Trumpcare is not a health plan. It's a wealth transfer dressed in a frilly hospital gown. McConnell knows that, he designed it and Ryan loves it because he's been trying to get rid of the social safety net for years.
2
The current Senate Bill is simply a ploy at job preservation. The Bill is a joke and if it were to pass, the GOP would pay dearly somewhere in the not so distant future along with many Americans. But by rushing a vote without any debate or time to absorb it, doesn't present a picture of our legislators trying to do something good for Americans, it is all about job preservation - theirs!
What is the GOP is hoping for is for? That Senators in states in which their re-election is all but a certainty, that they will vote NEY and take the heat for the sake of the Party. While those that need to say they voted down the ACA, can go home for Independence Day, and say to their constituents that they voted to repeal Obama Care.
The entire plan hatched by McConnell is brilliant. Put a crappy bill forward and make certain it is has enough vitriol to fail, thus sparing the Party the wrath of the voter while at the same time sparing the Party from the wrath of the voter. It is a brilliant win-win plan. And it will take off their plate the toxic issue of healthcare for quite some time. They can take heart in saying "At least we tried."
Thus stands the stark contrast between Obama and his Party that actually worked hard and tried to improve health care for millions of Americans regardless of the political price, which the Democrats paid dearly for in the ensuing elections. And the Republican Party that wouldn't risk a single job for nearly anything.
What is the GOP is hoping for is for? That Senators in states in which their re-election is all but a certainty, that they will vote NEY and take the heat for the sake of the Party. While those that need to say they voted down the ACA, can go home for Independence Day, and say to their constituents that they voted to repeal Obama Care.
The entire plan hatched by McConnell is brilliant. Put a crappy bill forward and make certain it is has enough vitriol to fail, thus sparing the Party the wrath of the voter while at the same time sparing the Party from the wrath of the voter. It is a brilliant win-win plan. And it will take off their plate the toxic issue of healthcare for quite some time. They can take heart in saying "At least we tried."
Thus stands the stark contrast between Obama and his Party that actually worked hard and tried to improve health care for millions of Americans regardless of the political price, which the Democrats paid dearly for in the ensuing elections. And the Republican Party that wouldn't risk a single job for nearly anything.
8
call your Senators, quit complaining here
5
Republicans worry all the time about the unborn and then turn their backs on the living in need of medical care.
10
Quality healthcare is about how we administer healthcare, it's not (all) about the money. We spend approaching 20% of GDP on healthcare (and this for a crappy system), other countries spend far less and receive far more, why?
The fact is healthcare (everywhere) is a bottomless pit. You can keep throwing money into the system and the bureaucracy (and here, the profits centers) will gorge on the funding ad infinitum.
We need to stop talking about healthcare in purely financial terms, and we must instead to focus on standards, value, and scope of care. Hot button issues like abortion detract from the bigger discussion we should be having.
You may not realize it yet, but Trump is moving us (in real terms) toward a single payer system, Medicare for all with private insurance options, how will folks here react then?
Medicare for all with private insurance options sounds workable to me. Everyone receives a standard of 'basic' care (yes, as a right), then additionally, we have the ability (option) to buy insurance in the same way we buy insurance for our cars or our homes.
All I am saying is this is the discussion we should be having, but partisan divide and politics (and politicians on both sides) stands in the way. Would it not be nice (as citizens) to at least have the conversation?
It's time rise above politics.
The fact is healthcare (everywhere) is a bottomless pit. You can keep throwing money into the system and the bureaucracy (and here, the profits centers) will gorge on the funding ad infinitum.
We need to stop talking about healthcare in purely financial terms, and we must instead to focus on standards, value, and scope of care. Hot button issues like abortion detract from the bigger discussion we should be having.
You may not realize it yet, but Trump is moving us (in real terms) toward a single payer system, Medicare for all with private insurance options, how will folks here react then?
Medicare for all with private insurance options sounds workable to me. Everyone receives a standard of 'basic' care (yes, as a right), then additionally, we have the ability (option) to buy insurance in the same way we buy insurance for our cars or our homes.
All I am saying is this is the discussion we should be having, but partisan divide and politics (and politicians on both sides) stands in the way. Would it not be nice (as citizens) to at least have the conversation?
It's time rise above politics.
1
OF COURSE, these sharia-favoring males want to maintain their iron grip on the vaginas and wombs of women, wherever they are in the world. Now, THAT'S power! I expect this is why they didn't object to trump's genital-grabbing quote. It's just what men do, right? Perfectly acceptable, and the best way to keep women in their 2nd, or 3rd place.
5
i am an old white man, but the 13 white men in the senate who have written this new senate bill should be horse whipped. they do not care about people who are less privileged. they care about being supported by the rich so that they will be re-elected and get all the perks granted by other men in congress.
Why is it "conservative" to care about the unborn but care little for the born?
4
Maybe it's time to start over. Government plainly no longer works and it is not getting better, even with one group in absolute control. They pass laws voters do not want or harm us and they don't care. It benefits 1% and they either belong to that group, are beholden to them or asking to join them. We can no longer elect who the people want because of gerrymandering, or unrighteous amounts of money spent to be elected and/or the electoral college, a remnant of slavery. In the last 5 Presidential elections 2 of them were decided against the will of the people and that should scare the hell out of us.
Our President says "he doesn't want poor people in charge" but the people he places in charge have nothing in common with the working class. They fear us, treat the poor with disdain, hiding in gated communities. Their children rarely enter military service, unlike WWII, when people from all classes, races, creeds, and colors served together and American became a better nation in the post war years because of that common bond. Fighting our neverending wars is now left to the poor. We fear our own law enforcement because we see no they face no consequences even when video shows they murdered someone. No longer do our courts provide redress.
Other than those enslaved and native Americans, our ancestors immigranted here because they wanted something better and maybe that has come full circle. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore....but I don't know what to do.
Our President says "he doesn't want poor people in charge" but the people he places in charge have nothing in common with the working class. They fear us, treat the poor with disdain, hiding in gated communities. Their children rarely enter military service, unlike WWII, when people from all classes, races, creeds, and colors served together and American became a better nation in the post war years because of that common bond. Fighting our neverending wars is now left to the poor. We fear our own law enforcement because we see no they face no consequences even when video shows they murdered someone. No longer do our courts provide redress.
Other than those enslaved and native Americans, our ancestors immigranted here because they wanted something better and maybe that has come full circle. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore....but I don't know what to do.
6
You are certainly correct regarding gerrymandering. It needs to end.
And if in this latest ACA iteration abortions are funded in any way with federal tax money, the Repubs can kiss 2018 goodbye.
Elsewhere in today's news, Justice Ginsburg is described as fighting for equality for women. Who is making the case that laws that target only women are unconstitutional? It seems so obvious and simple to me. Laws that deprive only one gender of rights of any kind, including the right to self-determination of their own bodies is unconstitutional. We need a constitutional amendment to proect women from discriminatory laws and legislation such as these perverted men insist on accomplishing. They are creepy greedy perverts obsessed with the undead (aka unborn). They have no right attacking women's rights and being permitted to deprive women of equal protection and equal rights.
4
What was the name of that gay-bashing Republican congressman who was caught pants down at an airport lavatory?
And the governor who went to Argentina to visit his mistress but said he was hiking in Appalachia?
Isn't that the essence of being a Republican today? Hypocrisy, self-righteousness, obsession with power, corruption.
And the governor who went to Argentina to visit his mistress but said he was hiking in Appalachia?
Isn't that the essence of being a Republican today? Hypocrisy, self-righteousness, obsession with power, corruption.
3
You are correct. However, there are a few good Republicans, such as John McCain.
These Republican Senators seem to have a deep hatred of both the U.S. Constitution and the teachings of Christ.
2
I just saw Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr., (Connecticut State Senate) on Andrea Mitchell speaking up for healthcare and for the disabled. He is amazing - why is Connecticut keeping him to themselves?
We need a Ted Kennedy now more than ever - he is the right age (55), and he has all the intelligence, articulateness, charisma, good looks, pedigree - he's the whole package for the under-performing Democrats. As a lifelong Democrat, I think he's the leader we're waiting for. We have him - safely stowed up in Connecticut.
DNC: Get Ted Kennedy into the presidential pool He can beat the Orange Cheeto hands-down.
We need a Ted Kennedy now more than ever - he is the right age (55), and he has all the intelligence, articulateness, charisma, good looks, pedigree - he's the whole package for the under-performing Democrats. As a lifelong Democrat, I think he's the leader we're waiting for. We have him - safely stowed up in Connecticut.
DNC: Get Ted Kennedy into the presidential pool He can beat the Orange Cheeto hands-down.
2
Let Republican Senators know that the slogan for the next campaign will invoke their patron saint: "Are you better off under Trumpcare than you were under Obamacare?
3
Yesterday the NY Times posted an article about the Pentagon wasting $28,000,00 on military uniforms. And we all know no entity wastes more tax dollars than the Pentagon. And yet the Republicans want to throw more money at the Pentagon and deny healthcare for all. Go figure.
4
Did the NYTimes do a fact check on Senator Kennedy's claim that Medicaid is 47% of the state budget? USNews reports that the price tag for 2017 for Medicaid in Louisiana is $2.3 billion. The state budget down there is about $28 billion. What is the NYTimes doing letting this claim go unchallenged?
Another March on Washington anyone?
3
We turned the Midd;e East into anarchy and are now doing the same to our own country.
Oligarchy rules with with negativism, fear and greed in the Divided States of America.
Oligarchy rules with with negativism, fear and greed in the Divided States of America.
carry the big stick, there Mitch -
you can always get some juicy buy-in if you drag in abortion.
maybe you can up the ante if you can figure out how to make bathroom choice a health issue.
going to mention the addiction issue among your constituents?
you can always get some juicy buy-in if you drag in abortion.
maybe you can up the ante if you can figure out how to make bathroom choice a health issue.
going to mention the addiction issue among your constituents?
One can only hope the killing tables are cleared away forever. What a sad parody on words is "Planned Parenthood" when it comes to abortion. There is no parenthood, just one more death among the 50,000,000 already aborted.
We need to wake up to our modern-day science: the human fetus is not the mother's body. DNA shows it's a unique human being worthy of the gift of life.
Yes, we need to help pregnant women who need help.....both during and after the pregrancy. Pass legislation that makes the protection of all life paramount.
We need to wake up to our modern-day science: the human fetus is not the mother's body. DNA shows it's a unique human being worthy of the gift of life.
Yes, we need to help pregnant women who need help.....both during and after the pregrancy. Pass legislation that makes the protection of all life paramount.
1
Rand Paul's opposition is puzzling, as he comes from one of the poorest state's in the country. Who is going to take care of the hilljacks in the hollars?
Show me the bill--show me the bill, cut medicaid and a lot of nursing homes will dump their clients, oh what glorious Christian republican win, grand ma and grand paw out in the streets living at what shelters can handle mean while back at the banks the rich are trying to figure out what property or yacht they can buy with their large tax cuts. The greed in this country is beyond belief!!
7
Typical "Family values'hypocrisy.
5
Dear GOP: the ONLY thing that could make this fiasco more ludicrous, yet entertaining, is the thrilla from Wasilla. Please, bring on the PALIN.
The original Death Panel Provocateur. PLEASE.
The original Death Panel Provocateur. PLEASE.
1
Without abortion coverage, there will be no "Republican Health Bill". Mark my words..........A so-called "Health Care BIll" conceived in darkness and secrecy will not survive nor prosper in the light of day.
1
To Kennedy of Louisiana: your friend Jindal cut all taxes. Stop complaining about Medicaid and hike taxes back to where they were. The 47% you talk about will be lowered.
Stop playing politics and do your job.
Stop playing politics and do your job.
1
Behold, America, a man without a soul.
2
This is what raw capitalism looks like, folks. The US is fast becoming a crude, uncompassionate country where the weak are left on a hillside.
7
Many of the cuts will occur after the 2018 or the 2020 elections. Very cunning.
3
Looks like, quite possibly, the Repubs won't be able to pass a replacement for the ACA. The ball will then be in the Dems' court, & if they know what's good for them (& the rest of us, assuming they care) would do well to put for a single payer option - the only way to cover everyone, &, at the same time, cut costs.
3
Just what are the Senate rules which limit debate and amendments on the Health Care bill? they are often lluded to but never explained.
"There are 13 white men, many of them older, who are determining a complex plan of destruction for tens of millions of Americans' healthcare."
More Than Half of White Women in the US Voted For Trump. Own this.
More Than Half of White Women in the US Voted For Trump. Own this.
1
Maybe someday this country will join the 21st century community of enlightened nations with respect to reproductive rights. Until then, abortion continues to be one of the greatest gifts ever to right-wing plutocrats seeking to distract, divide and conquer the electorate for their own gain.
Isn't one of the duties bestowed on our constitution in the preamble "promote the general welfare"?
The GOP is truly disgusting.
The GOP is truly disgusting.
4
The Hippocratic Oath is taken by physicians, not politicians. These self-serving greedy special interest puppets take the Hypocritical Oath. We physicians have had little to no input, shut out of the loop like everyone else without billion$.
1
Is elimination of abortion from Health care insurance more important than saving the lives of Parents, I think not. This is an illustration of warped religion, and why the separation of Church & State is so important, & why there is no chance of compromising with Republicans.
4
So Senators who usually vote with their eyes wide shut were again shunned. Why would they be surprised that the Grifter and Liar would be called upon first? They will vote again with their eyes wide shut. They carry water, only.
1
Congressional Republicans are betting that the majority of their voters are stupid and/or mean-spiritied, that they can pass this draconian legislation and their constituents will be satisfied that they have "gotten something done" and/or detroyed Obama's legacy.
Unfortunately, they're probably right.
Meanwhile, many people will die, and a few people will see big tax breaks.
Unfortunately, they're probably right.
Meanwhile, many people will die, and a few people will see big tax breaks.
1
When Trump says on the House Bill on Health Care..."it's mean", what exactly does he really mean? Does it mean because it throws the poor, seniors, and the middle class to the gutter, or that "it's mean" because the tax benefits to the rich are not more? That aside, he then insults real America by saying to his supporters at a rally...I don't want poor people in his cabinet. But what is incredibly hard to believe is that his supporter NONE who are rich, cheer and applaud him. This is the new America, Bizarro World. Bizarre can't even really describe this thinking where someone says YOU FOLKS are too dumb or not successful enough for me to trust you or to think you know something. Think about this for one moment, somebody telling the real folks of America, that they are NOT worthy, NOT capable, NOT intelligent enough to know what is best for them...and they clap and cheer it. You cannot make this up, this is the man they elected to lead them, a man who thinks they are the lesser of human beings. Once a nation of great thinkers, of innovation, of justice and fairness is nothing but a faint shadow of it. We have seen the enemy and the enemy is...us.
1
It’s more than a group of 13 men taking part in this disastrous endeavor of American health. A large part of the blame are the nearly 50% of the misguided, ignorant registered voters who put this inept administration and congress in power. Oh, and let’s not forget about the Electoral College where the majority of votes in this country does not matter.
Making matters worse were the special elections that had taken place recently. Even amongst the chaos and dysfunction in Washington caused by this administration and GOP, the misinformed voters are electing more to office. These supporters who follow blindly do not have the slightest clue of the immense damage that is to come due to their blissful ignorance.
Making matters worse were the special elections that had taken place recently. Even amongst the chaos and dysfunction in Washington caused by this administration and GOP, the misinformed voters are electing more to office. These supporters who follow blindly do not have the slightest clue of the immense damage that is to come due to their blissful ignorance.
1
This is barbaric. One of the many hypocrisies of the conservatives' position on health care is that it would both deny access to abortion services, then allow states the option to drop maternity benefits.
2
Perhaps when patients find out that they’re unable to be reimbursed for an birth control, abortion or maternity care or find that it’s been made illegal (coming soon!), abortion providers will inform them that if they’re unhappy with the lack of coverage for their medical needs they’ll need to vote Democrat.
Voting Republican is dangerous to one’s health and life, literally.
Voting Republican is dangerous to one’s health and life, literally.
2
Let me get this straight, McConnell's bill would somehow permit abortion (to expedite passage and avoid filibuster) but it still defunds Planned Parenthood, which devotes about 97% of its funding to women's health, family planning, etc., i.e. NOT abortion. Nice tactic there, Mitch.
1
Repubs are bad at lawmaking, but they are great at hating and obstructing. They should stick with the Affodable Care Act; this will allow millions of Americans to retain their coverage, and millions more conservatives a cause to rally against.
Win-win.
Win-win.
1
Letting poor people die from lack of health care is simply a necessary part of helping the rich keep more of their investment income. This is and always has been class warfare. People gave the upper class the majority, and this is the price they pay. But it's all god because ... freedom!
1
Republicans are cutting taxes for their campaign contributors, not passing a health care law. Talking about health issues with them is a waste of time. They don't care.
Legal access to abortion on demand is the backbone of any civilized nation.
I'll spell it out for you.
Ya see, people like to engage in sex.
If that includes you, great.
If it doesn't, great too. Just don't judge the rest of us.
After sex, the woman (assuming man / woman) can become pregnant.
This woman, and perhaps the man, then are faced with a choice. Is this pregnancy a welcomed event? Is it a planned event? Is is it a worrisome event? Is it a devastating, unwanted event? Is it, without question, a crushing, untenable event?
Any society that forces a woman, a couple, a family to birth a child into a situation where that child cannot be raised with the nessesary nourishment, comfort, living situation, safety, financial resources and loving welcome needed to flourish and grow to potential is asking for the following:
A deprived human being who will grow with struggle and disadvantage. Who will not be fully supported - by an overwrought family and uncaring society - in the myriad ways a child should be.
This makes for an unhappy pre-teen, a disgruntled teen, a young adult with diminished prospects and a grown person who had the deck stacked against him/her just by the fact that their parents were forced (not lovingly willing) to birth them.
Now, that's stupid.
It burdens parents, family, America.
The world is divided into smart countries and dumb ones that burden themselves.
Sex happens.
Kids should happen when it's appropriate. desired, tenable.
I'll spell it out for you.
Ya see, people like to engage in sex.
If that includes you, great.
If it doesn't, great too. Just don't judge the rest of us.
After sex, the woman (assuming man / woman) can become pregnant.
This woman, and perhaps the man, then are faced with a choice. Is this pregnancy a welcomed event? Is it a planned event? Is is it a worrisome event? Is it a devastating, unwanted event? Is it, without question, a crushing, untenable event?
Any society that forces a woman, a couple, a family to birth a child into a situation where that child cannot be raised with the nessesary nourishment, comfort, living situation, safety, financial resources and loving welcome needed to flourish and grow to potential is asking for the following:
A deprived human being who will grow with struggle and disadvantage. Who will not be fully supported - by an overwrought family and uncaring society - in the myriad ways a child should be.
This makes for an unhappy pre-teen, a disgruntled teen, a young adult with diminished prospects and a grown person who had the deck stacked against him/her just by the fact that their parents were forced (not lovingly willing) to birth them.
Now, that's stupid.
It burdens parents, family, America.
The world is divided into smart countries and dumb ones that burden themselves.
Sex happens.
Kids should happen when it's appropriate. desired, tenable.
6
Squabbles among the GOPs spell the death of the bill. The US is the only industrialized country who could not find a way to fund national health because we choose to.
Alright. I've had it. Just had it up to here.
Since when is it constitutional for the legislative branch to ban the use of my tax dollars from the performance of a legal medical procedure, based on religious or personal beliefs of a minority of Americans?
Abortion is still a legal medical procedure in this country, and as such I have a legal right to obtain that procedure. If they want to make abortion illegal - put it on the ballot - again - and try to do it through the front door instead of by the power of the purse in the back door. C'mon. I dare you.
How far does this go?
Some people believe it is wrong to get a blood transfusion. Will that no longer be paid for if their lobby gets strong enough? Some people believe it is wrong to get medical care at all. Will some employers be able to decline to offer any healthcare at all?
A ban on one legal medical procedure - supported by no medical facts or basis - as opposed to any other - much like a Muslim travel ban from 7 countries with no facts to back it up - is unconstitutional, and I will support the effort to take this immediately to the SC if passed in the GOP health bill.
Enough is enough. Make it illegal - get the majority of the American people to vote to make it illegal - or quit letting a vocal, rich, powerful minority tell the rest of us what medical care we can get or not!
Since when is it constitutional for the legislative branch to ban the use of my tax dollars from the performance of a legal medical procedure, based on religious or personal beliefs of a minority of Americans?
Abortion is still a legal medical procedure in this country, and as such I have a legal right to obtain that procedure. If they want to make abortion illegal - put it on the ballot - again - and try to do it through the front door instead of by the power of the purse in the back door. C'mon. I dare you.
How far does this go?
Some people believe it is wrong to get a blood transfusion. Will that no longer be paid for if their lobby gets strong enough? Some people believe it is wrong to get medical care at all. Will some employers be able to decline to offer any healthcare at all?
A ban on one legal medical procedure - supported by no medical facts or basis - as opposed to any other - much like a Muslim travel ban from 7 countries with no facts to back it up - is unconstitutional, and I will support the effort to take this immediately to the SC if passed in the GOP health bill.
Enough is enough. Make it illegal - get the majority of the American people to vote to make it illegal - or quit letting a vocal, rich, powerful minority tell the rest of us what medical care we can get or not!
1
"The repeal bill approved last month by the House would bar the use of federal tax credits to help purchase insurance plans that include coverage of abortion. But senators said that provision might have to be jettisoned from their version because of complicated Senate rules that Republicans are using to expedite passage of the bill and avoid a filibuster."
-------------------------------------------------------------
That smells a lot like a lame excuse. I guess when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn v. finding a deceptive way to gut Medicaid and Obamacare so the Republicans can use the cuts in spending to fund tax cuts for the rich, the latter objective wins easily over taking a stand on behalf of the defenseless unborn.
-------------------------------------------------------------
That smells a lot like a lame excuse. I guess when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn v. finding a deceptive way to gut Medicaid and Obamacare so the Republicans can use the cuts in spending to fund tax cuts for the rich, the latter objective wins easily over taking a stand on behalf of the defenseless unborn.
The GOP would rather keep everything secret and cram this bill down everyones throat come the mid term primaries they will all be voted out it is time for the GOP leaders who want the votes to vote against this bill everyone seems to be wanting to cram this UGLY health care bill called TRUMP CARE down everyone throats so we they can make us all sicker thanks a lot ole GOP!!
As usual with the Republican mentality, "the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many."
Live long and prosper, Senators and Representatives.
Die early with severe debt passed to your heirs, Citizens.
We are witnessing the new face of democracy, it's called dictatorship.
Live long and prosper, Senators and Representatives.
Die early with severe debt passed to your heirs, Citizens.
We are witnessing the new face of democracy, it's called dictatorship.
1
A bill affecting a 6th of the US economy
A bill that will cut affordable healthcare coverage for over 20 million Americans.
A bill written by behind closed doors by 13 white men (most of whom it appears, HAVEN'T been involved in writing it)
Subject to NO public hearings, NO input from the nation's hospitals, insurance companies, doctors, nursing homes, advocates for women, minorities, the elderly, medical associations, nursing homes and the general public.
A bill that cuts 800 BILLION dollars from Medicaid (which covers 65% of Americans in nursing homes and 45% of nursing home budgets.)
And about to be passed by an entire Senate that STILL has no idea what it does.
Ryan and McConnell claim it going to be better for all Americans.
Indeed Sen. McConnell...tell us how:
How is denying affordable health insurance for 23 million Americans better? (And what good is "affordable health care," if it covers virtually none of the mandated services that exist under the current bill?)
How is gutting nursing home coverage and threatening the viability of that industry better?
How is savaging rural hospitals better?
How is gutting Planned Parenthood better for women's health services?
How does it address the opioid epidemic?
YOU Mitch...Master of the Senate, will find a way to ram this though -
but remember, YOU and the GOP will own it.
And when that happens, millions of clueless Americans are going to wake up and they will know who to blame when they do.
A bill that will cut affordable healthcare coverage for over 20 million Americans.
A bill written by behind closed doors by 13 white men (most of whom it appears, HAVEN'T been involved in writing it)
Subject to NO public hearings, NO input from the nation's hospitals, insurance companies, doctors, nursing homes, advocates for women, minorities, the elderly, medical associations, nursing homes and the general public.
A bill that cuts 800 BILLION dollars from Medicaid (which covers 65% of Americans in nursing homes and 45% of nursing home budgets.)
And about to be passed by an entire Senate that STILL has no idea what it does.
Ryan and McConnell claim it going to be better for all Americans.
Indeed Sen. McConnell...tell us how:
How is denying affordable health insurance for 23 million Americans better? (And what good is "affordable health care," if it covers virtually none of the mandated services that exist under the current bill?)
How is gutting nursing home coverage and threatening the viability of that industry better?
How is savaging rural hospitals better?
How is gutting Planned Parenthood better for women's health services?
How does it address the opioid epidemic?
YOU Mitch...Master of the Senate, will find a way to ram this though -
but remember, YOU and the GOP will own it.
And when that happens, millions of clueless Americans are going to wake up and they will know who to blame when they do.
It is obvious that too many of the people's "representatives" are either the pawns of materialistic individualists, or are them selves driven by materialistic, individualistic greed.
Remind them: "We the People" are still here. We are the Americans who believe in democratic ideals such as:
Actual equality of opportunity for all, beginning with equitable funding for public educational institutions, should be a major democratic goal.
Equal justice under the law, even if it costs us tax-payer dollars to assure such justice, should be established within the court system. Equal justice is not assured in a system in which each person is allowed all the "justice" he or she can afford.
Healthcare is a basic human and democratic right. It is not just one commodity among others competing for your consumer dollar.
True freedom begins with rational autonomy and is best promoted by means of education. Those who love true freedom oppose all forms of crass, demagogic manipulation..
Money is not speech and, with respect to political contributions and freedom of religion, corporations are not persons.
Freedom of religion is not the freedom of believers in any one religious tradition to assume a privileged position and impose their values on others; to allow such to be the case is contrary to the law and the Constitution.
Etc.
Materialistic individualism is the opposite of democratic idealism. It is "Never give a sucker an even break" versus "Everyone deserves a leg up."
Remind them: "We the People" are still here. We are the Americans who believe in democratic ideals such as:
Actual equality of opportunity for all, beginning with equitable funding for public educational institutions, should be a major democratic goal.
Equal justice under the law, even if it costs us tax-payer dollars to assure such justice, should be established within the court system. Equal justice is not assured in a system in which each person is allowed all the "justice" he or she can afford.
Healthcare is a basic human and democratic right. It is not just one commodity among others competing for your consumer dollar.
True freedom begins with rational autonomy and is best promoted by means of education. Those who love true freedom oppose all forms of crass, demagogic manipulation..
Money is not speech and, with respect to political contributions and freedom of religion, corporations are not persons.
Freedom of religion is not the freedom of believers in any one religious tradition to assume a privileged position and impose their values on others; to allow such to be the case is contrary to the law and the Constitution.
Etc.
Materialistic individualism is the opposite of democratic idealism. It is "Never give a sucker an even break" versus "Everyone deserves a leg up."
Lost in the forest of details is the true purpose of the "healthcare" bill - reducing taxes on the nation's most wealthy. Because the rules require that spending be reduced when taxes are lowered, the bill incidentally takes coverage away from millions, particularly lower income Americans.
It is a true wonder of modern propaganda that low wage workers, who overwhelmingly voted for Trump, do not seem to realize or care what the proposal means to them. For many, it means needless suffering and an early death.
It is a true wonder of modern propaganda that low wage workers, who overwhelmingly voted for Trump, do not seem to realize or care what the proposal means to them. For many, it means needless suffering and an early death.
1
The bill fulfills “an important conservative commitment to promote life and protect the unborn.”
This is what bothers me the most. These legislators and conservative groups claim that they want to promote life and protect the unborn, while pushing legislation that does the opposite. Under this bill, insurance companies will no longer be required to provide maternity/pregnancy coverage. This will only increase the number of women without access to the prenatal care they need, which leads to both higher infant mortality and higher maternal mortality rates. If you want to see an example of this at the state level, just look at Texas, where the maternal mortality rate doubled between 2010 and 2014 after funding cuts to reproductive health clinics within the state.
If conservatives really cared about life, as they claim, they would be doing everything in their power to make sure every woman has access to the prenatal care she needs to bring a healthy child to term. They would not be making it harder to access.
This is what bothers me the most. These legislators and conservative groups claim that they want to promote life and protect the unborn, while pushing legislation that does the opposite. Under this bill, insurance companies will no longer be required to provide maternity/pregnancy coverage. This will only increase the number of women without access to the prenatal care they need, which leads to both higher infant mortality and higher maternal mortality rates. If you want to see an example of this at the state level, just look at Texas, where the maternal mortality rate doubled between 2010 and 2014 after funding cuts to reproductive health clinics within the state.
If conservatives really cared about life, as they claim, they would be doing everything in their power to make sure every woman has access to the prenatal care she needs to bring a healthy child to term. They would not be making it harder to access.
1
Every American child citizen should have health care. Every citizen born with a congenital defect should be part of the general risk pool for life.
So whose interests should be protected in healthcare? It seems like a silly question because the obvious answer should be "the patient's" - not Big Pharma, not the AMA, not Insurance Companies, not abortion providers, not fill in the blank_______. Perhaps we've come to the point where NO Government money should be provided for ANY healthcare AT ALL - no matter who gets it and why. Let the chips fall where they may. At least prices for health care services would plummet.
I'm tired of the useless wrangling to get this thing passed because it's total nonsense. Articles like this show that what's happening has absolutely nothing to do with providing health care for the large number of Americans who do not have employer-sponsored health care plans.
They talk about giving everyone "access" to insurance. The insurance companies don't want to give everyone "access" to health care. They want to increase their profits, which can only happen if they don't have to pay for the care of their customers.
Insurance is the worst way to manage health care because the insurance model is a lot of people who don't need it paying into it for the benefit of the relatively small number of people who do. That works for houses, etc. But everyone needs health care at some time, so the pool of people paying into it is exactly the same, over time, as the pool of people needing it.
So the politicians ignore the reality of how insurance works and weasel their words around to try to make it appear as if this is a health care bill. But it's not. It's a bill with two purposes. One, to continue to remove any legislation or regulations put in place during the Obama administration. Two, give a huge tax cut to people who don't need one--those making over $200,000 a year.
I'm tired of the lying and hypocrisy. If they can't get what they want in an open and above board way, maybe they ought to rethink whether their goals are the right ones.
They talk about giving everyone "access" to insurance. The insurance companies don't want to give everyone "access" to health care. They want to increase their profits, which can only happen if they don't have to pay for the care of their customers.
Insurance is the worst way to manage health care because the insurance model is a lot of people who don't need it paying into it for the benefit of the relatively small number of people who do. That works for houses, etc. But everyone needs health care at some time, so the pool of people paying into it is exactly the same, over time, as the pool of people needing it.
So the politicians ignore the reality of how insurance works and weasel their words around to try to make it appear as if this is a health care bill. But it's not. It's a bill with two purposes. One, to continue to remove any legislation or regulations put in place during the Obama administration. Two, give a huge tax cut to people who don't need one--those making over $200,000 a year.
I'm tired of the lying and hypocrisy. If they can't get what they want in an open and above board way, maybe they ought to rethink whether their goals are the right ones.
1
Perhaps our kind and caring Republican Senators will open their homes to those of us deprived of Medicaid. "Let the states decide" is a sham.
"For, by and of the people" has been removed for the Republican plan. America deserves far better.
"For, by and of the people" has been removed for the Republican plan. America deserves far better.
Utterly disappointing that our elected officials have forgotten why they were elected in the first place - to represent and protect the people.
I also believe we should refer to the ACA as the ACA because "Obamacare" unfortunately conjures up partisan politics and it helps people ignore/forget that healthcare should not be about Democrats or Republicans. Healthcare is a right that all Americans should have, regardless of party affiliation.
I also believe we should refer to the ACA as the ACA because "Obamacare" unfortunately conjures up partisan politics and it helps people ignore/forget that healthcare should not be about Democrats or Republicans. Healthcare is a right that all Americans should have, regardless of party affiliation.
This is not democracy. Democracy involves dialogue and coordination to ensure that a majority of people's fundamental rights are not being violated. In addition to being anti-democratic in its content-- stripping health coverage from millions of the most vulnerable people in our society-- this bill is being steamrolled through our legislative branch in a manner that undermines the basic premises of American democracy. There is no dialogue. There is no common language of debate. There is only the "nuclear option"-- and then the tax cut for the billionaires, paid for with the lives of the sick and the poor.
Now, Republicans are trying to steal our healthcare, next it will be social security, courtesy of Paul Ryan. The Dems ignored the white, blue-collar and rural people who voted for Trump and now we all will be paying for that mistake. Dems should be shouting from the rooftops and promising Medicare for all. I fear they are not equal to the task. We will remain the only western democracy without a national healthcare system. So sad!
2
Of course it will be too expensive. It already cost twice as much as it should for decent coverage. One item seems to have been overlooked in the grand debate about why single payer universal coverage works better and cheaper is this: America , the "sue me" country, with its exorbitant malpractice settlements, forces doctors to factor in the cost of malpractice insurance.
In Canada the settlements are limited and the instances of court cases are miniscule. Insurance that doctors have here is a fraction of the type US doctors demand.
So really, what with all the other divisions on coverage, abortion, etc.etc, I figure that health care in the US, whatever emerges, will be an expensive bust.
In Canada the settlements are limited and the instances of court cases are miniscule. Insurance that doctors have here is a fraction of the type US doctors demand.
So really, what with all the other divisions on coverage, abortion, etc.etc, I figure that health care in the US, whatever emerges, will be an expensive bust.
1
Why are we surprised? This so-called improvement over the Republican's attempt to "fix" Obamacare in the House is just as "mean" as that which Senator McConnell and his minions have "improved." As a woman, I am not surprised that the panel of senatorial "experts" did not include a single female senator. It seems that all attempts to allow women to choose a plan that would fulfill their medical needs is based on their employers' religious beliefs and those of the senators on the panel! Is this fair? No it is not. When, oh when, will women's rights to adequate health coverage be enacted by the Congress? Also I hope the senators who have wives, daughters, and grand daughters will take the time to explain their reasoning for defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides medical services to young women and students , women of child-bearing age, and those (both men and women) who have medical needs and no health insurance. (Are you listening Mr. Ryan? Many of the women in your home district depend solely on the clinic there for their health care and if the defunding goes through, the clinic will shut down.)
From a Republican, a note to the Republicans drafting the Health Care bill.
If you:
- increase the health care costs for seniors
- reduce funding for abortion (religious reasons do not justify an increase in single parent families, children born out of rape, or children born with severe mental defects)
- implement "choice" while taking away the choices or making them more expensive or much more restrictive
- remove the requirements for insurers to insure people with pre-existing conditions
- pander to the insurers and pharmaceutical companies who fund you, to raise there profits at the expense of working class and senior Americans
Then you're in for a surprise at the next elections.
If you:
- increase the health care costs for seniors
- reduce funding for abortion (religious reasons do not justify an increase in single parent families, children born out of rape, or children born with severe mental defects)
- implement "choice" while taking away the choices or making them more expensive or much more restrictive
- remove the requirements for insurers to insure people with pre-existing conditions
- pander to the insurers and pharmaceutical companies who fund you, to raise there profits at the expense of working class and senior Americans
Then you're in for a surprise at the next elections.
If the Trump supporters in the Republican Party ignore the tired old party hacks and unschooled ideologues, and press Trump for a single-payer system, the Republican Party can be guaranteed a majority for the next few decades.
Otherwise, they will be hurt by this bill, and pretty much set up the Democrats for a multi-cultural, open borders, fringe-driven majority for the next several decades.
What do you say, Trump supporters?
Otherwise, they will be hurt by this bill, and pretty much set up the Democrats for a multi-cultural, open borders, fringe-driven majority for the next several decades.
What do you say, Trump supporters?
Can't understand why people accept the fact that Medicaid will continue to grow. Severely disabled children & adults will always need its coverage but do we accept that the poor will always be poor? Do we accept the fact that children covered under Medicaid will grow up to be adults covered under Medicaid? Do we believe that one child covered will be replaced by a new child needing coverage? Do we believe that medication & hospitalization will cure the "life style" chronic illnesses or will a system of mutual responsibility (individual & the state) better serve...& aren't the states better to experiment than the federal govt?
I understand that nursing home care is a huge issue but we can't accept that the only solution is using the same model.
I understand that nursing home care is a huge issue but we can't accept that the only solution is using the same model.
Cutting Medicaid that allows 2/3 of seniors in nursing homes to receive life saving care is an indicator of the true values of the Republican writers of the Senate bill. Rather than being a party of family values, they have created a bill that yanks care from medically fragile seniors perhaps at the cost of their lives. The bill allows insurers to choose not to fund abortion nor pregnancy while also cutting funding to planned parenthood. Apparently the Republican writers of the bill only find family value in the product of a womb, not the person within whom the womb resides. One has to ask how these cuts to medical care benefit that promotes itself as the party of "family values."
1
Trading tax cuts for illness, misery, and death is the likely reality with the "new" health care plan. We ought to all be ashamed.
States should pay more attention to the report by the insurance companies. McConnell wants states to ignore it because he is smart enough to know that his bill will either shift federal Medicaid costs to states or force states to cut enrollment.
States like Louisiana, which have Congressional representatives like Sen. Kennedy who aren't as sharp, are going to suffer either way.
Here is the quote in the article about their Senator: "But Senator John Kennedy, Republican of LA, said the Medicaid provisions were one of the bill’s chief attractions for him."
LA is the second most dependent state in the nation for the portion of its state budget subsidized by federal dollars. https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-gov...
Kennedy reported that 47% of the State budget is devoted to Medicaid matching funds. LA ranks 37th in Medicaid spending per capita, and McConnell's bill will cut the federal subsidy significantly - by 25% according to insurers. That will have a much bigger proportional impact on LA's State budget than those of CA, NY, Ct, MN, etc. which are much less dependent upon federal subsidies. So, LA will either have to cut Medicaid enrollment drastically or increase State taxes significantly.
The other states most dependent upon federal subsidy are (in order of ranking) MS, TN, MT, KY, MO, SD, GA, ME, OR, AZ, WY, OH, AL, WV See any correlation to voting for Trump?
Talk about shooting oneself in the foot!
States like Louisiana, which have Congressional representatives like Sen. Kennedy who aren't as sharp, are going to suffer either way.
Here is the quote in the article about their Senator: "But Senator John Kennedy, Republican of LA, said the Medicaid provisions were one of the bill’s chief attractions for him."
LA is the second most dependent state in the nation for the portion of its state budget subsidized by federal dollars. https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-gov...
Kennedy reported that 47% of the State budget is devoted to Medicaid matching funds. LA ranks 37th in Medicaid spending per capita, and McConnell's bill will cut the federal subsidy significantly - by 25% according to insurers. That will have a much bigger proportional impact on LA's State budget than those of CA, NY, Ct, MN, etc. which are much less dependent upon federal subsidies. So, LA will either have to cut Medicaid enrollment drastically or increase State taxes significantly.
The other states most dependent upon federal subsidy are (in order of ranking) MS, TN, MT, KY, MO, SD, GA, ME, OR, AZ, WY, OH, AL, WV See any correlation to voting for Trump?
Talk about shooting oneself in the foot!
Listening to Mitch McConnell is a very effective substitute for ipecac syrup.
11
Abortion is an issue. Got an idea. Every male submits to a reversible vasectomy. No muss no fuss, no sperm and egg = babies until married.
The other alternative is to open up drop-off spots at all Trump buildings and government buildings.
The other alternative is to open up drop-off spots at all Trump buildings and government buildings.
6
Remarkable for a Congress that was elected with gerrymandering anfd the opposing party actually getting more votes. Banana Republicans!
2
These Republican old men of the senate are such Hypacrites. Johnnie Isackson was on commercials for Karen Handel that we must Repeal and Replace Obamacare. Yet he wants to keep private the fact that his 22 year old Grandson that was raised by his wife ( not as a Grandchild but Child) died of a drug overdose this winter. He told the staff they wanted to keep it private! Private that his roommate at Georgia Southern found him dead of an overdose in the dorm room.
Johnnie and you other Greedy old men can you strip the mental health and opiod benefits of Obamacare, even as your own Grandson is a victim all for the Partyline. Instead you could be using your family tragedy for a purpose.
Both Georgia Senate seats will go Blue after you take away rural Georgia's insurance.
Johnnie and you other Greedy old men can you strip the mental health and opiod benefits of Obamacare, even as your own Grandson is a victim all for the Partyline. Instead you could be using your family tragedy for a purpose.
Both Georgia Senate seats will go Blue after you take away rural Georgia's insurance.
4
When was the last time these 13 male senators were pregnant? When was the last time they had to make a gut wrenching decision about pregnancy because the method they used for birth control failed? When these 13 men live through a pregnancy, wanted or unwanted, have cramps, go through menopause, worry about being raped, are deliberately underpaid because of their gender, are told to shut up in public, are accosted when they go to any clinic that does abortions, maybe then they'll understand what it's like to be woman in America.
Judases, each and every one of them and undeserving of calling themselves Christians or serving in public office. At best they are ignorant males. At worst they are deliberately, with malice aforethought, making the lives of women in America much harder.
Judases, each and every one of them and undeserving of calling themselves Christians or serving in public office. At best they are ignorant males. At worst they are deliberately, with malice aforethought, making the lives of women in America much harder.
67
Murkowski and Collins will wring their hands and pretend they care that the this horrendous legislation will hurt millions of people. Then they'll vote for it. Count on it.
5
The republican rich will sit in their ivory tower of concierge medicine, congress will sit back gratuitously enjoying their FREE AND EXPANSIVE medical coverage and the rest of America’s populace will be subject to dwindling access to health care that will not cover them at times when most needed. Again, this is a war on hard-working folks as well as poverty.
Be warned America. This is a war against majority of us. What these toadies in Washington don’t seem to understand is that the health of the citizens of this country is the health of the entire country’s ability to survive.
Consider America as a human body. When parts become sick and uncared for, it affects the entire body’s ability to continue to function as a whole. Untreated, it will slowly grow sicker as the illness or disease spreads and infects others parts, making it even more susceptible to other medical conditions.
Let’s get basic. The rich don’t need tax breaks. They are already rich. But we all need health and that should be the focal point of this issue. A healthy country is a stronger country, a harder working country, a smarter country, a productive country, a more vibrant country, and, I would like to hope, a country that cares for ALL its people.
PLEASE, DO NOT LET THIS BILL PASS !
Be warned America. This is a war against majority of us. What these toadies in Washington don’t seem to understand is that the health of the citizens of this country is the health of the entire country’s ability to survive.
Consider America as a human body. When parts become sick and uncared for, it affects the entire body’s ability to continue to function as a whole. Untreated, it will slowly grow sicker as the illness or disease spreads and infects others parts, making it even more susceptible to other medical conditions.
Let’s get basic. The rich don’t need tax breaks. They are already rich. But we all need health and that should be the focal point of this issue. A healthy country is a stronger country, a harder working country, a smarter country, a productive country, a more vibrant country, and, I would like to hope, a country that cares for ALL its people.
PLEASE, DO NOT LET THIS BILL PASS !
7
Just a one paragraph bill repealing ACA. Senate Democrats will filibuster. The administration then obeys the federal court decision that there are no appropriations for the low income subsides. Shortly after that a bipartisan effort emerges to replace ACA...with what, I am not sure, but they will be looking for the middle 60 Senators and not 50 Republicans or 8 Democrats.
Tax credits for the wealthy, yes, that is the trump health care mandate. I am quite sick of hearing his rhetoric about how much he loves the American people. The trump presidency, what a disgusting charade. This is winning for the Republicans. Wake up, America.
2
You keep reporting the story of the health care repeal as if Republicans were faced with huge obstacles all along the way, but they keep moving forward, while all the opponents of their nefarious and cruel plan seem immobilized by the hope that they will fail. Seems a vain hope, despite your reporting.
Some Republicans are apparently worried that this abomination of a tax cut for the super wealthy, er, "health care bill" is so cruel to ordinary Americans that it may threaten their future electoral prospects.
Another set thinks it's not cruel enough!
How in the world did these people hijack our government.
Another set thinks it's not cruel enough!
How in the world did these people hijack our government.
2
It seems that the issue of health care is a game to these guys, they just want to 'win', regardless of the expense to their constituents. 13 old 'men', who have been in Washington forever, with no real world experience, might as well be called a Death Panel. Death to those who are sick, death to our economy as many bankruptcies will again be filed as people lose their houses to medical bills and fall to poverty because they got sick or were in an accident. They are not even addressing the issue of out of control costs of the hospital and drug machine.
The god money is speaking and they a listening.
The god money is speaking and they a listening.
2
Louisiana says it doubled the share of its budget covering Medicaid. This is because they refused to participate in the ACA subsidies for expanded Medicaid It is 100% a self-inflicted wound.
2
The contents of the Republican "health care" bill are obvious and predictable. It will maximize harm to poor, lower and middle income Americans while maximizing tax breaks to their ultra-wealthy supporters. Simple!
The problem they face is whether they can add enough sugar to make the poison palatable and minimize their losses in 2018.
The problem they face is whether they can add enough sugar to make the poison palatable and minimize their losses in 2018.
2
The only divisions in the Republican party concern money, in the last analysis.
Medicine and all other issues are secondary to how much of the health care bill can be dumped on the states, counties and cities back home.
Medicine and all other issues are secondary to how much of the health care bill can be dumped on the states, counties and cities back home.
One of the things that makes America incomprehensible to the rest of the world is that so many Americans seem to think it is OK that many of their fellow-citizens should be denied proper treatment when they are sick simply because they are short of money. The USA is still among the richest countries in the world. It expects its citizens to be patriotic and believe in its values. But if its "values" include allowing them to suffer unnecessary disability and death, why should they give it the time of day? How is it possible to think it is OK to spend one sixth of your enormous GDP on a healthcare system, yet still have perinatal mortality rates that are worse than those of several third-world countries? What is the matter with you?
4
Perinatal = women and babies. The GOP uses both but cares for neither. Since this is demonstrated repeatedly no one should be surprised.
I am confused by Senator Kennedy's quote. He is complaining that the state share of Medicaid is too high. If the bill cuts Federal Medicaid funding, is there some other aspect of the bill that enables the state to reduce their Medicaid expenditures? Dos anyone know?
But look at the great benefit of cutting Medicaid by $800B over ten years: every billionaire and some lesser wealthy get a new jet every five years (average replacement rate once per five years at average new cost of $27M and running cost of $2M per year equals about 11,000 rich people kept in up to date jets). Some might want a few new houses or yachts and hold on to their jets a little longer.
And the cost to the country will be minimal. Only a few tens of thousands of poor folks will die early every year, and that will allow the tax cuts to be increased even more! What's not to like?
And the cost to the country will be minimal. Only a few tens of thousands of poor folks will die early every year, and that will allow the tax cuts to be increased even more! What's not to like?
33
Three issues need discussing:
1. The cost of health care is based on the 1940's method of health services.
2. The 1940's also brought us employer health coverage. Does anyone know why employer paying health care is in anyway a good idea? Certainly not from an international competitive issue.
3. The cost of health care seems to be discussed in terms of cost and how to avoid having the wealth of the country directed toward the needs of the average citizen. How wealth should be best utilized is an important issue.
1. The cost of health care is based on the 1940's method of health services.
2. The 1940's also brought us employer health coverage. Does anyone know why employer paying health care is in anyway a good idea? Certainly not from an international competitive issue.
3. The cost of health care seems to be discussed in terms of cost and how to avoid having the wealth of the country directed toward the needs of the average citizen. How wealth should be best utilized is an important issue.
1
I kind of appreciate that the GOP senators are being so obvious about their lack of transparency, and the fact that of our elected lawmakers, only a baker's dozen have their hands on this particular steering wheel. They don't seem to be pretending otherwise.
It makes plain what many of us have suspected in the larger ebb and flow of health care legislation: We the people really aren't part of this process. AT. ALL.
Elected officials aren't doing it for us. They're not doing all this to meet a philosophical belief, and despite their proclamations, they're not doing this to meet a budget goal.
No, our elected officials are doing this for the market, and for the people who make money from this. People's lives don't matter in this debate. Only the corporate bottom line does.
We're no longer governed by elected officials. We're now a wholly owned subsidiary of Extreme Capitalism. And our lives matter only if the board of directors finds us to be a profitable subsidiary.
It makes plain what many of us have suspected in the larger ebb and flow of health care legislation: We the people really aren't part of this process. AT. ALL.
Elected officials aren't doing it for us. They're not doing all this to meet a philosophical belief, and despite their proclamations, they're not doing this to meet a budget goal.
No, our elected officials are doing this for the market, and for the people who make money from this. People's lives don't matter in this debate. Only the corporate bottom line does.
We're no longer governed by elected officials. We're now a wholly owned subsidiary of Extreme Capitalism. And our lives matter only if the board of directors finds us to be a profitable subsidiary.
2
We have seen how tax cuts do not produce widespread wealth, just as we have seen that re-regulation and the decline of unions (whatever their abuses) also does not produce widely shared prosperity.
So who benefits? Rich donors to conservative causes. Yet Republicans still manage to get their voters to vote their way.
How is this possible?
So who benefits? Rich donors to conservative causes. Yet Republicans still manage to get their voters to vote their way.
How is this possible?
2
Why can't we just go single payer like every other decent country in the world? Healthcare is only costing us this much because we're paying the commercial rate for services. It is simply inefficient to subsidize a for-profit system when you could set up a non-profit one for far less money. Sure, taxes might be a little bit higher, but you would never pay for medical care again.
2
If the Republicans try to outlaw abortion, or even to limit it severely, I would not be surprised if we have another revolution. Led by women........If I were not so damn old, I would be a follower in their fight for control of their bodies.
1
"But...Republican of Louisiana, said the Medicaid provisions were one of the bill’s chief attractions for him.
“In my state..we are now spending 47 percent of our budget on Medicaid. That’s up from 23 percent in 2008. It’s crowding out money for universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration, and it just keeps climbing.”"
So, in other words, Louisiana, in spite of all of your oil drilling and shipping profits, your taxes are too low to take care of your citizens' needs, and you'd rather deny people health care than raise taxes on the wealthy.
“In my state..we are now spending 47 percent of our budget on Medicaid. That’s up from 23 percent in 2008. It’s crowding out money for universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration, and it just keeps climbing.”"
So, in other words, Louisiana, in spite of all of your oil drilling and shipping profits, your taxes are too low to take care of your citizens' needs, and you'd rather deny people health care than raise taxes on the wealthy.
41
Louisiana, like most of the South, receive more Federal money than it's citizens pay in taxes.
"As senators struggle to develop a health care bill"
This is not a health care bill. They are not sitting down to figure out how best to reform health care.
It is a huge tax cut for the wealthy bill.
This is not a health care bill. They are not sitting down to figure out how best to reform health care.
It is a huge tax cut for the wealthy bill.
41
You create TrumpCare - you own it, Republicans.
Every Senator who votes for this bill should be voted out of office. States should keep a list of every person who dies due to lack of health care or lack of decent healthcare and lay it at their door. Every child who loses disability funding, every senior who loses nursing home care, each cancer patient who dies because they can't afford the drugs - each name should be attached to the Senator and Congressman of that state daily. Someone should keep a running total in a Daily TrumpCare Obituary page.
Every Senator who votes for this bill should be voted out of office. States should keep a list of every person who dies due to lack of health care or lack of decent healthcare and lay it at their door. Every child who loses disability funding, every senior who loses nursing home care, each cancer patient who dies because they can't afford the drugs - each name should be attached to the Senator and Congressman of that state daily. Someone should keep a running total in a Daily TrumpCare Obituary page.
35
The "moderate Republicans" will preen and pose, pretending to be "mavericks" or "thoughtful leaders," and then, as always, they will fall in line. How many times do we have to watch this kabuki performance before we stop pretending they are not, every single one of them, deeply committed to party uber alles?
90
Yes, exactly. As long as Collins and others keep voting to allow Mitch McConnell to run the Senate, every single Republican Senator is responsible for every cruel thing he does,
10
Apparently, for some, abortion sits right up there with cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, opioid addiction? Tail wagging the dog?
8
Sometimes abortions are necessary for health reasons. But I wouldn't expect you to know that because you're a man.
"Abortion is not health care."
There can be circumstances beyond what you are now imagining. Sometimes abortion is life-saving care.
I have a birth defect that caused two of my pregnancies to attach in places where they 1) could not survive and 2) could have caused a rupture that would likely cause massive internal bleeding & death before I could get to a hospital.
Thank God my PRO-LIFE obstetrician believed that my life was more important than non-viable fetuses and surgically removed each one.
I went on to have two children after that, who are now 17 and 19 years old.
I would like us to have ZERO abortions in our country.....and when there is FREE, long- and short-term birth control and morning-after pills available to every person who walks into a pharmacy or clinic or doctor's office, then I will be happy to consider abortion restrictions.
In the meantime, keep your laws off my body; abortion is a medical decision between a woman and her doctor.
There can be circumstances beyond what you are now imagining. Sometimes abortion is life-saving care.
I have a birth defect that caused two of my pregnancies to attach in places where they 1) could not survive and 2) could have caused a rupture that would likely cause massive internal bleeding & death before I could get to a hospital.
Thank God my PRO-LIFE obstetrician believed that my life was more important than non-viable fetuses and surgically removed each one.
I went on to have two children after that, who are now 17 and 19 years old.
I would like us to have ZERO abortions in our country.....and when there is FREE, long- and short-term birth control and morning-after pills available to every person who walks into a pharmacy or clinic or doctor's office, then I will be happy to consider abortion restrictions.
In the meantime, keep your laws off my body; abortion is a medical decision between a woman and her doctor.
77
people are dying to get in on that one.
4
Friends don't have friends who are Republicans. It's time to stop giving a pass to the voters (even those who may be friends and family) and blaming only the politicians. Anyone who is STILL a Republican is not going to change, is vicious, heartless and sociopathic, and therefore only worthy of your contemptuous dismissal.
20
Sounds like something a terrorist would say.
Oh look, a sword. Let's fall on it.
9
Do we need any more proof that republicans hate women? Why do women keep voting for them?
32
They don't think of it as hatred. They just think they know better.
HOORAY!
Thank Goodness for the Letter from major Insurance Companies decrying the Health Bill, especially the cuts and caps to Medicaid that would force and cause States to raise taxes, reduce benefits,, cut payments to providers or eliminate coverage for some Beneficiaries.
What they are really saying and why they oppose the Medicaid Cap is because it would reduce the amounts that Insurers could charge as those people in the State pool must share the total amount available which will continue to shrink every year guaranteeing that Insurers will not make as much money and start to lose the Profits they have been used to making from Medicaid.
That's simply Unacceptable!
Health Insurers must make more money and greater Profits from the highest amount of money paid in Subsidies from the Feds and the most they can Squeeze from ...I mean Take...um...I mean Charge the customer.
You didn't think they are against this Bill because they have a conscience, did you?
Thank Goodness for the Letter from major Insurance Companies decrying the Health Bill, especially the cuts and caps to Medicaid that would force and cause States to raise taxes, reduce benefits,, cut payments to providers or eliminate coverage for some Beneficiaries.
What they are really saying and why they oppose the Medicaid Cap is because it would reduce the amounts that Insurers could charge as those people in the State pool must share the total amount available which will continue to shrink every year guaranteeing that Insurers will not make as much money and start to lose the Profits they have been used to making from Medicaid.
That's simply Unacceptable!
Health Insurers must make more money and greater Profits from the highest amount of money paid in Subsidies from the Feds and the most they can Squeeze from ...I mean Take...um...I mean Charge the customer.
You didn't think they are against this Bill because they have a conscience, did you?
7
Demand single payer, people. Hammer that message, relentlessly.
Single payer, for a rational approach. Come on, congress, you've got to do the right thing.
Single payer, for a rational approach. Come on, congress, you've got to do the right thing.
22
I'll just bet that the bill still includes coverage for Viagra, Cialis and all the other ED drugs for guys.
The men that are deciding this are just so very clueless and greedy.
Spitefully evil.
The men that are deciding this are just so very clueless and greedy.
Spitefully evil.
30
Abortion is so common that statistically speaking every family in America is closely tied to self-sought pregnancy termination. Over 50 million women (and 50 million men that was the corollary sperm) have had an abortion. Add in mother/father/sister/brother as family relatives, and that is a family universe of all Americans that sought and got an abortion. Any attemp to deny this fact is hypocritical and this includes every elected official in the land. I guess we might lock'um all up...?
10
People get what they vote for - the Republicans! Example - Georgia. I am disgusted with the "me first" attitude of average Americans who idolize Trump and his billionaire family and retainers.
16
"America first" is just a euphemism for "me first", or "I got mine, so screw everyone else"...
2
Republicans are sociopaths. That is all.
18
All of congress & their constituents must go on new plan for 5 years and then rest of the country should have this plan.
9
The Republicans are about to pass a massive tax cut for the rich and call it a health care bill or, fittingly, Trumpcare...
19
How utterly stupid.
It is common knowledge that broad, affordable access to primary care, screening, birth control, well-baby visits, etc. etc. have POSITIVE effects on not just the citizenry, but the economy as a whole. In other words, an investment.
That the senators turn a deaf ear to the health care industry, which is pleading NOT to cut Medicaid, tells us their one and only priority is the vote of their ignorant constituents.
You think Medicaid is expensive? Just wait until it's gone and the poor head to the hospital. Costs will rise so high, we will all be sucked into the vortex of impossible premiums.
It is common knowledge that broad, affordable access to primary care, screening, birth control, well-baby visits, etc. etc. have POSITIVE effects on not just the citizenry, but the economy as a whole. In other words, an investment.
That the senators turn a deaf ear to the health care industry, which is pleading NOT to cut Medicaid, tells us their one and only priority is the vote of their ignorant constituents.
You think Medicaid is expensive? Just wait until it's gone and the poor head to the hospital. Costs will rise so high, we will all be sucked into the vortex of impossible premiums.
17
The venal and utterly corrupt Mitch McConnell has done more damage to our democratic institutions and processes than any other single politician I can remember in my 60 years.
Whether it's putting party above country for 8 years in his single minded determination to see President Obama fail, his subversion of two centuries of Senate norms in the use of filibusters or approval or Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, or this latest healthcare outrage that he has orchestrated, this man represents the worst of America.
This small-minded excuse for a human has no core beliefs other than the accumulation power for its own sake, and doesn't care a whit for the damage he does to our norms, country, environment or future. The man (if you can call him that) deserves a special place in hell. One has to wonder about his constituents in Kentucky, who keep returning McConnell and that certifiable lunatic Rand Paul to the Senate!
Whether it's putting party above country for 8 years in his single minded determination to see President Obama fail, his subversion of two centuries of Senate norms in the use of filibusters or approval or Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, or this latest healthcare outrage that he has orchestrated, this man represents the worst of America.
This small-minded excuse for a human has no core beliefs other than the accumulation power for its own sake, and doesn't care a whit for the damage he does to our norms, country, environment or future. The man (if you can call him that) deserves a special place in hell. One has to wonder about his constituents in Kentucky, who keep returning McConnell and that certifiable lunatic Rand Paul to the Senate!
31
I personally know those who have openly admitted they will be better off commitiing suicide, if they lose their coverage.
53
With congestive heart failure I am in that category. The amazing thing is that the same people who will take away my health care would arrest me or institutionalize me if I were to speak of the desire and the right to die....I suppose if I were to be in either a prison or a mental hospital I would get health care. Since such incarceration is far more expensive then my health insurance seems a bit illogical to me.
1
I can sadly agree - I am 86 years old with many pain problems, and I fear Congress will not only deny treatment, but also pain pills. Just you wait, Congress.....one day you will be old and in pain. Each and every one of you. Think about that..........
I don't but I imagine there would be many who would be in danger of it because they loose access to treatment for psychiatric disorders...
What do you call all those children born due to lack of contraceptives, who won't have access to doctors or education? Cannon fodder. The military industrial complex will be badly in need for expendable lives as wars are expanded and "invented" across the globe. There is a method to this madness.
4
As I understand it, bill supporters say that under the new plan, many who can not afford coverage would simply elect to go uninsured. Is there discussion on the impact and acceptability of that outcome on society - for example - how and should the uninsured would be cared for and who pays. Or, should we wait until you get sick - the prescription is in the mail.
Finally, while all the discussion revolves around premiums and limiting choice, I must assume (shouldn't we) the new bill will address controlling provider cost, abuses, and drug cost.
Finally, while all the discussion revolves around premiums and limiting choice, I must assume (shouldn't we) the new bill will address controlling provider cost, abuses, and drug cost.
3
While most Americans are concerned with what happens to other people and money. The 13 are clearly only concerned with money, especially how much they will get. The Republican Party in modern times has always been opposed to true American values. Sheer selfishness, disguised as "free enterprise" has been their unsaid motto for many, many years.
6
It seems as if the American people are more motivated by some subgroup they don't want to reward with a program than they are bettering our nation overall.
Everyone seems to think someone is cheating them.
Everyone seems to think someone is cheating them.
10
Please don't say, "the American people"
The majority of Americans wisely voted against Republicans, who seized total power due to undemocratic rules, and are cooking up plans in secret because they know they know are opposed by the majority of Americans,
The majority of Americans wisely voted against Republicans, who seized total power due to undemocratic rules, and are cooking up plans in secret because they know they know are opposed by the majority of Americans,
12
As a health care administrator I can tell you that the Medicaid cuts in this bill, if passed, will result not only in millions more uninsured Americans but millions more health care industry workers on the unemployment lines.
10
And school employees. Medicaid pays for many special education services.
Ever notice that there are 15 physicians in Congress. Thirteen are R's and they want to repeal the ACA and reduce Medicaid? They are the ones who also make misleading comments and lie outright about the benefits of Trumpcare. Most primary car doctors ( 85%) favor the ACA.
9
One more thing.
Abortions are performed in hospitals, too. Do these people not realize that? Sometimes it's necessary for the life of the mother.
Being a woman is a naturally pre-existing condition.
Abortions are performed in hospitals, too. Do these people not realize that? Sometimes it's necessary for the life of the mother.
Being a woman is a naturally pre-existing condition.
11
- so: no coverage!
1
People are going to die and suffer so that wealthy people can avoid tax.
Evolution needs to move to create larger social groups as the focus in our minds or we are doomed. Not today maybe, but soon this kind of sowing will harvest a bitter fruit of violence and conflict (it is history's lesson).
There are not enough drugs, killer cops, and stupidity to preserve the peace built on such idiocy.
America, there are not 'the others' we are all in general - the same.
Evolution needs to move to create larger social groups as the focus in our minds or we are doomed. Not today maybe, but soon this kind of sowing will harvest a bitter fruit of violence and conflict (it is history's lesson).
There are not enough drugs, killer cops, and stupidity to preserve the peace built on such idiocy.
America, there are not 'the others' we are all in general - the same.
4
While DT the toddler either wakes up at 3 in the morning for a tantrum tweet, or flies off to a lily white enclave in Iowa to claim to be "winning", (seriously ? they are buying that ?) the cunning McConnell rejiggers daily life for the rest of us.
Is it lost on him (and I mean "him" since it is truly "his" bill) that, forget about citizens, both health care providers and health care insurers, are against what "he" is doing in his little power bubble.
Who exactly is this guy working for ?
Is it lost on him (and I mean "him" since it is truly "his" bill) that, forget about citizens, both health care providers and health care insurers, are against what "he" is doing in his little power bubble.
Who exactly is this guy working for ?
6
Other issues aside...
I fail to see how one or more lawmakers' opinions about what should be covered by the insurance one buys oneself have any validity. It's flagrantly hypocritical for Republicans to decry 'government overreach' and then embed such overreach in the policy by telling people they can or can not have certain services funded.
Utter baloney.
I fail to see how one or more lawmakers' opinions about what should be covered by the insurance one buys oneself have any validity. It's flagrantly hypocritical for Republicans to decry 'government overreach' and then embed such overreach in the policy by telling people they can or can not have certain services funded.
Utter baloney.
9
So true .... and at the same time laughing, as they know their premier coverage is untouched. How grossly hypocritical can they get???? And, just as bad, are all the ignorant sheeple who voted for them without taking the time to really understand this whole travesty !
The ACA funded Medicaid expansion, and premium subsidies, to Americans who would not otherwise be able to afford healthcare insurance - and whose employers didn't provide it to them - by specific taxes imposed on the investment income on families earning $250,000 or more. The entire goal of the Republican party's Obamacare "overhaul" is to cut those taxes, and the only way to do that without increasing the deficit - and therefore being able to use the 'budget reconciliation' rules that require only 51 votes to pass in the Senate - is to cut something more than the amount of the tax cuts. Which is why Medicaid is being slashed. The rest - cutting of funding to Planned Parenthood, preventing women from being able to access medical care for reproductive and abortion services - are just part of the extraordinary misogynistic worldview of the Republican party. This is all we need to know about this so-called "overhaul". Americans have voted for these people, time and time again, so let's either vote for change, or shut up. And stop feeling sorry for the people on Medicaid. They - at least the adults amongst them - had ample opportunity to vote Democratic in the last election.
9
Our country has voted in Republicans, top to bottom. This is what we asked for, this is what we're getting.
1
Americans are either masochists or just extremely callous. I can think no other explanation for why we keep voting for Republicans considering that their policies will hurt us.
4
Most Americans I think have little influence over the actions of republicans in power.
Abortion is allowed, with guidelines, in this country. If you don't want one, no one is forcing you to get one. Better to have Planned Parenthood for access to birth control. I simply do not understand the logic of wanting to insert yourself into personal decisions of people whose circumstances you know nothing about. Then after the baby is born, feel free to ignore any birth to death needs and costs?????! Abortion, ideally, should be available and rare and included in health care policies because that is what insurance is. We each throw money into the pot to have the care that we and our doctors have determined is needed.
14
Abortion is just one small aspect of planned parenthood. Cutting it also cuts those who choose to have a child and needs easy access to reproductive services related to that.
"...the conservative Republican Study Committee listed several parts of the House bill they view as crucial, including cutting funds to Planned Parenthood ...The bill, they wrote, fulfills “an important conservative commitment to promote life and protect the unborn.”
How do these Republican Bozos think that cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood helps their " commitment to promote life and protect the unborn.” ??
Given the fact that the absolute Best Way to fulfill their commitment is to ensure an educated, healthy and looked after prospective new Mother which Planned Parenthood is best placed to provide!
Defunding or cutting funds of Planned Parenthood does the opposite of what Republican Conservatives say they are committed to providing.
They are either Utter Hypocrits or just plain Stupid.
How do these Republican Bozos think that cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood helps their " commitment to promote life and protect the unborn.” ??
Given the fact that the absolute Best Way to fulfill their commitment is to ensure an educated, healthy and looked after prospective new Mother which Planned Parenthood is best placed to provide!
Defunding or cutting funds of Planned Parenthood does the opposite of what Republican Conservatives say they are committed to providing.
They are either Utter Hypocrits or just plain Stupid.
11
The other day, while waiting to see my eye doctor. I sat next to a couple, who were definitely retired. I expressed my concerns about our well run health care system. Their response, why should I have to pay for some else's health care.
I pointed out, indirectly, I am paying for their Medicare and have been since I was 18 years old. This is the kind of ignorant mentality you are dealing with. Even further, they seemed to say that no more people should be allowed to join Medicare, as it will reduce their access to health care.
The screwed up politicians, from both parties, plus the media outlets are the ones at fault here. Most people do not do what I do everyday; read a newspaper. Actually, I read multiple newspapers. One of them off shore.
The media, has become an arm of the politicians, and is no longer the watchdog, itt once was. Instead of being unbiased, and above the fray.,, they are in the midst of it. Even The New York Times.
The unfortunate side affect of all of this is that the new health care law will get passed. Trump will give the wealthy their huge tax cuts. For the rest of us, higher taxes, higher costs for health care, and further erosion of the social safety net. The GOP, will next take aim at Medicare and Social Security.
It is appropriate that this story is about abortion coverage. For it was Roe V Wade that set the ball rolling to create the dived and conquer, ignorance politics and the divide that exists today.
Ignorance is Strength - Orville
I pointed out, indirectly, I am paying for their Medicare and have been since I was 18 years old. This is the kind of ignorant mentality you are dealing with. Even further, they seemed to say that no more people should be allowed to join Medicare, as it will reduce their access to health care.
The screwed up politicians, from both parties, plus the media outlets are the ones at fault here. Most people do not do what I do everyday; read a newspaper. Actually, I read multiple newspapers. One of them off shore.
The media, has become an arm of the politicians, and is no longer the watchdog, itt once was. Instead of being unbiased, and above the fray.,, they are in the midst of it. Even The New York Times.
The unfortunate side affect of all of this is that the new health care law will get passed. Trump will give the wealthy their huge tax cuts. For the rest of us, higher taxes, higher costs for health care, and further erosion of the social safety net. The GOP, will next take aim at Medicare and Social Security.
It is appropriate that this story is about abortion coverage. For it was Roe V Wade that set the ball rolling to create the dived and conquer, ignorance politics and the divide that exists today.
Ignorance is Strength - Orville
5
I have to comment on your words
about Medicare. It is not free.
Medicare is an excellent system of
health delivery and it has a cost.
Between Medicare and my supplement
I am paying over $600 a month and
I am a tax payer and have no complaints.
No, it is not free, nor should it be.
Medicare should not be considered
in a derogatory manner. For those
who are economically stressed, Medicaid
is also a critical component for a civilized,
compassionate America. People with
health issues are not "collateral damage"
on a battle field. They should have every
opportunity to have good insurance...
options that are critical for a healthy society.
about Medicare. It is not free.
Medicare is an excellent system of
health delivery and it has a cost.
Between Medicare and my supplement
I am paying over $600 a month and
I am a tax payer and have no complaints.
No, it is not free, nor should it be.
Medicare should not be considered
in a derogatory manner. For those
who are economically stressed, Medicaid
is also a critical component for a civilized,
compassionate America. People with
health issues are not "collateral damage"
on a battle field. They should have every
opportunity to have good insurance...
options that are critical for a healthy society.
2
No healthcare for women. How about sperm-care?
Our Senator Cory Gardner is hiding somewhere- he promised no secrecy. He broke his word. There should be consequences for each and every senator who wasted taxpayer money with this dog.
These men are insane.
11
And yet people keep voting GOP, like in that 'affluent, well educated suburb' of Atlanta. It can't be religion, so is it hatred?
21
Actually it's lower taxes, that affluent, well educated suburb doesn't have to worry about where their healthcare comes from, and they aren't concerned about the fact that huge tax breaks for the wealthy will cost millions their healthcare.
5
Hate, spite and racism. PEROID.
4
You forgot greed.
Why would the people of the United States put up with this or vote for these men?
22
Ignorance.
1
I've consistently tried to evaluate the GOP's efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare from a single perspective: which alternative will do them (the Republicans) the most harm? Initially I was overjoyed when the House was unable to pass a bill, thinking that would cause their base to see them for the frauds they are while ensuring that the ACA remained in effect. But what has since become clear is that independent of their own legislation, they are successfully sabotaging Obamacare and placing it in the death spiral they have predicted for so long. That being the case, I really hope they pass this dog so there's no confusion as to who is responsible for the disaster that is coming.
9
The words health and care need to be taken out of this bill.
95
Health Insurance only works when the risk is spread across all members, health care costs are negotiated and limited and the healthy and younger are willing to support the sick and older pool by financially contributing to services they may not need themselves. None of these elements are part of the Trump/GOP plan. The only thing the plan does is rescind the taxes rich Americans and device makers paid to support subsidized plans and take away coverage from the sick and poor altogether. Allowing plans to "cross state lines" does nothing for the coverage of poorer and sick Americans. I bet the electorate that actually supports this travesty thinks of themselves as true patriots and proudly waves flags on the fourth of July and sings in church with their fellow "Christians." The hypocrisy.
20
Plus, "selling plans across state lines" is not currently prohibited. Insurance companies have tried it and it doesn't work because its regulated at the state level and each state has its own rules (about the insurance coverage and the provided services) and tax structure. Unless Congress tries to force all the states to have the exact same rules and regulations, insurance companies will continue to not sell plans across them.
2
The GOP hasn't been "divided" on any issue since Reagan. Its sole goal is to eliminate all taxation for the wealthy.
16
As a dual national, I have a fallback plan if the worst happens (i.e. becoming severely ill with loss of job): citizenship in a country that provides universal healthcare and assets out of reach for US creditors.
I don't think most people realise how exposed they are to losing everything if they become debilitatingly ill, or how abnormal it is to have to rely on one's employer for non-extortionate healthcare. Or is it that they are they fatalistic or complacent? I don't understand why Republicans can get away with doing this.
I don't think most people realise how exposed they are to losing everything if they become debilitatingly ill, or how abnormal it is to have to rely on one's employer for non-extortionate healthcare. Or is it that they are they fatalistic or complacent? I don't understand why Republicans can get away with doing this.
I need to know, what kind of people these people represent. And more to the point-- do those people really understand what these people, under cover of darkness, are planning to do TO them and not FOR them?
8
It should be obvious, no matter your party - a bill created in "darkness and secrecy" will be dark and secret.
The GOP doesn't have any desire to lower the cost of healthcare. All it wants to do is cut federal spending on healthcare for older citizens and the poor. Any fool can see that.
8
"The Donald Trump Death Care and Assisted Suicide Act of 2017"
Hot stock tip, invest in the funeral industry.
Hot stock tip, invest in the funeral industry.
11
In addition to being grossly irresponsible, the GOP "healthcare" bill is unconstitutional on its face. Its content exceeds its legislative authorization and its impact amounts to a "regulatory taking" without just compensation.
mB, active member of the SCOTUS Bar
mB, active member of the SCOTUS Bar
9
"an important conservative commitment to promote life and protect the unborn."
Shouldn't conservatives be protecting born life as well then? Increasing premiums and taking away health insurance doesn't sound very life protecting to me. Apparently hypothetical fetuses are worthy of more consideration under conservative lawmakers than living, breathing human adults. Conservatives are being hypocritical again.
Shouldn't conservatives be protecting born life as well then? Increasing premiums and taking away health insurance doesn't sound very life protecting to me. Apparently hypothetical fetuses are worthy of more consideration under conservative lawmakers than living, breathing human adults. Conservatives are being hypocritical again.
30
Don't forget: half the fetuses are male, all the mothers are female.
These people do not represent us-the ordinary American They are political hacks and for whatever reason are destroying America. Worse is that they have no idea of the damage that they are about to do. Those who voted for Trump and the like will feel the pain and they will feel it swiftly. Time will tell of the tragedy now being done.
6
Louisiana is spending so much on Medicaid because they have some of the lowest scores on health measures, including a high percentage of children in poverty, obesity, smoking, STDs, cancer deaths, diabetes... the list goes on. Medicaid in Louisiana is helping people get care who have never gotten it before, and those people tend to be what we affectionately refer to as "a hot mess". They have newly diagnosed diabetes with average blood sugars in the 400s, their cholesterol and blood pressure are through the roof, they probably smoke at least a pack a day, are obese and eat majority fast food, and are way behind on cancer screenings. Of course you're spending more on Medicaid-these people initially need a LOT of care to get their health back on track! The governor should take this as an encouraging sign and consider raising taxes to get more revenue, instead of cutting health care for the people who desperately need it.
16
The Senate GOP healthcare bill is being developed by a peculiar subset of members:
- From small, rural states: Wyoming (#50 in population) and Utah (# 31) each have TWO members; S. Dakota (#46), Idaho (#39), Arkansas (#33), and Kentucky (#26) have one member. California (#1) with 80x the Wyoming population, Florida (#3) and New York (#4) have none.
- From states that chose not to implement Medicaid expansion. 62% of the Senators come from the 34% of states that resisted implementation
- From 3 of the 10 states judged by AHRQ to have the worst US healthcare and none from the top 10
This meal will not be surprising given the chefs preparing it.
- From small, rural states: Wyoming (#50 in population) and Utah (# 31) each have TWO members; S. Dakota (#46), Idaho (#39), Arkansas (#33), and Kentucky (#26) have one member. California (#1) with 80x the Wyoming population, Florida (#3) and New York (#4) have none.
- From states that chose not to implement Medicaid expansion. 62% of the Senators come from the 34% of states that resisted implementation
- From 3 of the 10 states judged by AHRQ to have the worst US healthcare and none from the top 10
This meal will not be surprising given the chefs preparing it.
19
So basically this bill is so bad that they have to add a carve-out to prevent it from sentencing sick children to death and so partisan that it's going to completely undermine women's constitutional rights?
Sounds like they've really worked hard on this one!
Sounds like they've really worked hard on this one!
5
You gotta love these "pro-life" politicians. The same people that send our young men and women off to fight and die in useless wars every decade. The same people that authorize the massacre of citizens of other countries. The same people that like their guns and ignore the deaths by guns in this country. The same people that want to deny healthcare for our citizens. Yeah....these politicians are "pro-life."
21
Perhaps abortion foes need to start putting their focus on men as the cause and not just leave the women all alone with the effect. Very few women want to terminate a pregnancy and if they do, who are you to have a voice in it? We do not all share the same beliefs, and the 'rightness' of it is pure conjecture and personal beliefs.
10
The right to an abortion is a fundamental Constitutional right to one's own body. If you cannot choose whether to carry a child or not, then you are not a free and independent person. Since no birth control is 100percent effective in all cases, without access to abortion a woman is no better than a brood animal. In a very real sense you are the chattel of someone else's religious belief and of the Government. But you are not free. The question of life in a fetus is a religious question and only peripheral and secondary to that of the life of the woman. My neighbor's religion has no business determining what medical procedures I choose. Neither should my employer determine my method of birth control, if any.
Women will seek out abortions if and when they need and want them. Like it or not our secular democracy cannot choose certain religious doctrines over others in order to control the fertility of women without "unchoosing" other religious perspectives and views.
The anti-abortion forces violate the religious freedom for all women as much as limiting women to only one child is a violation of the individual Constitutional right to control your own body and your own medical care. It is not a place where the government should be practicing medicine for all. McConnell is a repeat offender of the Constitution. No woman should be forced to bear a child for the "Homeland."
Women will seek out abortions if and when they need and want them. Like it or not our secular democracy cannot choose certain religious doctrines over others in order to control the fertility of women without "unchoosing" other religious perspectives and views.
The anti-abortion forces violate the religious freedom for all women as much as limiting women to only one child is a violation of the individual Constitutional right to control your own body and your own medical care. It is not a place where the government should be practicing medicine for all. McConnell is a repeat offender of the Constitution. No woman should be forced to bear a child for the "Homeland."
21
What these Senators are doing is immoral. Almost 50% of Medicaid's budget goes to nursing homes. They are passing on those costs to the spouses and caretakers. This is while they are talking tax cuts.
People better wake up.
People better wake up.
12
The GOP - and Trump - are trolling and beating up on our country and the American people because a bunch of bigots and uneducated people, aided by Russian interference, won the 2016 election.
They must not be permitted to push this monstrous bill off on the American people. People MUST contact their members of Congress and make it clear that everyone who doesn't mount strong opposition to this fiasco will lose their next election. This must include Democrats as well as the GOP. There should be no "bargaining" with the GOP troll Congress to weaken Obamacare.
Too many lives are at stake.
They must not be permitted to push this monstrous bill off on the American people. People MUST contact their members of Congress and make it clear that everyone who doesn't mount strong opposition to this fiasco will lose their next election. This must include Democrats as well as the GOP. There should be no "bargaining" with the GOP troll Congress to weaken Obamacare.
Too many lives are at stake.
4
One can hope that these "hot
button" issues will divide the
Senate to a point of paralysis
of their sinister plans. The ACA
should be repaired rather than
eliminated. How can America move
backwards in providing sound medical
care? It is estimated that with the plans
under consideration, 14 million Americans
will lose health insurance, in 9 years that
number is estimated at 23 million. Many
people live in states that will opt out of
protection for those with preexisting conditions.
This is unacceptable and I hope that people
in power will speak up and speak against
these truly terrible plans.
button" issues will divide the
Senate to a point of paralysis
of their sinister plans. The ACA
should be repaired rather than
eliminated. How can America move
backwards in providing sound medical
care? It is estimated that with the plans
under consideration, 14 million Americans
will lose health insurance, in 9 years that
number is estimated at 23 million. Many
people live in states that will opt out of
protection for those with preexisting conditions.
This is unacceptable and I hope that people
in power will speak up and speak against
these truly terrible plans.
It took more than a year before Obamacare was signed into law. The Republicans are working on their 3rd version over of health care over a couple of months. The abortion issue has always complicated the process. It was resolved by the Democrats. The Republicans remain divided over the issue. Each Republican version of the law does little to help the uncovered. So it remains unclear what the purpose is of their provisions. The passage of Obamacare was a gradual process moving forward all the time. The Republicans don't seem to know what they are trying to accomplish. They really are making a mess out of this thing.
12
Has anyone fact checked Senator Kennedy's stats on Medicaid in Louisiana? Given the spin Republicans like to put on figures I find his statement less than reliable. Show me the details.
The good senator contends that this Medicaid spending will lessen funding for schools and coastal restoration. In truth there will be less funding because the proposed Federal budget deeply cuts those projects. Medicaid or not state taxes will go up across the country to handle the mess the Republicans are making in these closed door sessions.
The good senator contends that this Medicaid spending will lessen funding for schools and coastal restoration. In truth there will be less funding because the proposed Federal budget deeply cuts those projects. Medicaid or not state taxes will go up across the country to handle the mess the Republicans are making in these closed door sessions.
8
Since when, in recent political history, has TRUTH mattered much?
3
It always matters
"'In my state,' Mr. Kennedy said, 'we are now spending 47 percent of our budget on Medicaid.'"
Mr. Kennedy is either disingenuous or ignorant. 75% of Louisiana's Medicaid funding comes from the federal government. It would not be available for "universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration”, as Kennedy claims, if it were not being used to help meet the health needs of the state's poorest citizens.
As if there are any Republicans left who care about universities, public safety or coastal restoration anyway.
Mr. Kennedy is either disingenuous or ignorant. 75% of Louisiana's Medicaid funding comes from the federal government. It would not be available for "universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration”, as Kennedy claims, if it were not being used to help meet the health needs of the state's poorest citizens.
As if there are any Republicans left who care about universities, public safety or coastal restoration anyway.
159
Louisiana has huge health problems. Yanking federal funds for Medicaid will do a lot of harm there.
60% of Louisiana's children rely on Medicaid http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/04/louisiana_medicaid_expans....
Louisiana also ranks #1 in the nation as "most obese state" with 36.2% of the adult population http://stateofobesity.org/adult-obesity/ Should not be a surprise that rates of diabetes (12.7% of the population) http://stateofobesity.org/lists/highest-rates-diabetes/, heart disease https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/heart_disease_mortality/heart_..., and other expensive chronic medical problems are high there.
60% of Louisiana's children rely on Medicaid http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/04/louisiana_medicaid_expans....
Louisiana also ranks #1 in the nation as "most obese state" with 36.2% of the adult population http://stateofobesity.org/adult-obesity/ Should not be a surprise that rates of diabetes (12.7% of the population) http://stateofobesity.org/lists/highest-rates-diabetes/, heart disease https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/heart_disease_mortality/heart_..., and other expensive chronic medical problems are high there.
Note to Mitch McConnell:
Governing is complicated.
Governing is complicated.
3
In this day and age, there should be ZERO obstacles between a woman and her doctor concerning reproductive rights and full dominion of her own body. Even the doctor is only there to guide, with the ultimate decision ( if there to be any ) being that of the woman's.
Having said that, men ( lawmakers ) are continuing the subjugation of women everywhere through economic means. ( as they always do ) They make access extremely difficult and a hardship especially to poor women.
Contraception should be free, and access to health care should be a right.
Period.
Having said that, men ( lawmakers ) are continuing the subjugation of women everywhere through economic means. ( as they always do ) They make access extremely difficult and a hardship especially to poor women.
Contraception should be free, and access to health care should be a right.
Period.
28
"Women’s groups and at least two moderate Republicans, Ms. Collins and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, continued to object to a provision of Mr. McConnell’s bill that would cut off funds for Planned Parenthood."
I'm sorry, but if you support throwing over 20 million people off of their health insurance to fund a tax cut for the 1% you are not a moderate regardless of your stance on Planned Parenthood.
I'm sorry, but if you support throwing over 20 million people off of their health insurance to fund a tax cut for the 1% you are not a moderate regardless of your stance on Planned Parenthood.
25
If we had universal healthcare then businesses would not have the burden of funding healthcare for employees. As automation and robots replace human work, the work week could be reduced and more people hired. Right now overhead is keeping companies from hiring additional individuals. The future is with universal healthcare, free education to those that achieve in their studies and a safe healthy environment. Man will put away the war toys and get to work on real troubles like floods and sickness.
14
Suspicious timing: the Congressional Budget Office won't have time to evaluate the Senate version before voting begins next week. Medicaid's 74 million patients expected to have a 25% cut by 2026 (per letter from Insurance industry), PLUS the 23 million the C.B.O. estimated to lose health insurance based on the House bill.
6
I hope that the Sanders voters who did not turn out to vote in the presidential election are happy now. Some of them said that it is better to rock the boat than to vote for Clinton. Millions of people without healthcare rocks the boat to be sure. Might even prove to be a powerful recruitment tool for Democrats that secures big gains in 2018. Still not worth it though. I think that it would have been better to do the research on party platforms and talk about actual issues instead of useless personalities. Trump would never have won in that case.
12
Check your facts. Few Sanders people didn't vote Democratic.
The people who brought us Trump were mostly third party nihilists, not a thought in their heads.
The people who brought us Trump were mostly third party nihilists, not a thought in their heads.
1
Let's see: there are at present 325 million Americans. If we take the 23 million who will lose or not be able to afford coverage (I am supposing this also includes children) plus another 34 million covered by Medicaid who will be put at risk due to these changes, that adds up to 57 million Americans, or 1/6th of the population who may lose or have minimal coverage. Keep in mind, almost to a man or woman, our US representatives (both Republican and Democrat) are millionaires. Gee, it must be great to be one of the 1% who don't have to worry about healthcare. No wonder they can be so callous.
9
That Louisiana spends 47% of its budget on Medicaid is not that shocking. Very likely it is replicated, perhaps to a smaller extent, in several states, where a weak economy and poor health of residents combine to create an economic and social disaster. But the Republican solution -- throwing more people off Medicaid to reduce costs on both the Federal and state governments -- is not feasible. Putting aside the moral objections, as populations become more unhealthy, their economies suffer, and not just because of the expenditures in direct payments to providers. Hospitals, especially those in rural areas, become overwhelmed with pro bono treatments. Public health suffers, and that creeps into more affluent communities because disease knows no boundaries. Productivity declines in the workplace.
Adding more and more people to Medicaid rolls is not sustainable, only if we fail to address the other side of the healthcare problem: costs. So long as we retain fee-for-service and uncontrolled hospital, pharmaceutical, medical technology and physician costs and the traditional way healthcare is delivered, we cannot square that circle. Republicans may complain that the alternative is loss of 'freedom', but in healthcare the higher good, both ethical and economic, is a single-payer, universal system with strict controls on costs.
Adding more and more people to Medicaid rolls is not sustainable, only if we fail to address the other side of the healthcare problem: costs. So long as we retain fee-for-service and uncontrolled hospital, pharmaceutical, medical technology and physician costs and the traditional way healthcare is delivered, we cannot square that circle. Republicans may complain that the alternative is loss of 'freedom', but in healthcare the higher good, both ethical and economic, is a single-payer, universal system with strict controls on costs.
6
"That Louisiana spends 47% of its budget on Medicaid is not that shocking."
It's also not accurate.
It's also not accurate.
Please, please keep it secret. I don't want to see this thing. Ever.
8
The Republicans are continuing to try and force a square peg into a round hole with their "health care" plan: they're trying to create a plan that delivers on their promise to provide more and better coverage to Americans, while at the same time reducing costs and benefits. Simply put, it's impossible. But they're constrained by their ideology. If they weren't, if they were truly interested in solving this problem, they would be open to ANY approach, and that would include Single Payer, a.k.a. Medicare For All. That is the solution they want, but cannot allow themselves to have. They are like those who wouldn't believe the earth was round and so couldn't discover riches beyond their comprehension.
Small minds can never fix big problems.
Small minds can never fix big problems.
10
If Grover Norquist can make all Republicans sign a No Tax pledge as they did, I suggest we ask ALL Republicans (and to be fair...Democrats) to explain to The People on the record... exactly why they should have a Health Insurance Plan /.Health Care Plan any different from what they are offering the American people?
That's all.
Based on each Representative's Answer to such a question will make it clear to ALL Americans what happens Next and tell most Politicians how they should very quickly proceed and vastly improve what they will be offering the American People yesterday....
That's all.
Based on each Representative's Answer to such a question will make it clear to ALL Americans what happens Next and tell most Politicians how they should very quickly proceed and vastly improve what they will be offering the American People yesterday....
Finally making the insurance companies mad. Now we are on the right track. We are not here to make them money.
3
Oh yeah - when they can double your premiums and cover fewer services. I can hear the champagne corks popping all over the board rooms
Senator Kennedy of Louisiana might be well advised to ask why so many of his constituents are poor and sick, as opposed to complaining about how much Medicaid costs in his state.
No wonder the Health Insurance Companies wrote such a strong letter against the Health Bill that Republicans want to pass ASAP...they estimate that the Federal Monies they will lose alone (i.e Not Get) will amount to $800 Billion in 10 years which is in itself 25% Less than will be needed to keep providing the existing coverage to Medicaid Recipients as they enjoy now.
At least we know now that Insurers expected or were hoping to increase their take from the 70 Million or so Medicaid Recipients by at least $800 BILLION over the next 10 years from today's amount being paid to them!
And remember, that $800 Billion expected increase of monies paid to the Insurers is just the Federal Payments and does not include expected State monies they will also be receiving and finally whatever amounts Customers can also be charged....
Must protect their $ Trillions...and increase them so that profits remain as high as they do today, tomorrow.
After All...that's only fair, I'm sure they are thinking....reasonable bunch of people that they are....
At least we know now that Insurers expected or were hoping to increase their take from the 70 Million or so Medicaid Recipients by at least $800 BILLION over the next 10 years from today's amount being paid to them!
And remember, that $800 Billion expected increase of monies paid to the Insurers is just the Federal Payments and does not include expected State monies they will also be receiving and finally whatever amounts Customers can also be charged....
Must protect their $ Trillions...and increase them so that profits remain as high as they do today, tomorrow.
After All...that's only fair, I'm sure they are thinking....reasonable bunch of people that they are....
The sign says: "If you break it. You own it." Republicans have fought, at every level of government to break the Affordable Care Act since the day it was introduced in Congress. As it was being written, they tried to edit the language with poison pills; banning all abortion funding or making it an optional law. Their intransigence forced Democrats to give up on controlling prescription drug pricing, or a government option for the insurance market places. Republican governors "won" the right in the courts to not expand Medicaid to their most poor and sick constituents. Since Mr. Trump took the White House they have threatened to starve the reimbursement schedules to insurance companies, so that those companies have left the insurance exchanges in many states.
Now, finally, Republicans own health care in America. They will strip healthcare coverage from 23 million poor people (Republicans like to say that those people will "choose" to not get insurance.), end reimbursement for nursing home care for the poor and elderly, kill support for Planned Parenthood (The only access point to healthcare for many poor women), and make all of those mandates in the A.C.A. optional for states. You can say good-bye to coverage for pre-existing conditions or cost caps if you live in Alabama, I'll bet! They will do this to give tax cuts (nearly a trillion dollars) to the richest among us.
You bought it. You own it.
Now, finally, Republicans own health care in America. They will strip healthcare coverage from 23 million poor people (Republicans like to say that those people will "choose" to not get insurance.), end reimbursement for nursing home care for the poor and elderly, kill support for Planned Parenthood (The only access point to healthcare for many poor women), and make all of those mandates in the A.C.A. optional for states. You can say good-bye to coverage for pre-existing conditions or cost caps if you live in Alabama, I'll bet! They will do this to give tax cuts (nearly a trillion dollars) to the richest among us.
You bought it. You own it.
10
The goal of repubs is to do away with government support for health insurance. When they figure out how to do that without being noticed (viva propaganda) they will next get to work on Medicare (which is, after all, government provided health insurance) and Social Security.
The rest is sound and fury, signifying nothing!
The rest is sound and fury, signifying nothing!
7
My Rep, Tom Rice from SC, sent us an email last month about how he is part of a group that is already working to cut Social Security Benefits. Trump lied when he said he would not cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. HE LIED!!!!! These are entitlements people have paid for including SSDI - they are not gifts. Congress wants to use that money for corporate giveaways. This is theft from the American people - pure and simple.
4
What is wrong with these men? If a woman or her baby are in distress then Medicaid can help them. If not, than the woman and the father can pay for it themselves. It is no ones business. What is so complicated about that?
3
I take it you have never had a baby-- the cost of having a baby is gone through the roof and that's just for normal births. But that's OK their are always back alleys they can use for free-- shades of Charles Dickens London
I remember the wheeling and dealing that Obama had to do to get pro-life Democrats in Congress to vote for the ACA, whose votes were critical to its passage. It was a cynical game to get these legislators to sell their principles for worthless assurances, and it worked sad to say. The truth of the matter is that if Obama was upfront and directly stated that elective abortion would be covered, which means paid for by everyone through their tax dollars and insurance premiums, the ACA never would have become law and not only because of Republicans.
3
Of course Republicans can't discriminate against health insurance plans that allow for abortions. Abortions are legal in the U.S. If Republicans pass a healthcare measure with such a restriction it would most certainly face a legal challenge.
A warning to Senate members of both parties - any health care bill that could meet the requirements of moderates like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski and tea party conservatives like Ted Cruz would truly be a cobbled-together monster a la Frankenstein. I would say to responsible legislators, "It is your duty to make sure this bill is aborted."
Many of the sickest and poorest people the bill is intended to cover won't survive without access to healthcare and if the media publicize the consequences of people losing coverage the legislation won't survive. The kindest thing to do for all involved is to kill the bill before it sees the light of day.
A warning to Senate members of both parties - any health care bill that could meet the requirements of moderates like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski and tea party conservatives like Ted Cruz would truly be a cobbled-together monster a la Frankenstein. I would say to responsible legislators, "It is your duty to make sure this bill is aborted."
Many of the sickest and poorest people the bill is intended to cover won't survive without access to healthcare and if the media publicize the consequences of people losing coverage the legislation won't survive. The kindest thing to do for all involved is to kill the bill before it sees the light of day.
5
This is to inform our elected representatives that pregnancy is harmful to women's health.
5
Are they actually adjusting the bill to get 50 Republican votes and not with the best interest of American people in mind?
I thought I emigrated to the US back in 1995 because I wanted to live in a democracy...
I thought I emigrated to the US back in 1995 because I wanted to live in a democracy...
2
To recap:
The rich can afford to pay taxes but they don't. The poor can't afford to pay taxes and yet the whole system depends on them paying.
Tax cuts and austerity have become the GOP plan of action but that is not working too well in Kansas. People pay high taxes in California but their economy is booming.
Isn't anybody paying attention to what is going on around them? Or are they too uneducated to figure out what is happening around them?
Are Americans so detached from reality that so-called President Trump's lies make sense to them? That the horrible tax cut plan masquerading as a health care bill put forth by Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan also makes sense to them?
Americans are going to have to suffer before they wake up to the realization that they have been had by the Republicans. Too bad the Democrats are so busy being the Republican-lite Party to actually have a message that would let the American working class know that someone actually cares for them.
Americans are going to have to suffer before things change. While the blame for our current predicament should lie squarely on the Republican Party Democratic complicity is going to ensure that Americans are going to suffer.
And to think that this nation, while never perfect, used to be a great place to live. It used to be the world's moral leader fighting for human rights in countries whose citizens were less well off than us. Thanks to the Banana Republicans the USA will soon be joining the third world.
The rich can afford to pay taxes but they don't. The poor can't afford to pay taxes and yet the whole system depends on them paying.
Tax cuts and austerity have become the GOP plan of action but that is not working too well in Kansas. People pay high taxes in California but their economy is booming.
Isn't anybody paying attention to what is going on around them? Or are they too uneducated to figure out what is happening around them?
Are Americans so detached from reality that so-called President Trump's lies make sense to them? That the horrible tax cut plan masquerading as a health care bill put forth by Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan also makes sense to them?
Americans are going to have to suffer before they wake up to the realization that they have been had by the Republicans. Too bad the Democrats are so busy being the Republican-lite Party to actually have a message that would let the American working class know that someone actually cares for them.
Americans are going to have to suffer before things change. While the blame for our current predicament should lie squarely on the Republican Party Democratic complicity is going to ensure that Americans are going to suffer.
And to think that this nation, while never perfect, used to be a great place to live. It used to be the world's moral leader fighting for human rights in countries whose citizens were less well off than us. Thanks to the Banana Republicans the USA will soon be joining the third world.
6
We have to honor our campaign pledge - no matter how much harm it causes.
Wow, it's touching how conservative Republicans are so concerned about the unborn, even while they treat the lives of the already-born as an unjustifiable overhead expense.
10
Republicans don't really care about abortion, they just like to use it as an issue to run on.
Obamacare provides free or low cost birth control to millions of women, the result has been plummeting rates of abortion. Abortion is now at its lowest rate since Roe v Wade became law in 1973. Logically, if you are anti-abortion, you should be supporting this part of the ACA....
Obamacare provides free or low cost birth control to millions of women, the result has been plummeting rates of abortion. Abortion is now at its lowest rate since Roe v Wade became law in 1973. Logically, if you are anti-abortion, you should be supporting this part of the ACA....
9
I will say it again. Democrats must step in, get over the fact Obamacare will be dramatically changed, offer President Trump something he cannot refuse. Before 2018, Democrats must show they can govern too. Democrats can do it here because it is obvious the Republicans have nothing!
1
Democrats have proposed many solutions that do not see the light of day because Republicans control the floor in both the House and the Senate. In order for Democrats to "govern" it's on the voters to give them a majority.
For a start, here are some ideas
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/health-care/
For a start, here are some ideas
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/health-care/
3
"Republicans have been promising to repeal the health law ever since it was signed by President Barack Obama in 2010." There it is again - it never was a "health law". It was a law to correct some of the most egregious abuses in the medical insurance industry. Medicine is not the same as health, though it contributes to it. And private medical insurance is mostly about money and not health or even medicine. It would help if we were a little more specific with the words we use.
63
We have lost sight of the fact that both The Affordable Care Act and the republican plan currently being debated (in secret) are both tied to the health insurance industry.
The health insurance industry and it’s investors are making BILLIONS of dollars in profits. Our current debate seems to indicate our lawmakers, both R’s and D’s are fine with this. One wonders if maybe individuals invested in the health care industry making millions upon millions of dollars are using some of those profits to unduly influence congress to support their very profitable investments. ( ok, I really don’t wonder at all).
Heath care is a national emergency. Perhaps it’s time to address it as such. Why is a single payer, non-profit health care system ala Bernie Sanders not even a minor part of the current debate? It’s a concept that works in every industrialized country except ours.
We are being duped into believing that huge profits, both corporate and individual, must be part of the system. There is an alternative and the average American family need to be made aware of that. Sadly, we are not likely to hear much about it from a congress, both sides of the isle, who are beholden to the top 1%ers.
The health insurance industry and it’s investors are making BILLIONS of dollars in profits. Our current debate seems to indicate our lawmakers, both R’s and D’s are fine with this. One wonders if maybe individuals invested in the health care industry making millions upon millions of dollars are using some of those profits to unduly influence congress to support their very profitable investments. ( ok, I really don’t wonder at all).
Heath care is a national emergency. Perhaps it’s time to address it as such. Why is a single payer, non-profit health care system ala Bernie Sanders not even a minor part of the current debate? It’s a concept that works in every industrialized country except ours.
We are being duped into believing that huge profits, both corporate and individual, must be part of the system. There is an alternative and the average American family need to be made aware of that. Sadly, we are not likely to hear much about it from a congress, both sides of the isle, who are beholden to the top 1%ers.
102
You hit the nail on the head...it's all about the money. That's why we have the most expensive healthcare in the world but are 14th in the quality of healthcare. The healthcare, insurance and pharmaceutical industries keep our healthcare artificially expensive so as to line their pockets. If some effort was made to rein in healthcare costs a large part of the debate in the healthcare legislation would go away immediately.
2
I'm not sure this comment is correct. The ACA limits both administrative costs and profits to 15% of the premium. I'm not a fan of health insurers but I did run a clinic for the uninsured and I would have been hard pressed to keep total admin to just 15%. These losses, which I assume are caused by people with pre-existing conditions, are the reason insurers are leaving the marketplace which jeopardizing the ACA especially in rural areas.
I have seen nothing in either the House or Senate bills to offer reinsurance to plans to stabilize the marketplace. This would address the losses of the health plans thereby preserving the ability to care for people with pre-existing conditions and ensure premiums are affordable for this without.
I have seen nothing in either the House or Senate bills to offer reinsurance to plans to stabilize the marketplace. This would address the losses of the health plans thereby preserving the ability to care for people with pre-existing conditions and ensure premiums are affordable for this without.
1
Yes, what 'value' do the insurance companies add to our healthcare? None. And their profits, much of it used for advertising and lobbying, comes out of the premiums paid. A lot of what goes on is all about boosting the stock prices so that the CEOs can cash in their stock options as happened with Humana recently.
What a horrendous way to go about mucking with the health care of millions of citizens. A contractor who built a house this way (adding pieces here and taking off additions there to satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences of an assortment of people) would lose his license. They have completely lost sight of the people in their drive to satisfy the political wishes of their members. They are a disgrace to this country and, in the process, make a mockery of democracy.
96
If Donald J Trump worked for any major company he would have been fired months ago. I can't think of a company that would put up with someone so inept whose lack of common sense and integrity makes the whole organization look bad with every idiotic tweet.
1
Every senator who supports and signs this bill needs to also publicly attest that they have read the full ACA bill and understand all of its provisions and the populations covered by them. In addition, they should verify that they willingly accept the consequences of passing their replacement bill including the fact it will remove coverage from 23 million Americans and an additional 34 million currently covered by Medicaid; including vulnerable senior citizens in care facilities and the disabled.
135
The cowards will never publicly acknowledge the truth.
Good luck with that. About a month ago one republican actually started to choke back tears when a reporter showed him the part of the CBO analysis that indicates how millions would lose coverage. He voted for the bill and was just learning that little fact.
https://thinkprogress.org/meadows-ahca-cbo-tears-d6acf728e5ad
I'm far from being a genius or expert on insurance and even I know that if you strip away cost caps that insurance companies will jack up their rates to the point of being unaffordable where people literally can't buy it. What I don't understand is why republicans and their supporters want to keep us locked into a system that protects an industry that can only turn large profits by denying healthcare. I mean other than the kick backs these assholes are getting from the insurance companies.
https://thinkprogress.org/meadows-ahca-cbo-tears-d6acf728e5ad
I'm far from being a genius or expert on insurance and even I know that if you strip away cost caps that insurance companies will jack up their rates to the point of being unaffordable where people literally can't buy it. What I don't understand is why republicans and their supporters want to keep us locked into a system that protects an industry that can only turn large profits by denying healthcare. I mean other than the kick backs these assholes are getting from the insurance companies.
1
And that they understand that intentionally withholding health care will definitely cause many deaths that otherwise would have been prevented. No other first tier nation in the world is so deliberately cruel to enormous swaths of its population.
Trump held a campaign rally in Iowa tonight where he promised the Senate health care would have a lot of "heart." He misspoke. He meant to say heartlessness. Medicaid will no longer really exist by 2026, shredding the social safety net so that the rich and corporations will get a trillion dollars in tax cuts.
Democrats need to adopt the Republican playbook and demonize the president and Congressional leaders who will foist this evil bill on the nation. Trump, Ryan and McConnell should be tarred and feathered continuously from now until 2020 with what they've done. Their names should become synonymous with the destruction of our healthcare system. Treat them the same way Republicans treat Obama, Clinton and Pelosi. Time to turn the tables on the GOP.
Democrats need to adopt the Republican playbook and demonize the president and Congressional leaders who will foist this evil bill on the nation. Trump, Ryan and McConnell should be tarred and feathered continuously from now until 2020 with what they've done. Their names should become synonymous with the destruction of our healthcare system. Treat them the same way Republicans treat Obama, Clinton and Pelosi. Time to turn the tables on the GOP.
199
And let's deny them and those they love health care as well. Their actions are despicable.
1
Murder in pursuit of tax cuts for the rich is no vice!
51
Are McConnell, Ryan, and their ilk vicious psychopaths? Will they kill more people with their bill than ISIS has?
The AHCA drafted by the Republican Congress demonstrates callous disregard for human lives!! Members of both houses of Congress should be subjected to the lack of health care provided by the proposed bill!!
50
I've long proposed that Congress should be subject to the laws they pass. As it is they enjoy secure, comprehensive healthcare, and are immune from myriad laws and regulations, not the least of which are discrimination laws. Being in Congress is one of the easiest, best paying gigs around. All you have to do is convince about 100,000 people that you represent their mostly selfish interests. (A congressional district is about 500,000, then deduct non-voters and opponents.)
1
Just think of the billions of dollars that will trickle down ... into the pockets of the rich!
You are mistaken. The real death panels are being run by Planned Parenthood who for a fee are happy to exterminate the "unwanted' in their mothers' wombs.
The Republican Senate and Congress are the ultimate death panels.
166
Here's your checklist for when the Republicans release their new health care plan tomorrow. Use it to check what they have removed from the ACA and what will be ripped out of Medicaid:
"(b) Essential Health Benefits -
(1) IN GENERAL - Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall define the essential health benefits, except that such benefits shall include at least the following general categories and the items and services covered within the categories:
(A) Ambulatory patient services,
(B) Emergency services,
(C) Hospitalization,
(D) Maternity and newborn care,
(E) Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment,
(F) Prescription drugs,
(G) Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices,
(H) Laboratory services,
(I) Preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management,
(J) Pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
It's not just women they are out to get this time - it's everyone, even members of their own families.... all for those billions in "tax cuts" that they want.
Well, for the poor in this nation there is no "tax cut" planned.
They pay a 10% rate now - and that's exactly what has been proposed for them to pay as soon as the Koch Bros get their "cut": 10%.
What a scam these Republicans are!
Single payer, nationwide, people, yup, just like those Europeans and Canadians have.
23 million citizens of this country are slated for the Death Panels of insurance companies and greedy con-men.
"(b) Essential Health Benefits -
(1) IN GENERAL - Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall define the essential health benefits, except that such benefits shall include at least the following general categories and the items and services covered within the categories:
(A) Ambulatory patient services,
(B) Emergency services,
(C) Hospitalization,
(D) Maternity and newborn care,
(E) Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment,
(F) Prescription drugs,
(G) Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices,
(H) Laboratory services,
(I) Preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management,
(J) Pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
It's not just women they are out to get this time - it's everyone, even members of their own families.... all for those billions in "tax cuts" that they want.
Well, for the poor in this nation there is no "tax cut" planned.
They pay a 10% rate now - and that's exactly what has been proposed for them to pay as soon as the Koch Bros get their "cut": 10%.
What a scam these Republicans are!
Single payer, nationwide, people, yup, just like those Europeans and Canadians have.
23 million citizens of this country are slated for the Death Panels of insurance companies and greedy con-men.
85
The Europeans do not all have a single payer plan. Definitely not Germany. Yes, Canada. Single payer is a great way to go if you can push it through as a whole, not negotiated piecemeal as we have had to do in the US. Let us try to get a good health care bill and fix it peace by peace as we go. The Republican plan won't cut it in any way I can think of, but the ACA wasn't bad from the beginning and can be improved. Sorry Republicans, that it wasn't your bill, but don't break the health care of the entire country to get your own crummy bill througjh. Even the Republicans dont' like it.
34
Was Romneycare. It was a Heritage Foundation idea enacted with Romney's help.
3
Canada DOES NOT have national single-payer health care (I should know, I grew up there). Every province and territory has its own single-payer system. There is no federal health care system in Canada.
1
Mitch's last political error was underestimating the right-wing lunacy afoot in KY just before the Republican primary that allowed Rand Paul to crawl into the Senate. Fast forward to 2017 and little Randy is down to perhaps 3rd or 4th on the highly competitive congressional scale of nuttery and Mitch is between a rock and a hard place. My money is on Mitch taking the bullet for the hard right and finding a way to blame it on the moderates, or the Democrats, or President Obama; and getting away with it.
Is it wrong for me to cheer each time I read that Republicans can't agree among themselves?
43
They do it only when they have insurance. Remember, ACA is toast anyway, what they're debating is how brown and how much butter. Clearly, Paul likes it dark, no butter, but apparently the rules only permit golden brown. If they deadlock, they know it's gonna be toasted anyway, only charred/burnt to a crisp. Cheer away!
1
No, we should be terrified that "our representatives" represent the party instead of us.
1
No.
Republican Health Care - Do as much harm to as many people as
possible.
possible.
47
Obamacare funded Planned Parenthood healthcare- Do as much harm to as many unborn children as possible.
I really don't wish McConnell all the best.
39
He's given no one any reason why they should. My candidate for the longest tenure-least accomplished award. Just a hypocritical shell of a man.
1
Puppetface (AKA McConnell) is a vile man who absolutely has no heart. He, Ryan, Trump,and the rest of the disgusting Republicans will most certainly do something that will hinder abortion. There are no Republicans senators or congressmen who will break ranks with their party in order to keep abortion benefits in the health bill.
39
McConnell is a despicable excuse for a human being.
They don't want a plan that covers birth control or abortion. This is what happens when you have 13 men writing a healthcare bill. Women are essentially second class citizens. Got it.
117
Remember that under Obamacare it is their unborn children at risk of abortion who were treated as their mothers' chattels to be destroyed by "choice" and paid for by insurance companies.
Nope, we're third class citizens, behind men and fetuses.
1
Why are old, white men essentially deciding in secret what women can and cannot do with their bodies? Most Conservatives don't believe in abortion, they want everyone to keep having babies, but then they will complain & berate women who have children and subsequently need state or government assistance. Absurd beyond absurd. This healthcare situation is like the twilight zone.
"...idea we originally started with, which is repealing Obamacare,” Mr. Paul said, adding, “I’m not for replacing Obamacare with Obamacare lite.”
Kudos to Senator Paul for keeping his eye on the ball. Indeed, the vote was for repeal, not replace, which is entirely optional and can take its own sweet time (earliest after 2018 once GOP 60+ in the senate is achieved).
And repeal's already well on track, requiring neither debate nor passage of bills. It's the plan B do-nothing-let-it-just-crash-and-burn-option. That Paul knows. So any attempt to liten lite, especially under the guise of rules mumbo-jumbo, just won't work. He's gonna get repeal his way or highway, more power to him.
Kudos to Senator Paul for keeping his eye on the ball. Indeed, the vote was for repeal, not replace, which is entirely optional and can take its own sweet time (earliest after 2018 once GOP 60+ in the senate is achieved).
And repeal's already well on track, requiring neither debate nor passage of bills. It's the plan B do-nothing-let-it-just-crash-and-burn-option. That Paul knows. So any attempt to liten lite, especially under the guise of rules mumbo-jumbo, just won't work. He's gonna get repeal his way or highway, more power to him.
6
60 in the Senate? Dream on. The Republicans have control of the house, the Senate, and the White House and they still cant pass one piece of legislation. Even if they got 60 they would still get nothing passed; but then people like you would be waiting for Republicans to hold 100 seats in the Senate so they could pass a law.
I hate to break it to you, but this is as good as its gonna get for the Republicans because they are going to lose control of both the House and the Senate in 2018; and by that time both Trump and Pence should be in jail for the crimes they have been committing with thier Russian friends.
I hate to break it to you, but this is as good as its gonna get for the Republicans because they are going to lose control of both the House and the Senate in 2018; and by that time both Trump and Pence should be in jail for the crimes they have been committing with thier Russian friends.
1
What a diverse group of affluent 70 y.o. white men.
You can be sure that they will take into account the needs of young women, older women, pregnant women, the working poor, people with pre-existing conditions, the disabled, people over 50 but not yet 65.
Only after those are all cared for will they turn their attention to people like themselves.
They aren't even trying to sell that story anymore. It's straight up-- Slash Medicaid, we need our tax cuts. Trump's election means not having to say they're sorry anymore for their greed.
You can be sure that they will take into account the needs of young women, older women, pregnant women, the working poor, people with pre-existing conditions, the disabled, people over 50 but not yet 65.
Only after those are all cared for will they turn their attention to people like themselves.
They aren't even trying to sell that story anymore. It's straight up-- Slash Medicaid, we need our tax cuts. Trump's election means not having to say they're sorry anymore for their greed.
111
Rand Paul should call it Trumpcare not the pejorative 'Obamacare Lite.'
The Healthcare Industry wrote the ACA and have a financial interest now at risk with the ACHA, or Trumpcare. No surprise they only write letters when their bottom line is affected.
52 Senators hold the lives of millions of Americans in their hands.
How do we hold them accountable?
The Healthcare Industry wrote the ACA and have a financial interest now at risk with the ACHA, or Trumpcare. No surprise they only write letters when their bottom line is affected.
52 Senators hold the lives of millions of Americans in their hands.
How do we hold them accountable?
24
You won't hold them accountable. Most Americans love billionaires so they will go on voting for them until they drop dead.
We don't. Corporations rule. They'll prevail in the end.
I can't believe the country we live in right now.
46
Health care should not be a political issue. Heath care is a right and not a privilege. When you are sick, "they" don't ask you, "what is your political party?". I am no longer a Republican or a Democrat. I will vote in the future for those who concentrate on doing what is right and not who is right. It is not just for the rich or those who have it now, but also for those who do not have it or may not at some future date as well. It is a privilege to pay for it if we can, but not a dis-qualifier if we cannot. It is part of our collective social contract that we have each other. It recognizes that each of us may at some time be in a similar predicament. Health care must be accessible, available, and acceptable. I do not want to be an "Exclusive American". I want to be an "All American".
29
Not a right in USA, just like freedom wasn't a right when our country was founded, at least not those with dark skin. The right to own slaves was intrinsic to our birth. There is no right to medical care. For that you must emigrate if you are under 65.
Abortion is not health care. Pregnancy is not a disease.
16
"Pregnancy is not a disease." This is the lamest of the pro-life arguments against abortion, from people who apparently have never heard of c-sections, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, post-partum psychosis, or any of the other very real medical issues that can arise during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-natal recovery.
37
How many times does it need to be mentioned that Planned Parenthood is used more for other services like pregnancy tests than abortions before it sinks in? Defunding Planned Parenthood is not defunding abortion so much as it's a disregard for women's health.
3
Well, we can do away with gynecologists and maternal and neonatal care in hospitals then, and relegate women needing an abortion to the back alley abortionists or their own devices, if it's not health care... And if something goes wrong during pregnancy or birth and the mother and/or child dies, well, that's just natural.
3
A group of thirteen men will decide the fate of women and their access to healthcare across America. Let us remember that if we ever feel outrage at the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Muslim world.
420
Yes, and currently these 13 men, the other supporters, and those quoted are getting all of their healthcare needs generously covered by us taxpayers. During this entire charade I've never read or heard one positive reason why their proposed bill is superior the the ACA. An $800 billion tax give-away to their rich enablers?
18
I doubt highly that it is "a group of thirteen men". From what I have seen and read, many if not most of the men who are supposed to be writing it (but obviously are not) deny knowing what is in the bill. Observing Republicans at work, mostly avoiding work, it is understandable that some clerks in some lower offices are doing the creating and the writing, not any elected officials. Their Republican Guru leader thinks in terms of 140 characters - not enough to write a bill........
Word is that of the 13, maybe 4 have actually done the gut work on this monstrosity. You are watching the rapid disappearance of the democratic process. Politics is no longer the art of compromise. It is the art of dictatorial power. McConnell, if need be, will override the Senate Parliamentarian, skirt the regulations on budget reconciliation, and pass a bill that has had no hearings and no input from any segment of the health care industry.
This isn't Congress....it is the Politburo
This isn't Congress....it is the Politburo
it's like watching crabs trying create fire.
amazing to watch from the sidelines as the self described greatest country in the history of the universe tries to come up with a reasonable health care system when other western democracies have workable plans which cover everybody for much less per capita cost.
amazing to watch from the sidelines as the self described greatest country in the history of the universe tries to come up with a reasonable health care system when other western democracies have workable plans which cover everybody for much less per capita cost.
If they are able to stop funding abortions and planned parenthood that would just bring more people in this country for the them not to cover under this horrible plan.
29
Who knew health care could be so complicated?
21
50% of pregnancies in the US are unintended. Even if some of them are aborted, it means that a huge proportion of American children are born to mothers who don't want them, are not prepared to care for them, and in many cases, have to rely on public assistance to bring them up. But money can't buy love. Most of those kids will end up psychologically traumatized, under-educated, and in worst cases, physically abused. This country is breeding a generation of people stunted in both bodies and minds. If abortions are not insured, more such children will be born, many of them with genetic disabilities that will be an additional burden on the taxpayer. I am not even talking about the fact that an unwanted child destroys its mother's life. The GOP is immune to mercy. They are blinded by the twisted theology that insists a bunch of cells with no mind of its own is more valuable than a human being. But as fiscal conservatives, why do you want to bankrupt the country? A true fiscal conservative would hand out contraceptives on street corners and build Planned Parenthood clinics in every neighborhood. Nothing is as ruinous to a family's or a country's physical and financial health as unrestricted breeding.
258
Thank you so much for this comment! It should be hollered from mountaintops. All this nonsense about promoting life and protecting the unborn. Children are starving in these people's faces and they could care less. School districts are shaming hungry children who's parents/guardians have not paid their lunch accounts. The NYC shelter system is bursting at the seems with poor families and the amount of homeless children in this country is shameful and growing.
Any real fiscal conservative would be looking to increase funding to Planned Parenthood. Religious arguments should not even be considered. Religious freedom and tolerance means that we can believe what we want, but we do not have the right to force others to live by the beliefs we have chosen. Don't like abortion, don't have one. Think sex outside of marriage is a sin, then don't have sex outside of marriage. None of these people are willing to put their money where their mouth is, and take in all the unwanted, unloved, and abandoned children born.
Any real fiscal conservative would be looking to increase funding to Planned Parenthood. Religious arguments should not even be considered. Religious freedom and tolerance means that we can believe what we want, but we do not have the right to force others to live by the beliefs we have chosen. Don't like abortion, don't have one. Think sex outside of marriage is a sin, then don't have sex outside of marriage. None of these people are willing to put their money where their mouth is, and take in all the unwanted, unloved, and abandoned children born.
51
Well said.
Then you have the Conscience Coalition, the ultra-holy Catholics who believe they have the right to impose their religious beliefs on all Americans. They are admonished by priests on the pulpit to call out the gay/lesbian population and humiliate them as "inherently disordered," in the words of Pope Benedict. But no where from this group is Christ's teaching to love one another as He loves us.
I honestly want to see this bill fail along with the Republican "agenda" in service of the 1%.
That said, I'm not sure that having Senators vote on what promises to be a slightly-less-terrible version of the AHCA will somehow "take the pressure" off of Senators when they return home on the July 4th break.
If they don't vote before the break, Senators can simply tell their constituents that they are "considering" the bill, or have "reservations" about the bill, and then vote in favor of it once they come back in session.
On the other hand, if they vote on it next week, they will return home on the record as having voted either for or against it. They will have to defend a "yes" vote to their constituents. No wiggle room.
That said, I'm not sure that having Senators vote on what promises to be a slightly-less-terrible version of the AHCA will somehow "take the pressure" off of Senators when they return home on the July 4th break.
If they don't vote before the break, Senators can simply tell their constituents that they are "considering" the bill, or have "reservations" about the bill, and then vote in favor of it once they come back in session.
On the other hand, if they vote on it next week, they will return home on the record as having voted either for or against it. They will have to defend a "yes" vote to their constituents. No wiggle room.
7
The Affordable Care Act was a seriously compromised bill that barely made it through Congress. But it became law, and has worked reasonably well since. Fixing it is a necessity, but it's still currently the law of the land.
Republicans are possibly coming to understand the pitfalls of their short-sighted pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. Even with its flaws, the ACA was the best overhaul of American healthcare that was possible, then or now. Until the Republican's recognize that, McConnell's Senate over-reach will die before reaching a vote, and maybe, just maybe, spell the end of this petty, dictatorial charlatan.
Republicans are possibly coming to understand the pitfalls of their short-sighted pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. Even with its flaws, the ACA was the best overhaul of American healthcare that was possible, then or now. Until the Republican's recognize that, McConnell's Senate over-reach will die before reaching a vote, and maybe, just maybe, spell the end of this petty, dictatorial charlatan.
23
The ACA was not an "overhaul of health care". It was a partial fix to some of the worst aspects of the private medical insurance industry.
1
A bunch of millionaires taking money away from poor people. How can ANYONE support this? Even if they themselves are rich. Trump and his Republican cohorts seem as though they want people to believe "government doesn't work". As they work to destroy our Governments services and purposes. The more people tune out, they more they will steal; or "restructure". Back in the sixties, I thought those wanting to destroy the US Government were bomb throwing radicals, and political anarchists. Nope, now it's your local Republican Congressman. Remember when they called themselves the party of "law and order"? Now they are propagating anarchy. And if they get it they will declare Marshall Law. My grandfather left his home country for a better shot in a new country. It was a good idea then; and maybe now.....
18
Such hypocrisy -- complain about how Democratic legislation was developed and now the Republicans use a process that is just about as secretive and opaque as possible. The pain at the individual level will be horrendous and tragic, but perhaps this legislation needs to pass and the ultimate failure will help drive rationality back into our political and social climate
10
Please stop calling the legislators who react to every moderate idea with instant utter dismissal. They are not trying to conserve anything, so they are not conservative. They are reacting, and this is the very definition of reactionaries.
Reactionaries want to return to an earlier system, sometimes with force. Conservatives want to keep everything the same. Liberals want to try something new, and radicals want to force change. These senators are not radical conservatives, they are reactionaries.
Words matter a lot. That is why reactionaries want to be called radical conservatives. It sounds so cool, but it's not, and when we allow them to control our language, we seed great power to them.
Call them what they are; reactionaries.
Reactionaries want to return to an earlier system, sometimes with force. Conservatives want to keep everything the same. Liberals want to try something new, and radicals want to force change. These senators are not radical conservatives, they are reactionaries.
Words matter a lot. That is why reactionaries want to be called radical conservatives. It sounds so cool, but it's not, and when we allow them to control our language, we seed great power to them.
Call them what they are; reactionaries.
14
The pertinent point in this article are the complaints by 10 of the nations largest Medicaid providers. Now, all of sudden they realize their heads are on the chopping block. What are they, the medical providers, going to do with these people that can't pay their bills?
8
Sign their death certificates of course.
1
Right about that. During the "Great Recession" we had the Mortgage Bankruptcy Filing Mills, now we'll have an automated filing system for Death Certificates.
1
If they were proud of this plan they would be on every talk show shouting out about it.
20
They are proud of themselves for hiding tax cuts for the wealthy in the bill. But I think most people will not understand if they brag about this!
I was unaware that Obamacare provided coverage for abortions. This was a well kept secret by the Democrats. I hope the healthcare plan proposed by the Republicans excludes abortion payments. It must be dropped or they will have pro-life groups up in arms. They will not remain silent as this is a very important life issue and human rights concern.
2
there will be no true progress until the focus at the outset has something resembling goals.
Obamacare tried...increased coverage, reduced costs. we might not be there but would go a whole lot further if that was still the ultimate goal.
Right now the goal seems to be to do anything to destroy obamacare, with no other goal in mind.
the phrase 'seagull management' goes through my mind, because regardless of where this bill goes, the damage done is immense and maybe cannot be overcome. GREAT job GOP!
Obamacare tried...increased coverage, reduced costs. we might not be there but would go a whole lot further if that was still the ultimate goal.
Right now the goal seems to be to do anything to destroy obamacare, with no other goal in mind.
the phrase 'seagull management' goes through my mind, because regardless of where this bill goes, the damage done is immense and maybe cannot be overcome. GREAT job GOP!
6
Gee, what if we lived in a world where every child born was wanted? Would that perhaps reduce mental illness, crime, and health care costs longterm?
Let's run a few of the common scenarios: a young woman finds herself pregnant and cannot afford the pregnancy, cannot devote care to a pregnancy/child, does not have a supportive partner, discovers a life-threatening illness in her own body, or a birth defect in the fetus. In what way is it appropriate medical care *or cheaper* to deny her access to abortion services? A woman forced to carry a non-viable pregnancy as far as it is able to go will simply deliver a neonate that will then die in the NICU after tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of fruitless care.
A woman forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy is more likely to self-harm (alcohol, drugs, starvation), producing a neonate that will then have special needs and again cost millions over the "lifetime" it is forced to exist. The woman, meanwhile, will need emotional and probably physical aid from her health insurance. An abortion, on the other hand, costs between $400 and $2500 dollars.
What of a basic cost-benefit analysis? $400-2,500 to rid an unwanted fetus or millions over time either in government health and human services for an unwanted, unsupported neonate. If this were any other decision made to save the tax payers money, the women selecting abortions would be given congressional medals of honor for their prudence.
Let's run a few of the common scenarios: a young woman finds herself pregnant and cannot afford the pregnancy, cannot devote care to a pregnancy/child, does not have a supportive partner, discovers a life-threatening illness in her own body, or a birth defect in the fetus. In what way is it appropriate medical care *or cheaper* to deny her access to abortion services? A woman forced to carry a non-viable pregnancy as far as it is able to go will simply deliver a neonate that will then die in the NICU after tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars of fruitless care.
A woman forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy is more likely to self-harm (alcohol, drugs, starvation), producing a neonate that will then have special needs and again cost millions over the "lifetime" it is forced to exist. The woman, meanwhile, will need emotional and probably physical aid from her health insurance. An abortion, on the other hand, costs between $400 and $2500 dollars.
What of a basic cost-benefit analysis? $400-2,500 to rid an unwanted fetus or millions over time either in government health and human services for an unwanted, unsupported neonate. If this were any other decision made to save the tax payers money, the women selecting abortions would be given congressional medals of honor for their prudence.
19
In an “unwanted pregnancy” the quality of ‘unwantedness’ is not inherent in the child. The child is not to be blamed or held accountable and punished by death for this quality. Rather, the ‘unwantedness’ is per se an attitudinal attribute of the child’s mother (and/or of other parties such as the father, other family members, and the community). It is this attitudinal prejudice that needs to be worked on and reformed. The child is not to be placed at risk of abortion because others reject the child as curtailing their own wants.
healthcare should never be predicated on whether a patient is "wanted".
healthcare should never be predicated on whether a patient is "wanted".
1
There are numerous problems with what the Republicans are putting together. The first, like it was with Obama Care, the Congress will likely be exempt from having to participate. Good for the goose but not the gander. Second is one size does not fit all. Example: Forcing a religious order of Nuns to have insurance that covers abortion (Little Sisters of the Poor). Oh how the Democrats fought against exempting Catholic Nuns. One segment of society wants to be able to select what they want to cover and another segment wants all it can get and have the government foot the lions share of the cost.
Rand Paul says it is Obama Care Lite. It is! And like Obama Care, it has it's problems. There are some improvements but not enough. Sen. Paul is in favor of co-ops. Groups of people banding together to buy insurance as a group. It is affordable. Here are some: Midi-Share, Health Co-op, Medical Cost Sharing Inc, Liberty HealthShare, to name a few. Now I am not affiliated with any of them, and I have different coverage not associated with any of those groups. But co-ops do work. And for many people, maybe even the majority of people, these would be the best affordable plans. Choose what you need and ignore what you don't need. Coupled with a large tax break/health savings plan, your contributions would be pretty much covered; probably still have to pay something small out of pocket. Those co-ops make more sense than depending upon the government. At least in my opinion.
Rand Paul says it is Obama Care Lite. It is! And like Obama Care, it has it's problems. There are some improvements but not enough. Sen. Paul is in favor of co-ops. Groups of people banding together to buy insurance as a group. It is affordable. Here are some: Midi-Share, Health Co-op, Medical Cost Sharing Inc, Liberty HealthShare, to name a few. Now I am not affiliated with any of them, and I have different coverage not associated with any of those groups. But co-ops do work. And for many people, maybe even the majority of people, these would be the best affordable plans. Choose what you need and ignore what you don't need. Coupled with a large tax break/health savings plan, your contributions would be pretty much covered; probably still have to pay something small out of pocket. Those co-ops make more sense than depending upon the government. At least in my opinion.
3
os
Co-ops work until their members need serious care. They work until the women who didn't need maternity benefits get pregnant. They work for people with reliable incomes, manageable living arrangements, and the security of knowing they won't be pulled off the street, or shot in their cars, or caught in the crossfire.
Mostly, though, they work exactly like insurance companies: no coop can survive unless it has a very large pool of healthy people to support the costs of the very ill. So you need big membership, or no meaningful benefits. So have miniature Obama-cares all over the place. Doesn't sound like something you, in particular, could support.
If you want affordable care, reliable and irrevocable health benefits to follow you, your children, their children, you want a Single Payer, fully funded health system. It's better care. Its cheaper care. Its there for everybody. It will follow you from job to job to college to retirement. Best of all, it will eliminate the cancer that is the health insurance industry and the trillion dollars a year they take away from providing care.
Remember: you can co-op all you want, but you're still just another customer waiting for the next health insurance outrage to appear out of nowhere and deny you or your wife or your children the care they need to survive.
Coo-ops are not a new kind of health care, they're just a different way of paying for the insurance.
Co-ops work until their members need serious care. They work until the women who didn't need maternity benefits get pregnant. They work for people with reliable incomes, manageable living arrangements, and the security of knowing they won't be pulled off the street, or shot in their cars, or caught in the crossfire.
Mostly, though, they work exactly like insurance companies: no coop can survive unless it has a very large pool of healthy people to support the costs of the very ill. So you need big membership, or no meaningful benefits. So have miniature Obama-cares all over the place. Doesn't sound like something you, in particular, could support.
If you want affordable care, reliable and irrevocable health benefits to follow you, your children, their children, you want a Single Payer, fully funded health system. It's better care. Its cheaper care. Its there for everybody. It will follow you from job to job to college to retirement. Best of all, it will eliminate the cancer that is the health insurance industry and the trillion dollars a year they take away from providing care.
Remember: you can co-op all you want, but you're still just another customer waiting for the next health insurance outrage to appear out of nowhere and deny you or your wife or your children the care they need to survive.
Coo-ops are not a new kind of health care, they're just a different way of paying for the insurance.
1
Ole Sarge, you are wrong about Congress being exempt from the ACA. Because of Chuck Grassley flippantly stating to the effect that if the ACA is good enough for the American people then it should be good enough for Congress. The Democrats agreed. And a provision was put into the act requiring Congress to be part of the ACA.
In order for the Congress to get government subsidies for their health insurance they must enroll in an ACA plan.
In order for the Congress to get government subsidies for their health insurance they must enroll in an ACA plan.
Would you have also been opposed to the Littke Sisters of the Poor "selecting" not to serve blacks in the 1950's?
2
Abortion should be a non-issue when it comes to health care. I will say this once again, and repeat and repeat if necessary, No men or other women have any right to impose their philosophical or religious beliefs on a woman's right to her own body. Her body...nobody else's.
I am appalled by a group of men, none of whom I would ever consider sharing a life with, who dare to speak for what is mine. And I extend this to other women who for whatever reasons think they have God and morality on their side by opposing abortion. To these individuals of both sexes, and as a Catholic educated woman, I would like to paraphrase the words of Christ: Let those of us without sin cast the first stone. We have enough to do just taking care of our own souls.
I am appalled by a group of men, none of whom I would ever consider sharing a life with, who dare to speak for what is mine. And I extend this to other women who for whatever reasons think they have God and morality on their side by opposing abortion. To these individuals of both sexes, and as a Catholic educated woman, I would like to paraphrase the words of Christ: Let those of us without sin cast the first stone. We have enough to do just taking care of our own souls.
25
The deliberate killing of a little daughter or son in her/his mother's womb should have no place in genuine healthcare.
Surely the best and only responsible 'choice' is the safe delivery of both the mother and her little daughter or son. Both mother and child are entitled to benign health care and legal protection to come safely through pregnancy. Every human being has a right to be treated with equal respect and care.
Surely the best and only responsible 'choice' is the safe delivery of both the mother and her little daughter or son. Both mother and child are entitled to benign health care and legal protection to come safely through pregnancy. Every human being has a right to be treated with equal respect and care.
1
“In my state [Louisiana],” Mr. Kennedy said, “we are now spending 47 percent of our budget on Medicaid. That’s up from 23 percent in 2008. It’s crowding out money for universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration, and it just keeps climbing.”
That is a great political talking point Senator Kennedy! Except that this bill does not address or solve the "crowding out money for universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration" since all the money from gutting Medicaid and the ACA will be transferred to the super-wealthy 1% via a one trillion dollar tax cut.
That is a great political talking point Senator Kennedy! Except that this bill does not address or solve the "crowding out money for universities and roads and public safety and coastal restoration" since all the money from gutting Medicaid and the ACA will be transferred to the super-wealthy 1% via a one trillion dollar tax cut.
27
Also he's lying since 75% of the state's Medicaid funds come from the federal government. So they wouldn't be available for other state services.
5
Will the Times please consider an article to explain the legislative process should the Senate pass a bill. A number of people appear to be confused with the next step. Will it be a budget reconciliation, will the Byrd Amendment come into play? How do the Republicans anticipating a final piece of legislation getting created and will that bill require a House and Senate vote again?
8
Senate rules? You think that's going to stop the Republicans? How quaint. I'm assuming good ol' Mitch will change the rules, or ignore them, and do what he wants.
5
Tax dollars should not be used to pay for abortions and the Republicans will never approve of this to be included in their healthcare plan. The two pro-life members who were elected to Donald Trump's cabinet recently will definitely have an influence on its exclusion. They are strong advocates for life issues and this is certainly a major one.
3
WMK, slashing Medicaid, which covers nursing home care for many elderly Americans tells me what kind of "advocates for life" the Republicans are.
Cheerleading for zygotes incurs no public expense, while medical care for those already born is costly. For Republicans, lives are sacred -- until they become a tax liability for zillionaire donors, at which point their sanctity drops to zilch.
Cheerleading for zygotes incurs no public expense, while medical care for those already born is costly. For Republicans, lives are sacred -- until they become a tax liability for zillionaire donors, at which point their sanctity drops to zilch.
3
Please change "advocates for life" to "advocates for fetal life". By not including abortion in healthcare, abortion to save the life of the mother in crisis is also excluded. "Pro-life" does not include the lives of pregnant women.
1
Rand Paul is a physician and yet he seems to have forgotten a core principle of medical practice: Do no harm. He is intent on denying access to life-saving medical care to millions of people. This is a bit more serious than getting a prescription wrong. At long last, sir, what is it you have against providing access to medical insurance to people in need? Why is it that you seem to prefer to see a continuation of the lose-lose situation where those without insurance wind up in costly emergency rooms? It would appear that many of your Kentucky constituents are out in the cold when it comes to medical care. What are you doing about this?
13
And they accused Democrats of jamming the Obamacare health care bill through Congress!
53
I call it "stealthcare." Maybe once this GOP legislative abomination emerges from the dark recesses of Mitch's secret basement lab into the daylight, the UV rays will cause it to shrivel and die. If not, then, well, a lot of his constituents will once they lose their coverage.
75
maybe that is the point - reduce medicare, medicaid - and the amount that has to be paid out in social security all at the same time.
mitch's modest proposal....
mitch's modest proposal....
3
Good.
I wish we had a better choice than voting for these clowns...we don't.
5
Just wait the best is yet to come.
8
If they were smart, they would stop sabotaging Obamacare, change the Name to " Trumpcare, and declare a WIN!!!! But, I've never accused them of being smart. Many others things, but NOT smart. So sad.
32
This version and Obama care are both a joke. Affordable health care will never happen unless they deal with the root cause, drug cost, dr's over prescribing medication, rampant fraud, etc.
11
You oversell your point by calling Obamacare a joke. There are good parts to it. Everyone agrees it needs modification. So they should fix what's wrong instead of trying to get revenge on Obama.
So, a 25% cut for America's poorest 75 million Medicaid patients (by 2026), in ADDITION to the 23 million who will lose insurance coverage (per C.B.O. evaluation of the House bill). Inverse Robin Hood indeed; steal from the poor to grant a tax cut for the top 1%. Not MY idea of America!
129
You are double counting. The 23 million CBO estimate includes the Medicaid patients.
According to the way the CBO did the count, someone who had insurance that was not compliant with ObamaCare rules was counted as uninsured. So if a state got a waiver that there could be a $20 co-pay on your annual physical, CBO counted those people as uninsured. Or if a state allowed insurance to be sold that had a $1 million annual limit, the people who had those policies would be counted as uninsured.
There haven't, actually, been any tax cuts proposed. The taxes are going to be needed to pay to remedy the damage ObamaCare has done to health care in the US
According to the way the CBO did the count, someone who had insurance that was not compliant with ObamaCare rules was counted as uninsured. So if a state got a waiver that there could be a $20 co-pay on your annual physical, CBO counted those people as uninsured. Or if a state allowed insurance to be sold that had a $1 million annual limit, the people who had those policies would be counted as uninsured.
There haven't, actually, been any tax cuts proposed. The taxes are going to be needed to pay to remedy the damage ObamaCare has done to health care in the US
Steal from the poor to grant a tax cut for the top 1%? That is the sine qua non of Republicanism.
6
Sorry, ebmem, but the ACA contains a surtax to income tax for people making over $200,000 per year as well as a tax on investment income. Eliminating those taxes as well as the "tax" on people who go without insurance are the "tax cuts" contained in the "repeal and replace" bills. Getting rid of them here, rather than in the context of "tax reform," means that "tax reform" will be scored at a lower level and thus have less of an effect on the deficit.
1
"Now, I have to tell you, it's an unbelievably complex subject. Nobody knew health care could be so complicated."
Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin wants to be called? Even so, he won't vote against his fellow Republicans. He never has. And Ron, don't bother explaining why you wouldn't vote the way your constituents requested.
No one believes you anymore.
It is incredible. If the Republicans' sense of right and wrong is so convoluted that they think eliminating 23 million people from obtaining healthcare without their ACA is ok, we are supposed to think phone calls work?
Regardless, I will call my Wisconsinite Senator and plead my case. Too bad I will have to lead a voice message because real people don't answer Johnson's phone either.
No one believes you anymore.
It is incredible. If the Republicans' sense of right and wrong is so convoluted that they think eliminating 23 million people from obtaining healthcare without their ACA is ok, we are supposed to think phone calls work?
Regardless, I will call my Wisconsinite Senator and plead my case. Too bad I will have to lead a voice message because real people don't answer Johnson's phone either.
141
You have to remember that with the Republicans it's all about the money... knocking 23 million off the health care rolls will allow them to make their Yuge tax cuts for the wealthy. Those that have...get.
Re: "Regardless, I will call my Wisconsinite Senator and plead my case. Too bad I will have to lead a voice message because real people don't answer Johnson's phone either."
A voice message is better anyway. That way you can state your case fully without interruption. All the "real people" (secretaries) do is pretend to agree. Call Tammy Baldwin too. She needs to know how strongly you feel--but call Ron Johnson first. Thanks.
A voice message is better anyway. That way you can state your case fully without interruption. All the "real people" (secretaries) do is pretend to agree. Call Tammy Baldwin too. She needs to know how strongly you feel--but call Ron Johnson first. Thanks.
4
They don't represent their constituents, they represent their donors. Since the advent of "Citizens United" that is made up of monied interests.
1
The best way to reduce the number of abortions in this country is to remove the primary reasons for that tough decision. Educate people to properly avoid unwanted pregnancy, provide nutrition and health advice to pregnant women. Offer support for new parents so they can provide their children with health, nutrition and child care especially to parents who are trying to get their education finished or their careers started. Don't let you concern for fetuses end with their birth.
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@ Joseph Barnett Yes, prevention is key in all aspects of life. But the GOP and others aren't really so concerned about fetuses. You can tell because of their lack of support for prenatal care, poverty prevention, etc. They want to control women by restraining our agency over our bodies, hence, our lives. A women who cannot control her reproductive life with contraceptives and abortion cannot control her life. This is their aim. Please don't be fooled by their clever marketing. They are not "concerned with fetuses". They want to subjugate women.
24
Unintended/unwanted pregnancies occur even to educated people, even to people using birth control. Although these pregnancies affect men, it is especially women who bear the physical consequences. It is not a simple issue or there would have been a solution a long time ago.
7
Here's the one element missing from your "we can't abide abortion, or birth control, or benefits for mothers and children. Or mothers and children, now that you mention it. But we do need an appropriately severe consequence for pregnant harlots which allows us to also pantomime Christian charity and leaves no doubt as to our level of disapprobation."
I call it The "If a man gets a woman pregnant, even if he is a Republican legislator, he will be responsible for the mother's maternity related-expenses and the child's care. For the life of the child" Act.
I believe it might cut down on unwanted pregnancies significantly.
I call it The "If a man gets a woman pregnant, even if he is a Republican legislator, he will be responsible for the mother's maternity related-expenses and the child's care. For the life of the child" Act.
I believe it might cut down on unwanted pregnancies significantly.
People WILL die due to lack of health coverage. And it will be Mitch McConnell's fault. Some "American". SMH
The Republican bill can't be done. Only legislation that specifically deals with budgetary matters can be brought up under reconciliation, allowing it to be passed with a simple majority. Adding an anti-abortion provision voids reconciliation, making the bill subject to a filibuster, where it will fail.
But that doesn't mean that it won't be attempted. Some people cynically think that Mitch McConnell wants to stage a vote even if it fails, just to get this out of the way so the Senate can move on to giving even bigger tax cuts to the rich.
The Republicans care nothing for the public. They care only about giving tax cuts to the rich, which they will make their top priority whether via the health care system, or despite it.
This juggernaut is going to flatten all of us.
But that doesn't mean that it won't be attempted. Some people cynically think that Mitch McConnell wants to stage a vote even if it fails, just to get this out of the way so the Senate can move on to giving even bigger tax cuts to the rich.
The Republicans care nothing for the public. They care only about giving tax cuts to the rich, which they will make their top priority whether via the health care system, or despite it.
This juggernaut is going to flatten all of us.
72
ATE, HUBRIS, NEMESIS as the GOP blindly goes into destroying the health and welfare of the country. I'm surprised more Republican voters are not angry as heck that 'their' party leaders want to throw them under the bus.
18
As usual since Trump took office, now I will be holding my breath until recess for the 4th of July holiday. I pray that the Republicans don't do additional damage to the regular, hard-working people of America whom they clearly detest.
Lives are at stake.
Lives are at stake.
32
McConnell and other republican senators have no shame. They everything in their power to rob the middle class and particularly poor Americans from a having basic health cate coverage to reward the richest Americans. This is simply redistribution of wealth to the richest 5%. they also trying to divide American by proposing deep cut in Medicaid which serve the poor and middle class and increase deduction for upper middle class Americans. This very destructive and cynical ploy.
36
For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. But mostly poorer and definitely unhealthy. The people drafting this legislation will never need to worry that their health will be ruined by this insidious and secret plan. Oh, the malevolence! Shame on them!
20
Don’t hold your breath waiting for any significant number of Republicans to grow a conscience.
They’d rather stay in the Republican head-space where the industrious can afford their own insurance, and where it fosters a culture of dependency to take care of the sick and the dying.
The Republicans are basically saying, take two aspirin and DON’T call me in the morning, because if you can’t pay for your own insurance, you don’t deserve to live.
Kind of makes “Let the eat cake” sound benign by comparison.
They’d rather stay in the Republican head-space where the industrious can afford their own insurance, and where it fosters a culture of dependency to take care of the sick and the dying.
The Republicans are basically saying, take two aspirin and DON’T call me in the morning, because if you can’t pay for your own insurance, you don’t deserve to live.
Kind of makes “Let the eat cake” sound benign by comparison.
53
Denying poor women and girls access to early screening for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers just to satisfy the parasitic whims of the billionare class and its restlessness for yet another unearned tax cut that won't at all benefit the infrastructure that extends the cut. Talk about a free lunch.
Unconscionable, and according to a phony morality, i.e. the sanctity of life. It is the height of hypocrisy to design this bill in protest of abortion while making sure that the already-born, including babies and children fed viz. Medicaid, suffer immeasurably.
Really trying hard to figure out how such utter cruelty and hypocrisy has become a prized and cherished virtue in the Republican Party.
Unconscionable, and according to a phony morality, i.e. the sanctity of life. It is the height of hypocrisy to design this bill in protest of abortion while making sure that the already-born, including babies and children fed viz. Medicaid, suffer immeasurably.
Really trying hard to figure out how such utter cruelty and hypocrisy has become a prized and cherished virtue in the Republican Party.
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Yes, and from a party that professes its religiousness. As they say, What Would Jesus Do?
11
If PP cared about women's health, they would spin off their abortion services into a separate entity. End of problem, permanently.
Legally/financially they did this years ago. Do you want separate buildings? Separate names? Separate workers? DO you want women to go to one provider for abortion and then have to go to another for birth control? Can they be on the same street? Face reality; even if PP put their services in separate states from each other, anti-choice groups would still howl.
3
Senators Collins and Murkowski have pro choice voting records and with Rand Paul's no vote, it's enough to scuttle the Republican Health Bill. Majority Leader McConnell's best laid plans to soak the poor at the behest of the rich deserves an inglorious defeat.
22
But recall the infamous Gang of Six which involved Republicans who said they were interested in working with the Democrats on what was to become ObamaCare. Not a single one, even Senator Collins who claims to be a moderate but has always stood shoulder to shoulder with her far right colleagues, voted for it.
Never under estimate the possibility of her and her colleagues putting the Republican Party before the health and welfare of the American people.
Many years ago, Gore Vidal said the challenge to the Republican Party was whether a party based purely on human greed could win the hearts and minds of the American people. We have our answer.
Never under estimate the possibility of her and her colleagues putting the Republican Party before the health and welfare of the American people.
Many years ago, Gore Vidal said the challenge to the Republican Party was whether a party based purely on human greed could win the hearts and minds of the American people. We have our answer.
20
Roberto21: I wouldn't count on it. Best to pay close attention to this passage: "Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin, said, 'I need the information, I need to hear from constituents, and that’s going to take some time.' ” He says he needs to hear from constituents. So give these Senators an earful and fast. Posting comments here isn't going to to get through to them.
9
The democrats, when passing the ACA, were at least attempting with all the limitations of our current industry, to pass something that was modeled on countries (and even States) that have functional health care citizens. It still amazes me we (as a country) do not have the political will to bite the bullet and make the long painful step towards joining a lot of countries who do it much better and much cheaper. Being #13 in quality but #1 in cost is not something to brag about.
54
By 2010, RomneyCare was in a death spiral. It was sustained only because Ted Kennedy had gotten extra Medicaid funds for Massachusetts. So the Democrats nationalized it, thinking if it was failing on a small scale, expanding it would make it better.
1
While I still have difficulties understanding the why's, I accepted the fact that the GOP can clearly do what it purports to be good the American people. Many experts - financial, medical, insurance, religious, and other - have tried mightily to appeal to logic, and to our empathy on this subject.
It now belongs solidly with the Republicans; and after the smoke has lifted, the voters can again decide if they like the result. I suspect they will not, and predict they will take their revenge in 2018 and 2020
But I also predict, sadly, that it may be years and years before the stars align as they did in 2008 (supermajority in the Senate, Dem House and President), so as to re-implement a national health care bill. The GOP cravenly understands this, and is willing to take a loss to undo an Act that was 100 years in the making. It's easy to tear down, it is difficult to build up. I want Single-Payer, but building from the ACA to a Single-Payer is infinitely easier (with health care as a human right), than starting from scratch if the ACA is repealed and health insurance is again a privilege rather than a right.
I implore any reader with a GOP Senator to write, phone, visit, this weekend! And have 10 friends do the same. This may be the last stand, people!!
It now belongs solidly with the Republicans; and after the smoke has lifted, the voters can again decide if they like the result. I suspect they will not, and predict they will take their revenge in 2018 and 2020
But I also predict, sadly, that it may be years and years before the stars align as they did in 2008 (supermajority in the Senate, Dem House and President), so as to re-implement a national health care bill. The GOP cravenly understands this, and is willing to take a loss to undo an Act that was 100 years in the making. It's easy to tear down, it is difficult to build up. I want Single-Payer, but building from the ACA to a Single-Payer is infinitely easier (with health care as a human right), than starting from scratch if the ACA is repealed and health insurance is again a privilege rather than a right.
I implore any reader with a GOP Senator to write, phone, visit, this weekend! And have 10 friends do the same. This may be the last stand, people!!
56
Unless you have millions of dollars to hand over to the Republicans you won't get them to care about you. They only care about they're mega donors, 1%ers and corporations.
Isn't it good to hear a U.S. senator say he wants to turn his state into a third world country where we just let people die because we prefer to spend money on other things.
And considering the extent of political corruption in Louisiana, one can expect most of that money won't go to universities or coastal erosion or anything else other than some wealthy persons' pockets.
One can only wonder what kind of country we've become.
And considering the extent of political corruption in Louisiana, one can expect most of that money won't go to universities or coastal erosion or anything else other than some wealthy persons' pockets.
One can only wonder what kind of country we've become.
46
Steve
It's even better when that Senator is from a failed Republican state that has made budget hay for twelve years off the misery of its citizens' suffering after a massive hurricane and floods.
A state so corrupt and inept that its funding for public services is at a record low, its universities are suffering mightily, and its Congressional delegation couldn't vote fast enough to forego tens of millions of Federal dollars in order to deny care to its own people.
It would feel so much worse, though, if those about-to-be-abandoned citizens did not regularly vote for the party that is about to do them in. Except for the children, they pretty much deserve what they're about to get. Which in no way excuses their legislators.
By the way, he shouldn't be talking about Medicaid in terms of percent of the state budget. The reason it demands an ever increasing proportion is because the state can't budget, can't recruit businesses, and was perfectly happy banking on the petroleum industry to continue pumping unlimited funds into their greedy pockets. The cost of Medicaid isn't growing that fast, their budget is shrinking and they have no idea what to do.
Republicans, the pro-business party. Go figure.
It's even better when that Senator is from a failed Republican state that has made budget hay for twelve years off the misery of its citizens' suffering after a massive hurricane and floods.
A state so corrupt and inept that its funding for public services is at a record low, its universities are suffering mightily, and its Congressional delegation couldn't vote fast enough to forego tens of millions of Federal dollars in order to deny care to its own people.
It would feel so much worse, though, if those about-to-be-abandoned citizens did not regularly vote for the party that is about to do them in. Except for the children, they pretty much deserve what they're about to get. Which in no way excuses their legislators.
By the way, he shouldn't be talking about Medicaid in terms of percent of the state budget. The reason it demands an ever increasing proportion is because the state can't budget, can't recruit businesses, and was perfectly happy banking on the petroleum industry to continue pumping unlimited funds into their greedy pockets. The cost of Medicaid isn't growing that fast, their budget is shrinking and they have no idea what to do.
Republicans, the pro-business party. Go figure.
9
It takes some chutzpa for someone from NY to call Louisiana politics corrupt. New York has a long history of political corruption, with no sign of abatement. NYS is far closer to being a third world country than Louisiana.
BTW, the coastal erosion in Louisiana is the result, primarily, of the actions of the Army Corps of Engineers work to maintain the navigability of the Mississippi hundreds of miles upstream from Louisiana.
BTW, the coastal erosion in Louisiana is the result, primarily, of the actions of the Army Corps of Engineers work to maintain the navigability of the Mississippi hundreds of miles upstream from Louisiana.
2
"Medicaid is 47% of my state's budget, and that's why I support a bill that will cut Federal support for Medicaid."
2
Ultimately their goal must and will be redistribution of wealth upwards. The loss of health care benefits for those that need them most will be the end result. Why else would this bill be drafted in secret? These Republicans really make me ill.
33
They need to pass it to find out whats in it. Or did you forget?
Something is not "accessible" if you cannot afford it. It's that simple.
458
And "choice" is not having either a grossly inadequate plan (that covers nothing) or one that is unaffordable.
8
So its settled, richard and FloridaVoter:
Two more votes for single payer!
Two more votes for single payer!
1
Taking into account the cost to our humanity of widespread "lawful" abortion, we cannot afford facilitating and encouraging continued perpetration of this injustice.
Abortionists are in denial about the humanity of their tiny second patients targeted for extermination. A cult of denial is not unusual where exterminations of vulnerable ‘unwanted’ human beings have been authorized and carried out with impunity over a long period of time.
It is an uncomfortable truth of the human condition that when we harm another human being we seek to deny that any harm was done. History has recorded so many, many lethal violations of the human rights of defenseless human beings, and the vapid narcissistic excuses of the perpetrators, as they themselves become more and more brutalized while always maintaining that there has been no harm done to any human being who matters.
Abortionists are in denial about the humanity of their tiny second patients targeted for extermination. A cult of denial is not unusual where exterminations of vulnerable ‘unwanted’ human beings have been authorized and carried out with impunity over a long period of time.
It is an uncomfortable truth of the human condition that when we harm another human being we seek to deny that any harm was done. History has recorded so many, many lethal violations of the human rights of defenseless human beings, and the vapid narcissistic excuses of the perpetrators, as they themselves become more and more brutalized while always maintaining that there has been no harm done to any human being who matters.
The Republican Tax Cut and Death Care Act....drafted in secret in the GOP closet....limited public debate....and a rushed vote...."Quick ! We've got to pass this nightmare law yanking health care from tens of millions before anyone objects to the giant yachts the bill will be paying for.....but wait....does it meet the forced pregnancy gold standard requiring women to bear unwanted renegade sperm until full gestation ?! We must punish those damsels for having sex".
Get back to work, Grand Old Perverts - you can do it !
Nice people.
Get back to work, Grand Old Perverts - you can do it !
Nice people.
266
socrates....i'm sensing some scorn and sarcasm.
5
It's Wealthcare not Healthcare. Let's call it what it is.
1
Any and all legal and medically accepted procedures should be covered. It is long since time for this government to get out of the personal medical decisions of American citizens.
There's this thing in the Constitution about "natural born persons" regarding conference of rights, responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen. Stop forgetting the born part.
There's this thing in the Constitution about "natural born persons" regarding conference of rights, responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen. Stop forgetting the born part.
151
There is this thing in the Constitution about securing the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity.
Put children and our children's children should be protected under the rule of law from government funded selective extermination in their mothers' wombs.
Put children and our children's children should be protected under the rule of law from government funded selective extermination in their mothers' wombs.
There are 13 white men, many of them older, who are determining a complex plan of destruction for tens of millions of Americans' healthcare.
Women have special health concerns, and reproductive health sometimes, yes, does require abortions. Various minorities have tendencies towards specific diseases. Poverty and lack of care also cause some diseases to be prevalent. Public health concerns include epidemics, and the disabled have various special needs as do the elderly.
A few weeks behind closed doors in darkest secrecy is not the democratic process that is enshrined in the Constitution, which these same men pledged to defend. The Constitution provided for representatives of all citizens to participate in legislation, to hold debates and have transparency. Usually deeds done in the dark are criminal in character. The ACA took a year and a half to draft and included 79 hearings, 181 witnesses, and hundreds of amendments and successfully provided coverage for more than 20 million Americans. It gave many a lifeline, and ameliorated the suffering of others. Medicaid is a critical safety net for the disabled, poor children, and the elderly but purportedly it is to be slashed by about a trillion (which would be transferred to the wealthy).
These 13 men would have to have the wisdom of Solomon and the medical vision of Hippocrates to so quickly draft a policy that would put the health needs of Americans first. But the Hippocratic Oath states that "First do no harm."
Women have special health concerns, and reproductive health sometimes, yes, does require abortions. Various minorities have tendencies towards specific diseases. Poverty and lack of care also cause some diseases to be prevalent. Public health concerns include epidemics, and the disabled have various special needs as do the elderly.
A few weeks behind closed doors in darkest secrecy is not the democratic process that is enshrined in the Constitution, which these same men pledged to defend. The Constitution provided for representatives of all citizens to participate in legislation, to hold debates and have transparency. Usually deeds done in the dark are criminal in character. The ACA took a year and a half to draft and included 79 hearings, 181 witnesses, and hundreds of amendments and successfully provided coverage for more than 20 million Americans. It gave many a lifeline, and ameliorated the suffering of others. Medicaid is a critical safety net for the disabled, poor children, and the elderly but purportedly it is to be slashed by about a trillion (which would be transferred to the wealthy).
These 13 men would have to have the wisdom of Solomon and the medical vision of Hippocrates to so quickly draft a policy that would put the health needs of Americans first. But the Hippocratic Oath states that "First do no harm."
528
Mitch McConnell and his venal Tea Party apostles hiding out from the public while crafting a version of the AHCA which will affect millions of citizens. These men have no stones.
20
They may be old white men, but they are also wealthy by most standards and provided with a magnificent health insurance at our expense, for life. Their selfish nature will result in death for older and poorer Americans. I hope four Republicans will resist this bill.
8
At this point, it's not even the 13 white men. It's McConnell and his aides. He has NO shame, after making the Rs no. 1 policy objective keeping Obama to one term, criticizing the Ds for 'lack of transparency' in passing the ACA, and stealing a SCOTUS seat from a President with almost a year left in his second term.
He is the single most hypocritical leader in Congress in the 45 years I've been paying close attention, and that includes the Shadow Speaker, Tom Delay.
He is the single most hypocritical leader in Congress in the 45 years I've been paying close attention, and that includes the Shadow Speaker, Tom Delay.
17
For those of you who voted for these people, remember, you voted for these people...
333
They may have been sick, or getting sick.
1
They don't care, and they never will. Should they be negatively affected by the policies they ostensibly voted for, they won't assign blame where it is due but rather according to segments of the population they dislike. It's these folks who keep the GOP in power, and McConnell et al. know it. I'm not sure how we break the cycle, but in any case I'm not optimistic.
2
Republican from Louisiana is clueless. If one cuts Medicaid in your state what happens to those people?
109
Apparently he believes that those people turn into roads and bridges.
21
They are not high earners, so they don't count. They'll get sicker, have no way out, and will die. Fine with him, I suppose.
We know he is clueless.
8
Anyone else expect a lot of "PLACEHOLDER" between the hideous finished parts when the Zombie RyanCare draft finally shows up?
5
"“I’m still hoping we reach impasse, and we actually go back to the idea we originally started with, which was repealing Obamacare,” Mr. [Rand] Paul said, adding, “I’m not for replacing Obamacare with Obamacare light.”"
I don't know if anyone uses the phrase "whiskey-hammered bonkers", but Random Paul is earning that designation hard and fast.
I don't know if anyone uses the phrase "whiskey-hammered bonkers", but Random Paul is earning that designation hard and fast.
88
How do you repeal something in the Senate? You can't without democratic support. It is the reason they are using the process they are.
6
McConnell and his all-male gang of 13 are owned by the rich and big business; thus they have no interest whatsoever in the wellbeing of the average American.
Let's hope they disagree among themselves about how onerous Trump care should be and reach no agreement.
Let's hope they disagree among themselves about how onerous Trump care should be and reach no agreement.
84
"Mr. McConnell is determined to get a vote on the bill by the end of next week, before a break for the Fourth of July holiday, but he still does not have enough committed votes to ensure passage."
What priorities for the Senate Majority Leader! He is worried about getting legislation off his desk, and Trump off his back, before the long holiday. Meanwhile, the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans is on the line. McConnell himself, when pressed, could not defend the secrecy with which the replacement is being crafted, but gave nonsense platitudes about Obamacare dying. In truth, the ACA would only die if Congressional Republicans kill it; the rest of our lives are in their hands, too.
What priorities for the Senate Majority Leader! He is worried about getting legislation off his desk, and Trump off his back, before the long holiday. Meanwhile, the healthcare of tens of millions of Americans is on the line. McConnell himself, when pressed, could not defend the secrecy with which the replacement is being crafted, but gave nonsense platitudes about Obamacare dying. In truth, the ACA would only die if Congressional Republicans kill it; the rest of our lives are in their hands, too.
79
This bill will not pass. We haven't seen it yet and preliminary reports indicate it is just as horrible as the House bill, but that is not what will be its undoing. The Republicans are falling for the same pitfalls that the Democrats did when the ACA was passed.
Everyone has their own agenda. Every member has a specific requirement that they must have and another that they will not accept. You can't bake a cake with 50 chefs. In this case, they can't even decide what kind of cake they want to bake.
The only way to reform healthcare is to design an overarching system. This plan is an exercise in micromanagement. Cover this, don't cover that. Help this one, don't help that one.
What is needed is a framework, an architecture of a system that does not discriminate what is and is not covered, who is and is not covered. What is covered should be decided by medical need as determined between the physician and the patient/customer. (Liberals have patients because healthcare is a right and conservatives have customers because healthcare is purchased commodity).
The Republicans are politicizing healthcare even more than the Democrats did. Appease this base and minimally aggravate another. Forget about those that don't vote for you.
The House bill is dead and this one will die also. Obamacare will limp along, warts and all, until a new majority is in place.
Everyone has their own agenda. Every member has a specific requirement that they must have and another that they will not accept. You can't bake a cake with 50 chefs. In this case, they can't even decide what kind of cake they want to bake.
The only way to reform healthcare is to design an overarching system. This plan is an exercise in micromanagement. Cover this, don't cover that. Help this one, don't help that one.
What is needed is a framework, an architecture of a system that does not discriminate what is and is not covered, who is and is not covered. What is covered should be decided by medical need as determined between the physician and the patient/customer. (Liberals have patients because healthcare is a right and conservatives have customers because healthcare is purchased commodity).
The Republicans are politicizing healthcare even more than the Democrats did. Appease this base and minimally aggravate another. Forget about those that don't vote for you.
The House bill is dead and this one will die also. Obamacare will limp along, warts and all, until a new majority is in place.
41
From your comment to youknowwho's ear
6
"What is needed is a framework, an architecture of a system that does not discriminate what is and is not covered, who is and is not covered. What is covered should be decided by medical need as determined between the physician and the patient/customer..." SOUNDS LIKE OBAMACARE :)
Back when Obamacare was written the Republican Party indicated how rewriting the laws for 20% of our economy, in the course of a year, with a few tens of hearings in various committees, and in spite of consultation with moderates in the Senate, was a tremendously rushed effort bound to unintended consequences. And indeed, a few poorly written lines doomed the Medicaid expansion in the Supreme Court.
Now, can we believe that in 4-2 weeks a cabal of 13 individuals, all males, all older, all without a particularly strong background in healthcare --not to say capitation, insurance brokerages, statistics, and risk management-- will be able to do any better? Au contraire, you can be certain that the Senate Plan, just like the House plan, will wreck that 20% of the economy and will bring tragedy to thousands of Americans everywhere, if not tens of thousands or millions.
That Senators are considering such a blatant disgrace signifies indeed that even most Banana Republics have better governance than the US now.
Now, can we believe that in 4-2 weeks a cabal of 13 individuals, all males, all older, all without a particularly strong background in healthcare --not to say capitation, insurance brokerages, statistics, and risk management-- will be able to do any better? Au contraire, you can be certain that the Senate Plan, just like the House plan, will wreck that 20% of the economy and will bring tragedy to thousands of Americans everywhere, if not tens of thousands or millions.
That Senators are considering such a blatant disgrace signifies indeed that even most Banana Republics have better governance than the US now.
228
One way or the other, we will all be paying for healthcare. It can be some sort of sliding scale with governmental supplements for those with low incomes; or, it can be higher premiums and surcharges for all who can "afford" to purchase insurance to cover the cost for those without insurance. Then we must also add the costs for collateral damage that is done to people without healthcare -- increased social service costs, homelessness that is the result of mental illness left untreated, etc. Senator McConnell and Rep. Ryan and their acolytes continue to use the phrase "access to healthcare for all." Access does not mean affordability.
64
There is another option, which seems to be the direction in which this country is headed: go Third World on a significant segment of the American population - no healthcare, no social services, if you can't come up with the money yourself.
12
We seem to be eternally penny-wise and pound foolish in this country. Why so many Americans balk at paying higher taxes but have no issue paying much, much more to private corporations mystifies me.
1