another difference between us & them is their legal profession is not assailing Europe for a thousand bucks a year per citizen as it is here. Way too much is done here to rule out the tiniest possibility simply because of the greedy lawyers that Democrat John Edwards has come to symbolize.
Medicare for everyone.
1
Absolute stuff and nonsense! Our product driven system has created some wonderful things, but it also creates excesses. Medical malpractice has been kicked around for the last fifteen years as "the problem", every time more and more limits are placed on how much victims can collect for the malpractice caused by service providers. Same old tired arguments still no solutions, and not much of a better system. Massachusetts health care is working, costs are feeling moderated and the delivery systems keep improving every year. It can work, except for our paid off legislators interference.
1
Great! A steadfast "conservative" making a case for big government.
Welcome to bizarro Trump world, where down is up and up is down.
Welcome to bizarro Trump world, where down is up and up is down.
Universal single-payer health care.
33
Here are 5 IMPROVEMENTS to Obamacare, explaining how each improvement makes our health insurance and care system less damaging to ALL Americans.
1. Merge America’s thousands of tiny employer market health risk pools into a single NATIONAL individual market risk pool on the Obamacare Exchanges. This helps to economically spread health risks across the widest number of healthy Americans under age 65.
2. Move the health insurance income tax deduction out of employers’ hands and onto everyone’s IRS tax return so that EVERYONE can fully claim that deduction. This will help to merge the employed health risk pool into the individual market risk pool by allowing employees to RETAIN their pre-tax-dollar buying power when enrolling for insurance on the exchanges.
3. Force all health insurers to sell a clone of Classic 80/20 Medicare to those under age 65. Employees will migrate into high quality NATIONAL coverage while simplifying the private health insurance bureaucracy imposed on medical providers.
4. End Expanded Medicaid Estate Recovery NATIONWIDE for those age 55 and up. Obamacare subsidies DO NOT have to be repaid by anyone. Why should Medicaid recipients be subject to Expanded Medicaid Estate Recovery after death, paying back from their meager assets up to 10 YEARS WORTH of state purchased but federally funded Expanded Medicaid insurance?
5. Force states to bulk purchase MEDICAID coverage for all their citizens willing to buy into large Medicaid risk pools.
1. Merge America’s thousands of tiny employer market health risk pools into a single NATIONAL individual market risk pool on the Obamacare Exchanges. This helps to economically spread health risks across the widest number of healthy Americans under age 65.
2. Move the health insurance income tax deduction out of employers’ hands and onto everyone’s IRS tax return so that EVERYONE can fully claim that deduction. This will help to merge the employed health risk pool into the individual market risk pool by allowing employees to RETAIN their pre-tax-dollar buying power when enrolling for insurance on the exchanges.
3. Force all health insurers to sell a clone of Classic 80/20 Medicare to those under age 65. Employees will migrate into high quality NATIONAL coverage while simplifying the private health insurance bureaucracy imposed on medical providers.
4. End Expanded Medicaid Estate Recovery NATIONWIDE for those age 55 and up. Obamacare subsidies DO NOT have to be repaid by anyone. Why should Medicaid recipients be subject to Expanded Medicaid Estate Recovery after death, paying back from their meager assets up to 10 YEARS WORTH of state purchased but federally funded Expanded Medicaid insurance?
5. Force states to bulk purchase MEDICAID coverage for all their citizens willing to buy into large Medicaid risk pools.
7
You should be Speaker of the House instead of that did. Very well thought out. I don't get how Ryan and his ilk come up with a hastily written draft of a bill in a few days. It shows total contempt for the people.
1
Not sure what you mean in #2. Right now health insurance premiums paid by the employers are deductible business expense. So if we "move the deduction to individuals" who pays it? I would rather pay the tax on a premium paid by my employer than pay the actual premium because the premium is a lot more money...
No one wants to give up a market distorting tax benefit only they enjoy... it is a political hard sell. By extending that tax benefit to everyone , the market distortion is neutralized. Moving the tax benefit to everyoen's IRS tax return, when paired with a national standard health plan, will merge the employed risk pool into the individual market risk pool on the exchanges, saving Obamacare. These were Donald Trumps ideas too by the way ... it's all on the wayback machine internet archive.
Medicare-for-All.
Why anyone would fight to save this corporate garbage (the A.C.A.) is breathtaking and pathetic.
Why anyone would fight to save this corporate garbage (the A.C.A.) is breathtaking and pathetic.
6
If you remember the before ACA time, it was awful.
Preexisting conditions no insurance available you can afford,
they would drop you when you got sick.
I believe in Medicare for all, and I was disappointed that there was no ACA public option. Looking back over 7 past years at the 50+ repeal efforts and the current efforts to 'replace' I see the arc of time moving toward the inevitable.... universal healthcare.... not universal profit driven health insurance
Ironically we have the republicans to thank for keeping this in the forefront all this time.
Preexisting conditions no insurance available you can afford,
they would drop you when you got sick.
I believe in Medicare for all, and I was disappointed that there was no ACA public option. Looking back over 7 past years at the 50+ repeal efforts and the current efforts to 'replace' I see the arc of time moving toward the inevitable.... universal healthcare.... not universal profit driven health insurance
Ironically we have the republicans to thank for keeping this in the forefront all this time.
Your question rests on the faulty assumption that anyone is fighting to SAVE the ACA.
But if you're asking why the ACA is worth saving, the answer is simple. Prior to the ACA, one study reported that 45,000 people were dying annually because of lack of insurance. http://www.factcheck.org/2009/09/dying-from-lack-of-insurance/). A subsequent study reported that since its inception the ACA has saved 50,000 lives.
One may quibble with the precise figures but it is obvious that thousands, if not tens of thousands of people, will die EVERY YEAR if the ACA is repealed. And those lives ARE worth saving.
Would a a single-payer plan be better? Of course, and if we lived in a democracy with an informed citizenry, that's the system we'd have, and that's a system worth fighting for. But we don't, and if you think Republicans are going to replace the ACA with Medicare-for-all, well, I'm no longer living in NY but I still own a bridge there if you're interested.
But if you're asking why the ACA is worth saving, the answer is simple. Prior to the ACA, one study reported that 45,000 people were dying annually because of lack of insurance. http://www.factcheck.org/2009/09/dying-from-lack-of-insurance/). A subsequent study reported that since its inception the ACA has saved 50,000 lives.
One may quibble with the precise figures but it is obvious that thousands, if not tens of thousands of people, will die EVERY YEAR if the ACA is repealed. And those lives ARE worth saving.
Would a a single-payer plan be better? Of course, and if we lived in a democracy with an informed citizenry, that's the system we'd have, and that's a system worth fighting for. But we don't, and if you think Republicans are going to replace the ACA with Medicare-for-all, well, I'm no longer living in NY but I still own a bridge there if you're interested.
1
As long as it's really terrific and fabulous, sign me up.
7
“The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said.
1
I had high hopes for the last effort so will wait out this promise not yet kept.
So we hurtle from the original bill Obamacare 0.5 to even slimmer Obamacare 0.25. While simultaneously, Repeal Plan B Obamacare crash-and-burn, fully in place and itching to go.
Meanwhile, the clueless Democrats' only response continues to be running helter-skelter headless crying foul (and wolf). When what they really should be doing is to swallow pride and working on resurrecting the original Trump proposal.
Will they? Unlikely, even though it's easier than ever before for Ms. Pelosi to slip-in to the WH unnoticed for impromptu meeting, get the original bill back on table. Why won't she? Because it'll require her post-agreement, to appear in a photo-op with the President, shake his hand, and thank him in a speech.
Ms. Pelosi should consult with Hillary. It's no longer OK to drag feet to concede victory. You lose, you lost. Get it done with, sooner the better. And then take what little you can get, when you can get. Losers can't be choosers.
Alright, not happening, so Plan B it is. Trump gets to deliver a key election promise along with bonus fireworks, while Democrats get saddled with all the blame. All, get this, by BOTH doing nothing. Just sitting back, crying foul, pointing fingers at each other and watching Obamacare go up in flames.
Oh, the irony.
Meanwhile, the clueless Democrats' only response continues to be running helter-skelter headless crying foul (and wolf). When what they really should be doing is to swallow pride and working on resurrecting the original Trump proposal.
Will they? Unlikely, even though it's easier than ever before for Ms. Pelosi to slip-in to the WH unnoticed for impromptu meeting, get the original bill back on table. Why won't she? Because it'll require her post-agreement, to appear in a photo-op with the President, shake his hand, and thank him in a speech.
Ms. Pelosi should consult with Hillary. It's no longer OK to drag feet to concede victory. You lose, you lost. Get it done with, sooner the better. And then take what little you can get, when you can get. Losers can't be choosers.
Alright, not happening, so Plan B it is. Trump gets to deliver a key election promise along with bonus fireworks, while Democrats get saddled with all the blame. All, get this, by BOTH doing nothing. Just sitting back, crying foul, pointing fingers at each other and watching Obamacare go up in flames.
Oh, the irony.
1
But losers can be the conscience of the nation. They can fight for the uninsured, for those millions who will lose insurance under Trump's plan--the old, the sick, and the "beautiful babies". We expect nothing less.
Trump and the republican house and senate OWN this. After 7+ years of repeal and replace you would think they could have come up with a unified plan by now. Nope. Empty suits.
1
The White House definitely has a sever case of the stupids.
17
Trump is grasping at straws, gasping for air, gagging on his own phelgm and drilling a dry hole...all at once. No normal person could do all of things at once but he is doing them masterfully. He is like a an idiot savant...a person who is considered to be mentally handicapped but displays brilliance in a specific area. In the case of Trump, it's not accomplishing anything.
People won't be fooled by the revival of the blue smoke and mirrors Trumpcare Edsel Healthcare Bill...it has the same M.O....a tax cut for the rich, higher premiums for the poor, fewer subsidies, higher deductibles, resulting in fewer people having insurance. Yes, they'll have access to it...but..why bother?
People won't be fooled by the revival of the blue smoke and mirrors Trumpcare Edsel Healthcare Bill...it has the same M.O....a tax cut for the rich, higher premiums for the poor, fewer subsidies, higher deductibles, resulting in fewer people having insurance. Yes, they'll have access to it...but..why bother?
11
and lifetime caps and penalties for pre- existing conditions sending people from the hospital or treatment centers directly to the morgue.
1
Trump only has ten days before Day 100, and he hasn't accomplished a thing. Long, long before now, presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama had signed major legislation. But, not Donald J. Trump.
The only sense of urgency is for you to break your prune!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
The only sense of urgency is for you to break your prune!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
6
“The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said. This pretty much sums up the presidents understanding of health care.
57
"White House officials, desperate to demonstrate progress "
Desperate? Really? That doesn't make any sense.
If the GOP does nothing, ObamaCare collapses and Democrats get the blame.
Your liberal bias is palpable. It's embarrassing.
Desperate? Really? That doesn't make any sense.
If the GOP does nothing, ObamaCare collapses and Democrats get the blame.
Your liberal bias is palpable. It's embarrassing.
3
Then why don't the Republicans agree with you? If you were right, they'd do nothing, it would be a better strategy for them. Clearly that isn't what would happen.
6
If the ACA collapses it will do so in 2018 and Republicans will be blamed since they will have held the House, the Senate and the White House for a year. If the ACA collapses it will prove that Republicans have no idea how to govern - only block and obfuscate.
17
Your apparent satisfaction that millions of people will soon be denied health care coverage is nauseating. The push to destroy a law that has provided health care access for millions of people for the sole purposes of sating Trump's ego (the only thing he cares about) and good Catholic Paul Ryan's malignant cruelty (the only thing he cares about) will, according to a couple of pretty good studies, result in thousands of premature deaths.
But, hey, quarterly profits for some of the insurance companies will go up, the Goons On Parade can crow about how they prevented the US from being a country that gives a rip about its people, and most importantly there will be yet more room to gloat about tearing apart the accomplishments of the only administration in recent history that actually did something to help the American people.
May we presume that none of the people likely to die because of this are people you care about?
But, hey, quarterly profits for some of the insurance companies will go up, the Goons On Parade can crow about how they prevented the US from being a country that gives a rip about its people, and most importantly there will be yet more room to gloat about tearing apart the accomplishments of the only administration in recent history that actually did something to help the American people.
May we presume that none of the people likely to die because of this are people you care about?
21
The reality is that if people do not have an affordable option to get care when their problems are treatable, they end up in the ER in our publicly funded hospitals needing inordinately expensive health care that is less effective because it is too late. We all pay for this, one way or another. Let's choose a cheaper, more effective way.
34
What publicly funded hospitals? Almost every public hospital has been privatized!
3
Unfortunately, emergency room visits have increased with the ACA. See http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2017/mar/10/tom-price...
This runs counter to my experience - I went to the local ER recently and found it almost empty. About 15 years ago I was there and there were about 20 people waiting. They'd moved to a smaller waiting room, too.
Maybe in some places, the ACA has reduced emergency room use, in other places it hasn't?
This runs counter to my experience - I went to the local ER recently and found it almost empty. About 15 years ago I was there and there were about 20 people waiting. They'd moved to a smaller waiting room, too.
Maybe in some places, the ACA has reduced emergency room use, in other places it hasn't?
We as the so - called leader of the free world had a chance to lead long ago on universal affordable healthcare, but the radical, Ayn Rand obsessed conservatives stood in the way, fueled by dark money - Koch, Olin, Scaife, and the other uber wealthy, cruel, families with the political clout to form multiple radical think tanks, and buy politicians ( Koch Bros. annual private seminars ) with their many PACs and money laundering front 501 orgs. An opportunity lost long ago. And these families will fight to kill the ACA until all their money is gone. Every R politician crying repeal is funded or influenced by the Kochtopus. It's us against them.
Let's just hold the GOP to the Trump promise: Healthcare insurance that covers everybody, covers all conditions (pre-existing included) at low cost. If they propose such s truly great program, we should all be happy and should support it.
If they belch forth their previous anti-healthcare tax cuts for the wealthy plan, we should show it - and them - the door.
If they belch forth their previous anti-healthcare tax cuts for the wealthy plan, we should show it - and them - the door.
33
Reality check every one knows what can be done ,medicare for all. Even if government was to increase tax on medicare 100 percent it be lest then what people paying on there own. Not to mention the little people get for health care now an pay high price for it.
14
Why does the American public buy the idea that insurance companies should be involved in healthcare? Corporations are psychopathic by nature, with an unfeeling uber-motivation to maximize profit. What sane person actually wants such an entity in charge of their healthcare? Until we eliminate the insurance industry from the equation, none of these problems are solvable.
49
The health insurance industry , that is part of the medical industrial complex is a societal pathogen which is seriously harming our country and must be extirpated from the body politic. Greed snd the profit motive are toxic to our society.
4
The only response I can offer to this query is--only because the insurance companies appear so intrenched, at this point, that getting them out seems impracticable. That, and I would posit that it's not the American PUBLIC that buys into the idea, but our elected representatives, who (on both sides of the aisle) are seemingly addicted to the lobbying funds the industry represents.
6
I have to say that my insurer has done really well by me. But in principal, I agree that the model is all wrong.
"Mr. Trump has publicly toyed with the idea of withholding the subsidies as a way to force Democrats to negotiate over the House proposal..." Should he do so, Democrats in Congress should tell him that they do not negotiate with hostage takers.
37
Every one of these sociopaths should be held accountable for every death they cause. 20 million men, women, and children...I repeat children will be at risk. Their crimes against humanity will be tried, convicted and prosecuted.
55
The high risk pools are the key.
When you look at the ACA, the aspect that screams out is people with high-cost pre-existing conditions.
Finding a way to manage this group of people separate from typical insurance, would certainly help contain costs for the rest and should make insurance more affordable.
How this will be done will be interesting. Allowing States to experiment hopefully will find that happy medium where needy people are properly covered while preventing insurance companies from dumping people.
Maybe something like "If you bump into a situation that fits high risk, you get one renewal before you're transferred."
When you look at the ACA, the aspect that screams out is people with high-cost pre-existing conditions.
Finding a way to manage this group of people separate from typical insurance, would certainly help contain costs for the rest and should make insurance more affordable.
How this will be done will be interesting. Allowing States to experiment hopefully will find that happy medium where needy people are properly covered while preventing insurance companies from dumping people.
Maybe something like "If you bump into a situation that fits high risk, you get one renewal before you're transferred."
1
Been there, done that, it doesn't work. Pretty much everyone who is over 50 would be in that high-risk pool, and when older people lose jobs they don't find new ones easily - and it will get even worse as prices go up because group insurance also factors in the cost for older employees.
15
So, when (not if, when) you or one of your family members gets a serious illness, you are OK with one renewal and then a transfer to a high risk pool that (given the serious illness) will bankrupt you and/or your family and eventually you'll have to die because you won't be able to afford payments/deductibles? Are you OK with that all? Or are you hoping that it won't happen to you because you are one of those lucky ones? Do you play lottery often -- have you won anything yet?
59
High-risk pools and HSAs have been around a long time. Neither has EVER proven to be an effective way to contain costs or provide adequate care for many many patients. They are OK for healthy people (provided they stay that way) and relatively wealthy people (provided they stay that way) -- in other words, people for whom getting adequate and affordable health care has never been as much of a challenge -- but for a substantial chunk of the population, they do not work.
There are workable fixes for the ACA, but the GOP won't consider any of them; destroying Obama's legacy (of helping tens of millions of people) and giving as much money to people who already have most of the nation's wealth is all they care about. The tens of thousands who will once again be statistically at risk for premature death mean nothing to this cabal of psychopaths and their sociopathic leaders, Trump and Ryan.
There are workable fixes for the ACA, but the GOP won't consider any of them; destroying Obama's legacy (of helping tens of millions of people) and giving as much money to people who already have most of the nation's wealth is all they care about. The tens of thousands who will once again be statistically at risk for premature death mean nothing to this cabal of psychopaths and their sociopathic leaders, Trump and Ryan.
It is not health insurance if you put individuals with pre-existing conditions into a high risk pool and charge huge rates which they cannot afford so they can't afford insurance. This is called being uninsured. It is not health insurance if you cut 25% from Medicaid - $800 billion by punting cuts and decision-making to the states, thus remaining guiltless at the federal level. Taking billions out of Medicaid through block grants or per capita caps so that the administration can later use this for tax cuts for the rich, is unconscionable.
Can't we make things easier, less expensive and more efficient by following the Nordic model of single payer? This constant debate and multiple models of payment and variances in reimbursement rates and coverage is a huge waste of time and effort that could be spent on actual care at some point.
Can't we make things easier, less expensive and more efficient by following the Nordic model of single payer? This constant debate and multiple models of payment and variances in reimbursement rates and coverage is a huge waste of time and effort that could be spent on actual care at some point.
51
If Republicans were serious about replacing the ACA with something better, they would have used their Easter break to hold well-publicized healthcare hearings throughout their districts where they asked their constituents what they want and need from a health insurance program and listened and took notes instead of talking. They would have stayed in the auditoriums until every citizen who wanted to speak was heard. If they don't understand that healthcare is a very personal, life-or-death matter for their constituents and as such, is worthy of their time and yes, their discomfort, they don't deserve respect or votes.
64
You got it right - I recall during one of those 'meetings' a constituent angrily asked a repub congressman "What kind of health do you have?" He was speechless. The about sums it up !
4
Because they don't want government in healthcare. They want for profit corporations to do that. Simple really.
The federal government does run a high risk pool, it is called Medicare, all we need to do add all the sick people to Medicare. That would allow the insurance industry to sell real low cost insurance to the young and healthy people.
The reality is, there is no way to get a cheap, deregulated for profit, affordable health care system.
The reality is, there is no way to get a cheap, deregulated for profit, affordable health care system.
20
Presumably, covering more people on medicare requires somewhat higher medicare taxes. Extra tax is worth it to provide health insurance for a large number of our citizens. But if we do that -- why would we let low risk, hugely profitable population be covered by insurance companies and cover expensive patients through the government. Should not we increase those medicare taxes just another tiny bit and then have everyone (low or high risk) covered by medicare?
13
so, basically, the insurance company takes your premiums for years but when you actually get sick (and nearly all of us will eventually), they dump you and you get your care through publicly funded Medicare / Medicaid? that is not insurance. That is a scam, with insurance companies and their shareholders the scammers
1
As a fellow Philadelphian asked earlier "How about we just do Medicare for all?"
Single payer is the only reasonable step to solving a problem which affects very nearly every citizen at some point in life. Arguing about this basic social benefit featured in almost every civil society approaches the absurd.
This does not compliment the ability of Mr Trump and his supporters in Congress to understand the needs of our citizenry, let alone lead our nation.
Single payer is the only reasonable step to solving a problem which affects very nearly every citizen at some point in life. Arguing about this basic social benefit featured in almost every civil society approaches the absurd.
This does not compliment the ability of Mr Trump and his supporters in Congress to understand the needs of our citizenry, let alone lead our nation.
31
Ronald Reagan said that the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, "I’m from the government and I’m here to help." In today's faster-paced world, they've been replaced by just three words: "Medicare for all". The surest road to national bankruptcy.
2
EVERY OTHER industrialised country on the planet manages to provide some version of universal healthcare without going bankrupt. Most have done so for decades. Most of them provide better care (by every conceivable measurement) for more of their people for lower costs.
Saint Reagan said of lot of things. Many of them were just a mean-spirited, fact-free and stupid as this quote. Meanwhile, he left the largest deficits in history and increased the national debt by the greatest percentage of GDP of any President in history. Although he did the genial old man thing pretty well, he was a cruel man given to racism and misogyny, and he hated the poor for being poor. His administration of course created a lot more of them.
That the GOP has genuflected at the mention of his name for forty years is the root of their current sociopathy.
I'm in good health and more than ten years from being able to draw Social Security (if that soulless goon Ryan doesn't kill it), and I doubt I will outlive the damage Reagan caused the the country.
Saint Reagan said of lot of things. Many of them were just a mean-spirited, fact-free and stupid as this quote. Meanwhile, he left the largest deficits in history and increased the national debt by the greatest percentage of GDP of any President in history. Although he did the genial old man thing pretty well, he was a cruel man given to racism and misogyny, and he hated the poor for being poor. His administration of course created a lot more of them.
That the GOP has genuflected at the mention of his name for forty years is the root of their current sociopathy.
I'm in good health and more than ten years from being able to draw Social Security (if that soulless goon Ryan doesn't kill it), and I doubt I will outlive the damage Reagan caused the the country.
1
Republicans have been trying to bankrupt the U.S. for decades now, by cutting taxes and throwing billions of dollars away on foreign wars and military adventurism; and they have come pretty close to succeeding. Medicare for all would be cheap and effective compared to the nonsense that is the Republican plan and a far superior way to spend our money than military huff and puff.
Why did Congress go on a two-week recess when they have such an important and complicated job looming in front of them? So they're going to spend two weeks doing nothing and then try to come back and rush a budget through in one week of work? Are these people the leaders of our country or a group of lazy college students?
25
Why is going down to the taxpayer subsidized Mar-A-Cockroach again this weekend, during a crisis in Korea, Syria, Health Care, and the government about to run out of money?
5
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result-definition of a Republican health care proposal. I don't know if they can get any dumber but I am leaning toward a resounding "yes they can".
22
Truly, it will be most incredible if Trump's most significant achievement in the first 100 is a government shutdown. But will anyone be surprised?
14
Our government has effectively shut down for over 8 years. Republican Congressional obstruction.
“We want to make sure we replace it with something that will stand the test of time,” Senator Bob Corker
Well, Republicans not having any plans for this is still standing the test of time - 7 years and counting.
https://theintercept.com/2017/03/31/repeal-votes-obamacare/
Well, Republicans not having any plans for this is still standing the test of time - 7 years and counting.
https://theintercept.com/2017/03/31/repeal-votes-obamacare/
16
10 years, actually.
Obamacare *is* Romneycare --- a Republican plan that went into effect in Massachusetts in Summer 2007.
Obamacare *is* Romneycare --- a Republican plan that went into effect in Massachusetts in Summer 2007.
2
“The plan gets better and better and better, and it has gotten really, really good,” President Trump said of a prospective healthcare replacement proposal.
Alec Baldwin was talking about his Trump parody and he said that when Trump pauses and searches for an amplifying word he invariably comes up with an incredibly basic word. Baldwin opined that Trump probably has a vocabulary including a couple of dozen adjectives.
"better and better and better, and really, really good"
And better.
And good.
Really.
Alec Baldwin was talking about his Trump parody and he said that when Trump pauses and searches for an amplifying word he invariably comes up with an incredibly basic word. Baldwin opined that Trump probably has a vocabulary including a couple of dozen adjectives.
"better and better and better, and really, really good"
And better.
And good.
Really.
24
“We’re in the midst of negotiating sort of finishing touches”
"Sort of", the watch word with this administration.
"Sort of", the watch word with this administration.
8
"“The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said."
My gosh... he talks like a four-year-old.
I bet he doesn't even understand the differences between this "new" proposal and the existing ACA.
My gosh... he talks like a four-year-old.
I bet he doesn't even understand the differences between this "new" proposal and the existing ACA.
22
I've encountered homeless people with a better sales pitch.
6
hes a simpleton
i estimate his intellectual age at 9 years
4
Can we organize a march on Washington to protest this? How can these politicians be so heartless!
15
More important than a march on Washington would be subscribing to some form of journalism. Your local newspaper or NPR station and/or anyone with a presence in D.C. who can dig into the corruption of the current administration.
In other words, calculate how much it would cost you to go to the Mall in D.C. (travel, hotel, meals, souvenirs), stay home, and spend that amount of money on journalism.
In other words, calculate how much it would cost you to go to the Mall in D.C. (travel, hotel, meals, souvenirs), stay home, and spend that amount of money on journalism.
3
american journalism died from triviality
Obama took a year to work out the ACA. While imperfect, the ACA/Obamacare represented a massive leap forward toward reducing insurance company abuses. Anything the republicans are terrified of repealing (dependent coverage until age 26, no exclusions for pre-existing conditions, etc.) was a massive boon to the American people.
Obama expanded coverage. The next administration should have concentrated in containing costs.
The Times did a massive series on medical costs that should have been a roadmap for an administration to do exactly that. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/health/paying-till-it-hurts.html
I want to hear a top level politician talk about introducing sanity into medical pricing and billing.
I don't expect that politician to be Donald Trump or anyone in his administration or remotely associated with him.
Bernie.
Bernie!!!!
Can you hear me?!?!?
Get on this, Bernie.
Obama expanded coverage. The next administration should have concentrated in containing costs.
The Times did a massive series on medical costs that should have been a roadmap for an administration to do exactly that. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/health/paying-till-it-hurts.html
I want to hear a top level politician talk about introducing sanity into medical pricing and billing.
I don't expect that politician to be Donald Trump or anyone in his administration or remotely associated with him.
Bernie.
Bernie!!!!
Can you hear me?!?!?
Get on this, Bernie.
8
With a fake president in the White House and Ryan and McConnell riding roughshod over Congress, it's probably best for all of us if we do indeed shut down the government.
19
I guess someone in the house has phama and health Insurance stock that is tanking?
4
The Republicans have abandoned all sense of responsibility to the American people in favor of spiteful partisan idiocy. They have no sense of priority or propriety. Selfish, self-centered and utterly uncaring, they will ruin us yet.
20
Healthcare is political suicide for Republicans. Please proceed ;-)
11
Brilliant plan: Eliminate healthcare coverage for millions and point the finger elsewhere.
8
Donald Trump's first 100 days in office will be marked by dropping five dozen bombs on Syria, the "mother of all bombs" on Afghanistan, and a dud of a health care plan on America. This is supposed to restore greatness?
12
More of the same. The Republican Party is the party of greed.
20
If anyone thinks Trump and the Republicans actually want everyone to have good, affordable health insurance, or have a clue how to provide it, they're deluded. Their only goal has always been to repeal the ACA to deprive Obama of his biggest accomplishment. They are (fortunately) so inept, they can't even do that now that they have the chance.
The past 3 months talking about repeal and replace have been a complete waste of time. Republicans spent 6 years voting to repeal Obamacare. Replacing it with something better was never their interest. Surprised to find themselves completely in charge after the election, they were forced to add replace to the repeal part. Not surprisingly, they were unprepared.
But the real blame for this fiasco lies with the millions of voters who believed Trump, who vote for so-called small government conservatives, but who actually like what government does for them.
America isn't center-right. It's split between progressives and ignorant, gullible fools who vote for people like Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, and of course Donald Trump, who could care less about them.
The past 3 months talking about repeal and replace have been a complete waste of time. Republicans spent 6 years voting to repeal Obamacare. Replacing it with something better was never their interest. Surprised to find themselves completely in charge after the election, they were forced to add replace to the repeal part. Not surprisingly, they were unprepared.
But the real blame for this fiasco lies with the millions of voters who believed Trump, who vote for so-called small government conservatives, but who actually like what government does for them.
America isn't center-right. It's split between progressives and ignorant, gullible fools who vote for people like Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, and of course Donald Trump, who could care less about them.
58
It is not just a coincidence that tax cuts for the rich have preceded both the 1929 and 2007 depressions. The Revenue acts of 1926 and 1928 worked exactly as the Republican Congresses that pushed them through promised. The dramatic reductions in taxes on the upper income brackets and estates of the wealthy did indeed result in increases in savings and investment. However, overinvestment (by 1929 there were over 600 automobile manufacturing companies in the USA) caused the depression that made the rich, and most everyone else, ultimately much poorer.
Since 1969 there has been a tremendous shift in the tax burdens away from the rich on onto the middle class. Corporate income tax receipts, whose incidence falls entirely on the owners of corporations, were 4% of GDP then and are now less than 1%. During that same period, payroll tax rates as percent of GDP have increased dramatically. The overinvestment problem caused by the reduction in taxes on the wealthy is exacerbated by the increased tax burden on the middle class. While overinvestment creates more factories, housing and shopping centers; higher payroll taxes reduces the purchasing power of middle-class consumers. ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1543642
Since 1969 there has been a tremendous shift in the tax burdens away from the rich on onto the middle class. Corporate income tax receipts, whose incidence falls entirely on the owners of corporations, were 4% of GDP then and are now less than 1%. During that same period, payroll tax rates as percent of GDP have increased dramatically. The overinvestment problem caused by the reduction in taxes on the wealthy is exacerbated by the increased tax burden on the middle class. While overinvestment creates more factories, housing and shopping centers; higher payroll taxes reduces the purchasing power of middle-class consumers. ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1543642
7
Actually, the best thing Trump could do for America's health is resign.
62
Trump should forget about building his silly wall and put that money towards health insurance subsidies for lower income workers.
25
The red states control the voting process enough to keep Republicans in office. Stop blaming the voters and wise up to the crooked Republicans scamming the vote.
17
No the voters are the problem. I no longer want to live in this society.
There is nothing interesting or good about Paul Ryan... He is bought and paid for by the mass polluter Koch Brothers... He is no longer a thinking human... He is a commodity of the rich. We paid for his education, and depriving 25 million Americans is how he pays us back.
The man has no shame.
The man has no shame.
45
Ryan's education was subsidized by the federal government when his father died leaving the family w/o enough money for college. Now he wants to throw away that ladder for other kids.
10
And his father's company did a fair chunk of its business servicing government contracts. After going to university on Social Security, he worked as a congressional aide before running for Congress -- except for a brief stint working in the family business (again, servicing government contracts) and another driving the Wienermobile, he has spent his entire life living off the government he so desperately hates.
Sociopath.
Sociopath.
7
Let's face it Folks... This "repeal Obamacare" is all about tax breaks for the rich and profits for the corporate elite...
The number one priority of the Republican party hasn't changed in 40 years... Profits and Tax breaks... Everything else they espouse, abortion, terrorism, immigration, welfare queens, guns, etc... is all designed to pilfer enough votes from the emotional unwitting to get tax breaks for the rich and profits for the corporate elite... Their major donors.
The number one priority of the Republican party hasn't changed in 40 years... Profits and Tax breaks... Everything else they espouse, abortion, terrorism, immigration, welfare queens, guns, etc... is all designed to pilfer enough votes from the emotional unwitting to get tax breaks for the rich and profits for the corporate elite... Their major donors.
13
Yesterday your former arch enemy, The Wall Street Journal, published an opinion piece that described a solution. (The NYT and WSJ both are establishment anti Trumpsters.) The original replacement law issued all non-group non-Medicaid buyers at least a $3,000 voucher. The article proposed using that automatically to buy everyone a catastrophic plan, with each market calibrating the exact coverages. Every American automatically is covered. Anyone could opt out if they get a better deal -- on your wife's plan for instance. Too easy?
2
Too easy you ask.
Not sure because this is not adequately explained.
Not sure because this is not adequately explained.
If you are referring to the Ryan sponsored plan that went down in flames at the end of March (AHCA), that plan issued tax credits based on age and was not a flat $3K. Individuals making less than $75K are eligible for the tax credit. How much tax credit you get is based on your age. Besides, $3K won't even buy you catastrophic health insurance if you are older and shouldn't our goal be to encourage people to take a more active role in preventative health as opposed to only going to a doctor or a hospital in catastrophic situations?
1
There's a growing segment of voters, considering the repeated Republicans' failure to sabotage the ACA, aka Obamacare, that would like to see the "improvement of Obamacare" and not repealing it.
I don't believe the repeal and replace will see the light of day.
I don't believe the repeal and replace will see the light of day.
7
Gee, on his famous show the greatest ever on in the history of television Mr. Trump would have used his branded line "You're Fired!" to a contestant that was as incompetent as he is. The man has no clue on how to run a government and for all his supporters funny he was so successful he was bankrupt four times. Every know anyone that lost money four times in owning casinos. Mr. Trump could not run a corner store. As for Paul Ryan the only book he seems to have read is Any Rand who by the way collected all her government benefits, was a drug addict who believed in "Free Love." Where does she fit into the Christian supporters of Ryan. Ryan like Trump is basically begging democrats to help them out of the mess - I hope the Democrats tell them sorry you made the mess it is yours. As for shutting the government down lets the Republicans never had a problem with doing it whenever it suited them. If the Democrats help the Republicans it would be seen as a sign of weakness, the only thing a bully understands is to stand up to them. I had a bully bother me in school when I was young until the day I punched him in the face and broke his nose. Guess what he never bothered me again. Sitting here in a country Canada where every citizen has health care I marvel at the rubes in the US who would rather have a gun than health care, but then the gun might be used to end your life before the health bills come in. Jim Trautman
14
Healthcare will be Dishonest Donald's Waterloo! Single payer now.
9
It could be the Waterloo of the Republican party, the elected Republicans are dishonest and intellectually and morally bankrupt.
3
Koch funded "representative" Paul Ryan received Social Security benefits to pay for his college, at a publicly funded university... We Paid For Him! Now, his efforts are focused on destroying both...
Ryan's Philosophy: I got mine... You're now on your own
Enough said...
Ryan's Philosophy: I got mine... You're now on your own
Enough said...
23
It's the usual GOP lifeboat strategy. Once I'm in the lifeboat, pull the ladder up and don't let anyone else in.
3
The presidency of Donald Trump is unraveling daily. Nevertheless, except for the chances of his resigning or being impeached, which are low, he will be a weak president during the next four years. If White House officials are "desperate to demonstrate progress" on his legislative priorities and are "consumed" by the looming 100-day deadline, it is reasonable to infer that the president is angry and frustrated and so apt to lash out. If he can't make any headway on his domestic priorities, because of Congress, he is likely to undertake foreign misadventures, such as confronting North Korea or Iran with military strikes. These fateful events are likely to occur in the next 100 days. We are entering a perilous time.
10
Let's not kid ourselves. Republicans, and Trump and particular, are not rushing to replace Obamacare, AKA as the Affordable Care Act, because they are trying to solve any pressing problem or to improve the lives of Americans. They are also not trying to offer better health care solutions, and they don't care how many people wind up without coverage in the end. They have only two things on their agenda:
1. Reduce or eliminate any tax burden on the rich
2. Particularly in the case of Donald Trump, they want destroy any legacy of accomplishment by a president who was black.
1. Reduce or eliminate any tax burden on the rich
2. Particularly in the case of Donald Trump, they want destroy any legacy of accomplishment by a president who was black.
32
Please, shoot yourselves in the foot. Again. And again. I beg you.
23
or aim higher, please!
5
“Why would these high-risk pools work better now than they have historically?” Mr. Zuckerman asked.
Trump is ignorant of such facts (among many others), and the others are humoring him by going through the motions.
Trump is ignorant of such facts (among many others), and the others are humoring him by going through the motions.
17
Sorry, but I have to admit: it will absolutely be a beautiful thing to behold when the Republican party, controlling Congress and the Executive (and the Judicial for that matter), manages to shut down the government. Then? Then, Americans, will you reconsider?
20
Why would that make us reconsider?
1
Paul Ryan is turning into as big a loser as Donald Trump.
He'd better stop embarrassing himself by either he or letting people call him a policy wonk, not even close.
He'd better stop embarrassing himself by either he or letting people call him a policy wonk, not even close.
10
No, he's Eddie Munster and the Munsters were a poor man's version of the Addams Family. Works in well with #45 and his gang of grifters though...
8
Eight years, what was it - fifty tries - to kill Affordable Care, and they never worked on a replacement. Never! Folks, did you even scribble some notes on cocktail napkins during all that time? Eight years of upbraiding the President who delivered Affordable Care and then, when they finally have someone in the White House whom they can feel at home with, they dash together a health care bill, essentially the night before it's due. And even though they used a word processor and made it look very sleek, they didn't manage to keep people from reading it and so it became known that the bill was an unmitigated piece of garbage.
Now we learn that they ran back to their offices, dashed off another 20-minute treatise and are printing copies, desperately hoping to get them stapled and submitted before that "100-day" deadline.
If these were students, the attempt last month would have gotten a D- and this repeat performance would call for a parent conference. These people are supposed to be running the United States of America.
To quote Jerry Seinfeld: "This is not good.
This is not good!"
Now we learn that they ran back to their offices, dashed off another 20-minute treatise and are printing copies, desperately hoping to get them stapled and submitted before that "100-day" deadline.
If these were students, the attempt last month would have gotten a D- and this repeat performance would call for a parent conference. These people are supposed to be running the United States of America.
To quote Jerry Seinfeld: "This is not good.
This is not good!"
20
Millions of people's healthcare insurance to die on the altar of Donald Trump's narcissism and fragile ego. He's willing to sacrifice the health and survival of his constituents for a 'win'. And if he gets it, he'll lie about the real consequences forever.
19
Look at all those pretty (mostly white and male) people lined up for their news conference last month! Their healthcare coverage is funded in large part by the federal government. A picture of good health for the wealthy few.
Whatever happened to "a government BY the people and FOR the people"???
Whatever happened to "a government BY the people and FOR the people"???
18
How responsible and intelligent: facing a rather meaningless and largely media/pundit/political operative-driven benchmark, this administration will attempt to rush through something - anything - simply because they are desperate to avoid looking incompetent.
Of course, as the first round of Trumpcare "negotiations" showed, the incompetence is already baked in. It's one of the few features that tempers their malevolence and nefariousness.
Of course, as the first round of Trumpcare "negotiations" showed, the incompetence is already baked in. It's one of the few features that tempers their malevolence and nefariousness.
14
Ryan: "We're in the midst of negotiating sort of finishing touches." Ignoring the grammar errors, these people have had 7 years (and bragging to us how smart they and Paul 'Brain of the GOP' Ryan are), and they're STILL trying to figure it out? Seriously?
If any worker spent 7 years on a job, telling you the entire time how 'great' it was going to be, only not to produce anything repeatedly, that person would be fired immediately, without even a good-bye fruit basket for severance. They've been so focused on minutiae for the past 2 months, that a deadline like "The Government will run out of money on April 29" snuck up on them?
The more that goes on, the more I think I've actually been asleep and will wake up soon. This can't possibly be reality ... even though it is.
If any worker spent 7 years on a job, telling you the entire time how 'great' it was going to be, only not to produce anything repeatedly, that person would be fired immediately, without even a good-bye fruit basket for severance. They've been so focused on minutiae for the past 2 months, that a deadline like "The Government will run out of money on April 29" snuck up on them?
The more that goes on, the more I think I've actually been asleep and will wake up soon. This can't possibly be reality ... even though it is.
18
Repealing the ACA is like quicksand for the GOP. It's a dangerous course of action that is likely to cause harm. Why doesn't the White House focus their efforts on an "infrastructure bill" to boost employment with bipartisan support? Trump would obtain the increased popularity he craves and the local investment in roads and bridges would boost morale.
9
A sensible, non-racist president and party would have fast-tracked an infrastructure bill right off the bat. But because Trump and the GOP's main priority (outside of enriching the 1%) is trashing Obama's legacy, well...
For 75 years, it was said that Roosevelt's New Deal saved capitalism. By softening the rough edges of the free market capitalism with reforms such as social security and unemployment insurance, FDR may have prevented adoption of much more radical changes.
75 years from today it is unlikely that anyone will think Obama saved market-priced medical care. Rather, he only prolonged it, and that will not be thought of as a good thing. In the developed world, market-priced medical care still exists only in the USA. It is only a matter of time until market-priced medical care joins communism, slavery, racial segregation and fascism as systems that no longer exist in developed nations.
The USA is the last holdout with market-priced medical care not only because of any inherent conservative or free market ideology. Rather, as the wealthiest nation that ever existed we are the last ones who can afford it. Switzerland was one of the last advanced economies to abandon market-priced medical care. It is arguably a greater bastion of conservatism than the USA. Switzerland's women were not granted the right to vote until 1971.
The reason that no nation, including the wealthiest can allow markets to set the prices of medical care indefinitely is that demand for medical care is inelastic. Basic economics tells us that sellers facing inelastic demand will continuously raise prices until prices reach the elastic portion of the demand curve. Consequen..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
75 years from today it is unlikely that anyone will think Obama saved market-priced medical care. Rather, he only prolonged it, and that will not be thought of as a good thing. In the developed world, market-priced medical care still exists only in the USA. It is only a matter of time until market-priced medical care joins communism, slavery, racial segregation and fascism as systems that no longer exist in developed nations.
The USA is the last holdout with market-priced medical care not only because of any inherent conservative or free market ideology. Rather, as the wealthiest nation that ever existed we are the last ones who can afford it. Switzerland was one of the last advanced economies to abandon market-priced medical care. It is arguably a greater bastion of conservatism than the USA. Switzerland's women were not granted the right to vote until 1971.
The reason that no nation, including the wealthiest can allow markets to set the prices of medical care indefinitely is that demand for medical care is inelastic. Basic economics tells us that sellers facing inelastic demand will continuously raise prices until prices reach the elastic portion of the demand curve. Consequen..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
20
Why would Democrats negotiate a version of Obamacare that will be weaker than what we already have? If Trump & company choose to weaken or destroy it, let the blame be theirs. The result might make it all the clearer that health must be a right for every citizen. If we can afford a military that costs more money than all the rest of the world put together, surely we can wait to expand it till our basic needs are met in a clear and dedicated fashion.
18
I'm worried the reason for this second push to "fix" healthcare soon, with these unreasonable changes, is twofold: 1) destabilize the insurance markets with the uncertainty; this will send the current healthcare system into chaos and premiums will go up; 2) then claim to have tried to fix the system, only to have Democrats obstruct it, leaving in place a system that "failed". I hope they are not successful with this strategy and narrative.
21
Are we winning yet? Until all Americans are offered health care coverage as a RIGHT, then we will never win.
18
The republicans have categorically rejected the only two ways of ensuring a cost efficient medical system: single-payer or an insurance mandate. No number of tax credits or market tweaks can avoid the mathematical imperative that everyone eventually uses the system and so must pay in if they don't want to be crushed when then do need service. The only solution they are left with is to leave millions without coverage and declare that a victory. And so they continue down that path of destruction. If Donald Trump wanted to keep his promises, he would recognize that reality and lead his party back from the abyss. But he can't, and he won't, but he isn't - to quote his self-description - "like, really smart."
160
U.S. healthcare industry accounts for nearly 20% of GDP. Current US President wants to increase defense spending 10%, and likes to assert that defense spending is directly related to GDP. With this "new" healthcare bill, you should expect to pay more, unless, you're a doctor, a politician, or rich.
5
Republicans realize they can't repeal the ACA without committing political suicide. So the name of the game now is to put a fig leaf on much of the core parts of Obamacare, shove the hard decisions back on the states and declare victory.
Typical Washington solution.
Typical Washington solution.
16
Exactly
1
It is difficult to drum up sympathy for any ACA user who backed the pathological lying sociopath Trump... You gambled, and you lost.
And you dragged down 25 million other people with you.
And you dragged down 25 million other people with you.
29
Talk to the people in West Virginia. Highest rate of opioid addiction and deaths in the country and anyone getting treatment for their addiction was getting it through the ACA. Trump got 68.7% of the votes in that state and it was his highest margin of victory in the country.
Sleep tight, suckers!
Sleep tight, suckers!
19
Trump is an idiot. The Dems should just sit back and let these republican bozos pass their own ridiculous healthcare idiocy, then sit back and watch it destroy their party
10
What a mess. How on earth does any of this “stand the test of time” or any test for that matter?
Bob Corker says "we realize that this is real - that it's going to affect people in a real way." Right. So again, the wealthiest 1% will make out like bandits with lifetime Medicare coverage for a modest monthly premium. For the rest of us who have paid into Medicare every working day of our lives, the GOP, keeping it real, will probably suggest something responsible like self-funding our own healthcare costs with Kick-Starter or, for those without computers, bake sales.
As usual, the clueless GOP is playing to their big contributors instead of serving their constituents. Heaven forefend that the GOP rock the boats of those big investors by raising their taxes! Besides, there's always someone to blame: Reince Priebus, President Obama, the Democrats, highly paid demonstrators, poor people, sick people, immigrants and on and on.
Bob Corker says "we realize that this is real - that it's going to affect people in a real way." Right. So again, the wealthiest 1% will make out like bandits with lifetime Medicare coverage for a modest monthly premium. For the rest of us who have paid into Medicare every working day of our lives, the GOP, keeping it real, will probably suggest something responsible like self-funding our own healthcare costs with Kick-Starter or, for those without computers, bake sales.
As usual, the clueless GOP is playing to their big contributors instead of serving their constituents. Heaven forefend that the GOP rock the boats of those big investors by raising their taxes! Besides, there's always someone to blame: Reince Priebus, President Obama, the Democrats, highly paid demonstrators, poor people, sick people, immigrants and on and on.
6
Who is better equipped to know what to do when you run out of money than trump, stiff your employees, your creditors and file for bankruptcy and go spend a week playing golf at Mara Lago on the taxpayers nickel.
8
This is tiresome. Trump is still going with his usual schtick full of platitudes and promises, just like he did when trying to con the rubes into attending his fake university. That clearly won't work this time. Americans are too engaged personally and politically to allow a travesty like ACHA 2.0 to pass. Nobody should be fooled by a bill that lets red states be the ones to deny meaningful healthcare to their citizens.
Let's see... the House has the power of impeachment and 2018 is fast approaching. How far down the chain of succession do we have to go before we reach someone sane and centered enough to take over this train wreck of a government?
Let's see... the House has the power of impeachment and 2018 is fast approaching. How far down the chain of succession do we have to go before we reach someone sane and centered enough to take over this train wreck of a government?
8
Many Republicans intend bend to the will of the Koch brothers who want to see the Affordable Care Act repealed. Naturally Trumpcare 2.0 is terrible.
Let's go back to Trump's promises -- health care for all, cheaper, better, you're going to love it!
Let's go back to Trump's promises -- health care for all, cheaper, better, you're going to love it!
6
"At stake is roughly $10 billion in payments expected to be made to the insurers next year." Let's see. Hmm. The border wall is expected to cost about $70 billion (I figured the cost, per immigrant, using Pew Research link below; let's just say it's a lot of money). So how about we just make it 16% shorter, and lower the cost to $60 billion? Hey presto!
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/03/02/what-we-know-about-illeg...
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/03/02/what-we-know-about-illeg...
7
" But under the this Affordable Care Act replacement, states could seek waivers from many of those mandates if they demonstrate that premiums would be lowered, the number of insured people would increase, or “the public interest of the state” would be advanced. "
This is Republican strategy at its best. Guys in suits can stand up and describe something that sounds good, but the small print allows insurance companies to sell a worthless product. By the time people figure out they've been duped, we're far down the road. Are we going to fall for this again?
This is Republican strategy at its best. Guys in suits can stand up and describe something that sounds good, but the small print allows insurance companies to sell a worthless product. By the time people figure out they've been duped, we're far down the road. Are we going to fall for this again?
14
What happened to the great negotiator, the business dealmaker par excellence? What deals has he negotiated over the last three months? Even getting Gorsuch confirmed with a GOP majority required that McConnell strong-arm the rules of the Senate. The Apprentice-in-Chief has produced absolutely nothing but failures, while he's getting schooled on the job.
19
The Democrat ACA brought health care coverage to millions. The Congressional Republicans voted several score times to repeal it while not having a replacement plan. First that indicates they want to eliminate government mandated insurance, and second, they did not plan on replacing it. Now they are simply labeling old no-care with......................no care.
6
Trump and the Republicans are acting like people obsessed. The Republicans have been vowing to repeal the ACA for seven years and have not succeeded yet. The problem is that they are ignoring the facts presented by our experience with health insurance provided by private companies being unable to be profitable and to meet all the health care needs of the people. Our experience is that it costs more than single payer systems and serious ailments can easily bankrupt families of the unlucky because the insurance companies just cannot manage the risks without limiting coverage drastically. Health care is a necessity and markets do not serve the best interests of all without a lot of help from the government.
13
“We’re in the midst of negotiating sort of finishing touches,” Speaker Paul D. Ryan said this week in London while leading a congressional delegation. He added: “It’s difficult to do. We’re very close.”
I howled when I read that. Can't wait to see these "finishing touches."
I howled when I read that. Can't wait to see these "finishing touches."
15
Insanity; doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
.
.
34
Nothing like a very strict deadline to insure the very best product. It's nice to know on whose behalf Congress and the President are really working for.
7
Iver, you must be referring to the ACA. As Nancy Pelosi famously said " we have to pass it So you can see what's in it." The ACA is not a good product, developed in a back room and passed with bribes to Nebraska and Louisiana. I'm sure congress and Obama had the best intent for those families that have back breaking premiums and outrageous co-pays.
Brian, I liked the way you smashed that lob of mine back across to the other side of the net. Good shot.
1
What we had before (last minute ER for people w/o preventive treatment) was worse. Rest of the advanced nations have single payer. Why not us?
3
..."Placating enough moderate and hard-line republicans...". Trying to make something *Wrong*- Less-Wrong for some- and More-Wrong for others: Paul Ryan has boxed himself in (and I love it).
11
Evil knows and seeks only evil. The GOP will be, quite literally, killing people to fund yet another massive kickback to the wealthy.
29
It is disgusting how these Republican so-called representatives are "seeking a victory" by depriving 25 million Americans of healthcare... These shameless pampered fund collectors delivering favors to billionaires for funds received are the lowest form of life on Earth... And most of them have the gall to associate themselves with Jesus... A man who stood for the poor, weak, and sick...
24
The only way to improve Obamacare is to strengthen it. Not to weaken it as TrumpRyanCare, which is their gold-collar donor's demand.
17
This is the "Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight"!
I cannot believe the gaggle of incompetents in this administration!
Words fail to adequately express my absolute horror in watching the destruction and dissolution that's occurring in front of my eyes!
I cannot believe the gaggle of incompetents in this administration!
Words fail to adequately express my absolute horror in watching the destruction and dissolution that's occurring in front of my eyes!
14
Single payer. One system that we all own and work to improve. Every other conversation is a waste of time.
28
But....... It doesn't help the Health Care companies add to their bottom line. And without that, the lackeys in Congress won't get large campaign contributions!
2
I'd agree with you but offer one caveat: let every state manage their own single payer system. The government managing all 50 states is not an option I could support. The states are pretty much in tune with what they need st the local level. On a lighter note I'd get a kick out of watching California and NY manage their own citizens and not intimidating other states because of their size. I think 40 million at last count. Finally could Colorado finance most of their single payer cost with marijuana revenues? Cheers
"The government managing all 50 states is not an option I could support"....Have you heard of Medicare by any chance? It can be found in all states, including yours. It does a pretty good job by all accounts.
"The states are pretty much in tune with what they need at the local level".....
Can you clarify for us why handling this at the state level would be better than the federal government? Look to Kansas, as a prime example of a state government that has failed miserably under Republican rule.
Do you feel that California and New York "intimidate" other states with their size? And that they couldn't "manage their own citizens"?
They actually rank fairly high on any measure of what they contribute in taxes, and what they get back. (To be fair, your state, Minnesota, ranks even higher). On average, the Republican states are more federally dependent than the Democratic ones.
"The states are pretty much in tune with what they need at the local level".....
Can you clarify for us why handling this at the state level would be better than the federal government? Look to Kansas, as a prime example of a state government that has failed miserably under Republican rule.
Do you feel that California and New York "intimidate" other states with their size? And that they couldn't "manage their own citizens"?
They actually rank fairly high on any measure of what they contribute in taxes, and what they get back. (To be fair, your state, Minnesota, ranks even higher). On average, the Republican states are more federally dependent than the Democratic ones.
1
At least Senator Corker may be beginning to get the drift that the haze of Republicans' years of trippy political posturing may be starting to clear. Oh, wow, man, "We realize that this is real — that it’s going to affect people in a real way.” Now, that sounds ominous.
Maybe the best outcome will be if they push through a repeal and replace that's truly awful, so, so bad that they'll be forced to expand Medicare into universal health care instead and just get the whole deal where it should have been decades ago.
Maybe the best outcome will be if they push through a repeal and replace that's truly awful, so, so bad that they'll be forced to expand Medicare into universal health care instead and just get the whole deal where it should have been decades ago.
8
"White House, Seeking Victory..."?
Oh right, it's all about a "victory", ANY victory to boast about and preen the (overweening) endless ego of Trump!
And WHO CARES about the good of the nation or its people?
Oh right, it's all about a "victory", ANY victory to boast about and preen the (overweening) endless ego of Trump!
And WHO CARES about the good of the nation or its people?
27
It's a carefully constructed Republican plan so we can be sure of two things:
A) Rich people will get a sizable tax cut and
B) The rest of us will get shafted.
Republicans can't help themselves, benefitting the rich at everyone else's expense is their raison d'être.
A) Rich people will get a sizable tax cut and
B) The rest of us will get shafted.
Republicans can't help themselves, benefitting the rich at everyone else's expense is their raison d'être.
40
"Stupidity is doing same thing and expecting different results" ~Albert Einstein
Do the Republican really expect a different outcome this time? I am not sure if this is just political theater or complete stupidity.
Oh, and they really don’t care if average Americans have any type of healthcare as long as they have the Mayo Clinic at their disposal.
Do the Republican really expect a different outcome this time? I am not sure if this is just political theater or complete stupidity.
Oh, and they really don’t care if average Americans have any type of healthcare as long as they have the Mayo Clinic at their disposal.
20
Can Trump just go away, already. Seriously, this is getting beyond ridiculous.
11
"The changes..... offer a possible balm for Republicans facing angry crowds at home for their failure to act on longstanding campaign pledges."
The people in these crowds are angry because they still have insurance? Do they actually think they will be better off if those pledges start getting met? Now if they are angry about the no go on the ACA repeal then they must still be delusional about what healthcare reform will look like coming out of this Congress. The real question is: Does anyone understand why everyone is angry? The Republicans have fed and encouraged their constituents' anger for years, pumping them full of falsehoods about the ACA and other programs that would help them. Now their poisoned ideological spewing is coming home to roost, back at them from the angry crowds. But has anyone kept track of what the anger is really about? Does standard Republican ideology align at all with the needs of its now working class base? It doesn't seem that it does.
Have Republicans started to believe their own lies about how they are out to protect the little guy? It seems that by turning again to healthcare reform the Republicans don't understand or appreciate the misalignment between their ideological goals and the needs of the people they claim to represent. It may well be that the anger and distrust that right wing has fed has grown into the very beast that will devour them.
The people in these crowds are angry because they still have insurance? Do they actually think they will be better off if those pledges start getting met? Now if they are angry about the no go on the ACA repeal then they must still be delusional about what healthcare reform will look like coming out of this Congress. The real question is: Does anyone understand why everyone is angry? The Republicans have fed and encouraged their constituents' anger for years, pumping them full of falsehoods about the ACA and other programs that would help them. Now their poisoned ideological spewing is coming home to roost, back at them from the angry crowds. But has anyone kept track of what the anger is really about? Does standard Republican ideology align at all with the needs of its now working class base? It doesn't seem that it does.
Have Republicans started to believe their own lies about how they are out to protect the little guy? It seems that by turning again to healthcare reform the Republicans don't understand or appreciate the misalignment between their ideological goals and the needs of the people they claim to represent. It may well be that the anger and distrust that right wing has fed has grown into the very beast that will devour them.
11
Trump and the Republicans have painted themselves into an even bigger corner regarding Obamacare. Every day it becomes increasingly clearer that the immutable laws of economics mean that unless the Republicans want to allow medical underwriting, that is where insurance companies can reject applicants with preexisting conditions, something very close to Obamacare must be retained.
Demand for medical care is inelastic. Controlling prices charged by doctors and hospitals via the use of monopsony like the rest of the developed world does is an anathema to Republicans. Monopsony, meaning "single buyer" is the flip side of monopoly. A monopsonist sets prices below free market equilibrium. It does not matter if there is an actual single payer or many buyers (or payers) whose prices are set by the government or by insurance companies in collusion with each other. see: Obamacare And Beyond: The Outlook For The Healthcare Sector. http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
As it is dawning on the Republicans, any system that does not explicitly control prices must have mandates and subsidies similar to those in Obamacare. Otherwise, most individual insurance policies would be far beyond the reach of middle class Americans since, without medical underwriting insurance companies would have to price their policies based on the assumption that the applicant has a costly preexisting condition..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4042715
Demand for medical care is inelastic. Controlling prices charged by doctors and hospitals via the use of monopsony like the rest of the developed world does is an anathema to Republicans. Monopsony, meaning "single buyer" is the flip side of monopoly. A monopsonist sets prices below free market equilibrium. It does not matter if there is an actual single payer or many buyers (or payers) whose prices are set by the government or by insurance companies in collusion with each other. see: Obamacare And Beyond: The Outlook For The Healthcare Sector. http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
As it is dawning on the Republicans, any system that does not explicitly control prices must have mandates and subsidies similar to those in Obamacare. Otherwise, most individual insurance policies would be far beyond the reach of middle class Americans since, without medical underwriting insurance companies would have to price their policies based on the assumption that the applicant has a costly preexisting condition..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4042715
It's a sad world that Trump and Republicans apparently envision where the masses of American people can get sick and die because they weren't fortunate enough to be born wealthy or economically smart enough to figure-out a scheme to make them successful at making money. We're not all Ivankas or Donalds or Pauls with wealthy daddies, or families that created successful businesses, that we could step into or receive dividends from. Why would some of the wealthy object to paying taxes to support the health care needs of the less successful, especially if it did not mean that they would lack for anything as a result? Is it simply spite or selfishness or the idea that the rest of us deserve pain because we aren't lucky enough or smart enough to be among the successfully wealthy?
9
In the USA we have attempted to deal with the combination of inelastic demand and unregulated medical care prices in various ways. One method of keeping medical care expense as a percent of GDP to "only" double that of other developed countries was to have a significant portion of the population uninsured and denied medical care in some circumstances. The existence of large numbers of uninsured (conscripts in the war against rising medical costs) did moderate the growth in health care costs.
HMO's were once thought to be a way of dealing with the inexorable price increases. The problem is that HMOs have to compete against each other for services of doctors and hospitals. As long as medical prices are set by market forces, the inelasticity of demand will force market prices inexorably higher. In a "mixed system" with both free-market and controlled health care prices like the USA, prices inexorably are driven upwards to the market level as long as demand is inelastic. Prices such as payments from Medicare that are "controlled" have to be increased continuously with legislation such as the "doctor-fix" to stay competitive with market prices. Medical prices can only be effectively controlled either by direct price controls as in Japan or with systems where everyone gets care for "free" from the government . In those countries only the extremely wealthy can chose not to use the government paid health services that they have already ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
HMO's were once thought to be a way of dealing with the inexorable price increases. The problem is that HMOs have to compete against each other for services of doctors and hospitals. As long as medical prices are set by market forces, the inelasticity of demand will force market prices inexorably higher. In a "mixed system" with both free-market and controlled health care prices like the USA, prices inexorably are driven upwards to the market level as long as demand is inelastic. Prices such as payments from Medicare that are "controlled" have to be increased continuously with legislation such as the "doctor-fix" to stay competitive with market prices. Medical prices can only be effectively controlled either by direct price controls as in Japan or with systems where everyone gets care for "free" from the government . In those countries only the extremely wealthy can chose not to use the government paid health services that they have already ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632
Yes Senator Corker, "this is real and (that) it's going to affect people in a real way." How else could you have been looking at healthcare in the past??? Your action and vote can save lives or kill people. That's as real as it gets.
13
This bill still guts the ACA, but hides the worst of the damage in the form of states seeking waivers from the ACA's protections. So the GOP can say that coverage for customers with pre-existing conditions will continue, except it won't in any state that seeks a waiver. Same for guaranteed coverage for emergency services and maternity care. If you eliminate those three things, OF COURSE premiums are going to be lower, so it's not as if a state has a high bar to meet to be granted a waiver. What problem is this bill trying to fix? Only the damning score from the Congressional Budget Office, since it will be harder to show how many millions of people will lose coverage when eliminating coverage will be left up to the states.
10
Yep, my state refused to expand Medicaid and now elders are being denied home care help even as nursing homes fail. The bosses here would never choose to help the sick if a waiver could stop it. People would die, democrats and children too. But the rich would get another tax cut, of that you may be sure.
4
The Republican way is Discrimination against people based on their relative health.
7
Or wealth!
4
The only way that #45 and Republicans might possibly pay a price with their base is for them to repeal (in full or in part) the ACA with no support from Democrats. Then let the chips fall where they may.
Uh yeah
sure.
Eddie Ryan and Terrapin McConnell have this fast tracked
sure.
Eddie Ryan and Terrapin McConnell have this fast tracked
3
OH, really, round two?
"It's just a flesh wound!"
"It's just a flesh wound!"
1
So what happened to repealing the ACA his first day in office?
6
It depends on how one defines Day One (I suppose).
2
If people who don't want to lose their healthcare call, write and visit their Congressional representatives and tell them NOT to cooperate with this effort at Trumpcare 2, this bill will be DOA, too.
14
Obama never had any fight in him. When Congress said no to him he would run away and hide (blaming them, racism or something else). The most striking example of this for me was after the Sandy Hook shooting. He tried to get gun control legislation passed and the marched the parents of the dead children in front of Congress to testify, when the legislation did not pass by a small margin, Obama shrugged and walked away. He didn't stand up and FIGHT for it. This was the epic weakness of his administration and ironically, this is what Trump is good at, he fights and when he gets knocked down he gets up again and fights some more. I admire his tenacity. He seems to have better political instincts than the liberals want to acknowledge.
4
In the first episode of the Axe Files, David Axelrod interviewed Bernie Sanders. Sanders agrees with you. Instead of fighting for the right thing, Obama backed down. Sanders says that the real fight for an administration comes the first day after winning the election. Explaining everything to the public, garnering, and keeping strong public support.
3
Well, Trump's political instincts extend only to his surly followers. That's an easy bunch for him. You need to understand that, @Springtime.
You imply that Trump is having success from his instincts. This is hardly the case.
You imply that Trump is having success from his instincts. This is hardly the case.
2
So a guy who gets knocked down after fighting for a bad policy is admirable because he gets up and fights for one that is even worse? If, even after children in an elementary school classroom were killed, Congress wouldn't tighten up access to guns (and just passed legislation, which Trump signed, to allow those with mental illnesses to buy them) , Obama had to acknowledge the power of the opponent, the NRA. Neither the Ryan Plan nor this current one being proposed (which should be called the Unaffordable Care Act) are close to what Trump promised during and after his campaign: affordable health care "for everyone." What matters to him is the win, even if he loses all his principles during the fight.
3
Craven, yes, but calling a bill to eliminate coverage of the sick and terminally ill by throwing them into the cauldron and calling it 'risk pooling' or a 'state solution' is not "craving progress." It is the opposite of progress, it is homicidal indifference by a craven and desperate Cheater in Chief who is joined with a weak and incompetent hypocrite: Paul Ryan, who can't balance a spoon or fork on his finger let alone a budget without causing the death of vasts swaths of people. Saying "I'm sorry" doesn't excuse homicide. Certainly not in the name of a tax cut for rich people who've already been handed several of those.
90
Maybe it's time to take to the streets and show the buffoons that this will not stand! I mean, really take to the streets.
General strikes, barricades and the best one of all: 24/7 protests around trump tower and the residences of the Koch boys. After all, they'er the craven thieves behind the drive to give billionaires another tax cut!
General strikes, barricades and the best one of all: 24/7 protests around trump tower and the residences of the Koch boys. After all, they'er the craven thieves behind the drive to give billionaires another tax cut!
22
I agree. $107,000,000 for Trump's Inauguration? With a crowd so small if it was a marshmallow roast they'd have to come up with $100,000 per marshmallow to account for those funds? It sure smells like pay to play access fees for policy and influence fees for everything ranging from naming Israel's ambassador to arranging meetings between private citizens from Venezuela and our National Security Council. The Emoluments Clause is all about preventing foreign governments paying off our president and government to change policy, and Trump has been flagrant about it!! This is the very essence of our Founding Fathers worst nightmares!
RESIST!!!
RESIST!!!
13
What they really crave is a distraction from the Russia story and Trump's criminality, in a nutshell.
13
At the risk of being cynical, isn't the proposal that is outlined in this article a way to reach a stalemate about replace and replace, would leave insurers on the exchanges in the lurch, cause the cost of premiums to rise, and prevent Congress from increasing subsidies?
Sometimes you actually have to walk in other people's shoes to "get it."
I keep trying to think what that would be from the mostly male, conservative, financially secure men who currently dominate the Republican Party.
Perhaps one of their leaders could suddenly lose their wealth, become physically impaired by some affliction or disease, and have to earn a living at the minimum wage or something just slightly above that. Perhaps a child also becomes seriously ill as well as a parent.
Is that what it takes for the light to come on? Personal tragedy? Or maybe, just maybe, making their way through life like most ordinary Americans? Who could possibly benefit from their current position?
I'll hang up and listen.
I keep trying to think what that would be from the mostly male, conservative, financially secure men who currently dominate the Republican Party.
Perhaps one of their leaders could suddenly lose their wealth, become physically impaired by some affliction or disease, and have to earn a living at the minimum wage or something just slightly above that. Perhaps a child also becomes seriously ill as well as a parent.
Is that what it takes for the light to come on? Personal tragedy? Or maybe, just maybe, making their way through life like most ordinary Americans? Who could possibly benefit from their current position?
I'll hang up and listen.
1
I like the shut down the government option
3
““The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said. Asked if a health bill could pass as Congress tries to avert a government shutdown, the president said, “I think we’ll get both.”
Who takes this man's words seriously any more? He is a soothsayer, to use the olden term, and says whatever sounds glowing.
This bill shall meet the same fate as the last one. An empty, deflating balloon of hot air. And meanwhile, history moves forward as the US is sidetracked by this buffoon's delusions of grandeur.
Who takes this man's words seriously any more? He is a soothsayer, to use the olden term, and says whatever sounds glowing.
This bill shall meet the same fate as the last one. An empty, deflating balloon of hot air. And meanwhile, history moves forward as the US is sidetracked by this buffoon's delusions of grandeur.
6
Here's a good article on socialism: including remarks on the relationships between socialism, capitalism, and communism:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism#North_American
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socialism#North_American
1
"Craving progress?" Who does not crave progress? Wouldn't you say "progressives" crave progress. So petty, so childish. No wonder your credibility among voters is in the toilet.
Quoting Captain Obvious: Republicans are incapable of governing.
Why would that be? Because they start every discussion and parse every idea by calculating whether their party and their incumbency is at risk. . . not country, not voters, not those in need, but those who pay for their allegiance.
It's really not any more complicated than that.
Why would that be? Because they start every discussion and parse every idea by calculating whether their party and their incumbency is at risk. . . not country, not voters, not those in need, but those who pay for their allegiance.
It's really not any more complicated than that.
4
I don't know about everyone else but after reading this article my head is spinning. Who knew reactionary politics was so complicated?
4
But we have won so much already (as promised) having this Liar-in-chief in the WH that my head is spinning all the time. This is a "post-existing" condition that I hope the new and much improved Trumpdontcare will cover.
2
They mustn't have frightened enough constituents. Get it out there and get them all. Time for health care for all.
3
We know what this is all about. The Republicans don't care in the slightest about health care for the poor or its affordability. They just want to say they undid what President Obama did. The NY Times won't print the words that should be used to describe these men.
7
The GOP never seems to learn. This resurrection of the failed health care initiative of last February is following the same path of working to arbitrary deadlines than to improvement of health care. The tail is truly wagging the dog here.
The high-risk pool idea might work for the political appearances desired by the President and Republican lawmakers, but it won't work for folks in the high risk pools because, once any measure is safely passed into law, the requisite funding will never follow.
The high-risk pool idea might work for the political appearances desired by the President and Republican lawmakers, but it won't work for folks in the high risk pools because, once any measure is safely passed into law, the requisite funding will never follow.
3
Pain and punishment. Some great solution. I guess if we're all perceived as too stupid to understand gross adjusted income on a tax return, so it goes.
Did Republicans invent healthcare? They treat it like they own the right to your life or death, alleviating your suffering or choosing not to.
12
Rx: Phase in Medicare for all, over a 10-15 year period--by dropping the age requirement. At the same time, the Federal Govt. needs to increase the number of physicians in the country. (Otherwise, you are just handing out a bus ticket for a bus that's already filled.) Have the Feds pick up the tab for the cost of medical school. The newly minted MDs then owe the country 4-6 years of service. Sort of like ROTC or the military academies. Oh, and while we are at it, lets have a national debate about the pros and cons of a 2 year mandatory national service requirement. i.e. military service, peace corps, healthcare corps, teacher corps, conservation corps, etc.
222
Sounds a lot like heading for a European model. Which from my experience, works very well.
1
Completely agree on the paid medical education....the AMA and the med schools have artificially held down the numbers of students they admit, and the programs are way too expensive for most Americans. Let the gov't subsidize the best students in return for service. Without huge debt these docs can afford to give back for a few years and then go make their bucks a bit later on. Win win for all.
1
Ronald Reagan said that the 9 most terrifying words in the English language are: "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
Today that's been supplanted by just 3 words: "Medicare for all".
Today that's been supplanted by just 3 words: "Medicare for all".
The Whitehouse and Congress are not listening to the majority of Americans, the ACA is loved more than despised. Such madness, what will it take for them to shake off this crusade? States who have abandoned Medicaid expansion have lost local hospitals and medical care. What will Employeers do when the premiums rise 30%, stop offering coverage?
114
It all comes down to Trump doing everything he can to delegitimize Obamas legacy
4
In New York medicaid expansion worked well. I also spent time in Florida, which did not expand the program and where only very few qualify for regular Medicaid. The result is that the wage slaves and the self employed go without insurance, or those making 40K and up pay through the nose. This is why poverty persists and how Republicans engender anger at government, because in this case they have set up the ACA to fail.
NYTimes; please report on the correlation between Medicaid expansion and the success or stability of the exchanges and the individual market. My guess is the other components of the ACA work better in states with Medicaid expansion.
NYTimes; please report on the correlation between Medicaid expansion and the success or stability of the exchanges and the individual market. My guess is the other components of the ACA work better in states with Medicaid expansion.
2
Where in the Constitution does it stay that "states rights" give states the right to worsen the health and reduce the life expectancy of those within their borders?
3
Where does it say that states are responsible for the health and life expectancy of those within their borders?
Reply to Carl:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
This "plan" seems like political suicide. Republicans are proposing a situation where Republican voters in Republican states would be faced with either losing healthcare or moving to a Democrat controlled state for care. The ads write themselves.
Trump says the shooting in Paris is terrifying.
Not nearly as terrifying as Trump & the GOP
taking healthcare from 24 million Americans!
Not nearly as terrifying as Trump & the GOP
taking healthcare from 24 million Americans!
4
Tax cuts for the rich, masquerading as a health care bill! Republicans really are a shameless bunch. What makes these morons think rolling out this sham of a plan will sit any better with Americans than their last attempt at obfuscation and flim-flam? God, we really need a serious second party to replace this shallow, non-serious crowd of Republican loons!
Trumps so called healthcare bill is more about him scoring points and feeding his ego than actually engaging in good public policy.
Thats what ghe Failure and Ignorancre Party is all about
Thats what ghe Failure and Ignorancre Party is all about
The White House expects to resurrect a Republican health care bill by now preventing millions of Trump supporters from having coverage? Really?
If Republicans wouldn't pass a bill that denied coverage to millions of poor people, why would they now pass a bill that denies coverage to millions of their voters?
Sad!
If Republicans wouldn't pass a bill that denied coverage to millions of poor people, why would they now pass a bill that denies coverage to millions of their voters?
Sad!
1
Well, Trump said he could stand in Times Square and shoot somebody, and his voters would still love him. He was right.
So he can take health care away from his voters and they'll still vote for him. As the recent studies on what's the best predictor of a vote for Trump show us, it's racism. And again from another study, his voters will deny themselves government subsidies if it means that minority groups won't get them either.
It's racism all the way down.
So he can take health care away from his voters and they'll still vote for him. As the recent studies on what's the best predictor of a vote for Trump show us, it's racism. And again from another study, his voters will deny themselves government subsidies if it means that minority groups won't get them either.
It's racism all the way down.
4
Another epic fail being teed up by Prez Chaos just in time to make the not accomplished in 100 daze list. The Free Dumb ones ain't playing. Pre-existing conditions reinstated and fake insurance for the rest. Can I get another slice of that sumptuous chocolate cake? My Syrian friend said it was to die for.
3
Well, the"president" could just make it simple. Just enact and sign a bill that is empty sans some long and fancy title designed to further hoodwink the people. In other words, just keep the con going.
2
Genius used car salesman corker sez the republicans realize this is real. Good start, dude. People's health care needs are real. Progress.
3
Nice way to distract from the Russia investigation, potential war with North Korea, his and his families conflicts of interest, and on and on. Elizabeth Warren recently said something like Trump's first 100 days feel like dog years. I agree!
3
If this "new" plan does not mandate basic health care requirements, it will continue to be insurance company protection rather than health care for we the people.
5
The proposed "solution" to the Republican health care impasse sounds more like the infamous Final Solution. Republican-controlled states can round up all the people insurance companies consider undesirable into a ghetto and let them die for lack of health insurance.
High-risk pools have been tried before, with invariably disastrous results: Astronomical premiums for plans that have such high deductibles and such limited benefits that they're worse than useless. Patients end up paying enormous premiums for worthless insurance on top of paying for all their health care costs out of pocket. The main reason high-risk pools have failed is grossly inadequate funding. I can't see Republicans adequately funding them now, but I can see them continually cutting whatever funding they do provide.
Also, let's assume that letting insurance companies go back cherry-picking and lemon-dropping actually creates significant cost savings. Do Republicans really think insurance companies will pass those savings on to their (exclusively) young and healthy customers? Or will they do what corporations always do with windfalls: Buy back their stock, merge with other companies, and do all the other financial transactions that create shareholder value?
I think it's time for Democrats to go on TV and social media and incessantly proclaim the truth: Republicans want to take health care away from millions of people to give wealthy donors and CEOs big tax cuts.
High-risk pools have been tried before, with invariably disastrous results: Astronomical premiums for plans that have such high deductibles and such limited benefits that they're worse than useless. Patients end up paying enormous premiums for worthless insurance on top of paying for all their health care costs out of pocket. The main reason high-risk pools have failed is grossly inadequate funding. I can't see Republicans adequately funding them now, but I can see them continually cutting whatever funding they do provide.
Also, let's assume that letting insurance companies go back cherry-picking and lemon-dropping actually creates significant cost savings. Do Republicans really think insurance companies will pass those savings on to their (exclusively) young and healthy customers? Or will they do what corporations always do with windfalls: Buy back their stock, merge with other companies, and do all the other financial transactions that create shareholder value?
I think it's time for Democrats to go on TV and social media and incessantly proclaim the truth: Republicans want to take health care away from millions of people to give wealthy donors and CEOs big tax cuts.
10
"I think it's time for Democrats to go on TV and social media and incessantly proclaim the truth: Republicans want to take health care away from millions of people to give wealthy donors and CEOs big tax cuts."
I totally agree. They should be buying airtime. Surely, they have the money...
I totally agree. They should be buying airtime. Surely, they have the money...
They are 20 days too late for this joke.
2
"The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good"
2
Who needs Death Panels when you have Trumpcare?
11
Trump said they wanted to move on to tax cuts, but then was reminded that Republicans' so-called "health care" bill actually is a tax cut bill.
There is no way that they can improve care, lower costs, increase access while also pulling off their real goal: tax cut for their wealthy donors.
So what they are trying to do is put a better spin on it to see whether they can get away with it this time.
"high risk pools" would shaft fewer than 24 million but harm and even bankrupt millions of sick people who most need insurance
Republicans are hoping that people who do not think that they will be bumped into expensive high-risk pools for a pre-existing condition, will be as selfish as Republicans and Trump are, care nothing for all who will be harmed, and buy the lie that the new version somehow is a health care bill rather than, what it really is meant to be, a tax cut for the wealthy bill.
There is no way that they can improve care, lower costs, increase access while also pulling off their real goal: tax cut for their wealthy donors.
So what they are trying to do is put a better spin on it to see whether they can get away with it this time.
"high risk pools" would shaft fewer than 24 million but harm and even bankrupt millions of sick people who most need insurance
Republicans are hoping that people who do not think that they will be bumped into expensive high-risk pools for a pre-existing condition, will be as selfish as Republicans and Trump are, care nothing for all who will be harmed, and buy the lie that the new version somehow is a health care bill rather than, what it really is meant to be, a tax cut for the wealthy bill.
3
He would have a "win" by focusing on our infrastructure and creating jobs. Fix this country's bridges and roads. California has a few dams that need upgrading after our heavy rain season. There is plenty of work that needs to be done.
80
Unfortunately congress denied infrastructure funding to his predecessor so I can't imagine why they would reverse course.
Dams, bridges, roadways, city water systems, etc. are the kind of projects that would really put people to work and improve life in America. Forget that idiotic wall guarded by all those yet-to-be hired border patrol people.
3
When is the FBI report on the Trump et al investigation going to be ready?
18
These republicans want to eliminate the 3.8% Medicare tax for the wealthy investors and they want to drastically reduce the assistance with health insurance premiums that lower-income households pay. Can you imagine a family making the median household income of $51k being able to afford family coverage that runs upwards of $15k per family? They and many others are too "rich" for Medicaid and too poor to afford private health insurance. What is wrong with these idiots.
I think instead of paying our premiums to private insurance we should pay the premium amounts into Medicare and have coverage for all.
I think instead of paying our premiums to private insurance we should pay the premium amounts into Medicare and have coverage for all.
4
"White House officials, desperate to demonstrate progress on President Trump’s promise to repeal the Affordable Care Act, are pushing to resurrect a Republican health care bill before his 100th day in office next week."
they're desperate for that $1trillion used in the baseline for their tax reform bill; they don't give a hoot about health care.
they're desperate for that $1trillion used in the baseline for their tax reform bill; they don't give a hoot about health care.
4
Rome wasn't built in a day - but - the previous government handed Congress the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in an overnight package which few members could not possible read - and I doubt anyone accomplished the time frame. But the Act was put forward and votes called to 'pass-it' whether you did or did not read it thoroughly. There are many reasons to proceed in a better manner and Republicans are following the right path - better coverage at better costs. It is a win-win situation and a significant step forward for elected members to be participatory with all hands on deck and sincere discussion to achieve thoughtful consensus, rather, than conversation to prolong delay and stop the Afforded Health Care Act from being passed. The bottom line is you folks in Washington don't have to be concerned about your health care privileges provided FREE for life by the tax-payers which is all the more reason you ought to be working overtime to ensure the folks who are paying your costs will at least receive health care reasonably priced because they darn well deserve it.
1
Almost no one in Washington gets "health care privileges provided FREE for life by the tax-payers". Fake news!
Trying to follow the Trump administration's policies and long-term strategic logic is like watching a ball bounce around a pinball machine. While those in the administration may think there is a method to this madness, there is actually a madness to this method. Hopefully the rest of the Republican party recognizes this.
1
Whether it's the 1st, 100th, or 1,000th day of his administration, Trump is going to declare victory for himself and label ANY information to the contrary as "fake news." Why even set a finish line?
If unemployment is high, he will declare the economic data to be "fake" (again). If the "great, great wall" hasn't been built or paid for by Mexico, stand by for Spicer air quotes to the effect that by "wall" Trump meant general border protection. If ISIS hasn't been defeated, heck, Trump can just SAY he's defeated them (just like he said we had a deterrent heading towards North Korea). His lies are legion, so what's a few more? When pressed, his surrogates will simply state once again that "the President believes what he believes."
Trump doesn't care if he wins, he cares if he is PERCEIVED as a "winner." Incredibly, this is even true when he ACTUALLY wins! Note that Trump virtually bypassed the fact of his own Presidential victory by obsessing over how some people mocked him due to the popular vote, his poll numbers, the size of his inauguration crowds, etc. He would probably have been fine losing the election so long as more people were complimenting him than Clinton.
Grading Trump in any way shape or form is like grading Kim Jong-Un. He's not going to accept fact and neither are his disciples. Some people see him as the dangerously delusional child-king he is and some people are fully-indoctrinated, Kool-Aid drinking loyalists. #believeme
If unemployment is high, he will declare the economic data to be "fake" (again). If the "great, great wall" hasn't been built or paid for by Mexico, stand by for Spicer air quotes to the effect that by "wall" Trump meant general border protection. If ISIS hasn't been defeated, heck, Trump can just SAY he's defeated them (just like he said we had a deterrent heading towards North Korea). His lies are legion, so what's a few more? When pressed, his surrogates will simply state once again that "the President believes what he believes."
Trump doesn't care if he wins, he cares if he is PERCEIVED as a "winner." Incredibly, this is even true when he ACTUALLY wins! Note that Trump virtually bypassed the fact of his own Presidential victory by obsessing over how some people mocked him due to the popular vote, his poll numbers, the size of his inauguration crowds, etc. He would probably have been fine losing the election so long as more people were complimenting him than Clinton.
Grading Trump in any way shape or form is like grading Kim Jong-Un. He's not going to accept fact and neither are his disciples. Some people see him as the dangerously delusional child-king he is and some people are fully-indoctrinated, Kool-Aid drinking loyalists. #believeme
4
Hostage Crisis: 90 Days and Counting and the Congress Unproductives mounting another front. Great! Can you just force Trump to release his tax returns. C'mon do something Productive.
5
Seriously? This "so-called president", his administration, and members of the GOP have made only destructive policies - not one thing they have done so far has been beneficial to anyone, or this planet, for that matter - DON"T let them devastate us more, Congress!!!
5
Fortune reported in January that our Congress people receive a 72% subsidy on their health care premiums. Congress has to purchase from the DC pool and pay 28% of the premium. Other federal employees receive free healthcare insurance. Obamacare mandated that in 2014 Congress would have to purchase from the exchange (albeit at 28%). CONGRESS WANTS BACK INTO THE FREE HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM.
1
Federal Government employees do not get free healthcare insurance. (See: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/healthcare/reference-materials/... They have a deal roughly comparable to Congress'.
SINGLE-PAYER
SINGLE-PAYER
SINGLE-PAYER
SINGLE-PAYER...
SINGLE-PAYER
SINGLE-PAYER
SINGLE-PAYER...
22
Do States want the power to downgrade their citizens' insurance? In Louisiana, it is fair to assume that the governor - a conservative Democrat - does not.
Among Republican hardliners, the desire to punish *somebody* is so strong that they apparently want to punish their own constituents (or at least offer that power to State governments), even if they are unable to punish those in other States.
Among Republican hardliners, the desire to punish *somebody* is so strong that they apparently want to punish their own constituents (or at least offer that power to State governments), even if they are unable to punish those in other States.
3
Fearless leader will provide better healthcare and coverage for everyone. Just give him more powers, trust him.
Hahahahahahahahaha.
Hahahahahahahahaha.
15
Does every action have to be politicized in the NYT? I am healthy 58 year old man as far as I know. I don't go to the doctor because I have to pay everything for the first 6000 bucks. Once I get really sick I will go but then it is too late.
We need a better system. We can't politicize health care. The tribes of the Sahara say you can kill your enemy in battle but you can't let them die of thirst. Let's do the same.
We need a better system. We can't politicize health care. The tribes of the Sahara say you can kill your enemy in battle but you can't let them die of thirst. Let's do the same.
4
So now it's the fault of the NYT? This makes no sense.
1
I too am in my 50's. Try buying the more expensive policy with the lower deductible - the platinum plan. It's worth it, at least for a year or two, then if you are confident, go to the higher deductible plan.
2
In other words, those who live in the 31 Republican controlled states will have the original Trumpcare that was pulled before a vote. Because you know those states will strip the ACA down faster than a car thief in a back alley garage.
14
Some, but not all. Some Republican states were purely hypocritical about it, wanting it for themselves but nobody else.
3
Every Michigan Congressman except Amash voted for that piece of garbage. Once ALEC gets their "mitts" on it in Michigan via state legislature it will only benefit those who profit from it.
And this article doesn't even mention the $800 billion cut to Medicaid, eliminating healthcare coverage for many of the poorest. I'm sure that is still a part of this "plan," as there was no discussion to the contrary. Nor does this mention the huge tax cut to the wealthiest. Regardless of the dithering around the details of how to get sick people out of the individual insurance market, as a whole this plan is simply a massive tax cut for the rich at the expense of the poor.
151
"... as a whole this plan is simply a massive tax cut for the rich at the expense of the poor."----------AND at the expense of everyone else as well!
Trump and Company are just plain ignorant about the mechanics and dynamics of government at any level whatsoever. Stumbling around like a crazed elephant in a swamp they forgot to drain is not going to get them anything...a "success" in this skirmish at this time will simply enrage what is left of the thinking, voting public.
Yes, the "appraisals of the president's tenure (first 100 days) will be brutal..." And focusing on health care again instead of a really good fiscal solution before April 28th is going to add fuel to a conflagration already raging out of control.
Add the Carl Vinson tomfoolery to the Syrian empty gesture and the MOAB that tore up real estate but didn't do what was intended and this administration is a train wreck.
Yes, the "appraisals of the president's tenure (first 100 days) will be brutal..." And focusing on health care again instead of a really good fiscal solution before April 28th is going to add fuel to a conflagration already raging out of control.
Add the Carl Vinson tomfoolery to the Syrian empty gesture and the MOAB that tore up real estate but didn't do what was intended and this administration is a train wreck.
125
One can mock the president's actions, unaided or abetted, and the republican congress inaction, but both are menacing this country's well-being.
2
The lede for this column says it all: The perceived need is for optics, a "victory", and actually has nothing whatsoever to do with improving health care for working American men and women. Mr. Trump and the majority in Congress want to be seen as winners (and of course, they want to help the health insurance executives take home bigger bonuses next year).
7
Republicans have now joined insurance companies in, openly, not caring about people's healthcare and proven that they only care about their own narrow objectives, like profits and wins.
8
Hey, trump! Shut up and govern or move aside/
3
The biggest problem for the Republicans is that the health plan has attached the name of a black Democratic President! Maybe they could keep the program and just change the name. Sometimes the sense politics makes is really obvious and stupid.
7
So getting tired of this, leaving "it" to the states.
First, if put to the states, states like Wisconsin which is governed by Scott Walker, who could care less about fair healthcare and costs to constituents, could devour prospects of "healthcare for all" and/or affordable.
Walker did not expand Medicaid.
When he became governor he capped a federally assisted program for elders and disabled for seven months, Family Care. Constituents were forbidden for applying for benefits, even if they qualified, for seven months after Walker started his regime.
Not until the Feds marched in and mandated the removal of the cap and mandated that all counties in Wisconsin provide Family Care services did constituents get their fair shake to apply for benefits that they were entitled to.
Then he was going to make Family Care services be overseen by a for profit, no bid contract, out of state, insurance company. Do you really think these folks would have been approved to get the needed services they were entitled to?
I was one of the state's citizens that pleaded with the state budget committee to not allow his proposal. So far his proposal has not come to life.
As a nurse, and a senior, to hear "states' choice" makes me shudder.
If every state had a fairly motivated governor to provide services with justice and fairness, fine.
But having lived Scott Walker, I realize that is a far fetched dream.
First, if put to the states, states like Wisconsin which is governed by Scott Walker, who could care less about fair healthcare and costs to constituents, could devour prospects of "healthcare for all" and/or affordable.
Walker did not expand Medicaid.
When he became governor he capped a federally assisted program for elders and disabled for seven months, Family Care. Constituents were forbidden for applying for benefits, even if they qualified, for seven months after Walker started his regime.
Not until the Feds marched in and mandated the removal of the cap and mandated that all counties in Wisconsin provide Family Care services did constituents get their fair shake to apply for benefits that they were entitled to.
Then he was going to make Family Care services be overseen by a for profit, no bid contract, out of state, insurance company. Do you really think these folks would have been approved to get the needed services they were entitled to?
I was one of the state's citizens that pleaded with the state budget committee to not allow his proposal. So far his proposal has not come to life.
As a nurse, and a senior, to hear "states' choice" makes me shudder.
If every state had a fairly motivated governor to provide services with justice and fairness, fine.
But having lived Scott Walker, I realize that is a far fetched dream.
12
The latest GOP Healthcare plan will allow the insurance companies to decide what is a preexisting condition, then raise insurance rates on those folks.
8
Freedom Caucus = Death Panel.
15
We need a better system of government. We no longer have a one vote, one person system.
Eliminate the Electoral College
Outlaw gerrymandering
Open the voting process up so over 2-3 days you can vote over a weekend.
Eliminate the Electoral College
Outlaw gerrymandering
Open the voting process up so over 2-3 days you can vote over a weekend.
19
Notice that their main concern isn't what they can do to help the American people...
25
Poor Trump - everything is a product and the fact that there are human lives attached to it, health care in this case, is clearly irrelevant to him. trump could be selling you a washing machine, which, I submit, he is more qualified to do than anything complex that requires an attention span beyond two minutes.
From the article:
““The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said.
Perhaps if the Toddler-in-Chief wraps the latest repeal and replace proposal in gold leaf more folks will buy into it? Really, this is the POTUS and he speaks with the vocabulary of a first-grader and with a thought process to match. Yuck!
From the article:
““The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot,” Mr. Trump said.
Perhaps if the Toddler-in-Chief wraps the latest repeal and replace proposal in gold leaf more folks will buy into it? Really, this is the POTUS and he speaks with the vocabulary of a first-grader and with a thought process to match. Yuck!
16
Great! Let average Americans struggle to pay for health care to stroke the President's ego. It's all about him, right?
15
Here's an idea: The Republicans demonstrated that they are incapable of developing a workable alternative to the A.C.A. The piece of legislation that they attempted to pass was a bad joke. Why not work with the Democrats to fix what doesn't work about the A.C.A. and call it ObamaTrumpcare? We know that Trump doesn't care about anything other than a win, which this would give him. And it would leave intact (hopefully) most of the A.C.A., thus retaining Obama's name, who actually did care about people.
13
What a bunch of amateurs.
I guess 7 years was not enough time to come up with a sustainable, affordable plan to benefit ALL Americans.
Where is the accountability? In other word- WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ON YOUR TAXPAYER SALARY FOR 7 YEARS BESIDES COMPLAINING ?
Who voted for these bozos ?
Dems- don't take the bait- McConell and Ryan own this one.
I guess 7 years was not enough time to come up with a sustainable, affordable plan to benefit ALL Americans.
Where is the accountability? In other word- WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING ON YOUR TAXPAYER SALARY FOR 7 YEARS BESIDES COMPLAINING ?
Who voted for these bozos ?
Dems- don't take the bait- McConell and Ryan own this one.
33
If Trump forces this bill thru based on what has been publicly released about the contents, he will deliver both the House and the Senate to the Democrats along with most statehouses. The destruction of the GOP may be the positive consequence.
14
Same wine, same bottle, NEW and IMPROVED label.
It seems that they can't have it both ways: cut out these with pre-conditions and lower premiums, so under their most sacred phrase, state's rights, those who need the most legal help in with health insurance are under the trump bus (again).
It seems that they can't have it both ways: cut out these with pre-conditions and lower premiums, so under their most sacred phrase, state's rights, those who need the most legal help in with health insurance are under the trump bus (again).
12
Truly: you can, in fact, put lipstick on a pig and come up with something else entirely. Alleluia!
The government (FEMA) subsidized federal flood insurance premiums for those that insist on an ocean view so that the premiums are affordable. What is so wrong with helping those with lower-incomes pay their health insurance premiums? Insurance is expensive and lower-income, small company jobs do NOT provide health insurance for families and present-day premiums are not affordable to many households.
As for the Obamacare 3.8 tax on the wealthier folks' investment income, I say it is more than fair. Citizens are able to elect Medicare coverage at age 65 and pay a modest (very modest) monthly premium. Unlike the rest of us that have been paying Medicare tax out of every paycheck all of our lives (with no maximum ceiling), the wealthy have not paid in (they don't earn paychecks to speak of). Don't think for one minute that these wealthy people pass up Medicare. They can have their liver transplants, cancer treatment and heart attacks at the hospital for a $500 monthly premium until they die. The wealthy investors need to contribute to their future care just like we do.
As for the Obamacare 3.8 tax on the wealthier folks' investment income, I say it is more than fair. Citizens are able to elect Medicare coverage at age 65 and pay a modest (very modest) monthly premium. Unlike the rest of us that have been paying Medicare tax out of every paycheck all of our lives (with no maximum ceiling), the wealthy have not paid in (they don't earn paychecks to speak of). Don't think for one minute that these wealthy people pass up Medicare. They can have their liver transplants, cancer treatment and heart attacks at the hospital for a $500 monthly premium until they die. The wealthy investors need to contribute to their future care just like we do.
233
Very apt comparison to the FEMA subsidies for ocean front investors....there is no conscionable reason not to help low income folks with health care, this should be a right of citizenship not a privilege for the wealthy.
1
The top 2 percent are already paying 50 percent of the taxes while the bottom 50 percent pay nothing.
I'll bet you don't like those facts.
I'll bet you don't like those facts.
Too bad you lifted the name of a gifted essayist who was also a socialist. But I digress. To address your statistic, pick the one you like
One percent of our population has 35.6 percent of all private wealth, more than the bottom 95 percent combined.
The 400 wealthiest individuals on the Forbes 400 list have more wealth than the bottom 150 million Americans.
In 2010, 25 of the 100 largest U.S. companies paid their CEO more than they paid in U.S. taxes. This is largely because corporations in the global 1 percent use off shore tax havens to dodge their U.S. taxes.
Between 1983 and 2009, over 40 percent of all wealth gains flowed to the 1 percent and 82 percent of wealth gains went to the top 5 percent. The bottom 60 percent lost wealth over this same period.
The world’s 1 percent, almost entirely billionaires, own $42.7 trillion dollars, more than the bottom 3 billion residents of earth.
Between 2001 and 2010, the United States borrowed over $1 trillion to give wealthy taxpayers with incomes over $250,000 substantial tax breaks, including the 2001 Bush era tax cuts.
The 99 percent has seen their national share of income decline from 91 percent in 1976 to 79 percent in 2010. The share of wealth owned by the bottom 90 percent declined from 19.1 percent in 1962 to 12.8 percent in 2009.
One percent of our population has 35.6 percent of all private wealth, more than the bottom 95 percent combined.
The 400 wealthiest individuals on the Forbes 400 list have more wealth than the bottom 150 million Americans.
In 2010, 25 of the 100 largest U.S. companies paid their CEO more than they paid in U.S. taxes. This is largely because corporations in the global 1 percent use off shore tax havens to dodge their U.S. taxes.
Between 1983 and 2009, over 40 percent of all wealth gains flowed to the 1 percent and 82 percent of wealth gains went to the top 5 percent. The bottom 60 percent lost wealth over this same period.
The world’s 1 percent, almost entirely billionaires, own $42.7 trillion dollars, more than the bottom 3 billion residents of earth.
Between 2001 and 2010, the United States borrowed over $1 trillion to give wealthy taxpayers with incomes over $250,000 substantial tax breaks, including the 2001 Bush era tax cuts.
The 99 percent has seen their national share of income decline from 91 percent in 1976 to 79 percent in 2010. The share of wealth owned by the bottom 90 percent declined from 19.1 percent in 1962 to 12.8 percent in 2009.
“We want to make sure we replace it with something that will stand the test of time,” said Senator Bob Corker.
There is a program that has stood the test of time and it's very popular, although Republicans opposed it at its inception and have worked to dismantle it ever since. That program is Medicare.
It's time for a single-payer, government issued comprehensive health insurance program for all Americans. It's time to end the patchwork of programs: federally subsidized employer based insurance, Medicaid, the ACA exchanges, and a dozen other types.
Take all the money spent across the spectrum of this patchwork and create Medicare for ALL. It will overwhelmingly pass the House and the Senate.
Who won't like it: the insurance industry, the Koch brothers, a handful of ideologues.
who will like it: the American people, corporations and small businesses, independent contractors, hospitals and doctors. Anyone who wants to make America healthy
There is a program that has stood the test of time and it's very popular, although Republicans opposed it at its inception and have worked to dismantle it ever since. That program is Medicare.
It's time for a single-payer, government issued comprehensive health insurance program for all Americans. It's time to end the patchwork of programs: federally subsidized employer based insurance, Medicaid, the ACA exchanges, and a dozen other types.
Take all the money spent across the spectrum of this patchwork and create Medicare for ALL. It will overwhelmingly pass the House and the Senate.
Who won't like it: the insurance industry, the Koch brothers, a handful of ideologues.
who will like it: the American people, corporations and small businesses, independent contractors, hospitals and doctors. Anyone who wants to make America healthy
441
You're suggesting the government do what the *people* want? Are you crazy?!
"...create Medicare for ALL. It will overwhelmingly pass the House and the Senate."
Can I sell you a few highways, bridges, and monuments?
Can I sell you a few highways, bridges, and monuments?
Medicare for all = popularity for the President. Bigly.
Trump and Co are fruit cake nutty.
3
I love the GOP being in the position of damned if they do & damned if they don't.
2
Unbelievable although it surprises no one. This group of corrupt toxic evil buffoons really thinks they can do this? They never learn, they never will, they've wasted millions and millions and millions of dollars trying to repeal this law, as a taxpayer I am so sick of these kinds of grandstanding cruel attempts to pillage and rape the healthcare system to many deaths and horrid financial consequences for all Americans. They waste so much money that actually could've been used to do some good. Is there one single Republican in Washington who has any integrity left, clearly not. Why don't you cruel horrible people quit pulling this garbage and do the things that constituents actually want you to do. Medicare for all! Medicare for all! Medicare for all! Do you toxic corrupt old evil white republican men that are racist, sexist and just generally horrible not understand that when all of the country does well that you do too? If you take away all of our money all of our healthcare all of our services who the heck is going to buy the services and goods that corporate America wants to sell? Do you not understand that over half of the economy depends on consumers from every part of America? Grab a clue and start doing the right thing. You are disgusting. The orange mushroom cloud in the White House has made America rotten. Resist and persist! Get out and vote, let's do a clean sweep and try to have a government that works.
10
These heartless weasels will release their unconscionable bill, pleasing no one, and hurting once again their willfully ignorant supporters. When will "the base" learn to stop hating others (Muslims, immigrants, transgenders) more than they love their country and more than they respect themselves?
5
Weasels are cute. AND useful.
2
My apologies to weasels.
1
Trump is suffering from very exaggerated views of his own personal charisma. He is bitten by his own ability and record of having sold those promises he used to get elected and has not given up on still expecting the same results from the professional politicians.
With all his back and forth on everything, after a few months, most likely, news programs would switch to doing weather and sports before they get to what the POTUS said or did that day.
With all his back and forth on everything, after a few months, most likely, news programs would switch to doing weather and sports before they get to what the POTUS said or did that day.
1
Newsflash to Republicans: health care cannot be a stand-alone, for-profit venture. Neither can public transportation. Or prisons. Or roads (here comes a new Republican fiasco: toll roads everywhere!). Or education.
If something never has worked, anywhere, there usually is a very good idea.
Reaganism and Thatcherism: the most perniciously evil modern "isms."
If something never has worked, anywhere, there usually is a very good idea.
Reaganism and Thatcherism: the most perniciously evil modern "isms."
8
The only way Republicans can give the 300 billion dollars in tax breaks to their billionare donors is to steal it from Americans healthcare.
Of coarse they will get it done.
Of coarse they will get it done.
13
" The plan gets better and better and better, and it's gotten really,really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot." That's the president of the United States speaking. In public.
24
MAN the koch brothers really hate poor people getting modern healthcare!
It's their own fault for not being born to a rich daddy like they were.
It's their own fault for not being born to a rich daddy like they were.
13
And where was the Koch family fortune made?
Well, the Fred Koch couldn't make it here so he went to the Soviet Union.
Well, the Fred Koch couldn't make it here so he went to the Soviet Union.
Shocking. "The latest version of the proposal...would maintain popular benefits in President Barack Obama’s signature domestic achievement, like guaranteed coverage for emergency services and maternity care."
Seems like the men actually listened to the outcry across the country about their cruel, inequitable and outrageous efforts to yank maternity care.
Keep RESISTING!
Seems like the men actually listened to the outcry across the country about their cruel, inequitable and outrageous efforts to yank maternity care.
Keep RESISTING!
9
The Republicans do remind me somewhat of Sisyphus of Greek Mythology. He's was the King of Corinth who was condemned for eternity to pushing a boulder up a hill only to watch it come tumbling down, again, again, and again..aka...Republicans and their health plan proposals. By the way, it is believed by many that he was quite happy doing this.
102
Hi, roark -
There's one difference - when the Republican boulder comes rolling down the hill, it crashes into the American people who, for some reason known only to the gods, continue to vote GOP.
There's one difference - when the Republican boulder comes rolling down the hill, it crashes into the American people who, for some reason known only to the gods, continue to vote GOP.
Health care reform will always fail as long as we put the needs of insurers first. It will succeed when we accept that:
Health care is a right.
No person is immune from risk; anyone can fall ill or be injured.
Therefore, the most effective way to insure us all against risk is to create the largest possible risk pool (single payer!), not to create fragmented "markets". The notion that men shouldn't pitch in for maternity care is absurd; should I not have to pitch in for testicular cancer? We all pitch in because that's just how insurance works.
I've literally never had to use my homeowner's insurance in the 30 years I've been paying; my money goes into the pot so that my neighbor is taken care of when her house burns down, just as I would be if mine were the one to go. Ditto car insurance: haven't had to use mine for about 15 years. I've helped to pay for someone's accident who maybe got a bigger payout than what they had put into the pool. You're welcome! That's how insurance works.
As a healthy person who takes no medications and has no chronic conditions, I'm paying for others. However—and this is a big however—what I hate about the current system is that I pay those thousands every year and still don't feel as if I should go to the doctor to check out worrisome symptoms. (I'm about to turn 60; I'll be getting more of those.) I'll still have to pay out unpredictable hundreds or thousands if something does go wrong. Only in America.
Health care is a right.
No person is immune from risk; anyone can fall ill or be injured.
Therefore, the most effective way to insure us all against risk is to create the largest possible risk pool (single payer!), not to create fragmented "markets". The notion that men shouldn't pitch in for maternity care is absurd; should I not have to pitch in for testicular cancer? We all pitch in because that's just how insurance works.
I've literally never had to use my homeowner's insurance in the 30 years I've been paying; my money goes into the pot so that my neighbor is taken care of when her house burns down, just as I would be if mine were the one to go. Ditto car insurance: haven't had to use mine for about 15 years. I've helped to pay for someone's accident who maybe got a bigger payout than what they had put into the pool. You're welcome! That's how insurance works.
As a healthy person who takes no medications and has no chronic conditions, I'm paying for others. However—and this is a big however—what I hate about the current system is that I pay those thousands every year and still don't feel as if I should go to the doctor to check out worrisome symptoms. (I'm about to turn 60; I'll be getting more of those.) I'll still have to pay out unpredictable hundreds or thousands if something does go wrong. Only in America.
168
As if a single payer system does not put the insurer first--- in this case the government. The assumption that government's avarice and malfeasance can be controlled when trillions of dollars are at stake is a delusion.
Insurance companies at least compete to some degree against each other. If government monpolizes the healthcare economy, i.e. nationalizes healthcare, when there are no alternatives, what recourse will the people have if the system begins to fail?
Insurance companies at least compete to some degree against each other. If government monpolizes the healthcare economy, i.e. nationalizes healthcare, when there are no alternatives, what recourse will the people have if the system begins to fail?
I rarely needed to go to the doctor either. Until I got cancer. Thank goodness for medicare and excellent supplemental insurance. My family is not ready for me to be gone.
Could these people possibly be more delusional?
34
Republicans attempting doing socialism squirming all the way. Trapped by Obama. No way to get out alive. No matter what they do, they lose. Getting smacked around at town halls. Deeelicious.
43
The 2018 midterms cannot arrive soon enough. Time to send the elephants into permanent retirement. They care about no one but themselves and the vile 1 percenters.
57
It will fail, just like RyanCare failed, just like the previous 56 GOP attempts to repeal Obamacare in the previous two Congresses. It's doomed to fail because the attempt to get rid of Obamacare never made the slightest sense to begin with and too many Republicans know that just as well as everybody else, and aren't going to join the Whackjob Caucus in jumping off a cliff without a parachute. It's an utter, malicious waste of time.
48
He loves me. He loves me not. He loves me. He loves me not.
Donald Trump, you are one bad boyfriend. Treat me bad; then you want me back. Over and over again. We're breaking up, Donald. You're no good. I'm better off without you.
Donald Trump, you are one bad boyfriend. Treat me bad; then you want me back. Over and over again. We're breaking up, Donald. You're no good. I'm better off without you.
28
Compare ourselves to other nations who find the essentials for good health
necessary for good economies...
Let's find a reason to guarantee health care for every citizen...just the basics...
Public Television has a duty to be the conscience of those who support
free discourse...so let us see this happen....let
us open up the debate....time for spring cleaning....out the closets of unnecessary cobwebbed thinkers on commercial TV...don't you think....so.
necessary for good economies...
Let's find a reason to guarantee health care for every citizen...just the basics...
Public Television has a duty to be the conscience of those who support
free discourse...so let us see this happen....let
us open up the debate....time for spring cleaning....out the closets of unnecessary cobwebbed thinkers on commercial TV...don't you think....so.
3
This cretinous, heartless man wants to win at all costs, even if he has to stiff the hapless fools who voted for him, which is what he has done all his life to "win." So now, since he considers the presidency his private domain, he is pushing to enlist the equally soulless Republicans in Congress to form an attack force to deprive millions of Americans of the modest health care they have been relying on for a few years and condemn them to get sick and maybe even die. What a stinky and degraded bottom this administration and the Republicans have reached.
50
The headline should read "... Eager for ANOTHER victory." Gorsuch counts.
1
LOL! Great irony!
1
Gorsuch does not count. That was all senate.
Putting a price on human life.
Are you guys 100% sure we're a Christian country?
Are you guys 100% sure we're a Christian country?
26
Get real. We put a price on human life every day. If we didn't, there would be a pedestrian bridge over every intersection in the country, there would be no buildings over one story, and speed limits would be strictly enforced. Life is full of tradeoffs. You make one every time you jaywalk.
If at first you don't succeed, lie lie again
125
Paul Ryan had six years to come up with a health care plan which the GOP could claim as their own. Of course he never did so, because his party's attack on the ACA was strictly undertaken for purposes of political posturing. So now Ryan and the GOP leadership are going to finally come up with a plan in one week that the Republican Party can back? After their last attempt, which they spent several weeks on, failed? I don't think so.
The key element in Trumpcare 3.0 appears to be reliance on state-run high-risk pools for the very sick. There has never been a high-risk pool which worked. Invariably they end up screwing those who are sick or have serious pre-existing conditions. Hopefully the American people will see through the charade and call on their representatives and senators to just say no.
The real goal of the GOP of course, besides scoring what they think would be a "win," is to cut taxes on the rich. That is the essence of Trumpcare. It needs to be said that during the 6 years of the ACA, which did increase taxes on the rich to pay for health care for the poor and near-poor, the rich grew even richer. The millionaires and billionaires not only did not suffer from having their taxes raised, they actually increased their wealth more.
The ACA has worked pretty well. It is, at its core, a plan based on conservative principles. Health care would be much better if we had Medicare for all, but for the time being the ACA is much better than the Trumpcare 3.0 tax cut plan.
The key element in Trumpcare 3.0 appears to be reliance on state-run high-risk pools for the very sick. There has never been a high-risk pool which worked. Invariably they end up screwing those who are sick or have serious pre-existing conditions. Hopefully the American people will see through the charade and call on their representatives and senators to just say no.
The real goal of the GOP of course, besides scoring what they think would be a "win," is to cut taxes on the rich. That is the essence of Trumpcare. It needs to be said that during the 6 years of the ACA, which did increase taxes on the rich to pay for health care for the poor and near-poor, the rich grew even richer. The millionaires and billionaires not only did not suffer from having their taxes raised, they actually increased their wealth more.
The ACA has worked pretty well. It is, at its core, a plan based on conservative principles. Health care would be much better if we had Medicare for all, but for the time being the ACA is much better than the Trumpcare 3.0 tax cut plan.
38
The Grifter in Chief and all his merry deceivers are at it again. Shoving out a sorry excuse to cut taxes for the rich and calling it health care. No, it is just tax relief for the rich. We all can see through you, GOP.
46
You mean the no health care for you bill.
31
"You're going to end up with great healthcare for a fraction of the price. And that's going to take place immediately." Trump, 2/19/16
"The new plan is good. It's going to be inexpensive. It's going to be much better for the people at the bottom, people that don't have any money." Trump, 2/18/16
"Everybody's going to be covered. I'm going to take care of everybody." Trump 9/27/15
"We're going to have insurance for everybody." Trump, 1/15/17
"We're gonna come up with a new pan that's going to be better health care for more people at a lesser cost." Trump, 1/25/17
"Nobody knew health care could be so complicated." Trump, February 28, 2017
"The new plan is good. It's going to be inexpensive. It's going to be much better for the people at the bottom, people that don't have any money." Trump, 2/18/16
"Everybody's going to be covered. I'm going to take care of everybody." Trump 9/27/15
"We're going to have insurance for everybody." Trump, 1/15/17
"We're gonna come up with a new pan that's going to be better health care for more people at a lesser cost." Trump, 1/25/17
"Nobody knew health care could be so complicated." Trump, February 28, 2017
333
Won't get through the Senate. No chance. Trump and the House are just wasting time with this.
1
Please send these promises to the so-called president to remind him of his promises before and after his election.
Trump is a complete fraud. Given his real estate development career, we should have known that he could not be taken at his word. He misrepresents the number of floors in Trump Tower, for pity's sake.
Trump is a pathetic charlatan and he's an epic embarrassment for the country. Trump is a convenient puppet for the GOP which opportunistically accepted him when they realized how deft he was at sleazy salesmanship. What a rotten bucket of goods Trump sold the American people.
Trump is a pathetic charlatan and he's an epic embarrassment for the country. Trump is a convenient puppet for the GOP which opportunistically accepted him when they realized how deft he was at sleazy salesmanship. What a rotten bucket of goods Trump sold the American people.
1
There is no need for the Republicans to push out another inadequate health care bill just because Trump wants a win AKA good headlines. He clearly is not interested in great healthcare for all so they should not bow to his pressure to rush.
20
They aren't trying or really care about healthcare or even the ACA. Also stop calling these GOP plans healthcare because its all about the upcoming tax cuts they want for the ultra-rich.
They're not trying to pass anything by voting in the Senate with the needed 60 votes. Their only interested in the billions they get from all the cuts in the current law. Then they can use that extra money for tax cuts without it supposing affecting the deficit. Of course they will be sued to no end trying to do it that way.
Who cares that 24 million lose healthcare or the cost goes out of control. Plus putting hospitals with more financial problem an people losing jobs. The rich get their tax cuts and that is what matters.
The fact the Rupukicians can get elected over and over tells one all the need to know about their voters. I just wish they would hurt medicare an SS like they truly want too and laugh at their base after it happens.
They're not trying to pass anything by voting in the Senate with the needed 60 votes. Their only interested in the billions they get from all the cuts in the current law. Then they can use that extra money for tax cuts without it supposing affecting the deficit. Of course they will be sued to no end trying to do it that way.
Who cares that 24 million lose healthcare or the cost goes out of control. Plus putting hospitals with more financial problem an people losing jobs. The rich get their tax cuts and that is what matters.
The fact the Rupukicians can get elected over and over tells one all the need to know about their voters. I just wish they would hurt medicare an SS like they truly want too and laugh at their base after it happens.
17
All this talk of the administration wanting a 'win' makes me sick. Healthcare is a life or death issue, not a game. The choices they make will have very real consequences. If this becomes law millions of people will suffer so our spoiled toddler in chief can feel like a winner. SAD!
57
The con man believes he can sell anything by using adjectives that are never really accurate, but always superlatives.
24
The GOP doesn't care about anything that makes life better for the 90% unless it makes the 1% richer.
21
“Now we’re taking our time. We realize that this is real — that it’s going to affect people in a real way.” - Republican Senator Bob Corker
So the first bill was just for kicks and giggles and would not have "affected people in a real way"? Why should we trust Republicans on the second attempt when their Senator just admitted that "now we're taking our time"?
So the first bill was just for kicks and giggles and would not have "affected people in a real way"? Why should we trust Republicans on the second attempt when their Senator just admitted that "now we're taking our time"?
29
The Caring Democrat Party worked hard for years to bring health care to millions and attained that goal with Obamacare. The Democrats did almost all the work and now the Republicans are trying to take the credit for the history books.
12
"Hear that train coming down the track,
Hear those wheels go clickety-clack..."
Hear those wheels go clickety-clack..."
6
Amazing. The GOP couldn't pass Paul Ryan's horrible AHCA because it wasn't Draconian enough for 18-20 hardliners in the so-called Freedom Caucus who care more for billionaires and insurance companies than they do for their constituents. And instead of learning from this, the GOP panders to those hardliners rather than reach across the aisle to Democrats by crafting a better bill for needy Americans to try to get votes.
The upshot being, the GOP is willing to risk taking away health insurance from 18-20 million Americans just to appease 18-20 petty, horrible people.
Thanks for nothing, GOP.
The upshot being, the GOP is willing to risk taking away health insurance from 18-20 million Americans just to appease 18-20 petty, horrible people.
Thanks for nothing, GOP.
143
36 years of devastating their own voters' economic prospects to shower more wealth on the top of the top and they wonder why those same voters now catch on. No one left to blame for the pickpocket scheme.
4
Just when we thought Obamacare was safe, the GOP swung around and attempted another attack. This is not government, it is oppression.
24
Look out!
Here comes the healthcare Armada!
Here comes the healthcare Armada!
16
I wish we could repeal and replace the 2016 elections. We need a do-over, and badly. The only reason to vote Republican is if you care not one iota for others, if you buy into the myth that you must be special and deserving because you are sitting on piles of money, and the rest of the world are lazy beggars. Trump is an ignorant, uncurious person, worse than Mr. Potter from "It's a Wonderful Life."
13
This promises to be amusing. Again.
3
I cannot for the life of me understand why maternity care is even a discussion. Every human comes from a mother, women have babies which are fathered by men - who has no stake in maternity care?
356
Anne-Marie,
you know the answer: Republicans only care about "life" while it's in the womb. From birth to death, they don't care.
you know the answer: Republicans only care about "life" while it's in the womb. From birth to death, they don't care.
12
As Hillary Clinton said, what, these Republican men were dropped by immaculate conception?
1
Madam, how about getting the males involved, to pay for their efforts?
Wouldn't that be a good start? Think about it. Thanks.
Wouldn't that be a good start? Think about it. Thanks.
Just one of the flaws in the Republican plan will prove fatal to our healthcare system - stopping the use of community rating. That has been in place since insurance began. Insurers estimate in real time what they think their expenses will be in the next year based off "community" ratings (think of this as the total costs incurred by everyone in your employer's insurance plan). By uncoupling this system of rating, you leave large classes of people that can't purchase insurance, and while younger folks pay a bit less, you will guarantee that as they age, they will pay more and more each year, based on actuarial data. The idea of returning to the pre-ACA days will only accelerate policy prices, lack of access, and increase preventable deaths. Perhaps the Congress should be forced to obtain their insurance this way, rather than having "employer sponsored" healthcare. If they had to live with their grand ideas, they might change their minds. This is only one small issue, and there are so many more, like how docs are paid, the cost of medical education, healthcare delivery, and redundancy that all make our system a prime candidate for complete collapse.
23
It is my understanding that Members of Congress so get coverage through the Obamacare markets. This was a condition of the original ACA established through an amendment to the ACA put forward by Senator Grassley. (Possibly he hoped to kill that bill.)
It would be helpful if NYTimes authors would address this issue in their articles since it is a recurring issue in many reader comments.
It would be helpful if NYTimes authors would address this issue in their articles since it is a recurring issue in many reader comments.
What part of NO does this neophyte administration not get? If Trump thought healthcare was complicated wait until he takes on the tax code---this gets better and better by the day.
21
The Affordable Care Act resulted in millions of newly insured Americans and statistically, one can project that thousands of lives were saved or made better as a result. A Republican plan will make health insurance unaffordable again and many will die. All for the sake of reputation. The Republicans will earn theirs if they succeed, and it won't be good.
16
Those 12 to 13 million people were less than five percent of our population. The Dems knew in 2010 that the PPACA wold never even insure HALF of the people who had been uninsured.
But it did bring us the $2 billion website. Obama's shining moment.
But it did bring us the $2 billion website. Obama's shining moment.
And that's why I find it so ironic that during the first ACA debate, conservatives were running around, ratcheting fears about "death panels".
But with the virtual gutting of the ACA by denying millions basic health care through the prerogative of the states, isn't that the very definition of a "death panel"?
But with the virtual gutting of the ACA by denying millions basic health care through the prerogative of the states, isn't that the very definition of a "death panel"?
Meanwhile, who pays for all of this nonsense? We, the people, just did, with our income tax returns.
11
speaking of which, i hate to be a broken record- but WHERE ARE THOSE TAX RETURNS ?????
Democrats will oppose any health care bill that comes from Trump. They would oppose the ACA unanimously if it was proposed by Trump. I hope the final product does provide lower premiums and retain coverage for those with pre-existing illnesses. The ACA has features like the mandate which did not succeed in getting the young and healthy. Everyone agrees the ACA needs fixing. I don't care if this new bill is altogether new or Obamacare-Lite as long as insurance is available, affordable and protects those with pre-existing illnesses. I don't care much who gets the credit either.
5
Never fear. From the details that have leaked so far there will no quarter given to those who have pre-existing conditions and for those who are gravely ill but can still buy insurance their premiums will skyrocket. This is the "greatness" Trump sees in the bill... The things you claim to long for cannot take place if Trump and the GOP alter the delicate balance of the ACA.
And they have no intention of trying to keep people insured. After all, Paul Ryan has already said he'd been dreaming about kicking people off Medicaid since he was drinking beer from bongs in college.
And they have no intention of trying to keep people insured. After all, Paul Ryan has already said he'd been dreaming about kicking people off Medicaid since he was drinking beer from bongs in college.
3
It's a financial impossibility that the bill will lower premiums and retain coverage for those with pre-existing illnesses. Trump can say anything he wants, but what he says generally cannot comport with reality.
4
Pre-existing conditions can only be covered if the mandate is in place. Insurance companies have to offset the cost of insuring all those sick people by forcing the young and healthy to buy in.
Why do Trump supporters not understand how insurance works?
Why do Trump supporters not understand how insurance works?
Please stop beating this poor, dead horse. The money spent on travel and security of the entire Trump Family Business, in many, many locations, would pay the heath care costs for a tremendous number of Americans. THAT is a true statement. Care to argue, GOP???? Bring it, please.
So, let me get this one straight. The White House wishes to keep their new health care plan alive, but they forget about how much their ideas are despised by the average American. Of course, the Trump people just do not believe in polls.
The whole mess of replacing the ACA with anything which is less than adequate or equal to the ACA is dead on arrival. FIXING the current plan is easier and more acceptable. In fact, even expanding the current plan to be a single payer, universal plan is so much more what the general public wants, if handled correctly (and exactly what the Trump/GOP people despise since it puts everyone on an equal basis).
The Trump people are just typically conservative and cannot explain their ideas to anyone. It is disgusting.
The whole mess of replacing the ACA with anything which is less than adequate or equal to the ACA is dead on arrival. FIXING the current plan is easier and more acceptable. In fact, even expanding the current plan to be a single payer, universal plan is so much more what the general public wants, if handled correctly (and exactly what the Trump/GOP people despise since it puts everyone on an equal basis).
The Trump people are just typically conservative and cannot explain their ideas to anyone. It is disgusting.
21
The Republicans are so devoid of ideas, so vindictive and retrograde in their thinking it's shocking.
13
@Betsy
Ironically, and in spite of being at the opposite end of the spectrum, the GOP is a lot like the British Labor Party...they've got nothing but stale, 30 yr old, disproven, ideology to flog at unwitting and ill-informed voters. Every election cycle makes that pool smaller. The end is nigh for the GOP, they just don't realize it yet. A few more constituent recesses ought to do it...
Ironically, and in spite of being at the opposite end of the spectrum, the GOP is a lot like the British Labor Party...they've got nothing but stale, 30 yr old, disproven, ideology to flog at unwitting and ill-informed voters. Every election cycle makes that pool smaller. The end is nigh for the GOP, they just don't realize it yet. A few more constituent recesses ought to do it...
Seven years they had to figure this all out.
Seven years.
Now, after first failing, they're racing multiple deadlines, each with dependencies upon the other, to pull this sick rabbit out of a hat.
It seems to me the GOP's true priorities, as nominal representatives of 'the People', is clear: They're spending waaay too much time fundraising and gerrymandering maps to 'win' elections, and too little time figuring out how to actually govern. It turns out it's much harder to turn campaign bombast - pleasing to the ears of wealthy libertarian donors - into sane pieces of legislation that makes sense to the shrunken middle class voters they needed to put them into office.
It also turns out that fooling people once into voting for you, and then expecting to fool them again into supporting nonsense legislation that takes away hard-won access to healthcare - whether through legislative sabotage that prices them out of markets, or allowing insurers to discriminate customers into separate risk pools - isn't going to work.
Politics may be a proxy for entertainment in this country, but healthcare is deadly serious business. It's high time the GOP listen to voters who can't figure out why owning a car sensibly forces them to buy car insurance, but being possessed of a human body where things can go wrong equally unexpectedly, doesn't. Join civilization, GOP, and accept healthcare as a basic human right. (And lose those looney-tune libertarians, they will destroy your party.)
Seven years.
Now, after first failing, they're racing multiple deadlines, each with dependencies upon the other, to pull this sick rabbit out of a hat.
It seems to me the GOP's true priorities, as nominal representatives of 'the People', is clear: They're spending waaay too much time fundraising and gerrymandering maps to 'win' elections, and too little time figuring out how to actually govern. It turns out it's much harder to turn campaign bombast - pleasing to the ears of wealthy libertarian donors - into sane pieces of legislation that makes sense to the shrunken middle class voters they needed to put them into office.
It also turns out that fooling people once into voting for you, and then expecting to fool them again into supporting nonsense legislation that takes away hard-won access to healthcare - whether through legislative sabotage that prices them out of markets, or allowing insurers to discriminate customers into separate risk pools - isn't going to work.
Politics may be a proxy for entertainment in this country, but healthcare is deadly serious business. It's high time the GOP listen to voters who can't figure out why owning a car sensibly forces them to buy car insurance, but being possessed of a human body where things can go wrong equally unexpectedly, doesn't. Join civilization, GOP, and accept healthcare as a basic human right. (And lose those looney-tune libertarians, they will destroy your party.)
11
Check history. Republicans are great at winning elections but can't govern a whit. Democrats have never learned how to win elections, but their governing is second to none.
It's frustrating to watch.
It's frustrating to watch.
6
7 years and nothing.
No surprise.
The reason is: the physics are what they are, math is math. End of story. Everything else is pure hogwash.
No surprise.
The reason is: the physics are what they are, math is math. End of story. Everything else is pure hogwash.
@Richard
Sure. But that being said, the physics and math were known 7 years ago. Otherwise 'normal' people, who spend 7 years refusing to make the rational choice--given the physics and math--between what works and what doesn't; what makes common sense and what doesn't; are being elevated to positions of power. Refusing to make a rational choice in spite of the need to make a choice that meets the needs of their constituents...is a choice. In a way, it's a rational choice to do an irrational thing.
Essentially, today's GOP seems to want to 'Darwin-ize' public policy. Survival of the fittest. No to minimal government, believing rational actions will occur in the name of 'survival' of whatever idea or individual can identify as a need. The problem is, that's two dimensional thinking. By making us no better than animals, surviving, they lobotomize humanity by no longer finding it necessary to think about anyone's 'big picture' but their own, here and now. We're not thinking in terms of passing on a decent world to the next generation.
So, the GOP thinks it's perfectly moral to let the poor and sick suffer their fate, in the name of the less poor and sick being able to survive the predations of the wealthier and healthier...and so on. For the GOP, American society should be run like a giant pyramid scheme. One day it collapses, but hey, too bad. A bunch of us got our 'survival' when we wanted it. Tough luck for the next generation that they weren't born earlier!
Sure. But that being said, the physics and math were known 7 years ago. Otherwise 'normal' people, who spend 7 years refusing to make the rational choice--given the physics and math--between what works and what doesn't; what makes common sense and what doesn't; are being elevated to positions of power. Refusing to make a rational choice in spite of the need to make a choice that meets the needs of their constituents...is a choice. In a way, it's a rational choice to do an irrational thing.
Essentially, today's GOP seems to want to 'Darwin-ize' public policy. Survival of the fittest. No to minimal government, believing rational actions will occur in the name of 'survival' of whatever idea or individual can identify as a need. The problem is, that's two dimensional thinking. By making us no better than animals, surviving, they lobotomize humanity by no longer finding it necessary to think about anyone's 'big picture' but their own, here and now. We're not thinking in terms of passing on a decent world to the next generation.
So, the GOP thinks it's perfectly moral to let the poor and sick suffer their fate, in the name of the less poor and sick being able to survive the predations of the wealthier and healthier...and so on. For the GOP, American society should be run like a giant pyramid scheme. One day it collapses, but hey, too bad. A bunch of us got our 'survival' when we wanted it. Tough luck for the next generation that they weren't born earlier!
Something this big , controversial and obviously complicated and the priority is speed because of optics? This sits well with even his supporters?
5
Notably, the White House version of a much needed "win" is a bill that passes the House. Not a good bill, or one that will pass the Senate. Sad.
13
A high-risk pool is not true insurance. Insurance - whether health, life, property, casualty, auto - spreads risk across a large pool of people in order to guarantee that the cost of it will be affordable to everyone. When you concentrate the high-risk people into one group the premiums become unaffordable for most. Yes, you do need "healthy" people (people with few or no claims) in a pool in order for it to work, just like you need lots of people who have no property insurance claims in a property insurance pool so that the insurance company can afford to rebuild the house that got burned down, and just like you need lots of people in the life insurance pool not to die that year so you can pay the death benefits to the survivors of the people who did die.
18
A modest proposal: As Trump's intent is to obtain a cosmetic victory rather than an effective change in policy, repeal Obamacare and immediately pass Trumpcare that has all the exact same provisions as Obamacare but includes a public option. If people notice the similarity to Obamacare, just lie about it and say no, that it is completely different. The health policy wonks will be happy and the Trumpites will believe his lies. A win all around.
8
"I alone can fix the problems of this nation", "talk is cheap and all talks no action": we will see DT's tweet is heading to another Waterloo taking the rest of the rest of Repulican with it.
4
New health care plan in a week! That's a super idea. I'd like fries with that, please.
9
That, Chris L., is a very funny (and exacting) comment...
Madness!
Madness!
The fact that Republicans offer nothing is the only reason to feel good about what the ACA offers. The 75 million Americans with Medicaid coverage through the ACA receive 60% of the health care benefits of the average American. And health care costs are the number one cause of individual bankruptcies.
Those who argue that the ACA was a great step forward are only part right. Mocking the Republicans' efforts is not unjustified. But those who think the ACA is something to write home about ignore the fact that health care for the poor is woefully inadequate. The whole point of health care reform was supposed to be helping the poor.. Republicans are heartless in this effort. Democrats are half-hearted. The Republicans have nothing to be proud about. The Democrats don't have much to be proud about either.
Those who argue that the ACA was a great step forward are only part right. Mocking the Republicans' efforts is not unjustified. But those who think the ACA is something to write home about ignore the fact that health care for the poor is woefully inadequate. The whole point of health care reform was supposed to be helping the poor.. Republicans are heartless in this effort. Democrats are half-hearted. The Republicans have nothing to be proud about. The Democrats don't have much to be proud about either.
Health insurance companies have way too much power over peoples' lives, deciding who should get what they need to live and who shouldn't.
Health is not something that should be a profit center. Single Payer in 2018.
Let's join the rest of the civilized countries of our planet. The only way for America to be great is to serve a healthy population.
Health is not something that should be a profit center. Single Payer in 2018.
Let's join the rest of the civilized countries of our planet. The only way for America to be great is to serve a healthy population.
8
The ACA was the last market based reform
The GOP made a deal with the devil by basing an entire generation of political argument against the ACA, which was, to most of us, an obvious proxy war against a black, Democratic President
Of course, death panels were never real
And neither is RyanCare/TrumpCare
Single payer is the only way forward
Medicare for all
Healthcare is a human right. Healthcare must become an American right.
The GOP made a deal with the devil by basing an entire generation of political argument against the ACA, which was, to most of us, an obvious proxy war against a black, Democratic President
Of course, death panels were never real
And neither is RyanCare/TrumpCare
Single payer is the only way forward
Medicare for all
Healthcare is a human right. Healthcare must become an American right.
11
DJT spent too much time on the golf course! This action has less than no chance.
Typical DJT- no planning, no research but plenty of blame coming.
C'mon 2018 midterms so we can start to get back to party that can govern.
Typical DJT- no planning, no research but plenty of blame coming.
C'mon 2018 midterms so we can start to get back to party that can govern.
4
"who could imagine:
-- health care was so complicated;
--Korean history was so complex" (even from a simplified Chinese perspective).
Anyone seeing a pattern yet?
What's next:
--budget;
--tax "reform";
--war?
-- health care was so complicated;
--Korean history was so complex" (even from a simplified Chinese perspective).
Anyone seeing a pattern yet?
What's next:
--budget;
--tax "reform";
--war?
Trump wants a legislative victory...even if the American people lose.
9
All the insurance companies, care managers, etc., etc.. are parasites upon our healthcare system, and our lives. Get rid of them- automatically save 20-25%, each and every year, with that simple change. How????
MEDICARE FOR ALL 2020. Keep it simple. And for those commenting that it's not as good as my private insurance, here's my answer: I understand that. But, I would be HAPPY to have less coverage if EVERYONE is covered. That will be the case when I reach the official Medicare eligibility age anyway, right??? We all will pay, one way or another. Well, at least those who pay taxes. ( ahem, Donald). And those who NOW must pay higher insurance premiums, due to Hospital/provider " cost-shifting " to cover uninsured patients. Let's get ON with it. Another 10 years and only the top 10% will be able to afford any health care.
I want things to be better for my daughter, AND her two daughters.
How about you???
MEDICARE FOR ALL 2020. Keep it simple. And for those commenting that it's not as good as my private insurance, here's my answer: I understand that. But, I would be HAPPY to have less coverage if EVERYONE is covered. That will be the case when I reach the official Medicare eligibility age anyway, right??? We all will pay, one way or another. Well, at least those who pay taxes. ( ahem, Donald). And those who NOW must pay higher insurance premiums, due to Hospital/provider " cost-shifting " to cover uninsured patients. Let's get ON with it. Another 10 years and only the top 10% will be able to afford any health care.
I want things to be better for my daughter, AND her two daughters.
How about you???
8
What about the added savings if big pharma could no longer plunder the American people? Remove all the sweetheart deals Congress gives them. FDA works for big pharma not us citizens. Whole system needs overhauled!
1
“The plan gets better and better and better, and it’s gotten really, really good, and a lot of people are liking it a lot”.
Is this a joke? He actually said this?
Is this a joke? He actually said this?
12
Definitely Trump. You can tell by the adjectives, the verbs, and his favorite adverb "really, really."
1
The only way this happens is if the republicans have a Damascus moment. Not likely.
1
The purposes of health care? To help people who are sick or hurt, and to prevent people from becoming sick or hurt.
The purpose of a government program like ACA? To put health care within the financial reach of as many Americans as possible, including people who have pre-existing conditions or conditions that are expensive to treat.
I'll happily support an alternative to Obamacare that is guaranteed to do those things better. But nothing in these new proposals meets this criterion.
The purpose of a government program like ACA? To put health care within the financial reach of as many Americans as possible, including people who have pre-existing conditions or conditions that are expensive to treat.
I'll happily support an alternative to Obamacare that is guaranteed to do those things better. But nothing in these new proposals meets this criterion.
18
Too many Americans are just plain stupid; how else to explain the continuing republican majority in congress and the lack of outrage in "red" states over trump's incompetence, ignorance and deceit? How many times can people shoot them selves in the feet and not realize that it hurts and they've got to stop it? Too much of what is wrong with this country is the direct result of people continually voting republican. Just stop; please, stop
130
Dear JMN,
I agree, but I think you've come up with a good motto for today's America. It used to be things like: America, the shining city on the hill. America, beacon of liberty. America, land of the free.
Since Trump, it's far more accurate to have it as, America, just plain stupid.
I agree, but I think you've come up with a good motto for today's America. It used to be things like: America, the shining city on the hill. America, beacon of liberty. America, land of the free.
Since Trump, it's far more accurate to have it as, America, just plain stupid.
2
While stupidity certainly plays a role, you can forget the devastating role dark money and gross gerrymandering have played in this disaster. Both of these issues have to be addressed before we can hope to have any semblance of decency in our elected officials; they make it almost impossible to hold these scoundrels accountable to voters.
The idea of holding the risk corridors hostage so the democrats will come to the table is the equivalent of saying "If you don't let me kill all of the hostages, I'll kill one! I swear!"
I thought Trump was supposed to be a good negotiator
I thought Trump was supposed to be a good negotiator
20
“We’re going to have insurance for everybody,” Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post. “There was a philosophy in some circles that if you can’t pay for it, you don’t get it. That’s not going to happen with us.”
“I was the first & only potential GOP candidate to state there will be no cuts to Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid”
“We don't want anyone who currently has insurance to not have insurance.”
As he campaigned for the White House that he declared in an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes”: “I am going to take care of everybody … Everybody’s going to be taken care of much better than they’re taken care of now.” More recently, Trump has promised that repeal will end with “a beautiful picture.”
19
The Yiddish expression, " You can't pee down my back and tell me its raining" comes to mind whenever I hear the Republican version of better affordable health care
How many times does Trump need to prove that he is the Biggest Liar-in-Chief before folks finally believe him? Sad.
2
However you dress it up, it's still a nasty attempt to disenfrachise millions of health care.
The government will shut down over this thoughtless process and continued stupidity. The healthcare issue need not steal comer time when the government is running out of money. Steve Bannon must have been let out of his dog house and he would love a shutdown.
3
The only reason Trump wants to do this quickly is for his own massive ego - he hasn't done much in his first 100 days, after all.
This will be like the Muslim ban all over again.
This will be like the Muslim ban all over again.
12
Dear L,
More accurately, this will be like both Muslim bans, and the earlier Trumpcare failure, and eliminating NAFTA, and confronting China's currency manipulation, and eliminating ISIS, and becoming friends with Russia, and dissolving NATO, and on and on, all over again. One hundred days of solid, unrelenting failure.
More accurately, this will be like both Muslim bans, and the earlier Trumpcare failure, and eliminating NAFTA, and confronting China's currency manipulation, and eliminating ISIS, and becoming friends with Russia, and dissolving NATO, and on and on, all over again. One hundred days of solid, unrelenting failure.
5
Again?! Snooze. Wake me when this debacle is over, please.
2
Zombie RyanCare stands and shambles again!
4
A rough beast, indeed.
Obsessed with that 100 days who cares? deadline the media can't stop talking about - these vicious clowns seem intent on driving the ACA off a cliff.
Do that and the Congress and Senate will be a cemetery for GOP in 2018.
Do that and the Congress and Senate will be a cemetery for GOP in 2018.
9
H A L L E L U J A H. White-coat Whack-a-Mole is back!
I will accept anything TheDonald tries to do to keep the Pence - McConnell - Ryan triumvirate out of power. It would take 20 years for the Supreme Court to reverse the damage those three would do . . .before the D's could retake the Senate in 2018.
I will accept anything TheDonald tries to do to keep the Pence - McConnell - Ryan triumvirate out of power. It would take 20 years for the Supreme Court to reverse the damage those three would do . . .before the D's could retake the Senate in 2018.
Republicans aren't "desperate" to give Trump a win. They know that only one budget reconciliation can occur for each budget resolution, and - if they don't find nearly a trillion in savings in the current budget - then they'll have find them in next year's budget resolution. Which means they'll have to put off tax cuts for the rich until the reconciliation after that.
If they find the trillion in savings during the current budget resolution, then they can do the tax cuts in the fall of 2017. That's their hope. The health and welfare of the citizens of the US be damned. Tax cuts for the wealthy are all that matter.
If they find the trillion in savings during the current budget resolution, then they can do the tax cuts in the fall of 2017. That's their hope. The health and welfare of the citizens of the US be damned. Tax cuts for the wealthy are all that matter.
6
Republicans will not be happy until the poor are dying on the streets. I will never understand them.
26
WE don't want to see anyone dying on the streets. We just don't believe it's the government's proper role to interfere. Charities yes, but not forced redistribution.
Were the poor dying on the streets before the Affordable Care Act was passed? I'm not being snarky, I am just not aware of dead bodies being found on city streets due to a lack of healthcare before Obama took office.
And indeed the poor are dying on the streets already...you are from Seattle too...see the horrific scenes in the homeless camps around the Dearborn exit. Many of these poor souls there have mental health problems. Healthcare for all would be a good start for our society. I wish we could take these lawmakers to see our problems with their own eyes...
First of, the GOP created this crisis because they stopped the payments in the 2015 budget (see Marco Rubio bragging about it) in order to create premium spikes and insurers dropping out of the marketplace. The obvious purpose of this was so they could say before the 2016 election "See?! Obamacare is failing."
To the GOP the voter is a tool first and a citizen they should care about second.
To the GOP the voter is a tool first and a citizen they should care about second.
13
To the GOP the citizen is a tool first, second and last...
This Kabuki Theater about a $-driven government shutdown is absolute baloney...
If folks wanted - and Obama did this more than once - they could find enough loose change in the lounge sofas at the US Treasury and Federal Reserve to keep things afloat for a couple of months...
So, one question (Steve Mnuchin - am lookin' in your direction...)...
Did you really mean all that stuff you said about Hamilton's portrait - and grokking the vibe of the place...
And - presumably getting the US back on track for a private-sector-led real recovery, with real 4% GDP growth...
Or do you think we're all as stupid as Gruber said we are - and you're going to sneak in a business tax cut and not much else...
Just askin'...
If folks wanted - and Obama did this more than once - they could find enough loose change in the lounge sofas at the US Treasury and Federal Reserve to keep things afloat for a couple of months...
So, one question (Steve Mnuchin - am lookin' in your direction...)...
Did you really mean all that stuff you said about Hamilton's portrait - and grokking the vibe of the place...
And - presumably getting the US back on track for a private-sector-led real recovery, with real 4% GDP growth...
Or do you think we're all as stupid as Gruber said we are - and you're going to sneak in a business tax cut and not much else...
Just askin'...
2
Like I said - absolute baloney...
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-says-health-care-overhaul-could-come-...
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-says-health-care-overhaul-could-come-...
There is no health care plan that will be both acceptable to hard line conservatives and acceptable to the rest of us.
146
"But Congress usually cannot take on two big things at once." Like opening their mouths and telling the truth! Desperate to claim a victory, regardless of the impact on voter's healthcare, Congressional Republicans would vote for the Devil if it passed Trump Care aka. AHCA.
Congressional payback will have to wait for November 2018 when the Republican majorities are erased at the polls by voters they have deprived of Obamacare Healthcare. Just wait and see!
Congressional payback will have to wait for November 2018 when the Republican majorities are erased at the polls by voters they have deprived of Obamacare Healthcare. Just wait and see!
13
This failed miserably and Trump needed a distraction. Now this mendacious attempt to both mask a massive tax cut for the very wealthy and gut millions of Americans health insurance coverage (and also destabilize Medicaid's future) has to be revived to become a Trump distraction. Without something else to push before the news, along with the continuing sabre-rattling bluster, Trump's Russian complications will attract the media's focus once again. Trump is getting sadder and sadder, when last month's debacle is revived as this month's new distraction. This is truly a 'first 100 days' for the history books, and not at all in any good way. Perhaps the best that can be said of it is that with all the internecine squabbling and bumbling incompetence none of the very damaging initiatives have actually gone anywhere. What kind of presidency is it when the best thing for the future of the country is continuing inept nonachievement by the administration?
17
We have the best government that can be bought (all cynicism intended).
Remember that this new congress tried to kill ethics oversight as their very first act. Plainly, they do not wish to be disturbed while looting the USA.
Remember fellas, if you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
Remember that this new congress tried to kill ethics oversight as their very first act. Plainly, they do not wish to be disturbed while looting the USA.
Remember fellas, if you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
10
My oh my, like a rabid bulldog, once Republicans are on the scent of a tax cut they can't help themselves.
In all of this doom and gloom, here is a happy thought--perhaps they are pushing this now because they fear that their time in power is limited. I know, I know, hope springs eternal.
In all of this doom and gloom, here is a happy thought--perhaps they are pushing this now because they fear that their time in power is limited. I know, I know, hope springs eternal.
12
Apparently, Mr Trump learned the complex intricacies of thousands of years of Chinese culture and monetary policy in ten minutes with Premier Xi.
Maybe someone could take ten more minutes and tell him about Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill.
Maybe someone could take ten more minutes and tell him about Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill.
The GOP certainly is a sick and crazed lot. The intentional sabatoge of Medicare subsidies to score political points and give Trump a legislative "win" is one of the more deranged tactics I've seen from this bunch, yet not altogether surprising. There will be no meaningful change until Americans wake up and get out to vote en masse.
12
Near the end of his first 100 days, the real choice is now apparent for President Trump. Do what's right for the people who elected him (and those who did not) or win a political victory. He has apparently made his choice and will likely achieve neither.
2
RESIST!
Resist at Town Hall meetings.
Call and email your reps, and reps in other states.
RESIST their efforts to rob the peasants and enrich the already obscenely wealthy.
Resist at Town Hall meetings.
Call and email your reps, and reps in other states.
RESIST their efforts to rob the peasants and enrich the already obscenely wealthy.
9
The poor, poor top 0.1%!
Bush era tax cuts, carried interest, super mortgage interest deductions, real estate loopholes, business deductions, income cap on Medicare taxes, off shore tax havens. Big time Wall Street firms that lost billions on risky leveraged bets, bailed out in 2009.
It's just not enough! They really need more tax cuts (and now) or else!
The Republican healthcare plan, crafted to meet the top 0.1%'s needs, will not meet the needs of lower 90%ers.
Republican issued ideological eyeglasses do not allow Republican legislators to see what every other advanced country has already achieved with better healthcare outcomes and lifespans at lower costs.
Let's at least hope they don't shut down the government again.
Bush era tax cuts, carried interest, super mortgage interest deductions, real estate loopholes, business deductions, income cap on Medicare taxes, off shore tax havens. Big time Wall Street firms that lost billions on risky leveraged bets, bailed out in 2009.
It's just not enough! They really need more tax cuts (and now) or else!
The Republican healthcare plan, crafted to meet the top 0.1%'s needs, will not meet the needs of lower 90%ers.
Republican issued ideological eyeglasses do not allow Republican legislators to see what every other advanced country has already achieved with better healthcare outcomes and lifespans at lower costs.
Let's at least hope they don't shut down the government again.
7
Dear JMT,
I'm actually fine with them shutting down the government again. It will highlight how incompetent the Republicans are, and at the same time save our nation some money, because so far in 2017 I can't think of anything much that the government has done that's been at all useful.
I'm actually fine with them shutting down the government again. It will highlight how incompetent the Republicans are, and at the same time save our nation some money, because so far in 2017 I can't think of anything much that the government has done that's been at all useful.
2
With Republicans at war with themselves, the government will remain shut down until further notice. Pay attention to the Department secretaries. They are busy dismantling their Departments while we are watching the Congressional circus.
I think the GOP will founder on the same rocks. Fundamentally, if insurance companies are required to accept people with pre-existing conditions, there must be an insurance mandate - a strong one. And if we are not willing to allow poor people to die or suffer unnecessarily, then we must be willing to pay for subsidies.
So I don't think the GOP will make any more headway than it did before. My fear is, the GOP will not only be unable to come up with an acceptable alternative, but they also will be unwilling to make the modifications to make Obamacare function properly. To do so would be, in their minds, to accept Obamacare, and that would be the most terrific and humiliating climb-down for them.
So I don't think the GOP will make any more headway than it did before. My fear is, the GOP will not only be unable to come up with an acceptable alternative, but they also will be unwilling to make the modifications to make Obamacare function properly. To do so would be, in their minds, to accept Obamacare, and that would be the most terrific and humiliating climb-down for them.
3
President Trump doesn't care on iota what's in the new health care bill as long as it gets passed. He can claim victory and lie all the way to the next election that it's a better health care system than President Obama's ACA. All the while the republican congress will have completed step one in dismantling the ACA, then, of course, the all important tax reform, shifting more money again to the top. Good times a comin.
3
We are seeing Republicans trying to deliver on a promise to repeal and replace the ACA, which really just amounts to more conning and conniving wrapped up and presented as their effort to do something. We are not seeing Trump delivering on his promise of better, cheaper coverage for all. I'm not sure what I'm seeing since there do not seem to be any significant changes proposed to the current provisions of the ACA.
Regardless of what it is, or what the GOP wants to call it, it clearly does not amount to delivering health care more efficiently or economically to any Americans whatsoever. They won't, but I can promise you that.
Regardless of what it is, or what the GOP wants to call it, it clearly does not amount to delivering health care more efficiently or economically to any Americans whatsoever. They won't, but I can promise you that.
1
If The Occupant wanted to pass a real reform, he'd be negotiating with Democrats, not the right wing loonies.
Which makes it clear he doesn't want reform: he wants tax cuts for the 1% to make room for "tax reform" which will amount to: more tax cuts for the 1%. All at the low cost of killing 10's of thousands of Americans per year, and ruining the lives of many more.
Which makes it clear he doesn't want reform: he wants tax cuts for the 1% to make room for "tax reform" which will amount to: more tax cuts for the 1%. All at the low cost of killing 10's of thousands of Americans per year, and ruining the lives of many more.
5
Enough Americans have figure out that a health care win for Trump is just that.
2
Trump has already forgotten that it's complicated. What is truly amazing is his ability to fool himself.
4
Wow. For some reason, I was remembering when congress members would work across the aisle for the betterment of the American people. So long ago now that it seems like a distant dream....Sad.
13
The republicans are so bent on vilifying the Democrats, they've forgotten to govern. And now that the lights are turn on in their direction, they're running like roaches trying to find a place to hide and then claim victory, when there is no victory to claim. Empty suits now run the country.
7
"Who knew that health care was so complicated?" Wanna bet dt still can't spell out any details of what is being proposed?
5
When will the far Right understand that the ACA is here to stay and the stepping stone, for Universal Healthcare Coverage
4
“The plan gets better and better and better,” Mr. Trump said.
And his AC casino investors were promised HUGE returns on their investment, and his Trump U customers were promised valuable educations, and his contractors, employees and creditors were promised payment in full, and he promised to honor his wives, and to release his taxes, and he said he had "unbelievable" proof of President Obama being born in Kenya and on and on and on go his lies.
Not one word or promise this pathological speaks should be treated by the press as anything but a lie until proven otherwise, especially when the words are about his and the GOP's obsession with destroying the ACA.
And his AC casino investors were promised HUGE returns on their investment, and his Trump U customers were promised valuable educations, and his contractors, employees and creditors were promised payment in full, and he promised to honor his wives, and to release his taxes, and he said he had "unbelievable" proof of President Obama being born in Kenya and on and on and on go his lies.
Not one word or promise this pathological speaks should be treated by the press as anything but a lie until proven otherwise, especially when the words are about his and the GOP's obsession with destroying the ACA.
6
According to the CDC, in 2012 117 million adults in the United States had a chronic health condition. Does that mean that they will all be dumped into a high risk pool? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of insurance? You know, the concept of spreading risk.
4
Actually, the modern purpose of insurance is to extract maximum premiums in return for minimal payout.
1
Democrats should (very publicly) refuse to work with republicans on healthcare until republicans vow to protect Obamacare's closure of the medicare part D donut hole. Of course, democrats can't stop the repeal of Obamacare (and resultant re-opening of the donut hole) if republicans are united. But that's not the point. Democrats should do it because it any senior who remembers that spending a mere $58.33 a month on medication (the amount where the donut hole kicked in pre-Obamacare) will become frightened to death of the Obamacare repeal. And nothing - I repeat, NOTHING - scares politicians more than hearing from angry seniors.
7
Medicare for America is way too complicated. Instead, we can look forward to endless iterations of politicians appeasing plutocrats at the expense of truth.
10
This is a very enlightening, but unwelcome window into how the Resident managed to bankrupt his business empire.
4
Nobody knew this governing business was so complex.
5
"...Some members of the president’s team have grown consumed by the marker, "
My word - that "marker" has consumed every conceivable media outlet from this journal to NPR, CNN and the rest of the ilk.
Having created and ground into our daily psyche this phony benchmark for President Trump, suddenly it's the WH who's "consumed".
And if it wasn't contrived enough, now the government's funding deadline is all on President Trump - how often did that happen in every predecessor's terms?
Enough, already.
My word - that "marker" has consumed every conceivable media outlet from this journal to NPR, CNN and the rest of the ilk.
Having created and ground into our daily psyche this phony benchmark for President Trump, suddenly it's the WH who's "consumed".
And if it wasn't contrived enough, now the government's funding deadline is all on President Trump - how often did that happen in every predecessor's terms?
Enough, already.
Trump promised a health care plan that would be “unbelievable,” “beautiful,” “terrific,” “less expensive and much better,” “insurance for everybody.” Anything less than that should be rejected. If they can't cover more people and/or for lower cost, then why bother?
5
Like every Trump victory, zero sum: You lose.
7
Actually in every Trump victory so far, it seems everybody loses, including, weirdly, Trump.
1
Headline revision:
"White House, Stumbling Deeper into Oblivion, Pushes to Revive Health Bill"
"White House, Stumbling Deeper into Oblivion, Pushes to Revive Health Bill"
8
Unless President Trump takes something like Canadian healthcare and passes it as his own ..
.. Anything else falls short of a better plan than Obamacare that "covers all Americans" like he promised.
.. Anything else falls short of a better plan than Obamacare that "covers all Americans" like he promised.
6
Pushing a health care bill that would hurt millions to prove you did something in your first 100 days is not good public policy on many levels. tump should be ashamed of his selfish behavior.
3
Do we really have to go through this again?
I found it comical that my local Republican congressman Mike Turner ran an ad during the Stephen Colbert show (!!) about getting rid of Obamacare, complete with a helpful phone number (202-225-6465). Oh, is he gonna get calls...
Either figure out a way to do a workable public option or fix what's wrong with the ACA, but PLEASE don't make it worse just to score a hit to Obama and some kind of 100 day benchmark. What horrible leaders.
I found it comical that my local Republican congressman Mike Turner ran an ad during the Stephen Colbert show (!!) about getting rid of Obamacare, complete with a helpful phone number (202-225-6465). Oh, is he gonna get calls...
Either figure out a way to do a workable public option or fix what's wrong with the ACA, but PLEASE don't make it worse just to score a hit to Obama and some kind of 100 day benchmark. What horrible leaders.
6
Just another losing proposition.
"Zombie Trumpcare" ... bang on.
The only thing that is new in this is the state high-risk pools. Only a fool fails to see what the reality of this would be: exactly what they have been in the past, no money.
Come on, you know that the Republicans in Congress will not appropriate to support the high-risk pools. So it will be serial dumpage: Congress will dump it back on the states and the states will dump it back on the hospitals and the people at risk.
And then trying to lift this one Congress while there's the issue of any budget at all, and a possible shutdown ... what a loser. We have the spectacle of Republicans controlling the House and the Senate and the Presidency and yet looking at a potential shutdown, due to unruly factions of their own party.
And Trump is simultaneously trying to blackmail the Democrats into rescuing him?
Wowza... this is world-class idiotic.
The only thing that is new in this is the state high-risk pools. Only a fool fails to see what the reality of this would be: exactly what they have been in the past, no money.
Come on, you know that the Republicans in Congress will not appropriate to support the high-risk pools. So it will be serial dumpage: Congress will dump it back on the states and the states will dump it back on the hospitals and the people at risk.
And then trying to lift this one Congress while there's the issue of any budget at all, and a possible shutdown ... what a loser. We have the spectacle of Republicans controlling the House and the Senate and the Presidency and yet looking at a potential shutdown, due to unruly factions of their own party.
And Trump is simultaneously trying to blackmail the Democrats into rescuing him?
Wowza... this is world-class idiotic.
How about replacing Obama Care with same insurance that congress has - problem solved.
6
Seeking a victory with a new healthcare bill? Like Congressional Republicans sought a victory with the 5 dozen+ tries to repeal the ACA, without a replacement?
GOP, this is not about your satisfaction from diminishing President Obama, it is about peoples' lives.
GOP, this is not about your satisfaction from diminishing President Obama, it is about peoples' lives.
Stop this idiocy, this on-going, never-ending Republican temper tantrum.
This grand-standing vacuity is NOT what we send lawmakers to Washington for. We elect them based on their sworn promises to serve the common good and the national interest first and last. Not Wall Street, not Big Coal, not Big Pharma, not the military-industrial complex.
We do NOT send them to Washington to shut down the government, to take lobbyists' money in exchange for ignoring what the majority of Americans want (e.g., reliable affordable health care, good public education, fiscal prudence, reasonable regulation of financial markets, consumer protections against predatory capitalism, forward-looking environmental stewardship and campaign finance reform, and international leadership, among other things).
The weasel words, lies, and horse manure coming from the mouths of so many well-shod buffoons on Capitol Hill and at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - and more often, these days, from Mar-a-Lago - is a collective slap in the face to all Americans.
This grand-standing vacuity is NOT what we send lawmakers to Washington for. We elect them based on their sworn promises to serve the common good and the national interest first and last. Not Wall Street, not Big Coal, not Big Pharma, not the military-industrial complex.
We do NOT send them to Washington to shut down the government, to take lobbyists' money in exchange for ignoring what the majority of Americans want (e.g., reliable affordable health care, good public education, fiscal prudence, reasonable regulation of financial markets, consumer protections against predatory capitalism, forward-looking environmental stewardship and campaign finance reform, and international leadership, among other things).
The weasel words, lies, and horse manure coming from the mouths of so many well-shod buffoons on Capitol Hill and at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - and more often, these days, from Mar-a-Lago - is a collective slap in the face to all Americans.
"Senior Republicans appear unconvinced that a revised health care bill would assure passage in the House."
I agree with them, it looks like the new bill includes a proposal to allow insurance companies to deny coverage or charge thousands more for people with preexisting health conditions. Is it fair? What kind of improvement is that from the previous bill? This new version is going to be worse than the previous one. Beating the 100th day of Trump's presidency dead line is not more important than coming up with a decent, cost effective health care bill covering everyone
I agree with them, it looks like the new bill includes a proposal to allow insurance companies to deny coverage or charge thousands more for people with preexisting health conditions. Is it fair? What kind of improvement is that from the previous bill? This new version is going to be worse than the previous one. Beating the 100th day of Trump's presidency dead line is not more important than coming up with a decent, cost effective health care bill covering everyone
3
If the Republicans keep this up, we'll have Medicare for All by 2022.
Trump needn't worry about the assessment of history - inasmuch he is sure to go down in the books as the worst President ever.
This guy makes Dubya seem like Lincoln.
Trump needn't worry about the assessment of history - inasmuch he is sure to go down in the books as the worst President ever.
This guy makes Dubya seem like Lincoln.
289
Dear Matthew,
I know, it's so crazy, as much as I fumed about Dubya at the time, he now looks like a wise, rational, acceptable president in retrospect.
I know, it's so crazy, as much as I fumed about Dubya at the time, he now looks like a wise, rational, acceptable president in retrospect.
It is interesting that the Rasmussen Poll has Trumps approval at 49% aand the NYT doesn't mention it.(Rasmussen was only organization that came close to predicting a Trump victory- unlike NYT CNN and MSNBC)!
He does make Dubya seem like Lincoln!
It is indeed amusing to watch legislators try to solve a problem which can't be solved permanently by intermittent tinkering. Sooner or later, healthcare will have to be run exclusively by the government if the pre-condition is that all should have good healthcare.
30
How do these changes affect the cost of healthcare? Paying less while getting less is hardly a way forward. Shifting who pays is also pointless as it doesn't actually reduce the cost.
I want some of these politicians to identify where there is waste in the system and go after it.
The problem is that whoever is profiting from this waste will lobby lawmakers. Healthcare as an industry will need to shrink in order for cost reductions to take place, and that will be painful somewhere, but better in the long run.
I want some of these politicians to identify where there is waste in the system and go after it.
The problem is that whoever is profiting from this waste will lobby lawmakers. Healthcare as an industry will need to shrink in order for cost reductions to take place, and that will be painful somewhere, but better in the long run.
12
We had the high risk pools in AK because we got rejected from all insurance because of pre-existing histories.(WE WERE NOT EVEN SICK) The high risk pool was not a good plan. They did not offer family plans, maternity insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance. Before ACA we had a combined family deductible of $40,000 ($10,000 each) plus $2100 combined premium payments a month which went up every year with age. We paid out of pocket for both of our daughters ($150,000 and worth every penny) because we couldn't get maternity insurance and WANTED TO PAY. We are self-employed, work hard, own a small business, and pay taxes, and can't afford any more increases. The ACA works, and helps people. It keeps premiums low, allowing you to save for when accidents or sickness does happen, you can be more financially prepared. Why is Congress ignoring us? I think Congress hould give us their health care plans, or be stripped of theirs so they can see what it's like in the 'real-world.' I think Congress is only looking out for people with money and corporate interests. Shame on all of you that support any repeal of ACA that hurts and ignores people. Health care should not be political. Health care is the difference between life and death not the haves and have nots.
There simply are no words for how much disdain I feel toward the Republicans and their need to carry through on a repeal when they clearly have nothing better to offer. The only purpose of a repeal is to remove subsidies. Subsidies are required with the current system but the only workable long term solution is single payer. Single payer is never going to be in any Republican plan because quite obviously they don't care about anyone except themselves and their wealthy donors.
206
That this country has yet to get its act together as far as providing universal health coverage for every citizen is shameful, reprehensible, embarrassing and most of all: amoral. After 250+ years as a nation, one wouldn't expect that we'd be operating more like a third-world banana republic than the industrialized, wealthy, supposedly socially-mindful and civilized country that we are.
80
The Republicans cannot agree among themselves on the direction of health insurance.
How will another rushed, ill conceived, thought bubble of a non health care policy, even get majority approval from within the Republicans in the House of Representatives?
How will another rushed, ill conceived, thought bubble of a non health care policy, even get majority approval from within the Republicans in the House of Representatives?
20
Just saw Rep. Coffman of Colorado on MTP Daily. If his opinion is a benchmark, this doesn't stand a chance. If anything, it takes the AHCA and makes it worse. No chance of Senate passage, so the only apparent purpose is to give Trump a pretend accomplishment by the 29th. If the original artificial deadline was a mistake, why repeat it?
The White House has nothing, least of all a healthcare plan. Trump was under the impression on the campaign trail that the Republicans had a plan to repeal and replace just waiting for his signature. The actual fact was the Republicans had nothing either. They were very good about the "repeal" part; they just never thought they would be called upon to replace it. The result was the abomination that was defeated by Republicans themselves. Most of Congress is still on vacation and have not given any thought to a "new" plan. The Amateur-in-Chief thinks he can wave his magic wand and an "improved" healthcare plan will appear. Good luck with getting enough votes on that.
12
Do proponents have any data to show that high risk pools will do anything more than squeeze the balloon? That is, the amount saved by customers outside the pool will be approximately equal to the additional costs the now-unsubsidized high risk patients incur.
There's two solutions here:
1) Subsidize the high risk pool to equalize premiums, meaning there is no cost savings (but it looks nice to see that cheap premium?)
2) Don't subsidize the high risk pool sufficiently, shoving costs onto the sickest patients with the attendant consequences.
Will the GOP be honest about which they choose and why?
There's two solutions here:
1) Subsidize the high risk pool to equalize premiums, meaning there is no cost savings (but it looks nice to see that cheap premium?)
2) Don't subsidize the high risk pool sufficiently, shoving costs onto the sickest patients with the attendant consequences.
Will the GOP be honest about which they choose and why?
6
Well, this effort is going to fail too. The Republicans' basic problem with crafting a better health care bill than the ACA is that they don't have any ideas on how to make a better bill. They've had over seven years to come up with a workable alternative, and a few weeks ago they didn't have one, and they still don't.
They can go ahead and try this but it will fail again, and will be seen, rightly, as yet another of Trump's failures. Trump is probably going ahead with this rather than tax reform because he has no good ideas for tax reform either. When he bounces back to tax reform after this fails, that will fail too.
They can go ahead and try this but it will fail again, and will be seen, rightly, as yet another of Trump's failures. Trump is probably going ahead with this rather than tax reform because he has no good ideas for tax reform either. When he bounces back to tax reform after this fails, that will fail too.
105
Republicans are in charge, but they haven't done anything that deserves the stamp "Made in Washington D.C. by Republicans." There is a reason for that. They reason is, they are intellectually incapable of devising a plan that would work.
Therefore should they indeed pass a substantial overhaul, or a full replacement, for the care act, you can be sure that the insurance, health-care and financial industries are going to suffer mightily and that regular Americans are going to see parents and children, friends and neighbors die of lack of care.
It will be a full-on Republican disaster.
Therefore should they indeed pass a substantial overhaul, or a full replacement, for the care act, you can be sure that the insurance, health-care and financial industries are going to suffer mightily and that regular Americans are going to see parents and children, friends and neighbors die of lack of care.
It will be a full-on Republican disaster.
24
The Repubicans had nearly 7 years to work on the repeal of the ACA. That the only thing they have to offer is this mess shows how little they understood the details of this legislation.
In fact, the ACA would have been a much better law if the Republicans had not watered it down to protect the Health Care Insurers.
In fact, the ACA would have been a much better law if the Republicans had not watered it down to protect the Health Care Insurers.
If the President wants a winner of a proposal - do the following - repeal the ACA and replace it with universal healthcare for all Americans. Cap all our of pocket expenses for every individual at $500/annually and $1000 for families. Regulate all drug pricing aside from the "designer" types. Have all office visits require a nominal co-pay and slightly more for hospital. Turn the insurance industry into a "top up" that is mandatory at age 30+ and actually has to cover all things - with no deductible - and government regulated premiums. Have the public option always provide a decent "floor" to all citizens with the insurance market offering the premium. Do this now and I guarantee all Americans will consider Trump to be a good President. And given every other western country has some variation of this system - we know it works...
69
I couldn't agree more. Health insurance is a trillion dollar industry that does nothing to improve the quality of healthcare.
If Democrats would really start pushing this plan, maybe they would start to win elections again.
If Democrats would really start pushing this plan, maybe they would start to win elections again.
The priority should be peoples' lives, not Trump's ego.
Constituents have been going to town halls and contacting their Congressional representatives asking for their health care to be preserved. Our health is not a political toy.
And if Trump even were politically savvy, he would not be so hasty to undo our guaranteed health care.
Constituents have been going to town halls and contacting their Congressional representatives asking for their health care to be preserved. Our health is not a political toy.
And if Trump even were politically savvy, he would not be so hasty to undo our guaranteed health care.
39
How can fiscal conservatives ignore the basic economic reality of health insurance- that you need the largest possible pool of people to balance the sick with the well. This means there must be a simple requirement that everyone have insurance, pay in, no freeloaders and no high risk pool that segregates the sick into one hugely expensive government plan.
Most of Trump's supporters have pre existing conditions...chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, obesity, back pain, etc.) and will go ballistic if they are insured with huge hikes in their premiums. This was the bad old days.
Most of Trump's supporters have pre existing conditions...chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, obesity, back pain, etc.) and will go ballistic if they are insured with huge hikes in their premiums. This was the bad old days.
32
Will the states that opt-out of Obamacare be forced to keep a high-risk pool open and immediate coverage for all eligible? Because this smells of PCIP. Maybe I am recalling incorrectly, but the Preexisting Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) that bridged between the ACA passing and full implementation in the consumer market, was in a death spiral in some states and enrollment was closed off because of the extraordinarily high costs (this was, of course, great for private insurers though because they managed to outsource their biggest risks to the government). Also PCIP had a 6 month waiting period following denial of an individual market plan. How can someone with cancer wait 6 months?
12
Instead of a medical plan revival, the Republicans need to hold a revival meeting for their own salvation.
12
What is now called Obamacare included numerous compromises based on the realities of the health care insurance environment. During the most recent go-round with the Republican plan it became clear that changing one or another of the moving parts affected the others, thus demonstrating to an observer what Obama clearly understood: effective change must include a holistic approach. The "new" proposals thus far amount to no more than desperate cherry-picking in an effort to find enough votes to give Mssrs. Trump and Ryan something they can call a victory.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. For Nixon it was mid-term elections that curbed his law and order rhetoric. For Lyndon Johnson it was overwhelming angst at failures in Vietnam. We will have to wait and see what the 2018 House vote brings. Heck, a lot of politicians appeared invincible at one time, even Tom DeLay.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. For Nixon it was mid-term elections that curbed his law and order rhetoric. For Lyndon Johnson it was overwhelming angst at failures in Vietnam. We will have to wait and see what the 2018 House vote brings. Heck, a lot of politicians appeared invincible at one time, even Tom DeLay.
10
There seems to be a basic misunderstanding about how health insurance works.
Republicans seem to believe that it works like car insurance; you've had accidents, so you pay more! Simple, right?
But everyone will get older, and as they age, their health will deteriorate to a greater or lesser extent. But okay, for a car insurance example; we don't punish good drivers who are hit by bad drivers. But what to do when the good drivers injured in accidents arrive in the emergency room? This could happen to anyone, and it could set a person up with a lifelong pre-existing medical condition. Let's pool them all together!
Republicans seem to believe that it works like car insurance; you've had accidents, so you pay more! Simple, right?
But everyone will get older, and as they age, their health will deteriorate to a greater or lesser extent. But okay, for a car insurance example; we don't punish good drivers who are hit by bad drivers. But what to do when the good drivers injured in accidents arrive in the emergency room? This could happen to anyone, and it could set a person up with a lifelong pre-existing medical condition. Let's pool them all together!
4
The Republican Party and Donald Trump have no problem providing socialized medicine to veterans but are against providing Affordable Healthcare to all Americans, the very same American taxpayers (not the largest US Corporation, not America's billionaires and not Donald Trump) who pay for the veterans' socialized medicine.
2
At what point can we stop paying these clowns? I mean, if I went to work and got nothing done and tried to undermine the very foundations of my company, I wouldn't last 'till lunchtime!
Instead, we pay them very well, shower them with privilege, and send them on unlimited, all-expenses-paid golfing excursions. So much for running Government like a business.
Instead, we pay them very well, shower them with privilege, and send them on unlimited, all-expenses-paid golfing excursions. So much for running Government like a business.
65
The GOP is mentally incapable of building a universal health care for at least (2) reasons. The first is the inherent inefficiency of the three headed GOP, the Trump faction, the Ryan conservative faction, and the Libertarian Tea Party faction. The second is the need for de-regulation, no government management of the program, the need for tax breaks at least at the top of the user chain, and several million people unable to afford the GOP program.
Hopefully, this time trump will offer what he promised on the campaign trail. Something "really terrific", at lower cost, for all, inclusive of pre-existing conditions.
This is why he was voted into office is it not? Anything less and his prowess as a deal maker would 'implode'. Or was it 'explode'?
This is why he was voted into office is it not? Anything less and his prowess as a deal maker would 'implode'. Or was it 'explode'?
1
The last sentence is the key one. "“There would be really, really pitched battles in states,” There simply is no concept of health insurance reform - Obamacare, single-payer or AHCA - that will satisfy our very different conceptions of the role of government. Instead of accepting this (as in Cassidy Collins), each side tries to force the rest of the country to accept their idea of government.
For example, liberals like to illustrate GOP former acceptance of Obamacare which was initially created by Heritage. But they neglect to mention that it was only ever implemented in MA, one of the most liberal and highest tax states in the country. Why would anyone ever think that what would work in MA would likewise be accepted in TX ?
The Founders of our Constitution understood this - which is why they created a very limited Federal Government and wrote the 10th amendment which directs States to make most of these decisions. And that's the idea behind Cassidy Collins ... which is where the AHCA is moving. The primary plan is something like the AHCA. But if deep red States want less government, they can just drop the whole thing. The revisions to AHCA allow States to do so conditional on HHS approval. On the other side of the coin, Cassidy Collins allows blue states (like MA) to continue with Obamacare - but asks them to pay for roughly half of it locally - consistent with existing Medicaid.
Why do we continue to think that our concept of government applies to everyone?
For example, liberals like to illustrate GOP former acceptance of Obamacare which was initially created by Heritage. But they neglect to mention that it was only ever implemented in MA, one of the most liberal and highest tax states in the country. Why would anyone ever think that what would work in MA would likewise be accepted in TX ?
The Founders of our Constitution understood this - which is why they created a very limited Federal Government and wrote the 10th amendment which directs States to make most of these decisions. And that's the idea behind Cassidy Collins ... which is where the AHCA is moving. The primary plan is something like the AHCA. But if deep red States want less government, they can just drop the whole thing. The revisions to AHCA allow States to do so conditional on HHS approval. On the other side of the coin, Cassidy Collins allows blue states (like MA) to continue with Obamacare - but asks them to pay for roughly half of it locally - consistent with existing Medicaid.
Why do we continue to think that our concept of government applies to everyone?
2
"Why do we continue to think that our concept of government applies to everyone?"
Unnhhh... maybe because we think every citizen in the country should have the same right to healthcare, no matter where they live? Or it could be that whole "equal protection under the law" Constitution thing.
Unnhhh... maybe because we think every citizen in the country should have the same right to healthcare, no matter where they live? Or it could be that whole "equal protection under the law" Constitution thing.
7
Let us take Texas as an example,
When localities banned fracking to safeguard their water, the State over-ruled them and forced them to accept it. This is the Texan ideal of allowing local people to determine their own rules.
And then there is North Carolina . . .
When localities banned fracking to safeguard their water, the State over-ruled them and forced them to accept it. This is the Texan ideal of allowing local people to determine their own rules.
And then there is North Carolina . . .
12
Well, it depends on the issue. For example - women's right to choose. Texas needs to suck it up b/c this is a fundamental right and Texas doesn't get to decide differently. Just like it doesn't get to decide that black people or women don't get to vote. (Although it is clearly working on all of these.) Healthcare is also a fundamental right and there's no reason that poor[er] people in Texas should die b/c they can't afford a doctor than poor people in Massachusetts. Does that answer your question? I mean, where do you think "state's rights" should end?
2
Fascinating to watch trump to continue discussing this colossal challenge as if he has any control whatsoever of the outcome. He is incidental to the process and he keeps lying to his devotees that a big, beautiful fix is right around the corner, believe me. The fact that they've chained tax reform to the healthcare overhaul displays profound arrogance and undescores their ignorance. Someone wise once said pick your battles, but trump and his cronies didn't get the memo. Ryan especially has himself to thank for accidentally educating the nation on the benefits of the ACA - better than the previous administration ever could!
8
Unfortunately, as long as health insurance companies who's prerogative it is to profit off of peoples' illnesses are the institutions providing medical coverage, we will NEVER have a healthcare system that treats everybody equally.
21
I don't think the rank-and-file Republicans are excited about this. I just got an email today from Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-22) in response to a message I sent her that said in bold print: "As you may know, consideration of the American Health Care Act has been postponed and no action is expected on the bill in the near future. Please rest assured that I will keep your message in mind should this or similar legislation be considered by the full House."
8
You know its possible the GOP thinks that if they continue to manufacture headlines like this that their base sill see them and think that it was actually repealed and rejoice at how their benefits weren't cut. Kind of like saying you're sending an armada but then not really.
A despicable lot - every one of them.
A despicable lot - every one of them.
21
Health and sickness are but two aspects of being alive. Though the healthy always think they will remain so, every healthy person (death by crime or accident excluded) will get sick, and will die after a generally very expensive illness.
But the sick are, at any given time, a minority. Are we going to really expect that our politicians will ever fund healthcare pools appropriately, to the tune of tens, even hundreds of thousands, for a minority of our citizens?
And can we expect this generosity when the impetus of "healthcare reform" is to cut 900 million for tax relief for mostly corporations and the 1%? Fat chance!
But the sick are, at any given time, a minority. Are we going to really expect that our politicians will ever fund healthcare pools appropriately, to the tune of tens, even hundreds of thousands, for a minority of our citizens?
And can we expect this generosity when the impetus of "healthcare reform" is to cut 900 million for tax relief for mostly corporations and the 1%? Fat chance!
2
Great, he's batting near zero so we need to lose our health care so the president can brag about a win? He hasn't been shy about making up imagined success, so this seems unnecessary.
He has two options: Medicare for all, or add a robust mandate to the ACA so that healthy people are part of the pool. There, it's fixed. Someone please tell the president. Anything else from Republicans will be another radical attempt to give more advantage to the rich, and that's a recipe for disaster. Someone might let him know that trickle-down doesn't work, and that the middle class drives the economy. Maybe paste sign on the front of his TV so he'll notice.
He has two options: Medicare for all, or add a robust mandate to the ACA so that healthy people are part of the pool. There, it's fixed. Someone please tell the president. Anything else from Republicans will be another radical attempt to give more advantage to the rich, and that's a recipe for disaster. Someone might let him know that trickle-down doesn't work, and that the middle class drives the economy. Maybe paste sign on the front of his TV so he'll notice.
Victory for whom? The way I comprehend it, ACA's mandates will remain but states can apply for waivers. This is an attempt to appeal to both the freedom caucus and the progressives. Of course who will get hurt? The red states with the most number of Trump supporters. I would guess they, the red states, would apply for waivers for these ACA mandates. Maybe there is poetic justice in this bill but I feel badly for those living in these red states who did not support Trump. Maybe time to move. Why is winning more important than helping people. Trump sickens me every day.
He promised better and cheaper health insurance for every American .
Is this another promise unfulfilled ? Some fake promise ?
ACA is here to stay , just improve it where is weak , get big Pharma to negotiate honest , moral drug prices for all .
Get predators and vultures out of the health care system .
Health insurance must be affordable and accessible for all Americans.
Is this another promise unfulfilled ? Some fake promise ?
ACA is here to stay , just improve it where is weak , get big Pharma to negotiate honest , moral drug prices for all .
Get predators and vultures out of the health care system .
Health insurance must be affordable and accessible for all Americans.
4
President Obama's signature achievement was the ACA, but that did not come to pass immediately after he took office. Healthcare legislation is intricate and deserves considerable time and thought. If it were as simple as a talking point, it would not have taken that long to achieve Obamacare.
Of course, unlike Trump, President Obama understood that healthcare is so complicated.
Of course, unlike Trump, President Obama understood that healthcare is so complicated.
2
None of this is new. There is no Plan B. Nothing has been rethought, innovated, changed or fixed. The almost-but-not-quite Dead Horse is laying there waiting for Pelosi to have the cash to get it back on its feet in 2018. Ryan can't think and Trump can't lead, so there's a vacuum and we have to see what's going to fill it.
1
How can they waste time on this when the country is going to run out of money soon? It's just typical window dressing, so they can say they kept their promise, regardless of whether their constituents like the result.
Having demonstrated that the honest math cannot work, the GOPers are returning to their time-honored approach of deflection and subterfuge. They are trying to convert the "it's complicated" bug into a feature, the better to fool the low-info public.
Deferral to the states will facilitate the zombie resurrection of fraudulent policy options that look good enough until you need them to work - then they don't cover anything.
And if we let them get away with it (as the Dems continue to sit on their hands), we'll get the nothing-burger that we will deserve. RESIST!
Deferral to the states will facilitate the zombie resurrection of fraudulent policy options that look good enough until you need them to work - then they don't cover anything.
And if we let them get away with it (as the Dems continue to sit on their hands), we'll get the nothing-burger that we will deserve. RESIST!
5
Trump is returning to Obamacare because he needs to loot it of a trillion dollars to fund so-called tax reform. His interest has nothing to do with health care. He's like Willie Sutton. It's where the money is.
4
Trump on this new healthcare plan (when pressed for details):
"The plan gets better and better and better and it's gotten really really good and a lot of people are liking it a lot."
You just cannot make this stuff up.
"The plan gets better and better and better and it's gotten really really good and a lot of people are liking it a lot."
You just cannot make this stuff up.
20
I wonder how many sickly seniors realize that - if Obamacare is repealed - then the rapidly shrinking Donut Hole will once again become an inescapable chasm? I wonder how many of them voted for Trump?
12
ACA covers more than 20 million Americans. Breaking off pieces of it - such as high risk pools - dependent on different states, would re-create the whole no expanded Medicaid choices of many red states which left their citizens stranded with illnesses that could not be treated and preventable deaths. 13 states won by Trump expanded Medicaid since 2014.
A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation looked at almost 4 decades of high-risk pools for uninsurable people. Many of the 35 states that offered high risk pools excluded coverage of pre-existing conditions, imposed lifetime or annual dollar limits, had high deductibles, or had capped or closed enrollments. http://kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/high-risk-pools-for-uninsurable...
These programs are no substitute for the ACA. Some states like Georgia never had high risk pools, and Georgia did not expand Medicaid. Others had long waits for coverage, high prices and limited choices. Why would they change now? Historically these programs failed.
This once again is taking healthcare away from millions of Americans. No doubt the goal is to give huge tax breaks to the wealthy again. Robbing Peter to pay Paul, basically means ripping off Peter's insurance to pay Paul's luxurious lifestyle -- something like Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago at taxpayer expense.
No, thanks.
A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation looked at almost 4 decades of high-risk pools for uninsurable people. Many of the 35 states that offered high risk pools excluded coverage of pre-existing conditions, imposed lifetime or annual dollar limits, had high deductibles, or had capped or closed enrollments. http://kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/high-risk-pools-for-uninsurable...
These programs are no substitute for the ACA. Some states like Georgia never had high risk pools, and Georgia did not expand Medicaid. Others had long waits for coverage, high prices and limited choices. Why would they change now? Historically these programs failed.
This once again is taking healthcare away from millions of Americans. No doubt the goal is to give huge tax breaks to the wealthy again. Robbing Peter to pay Paul, basically means ripping off Peter's insurance to pay Paul's luxurious lifestyle -- something like Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago at taxpayer expense.
No, thanks.
10
Seems like the real R goal here is to create enough noise that they can blame the Ds when things fail around the time of the government funding debate. If so, a risky maneuver since voters are clearly paying attention to their healthcare availability and costs.
1
The current Congressional Republicans on health care demonstrate they know the price everything but the value of little.
6
Enough already! Aren't there a thousand other ways to squander federal $ than continuing to beat a dead elephant? At least show a little creativity and select another disadvantage group to pick on.
2
24 million Americans have to lose their health care so that Trump can claim a legislative victory before his first 100 days are up? Who are we, again?
7
Well, he could always start a war instead....
The people won last time. Call, email, and write (preferably to Paul Ryan's home address) again. It worked before. It can work again.
106
Where to find PR's home address in Janesville Wisconsin?
I would swear I read or heard this somewhere: that Trump claimed to have accomplished more than any president this early in his term. Buffoonery alert!
99
And when it happens, what then maestro?
He also claimed to have the largest inaugural crowds ever, the best health of anybody who ever lived, and really dozens of other obviously untrue things. The most basic thing about Trump is that he lies all the time, and I am hard pressed to think of any occasion he said something that was definitely true.
13
You were having a bad dream.. oh wait, it's not a dream.
2
Custer was also eager for a victory.
464
Let's just keep reminding the president, that he said we'd have better insurance, everyone would be covered, and it would be cheaper. Send postcards. Phone the White House. Email. I doubt he even remembers what he said - so let's remind him of his promises - these are what got him elected.
And then, let's push the Congress for single payer. It's the only way.
And then, let's push the Congress for single payer. It's the only way.
592
It's really on journalists. Trump doesn't listen to the people. He talks at his supporters. He reacts to the media.
If anyone can get the message to Trump that his plan is ridiculously bad garbage, it's people that interview him, Foxy Friends, and SNL.
If anyone can get the message to Trump that his plan is ridiculously bad garbage, it's people that interview him, Foxy Friends, and SNL.
5
The problem is that even if it removes coverage from half the country, Trump will say it's the best thing EVER! You can't move this forward by appealing to Trump's past statements or his promises. He's a shameless liar with no shame. The only appeal is to let those lawmakers (Republicans) know they will lose their positions if they vote to cripple the ACA.
4
"He's a shameless liar with no shame." I agree, but I think it's even worse than that. Remember when he DIDN'T REMEMBER that he had promised the employees of Carrier that they would be able to keep their jobs? - but he saw himself saying it on TV so he knew it was true??? (Do a Google!) I think he literally doesn't recall what he said, oh, a couple of weeks ago. It's that bad.
2
The GOP's healthcare machinations are so inept and uncaring and the vast majority of voters who elected Republicans and Trump are totally clueless about what is being done to their health care if they haven't become aware.
193
We stopped listening to so called good advice after Nancy Pelosi was dethroned.
1
I guess the White House and Republican representatives learned nothing from the outrage their last healthcare proposal engendered in their constituents. Rather than work cooperatively with Democrats to fix the problems with the ACA, they will attempt to replace it with a system that is measurably worse. 2018 can't come soon enough for me.
891
"work cooperatively with Democrats"?
Noble sentiment, BUT:
Sorry, but that went out the window with 8+ (long) years ago with Mitch McConnell's vow to endlessly obstruct Obama for the sake of obstruction!
It's all about thuggery and raw power -- both the seeking of raw power and its exercise
Noble sentiment, BUT:
Sorry, but that went out the window with 8+ (long) years ago with Mitch McConnell's vow to endlessly obstruct Obama for the sake of obstruction!
It's all about thuggery and raw power -- both the seeking of raw power and its exercise
The Democrats are like 1st-graders in a candy store, grabbing everything without thinking. Now, they're mad because adults are correcting them.
Well, Democrats, get used to it. With a $20,000,000,000,000 taxpayer debt, your temper-tantrums won't work.
That was tried in Detroit, and it went bankrupt.
Want to fix health care?
Stop the smoking, doping, boozing, and pigging-out in your communities. That would pay for TWO PPACAs. Really.
Well, Democrats, get used to it. With a $20,000,000,000,000 taxpayer debt, your temper-tantrums won't work.
That was tried in Detroit, and it went bankrupt.
Want to fix health care?
Stop the smoking, doping, boozing, and pigging-out in your communities. That would pay for TWO PPACAs. Really.
In a way, let's be happy that the R's are fixated on this. They keep trying to replace the ACA with programs that people hate. This makes people hate the R's. So they are now their own worst enemy.
The Grand Old Putzes, unsatisfied with their first tax-cut-health-care-abomination efforts, will now double down on their ignorance, ill will and greed.
The GOP Death Panel tries to run up the healthcare hill again while hauling giant tax cuts for the fabulously wealthy on their Republican backs.
Keep trying, Republicans, there's just got to be a way to make more Americans suffer from a lack of meaningful healthcare while gilding the rich.
Nice misanthropic people.
The GOP Death Panel tries to run up the healthcare hill again while hauling giant tax cuts for the fabulously wealthy on their Republican backs.
Keep trying, Republicans, there's just got to be a way to make more Americans suffer from a lack of meaningful healthcare while gilding the rich.
Nice misanthropic people.
451
Ignorance is costly.....and Greed is also costly...
Medicare for All makes sense...so with this premise argue the logic.
Medicare for All makes sense...so with this premise argue the logic.
2
Socrates, you frustrate me, continually saying what I think so much more eloquently than I ever could.
7
How is cutting off health care to 24,000,000 people going to be a victory for the White House? Sounds like certain disaster to me. What are they thinking of?
341
They want to WIN, even if it's a Pyrrhic victory.
3
Who said the GOP were thinking in the first place?
9
It is "whom," not "what. And they are the uber-rich benefactors, of course. Who else matters to the GOP?
7
If the White House wants a victory on health care, Trump needs to do what he said he would do when he was running for office: Lower the price of insurance, have better coverage and keep the pre-existing clause in there.
Other than that, the White House is just a jumpy castle with a spoiled brat trying to get some positive attention.
Woe is us.
Other than that, the White House is just a jumpy castle with a spoiled brat trying to get some positive attention.
Woe is us.
374
Ah, the insurance industry is lobbying and threatening to leave the insurance pools for more money, the GOP will gladly give the rich and corporations money and let Americans of no means suffer!
153
It's well established the GOP stopped working for Americans a long time ago. They now work for foreign billionaires, multi-national corporations, unregistered foreign government business agents, Vladimir Putin, and the all powerful insurance industry. When was the last time the Republican Party did anything that benefited the American people? ABraham Lincoln?
Now the American public is not even an after-thought. We are not even something the GOP would scrape off their oh so expensive shoes.
Now the American public is not even an after-thought. We are not even something the GOP would scrape off their oh so expensive shoes.
13
How about we just do Medicare for all?
763
Agree. Do away with private insurance through work and have EVERYONE pay through Medicare coverage. This will truly be universal health insurance coverage!
8
Please please please...
That would be a laugh riot if republicans ended up doing that for their countryfolk. They would rather cut off their own right arm.
4
Gluttons for punishment, this crew.
238