Nobody's fit to govern. Even The Times misses the point that Obamacare broke the health insurance market place by mandating coverage without mandating paying premiums. Since only sick people will buy that kind of insurance, premiums are exploding while the market place is imploding. If the politicians are even aware of that, their solutions to it won't fix the problem. You cannot create a risk pool (or two) that includes everyone that has no provision for everyone paying for their coverage -- either by paying a premium or massive taxpayer subsidy. Fixing the market place problem by cutting back on Medicaid is a non sequitur, relying on a theology more mysterious than Transubstantiation.
The "charade" is the one perpetuated by Democrats who push Medicaid for all. Not content with penalizing the struggling middle class with their wealth-transfer policies they want to reward deadbeats and laggards with free healthcare and a buffet of other Government handouts (Welfare, Food Stamps, Section 8 vouchers). They cloak their march towards socialism as being "compassionate". When in effect they are just creating a new class of citizens totally dependent on the largesse of Government. Shame on them.
'' These lawmakers want to be seen as making the bill more extreme to burnish their conservative bonafides. ''
Well, there is the problem ''right'' there : Are they working for their constituents, or are they working to secure said bnafides ?
Can you really call anything ''reform'', when you are s.lashing the funding\access to 23+ million people ?
Sure, they will have access, in the same sense as pressing oneself against a glass window of a restaurant, s.tarving, and looking at all the wonderful food, yet not having a penny to afford any of it. ( republicans will this choice and FREE~dom )
Then, there are the more well off not requiring to pay a fairer share for their access, because again, freedom.
All of the above is for a MASSIVE tax cut for the rich.
Charade, indeed ...
Well, there is the problem ''right'' there : Are they working for their constituents, or are they working to secure said bnafides ?
Can you really call anything ''reform'', when you are s.lashing the funding\access to 23+ million people ?
Sure, they will have access, in the same sense as pressing oneself against a glass window of a restaurant, s.tarving, and looking at all the wonderful food, yet not having a penny to afford any of it. ( republicans will this choice and FREE~dom )
Then, there are the more well off not requiring to pay a fairer share for their access, because again, freedom.
All of the above is for a MASSIVE tax cut for the rich.
Charade, indeed ...
1
the whole point of trumpcare is to cut spending enough to allow enormous tax cuts for the well off without having to get 60 votes to pass them. if they can't do this, tax reform and even the budget look almost impossible to do. but they seem to have no plan b. real clever people, the gop.
In years to come, when American mothers want to teach their children the value of honesty, they'll still be able to tell the tale of George Washington taking his ax to his father's cherry tree. But now when they want to warn their children against the evils of mendacity, they can point to Mitch McConnell hacking apart Americans' healthcare while hiding beneath a thick shroud of self-serving lies and vile deception.
1
Health Care should not be about politics. AHCA IS.
Why is this urgent?
• The Congressional Budget Office, states, the Better Care Reconciliation Act would lead to 22 million people leaving health insurance.
• The bill would also decimate Medicaid, which provides over 70 million Americans with health care coverage, including low-income children and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors.
• Medicaid is there with Americans at every stage of life:
o The program covers nearly half of all births in the U.S.
o Medicaid supports pregnant mothers, newborns, and children.
o Half of all Medicaid recipients are children and helps children with disabilities receive necessary services in schools.
o It provides care to adults with disabilities or major medical issues, allowing them to live full lives and be part of their communities.
o 70 percent of all nursing home residents rely on the program.
• Repealing the Affordable Care Act replacing it with the Senate proposal, protection for people with pre-existing conditions (like pregnancy, c-sections, or breast cancer) would be gutted. And the requirement for insurance providers to cover essential health benefits (like co-pay free birth control, annual exams, and maternity coverage) could be removed.
All of us need to contact our Reps, call, write, show up at Town Halls
until we kill this bill.
Why is this urgent?
• The Congressional Budget Office, states, the Better Care Reconciliation Act would lead to 22 million people leaving health insurance.
• The bill would also decimate Medicaid, which provides over 70 million Americans with health care coverage, including low-income children and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors.
• Medicaid is there with Americans at every stage of life:
o The program covers nearly half of all births in the U.S.
o Medicaid supports pregnant mothers, newborns, and children.
o Half of all Medicaid recipients are children and helps children with disabilities receive necessary services in schools.
o It provides care to adults with disabilities or major medical issues, allowing them to live full lives and be part of their communities.
o 70 percent of all nursing home residents rely on the program.
• Repealing the Affordable Care Act replacing it with the Senate proposal, protection for people with pre-existing conditions (like pregnancy, c-sections, or breast cancer) would be gutted. And the requirement for insurance providers to cover essential health benefits (like co-pay free birth control, annual exams, and maternity coverage) could be removed.
All of us need to contact our Reps, call, write, show up at Town Halls
until we kill this bill.
3
There are two and maybe a few more Republicans who seem worried about losing the Medicare aspects of the ACA, but all the rest don't care about healthcare. Why do they want to foist a poor plan upon their constituents by flim-flamming them?
For some it is blind ideology short-circuiting all thought and feeling. For most it's because they are being paid to do so by their billionaire backers who finance their campaigns and perks.
Brain-dead zombies and vacuous puppets. Sad.
For some it is blind ideology short-circuiting all thought and feeling. For most it's because they are being paid to do so by their billionaire backers who finance their campaigns and perks.
Brain-dead zombies and vacuous puppets. Sad.
3
Unsurprisingly, Mr. McConnell uses a big chunk of those savings to cut taxes on wealthy families and corporations.
Gee Mitch..You keep telling us we HAVE to gut health care funding because of the national debt. Why aren't you using those "savings" for debt reduction instead of lining your pockets?
Gee Mitch..You keep telling us we HAVE to gut health care funding because of the national debt. Why aren't you using those "savings" for debt reduction instead of lining your pockets?
11
The GOP health care proposals, so far anyway, have only had two goals: (1) to enrich the already rich, and (2) to erase any evidence of a black President's accomplishments as a way of trying to erase him.
The GOP have shown they don't have any intention of providing health care. Their members have stated that people with pre-existing conditions shouldn't have health care, that people with chronic diseases like diabetes shouldn't have health care, that the disabled are a drain on society, and that women have no rights to health care relevant to their unique physiology.
Theirs is a moral problem. They treat people as though their inherited genetics are their own fault...as though their gender is a choice made with which men, and especially women, will have to live...as though the disabled wanted that physical state in order to gain access to government benefits.
It must be nice to play God; all those "Christian" politicians must feel very close to Jesus right now...except for the fact that the Bible tells us over and over again, Jesus had compassion...Jesus healed, whether or not the person was deserving or righteous or a sinner.
Not only is the GOP guilty of moral failure, but they clearly don't care one iota about America. For health care is a prerequisite for a strong citizenry, for a strong national defense, for economic growth, for cultural vitality, and for a populace with good mental health.
The GOP is selling America out from under us!
The GOP have shown they don't have any intention of providing health care. Their members have stated that people with pre-existing conditions shouldn't have health care, that people with chronic diseases like diabetes shouldn't have health care, that the disabled are a drain on society, and that women have no rights to health care relevant to their unique physiology.
Theirs is a moral problem. They treat people as though their inherited genetics are their own fault...as though their gender is a choice made with which men, and especially women, will have to live...as though the disabled wanted that physical state in order to gain access to government benefits.
It must be nice to play God; all those "Christian" politicians must feel very close to Jesus right now...except for the fact that the Bible tells us over and over again, Jesus had compassion...Jesus healed, whether or not the person was deserving or righteous or a sinner.
Not only is the GOP guilty of moral failure, but they clearly don't care one iota about America. For health care is a prerequisite for a strong citizenry, for a strong national defense, for economic growth, for cultural vitality, and for a populace with good mental health.
The GOP is selling America out from under us!
38
As a country, we claim we have no consensus about entitlement to healthcare. And yet, all can show up at a hospital emergency room, with or without ability to pay, and receive treatment. If the patient is uninsured, the hospital writes it off as a loss. Which means we all pay for it indirectly. What would happen if in fact there was no "right to healthcare?" Your 8 year old daughter or granddaughter could show up at the emergency room with an asthma attack (or other life-threatening condition), with no insurance or ability to pay for care, and the hospital could turn her away. And she could die on the steps of the facility that has the ability to save her life. That is what it means to have no right to health care. Any one in the good old US of A able to stomach that? No??? I didn't think so. We need to do some major re-thinking.
24
As you point out, this is a dreadful bill in multiple ways. Given the gallons of virtual ink spilled on the subject, one comment I rarely see highlighted is the law’s potential to harm businesses. When millions of Americans are priced out of affordable health insurance and stop paying premiums, won’t insurers want to make up for these losses? Surely someone will be asked to foot the bill. Will employers – large and small - who provide coverage to their employees face crippling increases in their health insurance costs? “Bad for Business” is anathema to our Republican brethren and yet they seem quite determined to pass a law that may take down countless businesses along with the rest of its devastation.
18
I object to the NYT's approaching the health care issue from ideological perspectives. This editorial opinion starts by using the term such as a centrist. If you insist, I may be categorized as a centrist. And I have a good reason for that.
I don't think the far-left ideology, so-called "socialism," is the way to go. Inductively, no socialistic economy has succeeded yet. There is simply no country run by the socialistic economy in the world now (European countries such as Netherland is by no means a socialistic country. To the contrary, it is a country which had the most developed commercial market and international trades.)
On the other hand, I also object to the American far-right's crazy version of capitalism and the free market. The kind of the free market and capitalism championed by McConnell and Ryan are by no means what was originally advocated by Adam Smith or even the first generation of American capitalism. It is a monster based on no economic theory in the universe.
So, the reason why there are centrists is that both ends of the spectrum (the far-left and the far-right) are unacceptable.
Moreover, I think the main reason why the U.S. has this horrible health care system is that those two extremes have fought in vain.
The American far-right and the American far-left are two very outdated ideologies which are almost defunct in other developed countries. Only in the U.S. do they flourish.
That's the problem.
I don't think the far-left ideology, so-called "socialism," is the way to go. Inductively, no socialistic economy has succeeded yet. There is simply no country run by the socialistic economy in the world now (European countries such as Netherland is by no means a socialistic country. To the contrary, it is a country which had the most developed commercial market and international trades.)
On the other hand, I also object to the American far-right's crazy version of capitalism and the free market. The kind of the free market and capitalism championed by McConnell and Ryan are by no means what was originally advocated by Adam Smith or even the first generation of American capitalism. It is a monster based on no economic theory in the universe.
So, the reason why there are centrists is that both ends of the spectrum (the far-left and the far-right) are unacceptable.
Moreover, I think the main reason why the U.S. has this horrible health care system is that those two extremes have fought in vain.
The American far-right and the American far-left are two very outdated ideologies which are almost defunct in other developed countries. Only in the U.S. do they flourish.
That's the problem.
6
In fact, all of the so-called socialized health insurance systems, i.e., every major industrialized country except the U.S., is successful. This has nothing to do with socialism or capitalism. Ensuring public health is a basic function of government in a civilied society.
28
As I read your response, my first thought was that you have a point except that your response equates universal health care, or single payer care, both also known as socialist health care as Socialism, which it isn't. Though Socialist countries may have had socialist health care, they also had a Socialist government, and lacked democratic principles as well as capitalism The State owned practically everything, and controlled most industries. I experienced this briefly in the former Yugoslavia. The country functioned (somewhat) but seemed stuck. At the largest grocery store in Belgrade in January, there was one shriveled orange. One. The entire produce section consisted of potatos,onions, cabbage, carrots. No lettuce, or fruit, or choices. You had to bribe receptionists with gifts to see higher-ups at government offices or businesses. I observed, heard second hand reports, and experienced many odd inconveniences in what was a Socialist failure. Medicare a socialist program is successful, is efficient and has not made the US a Socialist country.
9
Health care is a moral issue, no matter how you twist it. To just watch the circus and watch the mendacity of Republican officials exposes their lack of simple human decency.
European countries with social market economies are doing well, not perfect but much more humane than our brutal Darwinism, so-called free market economy, where there is only one value, more profit. Our society lacks a moral social conscience. Everything is up for sale, prisons and schools and hospitals and even the military, the sovereign, the people, has sold the governments power and responsibility to the plutocrats or oligarchs, they are in charge now. They have no reason to honor even the preamble of the constitution.
The mafia ruling the nation is not about to make America great again. As long as this nation can't even provide decent health care for all the citizens, it is NOT a great nation. It is all just cheap self promotion, bragging, cheap propaganda, a wealthy and ruthless nation yes, but a great nation, NO.
Ideology is not needed, we need good government, a humane society, a government promoting the welfare of the people. We now have the highest rate of incarcerations, the highest infant and maternal mortality rate, homeless families, high poverty rates and of course the underfunded schools the broken down and decaying infrastructure, lack of public transportation and more. That is a declining nation, not a great nation.
European countries with social market economies are doing well, not perfect but much more humane than our brutal Darwinism, so-called free market economy, where there is only one value, more profit. Our society lacks a moral social conscience. Everything is up for sale, prisons and schools and hospitals and even the military, the sovereign, the people, has sold the governments power and responsibility to the plutocrats or oligarchs, they are in charge now. They have no reason to honor even the preamble of the constitution.
The mafia ruling the nation is not about to make America great again. As long as this nation can't even provide decent health care for all the citizens, it is NOT a great nation. It is all just cheap self promotion, bragging, cheap propaganda, a wealthy and ruthless nation yes, but a great nation, NO.
Ideology is not needed, we need good government, a humane society, a government promoting the welfare of the people. We now have the highest rate of incarcerations, the highest infant and maternal mortality rate, homeless families, high poverty rates and of course the underfunded schools the broken down and decaying infrastructure, lack of public transportation and more. That is a declining nation, not a great nation.
1
The less extreme rw Rs and centrist/moderate Ds cannot be depended on to give US citizens the medical care access we deserve, and that's comparable with systems working in dozens of modern countries. The profit motive is paramount here, way above our lives, health, well being, financial security.
Easy for politicians who are also dependent on insurance co. big donors to look good being anti McConnell. But that's only compared to the extreme radical Gop that is destroying our rights.
Easy for politicians who are also dependent on insurance co. big donors to look good being anti McConnell. But that's only compared to the extreme radical Gop that is destroying our rights.
2
Something unexpected happened on the way to the white guy DC big shots calling the shots for the rest of us peasants ....... .
People are not falling on their knees praising McConnell and his boys for taking away Medicaid, maternity care, cancer screenings, addiction services, etc.? Huh? People are not THRILLED with yet more tax cuts for the uber-wealthy? Huh ?
Why?
Methinks it is the ubiquity of the net. News (fake and otherwise) travels at the speed of light, and video clips in real time show more people of the real-time, unfiltered reality than any Koch PAC slick propaganda.
The images of wheelchair bound and other tax-payers being dragged (yes- dragged ) out of public spaces (that taxpayers pay for) that house Senators (who taxpayers pay) says it all.
Who , exactly,do these guys think they represent ?
People are not falling on their knees praising McConnell and his boys for taking away Medicaid, maternity care, cancer screenings, addiction services, etc.? Huh? People are not THRILLED with yet more tax cuts for the uber-wealthy? Huh ?
Why?
Methinks it is the ubiquity of the net. News (fake and otherwise) travels at the speed of light, and video clips in real time show more people of the real-time, unfiltered reality than any Koch PAC slick propaganda.
The images of wheelchair bound and other tax-payers being dragged (yes- dragged ) out of public spaces (that taxpayers pay for) that house Senators (who taxpayers pay) says it all.
Who , exactly,do these guys think they represent ?
17
Themselves???
In what way does the Republican healthcare bill differ from a mass shooting? It's more deadly. A typical mass shooting doesn't kill almost 30,000 people (over the course of 10 years.) And, the typical mass shooter isn't motivated by the prospect of receiving a huge tax cut. If they pass this they will have blood on their hands. They will be responsible for the unnecessary deaths of tens of thousands of their fellow Americans. This is what it is commonly known as mass murder.
14
The Senate, and Republicans in particular, don't serve the majority of the voters. Every one of them who sponsors or endorses this bill needs to have their salaries halved and their healthcare benefits removed. It's past time for sanctions on this worthless body of politicians.
11
Pure evil.
10
May I suggest a title for the bill? My suggestion is:
"The Anti-Obama Wealth-care Bill including a Modest Proposal for Solving the Problem of the Old and Sick among the Poor, Working, and Middle Classes"
Any accurate name for the Senate Republican bill would indicate the main Republican aims or principal outcomes of the bill:
* destroy the legacy of the first black president
* give billions in tax cuts to the very rich
* take health insurance and care away from more than 20 million
* dump the nursing home elderly into the street
* raise by many times the premiums for older or sick Americans
Clearly the principal aims and outcomes are Dickensian to say the least. Mr. Swift's proposal comes to mind.
"The Anti-Obama Wealth-care Bill including a Modest Proposal for Solving the Problem of the Old and Sick among the Poor, Working, and Middle Classes"
Any accurate name for the Senate Republican bill would indicate the main Republican aims or principal outcomes of the bill:
* destroy the legacy of the first black president
* give billions in tax cuts to the very rich
* take health insurance and care away from more than 20 million
* dump the nursing home elderly into the street
* raise by many times the premiums for older or sick Americans
Clearly the principal aims and outcomes are Dickensian to say the least. Mr. Swift's proposal comes to mind.
20
Cancelling healthcare insurance benefits for all Members of Congress and their legislative staff and putting them into the individual policyholder pool might give them and incentive to come up with a health care model for the wealthiest nation in the world. They might even remember that they should work for the people, not the health insurance industry, the lobbyists, the pharmaceutical providers, and political contributors and PAC's.
19
If there is anyone here today that has not read the companion column written by a New York emergency room physician roughly titled "Don't leave healthcare to the free market", I suggest you do so immediately. His experience, examples and day to day real world encounters say it all.
For those that still question why healthcare should be readily available to everyone, if this doctor's experiences still don't register with you then I don't know what will and at that point, one would have to clearly question your humanity.
For those that still question why healthcare should be readily available to everyone, if this doctor's experiences still don't register with you then I don't know what will and at that point, one would have to clearly question your humanity.
16
How can Republicans agree to spend $45 billion of taxpayer money for a huge welfare boondoggle-- "opioid addiction"-- when there are far more pressing problems? If people in Kentucky who brought us Mitch McConnelldecide they like opiates, I say, that's their choice. Why must big gov step in to save them? Like former VP Biden's "cancer moonshot," this is yet another example of profligate big gov spending that will end up largely wasted. The disease industry has become the ultimate feeder at the pork barrel trough.
2
WHEN are you people, ( senetors and congress-people ) going to stand in front of the microphones and admit ( as John Boehner did a few months back ) that none of you, republican or democrat, has a clue what to do, how to fix, and, perish the thought, actually attempt the right thing for the American people?
The model is broke, it cannot be fixed, and, the donor class notwithstanding, no amount of money flung in any direction you think will secure your re-election can make any difference.
Doing the right thing for the country, which would include everyone in the country ( I'll even let the Koch brothers share in this ), means: SINGLE PLAYER. Lose the insurance companies, reign in the lawyers, big pharma, hospital emergency rooms, for profit hospitals, etc. ( you get the idea, right? ) and end this madness.
Then you can say the American people didn't send you... For some other stupid excuse you can waste our tax dollars justifying what YOU get...largely for doing nothing, except start wars...
The model is broke, it cannot be fixed, and, the donor class notwithstanding, no amount of money flung in any direction you think will secure your re-election can make any difference.
Doing the right thing for the country, which would include everyone in the country ( I'll even let the Koch brothers share in this ), means: SINGLE PLAYER. Lose the insurance companies, reign in the lawyers, big pharma, hospital emergency rooms, for profit hospitals, etc. ( you get the idea, right? ) and end this madness.
Then you can say the American people didn't send you... For some other stupid excuse you can waste our tax dollars justifying what YOU get...largely for doing nothing, except start wars...
8
GOP Wealth and Death Bill. More wealth for the rich, more death for
everyone else. THAT is the accurate, simple version. PEROID.
everyone else. THAT is the accurate, simple version. PEROID.
9
To pick up on the title of Paul Krugman's column of today, I present the three-legged stool of Republican healthcare philosophy: Cynicism, Hypocrisy, Bald-faced Lies.
5
These people are literally trying to commit mass murder, for money, and they plan on getting away with it. Roughly sixty percent of us can't stand them, and yet they retain complete control over our putatively-democratic state. This -- in conjunction with the fact that there are SO many stupid people -- is the root cause everything that is wrong with the country. We the People really need to get serious about fixing it.
On a related note: when Trump goes down, if the Democrats sit there in a daze as they wheel Pence into the oval, then we'll need to quit calling Republicans the party of stupid. Think about how the Republicans would play it if the shoe were on the other foot. Get mad, please.
On a related note: when Trump goes down, if the Democrats sit there in a daze as they wheel Pence into the oval, then we'll need to quit calling Republicans the party of stupid. Think about how the Republicans would play it if the shoe were on the other foot. Get mad, please.
11
Are we seriously talking about 'conscience' when Senators are looking for 'sweeteners' to cover their 'yes' votes, in spite of only 17(!) percent of Americans being in favor of this legislation?
That's not 'conscience' or being conscientious; it's called greed. It's called party-over-country. It's called fishing for excuses. Lot's of things. But having anything to do with 'conscience'? Not one bit.
That's not 'conscience' or being conscientious; it's called greed. It's called party-over-country. It's called fishing for excuses. Lot's of things. But having anything to do with 'conscience'? Not one bit.
9
The unvarnished cynisim and shamelessness permeating the GOP approach in replacing ACA with something much worse--against the will of the majority of the people--is an indication of how extreme and heartless this party has become.
7
Looks like the Republicans are getting ready to close the beaches and are breaking out the beach chairs to congratulate themselves on a job done.
See how that goes.
See how that goes.
5
Charade is an appropriate word for capturing the essence of the Republican effort to replace the ACA. Pretense also works.Fraud would have been a better word.
10
"But conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans . . . "
You think you'll find any of those in today's Republican party?
You think you'll find any of those in today's Republican party?
10
House Speaker Paul Ryan says, “We’re going to have a free market, and you buy what you want to buy,” and if people don’t want it, “then they won’t buy it.” The Speaker was not concerned and thinking about continuing providing Medicaid funds for the Poor,Disabled,Seniors and others millions of folks ' affordable Healthcare. Rather $864 billion tax breaks for the rich by transfer of Medicaid funds . Whatever happened to President Trump 's election promise to replace and repeal the Affordable care Act . 2010 at the same time ? Besides this President Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign promised : Cheap Health Care, affordable for " every body" . President agreed to protect the Affordable Care Act. of 2010 's provisions: i ) Preexisting conditions. ii) Children under 26 years of age. The CBO numbers have identified huge problems with coverage . At last count 9 GOP Senators have publicly announced their opposition on cost and cost of coverage issues . Re. the opinion polls with only 17 percent approval of the Trump Care at this time . President Trump if has influence left on the process should focus on fulfilling his election promise. What do you think ?
5
Excellent article. The Republicans actually have no shame, so they don't care about "shameful." The pursue their agenda of plutocracy no matter what the general population wants and even if what is wanted is decent and healthy! It is so incredibly bizarre, having a clear take-over of this representative government by dictators. They used to keep the ancient Roman senate basically in name only after the beginning of the Empire. History repeats itself.
7
Circa 1942 the United States assumed the role of richest, most powerful nation on the planet. Our constitution, acceptance of slavery notwithstanding, had been the light and hope of the world for 150 years at that time. I am over 60 now. I watched some of the worlds bravest children integrate my grade school in 1964. I'm rambling, but given our sacrifices and accomplishments, I am at a loss to understand how America came to settle for our current government and society. How did we get here and can we somehow drag ourselves to the 21st century?
13
We need a Democrat/liberal voice on TV and talk radio which will appeal to America's masses and help them understand how they are being misled by Fox, Limbaugh et al. Models were Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, honest brokers which reached young people (and many adults) and gave them points of view to ponder.
3
"How did we get here"? Massive amounts of money and lobbying which were allowed to legally enter the world of government and politics, i.e. "legalized bribery" which, in return, the politicians serve the interests of their corporate donors, NOT, their constituents.
6
Here is the thing that non-healthcare providers may not understand and that this article does not emphasize. People with opioid addiction do not only need good basic healthcare coverage because they need treatment for addiction or because they are people who also have health problems like the rest of us. They especially need healthcare coverage because they eventually go on to inject themselves with heroin when they can't get their oxy anymore. This means that half of the patients on our medical floor (in a state hard hit by the opioid epidemic) end up in the hospital for things like endocarditis (an infection of the heart vale that can cause death, strokes etc.) or hepatitis etc. Without basic healthcare coverage it won't matter how much money we use to fund addiction treatment. The average patient has not hit rock bottom until they have either HIV, hepaptitis C, endocarditis, etc.
13
But our country has hit rock bottom. Only I know this.
5
Anyone willing to vote for this bill is choosing to let Americans die, for the crime of being too poor to afford medical treatment. And they're doing so just because they made such a big fuss about how bad Obamacare is, that now they think they can't back down. They're willing to let a great many people die, others become disabled, just in order to make a political point and save their career.
I can't see how anyone can consider a person who does that anything other than a despicable lowlife.
I can't see how anyone can consider a person who does that anything other than a despicable lowlife.
11
President Trump -- support Medicare for all and you will achieve adulation from a majority of Americans and be recognized by historians as one of America's finest Presidents. Now, that would be something to Tweet about!
4
The NYT insists on trying to treat this Wealth Transfer Bill as a health care bill that has serious health care intent. Shame on you. It's just the opening salvo in an Ayn Randian race to the bottom, violating the founding tenets of our country--that we ALL have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness--in order to cement our status as an oligarchy. Becoming a bit squeamish about all the criticism from The Right are you? Show some spine and call this disgrace out for what it really is: a tax cut for the well off.
8
Even after Mr Obama has gone the party of No remains the Party of No. Deny every thing, reject every thing, disrupt every thing, cut every thing , destroy every thing.
9
I'm curious to see how this will be spun as the democrats' fault when the emergency rooms in red states begin bursting at the seems.
6
The House rushed through the bill not because it is important and we need health care for all citizens, but to say they accomplished something under Trump. It didn't matter to them that the content of the bill would seriously hurt the very people who voted them into office. They just wanted to dismantle Obamacare.
Here we are in the Senate and all that's being talked about are nuggets being thrown at people in order to have them come on board. Again, not preparing a bill that will provide citizens with adequate health care options, but instead trying to just force it through even though it's hurtful and will have devastating effects. $45 billion over 10 years to help people get off drugs. How about $45 billion to help people who can't go to a doctor if they have a sore throat, break their leg or get cancer? Why all the attention on opioids and showering all kinds of money there but nothing for straight up working class people who take care of themselves but just don't earn enough to pay for coverage
These are people that were voted into office, folks. If many of the republicans do not get kicked to the curb in 2018, then you know what? people who voted to keep them in office deserve whatever they get.
Here we are in the Senate and all that's being talked about are nuggets being thrown at people in order to have them come on board. Again, not preparing a bill that will provide citizens with adequate health care options, but instead trying to just force it through even though it's hurtful and will have devastating effects. $45 billion over 10 years to help people get off drugs. How about $45 billion to help people who can't go to a doctor if they have a sore throat, break their leg or get cancer? Why all the attention on opioids and showering all kinds of money there but nothing for straight up working class people who take care of themselves but just don't earn enough to pay for coverage
These are people that were voted into office, folks. If many of the republicans do not get kicked to the curb in 2018, then you know what? people who voted to keep them in office deserve whatever they get.
41
I am afraid that they will repeal and not replace. That bill will pull in the ultra conservatives which are seem to be the ones blocking passage of a replacement plan. When they do we will know the Repubs care not one whit for the anyone below the 1%.
4
Dear Senator McConnell: Please don't let us go bankrupt from medical debts. Please don't allow the return of the lifetime million dollar cap on coverage. More than 62% of personal bankruptcies before the Great Recession were from people who had a medical insurance cap. It's bad enough to be diagnosed with cancer. It seems particularly cruel that the diagnosis also means financial ruin.
4
I almost feel sorry for Mr. McConnell. Almost. He is suffering the very same conundrum that sent past Speaker John Boehner off to retirement. One faction of his party is pulling him further right while the other is pulling him further left. He is holding the tails of two elephants, each moving in opposite directions.
He is bound to be torn apart.
The elephants then will turn to look at him, wondering why he hasn't been able to get a bill passed or even to the floor for debate. They will inevitably toss him aside in search of another victim in hopes of finding that magician who can unite them.
Unfortunately, being united means, to each elephant, coming arround to their own peculiar position, ignoring the other elephant who obviously is clueless about how things should be done.
Good luck, Mitch.
He is bound to be torn apart.
The elephants then will turn to look at him, wondering why he hasn't been able to get a bill passed or even to the floor for debate. They will inevitably toss him aside in search of another victim in hopes of finding that magician who can unite them.
Unfortunately, being united means, to each elephant, coming arround to their own peculiar position, ignoring the other elephant who obviously is clueless about how things should be done.
Good luck, Mitch.
8
Mitch McConnell is the real president.
1
The Republicans are truly showing themselves as the anti-life party.
4
Sugarcoated words used by the Editors like weaken, dreadful, hurt, discriminate, etc. to describe the actions of Republicans hacking away at the ACA do no justice to what amounts to voluntary manslaughter of your own people.
Republicans are doubtless greatful for the delicate description of their machinations, but now is the time to get off the Christian decorum and civility and fight more brutally than they do or see your fellow man sacrificed to increase the wealth of oligarchs.
Republicans are doubtless greatful for the delicate description of their machinations, but now is the time to get off the Christian decorum and civility and fight more brutally than they do or see your fellow man sacrificed to increase the wealth of oligarchs.
4
Since our Congress is deeply corrupt and is controlled by oligarchs, no longer by the citizens, and votes for the laws wanted by wealthy individuals and large corporate interests such as the insurance industry, you may be certain that a single payer system will only happen over their dead bodies.
5
I can live with that!
1
The Republicans are narcissists, caring only for their careers and the money they will bring in from their billionaire overlords for reelection! Republicans can NO longer claim to be "pro-life," they are pro-money, pro-greed and pro-power"
Republicans, people won't remember who gave them healthcare BUT they will remember who took it away!
Remember, Donald saying "we are going to have the best healthcare! For everyone!" Another one of his big lies! Pathetic!
Republicans, people won't remember who gave them healthcare BUT they will remember who took it away!
Remember, Donald saying "we are going to have the best healthcare! For everyone!" Another one of his big lies! Pathetic!
8
As someone from another country that has single-payer healthcare, I find it hard to believe that the like of McConnell have the gall to present the "health care" act. Maybe I should ivest in pitchfork manufacturers.
3
National universal healthcare for all. Now that wasn't so hard, was it? In the immortal words of a certain sporting goods company, "Just do it!" Already.
5
The whole thing is an insult to the intelligence of Americans.
Start with admitting you lied, GOP. You cannot start anywhere else.
Trump was elected saying he had a solution. He lied. Mitch McConnell lied.
Shelve this unthought-out mess and start over. You had 7 years to make good on your word.
You owe the American people a huge apology. Start There.
Start with admitting you lied, GOP. You cannot start anywhere else.
Trump was elected saying he had a solution. He lied. Mitch McConnell lied.
Shelve this unthought-out mess and start over. You had 7 years to make good on your word.
You owe the American people a huge apology. Start There.
8
Only 12 percent of Americans approve of McConnellcare according to the latest USA Today poll. (Probably even fewer approve of the proposals of Ted Cruz. )
Why hasn't McConnell pulled the plug?
Why hasn't McConnell pulled the plug?
4
We need basic Medicare coverage for all Americans funded by tax revenues. Cut out the insurance companies. Of course the insurance companies are sure to resist by lobbying (bribing) our law makers.
8
Thank you to the GOP for not forcing me to pay for another person's health insurance.
If you had just slightest idea how insurance works then you would know we all do, one way or another, it's just a matter of degree.
2
So maybe he GOP can also help you avoid your other social responsibilities because that is the kind of country we all want to share. We may all be in this together, but why should we have to care about each other?
No man is an island.
2
It is all because of the name OBAMA CARE. A lot of people don't mind the care but it is the name that they want removed. We put up with Obama for 8 long years and don't want to be reminded of him daily.
1
It is the American Care Act, you can call it what you like, blame yourself for not liking what you are calling it.
2
Obamacare was a republican term that has nothing to do with the real name of the law--Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, generally abbreviated ACA. Obama's name was attached to the law so that right wingers like you could find something to dislike about it. If you don't like Obamacare, just use its real name--easy.
6
Yup. That's a great reason to cut 23 million people off of health care.
1
So to sum up only those whoa are presently healthy can afford health insurance and the wealthy who do not need extra money still get that extra money. Yes certainly sounds like a bunch of conscientious Repebulican senators concerned about the health care of Americans.
7
I am amazed to think Mike Pence, who acts holy than thou, wearing his born again Christianity on his sleeve like a badge of honor and condensation to anyone who doesn't agree with his views, would actually get out there a really push and lobby for this disgusting bill that has nothing to do with healthcare.
When I see Tim Caine, who was meeting with families and their children who depend on the Affordable Healthcare Act, moving him to tears and then I think of Mike Pence, who is an absolute phony; it's makes me even more sick to stomach to think what a contrast in decency and how by all rights Tim Caine should have been our Vice-President.....a really decent and caring man.
When I see Tim Caine, who was meeting with families and their children who depend on the Affordable Healthcare Act, moving him to tears and then I think of Mike Pence, who is an absolute phony; it's makes me even more sick to stomach to think what a contrast in decency and how by all rights Tim Caine should have been our Vice-President.....a really decent and caring man.
19
"(C)onscientious lawmakers who care about the healthcare of millions of Americans . . ."? Let's face facts. When the GOP says they want to reduce healthcare costs, they really mean they want to reduce the government's financial obligations to Medicaid and ACA. Their bill is designed to do exactly that, and assigns most of the proceeds to the wealthiest Americans, not the deficit or infrastructure or something else. What hypocrisy!
Democrats believe healthcare is a right, and point to successful single payer systems in most other First World countries. Republicans mouth words like 'more freedom of choice', but what they really want is less government-funded healthcare, regardless of who gets hurt. The more the GOP connives to thread this needle, the more credibility they lose.
Democrats believe healthcare is a right, and point to successful single payer systems in most other First World countries. Republicans mouth words like 'more freedom of choice', but what they really want is less government-funded healthcare, regardless of who gets hurt. The more the GOP connives to thread this needle, the more credibility they lose.
7
Thanks for the tax break Republican Party! Greatly appreciated!
I have a problem though. Unlike you un-american folks, I do care about my fellow man and their families. I want to make sure they have a yearly physical and medicine so their kids don't end up in the hospital. In the long run, America is better off making sure more folks are insured so they can stay healthy and out of our emergency rooms (where the uninsured currently go for regular medical care).
I have absolutely no faith the current leadership of the Senate or Congress will help make our nation's health system more affordable or more effective. How sad!
I have a problem though. Unlike you un-american folks, I do care about my fellow man and their families. I want to make sure they have a yearly physical and medicine so their kids don't end up in the hospital. In the long run, America is better off making sure more folks are insured so they can stay healthy and out of our emergency rooms (where the uninsured currently go for regular medical care).
I have absolutely no faith the current leadership of the Senate or Congress will help make our nation's health system more affordable or more effective. How sad!
13
Given the likelihood that the Republicans can ,one way or another, shut down the A.C.A. and there is no hope of a reasonable single payer system in this country, I would support the republican bill if it included and amendment guaranteeing any American access to free physician assisted suicide on demand within two weeks of filing a request. It would spare senior citizens the horrible fate that awaits them, reduce health care costs dramatically, and reduce the deficit.
7
No matter which way the Republicans slice it, this is a Death Bill, plain and simple.
15
It is hard to develop a health bill for the people by pandering to the corporations and insurance companies ripping them off.
10
Repeal, republicans ran on it now keep your word.
1
Where is the Democratic leadership on all of this mess?! Why aren't they raising their voices and insisting this is the time to get real and go single payer? Why aren't they (and for that matter, the press) reeling out the statistics to show how much money could be saved by having plans like those in civilized countries? Why aren't they pointing the finger straight at the HMOs and Big Pharma, as well as the Kochs and their ilk whose interests are being served at the expense of millions of voters and taxpayers? At the moment, the Dems aren't even the party of No--they're the party of Not There.
9
@DR
Because they [Democrats] are bought off by big insurance and big pharma- The best the liberals can do is increase taxes on the middle class to subsidize insurance premiums for the poor. Single payer would effectively cut out the middleman and health insurance companies would be rendered useless! With billions of dollars at stake- That will never happen. MONEY MONEY MONEY $$$$$$$$$
Because they [Democrats] are bought off by big insurance and big pharma- The best the liberals can do is increase taxes on the middle class to subsidize insurance premiums for the poor. Single payer would effectively cut out the middleman and health insurance companies would be rendered useless! With billions of dollars at stake- That will never happen. MONEY MONEY MONEY $$$$$$$$$
2
Calm down,
They are doing all this but only few outlets are reporting. Trump is generating more viewership. Besides, at this point, let the GOP own the mess.
They are doing all this but only few outlets are reporting. Trump is generating more viewership. Besides, at this point, let the GOP own the mess.
CarolinaJoe:
I hate to break it to you, but, the majority of establishment democrats DO NOT support a single-payer health care system. So far the only official endorsement and actual proposed bill has been brought forth by Bernie Sanders and only a minority of democrats in the house and a handful in the senate have committed to endorsing it.
Since two of the most senior senate representatives, Nancy Pelosi and Diane Feinstein, over the years have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations from various healthcare lobby groups, obviously, they are NOT offering their endorsements either.
I hate to break it to you, but, the majority of establishment democrats DO NOT support a single-payer health care system. So far the only official endorsement and actual proposed bill has been brought forth by Bernie Sanders and only a minority of democrats in the house and a handful in the senate have committed to endorsing it.
Since two of the most senior senate representatives, Nancy Pelosi and Diane Feinstein, over the years have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations from various healthcare lobby groups, obviously, they are NOT offering their endorsements either.
1
I believe that most Americans would agree with any healthcare bill which would not only apply to all of us "ordinary" Americans, but would also apply to all members of our Federal Government, including Donald, his VP, and all of the federal agencies he commands. In addition, all members of Congress - i.e. all Senators and Representatives and all their aides, etc. Finally, all federal judges, including the Supreme Court Justices and all of their aides! All of these folks must also use whatever healthcare plan those nine or ten Republicans come up with. They must not use any "special" government healthcare plans if we "ordinary" citizens can't afford, or don't have access to, these "special" plans.
People who earn a MINIMUM of $174,000 a year, and get daily stipends for food, transportation, etc., and a pension for life after only FIVE years on the job don't need, and shouldn't have, the best healthcare possible while we get the poop at the bottom of the barrel - which is what this new GOP healthcare plan is shaping up to be.
The two greatest women I've ever known (except for my wife), used to say: "If it's good enough for the goose, it's good enough for the gander". It's for you Mom, and you, Grandma Katie,that I'm trying to make sure that none of our families,or of anybody's family, suffers because they can't afford the doctor's bills. See you soon!
People who earn a MINIMUM of $174,000 a year, and get daily stipends for food, transportation, etc., and a pension for life after only FIVE years on the job don't need, and shouldn't have, the best healthcare possible while we get the poop at the bottom of the barrel - which is what this new GOP healthcare plan is shaping up to be.
The two greatest women I've ever known (except for my wife), used to say: "If it's good enough for the goose, it's good enough for the gander". It's for you Mom, and you, Grandma Katie,that I'm trying to make sure that none of our families,or of anybody's family, suffers because they can't afford the doctor's bills. See you soon!
8
McConnell is a ruthless, heartless, do whatever it takes scoundrel. He has zero concern for the needs of his constituents or for the rest of America. His only goal is to stay in power and enrich himself. He represents only evil. There is an specially painful place waiting for him in hell where he will forever see the suffering victims his law sent to their graves.
12
I always thought that my vote meant something. That I'd be voting for the person who would defend me, even at his/her own cost. I was wrong.
12
The Republican Party has only two goals which together aid corporations and the rich; lower taxes and deregulation in business, environmental protections, and finance. The Party will do just about anything to achieve these goals including telling lies about health care and a wide range of other issues. They are a party which has lost its soul and with a mindless president can be very cruel. We need to resist them and demand a government which cares about all the people they were elected to serve.
11
The GOP fought against Social Security, Medicare, and now Affordable Health Care. A Republican, Hoover, is forever linked with the Great Depression. A Democrat, FDR, is forever linked with Social Security and WWII; a Democrat, Truman, is forever linked with Medicare, the end of the Korean War, and integrating the military services. Johnson, a Democrat, is forever linked with the Voting Rights Act. Eisenhower, the last decent Republican President, is forever linked with the inter state highway system, and honest government under a Republican. He warned us against the military-industrial complex which we now have, in spades.
You've got to think that President Obama knew what he was doing when he pushed for the expansion of Medicare that even some Republican states weren't able to pass up. A blanket that the Republicans find themselves unable to get out from under.
10
Health care is the cover story. Getting rid of ACA is all about cutting taxes for the super-wealthy. Despite all of their pretenses of fiscal conservatism as a motive, the Republican Party is willing to let the American people die in the streets on behalf of their rich donors. Yes, they have lost their way. Conservatism as a philosophy is no longer relevant. We see the GOP for what it is: Raw greed on behalf of the 0.1% is all that counts.
16
The NRA lobbied [TOLD] Congress the ATF couldn't use computers to establish a sales registry so millions of pages of gun records are stored in massive shipping containers outside the grounds of the ATF which need to be cataloged manually- by human hands!
Now tell me ... If THAT can happen- How on earth will anyone get the lobbies of BIG PHARMA- BIG INSURANCE-BIG MEDICAL et al. - to provide affordable health insurance for millions of Americans? It will never happen!
Even with Bi-Partisan support - BOTH parties are beholden to these corporate giants. Health insurance will always be a commodity to be bought and sold- and NEVER a right. The Democrats may be the lesser of the two evils- but they are still evil... The poor get it for free- The rich get a pass- the middle class [what's left of us] get stuck with the tab.
Now tell me ... If THAT can happen- How on earth will anyone get the lobbies of BIG PHARMA- BIG INSURANCE-BIG MEDICAL et al. - to provide affordable health insurance for millions of Americans? It will never happen!
Even with Bi-Partisan support - BOTH parties are beholden to these corporate giants. Health insurance will always be a commodity to be bought and sold- and NEVER a right. The Democrats may be the lesser of the two evils- but they are still evil... The poor get it for free- The rich get a pass- the middle class [what's left of us] get stuck with the tab.
4
If a terrorist group offered a plan that would cause thousands of American deaths--each year--for 10 or more years--Congress would be up in arms.
Unfortunately, it is our own Congress who is planning this slaughter. By any other name, our own Congress is acting as a terrorist group would--only by selecting the neediest and doing so with words and not bombs, they hope to get away with it.
No bill should be approved unless it is the equal--or--better-- than the ACA. We spend double for medical care and have worse outcomes; isn't this the business of Congress to solve, rather than the slaughter they have planned?
Unfortunately, it is our own Congress who is planning this slaughter. By any other name, our own Congress is acting as a terrorist group would--only by selecting the neediest and doing so with words and not bombs, they hope to get away with it.
No bill should be approved unless it is the equal--or--better-- than the ACA. We spend double for medical care and have worse outcomes; isn't this the business of Congress to solve, rather than the slaughter they have planned?
17
Obama care has caused the deaths you suggest. They were the veterans, the people who's costs ran them out of the system. The US citizens denied proper care because illegal aliens took their place in line for care because foreign leaders dumped their health problems on the US and clogged our ER's, drove them out of business, and destroyed physicians lives.
The problem is real and Obama/Clinton/Sanders it's parents.
The problem is real and Obama/Clinton/Sanders it's parents.
The most frustrating part for me is Republican hypocrisy and misdirection. Republicans can't (won't) come out and say they simply don't want to spend tax dollars to fund health care for people. So instead they obfuscate; they say they want to lower premiums, or allow people the "freedom" to not have insurance. They tell lies about how Obamacare doesn't--or can't--work, when in fact they do everything they can to MAKE it unworkable. But I think SOME Republicans squeeze their eyes shut and try to believe they aren't hurting Americans with their actions. But they are. They are.
12
If you want to pay for health care for everyone, government controlled healthcare, you will, unavoidably, pay for everyone. That includes the wealthy... who don't need it, the indolent... who won't pay for it, the illegal... who demand it, the young... who don't want it and you won't get it.
The problem, or dirty little secret, is... it's a business and without proper compensation it will be inferior and at best rationed or unavailable. The lawyers want a cut, the insurance companies want a cut, the doctors want and by the way deserve a cut, but the government wants the biggest cut... Your freedom. Covering at no increased cost "per-existing conditions" just as prostate exams for women and D & C's for men is the height of insanity but well within the scope of that same government program called Obamacare. Either wake up or grow up. It's a tax and a power grab. There is and never has been a free lunch or a benign government beaurocrat.
The problem, or dirty little secret, is... it's a business and without proper compensation it will be inferior and at best rationed or unavailable. The lawyers want a cut, the insurance companies want a cut, the doctors want and by the way deserve a cut, but the government wants the biggest cut... Your freedom. Covering at no increased cost "per-existing conditions" just as prostate exams for women and D & C's for men is the height of insanity but well within the scope of that same government program called Obamacare. Either wake up or grow up. It's a tax and a power grab. There is and never has been a free lunch or a benign government beaurocrat.
Kentucky, your representatives are about to throw over a million of you OFF of the Healthcare rolls. Why for the love God do you keep sending these people who clearly hate you back to Congress YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR! Why?
23
They don't or can't read.
2
See this Vox article:
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/29/15892504/liberal-caric...
The most logical conclusion is that nearly all Republican Senators and Representatives want to cut access to healthcare for the poor and middle-class and give the rich large tax breaks. If this is not class warfare, what is?
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/29/15892504/liberal-caric...
The most logical conclusion is that nearly all Republican Senators and Representatives want to cut access to healthcare for the poor and middle-class and give the rich large tax breaks. If this is not class warfare, what is?
13
The extreme irony is that Mitch's state, Kentucky, is the state which has benefited the most from the ACA.
You can't make this stuff up.
You can't make this stuff up.
14
great article
5
Cory Gardner will sign on to anything McConnell puts in front of him. His moderate posture is only skin deep.
5
'' These lawmakers want to be seen as making the bill more extreme to burnish their conservative bona fides. ''
Well, there is the problem ''right'' there : Are they working for their constituents, or are they working to secure said bna fides ?
Can you really call anything ''reform'', when you are slashing the funding\access to 23+ million people ?
Sure, they will have access, in the same sense as pressing oneself against a glass window of a restaurant, starving, and looking at all the wonderful food, yet not having a penny to afford any of it. ( republicans will this choice and FREEdom )
Then, there are the more well off not requiring to pay a fairer share for their access, because again, freedom.
All of the above is for a MASSIVE tax cut for the rich.
Charade, indeed ...
Well, there is the problem ''right'' there : Are they working for their constituents, or are they working to secure said bna fides ?
Can you really call anything ''reform'', when you are slashing the funding\access to 23+ million people ?
Sure, they will have access, in the same sense as pressing oneself against a glass window of a restaurant, starving, and looking at all the wonderful food, yet not having a penny to afford any of it. ( republicans will this choice and FREEdom )
Then, there are the more well off not requiring to pay a fairer share for their access, because again, freedom.
All of the above is for a MASSIVE tax cut for the rich.
Charade, indeed ...
9
" Any plan to solve America's health care mess must confront this reality: Our prices for tests, drugs, hospitalizations and procedures -- old or new -- have gone up dramatically year by year, and are vastly higher than in other developed countries. ... we alone effectively allow businesses -- mostly for-profit -- to set the asking price. ... price and value have in many cases become completely uncoupled, allowing price to travel into the stratosphere.... Though they hold hearings and decry pricing, politicians from both parties have been mostly unwilling or unable to tackle this cost problem head on -- likely because they hear (and benefit) far more from medical industry lobbyists than from patients." - Elisabeth Rosenthal, editor-in-chief of Kaiser Health News, 26 June 2017
8
We hear often that the representatives and senators currently plotting to cut off health insurance for so many millions are secure in the knowledge that they and their families will always have adequate insurance and the means to pay for their care. But what about their staffs? What about all the thousands of staffers who are not protected? Don't they realize that they might be hurt? I don't understand why anyone would want to work for a Republican, but at some point doesn't anyone of them stop to wonder what might happen to them, and their families and friends, if this tax cut passes?
7
Our legislator's' decisions regarding our healthcare should not be based on their prospects for re-election or on satisfying the insurance and pharmaceutical industries' needs--but based on the needs of the American people. Lobbyists write the bills, and our legislators rubber stamp them.
6
how about term limit to the congress ?!
Just 17 percent of the country approves of the legislation, according to a recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. ...
Yet, this legislation has a good chance of becoming law...
Meanwhile:
92% saying they wanted expanded background checks, 87% supporting a ban for felons or people with mental health problems and 85% saying they would ban people on federal watchlists from buying guns....
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/20/politics/cnn-gun-poll/index.html
According to the survey, a majority of likely voters among Democrats (75%), Independents (64%) and Republicans (54%) see the wave of spending by Super PACs this election cycle as “wrong and leads to our elected officials representing the views of wealthy donors.”
http://time.com/3063942/poll-support-for-campaign-finance-reform-strong-...
Yet neither gun control or campaign finance reform is close to being legislated.
Is there any more proof needed to demonstrate how little current day politics in the US resemble a democracy?
Yet, this legislation has a good chance of becoming law...
Meanwhile:
92% saying they wanted expanded background checks, 87% supporting a ban for felons or people with mental health problems and 85% saying they would ban people on federal watchlists from buying guns....
http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/20/politics/cnn-gun-poll/index.html
According to the survey, a majority of likely voters among Democrats (75%), Independents (64%) and Republicans (54%) see the wave of spending by Super PACs this election cycle as “wrong and leads to our elected officials representing the views of wealthy donors.”
http://time.com/3063942/poll-support-for-campaign-finance-reform-strong-...
Yet neither gun control or campaign finance reform is close to being legislated.
Is there any more proof needed to demonstrate how little current day politics in the US resemble a democracy?
23
Medicaid has gone from zero in 1965, when it began, to a large and growing expenditure for both the Feds and States. So, without "despising" it, it is possible to think it is highly problematic from a budget standpoint.
I have a modest suggestion. Rollback the Medicaid expansion and allow Obamacare/Trumpcare with its subsidies/tax credits to extend to people with lower incomes, so there is no gap, as there is now.
Currently, in states that expanded Medicaid eligibility, there are a lot of people who definitely can afford to bear some of the cost of their own coverage who are coerced onto the Medicaid rolls. In California, a family of four earning up to $63,638 a year is coerced into putting both kids on Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid. How? Obamacare mandates that anyone eligible for Medicaid is ineligible for Obamacare with a subsidy. They are only given the choice of paying 100% of their insurance cost or taking Medicaid.
Anyone who doesn't understand this should look at their state's exchange. Here is a very clear statement from California's. Scroll down to point #13.
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/opa/Pages/QnAAffordable...
I have a modest suggestion. Rollback the Medicaid expansion and allow Obamacare/Trumpcare with its subsidies/tax credits to extend to people with lower incomes, so there is no gap, as there is now.
Currently, in states that expanded Medicaid eligibility, there are a lot of people who definitely can afford to bear some of the cost of their own coverage who are coerced onto the Medicaid rolls. In California, a family of four earning up to $63,638 a year is coerced into putting both kids on Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid. How? Obamacare mandates that anyone eligible for Medicaid is ineligible for Obamacare with a subsidy. They are only given the choice of paying 100% of their insurance cost or taking Medicaid.
Anyone who doesn't understand this should look at their state's exchange. Here is a very clear statement from California's. Scroll down to point #13.
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/opa/Pages/QnAAffordable...
5
Kurfco: I agree that containing costs and being fiscally responsible is always a worthy goal, but there is no good alternative to providing, in some way, adequate and affordable health care for everyone. The US pays much more for health care than any of the other high-income countries but has no better or worse outcomes. All of those other countries have universal health care. The main problem in the US is that the cost of health care is much higher and there is a profit motive for doctors and hospitals to provide more services. Instead, the rewards should be tied to outcomes, and the main payer (or payers) should firmly help drive down how much is paid for health care services, as is done elsewhere. Why should we pay so much more than any other countries yet have no better outcomes other than to provide profits in certain segments, which could be good, but we are talking about health care for all of us.
7
Paul Ryan and some other Republicans claim that Medicaid does not work well because many doctors won’t take it and Medicaid will not cover many needed services. Ryan is doing the bidding of the Kochs and is making false claims – see below. Sorry for the double post (placed in the Editorial comments too for reference).
As reported by NPP:
A new study released by Harvard's Chan School of Public Health shows that people enrolled in Medicaid are overwhelmingly satisfied with their coverage and care.
Research Letter
JAMA Intern Med., July 10, 2017
A National Survey of Medicaid Beneficiaries’ Expenses and Satisfaction With Health Care
Michael L. Barnett, MD, MS; Benjamin D. Sommers, MD, PhD
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2643347
Main findings:
For physician access, 84% of enrollees reported that they had been able to get all the care that they or their physician believed was necessary in the past 6 months, and 83% reported having a usual source of care. The mean percentage of beneficiaries able to get all needed care was significantly higher in Medicaid expansion states than in nonexpansion states (85.2% vs 81.5%; P < .001).
Medicaid enrollees gave their overall health care an average rating of 7.9 on a 0 to 10 scale (Figure). Forty-six percent gave their Medicaid coverage a score of 9 or 10, while only 7.6% gave scores under 5. Ratings were similar in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states (7.8 vs 7.9; P = .54).
As reported by NPP:
A new study released by Harvard's Chan School of Public Health shows that people enrolled in Medicaid are overwhelmingly satisfied with their coverage and care.
Research Letter
JAMA Intern Med., July 10, 2017
A National Survey of Medicaid Beneficiaries’ Expenses and Satisfaction With Health Care
Michael L. Barnett, MD, MS; Benjamin D. Sommers, MD, PhD
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2643347
Main findings:
For physician access, 84% of enrollees reported that they had been able to get all the care that they or their physician believed was necessary in the past 6 months, and 83% reported having a usual source of care. The mean percentage of beneficiaries able to get all needed care was significantly higher in Medicaid expansion states than in nonexpansion states (85.2% vs 81.5%; P < .001).
Medicaid enrollees gave their overall health care an average rating of 7.9 on a 0 to 10 scale (Figure). Forty-six percent gave their Medicaid coverage a score of 9 or 10, while only 7.6% gave scores under 5. Ratings were similar in Medicaid expansion and nonexpansion states (7.8 vs 7.9; P = .54).
19
Until health care providers, big pharma, hospitals, etc. stop buying off Congress, you will never reduce costs. Until you reduce costs, you will not find a solution to health care. But Congress is unable to even repeal the restriction on the US government to negotiate prices for pharmacy nor to make it legal to buy drugs in Canada, where the costs are half as much or more. Don't lose sight of the reason we are where we are: our politicians are bought and paid for.
25
Wrong target.
You don't expect corporations to stop trying to influence legislators. You expect legislators to do the right thing. You expect the public to apply their own pressure to legislators.
You don't expect corporations to stop trying to influence legislators. You expect legislators to do the right thing. You expect the public to apply their own pressure to legislators.
4
Folks like the Frist family are responsible for taking non-profit out of American hospitals. Senator Bill Frist was an earlier incarnation of Mitch McConnell.
6
"...conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans should know that tinkering around the edges will not make this bill any less dreadful or any more deserving of their vote."
Therein lies the fatal flaw in Republicare. The bulk of Republicans in Congress, Mike Pence, Tom Price, and Donald Trump DON'T care about how many people are covered. (Trump said he did during the campaign, but he also said Mexico would pay for a wall.) No, the Republicans only care about reducing government spending and taxes on the rich. From the beginning, they NEVER set goals for coverage or cost to the consumer. They just wanted to get rid of Obama's law.
Therein lies the fatal flaw in Republicare. The bulk of Republicans in Congress, Mike Pence, Tom Price, and Donald Trump DON'T care about how many people are covered. (Trump said he did during the campaign, but he also said Mexico would pay for a wall.) No, the Republicans only care about reducing government spending and taxes on the rich. From the beginning, they NEVER set goals for coverage or cost to the consumer. They just wanted to get rid of Obama's law.
15
I've determined that I'm a determined supporter of "Repeal and Replace"
Mitch McConnell - Repeal and Replace
Paul Ryan - Repeal and Replace
Orin Hatch - Repeal and Replace
Ted Cruz - Repeal and Replace
Don Trump, Sr - Repeal and Replace
It's a much longer list but if everyone gets at it we can get it done! Vote!!
Mitch McConnell - Repeal and Replace
Paul Ryan - Repeal and Replace
Orin Hatch - Repeal and Replace
Ted Cruz - Repeal and Replace
Don Trump, Sr - Repeal and Replace
It's a much longer list but if everyone gets at it we can get it done! Vote!!
15
...and then when the replacement costs GOP voters their healthcare, await the most awful consequences thanks to the NRA sponsored GOP backed gun legislation.
What goes around, comes around.
What goes around, comes around.
2
The single objective of the GOP plan is a huge tax break for the wealthy 1-2 percent paid for by cutting healthcare for most Americans and in particular those who need it most. Get you advance directives and wills finished America -- you're gonna need 'em...i.e. your family and survivors will need 'em!
15
It is very interesting to read about how the health care system in France works.
I wish that U.S. lawmakers had the smarts and guts to copy many of the positive aspects of the French health care system.
Such as -
- Strong government bargaining power
- Requirement for transparency and standardization of pricing.
- Premium cost is included in taxes on salary.
- I recommend the following -
- Wikipedia - "Health care in France"
- Article - slate.com - "$200 minus $200"
- Having a baby in France - account by an American citizen mother
Excerpts -
"There is a thriving private insurance market in France."
"Because the French government system covers the entire population, it has more bargaining power to keep prices low."
"... transparency in the price of medical care is a legal requirement in France. The government sets what they consider a fair price for all appointments and procedures, and then reimburse these for everyone at 70 percent."
I wish that U.S. lawmakers had the smarts and guts to copy many of the positive aspects of the French health care system.
Such as -
- Strong government bargaining power
- Requirement for transparency and standardization of pricing.
- Premium cost is included in taxes on salary.
- I recommend the following -
- Wikipedia - "Health care in France"
- Article - slate.com - "$200 minus $200"
- Having a baby in France - account by an American citizen mother
Excerpts -
"There is a thriving private insurance market in France."
"Because the French government system covers the entire population, it has more bargaining power to keep prices low."
"... transparency in the price of medical care is a legal requirement in France. The government sets what they consider a fair price for all appointments and procedures, and then reimburse these for everyone at 70 percent."
10
Health care is like national defense. Everyone needs it. Everyone should pay for it. The defense budget is paid for with taxes. Health care should be paid for with taxes. No one gets to say: Hey, I want my defense taxes lower because I don't want to pay for the other guy. No one should get to say: Hey, lower my health care taxes because I don't want to pay for the other guy. We're all in this together. Single payer. Now.
32
The Republican nightmare began when Trump won the election.
Saying NO and promising ridiculous things to your base is easy, and they had it made when the health care topic had Democrat written all over it.
I am enjoying the show of these R's trying to have it both ways, as the body count and bankruptcy rates grow...
Saying NO and promising ridiculous things to your base is easy, and they had it made when the health care topic had Democrat written all over it.
I am enjoying the show of these R's trying to have it both ways, as the body count and bankruptcy rates grow...
12
The nightmare began when the Republicans captured both houses of the legislature and the presidency. If anything, the republican leadership is more cruel and irresponsible then Trump himself.
1
What a hateful, amoral creep this McConnell creature is. He really doesn't give two figs for *anything* except destroying health care for Americans -- including a great number of his fellow Kentuckians who voted for Our Fearless Leader! There is nothing that could possibly make this dreadful legislation anything other than it is, which is a big heaping helping of dreck.
And worst of all, the Republicans keep mouthing what "the American people" want, when obviously they're not paying attention since THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS are firmly against this horrible, destructive, mean-spirited mess.
This is nothing but a giveaway tax cut to wealthy people who don't need it. Shameful.
And worst of all, the Republicans keep mouthing what "the American people" want, when obviously they're not paying attention since THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS are firmly against this horrible, destructive, mean-spirited mess.
This is nothing but a giveaway tax cut to wealthy people who don't need it. Shameful.
15
"Mrs. MURRAY: Mr. President, I hold in my hand today a letter to Pres. Clinton that is signed by all 46 members of the Democratic Caucus. This letter urges him to hold firm to our commitment to basic health care for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled in this country. This letter supports a per capita cap approach to finding savings in the Medicaid Program."
That was 1995. I wish to pose a question. Is there a progressive anywhere in America who sees entitlement spending (and I know that I'm not supposed to refer to entitlements as 'entitlements') as a problem for the federal fisc at any point in the future? Is there ANY problem in America that progressives see as unsolvable through more taxes, spending, and regulations?
Stephens wrote a column about France not so long ago, and the comment section was filled with "France has it's problems, but ..." Such opacities are useful in that they enable 'democratic socialists' to ignore the problems that often arise in what might be called anti-neoliberal states. The GOP is forever derided as inhabiting a kind of Randian fantasyland; but do progressives not delude themselves when it comes to the fiscal reality behind the unchecked growth in entitlement (there's that word again) spending?
In 1970, Medicaid spending was less than 1.5% of federal spending. Now it's almost 10%. Many moons ago, Alan Blinder wrote a book called "Hard Heads, Soft Hearts" -- progressives seem to have totally forgotten the hardheaded bit.
That was 1995. I wish to pose a question. Is there a progressive anywhere in America who sees entitlement spending (and I know that I'm not supposed to refer to entitlements as 'entitlements') as a problem for the federal fisc at any point in the future? Is there ANY problem in America that progressives see as unsolvable through more taxes, spending, and regulations?
Stephens wrote a column about France not so long ago, and the comment section was filled with "France has it's problems, but ..." Such opacities are useful in that they enable 'democratic socialists' to ignore the problems that often arise in what might be called anti-neoliberal states. The GOP is forever derided as inhabiting a kind of Randian fantasyland; but do progressives not delude themselves when it comes to the fiscal reality behind the unchecked growth in entitlement (there's that word again) spending?
In 1970, Medicaid spending was less than 1.5% of federal spending. Now it's almost 10%. Many moons ago, Alan Blinder wrote a book called "Hard Heads, Soft Hearts" -- progressives seem to have totally forgotten the hardheaded bit.
1
"In 1970, Medicaid spending was less than 1.5% of federal spending. Now it's almost 10%."
The tax rate was higher back then. Remember all the slashing of taxes since then?
The tax rate was higher back then. Remember all the slashing of taxes since then?
12
Everyday life is much better in most of the socialist democracies for average citizens because those "socialist " programs kick in where private industry jobs leave off.
In our country, the rise in expenditures for programs you call entitlements directly correlate to the loss of middle class jobs with benefits and proliferation of service jobs without benefits. Like health insurance.
Rather than think of your tax dollars and federal spending as "helping " people who should do these things on their own dime, consider that your tax dollars actually subsidize wealthy corporations and shareholders so they can cut necessary benefits( that used to come with a reasonable paycheck ) to remain competitive and increase ROI's.
In our country, the rise in expenditures for programs you call entitlements directly correlate to the loss of middle class jobs with benefits and proliferation of service jobs without benefits. Like health insurance.
Rather than think of your tax dollars and federal spending as "helping " people who should do these things on their own dime, consider that your tax dollars actually subsidize wealthy corporations and shareholders so they can cut necessary benefits( that used to come with a reasonable paycheck ) to remain competitive and increase ROI's.
13
Conservatives know that providing universal health care means taxing the rich to help pay for care of the non-rich.
And the rich do not want to pay these higher taxes.
Conservatives know that under the GOP proposals people will die unnecessarily and they they think this is a good thing.
A Wash Post op ed by a leading conservative explains
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/end-obamacare-and-people-could-d...
Disgusting
And the rich do not want to pay these higher taxes.
Conservatives know that under the GOP proposals people will die unnecessarily and they they think this is a good thing.
A Wash Post op ed by a leading conservative explains
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/end-obamacare-and-people-could-d...
Disgusting
20
That health care bill is nonsense, and so is the ACA.
Why?
Because neither one addresses the root causes of healthcare cost inflation. As long as cost containment is not seriously discussed, there can be no solution. Just like with global warming, there will be a massive crisis when the entire health insurance system is going to collapse around us. All we will hear then is that it was the other party's fault.
Why?
Because neither one addresses the root causes of healthcare cost inflation. As long as cost containment is not seriously discussed, there can be no solution. Just like with global warming, there will be a massive crisis when the entire health insurance system is going to collapse around us. All we will hear then is that it was the other party's fault.
9
Actually - Obamacare did address, successfully, healthcare cost inflation. Not in every area, but insurance companies are now required to justify cost increases, and whaddyaknow - once this went into effect, the rate of increase dropped dramatically.
Yeah, there's more to do - there always is. But waiting for perfection means that it will never happen, because everyone sees something different as perfection. Compromise is the way we live together.
Yeah, there's more to do - there always is. But waiting for perfection means that it will never happen, because everyone sees something different as perfection. Compromise is the way we live together.
11
During the original debate about the ACA, we were warned by the Republicans about "death panels." The reality is now revealed. The Republicans don't mind death panels as long as they choose who dies.
17
"But conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans…"
You don't mean Republicans, do you?
You don't mean Republicans, do you?
12
A favorite theme of Republicans and conservatives when talking about healthcare is to gasp about how expensive healthcare is, or about how it's becoming, in their opinion, too large a segment of the economy. But healthcare investment goes to the very heart of what is essential in human life--life itself. Human lives are the most important form of investment capital--human capital. It only makes sense that maintaining and improving human capital should be our chief investment over all others...
14
Republican appear to only be concerned with human life from conception to birth. After that, tough noogies.
3
We have seen what passes for moral and ethical behavior amongst congressional Republicans, they are busy buying up stock in health insurance companies.
1
Message to the Republicans in Congress:
Please work with Democrats to fix what are seen as problems with the Affordable Care Act.
Best, of course, would be single-payer; but we know that is not politically possible. Right?
Let's see, in a few years, if the USA will finally join the rest of the civilized world in recognizing that health care is a right, a need, and good for the whole country. In the meantime: Enjoy your Rolls-Royce health care plan, Congress.
Please work with Democrats to fix what are seen as problems with the Affordable Care Act.
Best, of course, would be single-payer; but we know that is not politically possible. Right?
Let's see, in a few years, if the USA will finally join the rest of the civilized world in recognizing that health care is a right, a need, and good for the whole country. In the meantime: Enjoy your Rolls-Royce health care plan, Congress.
9
Why isn't single-payer politically possible, though I note your question!
I mean, if now isn't a good time to steer the debate at least in that direction then when will it be.
Anyway, best of luck with your messaging!
I mean, if now isn't a good time to steer the debate at least in that direction then when will it be.
Anyway, best of luck with your messaging!
1
The Annals of Internal Medicine published a study which concluded that for every million people who lose insurance 1,300 will die:
http://annals.org/aim/article/2635326/relationship-health-insurance-mort... The CBO says that 23 million will lose insurance under the Republican plan. This means that the Republicans are prepared to let 29,900 people die of diseases that could have been prevented with orderly health care. The next time President Trump goes to one of Rev. Franklin Graham's prayer breakfasts I would like to hear them send up a few prayers for the thousands of people who had to die so that the 1% could get the tax break that will make us a great nation again.
http://annals.org/aim/article/2635326/relationship-health-insurance-mort... The CBO says that 23 million will lose insurance under the Republican plan. This means that the Republicans are prepared to let 29,900 people die of diseases that could have been prevented with orderly health care. The next time President Trump goes to one of Rev. Franklin Graham's prayer breakfasts I would like to hear them send up a few prayers for the thousands of people who had to die so that the 1% could get the tax break that will make us a great nation again.
36
The Speaker of the House claims he is restoring freedom and choice to those 23 million Americans. The freedom to die prematurely of a preventable disease. The choice between paying for health insurance or paying for food and shelter.
12
The Speaker grew up on his father's disability payments; he went to school on Federal education grants. He is known to tell lies about a lot of things, including his fake marathon time. McConnell represents a State where miners die of Black Lung disease from unregulated, unventilated mines; he also represents those mining interests who allow mounds of mountain top mining sludge with the real possibility that barriers will break down and the communities below will be buried. Mines are allowed to foul mountain rivers and streams with industrial run off. He manages to do a lot of damage in secret meetings behind closed doors.
1
"insurers discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions"
The word "discriminate" used in this context is really hard to accept. As long as insurance is a private for-profit enterprise then the word "discriminate" used in this context is totally inappropriate. Do they "discriminate" when they refuse coverage,or charge very high car insurance rates, for serial drunk drivers? Of course not. It's a risk-based business decision. The NYT loses credibility when using language like this because the sentence, as constructed, is false.
The word "discriminate" used in this context is really hard to accept. As long as insurance is a private for-profit enterprise then the word "discriminate" used in this context is totally inappropriate. Do they "discriminate" when they refuse coverage,or charge very high car insurance rates, for serial drunk drivers? Of course not. It's a risk-based business decision. The NYT loses credibility when using language like this because the sentence, as constructed, is false.
2
'Discriminate' simply means 'distinguish' and 'against' means 'to the disadvantage of'. So parsed, the phrase certainly applies to the behavior of insurance companies with respect to those with pre-existing conditions. It is the business of lawmakers to decide whether such discrimination is licit or illicit under the law.
9
Conventional insurance, such as for cars and property, does not work for healthcare. Assymetric information is at the heart of it and the reasons are explained in several pages in Tim Harford's "The Undercover Economist". This latest hodgepodge of legislation is doomed to fail for such reasons, and these guys already know that. The US spends 17% of GDP on healthcare and achieves less than the 30 or so developed countries in the world all of whom offer their citizens one form or another of universal healthcare. These countries spend 10 to 12% of GDP on healthcare.
4
Once again, New York Times, where is your conscience? Healthcare is a matter of human suffering and survival. Even with Obamacare, millions of Americans remain uninsured and 50,000 die each year from untreated treatable causes. Fighting a rearguard action against McConnell won't change that.
There is a strong moral and economic case for a single-payer system. Where is the Times on this most important issue? Utterly, shamefully silent.
Only yesterday Kirsten Gillibrand came out in favor of the public option, a small baby step in the right direction. Schumer did not join her, citing 10 red-state Democratic senators up for reelection. But who elected chuck Schumer, 10 red states or millions of New Yorkers? It would seem the Times is more comfortable saying the obvious about McConnell than reminding Schumer of the needs and desires of his constituents.
The Times could be using its voice to inform its readers about the simplicity and rational humanity represented by HR 676. It could, as politicians cannot, explain to the voters how 4 in 5 Americans would pay less, that they'd give up no freedom, and gain much security. It could show how we'd benefit by trading taxes for premiums. And it could stand with those who think our physical fate shouldn't be decided by market forces.
Your readers want single payer, or should. Why don't you?
There is a strong moral and economic case for a single-payer system. Where is the Times on this most important issue? Utterly, shamefully silent.
Only yesterday Kirsten Gillibrand came out in favor of the public option, a small baby step in the right direction. Schumer did not join her, citing 10 red-state Democratic senators up for reelection. But who elected chuck Schumer, 10 red states or millions of New Yorkers? It would seem the Times is more comfortable saying the obvious about McConnell than reminding Schumer of the needs and desires of his constituents.
The Times could be using its voice to inform its readers about the simplicity and rational humanity represented by HR 676. It could, as politicians cannot, explain to the voters how 4 in 5 Americans would pay less, that they'd give up no freedom, and gain much security. It could show how we'd benefit by trading taxes for premiums. And it could stand with those who think our physical fate shouldn't be decided by market forces.
Your readers want single payer, or should. Why don't you?
14
Excellent discussion. Single payer best solution for all, including congress and federal employees. Why the lack of insight, research and/or opinion on this core solution by NYTimes?
The current and proposed health care "system" is wildly over priced, not integrated locally nor nationally. Stripping any coverage for many millions of American citizens under the proposed plan should awaken the chorus for recall for all congressional members supporting such blasphemy.
The current and proposed health care "system" is wildly over priced, not integrated locally nor nationally. Stripping any coverage for many millions of American citizens under the proposed plan should awaken the chorus for recall for all congressional members supporting such blasphemy.
5
tax, NOT health care
1
It's a stretch to argue that "conscientious lawmakers" should care about people too lazy to learn about and vote for their own self interest.
4
That's assuming there's anyone to vote for who 'represents the interests' of anyone who isn't a multi-millionaire.
3
You are right Jenifer. There were no such options in the last presidential election. Maybe in the primary there was. Maybe in some state/local elections but that's about it.
1
Remember that Hilary Clinton wanted the option for people over 55 to buy into medicare. That struck me (and still sticks me) as the best way to get to single payer.
2
The most chilling aspect of this debate is that those who support this travesty of a bill do not even pretend that it will benefit regular Americans. It is no more than a tax break for the wealthiest and an abstract lesson in trading favors. Shame on them!
9
All Americans must have cradle-to grave healthcare today, tomorrow, and forever. We want single-payer healthcare NOW!
15
Why aren't Democrats showing leadership on this issue?
It seems to me like the perfect time to start steering the debate, full-throttle, towards a single-payer government-run healthcare system.
The beauty of it is that Democrats have a lot of examples around the world to learn from and use as a guide for how and how not to devise an effective single-payer system. I don't understand why the former president, Barack Obama, doesn't take this on as a priority in his post-presidency ...
It seems to me like the perfect time to start steering the debate, full-throttle, towards a single-payer government-run healthcare system.
The beauty of it is that Democrats have a lot of examples around the world to learn from and use as a guide for how and how not to devise an effective single-payer system. I don't understand why the former president, Barack Obama, doesn't take this on as a priority in his post-presidency ...
7
The wonderfully poisonous, treasonous GOP and its ringmasters McConnell and Ayn Ryan will never allow a fair Health plan because Big insurance owns the American plantation and must be placated. One only hopes it has a sunset clause and these cretins can be dealt with when they're up for re-election
7
The concept that private health provided by an employer or bought on a state exchange is a free marked is nonsense, and under the Senate plan it continues to be nonsense. Either way, consumers would have no choice as to what insurer their employer chooses, or which plans are available on their state's exchange. Health care is a usually a monopoly or duopoly in any given region. Health care should function and be regulated as a utility, like water and electricity, with tight regulation of private providers. Or, it should be provided through a single state or federal agency that covers all citizens and legal residents.
6
We don't need choice about medical insurers. Medicare & medicaid are good. What we need is choice about actual medical providers, which is often harder to come by with private insurers.
1
Listening to Senators and supporters of this awful Republican "Health Care" bill reminds me of the movie "The Rainmaker", starring Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes and based on the John Grisham book of the same name. In the book/movie, a mother repeatedly asks her insurance company to pay for a life-saving bone marrow transplant for her dying son, which they refused to do. In the course of the trial suing the insurance company, it was revealed that an agent's response rejecting the mother's many pleas was "You must be stupid, stupid, stupid."
Please, people, do not be "stupid, stupid, stupid." Reject the Republican's version of "Health Care" bill.
Please, people, do not be "stupid, stupid, stupid." Reject the Republican's version of "Health Care" bill.
8
The GOP has been lying about the ACA for years, why the sudden lather and moral meanings about "keeping the promise" based on their lie?? It is way more likely about their check from the Koch Bros - Trumpcare has 12-17% support.
Translation= Everyone Hates the Trumpcare bill.
Translation= Everyone Hates the Trumpcare bill.
6
Everyone? 12-17% apparently don't hate it. But most likely only because they have not intellectually grasped it yet.
2
Kara: The Vast Majority hate it.
The rest are either taken care of or asleep.
The rest are either taken care of or asleep.
1
Congressional efforts to remake health insurance are crazy. Dozens of countries have already figured out how to provide some form of universal coverage, including some that use public/private partnerships. Why can't we just learn from these others how to expand access to coverage at an affordable cost?
10
That would be ideal, but Republicans only think about profit and their base misinterprets universal health care as socialism.
4
Because their way is, by definition, un-American! Freedom! Don't you want the freedom to go bankrupt? It worked well for our President.
1
Cradle to Grave universal government-run health care IS socialism. I am not a Republican. Whether you are for it or against. That is just a fact.
So this is what the GOP’s best Billionaire business minds can do.
The USA ranks 49th in quality and 2nd in expense in health care among first world nations.
Many better and less expense health plans exist worldwide.
The USA ranks 49th in quality and 2nd in expense in health care among first world nations.
Many better and less expense health plans exist worldwide.
11
If your not rich, you're supposed to die young in the US - unless you have extraordinary genes.
1
American taxpayers fund 100% of the salary, health insurance, pension, and other benefits for members of Congress.
What kind of healthcare plan do members of Congress have? Many of them must have pre-existing medical conditions. Is the structure of their personal health insurance somehow magically insulated from the harmful effects of the new "beautiful"/dreadful healthcare plans which Republicans are proposing?
What kind of healthcare plan do members of Congress have? Many of them must have pre-existing medical conditions. Is the structure of their personal health insurance somehow magically insulated from the harmful effects of the new "beautiful"/dreadful healthcare plans which Republicans are proposing?
13
There's an amendment in the bill that allows the congress critters to keep Obamacare. Cause it's so bad and all.
Most millionaires don't worry about insurance premiums.
This tidbit regarding Republican lawmakers' outrageous duplicity, when it comes to their own health insurance, should be shouted from the rooftops.
Plaster this dismal fact on protesters' signs in front of the Fox News
building.
Squawk this message it in every way possible.
Plaster this dismal fact on protesters' signs in front of the Fox News
building.
Squawk this message it in every way possible.
1
How can we show "Trump Supporters" how shallow, venal and beholden to big money donors the Republican Party has become?
What is amazing in the face of the ignorance and obfuscation of the Propaganda Organs is the abysmal support and protests in supposedly deep red districts we are seeing. But we can't really end this kind of nonsense until November, 2018; Will this "Teachable Moment" be reflected in the polls next year, or will the big money, gerrymanders and voter suppression prevail?
"Everyone" knows it is a collection of bad ideas, unless you are a member of the .01%, or are happy with Texas and it's Maternal Mortality at third world levels. Why do we have to have this discussion again and again?
What is amazing in the face of the ignorance and obfuscation of the Propaganda Organs is the abysmal support and protests in supposedly deep red districts we are seeing. But we can't really end this kind of nonsense until November, 2018; Will this "Teachable Moment" be reflected in the polls next year, or will the big money, gerrymanders and voter suppression prevail?
"Everyone" knows it is a collection of bad ideas, unless you are a member of the .01%, or are happy with Texas and it's Maternal Mortality at third world levels. Why do we have to have this discussion again and again?
10
The Republicans always were beholden to big money donors. What changed in recent decades is that now the Democrats are too. Isn't that loverly?
1
People who will loose their health care but still support repeal of ObamaCare are true American patriots. They realize that these unfunded entitlements will cost America too much money and will swell the deficit. They are willing to sacrifice their health and well being for the sake of the country. We should honor their decisions and repeal this dreadfully program. These patriots realize that it is better that millions of takers suffer and die than we tax the maker class and destroy the future of America.
1
Do you buy car insurance?
2
Is this post a joke? Yes indeed the "patriots" who vote to eliminate health care are the poor, the desperately sick and the elderly who are willing to die for the Koch brothers to have another yacht. That is obviously the highest level of patriotism! Die and kill your kids to benefit the rich and sing God Bless America as you expire.
1
This is all window dressing. Until we change how we view health and our entire food infrastructure, no health care system will be adequate for the epidemic of diabetes, dementia, & heart disease headed our way. ALready 75% of our health care spend; we cannot afford what's coming.
We can't speak honestly about what is making us fat and sick because it is what makes us America: Coca Cola, McDonald's, Kraft, General Mills, Tysons, the dairy industry, Big Corn/Soy/Wheat.
Back to rearranging the deck chairs!
We can't speak honestly about what is making us fat and sick because it is what makes us America: Coca Cola, McDonald's, Kraft, General Mills, Tysons, the dairy industry, Big Corn/Soy/Wheat.
Back to rearranging the deck chairs!
2
OLIGARCHY - government by the few
6
It remains obvious. Medicare for All, single-payer, administration via profit margin regulated contracts with private insurance companies. But, of course, we are an exceptional nation, unlike all other advanced country democracies, and believe this would be "socialized medicine." Just another "freedom" taken away from individuals. Grow up, please, America.
7
Imagine, being an advocate for taking health care away from people when given the chance to make it affordable, instead?
What will this compare to in history? The beer hall putsch, the cannon fired from Ft. Sumter, Chamberlain's quote of "peace in our time"?
What will our children's children to whom we proclaim our faith think of what we had a chance to do, and what we did, instead?
What will this compare to in history? The beer hall putsch, the cannon fired from Ft. Sumter, Chamberlain's quote of "peace in our time"?
What will our children's children to whom we proclaim our faith think of what we had a chance to do, and what we did, instead?
5
I wish Americans would come together and say stop with all these convoluted schemes to make the insurance companies wealthy. These schemes do not help Americans. Please make it simple, Medicare for All.
20
I can easily understand the mentality of one who rails against the notion of paying for someone else' anything in this case health insurance. The explanations for not wanting to pay for someone else are legion and to some extent must be entertained and respected as completely valid arguements and prerogatives.
What I find mind boggling though, is the notion that redistributing wealth to the wealthy and other forms of social welfare to rich are acceptable strategies to many in previously mentioned. To which, many feel more comfortable giving to the rich at the expense of throwing working people off of health coverage. Cannot wrap my head around this one.
What I find mind boggling though, is the notion that redistributing wealth to the wealthy and other forms of social welfare to rich are acceptable strategies to many in previously mentioned. To which, many feel more comfortable giving to the rich at the expense of throwing working people off of health coverage. Cannot wrap my head around this one.
10
How many rail against buying car insurance?
You're spot on, Big Tony - But have you watched Fox or listened to Right Wing radio? I live in a very red state and the 24x7 ranting of people wasting your tax dollars, that we'd only have a screaming economy if people with money (=job creators-don't get me started on why they think everyone with money is just dying to hire and manage people) had MORE money in the form of lower taxes, and that every progressive idea is just a request to grow the deficit, etc...
Trump is urging Congress to pass this "beautiful" healthcare bill. It results in the loss of coverage to over 20 million Americans and he thinks it's beautiful. I can't imagine a bigger fool.
18
Beauty is, in this instance, in the eyes of the beholden.
2
"Mr. McConnell, President Trump and other Republicans are putting lots of pressure on them..."
Why on earth would Trump put pressure on senators to pass a bill that offers none of the coverage that Trump promised?
Oh, right, the president is an idiot and nothing he says, absolutely nothing, means anything or can be relied on in any way.
Trump voters: Is this really what you voted for?
Why on earth would Trump put pressure on senators to pass a bill that offers none of the coverage that Trump promised?
Oh, right, the president is an idiot and nothing he says, absolutely nothing, means anything or can be relied on in any way.
Trump voters: Is this really what you voted for?
18
Trump tells a plain truth maybe once in a blue moon.
It seems to me these Republicans never truly wrapped their minds around this issue because they were too busy protesting it. Now their ideology is hitting their consciences and they don't know what to do with themselves.
My dream: Ted Cruz, Unpopular Trump, and Turtle McConnell walk up to a microphone and announce: "What can we say, folks. Obama was right." Who knew!
My dream: Ted Cruz, Unpopular Trump, and Turtle McConnell walk up to a microphone and announce: "What can we say, folks. Obama was right." Who knew!
4
Mitch McConnell, knowing that his bill is in desperate trouble, now threatens the Republican Senators by announcing that if they don't pass this horrible legislation that *gasp!!* they will actually have to work with Democrats!!
The horror!!
But the greater horror for the GOP is that if they do work with Democrats to solve some of the financial problems with the ACA, they won't get their goodies--tax cuts for the rich--because all those tax cuts will go to actually aid in providing medical care for the nation.
Well, we certainly can't have that! Actually paying to provide health care vs. giving billionaires more money? Why, there isn't any choice here. The Koch Brothers and their ilk in the 1% are the primary concern here, not the 99% who actually need health care.
After all the Koch Brothers are really the deserving ones. They did all the heavy lifting involved with inheriting their wealth. So of course, they must take precedence over the rest of us poor slobs who actually work for a living.
The horror!!
But the greater horror for the GOP is that if they do work with Democrats to solve some of the financial problems with the ACA, they won't get their goodies--tax cuts for the rich--because all those tax cuts will go to actually aid in providing medical care for the nation.
Well, we certainly can't have that! Actually paying to provide health care vs. giving billionaires more money? Why, there isn't any choice here. The Koch Brothers and their ilk in the 1% are the primary concern here, not the 99% who actually need health care.
After all the Koch Brothers are really the deserving ones. They did all the heavy lifting involved with inheriting their wealth. So of course, they must take precedence over the rest of us poor slobs who actually work for a living.
11
Thanks William. Excellent points.
"But conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans..."
Among Republican senators (and representatives) that is a null set. They care about getting re-elected. And further enriching the already wealthy. Beyond that...nothing.
Among Republican senators (and representatives) that is a null set. They care about getting re-elected. And further enriching the already wealthy. Beyond that...nothing.
13
Paul Ryan wants to use the power of the government to destroy the health insurance of 23 million Americans all while increasing premiums and deductibles, through a bill that a whopping 87% of the American people refuse to accept, and somehow he calls this "increasing choice" ... ?
When 87% chose to REJECT Trumpcare, how can you use taxpayer money to work hard to pass it in Congress, and still want us to believe that the American people's "choice" is somehow something you care about ... ?!
Destroying the health insurance of 23 million Americans is horrible in itself, but how utterly disconnected, cynical, anti-patriotic and anti-American do you have to become to go on television and lie about this with a smile ... ?
As to Trump: as a candidate, he promised to cover even more Americans than Obamacare, at even lower costs. Today, he calls Ryancare a "great healthcare plan", and even "great healthcare". I have to admit that during the primaries and the general campaign, I was one of those naive enough to believe that Trump was being serious when he talked about healthcare. Apparently, even on such a crucial issue, he was completely lying, and he knew it.
This is clearly one of the worst and most shameful moments in American history.
Who will now make America great again?
When 87% chose to REJECT Trumpcare, how can you use taxpayer money to work hard to pass it in Congress, and still want us to believe that the American people's "choice" is somehow something you care about ... ?!
Destroying the health insurance of 23 million Americans is horrible in itself, but how utterly disconnected, cynical, anti-patriotic and anti-American do you have to become to go on television and lie about this with a smile ... ?
As to Trump: as a candidate, he promised to cover even more Americans than Obamacare, at even lower costs. Today, he calls Ryancare a "great healthcare plan", and even "great healthcare". I have to admit that during the primaries and the general campaign, I was one of those naive enough to believe that Trump was being serious when he talked about healthcare. Apparently, even on such a crucial issue, he was completely lying, and he knew it.
This is clearly one of the worst and most shameful moments in American history.
Who will now make America great again?
4
The Rs are not listening to America, they are not listening to the media. They are listening to the people with a minimum of $3-5 million in the bank making them $200,000 plus in "other income". They don't want to pay a FICA tax like the working people of America pays. As expected, the rich, who have the $3 million plus in stocks and bonds or maybe a bonus of over $200,000 per year, can afford their own health insurance. Rich versus the rest, we know who the Rs are worried about.
10
The Bill in Trumps Rubber Stamp Reichstag, is a done deal. We no longer live in a democracy and we have no real Statesman. The system is fixed and voting is fruitless since elections are no longer free or fair.
3
Great idea - if we want to live in a dictatorship.
Cynicism is just laziness. Voting does matter, but it's hard, lots of people have to do it, and you have to accept that you don't always get your ideal candidate.
Cynicism is just laziness. Voting does matter, but it's hard, lots of people have to do it, and you have to accept that you don't always get your ideal candidate.
More empty words with arms akimbo. Bully for you. How about urging your rump minority to draft a serious, single-payer option, complete with the necessary tax increases, price (and salary!) controls and massive public hospital reorganizations that the "progressive" rhetoric on this issue would require in practice? Give it light, publicize it - your senate minority leader seems to enjoy the cameras, no? - and watch it catch on like lululemon fashions in Soho. Care to wager how many interested parties on the extreme right will be forced to support such a measure by their deplorable constituents? ALL OF THEM. Was that loud enough to hear? Got convictions? Then stand by them and stop the kabuki dance you call resistance. If you fancy yourselves as leaders, start proving it.
3
This potential Senate bill would be disastrously cruel to the very republican constituents that voted these political thugs in, to represent them and their needs, as they swore to do. But since the re-election survival of these mis-representatives depends on the money from the 'rich and powerful', those left behind (the poor, the sick and the elderly) have become, for all intent and purpose, invisible. Who would have thought those folks in congress would become political whores, bought and paid for by 'the elites'...via powerful lobbyists. Whatever this capitalistic system claims to be, a democracy it is not.
They know exactly what they are doing. And they are counting on Kris Kobach to shield them from any consequences.
5
My question is what am I supposed to do with my grandmother who is in a nursing home and can't afford it without Medicaid? Are we going to throw all the seniors into the street?
4
Yes, if she is not rich, it's all her fault.
1
You got it. It's going to be a beautiful bill that kills.
Here is how our program in BC, Canada works. It is affordable
Monthly Premium Rates
Basic Premium Rates
Qualifying for Regular Premium Assistance
Information on upcoming MSP premium changes
In B.C., residents pay monthly MSP rates (premiums). Although insured medical services are mostly paid for by government, these premiums help meet the costs of B.C.’s health-care system.
Basic Premium Rates
Effective Jan. 1, 2017
There are no premiums for children under the age of 19.
Adjusted Net Income One Adult Two Adults in a Family
$0 - $24,000 $0.00 $0.00
$24,001 - $26,000 $11.00 $22.00
$26,001 - $28,000 $23.00 $46.00
$28,001 - $30,000 $35.00 $70.00
$30,001 - $34,000 $46.00 $92.00
$34,001 - $38,000 $56.00 $112.00
$38,001 - $42,000 $65.00 $130.00
Over $42,000 $75.00 $150.00
Qualifying for Regular Premium Assistance
MSP premiums are based on your annual net income from last year as confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (or combined net income for you and your spouse), less deductions:
Monthly Premium Rates
Basic Premium Rates
Qualifying for Regular Premium Assistance
Information on upcoming MSP premium changes
In B.C., residents pay monthly MSP rates (premiums). Although insured medical services are mostly paid for by government, these premiums help meet the costs of B.C.’s health-care system.
Basic Premium Rates
Effective Jan. 1, 2017
There are no premiums for children under the age of 19.
Adjusted Net Income One Adult Two Adults in a Family
$0 - $24,000 $0.00 $0.00
$24,001 - $26,000 $11.00 $22.00
$26,001 - $28,000 $23.00 $46.00
$28,001 - $30,000 $35.00 $70.00
$30,001 - $34,000 $46.00 $92.00
$34,001 - $38,000 $56.00 $112.00
$38,001 - $42,000 $65.00 $130.00
Over $42,000 $75.00 $150.00
Qualifying for Regular Premium Assistance
MSP premiums are based on your annual net income from last year as confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (or combined net income for you and your spouse), less deductions:
7
Thank you so much for this information. It is critical for Americans to hear such specifics from our neighbors to the north. It bursts some fantasy bubbles about onerous taxes!
Happy 150th birthday, Canada!
Happy 150th birthday, Canada!
4
I just did a quick check and these appear to be monthly charges ON TOP of provincial and national income taxes, which are very high by US standards. This data is misleading, at best.
1
THANK YOU - appreciate seeing how a modern country handles "health care" for all its citizens - maybe one day we in the US will grow up and do the something similar for our citizens.
Note: There have been no news organizations, politicians, religious organizations, etc., in the US doing studies of your country's program and others around the world. Wonder why?
Note: There have been no news organizations, politicians, religious organizations, etc., in the US doing studies of your country's program and others around the world. Wonder why?
1
Sorry NTY, but you're avoiding the elephant in the room.
This isn't primarily or essentially about health care and insurance.
It's about political corruption.
It's about $600 billion in tax cuts going to the "1%ers" at the expense of millions of poor people on medicaid. That should lead every story on this issue.
That's is an immoral assault on this nation that is unparalleled in my lifetime.
Shame on you for avoiding it, for taking the political bait in an obfuscation of the argument, and for avoiding the real truth.
This isn't primarily or essentially about health care and insurance.
It's about political corruption.
It's about $600 billion in tax cuts going to the "1%ers" at the expense of millions of poor people on medicaid. That should lead every story on this issue.
That's is an immoral assault on this nation that is unparalleled in my lifetime.
Shame on you for avoiding it, for taking the political bait in an obfuscation of the argument, and for avoiding the real truth.
130
The Republicans are avoiding the hard truth that the bulk of American employment is becoming gig work, and the years of gainful employment for many are shrinking below one third of a lifespan.
3
These old white guys never wanted to put 45 billion dollars into addiction when it was minorities suffering from addiction. Now that its white people with their opioids, it no jail and lots of rehab. Funny!
156
My friend, while you're correct about not funding treatment for minorities, Mr. McConnel doesn't WANT to provide 45 billion for opioid treatment today. If he could find a way to tax addiction, he would do it in a heartbeat. And then refund the taxes to the 1%.
3
True.
And Pence just sat there after he turned an opiod disaster in Indiana into an HIV epidemic for his heroin addicts. It was worth it to endanger his own citizens to close the Planned Parenthood that did testing in rural Indiana.
And Pence just sat there after he turned an opiod disaster in Indiana into an HIV epidemic for his heroin addicts. It was worth it to endanger his own citizens to close the Planned Parenthood that did testing in rural Indiana.
3
TRUTH with a capital "T."
If the elderly and infirmed are penalized for these conditions who is next?
While a trickle now, thoughts such as Mr Cruz expresses are a streaming venom which coupled with an absolute unease of our leadership has me considering more perceptive liberal commentators are and have been on to a fact I have always considered as fiction. Not in America. Not Americans.
History shows us what occurred in Germany. Is it happening here?
What must be addressed in an open and clear way is the opposition to the rancid musings of "want to be" individuals who should never be taken as more than raving fools. Harsh, but in today's Court someone has to play jester and it appears Mr Cruz is most properly clothed as well as most truthfully spoken
Its really is as though all of this cast is playing a staged part, following a script written by unknown authors and the are buying it. The problems won't arise until the curtain falls, the theatre exits open and we see what is actually left in the streets. At that point things will begin to change.
Privatization of prisons may be the first step into privatization of police forces who do the will of and are only accountable to their paymasters. When growth is measured in quantity rather than quality it is a weed garden
Mr Cruz, Mr Lee and Mr McConnell are wrong. They should know the same long piece they are advocating is the one that has never been played without discord from the largest portion of the audience and applause from the fewest.
While a trickle now, thoughts such as Mr Cruz expresses are a streaming venom which coupled with an absolute unease of our leadership has me considering more perceptive liberal commentators are and have been on to a fact I have always considered as fiction. Not in America. Not Americans.
History shows us what occurred in Germany. Is it happening here?
What must be addressed in an open and clear way is the opposition to the rancid musings of "want to be" individuals who should never be taken as more than raving fools. Harsh, but in today's Court someone has to play jester and it appears Mr Cruz is most properly clothed as well as most truthfully spoken
Its really is as though all of this cast is playing a staged part, following a script written by unknown authors and the are buying it. The problems won't arise until the curtain falls, the theatre exits open and we see what is actually left in the streets. At that point things will begin to change.
Privatization of prisons may be the first step into privatization of police forces who do the will of and are only accountable to their paymasters. When growth is measured in quantity rather than quality it is a weed garden
Mr Cruz, Mr Lee and Mr McConnell are wrong. They should know the same long piece they are advocating is the one that has never been played without discord from the largest portion of the audience and applause from the fewest.
2
US gun policy is now persuading many better police officers to change professions.
2
What's wrong with the voters getting what they voted for?
Because, once again, more voters voted against trump then voted for him. Why should the majority be ignored just because of the outdated electoral college?
3
Probably the fact that more voters did NOT vote for this, but we all have to live (or die) with it.
2
Remember Lester that only a few more than half the people who could vote did. So that means the person who won only got 25% of available votes. Although that's not true either since the current president did not win the popular vote, list by 3 million, which isn't chump change.
Hardly a majority of Americans by any stretch of the imagination.
Factor in the electoral college.
And here we are.
Hardly a majority of Americans by any stretch of the imagination.
Factor in the electoral college.
And here we are.
This Editorial is right on target. My fear is that the Republicans will use their "internal problems and divisions" to lull the Democrats and the vast majority of people in this country into inaction and then pounce their health bill on the country just as the House Republicans did. This will be a disaster and everyone should beware.
2
July 10, 2017
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…..” (The oath of Congresspersons)
Our American health laws from federal to states and charitable agency must believe that what is needed is for the protection of the health and arresting the enemies of diseases for all civil servants in allegiance to their faithful duties of office –
How much of the medical affordable care is in harmony of both the states and the federal and its consequence for effective service to the results in our national health and protection for all in fair governance to assure that the basics for transparent, truthful medical conditions are being maintained and with common decency to we the people as an integrated culture that knows how to fight communicable disease and as well advance the medical applications and enrich its science for advancement and discovery in all facets of management with a bright future and with insurance that our nation is on track as the greater good – with solemn smiles.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…..” (The oath of Congresspersons)
Our American health laws from federal to states and charitable agency must believe that what is needed is for the protection of the health and arresting the enemies of diseases for all civil servants in allegiance to their faithful duties of office –
How much of the medical affordable care is in harmony of both the states and the federal and its consequence for effective service to the results in our national health and protection for all in fair governance to assure that the basics for transparent, truthful medical conditions are being maintained and with common decency to we the people as an integrated culture that knows how to fight communicable disease and as well advance the medical applications and enrich its science for advancement and discovery in all facets of management with a bright future and with insurance that our nation is on track as the greater good – with solemn smiles.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
1
At long last, Senator McConnell, have you no decency, sir? Sir, have you?
2
Dream on.
Pipe dream.
Pipe dream.
This is very dishonest reporting, at best.
22 million not having insurance is not the same as 22 million being denied insurance.
Millions of those will CHOOSE not to have insurance because it will no longer be a government imposed requirement.
22 million not having insurance is not the same as 22 million being denied insurance.
Millions of those will CHOOSE not to have insurance because it will no longer be a government imposed requirement.
3
No, it is because the vast majority of those you refer to will NOT have a choice because of the massive cuts to medicaid and the enormous increases in premium that will result which will have to be paid out to make up the difference and that will ultimately make it unaffordable for most.
5
No, insurance will become unaffordable for 22 milllion people, not by their choice. Please become an informed contributor.
4
I can access a Mercedes Benz showroom; I cannot buy one, because it is beyond my reach to pay for it. That's fine; I don't need a Benz. Now, if I can access health insurance, but cannot afford the premiums, then I am essentially denied health insurance. I have not made a "choice" to have no health insurance; financial reality prevents me from making a choice. How many angels can dance on the head of McConnell's insurance pin? Even McConnell doesn't know; and, he doesn't care.
5
Two things. One is that I wish some journalists would stop referring to Trump as a "populist." Traditionally used, "populism" favors the little guy, whereas Trump, with the wealthiest cabinet in history, has been working his way towards a plutocracy.
The other is that many of us may be mistaken in claiming that Trump's idolators are voting against their own best interests. They may be true in an economic sense but not psychologically. Primary among their best interests is the defeat of everything Obama achieved, plus the continuing humiliation of Hillary Clinton and her following of socialists, commies, and corrupt fascists.
So far they're getting what they wanted and an early death is a small price to pay.
The other is that many of us may be mistaken in claiming that Trump's idolators are voting against their own best interests. They may be true in an economic sense but not psychologically. Primary among their best interests is the defeat of everything Obama achieved, plus the continuing humiliation of Hillary Clinton and her following of socialists, commies, and corrupt fascists.
So far they're getting what they wanted and an early death is a small price to pay.
7
Say it like it is. This is not a health care bill. This is a ma$$ive tax cut ma$querading as a health bill.
7
Aristotle, Erasmus, the Signers of the Constitution, and Plutarch's best all brought together could not create a bill that would fix our mess nor get us to all agree. We've got an oozing, pus-filled carbuncle of a health system that was created over decades to buy votes, reward doctors, entitle insurance companies and do everything but deliver low costs and choice to the patients. The ACA continued the charade that it would deliver 'affordable' care because the real goal was enriching the insurance companies and others. Ted Cruz ( at this point partisans will quit reading and prepare a venemous rebuke) offers a plan to allow choices of bare bones catastrophic plans. Why not? We will never ever agree, so let's give states options to experiment and citizens options to as well. Lefties love single payer. Fine. Give all those red staters a choice to not join. A real choice, not some cleverly disguised punitive 'take your medicine, it's good for you' option. If we sink in a sea of debt, so what? At least our Boschian hells will be of our own making, not something we can blame others for.
In 2013, I moved my family to Belize, Central America. I could no longer afford health insurance, a mortgage, car insurance, and more bills. The quality of my life became questionable. I wasnt happy. I've worked all my life. Never complained and didn't ask the government for welfare. But the US is too much. There is less give back than ever. It's a one way street tax system and a one way street feudal system.
Nothing will be accomplished until the Republican party is shut down. We all dance around this subject but their hatred for the little guy and their butt kissing for the rich is poison.
Nothing will be accomplished until the Republican party is shut down. We all dance around this subject but their hatred for the little guy and their butt kissing for the rich is poison.
6
Expect Mr. McConnell to offer more such sweeteners to his members, such as mascara to go with the lipstick already on his pig.
In the book "The Godfather" Don Corleone advises his son Michael to find a "Luca Brasi". Luca was the guy so dedicated to his boss that he would gladly die for him. The Don says that "there are some people in this world who live to suffer for the good of someone else, find them." to which a rational person would say "go figure". But it is true. We all know the employee who is treated like dirt but would die for his employer. Religious fanatics suffer happily either to get into heaven, or get a loved one out of "Purgatory". Ultra Nationalists (they think they are "Conservative Patriots") also suffer from this malady. They will gladly sacrifice themselves & their children to a lack of health care just to worship the GOP right wing & stick it to our first Black, Non Native, Islamic President. Yes they still believe that Obama was all of those things. As long as there are Luca Brasis there will be Don Corleones or in this case Don Trumps.
2
News now is that McConnell is willing to s/w Dems on changing the bill. Umm ... he wants the help of the Dems now? After he pushed through Gorsuch without hearing from them? After he shut them out while crafting this bill that will kill people? He's shown no willingness to work with Democrats, but he wants them to work with him when he needs it? Grow a spine Democrats and say NO! He and the GOP will take all the credit if you help them forge a decent bill. Let them wither on the vine by themselves and take responsibility for this mess. DO NOT BAIL THEM OUT.
2
Let me get this straight....McConnell wants to throw 45 billion into the kitty to address opioid addiction, Cruz wants that money for tax cuts to millionaires, Sessions wants to put more pot smokers in prison and Ryan wants you to have a "choice" to purchase coverage you cannot afford or simply die in the street? How in the world did we end up with this band of callous morons making decisions with our tax dollars and our lives? Simple, too many fail to educate themselves on issues and vote accordingly.
6
I would agree and ultimately, voters elect the people that choose to make these draconian policies at the expense of many, ironically even including plenty of those who elected them. I can only make the observation that far too many Americans still feel that as long as they are doing OK, nothing else nor no one else matters including many younger people who feel they will always stay healthy and never grow older.
1
McConnell is a liar & a traitor to our country. He is doing all he can to assist the rich & gut medical care for the rest of us. He always puts the wealthy & his party over what is best for the country. Always. Readers need to vigorously lobby against the Senate bill.
4
Aristotle, Erasmus, the Continental Congress, and a constellation of geniuses assembled and locked in a room could not produce a bill that would satisfy the majority of Americans. Why? Because decades of legislative gamesmanship, vote buying, and constituent rewarding have created a giant pus-filled carbuncle that needs to be excised but hurts like the dickens. We will never agree about what is 'best'. Both sides accuse each other of inflicting awful results on the American people with malicious intent and partisans are particularly good at painting a Boschian vision of the others plan. Ted Cruz (at this point partisans will stop reading or prepare a venemous comment) offered a simple solution that allows choice for those people who want bare coverage. Choice is the key ingredient. Single payer, fine. Let CA and NY etc try it. But let other states go the opposite way, and within each state give those who want a choice to have it. And please quit citing the CBO as if it were the oracle of Delphi.
Can you find another source people can at least agree on than the CBO?? It appears there are limited "reliable" sources, and even those are blasted as "fake." What do you propose? Darts in the dark??
The “giant sucking sound” that you will hear if the GOP repeals ACA will be money being siphoned from the pockets of 88% of Americans who don’t support the bill to the healthcare lobbyists and ultra-wealthy conservatives who do.
3
Mitch McConnell is happiest when he is stuffing his reign of tyranny down the throats of the American people. His craven party subordinates will eventually submit to his will, and the American people will suffer the consequences. McConnell will still be rich and in power. Republicans will remain unfazed. They will count on our notoriously short memory to leave them in the same position till Hell freezes over.
2
The rot starts at the top. McConnell and Ryan are like pigs at a trough. The people be damned. So who cares if 22 million people are off the health care roles - they are democrats anyway. oops.... sorry, the people that voted for you two dumbbells are republicans that are gonna lose their health care. What could go wrong with the Ayn Rand approach? BTW Ayn Rand was Russian. It's all starting to come together.
2
If Republicans really wanted to improve access to health care in the U.S., they would take a look at the many systems already in place that work much better than even the ACA. Of, course, the Republicans really don't care. Why else support a tax cut for the rich that only has 16% support of the electorate?
5
The leaders of both parties in Congress hold a press conference:
"America is in a health care emergency! In spite of the efforts of both parties, we are unable to come together to solve this problem. Both parties have agreed that we must take the problem out of the political arena and place it in the hands of a special committee. The committee majority will be citizens from each state and the minority will be special interests. The one goal of the committee will be to: recommend a single payer system for all citizens of the United States. The recommendation will be presented to Congress.
The Obama Health Care Plan will be extended to cover the Committee and Congress resolution of this health care emergency.
"America is in a health care emergency! In spite of the efforts of both parties, we are unable to come together to solve this problem. Both parties have agreed that we must take the problem out of the political arena and place it in the hands of a special committee. The committee majority will be citizens from each state and the minority will be special interests. The one goal of the committee will be to: recommend a single payer system for all citizens of the United States. The recommendation will be presented to Congress.
The Obama Health Care Plan will be extended to cover the Committee and Congress resolution of this health care emergency.
People on the left and center-left must move to offense from defense. Make a "public option" part of the marketplace- That way intelligent people can choose to buy into medicare. and that is the way to single payer health care.
3
The republicans never thought Trump would win so they had no interest or incentive to come up with a viable health care plan.
4
When the ACA was passed members of Congress and their staff were no longer eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. The premiums on the FEHB are subsidized. If the ACA is repealed, will Congress again be eligible for the subsidized plan? (a plan most Americans can't get BTW).
1
Not to be cruel, but supposing Steve Skalise was not insured through the government. Think of how many pre-existing conditions he is going to have. Should he be a "regular" citizen the US Senate would be having him live in fear.
Now how does that set?
Now how does that set?
9
Many ordinary citizens would be crushed by the medical bills following a shooting like this.
2
The longer the republicans try to sell this plan, or that plan, or any plan, all they do is expose the fact that they had no plan, do not have a plan, and never will have a plan. They had eight years to formulate something. Anything. And yet here they are throwing out ideas it would seem on the fly. And every idea is just a numbers game of how many citizens will be hurt. All they ever had was a campaign slogan, Repeal and Replace, that had a catchy turn of phrase.
8
Charade? I will call it Capitalism and Democracy at its worst.
Both Republicans and Democrats have shown that their first priority is reelection and remaining in power (self-preservation).
Even President Trump has realized that providing quality Health Care is not easy and is a very complex issue. Republicans in the Senate do know that for the last 7 years and that was the reason they kept harping on the repeal and then replace ACA to motivate their base, mostly rich white folks and the folks in the States where racial diversity is almost absent, without providing any plan for the replacement of the ACA. Opposition was against OBAMACARE, and this was used as a racist innuendo to motivate white voters to vote Republican, which they did.
Republicans now needs to deliver on their promise, it is just not possible for them to satisfy the 2 extremes of the party. The only solution that they can propose and come out smelling like roses is to tweak ACA by expanding Medicaid as universal coverage under CMS (a government entity), with some co-pay. With CMS at the helm, it would free up about $2.5 Trillion in 10 years to the small businesses; just imagine the economic growth with this much additional capital. Universal Health Care to be provided by the Federal Government to every one as a Basic Human Right. This will bring us in line with other OECD countries in terms of providing quality health care.
Senate would also be removing profit motive from Health Care.
Both Republicans and Democrats have shown that their first priority is reelection and remaining in power (self-preservation).
Even President Trump has realized that providing quality Health Care is not easy and is a very complex issue. Republicans in the Senate do know that for the last 7 years and that was the reason they kept harping on the repeal and then replace ACA to motivate their base, mostly rich white folks and the folks in the States where racial diversity is almost absent, without providing any plan for the replacement of the ACA. Opposition was against OBAMACARE, and this was used as a racist innuendo to motivate white voters to vote Republican, which they did.
Republicans now needs to deliver on their promise, it is just not possible for them to satisfy the 2 extremes of the party. The only solution that they can propose and come out smelling like roses is to tweak ACA by expanding Medicaid as universal coverage under CMS (a government entity), with some co-pay. With CMS at the helm, it would free up about $2.5 Trillion in 10 years to the small businesses; just imagine the economic growth with this much additional capital. Universal Health Care to be provided by the Federal Government to every one as a Basic Human Right. This will bring us in line with other OECD countries in terms of providing quality health care.
Senate would also be removing profit motive from Health Care.
11
"But conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans should know that tinkering around the edges will not make this bill any less dreadful..."
Apologies to Star Wars: "These Republicans aren't the conscientious lawmakers you are looking for..."
Apologies to Star Wars: "These Republicans aren't the conscientious lawmakers you are looking for..."
10
I laughed out loud.
But we know there are no conscientious republican lawmakers.
But we know there are no conscientious republican lawmakers.
1
What is lost in the discussion over the millions of people who will lose coverage is the massive increase in premiums and costs waiting for the millions of Americans who have employer-based health plans.
Hospitals, clinics, doctors -- every stakeholder in the health care system -- charges those who pay for the ones who don't - the charity cases, the uninsured, the under-insured, the people who go bankrupt when they get sick. Health care providers do not provide "free" health care to anyone. Someone pays, and that someone is YOU.
Just like stores increase their prices to make up for losses due to shoplifting, health care providers charge more to compensate for the people who don't pay.
With millions of Americans going off the rolls of the insured, who will pay? Answer: YOU. Insurance companies will raise premiums because health care providers will be forced to increase their prices. This is the dirty secret that the GOP has been trying to cover up.
The only people who come out ahead on the repeal of the ACA are the rich people who get a massive tax cut. Everyone else loses.
Hospitals, clinics, doctors -- every stakeholder in the health care system -- charges those who pay for the ones who don't - the charity cases, the uninsured, the under-insured, the people who go bankrupt when they get sick. Health care providers do not provide "free" health care to anyone. Someone pays, and that someone is YOU.
Just like stores increase their prices to make up for losses due to shoplifting, health care providers charge more to compensate for the people who don't pay.
With millions of Americans going off the rolls of the insured, who will pay? Answer: YOU. Insurance companies will raise premiums because health care providers will be forced to increase their prices. This is the dirty secret that the GOP has been trying to cover up.
The only people who come out ahead on the repeal of the ACA are the rich people who get a massive tax cut. Everyone else loses.
13
I think the dirty little secret is that no one needs health insurance. Everyone needs health care. Cut out the massive insurance company profits and you can pay doctors & hospitals for health care.
2
"[C]onscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans"
Could you please print a list of these? It certainly won't take up much space.
Could you please print a list of these? It certainly won't take up much space.
7
Our Senate and House has...twice....crafted health bills that would cause the deaths of thousands of Americans...each year, every year. Isn't this what terrorist organizations do--only with bombs, not words.
1
Well, I think most of the Democrats do. But then there aren't that many in office.
I guess people don't vote for "[C]onscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans".
I understand it's because they want people of color to die quickly so they opt for the republican version of healthcare. You know..."Don't get sick and if you do--die quickly".
I guess people don't vote for "[C]onscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans".
I understand it's because they want people of color to die quickly so they opt for the republican version of healthcare. You know..."Don't get sick and if you do--die quickly".
1
Who should pay for treating diseases caused by the terrible lifestyle choices of the millions who are addicted to sugar, fat, nicotine, alcohol, opioids, and other harmful substances? Should families who look after their health pay through inflated insurance premiums? Or would it not be better to tax those who make money selling the harmful substances, and use the tax money subsidize healthcare?
1
Everything that adds to health care costs should be taxed to pay for them, from sugary drinks to guns and ammunition. Don't you agree that people will do less of anything if it is taxed?
1
Then maybe we should penalize the people who picked the wrong parents genetically? Or maybe those stupid enough to get in the way of a car accident? Or the people who have been harmed by substances marketed by companies and people that do not get their hands dirty with their own work materials?
The problem is that no one can really set themselves above others. I eat too much, you drink too much, they went hunting and got mosquito-bit....it's the same dilemma as abortion, setting up judgement panels: my health problem is your idea of sin; yet you don't like that I might consider your health problem equally.
The problem is that no one can really set themselves above others. I eat too much, you drink too much, they went hunting and got mosquito-bit....it's the same dilemma as abortion, setting up judgement panels: my health problem is your idea of sin; yet you don't like that I might consider your health problem equally.
1
Many people who have cancer or other debilitating diseases have lived healthy lives. No one can predict who will live their lives to the end without any of these diseases. Yes, some are to blame for bad lifestyles. Many others just have a bad draw. Shame on you.
1
I wonder when GOP voters will begin to realize that the people they've elected have no interest in represents them, or their needs.
9
Ha! Asking Republican Senators to put the interests of their country and their constituents, ahead of the interest of their Party to catering to the wealthy!
That, unfortunately for our country, is absolute fantasy.
Tragic doesn't begin to capture the reality.
That, unfortunately for our country, is absolute fantasy.
Tragic doesn't begin to capture the reality.
6
From zero in 1965, Medicaid has grown steadily until it has become a major state and Federal expenditure. This may not concern a politician in Illinois, where they seem to be channeling Greece, but it should concern anyone else.
https://www.macpac.gov/subtopic/medicaids-share-of-state-budgets/
It is an entirely legitimate exercise to look at where it is being given to people who don't need it -- and may not even want it.
In California, a family of four earning up to $64,638 a year, the kids are eligible for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, because they expanded Medicaid eligibility. Anyone eligible for Medicaid is required under Obamacare to take it or forgo any subsidy if they buy a policy for the family on the exchange.
Here is the crystal clear language from California's exchange website. Scroll down to point # 13.
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/opa/Pages/QnAAffordable...
Why not give these people the choice? Medicaid or Obama/Trumpcare with a subsidy/tax credit? It would reduce Medicaid rolls and be well received by those who don't want to be on Medicaid anyway.
https://www.macpac.gov/subtopic/medicaids-share-of-state-budgets/
It is an entirely legitimate exercise to look at where it is being given to people who don't need it -- and may not even want it.
In California, a family of four earning up to $64,638 a year, the kids are eligible for Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, because they expanded Medicaid eligibility. Anyone eligible for Medicaid is required under Obamacare to take it or forgo any subsidy if they buy a policy for the family on the exchange.
Here is the crystal clear language from California's exchange website. Scroll down to point # 13.
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/opa/Pages/QnAAffordable...
Why not give these people the choice? Medicaid or Obama/Trumpcare with a subsidy/tax credit? It would reduce Medicaid rolls and be well received by those who don't want to be on Medicaid anyway.
1
Is that in the Senate bill or the House bill or is it something the state can do unilaterally?
People at that level do not need tax credits (and the tax credits do not nearly approach the levels of deductibles for illness).
Simplify it, medicare for all. That's Trump's own opinion: better than the ACA.
And Trumpcare? It's deadly on a massive scale while doing nothing to solve the high costs we pay both for premiums and deductibles.
And--that is the basic principle behind insurance: the bigger the pool, the less catastrophic individual crisis becomes.
Simplify it, medicare for all. That's Trump's own opinion: better than the ACA.
And Trumpcare? It's deadly on a massive scale while doing nothing to solve the high costs we pay both for premiums and deductibles.
And--that is the basic principle behind insurance: the bigger the pool, the less catastrophic individual crisis becomes.
After taxes $64,638 is not a lot, especially considering the cost of living in California. I agree with you Medicaid or Obamacare with a subsidy/tax credit for the entire family.
BTW Trump care is an oxymoron.
BTW Trump care is an oxymoron.
1
The Editorial Board has got it exactly right - the Republican version of a "health bill" is a charade. But then, that is the normal thing offered us by the GOP, isn't it?
4
Looking at news emanating from Republicans today, its time to Prepare in Earnest for Fascism or Oligopoly or Plutocracy, all of which have been incubating beyond a nascent stage for decades, especially the latter two.
4
With talk of Trump being either a disease or a symptom (since we are talking health care), I'd like to offer another take: Trump is an an opportunistic infection-- still a disease but only able to grab hold because of another, chronic illness. Oligarchy and Plutocracy have been gaining ground for decades. Democracy seems to be fading into a kind of fairy-favor collective memory.
So while we're at it, let's add Kleptocracy to the list with Trump and his Republican demagogues -- it literally means, rule by thieves.
So while we're at it, let's add Kleptocracy to the list with Trump and his Republican demagogues -- it literally means, rule by thieves.
"...conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans....."
There is not a SINGLE republican in either House that meets this description.
There is not a SINGLE republican in either House that meets this description.
2
Healthcare insurance should be above politics and focus on how to provide Americans with the best healthcare with the best possible health outcomes, all in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Everyone who is alive in America (read: citizens, landed immigrants, naturalized citizens, and, yes ... even illegal immigrants... because you are ALL in the same boat when it comes to health and healthcare) has healthcare needs, whether they are sick or well, male or female. Therefore, everyone who is alive in America and getting older with each passing day needs some form of healthcare.
The most efficient and cost-effective way to insure everyone is through a single-payer government-run system that covers everyone for everything. In an ideal world EVERYTHING is covered. We don't live in an ideal world so the next step might be to list those limited things that would not be covered. For example, a nation might decide to exclude dental care and/or eye care and/or physiotherapy etc.
In this way costs are spread out over a deep and broadly based pool. Premiums would be paid for through income taxes and therefore based on ability to pay.
Americans should get away from thinking in terms of freedom of choice in healthcare. It is ludicrous to think that Americans should be free to opt out of healthcare insurance. All people who are alive need healthcare.
Undoubtedly, America is capable of putting together a single-payer system that would be the envy of the industrialized world.
Everyone who is alive in America (read: citizens, landed immigrants, naturalized citizens, and, yes ... even illegal immigrants... because you are ALL in the same boat when it comes to health and healthcare) has healthcare needs, whether they are sick or well, male or female. Therefore, everyone who is alive in America and getting older with each passing day needs some form of healthcare.
The most efficient and cost-effective way to insure everyone is through a single-payer government-run system that covers everyone for everything. In an ideal world EVERYTHING is covered. We don't live in an ideal world so the next step might be to list those limited things that would not be covered. For example, a nation might decide to exclude dental care and/or eye care and/or physiotherapy etc.
In this way costs are spread out over a deep and broadly based pool. Premiums would be paid for through income taxes and therefore based on ability to pay.
Americans should get away from thinking in terms of freedom of choice in healthcare. It is ludicrous to think that Americans should be free to opt out of healthcare insurance. All people who are alive need healthcare.
Undoubtedly, America is capable of putting together a single-payer system that would be the envy of the industrialized world.
127
It just takes money. I was curious to see how Canada pays for their single payer system: the answer is high income taxes -- on everyone, even the poor. Here is a tax calculator. Plug in a few incomes to see what the national and provincial tax hit would be. Hint: about 50% more than the highest tax states in the US, infinitely more on the poor.
https://simpletax.ca/calculator
ps. If we wanted to cover tourists or people passing by our shores on cruise ships, we could do that too. It would just cost a little more. Why, there could be no end to our generosity if we just spent more.
https://simpletax.ca/calculator
ps. If we wanted to cover tourists or people passing by our shores on cruise ships, we could do that too. It would just cost a little more. Why, there could be no end to our generosity if we just spent more.
1
Here's an example for you ...
A single person in Ontario making $40,000 a year and assuming no other income and no RRSP contributions to reduce your income tax would pay $92 in federal tax at the end of the year.
There is also provincial tax calculated and this is where the healthcare premium is determined, based on income.
Your figures are wildly inaccurate.
A single person in Ontario making $40,000 a year and assuming no other income and no RRSP contributions to reduce your income tax would pay $92 in federal tax at the end of the year.
There is also provincial tax calculated and this is where the healthcare premium is determined, based on income.
Your figures are wildly inaccurate.
1
Taxes (and here in BC premiums) pay for the system. We don't pay insurance companies. Each province supplies health insurance.
Monthly Premium Rates
Basic Premium Rates
In B.C., residents pay monthly MSP rates (premiums). Although insured medical services are
Effective Jan. 1, 2017
There are no premiums for children under the age of 19.
There are no premiums for dependent post-secondary students enrolled in full-time studies (this includes trade, technical or high schools).
MSP premium rates will be determined by the number of adults on an MSP account (the MSP account holder and, if applicable, a spouse).
Adjusted Net Income One Adult Two Adults in a Family
$0 - $24,000 $0.00 $0.00
$24,001 - $26,000 $11.00 $22.00
$26,001 - $28,000 $23.00 $46.00
$28,001 - $30,000 $35.00 $70.00
$30,001 - $34,000 $46.00 $92.00
$34,001 - $38,000 $56.00 $112.00
$38,001 - $42,000 $65.00 $130.00
Over $42,000 $75.00 $150.00
Qualifying for Regular Premium Assistance
MSP premiums are based on your annual net income from last year as confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (or combined net income for you and your spouse), less deductions:
Monthly Premium Rates
Basic Premium Rates
In B.C., residents pay monthly MSP rates (premiums). Although insured medical services are
Effective Jan. 1, 2017
There are no premiums for children under the age of 19.
There are no premiums for dependent post-secondary students enrolled in full-time studies (this includes trade, technical or high schools).
MSP premium rates will be determined by the number of adults on an MSP account (the MSP account holder and, if applicable, a spouse).
Adjusted Net Income One Adult Two Adults in a Family
$0 - $24,000 $0.00 $0.00
$24,001 - $26,000 $11.00 $22.00
$26,001 - $28,000 $23.00 $46.00
$28,001 - $30,000 $35.00 $70.00
$30,001 - $34,000 $46.00 $92.00
$34,001 - $38,000 $56.00 $112.00
$38,001 - $42,000 $65.00 $130.00
Over $42,000 $75.00 $150.00
Qualifying for Regular Premium Assistance
MSP premiums are based on your annual net income from last year as confirmed by the Canada Revenue Agency (or combined net income for you and your spouse), less deductions:
1
The Republicans should have stuck with repeal and then taken our auto insurance as a model for the difficult cases by introducing an "assigned risk" pool for the otherwise uninsurable. Also, auto insurance has a variety of mechanisms for preventing body shops, etc. from jacking up prices and padding the bill. We need to consider applying those to healthcare because the providers are clearly gouging their customers and demanding that everything be "covered" by insurance to enable them to do it.
Our healthcare was too expensive in the 1980's when it consumed 9% of the nation's income and became the most expensive in the world. It has since doubled to 18% which is completely absurd. Simply throwing more money at it only makes the problem worse over the long run. The right question is "Why is it so expensive?" not "Where can I find more money to feed the growing monster?".
Our healthcare was too expensive in the 1980's when it consumed 9% of the nation's income and became the most expensive in the world. It has since doubled to 18% which is completely absurd. Simply throwing more money at it only makes the problem worse over the long run. The right question is "Why is it so expensive?" not "Where can I find more money to feed the growing monster?".
7
Maybe it's time for the American Medical Association to start stepping in and enabling physicians to form their own groups or managed care systems, which would cut out the dependency on major insurance and health care agencies. They are, after all, partly responsible for how the system works today. Its obvious now that the GOP has an agenda which does not include taking care of the old, sick or poor in this country. We need to go beyond our legislators and start taking the right steps which will lead us to a successful heath care model in this country.
1
At last look, only around 15% of doctors are even members of the AMA now.
1
It is time for the Democratic party to get in on the debate. Propose nothing short of single payer universal health care. People shouldn't go bankrupt paying for treatment.
7
Yes and make the question not if we should do it, but how do we pay for doing what we know we should. Move the goalpoast, That's how the right does things, as a foregone conclusion.
2
If you have been on this and/or prior comment boards criticizing the Republican/Trump “healthcare” bill, but have not contacted your senators and representative in Congress to voice your opposition, it is now time to step up and call them.
These next few days will be critical in which way this goes. As if the original bill wasn’t bad enough, it is even worse for the working class and middle America when Ted Cruz – the junior senator from Texas and most ardent proponent of the Republican hard-right agenda – has stepped in to broker the Republican “healthcare” bill across the finish line.
Find your two senators and their telephone numbers via the “Find your senators” menu on the senate.gov website.
Find your representative in the House by using your zip code in the “Find your representative” search engine on the house.gov website.
There is no reason not to put down what you are doing, right now, and spend a couple of minutes to make the calls. Particularly if you are represented by Republican(s). And if you are represented by Democrat(s), you can also call them to encourage their continued opposition to this bill.
These next few days will be critical in which way this goes. As if the original bill wasn’t bad enough, it is even worse for the working class and middle America when Ted Cruz – the junior senator from Texas and most ardent proponent of the Republican hard-right agenda – has stepped in to broker the Republican “healthcare” bill across the finish line.
Find your two senators and their telephone numbers via the “Find your senators” menu on the senate.gov website.
Find your representative in the House by using your zip code in the “Find your representative” search engine on the house.gov website.
There is no reason not to put down what you are doing, right now, and spend a couple of minutes to make the calls. Particularly if you are represented by Republican(s). And if you are represented by Democrat(s), you can also call them to encourage their continued opposition to this bill.
7
Well said. Comments on NYTimes articles, alone, will not stop this atrocity of a bill because the only people who read these comments are already against it.
To that end, I've imposed a sort of commitment device on myself: each time I comment on an NYTimes article, I will also send a letter to or call my senator or representative and voice my opposition to the healthcare bill. Keeps me honest.
To that end, I've imposed a sort of commitment device on myself: each time I comment on an NYTimes article, I will also send a letter to or call my senator or representative and voice my opposition to the healthcare bill. Keeps me honest.
2
Great idea Andy!
That also feeds into another point: You are not limited to making just one call/contact with your political representatives. Especially when they keep amending the bill and moving the goalposts. Each time they do that imo it is worthwhile to make another call.
I've posted this type of post a number of times in the past few weeks, being sure to include the "nuts and bolts" on how to find and contact a person's senator/MOC. While most people who read these boards can probably figure that out pretty quickly, why not give the information directly...
That also feeds into another point: You are not limited to making just one call/contact with your political representatives. Especially when they keep amending the bill and moving the goalposts. Each time they do that imo it is worthwhile to make another call.
I've posted this type of post a number of times in the past few weeks, being sure to include the "nuts and bolts" on how to find and contact a person's senator/MOC. While most people who read these boards can probably figure that out pretty quickly, why not give the information directly...
It would be helpful if the public was given more information instead of just that the other side is wrong. What I mean is HOW to make it work.
How do we make it possible for every American to have several million dollars worth of care. How do let the religions family keep what used to be bodies of grandpa or a baby with not brain on life support long after the family itself goes to heaven. Will we ever stop Drug companies from overcharging because it is the American Way.
How do we make it possible for every American to have several million dollars worth of care. How do let the religions family keep what used to be bodies of grandpa or a baby with not brain on life support long after the family itself goes to heaven. Will we ever stop Drug companies from overcharging because it is the American Way.
3
It's never been about finding a solution it's about maximizing the amount of money going to rich political donors and businesses friendly to the party in power.
I seriously question Sen. Mitch McConnell's loyalty to the Constitution of the USA and to the founding principles of the USA. When Obama was first elected president Mitch proclaimed that his main mission in life was to ensure that Obama would be a one-term president. Does a patriotic American talk like that? Does a patriotic American politician have a psychotic obsession with childish political obstruction and with being on the wrong side of history? Mitch will go down in US history books as being one of the worst American politicians, one whose monomaniacal obstructionism borders on almost treasonous dereliction of duty.
9
Are we are as a country so mathematically challenged that we cannot see the obvious? There is a group of people that need expensive healthcare. Options to deliver this are: a) they pay for it themselves in the form of high premiums or deductibles b) they get in a pool with healthier people whose cost of insurance goes up or c) this is subsidized in some fashion by the government which adds to our tax burden on takes away from spending allocated to other priorities.
None of these options are particularly sustainable when the cost of healthcare itself is high and rising. The Republicans have simply chosen to cut government spending, which very naturally passes more cost to consumers many of whom who can ill afford it. While they certainly deserve to be cast in a negative light, rather than merely cast stones at the Republican proposal, publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post have a real responsibility to educate the public on what is truly making healthcare so expensive. That will in turn lead to more meaningful discussions and proposals to solve this problem long term instead of merely arguing whether to cut benefits or get the government to subsidize an increasingly expensive necessity.
None of these options are particularly sustainable when the cost of healthcare itself is high and rising. The Republicans have simply chosen to cut government spending, which very naturally passes more cost to consumers many of whom who can ill afford it. While they certainly deserve to be cast in a negative light, rather than merely cast stones at the Republican proposal, publications like the New York Times and the Washington Post have a real responsibility to educate the public on what is truly making healthcare so expensive. That will in turn lead to more meaningful discussions and proposals to solve this problem long term instead of merely arguing whether to cut benefits or get the government to subsidize an increasingly expensive necessity.
3
The real sham is before ACA a lot of people just went to the emergency room for healthcare and had no intention of paying the bill.
1
I am all for user pays insurance as long as it really is true payment. No tax deductions for individuals, no exemptions for business, etc. Recognizing the incredible inefficiency and cost of the American system, perhaps give each person a means tested rebate. Let Mitch McConnell pay out of his own pocket and see how his creaky old body is risk assessed by the insurance sharks. But paying the true costs - well thats another story.
2
Traditional conservatism lost its moral compass decades ago and the GOP has since sailed into those regions mapped: "Here There Be Monsters"--into the seas wherein dwells the two-headed sea serpent: Greedy Plutocracy-Shameless Kleptocracy. This be Trump Territory.
For the Republicans, compromise now means giving regressives like Cruz, Lee, Ryan and the members of the House "Freedom" Caucus whatever they demand. With respect to healthcare, "Freedom" for these worthies ideally means "free access to whatever healthcare you can afford."
"Conservative" should be replaced with "regressive" since the term now chiefly describes "someone committed to free-market fundamentalism--one who uses short-term economic efficiency as the justification for all socio-economic policies irrespective of the consequences for persons." This is regression back to the robber baron glories of the Gilded Age. For such "conservatives" all "human" relations are transactional and fungible, whatever is legal is moral, and "justice" is the inevitable outcome of supposedly laissez faire "free"-market exchanges.
"Regressive freedom" is "the opportunity to expend one's time, talent and resources in any way one deems conducive to the pursuit of one's self-interest--whether one's self-interest is 'enlightened' or 'unenlightened.'" Regressives proclaim: blessed be those who pursue "unenlightened" self-interest, for they are so readily manipulated and victimized by their more astute "betters."
For the Republicans, compromise now means giving regressives like Cruz, Lee, Ryan and the members of the House "Freedom" Caucus whatever they demand. With respect to healthcare, "Freedom" for these worthies ideally means "free access to whatever healthcare you can afford."
"Conservative" should be replaced with "regressive" since the term now chiefly describes "someone committed to free-market fundamentalism--one who uses short-term economic efficiency as the justification for all socio-economic policies irrespective of the consequences for persons." This is regression back to the robber baron glories of the Gilded Age. For such "conservatives" all "human" relations are transactional and fungible, whatever is legal is moral, and "justice" is the inevitable outcome of supposedly laissez faire "free"-market exchanges.
"Regressive freedom" is "the opportunity to expend one's time, talent and resources in any way one deems conducive to the pursuit of one's self-interest--whether one's self-interest is 'enlightened' or 'unenlightened.'" Regressives proclaim: blessed be those who pursue "unenlightened" self-interest, for they are so readily manipulated and victimized by their more astute "betters."
1
Lawmakers who are STATESMEN will consider the medical care of the old, the sick and the children of their Country. Their own interests may also be at stake!
2
Mitch McConnell doesn't even care that half a million people in his own state wouldn't have health coverage under his master plan. After blaming the ACA for so long, the Republicans have finally created their very own Death Panel and may their re-election prospects disappear without any help from the Democrats. McConnell, Ryan and Co. have made their bed; let them wallow in it and let Trump's supporters finally realize how hollow his promises of "better and cheaper" really are.
3
The ACA is collapsing due to insurance companies pulling out from multiple marketplaces, so leaving it alone isn't an option. Nobody cares that the whole healthcare system is an overpriced, underperforming behemoth that doesn't deliver quality care to many of its consumers. Leaving it to grow at a pace that dwarfs cost of living increases will bankrupt the entire system, including the insurance companies who will only be able to sell to the wealthy.
An article in the weekend WSJ illustrates how technology can reduce many of the costs. Medicare for all won't resolve the spiraling health costs; it would eventually result in drastic cuts to each person's healthcare basket when the money runs out.
So, what do we want? A total, intelligent redo of how healthcare is delivered, including trimming the monstrous profits to big pharma and the insurance companies, or merely dumping the responsibility on Uncle Sam, who isn't in a long term position to continue as is. In case nobody noticed, Medicare is in big trouble already, and not just because of fraud.
An article in the weekend WSJ illustrates how technology can reduce many of the costs. Medicare for all won't resolve the spiraling health costs; it would eventually result in drastic cuts to each person's healthcare basket when the money runs out.
So, what do we want? A total, intelligent redo of how healthcare is delivered, including trimming the monstrous profits to big pharma and the insurance companies, or merely dumping the responsibility on Uncle Sam, who isn't in a long term position to continue as is. In case nobody noticed, Medicare is in big trouble already, and not just because of fraud.
2
Health care coverage for all american's is not simple and you raise some very important points -- I would add the cost of medical school. If it could be subsidized and if current loans could be reduced or forgiven, I bet we'd see a lot fewer useless tests and procedures done or meds being prescribed.
1
As someone else commented, we're not talking about Health Care here. We're talking about Health Reduction and Wealth Care.
1
An important element lost in this debate is that insurance is not the same as care. Ask any who has been denied treatment by some nameless, faceless insurance company representative who, having never seen the patient nor consulted with doctors who have, has decided some treatment is not medically necessary. Even under the ACA, even with a "gold" plan, it's only as good as your ability to fight the insurance companies for payment and win.
Profit-based health insurance pits the insurance company's profit motive against the needs of the consumer. You don't know what you will need until you get sick, and you don't know what you're going to receive until you're done fighting for payment. Republicans ideologs like to tout the benefits of market-based system, ignoring glaring market failures like this. But too many of us have learned upon trying to actually use our insurance to cover a serious illness that the system is deeply flawed.
Profit-based health insurance pits the insurance company's profit motive against the needs of the consumer. You don't know what you will need until you get sick, and you don't know what you're going to receive until you're done fighting for payment. Republicans ideologs like to tout the benefits of market-based system, ignoring glaring market failures like this. But too many of us have learned upon trying to actually use our insurance to cover a serious illness that the system is deeply flawed.
8
Healthcare is a virtual monopoly. It needs to be treated as such.
Presently, big Pharma and big Medicine are encouraged by Congress to charge whatever they want. As a result US healthcare is more expensive than any other comparable system.
Monopolies are illegal, but for obvious reasons healthcare is different. People don't go out shopping for the best price when they get sick.
So there need to be a single payer system with mandated price controls by a Congress who does not collect campaign graft for their votes. They need to be motivated to keep prices down, not to enhance their next campaign program.
Don't want to fix that? We'll be tinkering around the edges forever if we don't confront the root cause of the problem. Congress and graft. Enforced by the Citizen's united ruling.
Presently, big Pharma and big Medicine are encouraged by Congress to charge whatever they want. As a result US healthcare is more expensive than any other comparable system.
Monopolies are illegal, but for obvious reasons healthcare is different. People don't go out shopping for the best price when they get sick.
So there need to be a single payer system with mandated price controls by a Congress who does not collect campaign graft for their votes. They need to be motivated to keep prices down, not to enhance their next campaign program.
Don't want to fix that? We'll be tinkering around the edges forever if we don't confront the root cause of the problem. Congress and graft. Enforced by the Citizen's united ruling.
6
The Republicans have established a congressional death panel. Sarah Palin coined that term when she charged that Obamacare would create a death panel of bureaucrats who would decide whether Americans—such as her elderly parents or children with Down syndrome—were "worthy of medical care".
3
The Paul Ryan mindset is such that if you can't afford to buy health insurance or have it provided to you by your employer, then you deserve what you get. If that is death, well, so sorry for your loss. It really is that simple.
The free market health model only works if you are willing to let people die. But that doesn't seem to bother Mr Ryan or Mr McConnell or their minions too much, does it?
The free market health model only works if you are willing to let people die. But that doesn't seem to bother Mr Ryan or Mr McConnell or their minions too much, does it?
5
In Japan, the government controlled, single payer plan has given Japan the lowest infant mortality rate on the planet as well as the longest life spans.
Anybody home?
Despite their talk, it is quite clear that Republicans simply do not care about the health and well being of Americans - while they enjoy their own superb, government paid for, plan. Sickening.
Anybody home?
Despite their talk, it is quite clear that Republicans simply do not care about the health and well being of Americans - while they enjoy their own superb, government paid for, plan. Sickening.
6
Paul Shindler:
You assume facts not in evidence, namely that Japan has the lowest infant mortality rate on the planet BECAUSE of its government controlled single payer plan. The homogeneity of the population, high education level, diet, importance of family in the culture, etc may all be the reason why and the government controlled single payer system may have NOTHING to do with it. Do not conflate correlation and causality.
You assume facts not in evidence, namely that Japan has the lowest infant mortality rate on the planet BECAUSE of its government controlled single payer plan. The homogeneity of the population, high education level, diet, importance of family in the culture, etc may all be the reason why and the government controlled single payer system may have NOTHING to do with it. Do not conflate correlation and causality.
2
Great points for sure but I think you'd agree that just getting rid of the stress involved in worrying about health care makes people healthier. I get migraines from stress.
Are you saying the Japanese system is bad and a not a good model? What is your solution? What could be better? Enlighten us!
Are you saying the Japanese system is bad and a not a good model? What is your solution? What could be better? Enlighten us!
1
Paul Shindler:
I was not suggesting that the Japanese system was good, bad, or indifferent. I was merely pointing out that their low infant mortality rate may have nothing to do with their health care system. People tend to assume that correlation = causation and that is often simply not true.
Since you asked, I would favor a variant of the Swiss system. Everyone gets a bare-boned health insurance by virtue of being a citizen and if you want more you pay for a private supplement. In the health care discussion too many people favor eliminating "profit" from health care, as if it were a dirty word. Well, it isn't, and it is what drives innovation. As an aside, none of this addresses lowering the cost of health care which is a separate but related issue. This simply addresses access.
I was not suggesting that the Japanese system was good, bad, or indifferent. I was merely pointing out that their low infant mortality rate may have nothing to do with their health care system. People tend to assume that correlation = causation and that is often simply not true.
Since you asked, I would favor a variant of the Swiss system. Everyone gets a bare-boned health insurance by virtue of being a citizen and if you want more you pay for a private supplement. In the health care discussion too many people favor eliminating "profit" from health care, as if it were a dirty word. Well, it isn't, and it is what drives innovation. As an aside, none of this addresses lowering the cost of health care which is a separate but related issue. This simply addresses access.
You are right about the house. Republicans could afford to lose app. 23 votes.
Even then the bill passed by one or two votes.
In the Senate though it is only two votes they can afford to lose re republicans.
All the republicans amendments are basically re arranging the deck chairs on the titanic re bringing our health care back to the middle ages.
Lincoln was two votes short, shortly before passing the amendment to end slavery in 1865. He was able to get them and end the scourge of slavery.
McDonnell needs to lose only two republicans to bring us back to the middle ages re health care.
Amazing.
Even then the bill passed by one or two votes.
In the Senate though it is only two votes they can afford to lose re republicans.
All the republicans amendments are basically re arranging the deck chairs on the titanic re bringing our health care back to the middle ages.
Lincoln was two votes short, shortly before passing the amendment to end slavery in 1865. He was able to get them and end the scourge of slavery.
McDonnell needs to lose only two republicans to bring us back to the middle ages re health care.
Amazing.
1
To paraphrase.. There is nothing better than Obamacare, except for all the others.
Please stop being coy. Obama and the elitists want what they always wanted government controlled health care to subjugate the masses. The wealthy and connected will always get the best, as they do now, the rest will get rationing, inferior and unavailable medical attention based on money the government can't steal and use for it's own bloated pay and benefits.
At least we now see the grievous results of a despicable soulless president from Harvard who denigrated work and effort and elevated sloth and victim hood.
It's not art or even science it's greed and it will be with us forever.
Please stop being coy. Obama and the elitists want what they always wanted government controlled health care to subjugate the masses. The wealthy and connected will always get the best, as they do now, the rest will get rationing, inferior and unavailable medical attention based on money the government can't steal and use for it's own bloated pay and benefits.
At least we now see the grievous results of a despicable soulless president from Harvard who denigrated work and effort and elevated sloth and victim hood.
It's not art or even science it's greed and it will be with us forever.
1
Let's deal with the NYT's central point - Medicaid:
"It [Senate version] would greatly weaken Medicaid, a program that many in the party have long despised." People who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Look at the history of Medicaid since the Great Society in 1965. Even years later, about 1/3 of states had not expanded Medicaid.
https://kaiserfamilyfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/8349.pdf
The rationale is clear. Medicaid was always intended as a 50/50 partnership between the States and Feds. And the state portion is more than half the budget in many states. That's paid by real people - since except for states like CA or NY - the tax system in most states is quite flat; everyone pays. If we do want to expand Medicaid, doesn't it make sense to keep this arrangement ? Isn't this an honest reflection of the idea that we're all in this together ?
By contrast, Obama tried to force a one-size-fits-all approach to Medicaid (which even the liberals on the Supreme Court rejected in NFIB v Sebelius). And by paying for 95% of this, he appears generous, but the reality is this is sidestepping broad responsibility by using taxes on just a sliver of the population and debt left to our children.
Sure, the result will be that some states will choose not to expand Medicaid. And yes, some will lack insurance. But those states will also tend to have lower taxes and regulation - where much of our jobs are coming from. Isn't this a choice people should have ?
"It [Senate version] would greatly weaken Medicaid, a program that many in the party have long despised." People who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Look at the history of Medicaid since the Great Society in 1965. Even years later, about 1/3 of states had not expanded Medicaid.
https://kaiserfamilyfoundation.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/8349.pdf
The rationale is clear. Medicaid was always intended as a 50/50 partnership between the States and Feds. And the state portion is more than half the budget in many states. That's paid by real people - since except for states like CA or NY - the tax system in most states is quite flat; everyone pays. If we do want to expand Medicaid, doesn't it make sense to keep this arrangement ? Isn't this an honest reflection of the idea that we're all in this together ?
By contrast, Obama tried to force a one-size-fits-all approach to Medicaid (which even the liberals on the Supreme Court rejected in NFIB v Sebelius). And by paying for 95% of this, he appears generous, but the reality is this is sidestepping broad responsibility by using taxes on just a sliver of the population and debt left to our children.
Sure, the result will be that some states will choose not to expand Medicaid. And yes, some will lack insurance. But those states will also tend to have lower taxes and regulation - where much of our jobs are coming from. Isn't this a choice people should have ?
2
The time for repeal and replace is here. The answer is a single payer system which covers maternity care, contraception, drug addiction treatment, with eligibility for all regardless of pre-existing condition. The program would cover everyone including those on Medicare presently. For those on Medicare nothing would change, those who wish to enter supplemental coverage programs through private insurers can do so thus reducing their deductibles etc. For lower income families the size of deductibles for ER visits and outpatient visits would be based on a sliding scale with very low deductibles for in the poverty level. Wealthier individuals would pay the highest deductibles but could get supplement insurance from private insurers just like Medicare recipients. For those who are employed the benefits would be the same and employers would have the option of paying for the supplemental private insurance to reduce the deductibles for their employees. To pay for this single payer program there would need to be an increase in income taxes which would be graduated according to income. This tax would change yearly to make it budget neutral and not addive to our deficit.
171
If only Congress would listen to our community of health care providers, remember the mess that healthcare was and how we got where we are (the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, passed in 1985, requiring that hospitals treat all individuals in need of emergency care regardless of their insurance status and the Disproportionate Share Hospital payments to reimburse hospitals a part of the cost), and do what is right. The notion that we cannot afford this as a nation is complete fabrication by the wealthiest families in America.
1
Dr. Cohen,
Raising taxes? Republicans see no reason to pay taxes, let alone raise them.
As a healthcare provider, too, it is difficult for us to understand how leaders of this country really don't mind people's suffering, isn't t it? But the one who takes the cake is Secretary of Health and Human Services, Doctor Tom Price, the big ACA opposer. It must be difficult for you, Dr. Cohen, to even think of Price in the same profession.
I don't know if Republicans were blind, that the ACA actually helped millions of people, or they just never did care, and still don't.
MIMA
Raising taxes? Republicans see no reason to pay taxes, let alone raise them.
As a healthcare provider, too, it is difficult for us to understand how leaders of this country really don't mind people's suffering, isn't t it? But the one who takes the cake is Secretary of Health and Human Services, Doctor Tom Price, the big ACA opposer. It must be difficult for you, Dr. Cohen, to even think of Price in the same profession.
I don't know if Republicans were blind, that the ACA actually helped millions of people, or they just never did care, and still don't.
MIMA
2
Both parties have failed miserably to bring affordable - accessible healthcare to the American people. Rather than exploring the approach taken by literally every developed country (UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, etc...) to finance healthcare (single payor government sponsored) we struggle on with a for profit health insurance system which DOES NOT WORK! What happened to logical evidenced based analysis by the government to solve our collective problems. No real attempt to control costs have been put forward. We pay in some cases 3 times what other countries pay for prescription meds, many of which are developed right here at home. Hospitals use arcane pricing models that are designed to confuse and manipulate charges to health insurers and patients alike. We have allowed money in politics to stop our elected officials from doing what they know is logical and best for our healthcare system. It is very discouraging when so many other countries have figured this out. We are indeed prisoners to a broken political process and it is costing us in many ways.
4
The healthcare lobby is the biggest in Washington by a factor of four. There is no point in expecting Trump to do something that Obama refused to even allow Congress to discuss because of the power of the industry. If you listen to the news, it should be clear that no discussion about the monopolies in the industry and the laws that help create them will ever happen and "reform" is defined as finding more money to feed the industry. The bubble has to burst first. When people stop buying insurance in mass, then reform will become possible, but that may wait until the Federal government goes bankrupt.
2
I've lived in the US for the past 15 years, after spending my first 35 years in Canada. The Canadian national healthcare system is often criticized - and rightly so, we should always strive for better - but two facts can't be argued:
1. No Canadian family has ever gone bankrupt because a family member got sick, and
2. No Canadian has ever made a billion dollars off the illnesses of other people.
We have to get our priorities straight in this country that I love so much.
1. No Canadian family has ever gone bankrupt because a family member got sick, and
2. No Canadian has ever made a billion dollars off the illnesses of other people.
We have to get our priorities straight in this country that I love so much.
13
Always remember who the Republicans in Congress really represent. Who? Follow the money. All this McConnell "tinkering around the edges" has yet to affect the tax cuts which form the core, along with the gutting of Medicaid, of the Senate bill. So long as McConnell preserves a $700 Billion tax cut paid for by $770 Billion of Medicaid cuts, with all of it going to over-$250K incomes, there's little substance to any modifications. Changing from one odious form to a different, equally vile form, is not a triumph of legislative achievement.
4
Here's a question we should ask every republican who pretends that skyrocketing premiums and unsustainably high deductibles and copays are the basis for their plans to scrap a program that works for millions of Americans (leaving aside the fact that they demanded repeal long before there were any skyrocketing premiums or unsustainably high copays and deductibles): How many people, in actual numbers, are affected by skyrocketing premiums (those that the GOP claim have doubled and tripled) and unsustainably high deductibles and copays (of the sort that put seeking health care out of the reach of those covered)? Is it 22M? Is it approaching anywhere near 22M? Is it even half that? A quarter? The follow up question is, of course, why would you enact legislation that will result in 22M fewer people having coverage because the current system materially adversely impacts a million or two people, if that. The tradeoff doesn't seem reasonable. Unless, of course, there's an ulterior motive. Like tax cuts for the rich, for example. And while we're at it, let's ask the GOP grim reapers what the system that preceded the ACA was like in the individual and small group markets. Didn't premiums rise by double digit percentages year over year? Weren't deductibles and copays for those policies so high as to be prohibitive for all care other than catastrophic care? And most important, how does their plan lower premiums/deductibles and copays while delivering meaningful benefits to insureds?
3
Oscar, you are much too logical to be part of the debate.
Why aren't people bring up all the Healthcare related jobs that will be lost with each one of these people lose Healthcare. The general rule is about 1 job for every 6 people is created.
I live in a state that hasn't expanded Medicare, but I see who staffing increases to cover just the ACA increase of 400,000 in Ga. EVerytime I go to the drugstore I see that they have added at least 4 pharamacy techs ( or doubled their staff). They increased the hours of the pharmacy to 6am to 12:00 am. They have added 1-2 pharmacists to cover this increase. They are pushing flu, and shingles vaccines on everyone because they know the ACA has covered them.
Then the annual breast exam, at the hospital for mammography the waiting room and the time to get an appointment has just exploded.
The large pediatric practice my daughter works at just added two Nurse Practisionors, a regular nurse, and several nursing techs, lab workers and billing folks. They also recently closed the practice to new patients other than newborns. They do not physically have the room to expand for more staff. They would have to have known stability to move their office space. KAiser who they are not apart of has taken over the 4 upper floors of the medical building they are in.
I live in a state that hasn't expanded Medicare, but I see who staffing increases to cover just the ACA increase of 400,000 in Ga. EVerytime I go to the drugstore I see that they have added at least 4 pharamacy techs ( or doubled their staff). They increased the hours of the pharmacy to 6am to 12:00 am. They have added 1-2 pharmacists to cover this increase. They are pushing flu, and shingles vaccines on everyone because they know the ACA has covered them.
Then the annual breast exam, at the hospital for mammography the waiting room and the time to get an appointment has just exploded.
The large pediatric practice my daughter works at just added two Nurse Practisionors, a regular nurse, and several nursing techs, lab workers and billing folks. They also recently closed the practice to new patients other than newborns. They do not physically have the room to expand for more staff. They would have to have known stability to move their office space. KAiser who they are not apart of has taken over the 4 upper floors of the medical building they are in.
5
This bill makes it clear who Senators are trying to please--not their constituents, who voted them into office, but the rich campaign donors who made their candidacy possible in the first place. This is a fundamental breakdown of the democratic process and an illustration of why voting another party into office will not fix the problem. As long as elected representatives are more concerned with the opinion of their donors than with that of their constituents, they will never (or rarely) truly serve the public.
6
Add to "rich campaign donors" the following specificities: "mostly male Anglo-American titans of oil and gas industries, agribusiness, CEOs of global corporations, finance and hedge fund capitalists, and tech billionaires, and you get an even clearer and more lurid picture of "who rules" the United States. Electoral democracy is a sham (for so many reasons) and so is the notion that we operate under a two party system that actually forwards the interests of ordinary people whom it claims variously to represent. Having moved from classes (i.e. entities with articulated interests that are differentiated and negotiated within organs of government by elected politicians) to masses (i.e. alternately gullible isolationists and cynical participants in conformist movements of the undifferentiated) -- manipulated by crackpots, racists, nativists, sexists, hypocrites, fools, and the tools of plutocrats -- we are now more or less "governed" by hand-picked, easily panicked instruments of the autocratic, anti--democratic, klepto-nepto-despots who demand fealty to individual wealth and power.
A few of them might be good at theater; but don't count on any of the Republican Senators, whether "moderate" (ha ha) or arch-conservative, who are currently being lauded for their opposition to McConnell's rancid bill, to actually vote against it. Anyone want to bet?
A few of them might be good at theater; but don't count on any of the Republican Senators, whether "moderate" (ha ha) or arch-conservative, who are currently being lauded for their opposition to McConnell's rancid bill, to actually vote against it. Anyone want to bet?
1
Look, as long as we continue to provide healthcare via for-profit insurance programs, we will continue to have the worst healthcare in the industrialized world, and more than that, we will have a weakened nation. When millions have to make choices between their health, food, housing, and transportation, often foregoing one or more of these necessities, they cannot put their full energy into making themselves and others stronger.
But both the Republicans and Democrats have bought into the false idea that a market-based approach is workable. The only way that it can work is by providing subsidies to those millions who cannot afford "what the market will bear". This is simply a band-aid approach, and subject to the whims of politics and profit margins. The only real solution, and the simplest, is to adopt Medicare For All, where everyone - rich, poor, and the great middle class - gets decent healthcare; while those who choose to and can afford it, can purchase supplemental plans. That is where "the market" has a role.
As Americans we should accept nothing less than Medicare For All, that is the ONLY solution.
But both the Republicans and Democrats have bought into the false idea that a market-based approach is workable. The only way that it can work is by providing subsidies to those millions who cannot afford "what the market will bear". This is simply a band-aid approach, and subject to the whims of politics and profit margins. The only real solution, and the simplest, is to adopt Medicare For All, where everyone - rich, poor, and the great middle class - gets decent healthcare; while those who choose to and can afford it, can purchase supplemental plans. That is where "the market" has a role.
As Americans we should accept nothing less than Medicare For All, that is the ONLY solution.
10
Political theater is common in Congress. Every month, one party or the other sponsors legislation that hasn't a chance of passing but is popular among some or most voters. The purpose is to get an upper hand during the upcoming campaign. The Republicans do this with draconian spending cuts. The Democrats do it with expensive social programs. This is politics as usual in Congress.
I would have thought that cutting 22 million insured would have doomed the Republican health bill from the start. But it apparently appeals to Republicans who oppose some or all of the ACA. As popular as the ACA is, there are substantial cost issues and big government issues and these are attractive campaign issues for conservative Republicans. Still, this bill is not standard posturing because it seems to have an outside shot of passing if major modifications are made.
A menu of costly modifications would be expensive and unattractive to Republicans who simply don't care that much about passing a new and viable bill. They may be getting closer to passing a bill, but they don't care as much as they say. It's a monumental and expensive task to reform the ACA. And health care for Americans is not important enough to Republicans. Otherwise, why would they be cutting 22 million insured? I believe the Republican bill will fail and Republicans won't much care.
I would have thought that cutting 22 million insured would have doomed the Republican health bill from the start. But it apparently appeals to Republicans who oppose some or all of the ACA. As popular as the ACA is, there are substantial cost issues and big government issues and these are attractive campaign issues for conservative Republicans. Still, this bill is not standard posturing because it seems to have an outside shot of passing if major modifications are made.
A menu of costly modifications would be expensive and unattractive to Republicans who simply don't care that much about passing a new and viable bill. They may be getting closer to passing a bill, but they don't care as much as they say. It's a monumental and expensive task to reform the ACA. And health care for Americans is not important enough to Republicans. Otherwise, why would they be cutting 22 million insured? I believe the Republican bill will fail and Republicans won't much care.
2
What could be more important to our existence than a healthy population? The costs of not having one is immense. This is understood by all developed countries except ours.
Must have something to do with our government no longer giving a hoot about constituents as it spends most of its time raising money for the next election cycle or on vacation.
I propose putting them all on a health plan and the current minimum wage in their state. Maybe that would make them think of us once in a while.
Must have something to do with our government no longer giving a hoot about constituents as it spends most of its time raising money for the next election cycle or on vacation.
I propose putting them all on a health plan and the current minimum wage in their state. Maybe that would make them think of us once in a while.
15
Michael, Americans used to make choices based on their impact on the future, on the world their kids will inherit. Even industry and banks invested in the future with schools, hospitals, the Interstate Highway (though that was a Military investment). Even Blue Cross/Blue Shield was humane insurance! Today, if the Stock Market does not provide immediate financial ROI, nobody is interested. Will it take a repeat of the Great Depression to kick-start reasonable decisions? I hope not. But something's got to give.
Cars are like people, anthropomorphically speaking. Cars and their drivers need auto insurance. People should not need insurance to be able to obtain excellent health care. A long time ago the United States was left behind while other rich countries deduced that health care is a human right and designed health care systems for their citizens. These days I ponder with a heavy heart all of the other ways we are being left behind by other countries.
Health care. I cannot think of another issue more important for all Americans. It is the most important domestic issue of our time. It's absurd to believe or hope that the present leaders in our government are going to figure it out. So it won't be figured out ... again.
That's bad. The longer we go on like this, the more our society comes apart. The Republicans have no vision for what a great American society should look like; they only have iron, dogmatic rules about the role of government.
Today I see another NY Times article about lawmakers who want to loosen gun laws following the shooting of a congressman in Alexandria, Virginia. I would ask them this: Did you learn nothing from the Alexandria shooting? I predict more violence in the years to come as people suffer and die as a result of their negligence and greed.
Health care. I cannot think of another issue more important for all Americans. It is the most important domestic issue of our time. It's absurd to believe or hope that the present leaders in our government are going to figure it out. So it won't be figured out ... again.
That's bad. The longer we go on like this, the more our society comes apart. The Republicans have no vision for what a great American society should look like; they only have iron, dogmatic rules about the role of government.
Today I see another NY Times article about lawmakers who want to loosen gun laws following the shooting of a congressman in Alexandria, Virginia. I would ask them this: Did you learn nothing from the Alexandria shooting? I predict more violence in the years to come as people suffer and die as a result of their negligence and greed.
11
Thank you for this clear-headed analysis of the Republican game. "Tinkering around the edges" is how we got the mess we had before the ACA that made the ACA necessary. We have never had a real "system." Governments, federal, state and local, have just been playing "whack a mole" with the insurance companies and spending tax dollars to provide the medical care that so many cannot afford on their own. If this Republican tinkering becomes law, Congress will be back four years from now trying to fix it with more tinkering. Healthcare will remain a divisive campaign issue forever and Americans will never know peace of mind. It is not asking too much of the wealthiest and most humane nation in history to provide that peace of mind. What good are all our freedoms, rights and economic opportunities if we are too sick, hurting or disabled to work, care for our families, and enjoy life? If paying for one major life-saving surgery can rob us of everything we've worked for? It is long overdue for Americans to demand a real system. The first step is voting Republicans out of office at every level and electing representatives who care about people over profits. As much as I would like to believe a few Republicans have a conscience and compassion that overcomes their allegiance to their party's ideology, we should not trust them with our loved ones' lives.
6
Wealthiest, yes. Most humane--not anymore, if we ever were.
1
and the main problem is that hospitals and doctors can charge basically anything they want to. insurance companies make a lot of money and the hospitals doctors and big pharma are taking us to the cleaners.
Why do we keep restructuring the house of cards that is American healthcare using the same cards...what if, when all of them were lying flat, we removed the card labeled insurance? What if we worked more specifically to lower drug costs? What if we emphasized HEALTH care instead of SICK care? I know the easy answer to these questions is "money," but what if we set that aside, where it belongs when we're creating something new and substantial, and looked for more challenging, compassionate, and imaginative answers?
4
Raise my taxes, I keep telling them. Raise taxes on everyone who is comfortably off. Better to pay taxes and get assured health care than to pay premiums that only protect you as long as you don't forget to pay.
2
When you take the simple equation of capitalism to anything you will have losing proposition for the customer over time. Once the profit center model is created all activity will bow to that income statement.
Here there is an effort to disrupt the 'revenue' side (actual healthcare billings thru cuts in usage & subsidies) for the tax cuts to the rich.
But more insidiously is the redefining of health insurance to the more profitable high-deductible model. Customer pays for a plan that has little benefits, sorta like those warranties sold when you buy a gadget or appliance. This is the real systemic win for health insurers that will destroy the healthcare outcomes, none of which the profit model cares about.
And the politicians/supporters will call it healthcare. You know it will be like calling fast food nutritious.
Here there is an effort to disrupt the 'revenue' side (actual healthcare billings thru cuts in usage & subsidies) for the tax cuts to the rich.
But more insidiously is the redefining of health insurance to the more profitable high-deductible model. Customer pays for a plan that has little benefits, sorta like those warranties sold when you buy a gadget or appliance. This is the real systemic win for health insurers that will destroy the healthcare outcomes, none of which the profit model cares about.
And the politicians/supporters will call it healthcare. You know it will be like calling fast food nutritious.
4
Republican math:
Ted Cruz says there are only 3-4 million Americans with pre-existing conditions.
Prior to the passage of the ACA, I couldn't get insurance for less than $6000 a year, due to having hypertension. I am one of 75 million Americans with this condition.
The solution of this math problem may be worthy of inclusion in Sam Lloyd's collection.
Here you go:
Assume Cruz misspoke and he actually meant 300-400,000 with pre-existing conditions.
Add 75 million people with hypertension, + 25 million with other assorted pre-existing conditions.
subtract the "takers" - 100 million minus 99,700,000 (give or take a few) takers.
That leaves 300-400,000 makers, the top 1%.
Problem solved!
Become one of the "makers" or "job producers" and you too will be worthy of good health insurance.
See, if you don't have a heart, Republican math is easy.
Ted Cruz says there are only 3-4 million Americans with pre-existing conditions.
Prior to the passage of the ACA, I couldn't get insurance for less than $6000 a year, due to having hypertension. I am one of 75 million Americans with this condition.
The solution of this math problem may be worthy of inclusion in Sam Lloyd's collection.
Here you go:
Assume Cruz misspoke and he actually meant 300-400,000 with pre-existing conditions.
Add 75 million people with hypertension, + 25 million with other assorted pre-existing conditions.
subtract the "takers" - 100 million minus 99,700,000 (give or take a few) takers.
That leaves 300-400,000 makers, the top 1%.
Problem solved!
Become one of the "makers" or "job producers" and you too will be worthy of good health insurance.
See, if you don't have a heart, Republican math is easy.
9
It may be helpful to point out that $321 billion in budget savings over a decade is about 3.4% of the $9,400 billion CBO estimated will be added to the debt over the next decade.
In technical medical terms, this is a relatively large pimple on the behind of the budget.
For scale, the top 1% get $250 billion per year in tax expenditures (i.e., deductions, exemptions, and preferential tax rates).
In technical medical terms, this is a relatively large pimple on the behind of the budget.
For scale, the top 1% get $250 billion per year in tax expenditures (i.e., deductions, exemptions, and preferential tax rates).
5
The current Senate healthcare debate indicates democracy is on the wane and U.S. citizens are now enmeshed within a system of competitive authoritarian rule. It further indicates that the Republicans believe they are on the verge of winning this competition.
Two-party competitive authoritarianism is:
~a polarized system in which the two major parties compete for donor dollars and base support and, when in power, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole;
~a system wherein the trappings of democracy--a constitution, separation of powers, elections--remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions, primarily through the influence of money in politics, are severely weakened;
~a system wherein government officials--by extreme secrecy, by unprecedented uses of procedural rules, by obstructionism and by abandoning all semblance of rational debate--abuse state power to aid their allies and disadvantage their adversaries;
~a system in which the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored and abuses of power go well beyond those associated with traditional patronage.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch "Machiavelli" McConnell is the Grand Master of this anti-democratic competitive game. He--along with far too many other American politicians--recognizes but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of myself, my party, its base and its donors—justifies the means.
Two-party competitive authoritarianism is:
~a polarized system in which the two major parties compete for donor dollars and base support and, when in power, impose the policies favored by donors and base on the citizenry as a whole;
~a system wherein the trappings of democracy--a constitution, separation of powers, elections--remain in place, but in which democratic norms are undermined and democratic institutions, primarily through the influence of money in politics, are severely weakened;
~a system wherein government officials--by extreme secrecy, by unprecedented uses of procedural rules, by obstructionism and by abandoning all semblance of rational debate--abuse state power to aid their allies and disadvantage their adversaries;
~a system in which the considered preferences of the majority of citizens are ignored and abuses of power go well beyond those associated with traditional patronage.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch "Machiavelli" McConnell is the Grand Master of this anti-democratic competitive game. He--along with far too many other American politicians--recognizes but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of myself, my party, its base and its donors—justifies the means.
16
America is realizing it's time for single-payer. There Republicans are going in the opposite direction.
We will get there, eventually.
We will get there, eventually.
10
ck, I don't have your confidence. This is like the gun debate: We know for sure a lot of people will die, but it doesn't really matter because the profit motive is all - and freedom from everything except fear.
Sunday's Face the Nation featured Sen. Cruz stating that only 3-4 million Americans out of 330 M have pre-existing conditions, a bizarre statement in absolute ignorance of the facts apparent in current medical practice. There are 29 million with diabetes alone, 40M with arthritis, 75M with hypertension, 14M with cancer diagnoses all of which will be used by insurance companies to eliminate care associated with these conditions if they are allowed to do so, or at least to astronomically raise premiums for these populations. His sole goal is to "lower premiums," which he plans to achieve by allowing policies that exclude anything like medical care essentially--stripped down policies that fail to cover actual medical events. Bizarre and terrifying indeed. Such logic cannot be allowed to succeed.
49
You left out overweight; that is also preexisting, and the percentage of overweight Americans is astronomical.
4
Ted Cruz does not make factual or reality based statements, he is incapable of it. Having willingly sold his humanity for "thirty pieces of silver" to have a shot the brass ring (POTUS) he is incapable of formulating anything to help his constituents, only his donors. What a sad excuse for a human being, but that goes for the majority of the crowd he hangs with (GOP Senators).
The question which needs an answer before any real progress can be gained in this health care debate is this: Are there things in American life which are so basic a part of it—like every American being in generally good health—that we must collectively help each other out to see that all of us are in fact in good health? Is a pledge to collectively maintain our armed forces any different, really, than pledging to take care of each other?
Leaving health care to be administered by companies whose goal is not to see that the sick are cured, but rather to simply make a profit has resulted in the mess we're in. Health care and our willingness to not deprive *anyone* of it is a moral act of the highest order.
We must abandon the notion that private industry can do that job. It can't and it never will. Only we ourselves, in the form of our government, can do this work effectviely and, frankly efficiently.
Medicare for all.
Leaving health care to be administered by companies whose goal is not to see that the sick are cured, but rather to simply make a profit has resulted in the mess we're in. Health care and our willingness to not deprive *anyone* of it is a moral act of the highest order.
We must abandon the notion that private industry can do that job. It can't and it never will. Only we ourselves, in the form of our government, can do this work effectviely and, frankly efficiently.
Medicare for all.
26
If one were cruel enough like Republicans, one might wish they got their wish getting their so-called AHCA passed. Then and only then their constituents could enjoy the bitter harvest of their own making.
Alas, then one would be a schadenfreude! Besides, a society or a country can only be good when all the inhabitants are well. So pragmatically, the society can only do well when everyone is well
Alas, then one would be a schadenfreude! Besides, a society or a country can only be good when all the inhabitants are well. So pragmatically, the society can only do well when everyone is well
8
The health of the American people writ large now lays bare on the political operating table. It does not belong there. We spend more and have poorer health outcomes than smaller less wealthy democracies that have instituted many variations of "single payer" systems. While no system is perfect, our present system is worse than most, and is financially unsustainable.
Yes health care is expensive, and more so here in the US where "profit"is the key ingredient. Whether we speak of the ~20% expense overlay of the health insurance industry, the gift of tax-funded medical research to private for-profit corporations, or the inability of politicians to refrain from accepting "donations" from lobbyists, our free-enterprise view of healthcare prohibits major cost saving.
The politics of the Right believing in minimal government are incompatible with any reform effort. "Public Health," as generally understood, requires public funding... anathema to the politics of the right.
The People demand progress in health care. Unfortunately the Party in power is seemingly incapable of providing a good outcome. I'm afraid the patient will die on the table.
Yes health care is expensive, and more so here in the US where "profit"is the key ingredient. Whether we speak of the ~20% expense overlay of the health insurance industry, the gift of tax-funded medical research to private for-profit corporations, or the inability of politicians to refrain from accepting "donations" from lobbyists, our free-enterprise view of healthcare prohibits major cost saving.
The politics of the Right believing in minimal government are incompatible with any reform effort. "Public Health," as generally understood, requires public funding... anathema to the politics of the right.
The People demand progress in health care. Unfortunately the Party in power is seemingly incapable of providing a good outcome. I'm afraid the patient will die on the table.
13
It seems clear that the polity now must remove the offending party from power, in order to protect ourselves and our country. Do we have the will? Are we too busy being taken in by the deflections, the cruelty, the rhetoric and the snowflakes?
The comments and the news seem to indicate that the majority of American citizens do not support the efforts of congress to change the healthcare laws. Surveys also suggest that the majority of Americans do not support the president.
Given that arithmetic, has there been a wholesale defection of citizens away from supporting republicans since rhetoric met reality, or has the government been hijacked by a powerful subset of special interests? The popular numbers versus the extensive policy disagreements do not compute.
Given that arithmetic, has there been a wholesale defection of citizens away from supporting republicans since rhetoric met reality, or has the government been hijacked by a powerful subset of special interests? The popular numbers versus the extensive policy disagreements do not compute.
16
It sounds like Senate Republicans are proposing a bill structured like my cable TV-- with basic, standard and premium packages. And, by the way, exactly how they would like to structure the internet by revoking Net Neutrality rules.
To them, everything is a commodity, including health care, and the magic of the free market will provide all the necessary incentives for price control.
That worked well for cable, huh. Layered packages. Dividing us up into economic strati for health care.
Where will our esteemed Congress fall in this structure? Why, with premium packages, no doubt. That is, if they're even included in their own bill. They're not saying.
To them, everything is a commodity, including health care, and the magic of the free market will provide all the necessary incentives for price control.
That worked well for cable, huh. Layered packages. Dividing us up into economic strati for health care.
Where will our esteemed Congress fall in this structure? Why, with premium packages, no doubt. That is, if they're even included in their own bill. They're not saying.
9
Damaging the lives of so many Americans is a very high price to pay to get rid of the GOP leaders in Congress. Because all those Americans and their families will not vote for them again. Their boss Trump will make sure to point fingers at his party leaders when things go south.
Is there a committee in Congress trying to solve the issues and lower health care costs or that does not matter anymore?
Is there a committee in Congress trying to solve the issues and lower health care costs or that does not matter anymore?
7
Who pays more for life insurance, young people or old people? Who pays more for auto insurance, good drivers or bad drivers? Who pays more for homeowners insurance, people who own houses in areas with few risks or areas with a lot of serious risk? Insurance is all about "discriminating", meaning drawing distinctions, between risks.
The fundamental problem with Obamacare is that it grossly overcharges the young/healthier to cross subsidize grossly undercharging the older/sicker. Many of the healthiest young folks quite rationally refused to buy overpriced insurance. The key to getting more of them insured is getting their premiums down to a rational level. Dealing with how older people pay for their higher premiums is a different question.
Insurance, if it is insurance, not a stealth tax hike, should reflect risk and expected costs to be incurred.
The fundamental problem with Obamacare is that it grossly overcharges the young/healthier to cross subsidize grossly undercharging the older/sicker. Many of the healthiest young folks quite rationally refused to buy overpriced insurance. The key to getting more of them insured is getting their premiums down to a rational level. Dealing with how older people pay for their higher premiums is a different question.
Insurance, if it is insurance, not a stealth tax hike, should reflect risk and expected costs to be incurred.
4
You've just figured out why providing health care really doesn't fit in an insurance model. The need for increasing health care is largely a factor of aging. An insurance program can work fine for the risks of hail or flood, but it not a good fit for financing health care. Financing health care should have the goal the efficient allocation of resources. Oh, and forget your crying over younger people having to help pay the costs of older people. I remember as a child that many families moved aging parents into their homes and took care of them until they died. The young have ALWAYS had duty to help the old. This isn't a new concept. I pay an outrageous amount of property taxes to support our local schools and we have haven't had children in school for almost 30 years. We're all in this together or we cease to have a functioning society.
18
What you describe is, of course, completely voluntary on the part of the young. It is not compelled by the actions of our Federal government.
This comes down to asking yourself a very simple question: Do you want to have young, healthy, people in the insurance pool or not? If you do, premiums will need to be low enough to look reasonable. If you think you can bludgeon young people into buying overpriced insurance by imposing very large tax penalties, I wish you would point me to the politician who is foolhardy enough to suggest this. I'm not a political advisor but would think this a very bad way to pander.
This comes down to asking yourself a very simple question: Do you want to have young, healthy, people in the insurance pool or not? If you do, premiums will need to be low enough to look reasonable. If you think you can bludgeon young people into buying overpriced insurance by imposing very large tax penalties, I wish you would point me to the politician who is foolhardy enough to suggest this. I'm not a political advisor but would think this a very bad way to pander.
2
That’s silly and not quite true.
To opt our of ACA is $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, and for the first time every, health insurance is affordable and comprehensive . . . unless of course, you live in a red state with one or two insurers because Marco Rubio and other Republican legislators gutted the risk corridors that were to refund the health insurance companies over the first decade, and they were thrown into a crisis and left, or overcharge on premiums and deductibles now. Smart move!
The individual mandate was constructed so that older, not as healthy patients are NOT assigned to the very expensive high-risk pool insurance). It used to be unaffordable and wouldn’t cover pre-existing conditions for people with asthma, black lung disease, cancer, diabetes, or were simply aged and high-risk.
They were’t bad drivers, just a commodity for a free market product called health insurance.
ACA was a compromise to single-payer, which would take the profit motive out of healthcare because . . . well you can see why . . . by the fighting tooth and nail ACA receives even today, 17 red states not accepting Expanded Medicaid just to see Obamacare fail and the Senate on board to ripping healthcare away from 21 million Americans.
Medicare will be next on the chopping block.
To opt our of ACA is $695 per adult and $347.50 per child, and for the first time every, health insurance is affordable and comprehensive . . . unless of course, you live in a red state with one or two insurers because Marco Rubio and other Republican legislators gutted the risk corridors that were to refund the health insurance companies over the first decade, and they were thrown into a crisis and left, or overcharge on premiums and deductibles now. Smart move!
The individual mandate was constructed so that older, not as healthy patients are NOT assigned to the very expensive high-risk pool insurance). It used to be unaffordable and wouldn’t cover pre-existing conditions for people with asthma, black lung disease, cancer, diabetes, or were simply aged and high-risk.
They were’t bad drivers, just a commodity for a free market product called health insurance.
ACA was a compromise to single-payer, which would take the profit motive out of healthcare because . . . well you can see why . . . by the fighting tooth and nail ACA receives even today, 17 red states not accepting Expanded Medicaid just to see Obamacare fail and the Senate on board to ripping healthcare away from 21 million Americans.
Medicare will be next on the chopping block.
2
The only sensible statement in this editorial kvetch is that tinkering at the edges of health care is unlikely to make American healthcare any less dreadful. It's about the biggest mess one can imagine. Medicare, Medicaid, the healthcare components of Social Security, the ACA, employer-provided insurance and the state accretions -- could anything be more absurd? And less likely to bend the arc of a cost that is immensely beyond what anyone else in the world pays for it?
If Democrats AND Republicans can't get their acts together on this issue, a splinter party will emerge with the sensible solution and be empowered, and while we see them solve this one problem they'll probably also plunge us into global thermonuclear war and open our borders to all comers.
We need to rid ourselves of these pestilential, duplicative and unsustainable programs and replace them ALL with ONE program that provides basic healthcare -- not insurance -- to ALL Americans, beyond which additional services are obtainable through insurance on subsidized exchanges. Some call this "Medicare for all", but it's not, as the "basic" services would fall short of what Medicare pays for (80%, anyway) -- but the exchange subsidies for some classes would need to be heavy, to make the elderly whole for the loss of Medicare.
We will pay more for universal basic healthcare, but not as much as we would for a mere accretion to existing programs. And we could get on with other important priorities ... finally.
If Democrats AND Republicans can't get their acts together on this issue, a splinter party will emerge with the sensible solution and be empowered, and while we see them solve this one problem they'll probably also plunge us into global thermonuclear war and open our borders to all comers.
We need to rid ourselves of these pestilential, duplicative and unsustainable programs and replace them ALL with ONE program that provides basic healthcare -- not insurance -- to ALL Americans, beyond which additional services are obtainable through insurance on subsidized exchanges. Some call this "Medicare for all", but it's not, as the "basic" services would fall short of what Medicare pays for (80%, anyway) -- but the exchange subsidies for some classes would need to be heavy, to make the elderly whole for the loss of Medicare.
We will pay more for universal basic healthcare, but not as much as we would for a mere accretion to existing programs. And we could get on with other important priorities ... finally.
2
It would be more helpful if politicians would discuss the current problems and how to fix them. For many families - even of median family income levels - the high deductible costs of ACA exchange plans are unaffordable. In essence, they can't afford to use the healthcare they are compelled to purchase and they resent those who are "given" Medicaid where the government shares the first dollar of health care cost. In this case, Ted Cruz is correct about the problem even if he is wrong about the solution. Pouring more money into subsidies is a stop-gap answer at best. We need to focus on reducing the cost healthcare in substantial ways. Drug and treatment market price transparency might be something both parties could agree on. Offering Medicaid - perhaps with a modest per visit deductible - as an alternative plan at cost should be considered as it has far lower administrative costs than private plans. The same could be done for Medicare for those over 50. Deductible levels should increase with income and age (assuming people are able to save money as they grow older).
US healthcare costs are now over $10K per person per year and we will need the best ideas from both parties to avoid either going broke or leaving large numbers of people without care.
US healthcare costs are now over $10K per person per year and we will need the best ideas from both parties to avoid either going broke or leaving large numbers of people without care.
5
My dad used to have a soft-sell way of persuading me to do something (always in my best interests). He's say, "What are you knocking yourself out for, you could be doing (fill in the blank)."
What are we knocking ourselves out for? We could look across the pond and see a few models of a single-payer system or simply go with Medicare for All and adopt one. What is needed are politicians who are persuasive, who could explain how taxes would be less than what we already pay, and who are not beholden to the health insurance industry. It's in our best interest.
What are we knocking ourselves out for? We could look across the pond and see a few models of a single-payer system or simply go with Medicare for All and adopt one. What is needed are politicians who are persuasive, who could explain how taxes would be less than what we already pay, and who are not beholden to the health insurance industry. It's in our best interest.
16
Some of us have been working for "single payer" for many years. What if all the armchair philosophers who suggest this as a solution join a local health care reform organization and put some real elbow grease into getting this passed?
1. Educate yourself thoroughly on health care history, the current mess, and possible solutions so that you are armed with facts.
2. Educate the public by publishing op-ed pieces and organizing health care forums.
3. Educate and apply pressure to politicians with phone calls and letters.
4. Promote single payer candidates.
1. Educate yourself thoroughly on health care history, the current mess, and possible solutions so that you are armed with facts.
2. Educate the public by publishing op-ed pieces and organizing health care forums.
3. Educate and apply pressure to politicians with phone calls and letters.
4. Promote single payer candidates.
2
The key problems in the American system include: for profit hospital systems; for profit outpatient clinics; plus the insurance industry actually being the client and gatekeeper determining procedures, payments and patients covered.
The republicans fail to do anything about those issues.
The republicans fail to do anything about those issues.
18
The numbers break almost exactly where you'd expect. 17 percent approval rating. Republicans only represent the top 20 percent of the nation so the 83 percent disapproval is everyone left out to dry by this bill. 63 percent want to keep the A.C.A in some form. This number meshes nicely with Donald Trump's approval rating. The 37 percent that still approve of Trump are the only ones that want the A.C.A. gone entirely. As a result, the bill will pass or fail based on the opinion of about 3 percent of the country.
I really hope some Republicans can take a principled stand and back away from the ledge they're about to jump off. It's a long drop to the bottom.
I really hope some Republicans can take a principled stand and back away from the ledge they're about to jump off. It's a long drop to the bottom.
11
Given your arithmetic, how is it that republicans hold the majority in Congress? Have there been wholesale defections since rhetoric met reality?
I hope they enjoy the flight...it might be their last.
Back in 1803 Reverend Thomas Malthus, a free-market fundamentalist, recommended that wise and prudent officials alleviate the conditions of the "underclass" by increasing the mortality rate. Society's wise leaders should construct crowded housing, locate rural villages near polluted sites, and discourage the development of remedies for diseases.
Sen. McConnell is a tactician and an opportunist. The far greater threats to the nation's well-being are the GOP's many quasi-Malthusians.
Malthus is bracingly honest. Contemporary quasi-Malthusians like HHS Secretary Dr. Tom Price, Speaker Ryan and others are generally evasive.
These heirs of Malthus would never openly condone active measures to increase the mortality rate. Non-benign neglect, however, may well solve the "underclass" problem. Price's HHS agenda and Ryan's budget, working in tandem with EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt's anti-regulatory rampage, assure Malthusian outcomes.
Members of the “underclass,” by the laws of the real estate market, will increasingly live in crowded conditions and/or near polluted locations. By the laws of the healthcare market, many will be deprived of meaningful access to healthcare services. The mortality rate will increase.
It is sad, so sad, that the laws of the market place are every bit as inviolable as the law of gravity. It is also unfortunate that we have no parachutes, other than golden, to counter the negative consequences of those laws.
Sen. McConnell is a tactician and an opportunist. The far greater threats to the nation's well-being are the GOP's many quasi-Malthusians.
Malthus is bracingly honest. Contemporary quasi-Malthusians like HHS Secretary Dr. Tom Price, Speaker Ryan and others are generally evasive.
These heirs of Malthus would never openly condone active measures to increase the mortality rate. Non-benign neglect, however, may well solve the "underclass" problem. Price's HHS agenda and Ryan's budget, working in tandem with EPA Secretary Scott Pruitt's anti-regulatory rampage, assure Malthusian outcomes.
Members of the “underclass,” by the laws of the real estate market, will increasingly live in crowded conditions and/or near polluted locations. By the laws of the healthcare market, many will be deprived of meaningful access to healthcare services. The mortality rate will increase.
It is sad, so sad, that the laws of the market place are every bit as inviolable as the law of gravity. It is also unfortunate that we have no parachutes, other than golden, to counter the negative consequences of those laws.
9
Most of the comments on this article seem to believe that the effects of it will be felt by the voters before 2018. Everything I've read on the proposed bill seemed to indicate the the implementation of the bill will not be finalized until 2020. Therefore the 2018 election may not reflect any of the consequences of this bill.
6
There's implementation and then there's "anticipation" of implementation, which all the players, from insurance companies and hospitals to state legislatures and governors, will be addressing by way of getting ahead of this very rotten curve. Even if the electorate isn't doing the same, by 2018 the effects of these policies will already be circulating. Of course that doesn't mean this will change the fortunes of the Republicans up for reelection--locked in by gerrymandering and fueled by billionaires all things may well remain as they are, even amid catastrophe for the people of the United States.
5
Simple solution: vote the bums out.
9
If only. In our Congressional district the opposition party doesn't seem to be able to find a decent candidate to run against the entrenched Republican now occupying the seat. Our district is a microcosm of the opposition party's disarray nationwide.
1
In reality, the lawmakers who will make or break the Senate bill are centrist Republicans and lawmakers who represent states that expanded Medicaid under the A.C.A.
Centrist Republicans? Give me a break. How long will the media continue to enable Republicans in purple states to pretend they are moderate? They aren't. They haven't been for years. Remember the ACA negotiations? Democrats rejected their own party's ideas in favor of a Republican plan, accepted over 140 Republican amendments and held untold public hearings in order to secure the votes of supposedly moderate Republicans. They didn't get ONE Republican vote. ZERO. We heard the same nonsense about "House Republican moderates won't support extremism blah blah blah" regarding the AHCA and instead we saw solid, 100% Republican unity in support of that extremist abomination.
Wake up already. The GOP has degenerated into a party so extreme in it's partisanship, corruption and lust for power that even collaborating with a long time foreign foe in it's attack on our democracy and republic is alright with them as long as they profit politically from it. It's past time the press accepted this reality.
Centrist Republicans? Give me a break. How long will the media continue to enable Republicans in purple states to pretend they are moderate? They aren't. They haven't been for years. Remember the ACA negotiations? Democrats rejected their own party's ideas in favor of a Republican plan, accepted over 140 Republican amendments and held untold public hearings in order to secure the votes of supposedly moderate Republicans. They didn't get ONE Republican vote. ZERO. We heard the same nonsense about "House Republican moderates won't support extremism blah blah blah" regarding the AHCA and instead we saw solid, 100% Republican unity in support of that extremist abomination.
Wake up already. The GOP has degenerated into a party so extreme in it's partisanship, corruption and lust for power that even collaborating with a long time foreign foe in it's attack on our democracy and republic is alright with them as long as they profit politically from it. It's past time the press accepted this reality.
19
Let's stipulate a few things. It is not a health care bill. It is aimed at providing budget space for a tax cut. Mostly for the wealthiest among us. Since health care is also not a "market". we can safely say that the inevitable result is death and misery for many of the least fortunate among us. So, it is not merely a charade, but a cruel and unnecessary thing to do. Finally, it is bad for our economy. The most local and high value exchange of goods and services, immune to being outsourced and benefiting your community remains medical care delivery. Doing the right thing is good for all of us.
15
Conscientious lawmakers? In this country?
8
It is past time for Democrats to come up with an improved American Health Care act.
They need to keep the name "Obama Care" out of sight. Republicans hate the name.
They need to keep the name "Obama Care" out of sight. Republicans hate the name.
4
It is wort noting that the name Obamacare is just what Republican leaders decided to derisively call the Affordable Care Act in order to ensure that other Republicans, especially those that would be greatly benefitted by its passage would hate the law. It is a strategy that worked well. Many ill informed Republicans like the ACA but hate Obamacare not realizing that they are one and the same. Additionally the nickname Obamacare has been adopted by mainstream and democratic people as well further cementing its use. You can rely on the fact that any new law that doesnt go far enough to bring the countrys health insurance environment back to a pre-2010 state will be decried as an ineffective measure that leaves Obamacare in place. The nickname has been so wildly successful that many think it is the actual name -- news media uses it far more than its real name and it reliably gets Republicans, especially those given to racist sentiments, riled up. The Republican leadership will continue to use the name Obamacare for the foreseeable future and will no doubt seek to find new ways it can be used to damage other legislation they oppose. It is a multipurpose tool that both cuts and bludgeons and will be with us for a very long time.
1
Republican coined the term.
It was the Republicans that named the ACA "Obamacare". They thought it was a derisive term. The Dems co-opted it, but it might be wiser to not rub the Repubs faces in it.
Tho bill is terrible for America! It's immoral not to take care of the health of our people. RM
3
The sad part is that over 40 GOP Senators think this law is just what the doctor ordered (pun untended).
3
In the next edition of OED, next to the definition of huckster will be McConnell's photo.
4
Mitch McConnell and his tribe should come clean. Their vendetta against the ACA has more to do with the name it is known by, "Obamacare," than any opposition to what the ACA does.
McConnell could tinker with the ACA; act to sure up the insurance markets, increase the subsidies, then call the bill, "McConnellcare." Thus, the Republican tribe would be rid of President Obama's legacy and they could celebrate accomplishing what they have really wanted for 8 years.
McConnell could tinker with the ACA; act to sure up the insurance markets, increase the subsidies, then call the bill, "McConnellcare." Thus, the Republican tribe would be rid of President Obama's legacy and they could celebrate accomplishing what they have really wanted for 8 years.
3
There is only one way out...Medicare for all plus a private-public system such as they have in Australia or Germany or Canada. And as far as the insurance companies go, well, they profit from, and traffic in, peoples' agonies, and they don't deserve much sympathy.
But we have to go further...we can't merely oppose Trumpcare and all the various GOP deceptions. We should seize this moment, when health care is a hot public issues and remains the stuff of headlines. We have to propose solutions. Americans now are realize, as the populations of the rest of the civilized world understand, that health care is a human right. (Speaking of "Western Civilization" and its survival..you can't build a civilization on the dead.)
We have to educate voters--and the politicians-- as to the alternatives. Remove the Republican scales on our eyelids.
Will this happen overnight? No. It will be a long haul. But the time to start is now...carpe diem.
(Hey Democrats and the few uncompromised Republicans, I'm talkin' to you!)
But we have to go further...we can't merely oppose Trumpcare and all the various GOP deceptions. We should seize this moment, when health care is a hot public issues and remains the stuff of headlines. We have to propose solutions. Americans now are realize, as the populations of the rest of the civilized world understand, that health care is a human right. (Speaking of "Western Civilization" and its survival..you can't build a civilization on the dead.)
We have to educate voters--and the politicians-- as to the alternatives. Remove the Republican scales on our eyelids.
Will this happen overnight? No. It will be a long haul. But the time to start is now...carpe diem.
(Hey Democrats and the few uncompromised Republicans, I'm talkin' to you!)
4
When your initial point of design to craft a health care bill is "Lets cut taxes for the rich!" you will end up with a terrible bill. Every. Single. Time.
13
Sometimes a thing needs to really blow up to get peoples attention.
When the Republicans pass this disaster, they'll own it. The medical care space will collapse. Let it.
The Democratic party will then need to focus on just one issue: Single Payer. Let's see if we still have a Democracy.
When the Republicans pass this disaster, they'll own it. The medical care space will collapse. Let it.
The Democratic party will then need to focus on just one issue: Single Payer. Let's see if we still have a Democracy.
10
I want to agree but one thing Republicans have long done better than Democrats is using (overly) simple (and often deceptive) messaging. They focus-group slogans, names and talking points that are more effective than anything Democrats come up with and they get almost all members to stay on message. They effectively paint corporate welfare and ever lower taxes for the wealthy as lifting burdens that keep "job creators" from doing the hiring they so desperately wish to do. Giveaways to arms manufacturers (AKA defense contractors) who spend a fortune lobbying/making campaign contributions are cast as merely common sense protection against endless boogie men. Democrats could legitimately point out that the social safety net spending does more to stimulate the economy than top tier tax cuts that in truth just increase the holdings of people who already spend as much as they wish on their lifestyle and corporations that have so much cash stockpiled that they could hire as many workers as they wanted to if such a need or desire actually existed. But Democrats don't make such arguments nor do they sign on to the simple (simplistic) and effective messaging that would win elections. I haven't seen any Republican-created problems effectively laid at the feet of the GOP in such a long time that I can't believe it will happen until I see proof that it is already happening.
1
What would a skimpy plan that is cheaper to purchase cover?
Emergency care? No
Maternity care? Absolutely Not
Well care visits and vaccinations? No again
Cancer? Only if you choose that option. That's extra
Heart disease? Again extra
Diabetes? Extra
Dialysis? Are you nuts?
Zombie apocalypse? Covered!
Emergency care? No
Maternity care? Absolutely Not
Well care visits and vaccinations? No again
Cancer? Only if you choose that option. That's extra
Heart disease? Again extra
Diabetes? Extra
Dialysis? Are you nuts?
Zombie apocalypse? Covered!
12
I'm not sure what you are basing your "skimpy plan" information on...I couldn't find details by Googling. Although I personally favor single payer universal coverage, under the current situation the option of catastrophic coverage should not be dismissed out of hand. It actually is much closer to what we think of as "insurance" in other spheres. I find it hard to believe insurers couldn't make catastrophic plans that were actuarially sound without having to further raise premiums on more comprehensive coverage.
What befuddles the mind is how persistent McConnell, Ryan, and, of course, Trump are in passing a bill that will do more harm than good. What does it say about this greedy triumvirate and their sycophants who ignore not only the majority of Americans but also our physicians, nurses, and even hospitals? Do they not realize that this is no longer 2010 when the bill was first passed, and this law of the land has become part of our every day lives? Yes, it has its flaws, mainly its escalating premiums. But the basics are there awaiting tweaks which will improve it not destroy it.
But our pleading falls on deaf ears. We watch a president become putty in the hands of a Russian thug. We watch a senate leader and a speaker of the House line the pockets of their wealthy supporters at our expense. In only 6 months, we watch our nation and its people, us, step back in time. This group of so-called leaders, with absolutely no moral compasses, are a sorry, pathetic, and shameful lot.
But our pleading falls on deaf ears. We watch a president become putty in the hands of a Russian thug. We watch a senate leader and a speaker of the House line the pockets of their wealthy supporters at our expense. In only 6 months, we watch our nation and its people, us, step back in time. This group of so-called leaders, with absolutely no moral compasses, are a sorry, pathetic, and shameful lot.
9
I wonder how the likes of McConnell and Ryan react in private to the anger being reported at town meetings over Republican efforts to eviscerate the only health plan that puts people over profits. So many voters originally lacked the basic ingredients to vote for a party and a ticket that went counter to their own interests, could now be "seeing the light".
I was reminded of a line from Kipling's "Tommy":
"........an' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please; An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!"
I was reminded of a line from Kipling's "Tommy":
"........an' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please; An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!"
3
Why has it taken so long to write the words -- "this is a charade"? It has never been anything else, and behaving as if it is a real attempt at a decent plan has been the biggest lie of all.
8
"conscientious lawmakers" has become an oxymoron.
2
Mother bears, felines, canids, primates, and many species of rodents eat their young. The GOP seems content to do the same.
Right wing GOP politicians led by Mitch "American Lives Don't Matter" McConnell seem content to watch the poor saps who voted them into office suffer and die.
Right wing GOP politicians led by Mitch "American Lives Don't Matter" McConnell seem content to watch the poor saps who voted them into office suffer and die.
1
Bravo. This Editorial is spot on. Those who seeks the defeat of this bill or a modified version of it, are getting too comfortable with the thought that it will never pass. But the ultra-conservatives I doubt will ever go down as those that left the Obama Care in place while the rest of the party tried to kill it.
That leaves the centrists and here I fear that with $321B to work with, McConnell has enough fuel to buy them off one by one. The fact is that the list as noted in this Editorial is terribly short, missing some key GOP Senators (who often work across the aisle) that could ultimately make a difference (Graham & Mccain come to mind).
Round 1 (the House vote) went to defeating the ACA. Round 2 (the GOP Senate taking this up without any input or debate) when to defeating the ACA. Round 3 (the COD scoring) went to defending the ACA. Round 4 (the withdrawal of the vote in the Senate) went to defending the ACA. Round 5 (the post withdrawal public uprising) went to the ACA. Round 6 and beyond are yet to come. If you factor in 15 rounds in this bout, we are not even half-way through.
That leaves the centrists and here I fear that with $321B to work with, McConnell has enough fuel to buy them off one by one. The fact is that the list as noted in this Editorial is terribly short, missing some key GOP Senators (who often work across the aisle) that could ultimately make a difference (Graham & Mccain come to mind).
Round 1 (the House vote) went to defeating the ACA. Round 2 (the GOP Senate taking this up without any input or debate) when to defeating the ACA. Round 3 (the COD scoring) went to defending the ACA. Round 4 (the withdrawal of the vote in the Senate) went to defending the ACA. Round 5 (the post withdrawal public uprising) went to the ACA. Round 6 and beyond are yet to come. If you factor in 15 rounds in this bout, we are not even half-way through.
"The world's greatest deliberative body" - RIP
1
The market fairies will solve everything. Sleep well my fellow countrymen.
1
This is like the story of the scorpion and the turtle who gave it a ride across the river. When the turtle, now dying, asks the scorpion why it has returned the turtle's favor by stinging it, it responds, "It's just what I do. I am a scorpion after all." Of course the Republicans will repeal the ACA. It's just what they do. They are Republicans after all.
11
I cannot think of a more cynical, cruel, and repellent person than Mitch McConnell. What can you say about a person who uses their position of power to intentionally make life worse, and even kill, their fellow Americans?
Kentucky, what have you given us?
Kentucky, what have you given us?
7
The republicans want us to spend money so the people who give them money for the laws they want can continue to live off the American taxpayer. It's not about concern for the welfare of the people, it's a money grab pure and simple. McConnell and company want to roll back taxes for the wealthy, and destroying the health and education of this country is the only way to do it. If you can't write a big enough check to get their attention, they don't care about you. They Don't Care should be the slogan for this healthcare roll out, because that's what it boils down to.
1
None of this solves the real problem: escalating heath costs due to "market forces".
6
Watch carefully. Cruz and the conservatives are desperately trying to peel off the sickest so they would be politically unable to prevent future subsidy cutbacks.
This is no different than what was attempted when Conservatives suggested gay marriage should be "gay unions", virtually assuring a future loss of rights. Gays did not fall for this trap - and neither should all Americans who want to make sure health care will be there when they most need it!
This is no different than what was attempted when Conservatives suggested gay marriage should be "gay unions", virtually assuring a future loss of rights. Gays did not fall for this trap - and neither should all Americans who want to make sure health care will be there when they most need it!
3
The McConnell health care machinations are, in essence, well beyond euphemistic "charade". These immoral and amoral actors are eager participants in a legislative "dance of death", bargaining away the health futures, indeed survival, of millions of Americans as if they were merely engaged in compromises on a highway funding bill. Meanwhile, Pious Pence and his sycophantic band of evangelical religionists dutifully genuflect at the Republican legislative alter. This is an obscenity, period.
4
So Mitch & Co. will finally get rid of hated "Obamacare", repealing it just to purge the word "Obama" from American political lexicon, thereby keeping a campaign promise so old now that it should embarrass them. Despite that inconvenient fact they will crow about it endlessly in 2018 and 2020 to justify their reelection -- while the underlying problems that so-called "Obamacare" attempted to solve fester and grow and healthcare costs spiral out of control; always the principal problem. Spiraling costs, in turn, will blast open the path to a single-payer system, making it inevitable. It's that, or most of the nation will go without medical services. Pick your poison.
If Mitch & Co. are smart players they will embrace that, too. Otherwise, gone with the wind by 2028.
If Mitch & Co. are smart players they will embrace that, too. Otherwise, gone with the wind by 2028.
2
The GOP cannot and will not "Embrace" Single-Payer. It's ideologically impossible for them to do so.
And it's a primary reason why they abhor "ObamaCare". He enacted their PLAN.
For it's the GOP/Conservative alternative to the previous Librul/Democrats "Single Payer" plans of the past.
And it's a primary reason why they abhor "ObamaCare". He enacted their PLAN.
For it's the GOP/Conservative alternative to the previous Librul/Democrats "Single Payer" plans of the past.
1
@Mark:
Then most Americans will do without.
No free market exists for healthcare goods and services. I'm not referring to voluntary visits to GPs for an annual checkup. Should unfortunate circumstances put someone in an ER bed the bill quickly assumes gargantuan proportions, $20,000 a day, then $50,000, then $100,000. Patients strapped to a gurney or operating table are in no position to negotiate any deal. When Speaker Ryan talks about restoring a "free market" to health care through "competition" he is absurd.
Ryan is an ideologue in Congress too long to understand the real-world implications of what he advocates.
Another reason that patients can't negotiate is the opaque nature of the convoluted nexus of private commercial and financial interests they confront in that room. Who is the counter-party in any negotiation at the patient-level? The only interlocutor accessible to them is their health insurance provider. But these are middlemen. Their incentive is to cut costs by reducing the actual payout value of any insurance policy they sell. not negotiate the best possible deal for their clients. If anything, clients are adversaries. Clients get the shaft.
Republicans might reject government intervention on narrow ideological grounds, as Speaker Ryan does. But theirs' is a "Devil take the hindmost" social-Darwinist perspective most Americans reject. Furthermore, this problem will ultimately destroy the American nation. I doubt it will sit idly by while it happens.
Then most Americans will do without.
No free market exists for healthcare goods and services. I'm not referring to voluntary visits to GPs for an annual checkup. Should unfortunate circumstances put someone in an ER bed the bill quickly assumes gargantuan proportions, $20,000 a day, then $50,000, then $100,000. Patients strapped to a gurney or operating table are in no position to negotiate any deal. When Speaker Ryan talks about restoring a "free market" to health care through "competition" he is absurd.
Ryan is an ideologue in Congress too long to understand the real-world implications of what he advocates.
Another reason that patients can't negotiate is the opaque nature of the convoluted nexus of private commercial and financial interests they confront in that room. Who is the counter-party in any negotiation at the patient-level? The only interlocutor accessible to them is their health insurance provider. But these are middlemen. Their incentive is to cut costs by reducing the actual payout value of any insurance policy they sell. not negotiate the best possible deal for their clients. If anything, clients are adversaries. Clients get the shaft.
Republicans might reject government intervention on narrow ideological grounds, as Speaker Ryan does. But theirs' is a "Devil take the hindmost" social-Darwinist perspective most Americans reject. Furthermore, this problem will ultimately destroy the American nation. I doubt it will sit idly by while it happens.
I didn't say I didn't agree with you only that the GOP (ideologically) will never agree:):)
A "For Profit" industry is just that primarily, "for profit". And that's where we are as it concerns HealthCare (industry).
A "For Profit" industry is just that primarily, "for profit". And that's where we are as it concerns HealthCare (industry).
It's all about more dollars lining the pockets of the most powerful. Call it by any name you want, repeal and replace, repeal and sweeten, repeal and do t replace--the objective is the same.
It's a shameful bill and an attempt to pass it with more lies perpetrated and a sadly ignorant public.
There are too many people in the country who can't take the time to be informed or who get their information from Fox and Breitbart.
There's the real problem facing our healthcare and everything else.
It's a shameful bill and an attempt to pass it with more lies perpetrated and a sadly ignorant public.
There are too many people in the country who can't take the time to be informed or who get their information from Fox and Breitbart.
There's the real problem facing our healthcare and everything else.
3
The central problem in US health care financing is the exorbitant costs of medical tests and procedures. So far, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have dared to address this problem, despite the availability of models in other developed countries with comparable health outcomes but far lower costs. Rearranging revenue streams does not solve our problem, but rather perpetuates it, harming the country in the process.
3
McConnell , Ryan and Trump all need each other . The former two know that it will be a long time before the GOP controls all three branches of government again while Trump needs them to ignore the Russia collusion ( otherwise known as treason). The greatest threat to the country is not from Russia but from within.
7
I was 25 when my father became seriously ill with a ruptured brain abscess. Any politician who pushes the idea that younger, healthier people should be allowed to have less medical coverage than older people has no clue how quickly things can change whether one is young, middle aged, or older. My father went from being a young 54 year old man to an old man in 6 months. He had excellent health insurance but, if this had happened today, we would have nickeled and dimed to bankruptcy and we probably would have wound up with heart attacks due to all the stress that would have resulted from his illness, lost and denied claims, co-pays, deductibles, etc.
Politicians like to say that people abuse the health care system. What they don't say is that health insurance companies, hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, nursing homes, etc., all abuse patients and their families in order to get as much money out of them as possible for the least amount of care and cost to themselves. Our politicians are well insulated from the actual cost of health care just as they are from every other event that hurts Americans like unemployment. Scalise will never have to worry about bankruptcy from his medical care the way we would if we were shot. McConnell and the rest of the GOP in DC will get excellent care while denying us the opportunity. Pushing for a single payor universal access health care system hurts their donors and that's who they serve, not us.
Politicians like to say that people abuse the health care system. What they don't say is that health insurance companies, hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, nursing homes, etc., all abuse patients and their families in order to get as much money out of them as possible for the least amount of care and cost to themselves. Our politicians are well insulated from the actual cost of health care just as they are from every other event that hurts Americans like unemployment. Scalise will never have to worry about bankruptcy from his medical care the way we would if we were shot. McConnell and the rest of the GOP in DC will get excellent care while denying us the opportunity. Pushing for a single payor universal access health care system hurts their donors and that's who they serve, not us.
195
Hen3ry, your comments are always insightful. This time you are very moving, too, with your personal first hand experience.
1
As Senate Majority leaders come and go, they’re remembered in the halls of Congress more than anywhere else; a portrait, a statue -- if legacy justifies. Mitch has an opportunity to be part of something vital to Americana; a legacy that would endure outside of those halls; where there is much for him, also. Yet if he can't delver, that will linger, also. Let's hope that his latest rhetoric was his political-ego talking; intended to admonish our stand-up President for his go-it-alone (because he has to to deal with the truth.) foreign and other policies. As it seems the Senates crow dinner over Russia, is not digesting without discomfort.
3
I ask congress to represent your people not your pocketbooks since most of you are already millionaires. Yes, there are problems with The Affordable Care Act. but fix it and make it better instead of giving huge tax cuts to the very rich, including yourself, and more profit to the drug companies. What a disaster for the poor and middle class of this country if this passes. I am a white Vietnam era vet and retired and have voted Republican most of my life until Mr. McConnell said eight years ago that his number one goal was to make sure Obama was not re-elected. My god, he was your/our president. I have not voted Republican since and it looks like I made the right choice. You represent all the people, no matter their ancestry, not just yourself and special interests.
5
A Times' news item entitled "Which Party Was More Secretive in Working on Its Health Care Plan?" underscores the hypocrisy and subterfuge of the GOP on healthcare.
If Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and gang gave a whit about the physical and economic health of the American masses, they would be advocating for a single-payer system of the type that has succeeded in other democracies.
Even working to genuinely improve Obamacare would be far more than this continuing GOP chicanery that will only benefit the fat cats that Trump and Co. claim to be so against, but continually enrich more than ever.
If Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and gang gave a whit about the physical and economic health of the American masses, they would be advocating for a single-payer system of the type that has succeeded in other democracies.
Even working to genuinely improve Obamacare would be far more than this continuing GOP chicanery that will only benefit the fat cats that Trump and Co. claim to be so against, but continually enrich more than ever.
11
The Senators are mimicking with terminally ill McConnellcare the same problem that often occurs in end of life care in the United States: spending too much time and effort prolonging dying when a timely death is kinder and better.
At least nine Senators have shown more character in staying firm to date about the reality that the bill is simply unacceptable. Thank you to them!
Ted Cruz continues to be shameless about his destructiveness.
It is time to cut their loses and abandon the pretense. Get back to doing what should have happened 7 years ago: Fix some very real problems with ACA and call it a day.
At least nine Senators have shown more character in staying firm to date about the reality that the bill is simply unacceptable. Thank you to them!
Ted Cruz continues to be shameless about his destructiveness.
It is time to cut their loses and abandon the pretense. Get back to doing what should have happened 7 years ago: Fix some very real problems with ACA and call it a day.
2
"This all-out effort to sway votes is all the more shameful given how unpopular the bill is with Americans. Just 17 percent of the country approves of the legislation"
Does America have representative government or not? That's the only question here. In what fictional America does 17% support by the citizens yield a law that is supposed to be "of the people, by the people, and for the people"? Who do Republicans in Congress "represent"? What kind of private club do they imagine themselves running?
Does America have representative government or not? That's the only question here. In what fictional America does 17% support by the citizens yield a law that is supposed to be "of the people, by the people, and for the people"? Who do Republicans in Congress "represent"? What kind of private club do they imagine themselves running?
422
To know who Republicans in Congress represent, ask yourself why the huge Medicaid cuts are in the Senate and House bills. And ask yourself who benefits from the elimination of the ACA's taxes funding the Medicaid expansion. There, right there, is the answer to whom Congressional Republicans represent - the investor-class rich people with over-$250,000 incomes.
One where they are making money. One where their campaign contributors are making money.
This is an example where citizens should be able to enact legislation through national referendum and bypass Congress. Congress is owned by wealthy PACs run by billionaires and rich donors in the top 5%. The rest of us are NOT represented. We need to amend the Constitution to permit legislation by referendum.
Whatever gave the editorial board the impression that U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado qualifies as "centrist"?
6
As far as healthcare is concerned this country has truly gone mad. In what other advanced Western democracy do we find a small number of "haves" voting against the healthcare interests of millions of the "have nots" and yet still being supported by these same "have nots?" Not one! We are truly exceptional!
5
It's a simple matter of ego. Republicans must destroy the ACA and replace it with their own legislation so that they can take full credit for providing Americans with health care. Of course those of us who think know it was Obama and the Dems who delivered a working plan for universal care. The Reps, if their egos didn't get in the way, could easily save themselves if they simply decide to share the credit. Thus: Admit that The ACA is a good first attempt to insure Americans but there are problems that we (The Reps) will make it better. And then actually pass legislation that actually improves it for all parties involved.
1
Stop the political theatrics and get to work crafting bipartisan improvements to the ACA. Start by capping outrageous increases on insurance premiums.
1
When will the Times discover that not one of the Republican Senators it identifies is a "centrist Republican"?
On the contrary, the overwhelming evidence demonstrates that they all fit within one of the three types of Republican Senators: ultra-conservative, very conservative, and conservative.
It seems to me that the lesson for the Editorial Board is simply this; stop wishing and hoping for these individuals to stand up, they do not exist.
On the contrary, the overwhelming evidence demonstrates that they all fit within one of the three types of Republican Senators: ultra-conservative, very conservative, and conservative.
It seems to me that the lesson for the Editorial Board is simply this; stop wishing and hoping for these individuals to stand up, they do not exist.
3
The American masses are fighting the insurance companies, the drug companies and the hospitals. These company have shareholders. Need I say more?
Our government representatives are being legally bribed to uphold the interests of the shareholders of these industries. The American masses will never be given universal healthcare freely. I think it can be achieved state by state. Go California
Our government representatives are being legally bribed to uphold the interests of the shareholders of these industries. The American masses will never be given universal healthcare freely. I think it can be achieved state by state. Go California
5
GOP interests are property interests - he who has the gold, making the rules. That's the plain and simple truth.
The cost of heathcare could be reduced without ANY tinkering with the insurance industry. We could reduce costs AND go back to pre-ACA days... however I can bet you that none of my proposals would be that appealing to GOP interests, either:
1. Fix intellectual property laws so that drug co's cannot patent new analogues for old drugs with expired patents. That R&D write-off they get is supposed to be for innovative cures, not innovative greed.
2. Clean house at the FDA. No more pharma cronies who accept less than rigorous trials for new drugs, in order to speed profit-taking. No more incidents like with Vioxx or Fen-Phen.
3. Higher education reform. Qualified, intelligent people are not going to medical school but to b-school instead, because they won't have as much student debt while the earnings are comparable. This results in healthcare provider shortage, and higher prices per provider. Increase the supply by making it easier and more attractive to attend med school, even subsidize tuition for those specialties where the shortage is most acute such as gerontology, psychiatry.
4. Malpractice insurance reform. Not every outcome will be the best outcome. Death is inevitable for us all, however there are lots of malpractice lawsuits that hinge on the supposition that no human should ever die while under the care of a doctor.
The cost of heathcare could be reduced without ANY tinkering with the insurance industry. We could reduce costs AND go back to pre-ACA days... however I can bet you that none of my proposals would be that appealing to GOP interests, either:
1. Fix intellectual property laws so that drug co's cannot patent new analogues for old drugs with expired patents. That R&D write-off they get is supposed to be for innovative cures, not innovative greed.
2. Clean house at the FDA. No more pharma cronies who accept less than rigorous trials for new drugs, in order to speed profit-taking. No more incidents like with Vioxx or Fen-Phen.
3. Higher education reform. Qualified, intelligent people are not going to medical school but to b-school instead, because they won't have as much student debt while the earnings are comparable. This results in healthcare provider shortage, and higher prices per provider. Increase the supply by making it easier and more attractive to attend med school, even subsidize tuition for those specialties where the shortage is most acute such as gerontology, psychiatry.
4. Malpractice insurance reform. Not every outcome will be the best outcome. Death is inevitable for us all, however there are lots of malpractice lawsuits that hinge on the supposition that no human should ever die while under the care of a doctor.
3
Cruz: "His proposal would let insurers sell two different kinds of policies: ones that meet the requirements of the A.C.A. and ones that do not. The idea is to let younger, healthier people buy skimpier, cheaper plans that do not cover many medical services and that have very high deductibles. Older and sicker people would be able to buy plans that are more comprehensive."
Anyone who doesn't understand the point of insurance is to SPREAD THE RISK shouldn't be allowed within ten feet of a legislative body. Sheesh.
Anyone who doesn't understand the point of insurance is to SPREAD THE RISK shouldn't be allowed within ten feet of a legislative body. Sheesh.
13
Back to the drawing board I say. There seems to be a lot of support, maybe on both sides of the aisle, foe some form of expanded Medicare starting at age 55. Deal with that, and provide some relief for those under 55.
I don't understand why this isn't possible. The wealthy will not miss their tax cuts.
I don't understand why this isn't possible. The wealthy will not miss their tax cuts.
9
Free-market health care is not better. We spend more for no better or worse outcomes among 13 high-income countries with universal coverage.
Excerpted from
U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective
Spending, Use of Services, Prices, and Health in 13 Countries
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2015/oct/us-he...
These data predate the ACA.
The U.S. is the highest spender on health care.
U.S. private spending on health care is highest.
U.S. public spending on health care is high, despite covering fewer residents.
- Even though the U.S. was the only country studied that did not have universal health care and only 34% of residents were covered (every resident in the UK is covered by the public system), U.S. public spending in 2013 was more than in any other country except two.
Despite spending more on health care, Americans have fewer hospital and physician visits.
Americans appear to be greater consumers of medical technology, including diagnostic imaging and pharmaceuticals.
Health care prices are higher in the U.S. than in other countries.
The U.S. invests the smallest share of its economy on social services.
- Social services are important in shaping health trajectories and mitigating health disparities.
Despite high spending on health care, the U.S. has poor population health.
The U.S. performs well on cancer care but has high rates of mortality from diabetes-related heart disease and amputations.
Excerpted from
U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective
Spending, Use of Services, Prices, and Health in 13 Countries
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2015/oct/us-he...
These data predate the ACA.
The U.S. is the highest spender on health care.
U.S. private spending on health care is highest.
U.S. public spending on health care is high, despite covering fewer residents.
- Even though the U.S. was the only country studied that did not have universal health care and only 34% of residents were covered (every resident in the UK is covered by the public system), U.S. public spending in 2013 was more than in any other country except two.
Despite spending more on health care, Americans have fewer hospital and physician visits.
Americans appear to be greater consumers of medical technology, including diagnostic imaging and pharmaceuticals.
Health care prices are higher in the U.S. than in other countries.
The U.S. invests the smallest share of its economy on social services.
- Social services are important in shaping health trajectories and mitigating health disparities.
Despite high spending on health care, the U.S. has poor population health.
The U.S. performs well on cancer care but has high rates of mortality from diabetes-related heart disease and amputations.
14
You cannot get rid of people's NEED for health care. Even the healthiest among us eventually need care. Opting out should not be an option because costs vary widely from $100 to several hundreds of thousands. Who is responsible for paying for your bill? If you didn't insure your house and it burnt down, you're the one out of luck. But if you don't/can't pay your medical bill, your costs are divided among the rest of us. There are choices in life, good and bad,that only affect you. Health care is not one of them.
14
Lets stop using the word "care" in describing the Republican proposals. Instead it should be called what it is, the Medical Payment Plan. That is what we are actually debating, how medical treatment will or will not be paid for. If we stop buying into the idea that care or caring has anything to do with this debate then maybe we can bring it to a close. If we are not prepared to put in place a system that accepts our societal obligation to take care of everyone, then lets require those who frame this discussion around choice and free market solutions to put ethics and moral standards where their mouths are. Post repeal and replace here in America you get care if you pay for it. One can "chose" not to buy insurance and take their chances or one can be simply too poor to pay. In both cases if you show up at the hospital without the means to pay, regardless of your condition, you will be turned away. That is the fool proof way to control costs, otherwise "free care" will continue to be provided to "free loaders" and all of us who have supported and continue to support our inefficient-opportunistic-greed-driven-second- rate-health-care system will at last only have to cover only ourselves. Really, fair is fair, we the insured, the tax paying and virtuous are doing our part. The rest are slackers and losers who should work harder and pay their way or suffer the consequences. Isn't this what we are really talking about?
185
So the grandmother who worked 50 yrs, paying taxes all the while, is a slacker when she needs assistance paying for her nursing home? The child born with major health problems is a slacker because they cant get the healthcare they need to grow into productive adults and pay insuarance and taxes as adults? The person who worked 30 years at a job, with insurance, and paid taxes all that time, then looses the job, is a slacker if they need healthcare? Frankly sir, it is YOU, if you have received tax free health insurance from your employer, and every other such person in this country, that is the taker, for receiving income that you and your employer dont pay taxes on any portion. If you receive a mortgage interest deduction on your home, you are a taker at my expense. Dont lump those that wont buy their own insurance with those who, for whatever reason in their life circumstances, cant buy insurance!
1
I have been calling this bill HW. Health for the Wealthy. No caring necessary.
1
You are right, this Republican bill is not about health, it's about payments. President Obama's Affordable Care Act honestly implies payment in its very name and declares, rightly, that it should be affordable. The Republican "health plan" is disingenuously called the "American Health Care Plan," when in fact it is more about money than health (who pays more to stay alive and who saves on taxes), and, quite ironically, calls it the "American" plan when only 17% of Americans support it. It's not American at all. 17% percent support is not representational governance. It's merely "Republican." Call it the "Republican Medical Payment and Elite Class Tax Savings Plan."
1
I live in NY, but I'm a native Kentuckian. Every day since DJT declared to run, I've written to Mitch McConnell on the government form, easily accessed for e-mail. Believing we are where we are today because of this man's promise and determination to obliterate all things Obama, in my own feeble words, I plead, chastise, blame, and remind him of his betrayal. The people of Kentucky, the proudest example of how Obamacare was welcomed, state set up immediate and effective, one in five falling into the Medicaid categories, benefited from that national plan. Healthcare saints speak of the need, how Medi-trailers show up in small communities, people stand in long lines and receive preventive care they've never had. Now Mitch KNOWING THIS BETTER THAN ANY READER, fights to take away what his constituents need, lobby for, sit in for . . . and it takes Allison Grimes on air lately to say what others have not. Mitch is the reason we suffer this attack on a plan that could simple stay in place and seek improvement from those who care for others. Mitch is why we have Trump. Shame on a Kentucky Senator from a native Kentuckian who is reminded every day of his failing representation, with no acknowledgment to a single written message for nearly a year. Shame.
137
And yet Kentuckians keep electing this mean and nasty man all while heartily supporting his stances on EVERYTHING. Including repealing "Obamacare" while they are getting decent health care for the first time in their lives. And then they yell "keep the government's hands off my Medicare/Medicaid".
While McConnell is lower than a snake's belly in a ditch, he is not the only problem. Citizens who continue to vote for these people and put them in office are the bigger issue.
While McConnell is lower than a snake's belly in a ditch, he is not the only problem. Citizens who continue to vote for these people and put them in office are the bigger issue.
3
If only Grimes could have been elected!
1
Democrats have not yet figured out how to make their points simply, clearly and vividly. This is why Republicans--who cleverly came up with the dramatic phrase "Death Panels" when they were gunning for Obamacare--can push through legislation that is against their base's best interest. Here are some ideas about changing the language to make it more meaningful to Trump's "base":
(1) Stop using the term "entitlements" and start using "earned benefits" (this is social commentator Dan Savage's idea and it's terrific).
(2) Start asking Trump/McConnell allies and supporters: "Did you know Medicaid pays for Mom/Dad/Grandma in the nursing home? No? Well, then, you'll have to take them in when Medicaid is cut."
(3) Ask them if they know anyone who has: Had a serious accident? Had a baby with birth defects? Developed leukemia or any other kind of cancer? Without good health insurance/Medicaid support would those adults or babies have survived?
Dems, please start running serious focus groups in red states and counties about the very real perils of losing health care/Medicaid. And then hire top notch PR people to translate those findings into language that will mean something to people. Talking about "benefiting the rich" does not hit home nearly as hard as hearing, "Your son has brain cancer. We'll have to send him to County Hospital because you don't have enough health insurance to afford the top-notch treatment we offer at our hospital."
(1) Stop using the term "entitlements" and start using "earned benefits" (this is social commentator Dan Savage's idea and it's terrific).
(2) Start asking Trump/McConnell allies and supporters: "Did you know Medicaid pays for Mom/Dad/Grandma in the nursing home? No? Well, then, you'll have to take them in when Medicaid is cut."
(3) Ask them if they know anyone who has: Had a serious accident? Had a baby with birth defects? Developed leukemia or any other kind of cancer? Without good health insurance/Medicaid support would those adults or babies have survived?
Dems, please start running serious focus groups in red states and counties about the very real perils of losing health care/Medicaid. And then hire top notch PR people to translate those findings into language that will mean something to people. Talking about "benefiting the rich" does not hit home nearly as hard as hearing, "Your son has brain cancer. We'll have to send him to County Hospital because you don't have enough health insurance to afford the top-notch treatment we offer at our hospital."
70
Democrats can start right off with calling this plan The Real Death Panel.
1
My thoughts exactly. They talk as if everyone understands them, but unless you're an educated person (i.e., college educated), the average Jane and Joe America have no idea what the hell the Dems are talking about. Your idea is fantastic, let's see if the Dems can actually get it together to come down off their high horses and start talking like a regular person. Bill Clinton sparked with people because he knew the KISS method - keep it simple, stupid.
If the GOP passes anything, they will then "own" the results: an outcome unlikely to benefit them at the ballot box.
THEIR "best" option is also very risky. Cynically allowing ObamaCare to die a grotesque death: twisting slowly, slowly in the wind as they cut market subsidies and undermine the individual mandate *might* sear an agonizing lesson into the popular mindset about meddling with the profit extraction system.
Of course, it could also lead to a political backlash that enshrines socialized medicine forever into the fabric of our society.
THEIR "best" option is also very risky. Cynically allowing ObamaCare to die a grotesque death: twisting slowly, slowly in the wind as they cut market subsidies and undermine the individual mandate *might* sear an agonizing lesson into the popular mindset about meddling with the profit extraction system.
Of course, it could also lead to a political backlash that enshrines socialized medicine forever into the fabric of our society.
4
Mitch McConnell is selling his tax-break-for-the-rich legislation as health care reform for America. In going about this with a straight face, McConnell is continuing the lies of President Trump regarding this bill.
Trump doesn't even pretend to know what's in the legislation being pulled together by the Senate, and he doesn't care. His only concern is that Congress keep his tax cuts in whatever bill they pass. Mendacity, all is mendacity.
Trump doesn't even pretend to know what's in the legislation being pulled together by the Senate, and he doesn't care. His only concern is that Congress keep his tax cuts in whatever bill they pass. Mendacity, all is mendacity.
21
In a corresponding NYT opinion article, your illustration succinctly notes that only 23,000 WY citizens will lose health coverage if the GOP bill passes. The light finally dawned - that is not a high enough number to turn an election against Barrasso and Enzi. No threat to their prestige and plum positions, no reason to consider constituents. I wonder how many Senators are looking at ballot box numbers, rather than representation of their state residents, to guide their vote.
18
To answer your question, most of them. Let's never forget that Saddam Hussein ran a country for over a decade with the support of the minority Sunni population and would possibly still be running it without American intervention. It doesn't take a military coup to destroy a democracy. A determined coalition of actors once in control of the executive, purse and judiciary who then alter or interpret the rules to their benefit can accomplish the deed just as efficiently.
1
If Republicans want to lose in 2018, pass this Health Care bill. I almost wish they would. The ACA will take some time to dismantle, even if it is repealed. And there will be time to repair it. Call the repair a "replacement", and Congress can pat itself on the back for a job well done.
1
I think I've finally figured out why opioid addiction appears to have such sympathy among conservatives, most of who view poverty as a character flaw or personal failing. But I've been seeing advertisements for opioid addiction centers, presumable, for-profit ventures, showing up on television and on the web. I'm chronically cynical, but support from conservatives is far more likely due to lobbying from this emerging business sector than it is out of concern for the addicted. I suppose, in the end, motives shouldn't matter.
17
Right, plus who is responsible? MDs over prescribing, and largely white population implicated as addicted group. Why are the GOP not using pejorative drug-war epithets here? #45 rages against Hispanics as criminal in the drug trafficking dynamic, wants them kicked out or locked up. Here we have drug trafficking within and among, but the response is treatment, alarm, social programs to help. Just saying I cannot help but see the inflection of race dynamics in both cases.
8
The real problem here is that NOT ONE of those good Republicans trying to "cobble" this catastrophic health care plan together, will have to live with its aftermath -- while MILLIONS of Americans either go bankrupt trying to afford health insurance ...or die.
The caliber of their callousness is beyond the point of credulity.
And to think, they've had YEARS to put together something that at lease halfway resembles an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.
But no.
First and foremost, the most importbt thing to them has always been to REPEAL it. No matter how much confusion, suffering, or carnage resulted from it.
And the fact that they have also set their sights on Medicaid, and eventually Social Security, makes their plan all the more heinous.
At this rate, its hardly surprising that this country has seen such a sharp increase in opioid addiction.
That's about the only way one could possibly face the bleak reality of this situation.
AMERICANS. This is not winning.
The caliber of their callousness is beyond the point of credulity.
And to think, they've had YEARS to put together something that at lease halfway resembles an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.
But no.
First and foremost, the most importbt thing to them has always been to REPEAL it. No matter how much confusion, suffering, or carnage resulted from it.
And the fact that they have also set their sights on Medicaid, and eventually Social Security, makes their plan all the more heinous.
At this rate, its hardly surprising that this country has seen such a sharp increase in opioid addiction.
That's about the only way one could possibly face the bleak reality of this situation.
AMERICANS. This is not winning.
17
This bill, the "Wealthcare Bill" has very little to do with health, in any sense of the word.
When members of the Congress finally admit that Medicare for All is the only (not to mention cheapest) way to go, then something might get done. Until then, we simply all will have to ante up the money for the most expensive medical care on the planet. That is, if we actually get any medical care.
When members of the Congress finally admit that Medicare for All is the only (not to mention cheapest) way to go, then something might get done. Until then, we simply all will have to ante up the money for the most expensive medical care on the planet. That is, if we actually get any medical care.
17
If left to their own devices, there is no way the republicans will forge a health care bill which actually improves on Obamacare. Their goal is to eliminate the healthcare tax built into Obamacare to help defray the overall costs of the plan.
At this point, if the Democrats are ever going to get their act together, they should avoid any temptation whatsoever to engage the republicans in any effort to "improve" Obamacare. Let the republicans swim or sink with their very own plan. And let the voters who are enamored with republican ideals live with the final product.
If and when the voters are sufficiently affected in an adverse way decide to move back to "rationality' and vote accordingly in future elections, the Democrats can amend the republican devastation and perhaps even receive some credit for doing so.
At this point, if the Democrats are ever going to get their act together, they should avoid any temptation whatsoever to engage the republicans in any effort to "improve" Obamacare. Let the republicans swim or sink with their very own plan. And let the voters who are enamored with republican ideals live with the final product.
If and when the voters are sufficiently affected in an adverse way decide to move back to "rationality' and vote accordingly in future elections, the Democrats can amend the republican devastation and perhaps even receive some credit for doing so.
11
Time to recognize the horrible inconsistency between willingness to spend hundreds of billions of taxpayer money to protect us against foreign threats (and local terrorists) and reluctance to spend any taxpayer money for threats to our individual health, as almost all other first world countries successfully do.
20
America's 'free-market' healthcare system is the greatest healthcare rip-off in the world at 17% of GDP and provides less coverage to its citizens than in cheaper systems in foreign countries.
The ACA smoothed off some of the sharp extortionist edges from the system, which the Republican extortionists would like to restore in the name of 'free-dumb' and 'your money or your life !' healthcare.
What America needs is a highly regulated single-payer healthcare revolution.
What the the Republicans propose is tax cut wealthcare for wealthy people and deathcare for the non-rich.
Why is the 'Pro-Life' party so Pro-Death ?
"Death to Americans !" is not great public policy.
The ACA smoothed off some of the sharp extortionist edges from the system, which the Republican extortionists would like to restore in the name of 'free-dumb' and 'your money or your life !' healthcare.
What America needs is a highly regulated single-payer healthcare revolution.
What the the Republicans propose is tax cut wealthcare for wealthy people and deathcare for the non-rich.
Why is the 'Pro-Life' party so Pro-Death ?
"Death to Americans !" is not great public policy.
138
But the only people who matter to legislators are the latter's donor class. That's it, that's all. And between destroying public education, access to health care and suppressing voting, the so-called GOP can remain atop the heap.
It's up to the electorate to take action. And 2018 is the test. A mid-term election that, historically, should favor the opposition party -- if the right candidates are inspiring enough to overcome gerrymandered districts or other "perks" of incumbency.
It's up to the electorate to take action. And 2018 is the test. A mid-term election that, historically, should favor the opposition party -- if the right candidates are inspiring enough to overcome gerrymandered districts or other "perks" of incumbency.
7
Death to Americans may not be great public policy, but it remains a winning policy for republicans.
2
If the Republicans finally abandon their failed plot to repeal and replace Obamacare (the ACA) and instead agree to work in good faith with Democrats in order to improve and strengthen the ACA, I urge Democrats to welcome the Republican effort and explore what improvements they can agree on. But if the Republicans want the Democrats to work with them on a replacement for the ACA, the Democrats had better say "No." Tough love is sometimes necessary! They should let the Republicans' failure and cruelty stand out, visible to all. If they agree to work with the Republicans on a new health bill to replace the ACA, then they are complicit in destroying Obamacare—as guilty as the Republicans in moving away from a single-payer system, which would not only give insurance to everyone but significantly reduce health care costs and, too, insurance premiums.
12
Not sure if it's more "They Can't" or "They just Won't"?
Because the option was there for the GOP when they weren't in-charge and it's certainly been available since. And it's quite clear, there's no penalty for them in looking Cruel and Foolish vs Compromising.
"abandon their failed plot to repeal and replace Obamacare (the ACA) and instead agree to work in good faith with Democrats"
Because the option was there for the GOP when they weren't in-charge and it's certainly been available since. And it's quite clear, there's no penalty for them in looking Cruel and Foolish vs Compromising.
"abandon their failed plot to repeal and replace Obamacare (the ACA) and instead agree to work in good faith with Democrats"
2
Hate to break it to you, but Maine most certainly did NOT expand Medicaid. Au contraire! Our pig posing as a governor refused the expansion and also booted people off the rolls, even those with less than $15K income and on chemo. Sure, let's bring Sen. Collins around. But don't kid yourselves about Maine.
21
Concerted efforts should be made to make clear to the people who will lose their coverage just how this happened and why this happened: Republican senators giving tax cuts to the wealthiest. The efforts should be accompanied with voter registration and follow-up around election time.
12
It would be nice to believe we are Not being led by the Devious.
6
It sure would. While we're at it, I'd like a unicorn.
Obamacare is so poorly designed, that one can only conclude that it was a pathway to single payer (socialized medicine) . The appropriate response would let it die on its own. That would bring D's & R's together. Single payer insurance for a country our size would not only create a huge bureaucracy, but a poorer delivery of services based on all the existing models. It also would require so much tax revenue that our economy would go down hill. And government run health care is essentially a rationing system. Under any plan some people will benefit, others will not, but under single payer no one really benefits.
1
"....government run health care is essentially a rationing system.". Please explain your hypothesis. I am covered by "government run health care", that is single payer, and have never had my health care "rationed" by any government agency that covers my care.
18
What creates a huge bureaucracy, a very expensive one, is the existence of all the different insurance companies involved, each one with its own rules and conditions, each with its own computer program and "language". Not to mention that these companies need to make a profit, whereas the government needs only to break even. A single payer system would save a massive amount of money, simplifying the book-keeping operations in every hospital and every medical office!
55
Everybody benefits from Medicare for all. 60 nations provide health care for all citizens and nobody is clamoring for US style expensive for profit health care. Only Americans are willing to pay exorbitant costs of for profit health care.
29
Ramming laws and policies down the throats of a populace that does not support them is not democracy. These false patriots are trashing the rule of law to get what they want for themselves and their rich donors. “The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
15
Exactly what happened with the ACA.
Ted Cruz's proposal is the sort of magical, naive, short-sighted stuff that republicans love. Talk about tax cuts for the rich and low premiums for the blessed who don't get sick and they love it. No cares about the less fortunate... it's their own fault. Erase Obamacare and Medicaid and it's a winner. Such horrible, uncaring people.
12
Like the rest of the world, the Pentagon factors healthcare into it's National Security estimates. And like the rest of the world, military leaders are opposed to Trump's efforts to ignore Russian cyber attacks and propaganda and normalize relations with Russia. If this sounds crazy, consider the opposite: the Pentagon doesn't care about national health and embraces Trump's willingness to link up with Russia.
These issues are critically linked. Is Trump's obvious ignorance and gullibility and his support of repealing the ACA not reason enough for rational people to recoil? Is anyone under the illusion that McConnell's efforts to repeal "Obamacare" is a callous method of giving a $trillion tax cut to the billionaires?
In our wildest dreams Americans cannot imagine what Republicans would do if Clinton had been elected with the help of Russia or even the suspicion of help.
Every Republican who stands with Trump or McConnell are tainted by their duplicity regarding Russia and this extends to the ACA. Simply stated: does Putin want to destroy the ACA and obliterate Obama's legacy while taking healthcare away from 20 million people and driving a wedge of distrust into our democratic system?
McConnell has painted himself and the GOP into a corner and is oblivious to the disapproval of the populace and the National Security harm. Another Putin dupe or just a shallow hack?
These issues are critically linked. Is Trump's obvious ignorance and gullibility and his support of repealing the ACA not reason enough for rational people to recoil? Is anyone under the illusion that McConnell's efforts to repeal "Obamacare" is a callous method of giving a $trillion tax cut to the billionaires?
In our wildest dreams Americans cannot imagine what Republicans would do if Clinton had been elected with the help of Russia or even the suspicion of help.
Every Republican who stands with Trump or McConnell are tainted by their duplicity regarding Russia and this extends to the ACA. Simply stated: does Putin want to destroy the ACA and obliterate Obama's legacy while taking healthcare away from 20 million people and driving a wedge of distrust into our democratic system?
McConnell has painted himself and the GOP into a corner and is oblivious to the disapproval of the populace and the National Security harm. Another Putin dupe or just a shallow hack?
15
We only need 3. Just 3 good Senators who will do what's best for their constituents rather than what's best for the monied interests who contributed to their election campaign. If the ACHA passes the Senate, it will underscore what the GOP stands for these days, Greed Over People.
I some sick way, I secretly hope they do pass the ACHA and I hope our so-called president signs it; only then will those actions and their dreadful consequences remove any doubt from the minds of undecided voters as to who the GOP really works for. November 2018 is closer than it appears.
I some sick way, I secretly hope they do pass the ACHA and I hope our so-called president signs it; only then will those actions and their dreadful consequences remove any doubt from the minds of undecided voters as to who the GOP really works for. November 2018 is closer than it appears.
36
Unfortunately, most of the ill effects of passing ACHA would happen after the mid-term elections in 2018; otherwise I would agree with you.
1
The health insurance industry is one of the largest and least ethical groiups in the country. The abolishment of ACA will be a win for them but they'll score an even bigger win if the Congressional plans to let them sell across state lines becomes part of any bill eventually enacted. They'll all start writing policies that include the laxest provisions of each state.
13
This is the end result of the McConnell 2008 meeting after the election where he stated the Republicans were going to make Obama a one-term President. That didn't happen so let's trash his main piece of legislation, no matter who it hurts.
Clear and concise Republican thinking.
They just DO NOT care about the majority of Americans and the majority of Americans are beginning to realize that.
Clear and concise Republican thinking.
They just DO NOT care about the majority of Americans and the majority of Americans are beginning to realize that.
28
The people in West Virginia and Kentucky voted for the Donald and will be the hardest hit by his draconian policies. McConnell was reelected by the people of Kentucky. Let the GOP "health" bill pass and maybe they will learn not to vote against their economic self interest. Each election cycle many red states vote for the GOP because of certain issues- gay marriage, gun laws, abortion, etc. and once in office enact legislation for the top one percent. The "religious" right also plays this game.
32
Sometimes, tough love is necessary to teach a lesson! Maybe the folks in Kentucky and West Virginia who voted for Trump need to be jolted out of their way of thinking. They get taken in by the Republican support for their "cultural values" and end up being robbed and betrayed by the Republican agenda, which takes away their health care and other much-needed benefits in order to give huge tax breaks to the very rich and their corprations. When wilkl these folks realize they've been tricked and betrayed?
1
Hmmm. It's almost as if the Republicans just don't understand how insurance works. We're either all in it together, or it's cost prohibitive. What if only people who were going to be in a car crash next year were required to carry car insurance? Think they could afford the policy?
87
I think they understand it perfectly. They just don't care.
1
Recent modifications proposed makes crystal clear that Republicans are not trying to improve health coverage. They are just throwing out small chunks of pork (Klondike Kickback) or covering up disaster with confusion (Cruz's proposal) to get 50+ votes for tax cuts.
The Senate bill cut many additional billions of federal dollars and shifted them to (Medicaid expansion) states. Senators and House Representatives will be at risk if their residents find out their state taxes will increase so McConnell can deliver even bigger federal tax cuts to the rich.
The Senate bill cut many additional billions of federal dollars and shifted them to (Medicaid expansion) states. Senators and House Representatives will be at risk if their residents find out their state taxes will increase so McConnell can deliver even bigger federal tax cuts to the rich.
13
The ACA is so popular that millions would rather pay a penalty than have it. So popular President Trump won! "So popular that ..." I think not.
Please cite your reference to "millions" would rather pay a tax then be insured.
4
It was about 6.5 million who paid the penalty last year or about 2% of the adult population (though there's no way to know if they actually prefer that to buying or simply couldn't afford the insurance). So yes, it is "millions" but that hardly means the ACA isn't popular. It's popularity is being judged by asking people whether they prefer it to the new proposals. Lots of people have issues with the ACA, but far more dislike the new House and Senate proposals.
As for president Trump's election. He campaigned on not touching Medicaid and giving EVERYONE coverage for less money. Which is the exact opposite of what the AHCA and the BCRA do.
As for president Trump's election. He campaigned on not touching Medicaid and giving EVERYONE coverage for less money. Which is the exact opposite of what the AHCA and the BCRA do.
5
And Bill, please cite your references showing how the ACA is so popular. The truth is the ACA was and is despised by about half the country and was so when rammed through congress. Pretending otherwise is nonsense. The ACA provides faux choice, people will always disagree and failing to provide real choices is not good for Republicans or Democrats.
Sadly, the true charade is our so-called representative democracy. When lawmakers attempt to push through a bill as wildly unpopular, ill-conceived, and heartless as the Better Care Reconciliation Act (which appears to have been named without a trace of irony), they shamelessly reveal their true colors and demonstrate their true allegiances. Ask yourself: Who do they truly represent? What do they truly stand for?
Better yet, ask your elected representatives. Demand a straight answer. But be prepared for a crooked response.
Better yet, ask your elected representatives. Demand a straight answer. But be prepared for a crooked response.
21
The current negotiating and posturing over the Republican's latest attack on healthcare simply serves to shine a bright light on what is wrong with politics in the US. Most Americans do not support this legislation but honestly our Congress does not really represent them. They represent the monied interests who supplied the billions of dollars required to get them into Congress, not the poor fools who voted for them.
Unless the role of money in elections, gerrymandering and the revolving door between Congress and lobbyist are dealt with you will not see a Congress that makes the wishes of the electorate their first priority.
Until Americans demand change and government reform this is what we have, and we need to face that fact. Simply electing a reality TV stooge as President is not going to change any of this and indeed it is making it even worse.
Unless the role of money in elections, gerrymandering and the revolving door between Congress and lobbyist are dealt with you will not see a Congress that makes the wishes of the electorate their first priority.
Until Americans demand change and government reform this is what we have, and we need to face that fact. Simply electing a reality TV stooge as President is not going to change any of this and indeed it is making it even worse.
18
Though I still have a flicker of hope the health insurance repeal and replace bill will fail, regardless of which way it goes, irreparable damage would be done to the Republican Congress.
Of all the legislation that goes before Congress healthcare is something that touches every American in a very personal way. Your children get sick, your parents get old and infirm, and your pocketbook is drained to meet medical needs.
I cannot see how the Republicans can recover from this. If they pass something, it will be an horrendous shock to those on the ACA and Medicaid. If they don't, and do nothing, the ACA will flounder. Either way they will be seen as insensitive and uncaring of their fellow citizens.
Of all the legislation that goes before Congress healthcare is something that touches every American in a very personal way. Your children get sick, your parents get old and infirm, and your pocketbook is drained to meet medical needs.
I cannot see how the Republicans can recover from this. If they pass something, it will be an horrendous shock to those on the ACA and Medicaid. If they don't, and do nothing, the ACA will flounder. Either way they will be seen as insensitive and uncaring of their fellow citizens.
9
How can you have healthcare that says you can have a cheaper insurance option when you are young because your healthcare needs might be low. When I was 21 I ended up in the hospital for a week with mononucleosis. Did I predict this would happen. Luckily I had a good plan from my employer or else I would have racked up some big bills. Younger people are just as much as risk for sudden illness or accidents than the rest of the population. The point of insurance is that you don't know when you will need it but you need to be ready when something happens. Duh!
18
As it concerns Health Insurance, Cheaper OPTIONS for the younger, no.
Cheaper Rates, absolutely. The youth don't get as sick/ill/ailments,..as often as the older. HowEva, one medical procedure for a youth could bankrupt them and ruin their credit, if they don't have insurance in advance.
Just as it's the opposite for them/us when it comes to Auto Insurance. They wreck, speed,..more than older/experienced drivers.
Cheaper Rates, absolutely. The youth don't get as sick/ill/ailments,..as often as the older. HowEva, one medical procedure for a youth could bankrupt them and ruin their credit, if they don't have insurance in advance.
Just as it's the opposite for them/us when it comes to Auto Insurance. They wreck, speed,..more than older/experienced drivers.
3
I would support universal healthcare if it were combined with a requirement for everyone to do 2 years of national service. The work could be as simple as cleaning graffiti and picking up trash. I would also require universal drug testing as part of the program, annually. If you want something as valuable as free healthcare you need to be prepared to give something up for it.
It's not free. Individuals and employers would have to contribute taxes to a general fund to pay the costs. Like in every country where they have universal coverage. Still less than US insurance premiums though.
25
Actually what you're proposing (National Service) is worth discussing but I don't see how it pertains to HealthCare Insurance Coverage?
Psst, it's not about "Poor People".
Psst, it's not about "Poor People".
8
The thing you give up for 'free' healthcare is taxes.
6
"But conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans should know that tinkering around the edges will not make this bill any less dreadful or any more deserving of their vote."
Republicans have abandoned any pretense of conscience. They are now the party of cruelty and intellectual dishonesty. The senior Republicans in the House and Senate along with the sociopath in the oval office prove it.
Republicans have abandoned any pretense of conscience. They are now the party of cruelty and intellectual dishonesty. The senior Republicans in the House and Senate along with the sociopath in the oval office prove it.
10
"Expect Mr. McConnell to offer more such sweeteners to his members,"
Judas' price was thirty pieces of silver. How much will these virtuous Republican Senators want to betray their own constituents. If there was ever a vote that puts the conscience of these U.S. senators front and center it is this one. But the real kicker is that the cost savings of Trump care will accrue to massive tax cuts for their wealthy contributors. This is not just mean, it show that they have no soul. By the way where are the sanctimonious Evangelicals on this bill, who were bought out for a seat on the Supreme Court.
Judas' price was thirty pieces of silver. How much will these virtuous Republican Senators want to betray their own constituents. If there was ever a vote that puts the conscience of these U.S. senators front and center it is this one. But the real kicker is that the cost savings of Trump care will accrue to massive tax cuts for their wealthy contributors. This is not just mean, it show that they have no soul. By the way where are the sanctimonious Evangelicals on this bill, who were bought out for a seat on the Supreme Court.
22
Simply amazing what level conservative lawmakers will lower themselves to under thinly veiled racism. They will eliminate healthcare and issue death sentences for over 20 million of their fellow citizens if that's what it takes to remove one single piece of legislation of the first black president.
14
There is not and has never been a groundswell of popular support to repeal Obamacare. This bill confirms what a harebrained idea it is. The transfer of wealth from the poor and vulnerable to the rich and powerful is obscene. Nobody can articulate what problem it is intended to fix (other than the name), or how. It appears ridiculous to the rest of the world because it is. Everyone but us seems to know that insurance companies are trolls that contribute nothing to heath care, and that anything except single payer is an irrational system of legalized extortion and graft. But we sit around and debate the details of a mathematically idiotic approach to healthcare that the more advanced democracies (sad, eh?) abandoned long ago.
28
The bill is toxic, not a good trait in a "health" care scheme. It probably won't pass and single payer though inevitable, isn't within sight...yet.
The people will have to wake up and smell the voting booth if they want to rest control of their destinies back from those who just want to empty our wallets of every last cent.
The people will have to wake up and smell the voting booth if they want to rest control of their destinies back from those who just want to empty our wallets of every last cent.
13
Perhaps a third component might be added to the Cruz plan, namely to require all health insurance exchanges to offer a public option for those want better insurance but are unable to afford the more expensive alternative. That might just stimulate more competition while at the same time offer more choices, which is what Republican like -- so I've been told.
2
For 8 years the Republicans villified the ACA without articulating a coherent basis for their complaint or making a plausible case for something better. Their goal was never better health care; their goal was political manipulation of the public and dangling tax reductions to the wealthy. It is no surprise that now that they are actually writing legislation their concerns are the same: to reward the wealthy with money spent on healthcare for the rest of us, while hiding the consequences for a couple of election cycles.
It's tempting to demonize Republicans for this, and I do it often enough myself. But look around you at what works in politics now: lying, swindling, manipulating & triangulating for the public, cash & legislation for the wealthy & the lobbyists. It's what their job requires them to do if they want to keep it.
It's tempting to demonize Republicans for this, and I do it often enough myself. But look around you at what works in politics now: lying, swindling, manipulating & triangulating for the public, cash & legislation for the wealthy & the lobbyists. It's what their job requires them to do if they want to keep it.
35
It's a completely unserious Trojan Horse for tax cuts. Period.
It's cynical and shameful. And my Senator, Susan Collins will eventually vote for it because that's what she does: expresses her "concerns" and then votes with her crazy party when it counts.
It's cynical and shameful. And my Senator, Susan Collins will eventually vote for it because that's what she does: expresses her "concerns" and then votes with her crazy party when it counts.
27
You might think, with a 17% approval rating, this terrible health care bill doesn't have a chance of passing. But you would be wrong. Never underestimate the GOP's utter disregard for the public in favor of its wealthy donors and conservative ideology of taking from the poor and giving to the rich.
If the GOP pulls off this heinous stunt and pays no price in next year's mid-term elections, stick a fork in America. We're done.
If the GOP pulls off this heinous stunt and pays no price in next year's mid-term elections, stick a fork in America. We're done.
144
I am after some deliberation in full agreement with you. Here's why: The GOP will have proven it can pass anything- anything- without even a fraction of minority support- without losing its electoral base. What comes next will be shoring up of its protections via abrogation of voting rights and gerrymandering, then an all out assault on our progressive tax structure, the last bulwarks standing in opposition to a full and complete plutocracy.
2
Insurance only works when most of the people who have it are not using it.
The very idea of insurance is to spread and share the risk of financial loss.
The pool of people insured has to be large and diverse and relatively and, for health insurance, relatively healthy.
We need to decide, and the debate in Congress needs to consider, whether we are talking about insurance at all or, as this article suggests, just posturing.
If we do really want health insurane then the most effective plan would include everybody. That is sometimes called single payer, sometimes Medicare For All.
Please: Let the Senate Republicans re-draft their bill to be what it is, a tax cut for the wealthy. Let the Congress then debate actual health insurance as insurance is meant to be.
The very idea of insurance is to spread and share the risk of financial loss.
The pool of people insured has to be large and diverse and relatively and, for health insurance, relatively healthy.
We need to decide, and the debate in Congress needs to consider, whether we are talking about insurance at all or, as this article suggests, just posturing.
If we do really want health insurane then the most effective plan would include everybody. That is sometimes called single payer, sometimes Medicare For All.
Please: Let the Senate Republicans re-draft their bill to be what it is, a tax cut for the wealthy. Let the Congress then debate actual health insurance as insurance is meant to be.
24
"But conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans should know that tinkering around the edges will not make this bill any less dreadful or any more deserving of their vote."
Even those who have little conscience--or what they have is subverted to partisan theology--know that this "health care" bill is anything but. They will complain about costs--a legitimate concern for all of us--but they know that there are serious ways to get at those. They prefer more tax cuts for the most affluent, as opposed to any serious attempt to expand and stabilize our public's health.
These lawmakers subvert the subtle and diverse meanings of "freedom" for their own narrow purposes. Those of us not tied to the "base" should all hope McConnell fails. If the Senate can work the beginnings of a bipartisan solution, then maybe the House (if Speaker Ryan won't impede the process) can forge a bipartisan agreement and push that "Freedom Caucus" out of the way.
Even those who have little conscience--or what they have is subverted to partisan theology--know that this "health care" bill is anything but. They will complain about costs--a legitimate concern for all of us--but they know that there are serious ways to get at those. They prefer more tax cuts for the most affluent, as opposed to any serious attempt to expand and stabilize our public's health.
These lawmakers subvert the subtle and diverse meanings of "freedom" for their own narrow purposes. Those of us not tied to the "base" should all hope McConnell fails. If the Senate can work the beginnings of a bipartisan solution, then maybe the House (if Speaker Ryan won't impede the process) can forge a bipartisan agreement and push that "Freedom Caucus" out of the way.
6
The premise of the bill as repeated by McConnell is a lie. The ACA, "Obamacare" is not collapsing. It is not failing. Whatever difficulties the program is having is entirely due to Republican sabotage- both by refusing the Medicare expansion, and by destabilizing the insurance markets through Trump's threats, and the stalled AHCA legislation.
25
Isn't the following the ultimate factor? "The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation will take health insurance away from 22 million people by 2026, including 15 million who will be kicked off Medicaid." If the wealth of backers is so strong an incentive as to damage Americans to this extent, it's time for these greedy and clearly inhumane people to leave office.
Perhaps McConnell will open his home to the needy.
Perhaps McConnell will open his home to the needy.
26
Funding a tax break for the donors by removing 15 million of "those people" from the Medicare rolls is considered a win-win by the GOP.
3
@Prof. Jai Prakash Sharma
re " conspiracy against the common people "
Trump and his GOP minions epitomize the worship of force and the practice of cruel intolerance, an ugly spirit now emerging and taking hold in the US. It is the antithesis of securing a national minimum of civilised life ... open to all alike, of both sexes and all classes, by which we mean sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage when able-bodied, treatment when sick, and modest but secure livelihood when disabled or aged. What’s so unreasonable and unjust about that?
re " conspiracy against the common people "
Trump and his GOP minions epitomize the worship of force and the practice of cruel intolerance, an ugly spirit now emerging and taking hold in the US. It is the antithesis of securing a national minimum of civilised life ... open to all alike, of both sexes and all classes, by which we mean sufficient nourishment and training when young, a living wage when able-bodied, treatment when sick, and modest but secure livelihood when disabled or aged. What’s so unreasonable and unjust about that?
8
"Conscientious lawmakers who car about the health of millions of Americans should know that tinkering around the edges will not make this bill any less dreadful..."
In another Op-Ed piece, we see that more than a million of Ted Cruz's constituents stand to lose insurance, and he is tinkering to get it passed. Who has a conscience in GOP Senate? They don't want to make the bill *work* they just want the bill to pass. Lay down a line of cover fire and vote.
How does a first world nation look at millions and millions of people - children, elderly in nursing homes, 50 years olds who have worked 30 year careers and been forcibly retired - and tell them that they are expendable. That they don't need care. That they are free to lose everything - their house, their college savings, their lives, the lives of their parents, a future of garnished paychecks - so that we can give a tax break to folks who earn 5X, 10X,100X what they earn?
The GOP has shown it has no conscience. Maybe, just maybe, a few will stand tough and not be willing to be labeled in future history books as the Death Panel of 2017.
In another Op-Ed piece, we see that more than a million of Ted Cruz's constituents stand to lose insurance, and he is tinkering to get it passed. Who has a conscience in GOP Senate? They don't want to make the bill *work* they just want the bill to pass. Lay down a line of cover fire and vote.
How does a first world nation look at millions and millions of people - children, elderly in nursing homes, 50 years olds who have worked 30 year careers and been forcibly retired - and tell them that they are expendable. That they don't need care. That they are free to lose everything - their house, their college savings, their lives, the lives of their parents, a future of garnished paychecks - so that we can give a tax break to folks who earn 5X, 10X,100X what they earn?
The GOP has shown it has no conscience. Maybe, just maybe, a few will stand tough and not be willing to be labeled in future history books as the Death Panel of 2017.
27
This is an "oligarch tax cut windfall" bill, but i will accept "donor payback" bill.
Can we please stop calling this a "healthcare" bill. Redirecting the pot of money slated for healthcare instead to a handful of rich people who don't need or deserve it does make this a healthcare bill.
Can we please stop calling this a "healthcare" bill. Redirecting the pot of money slated for healthcare instead to a handful of rich people who don't need or deserve it does make this a healthcare bill.
10
Smart politicians listen to the will of the people. The Republican Party is headed for a split, and once it occurs there is no telling if they will win again.
Rob Portman will mutter about his "concerns" to the media and then vote the party line. He always does. If you're Rob Portman, it's what you do.
12
Just 17% of Americans support the GOP health plan yet they persist. They were elected to represent us, the people, but do the bidding of the wealthy few and corporations.
This wicked plan, with its widely known and devastating consequences, demonstrates without doubt that today's GOP care not about America, or Americans, but rather their own individual career agendas which depend on approval of the Kochs, the Heritage Foundation and hundreds of super PACs empowered by Citizens United.
Where have all the great American leaders gone? Those public servants in high office who fought with every breath for their fellow Americans, the hundreds of millions of people who have every right to believe that their government actually represents them?
This wicked plan, with its widely known and devastating consequences, demonstrates without doubt that today's GOP care not about America, or Americans, but rather their own individual career agendas which depend on approval of the Kochs, the Heritage Foundation and hundreds of super PACs empowered by Citizens United.
Where have all the great American leaders gone? Those public servants in high office who fought with every breath for their fellow Americans, the hundreds of millions of people who have every right to believe that their government actually represents them?
16
Only 17% of voters approve of the GOP plans to replace the ACA. But only 30% of voters seem to know that it will gut Medicaid which ensures the poor, the youngest and the oldest. This points to one major deficiency the ACA has suffered from for years: Democrats failed to explain the benefits to the American people. Of course this was hard against the barrage of unhinged and deceptive GOP propaganda. Now the GOP finds itself unable to deliver, because of the same reason: they lied about the ACA and that lie leaves them no realistic option to replace the ACA but a pile of cruelties that would harm most the people who elected them.
8
Yes, Senate leaders should know that tinkering around the edges will not make the bill less dreadful, but they don't care. For them it's not about whether the bill is dreadful, it's about fifty votes and getting them any way they can. It's about destroying Obama's legacy even if they destroy health care for tens of millions. This has been their stated goal since ACA began. The fact that millions have decent health care for the first time means nothing to the GOP. And this is why they are so fundamentally evil.
29
Susan Collins will not vote for any Senate bill that cuts Medicaid spending. Maine is rural and poor, with the most elderly population percentage of any state. A majority of those in nursing homes are on Medicaid, and it covers a large percentage of the general populace. Senator Collins wants to run for governor in 2018, and as popular as she is, can't risk running with the baggage of having thrown the elderly off Medicaid.
7
My we please stop the foolishness of trying to make a failed health insurance industry work. They do not need a bail out but rather need to step out. Single payer is a necessity and it needs to happen now. It is time to support the inevitable.
9
Any national HC bill applicable to Medicaid / Medicare / ACA must be written to apply to ALL Federal employees and citizens. If the Senate & Congress pass such legislation, the exact same coverages and costs must apply to themselves, their staff and all Executive branch, Congressional branch and Judicial branch Federal employees equally. That is only fair.
10
Is it really too much to ask senators and congressmen to give Americans the same health insurance they have?
86
This question has been around for a long time. I have yet to see an answer, especially from a member of Congress (I’m sure some Progressive somewhere has championed this idea, but it’s hardly widespread or makes any “Breaking News” banner on TV.
3
I'm not sure why this bill keeps being referred to as a "health care" bill. This bill will pass because it is a tax bill, gifting a reduction to the wealthiest few as thanks for their purchase of the best representatives that money can buy.
If these representatives are bent on anything it is making "public servant" the perfect example of an oxymoron.
If these representatives are bent on anything it is making "public servant" the perfect example of an oxymoron.
67
I am a supporter of single payer health care, having lived in and work with people in countries which enjoy this, at lower cost and with better outcomes than the US system. However, there is much that could be done to reduce costs even in the system we have now and there seems to be little will to do this - I support the Medicaid expansion that happened under the ACA but am totally dismayed by the story of brokers fraudulently enrolling non state residents in ACA plans to order to make money while the patients receive expensive and substandard care. All claiming they did not know what they were doing is illegal.
Certainly the Republicans, eager to reduce the "burden" of our healthcare, should be increasing oversight and enforcement - instead they look to dismantle the regulations and lay off the regulators right and left. The hypocrisy is beyond belief
Certainly the Republicans, eager to reduce the "burden" of our healthcare, should be increasing oversight and enforcement - instead they look to dismantle the regulations and lay off the regulators right and left. The hypocrisy is beyond belief
21
My wishful thinking... that our legislators cared as much for the well being of the American people, and for public health, as they do about lining their pockets with lobbyist "donations" and give-aways to the most wealthy and fortunate among us.
Pandemics know no boundaries. The rich can insulate themselves from some of the suffering of the poor to a certain extent, but microbes don't care who is rich and who is poor. We all breath the same air.
Pandemics know no boundaries. The rich can insulate themselves from some of the suffering of the poor to a certain extent, but microbes don't care who is rich and who is poor. We all breath the same air.
32
As is said about the aftermath of nuclear warfare, insofar as so-called health care would include us all, the living will envy the dead.
Is there any doubt that for all too many the consequences of enduring far overburden one's spiritual and physical abilities?
It is excessively callous and cruel for anyone, especially those who have no need for hoarding wealth to spit in others' direction that "real" needs will be absorbed by the emergency medical systems as if the wounded are not regularly left on the field of battle with those actually KIA.
As those who know the ways of the rocks and the rills, the mountain folk say, stoically, "Do for yourself, or do without." There are those such as David Brooks who see philosophy as being sufficient to calm the crying child, to soothe the mother's pain from insufficiency. Some call it, for no other reason than necessity, religion, old-time religion, rather than philosophy. No one dast take away respect for another's plaintif against some unidentifiable transgressor when that plea arises from the extreme reality of final hours.
There will be none turned away from the Pearly Gates who have repented, nor wilderness for those who will not admit the light.
Is there any doubt that for all too many the consequences of enduring far overburden one's spiritual and physical abilities?
It is excessively callous and cruel for anyone, especially those who have no need for hoarding wealth to spit in others' direction that "real" needs will be absorbed by the emergency medical systems as if the wounded are not regularly left on the field of battle with those actually KIA.
As those who know the ways of the rocks and the rills, the mountain folk say, stoically, "Do for yourself, or do without." There are those such as David Brooks who see philosophy as being sufficient to calm the crying child, to soothe the mother's pain from insufficiency. Some call it, for no other reason than necessity, religion, old-time religion, rather than philosophy. No one dast take away respect for another's plaintif against some unidentifiable transgressor when that plea arises from the extreme reality of final hours.
There will be none turned away from the Pearly Gates who have repented, nor wilderness for those who will not admit the light.
4
McConnell is treating this healthcare proposal as if were a kidney stone in the Congress. "This will hurt a great deal until we pass it, but it will feel great when it's over!" I don't think so.
I think McConnell is trying to jam through a massive tax cut for a miniscule segment of Americans, and a revision to Medicare and Medicaid that will fundamentally hurt the American people by reducing their access to adequate, life saving healthcare. Congress can do better, and it better do better.
I think McConnell is trying to jam through a massive tax cut for a miniscule segment of Americans, and a revision to Medicare and Medicaid that will fundamentally hurt the American people by reducing their access to adequate, life saving healthcare. Congress can do better, and it better do better.
44
I think the Repub plan is to cobble together something that everyone can hate equally so that in the end government supported health care is declared dead. It will then be buried, and the insurance companies can do what they want and the rest of us will be saved from communism.
Then the Repubs will take their chain saws to Medicare and Social Security.
Be prepared.
Then the Repubs will take their chain saws to Medicare and Social Security.
Be prepared.
87
That approach was already taken with the ACA which is why we're in this mess now.
Universal health care is as vital to the national defense as is a prepared military. Fund it in a similar way.
251
It's a mess and it's now the GOP's full mess. This monster, born of hatred of all things Obama, is guaranteed to decrease the number of sick patients---because without adequate care, they will simply die.
Each bill, the House and the Senate's, is based on the premise that if you can't afford healthcare, you don't deserve it. Rich folks deserve their tax cuts in return for no care for people who can't pay the premiums--which, in the Senate monster--would surely be the vast majority of Americans.
This is more than a pact with the devil. It's a wholesale partnership with evil, displaying a callous disregard for the needs of the people they serve.
Decent affordable healthcare can't be compared to a luxury good like a Lexus. When it comes to the need for a doctor or hospital, there will be no "used" affordable plans on the market to count on for care.
Only in America is adequate healthcare not seen as a basic human right. Shame on the GOP who get Cadillac care from the FEP, and likely lifetime care with their pensions, but think nothing of depriving the citizens they represent of any chance of good health.
Each bill, the House and the Senate's, is based on the premise that if you can't afford healthcare, you don't deserve it. Rich folks deserve their tax cuts in return for no care for people who can't pay the premiums--which, in the Senate monster--would surely be the vast majority of Americans.
This is more than a pact with the devil. It's a wholesale partnership with evil, displaying a callous disregard for the needs of the people they serve.
Decent affordable healthcare can't be compared to a luxury good like a Lexus. When it comes to the need for a doctor or hospital, there will be no "used" affordable plans on the market to count on for care.
Only in America is adequate healthcare not seen as a basic human right. Shame on the GOP who get Cadillac care from the FEP, and likely lifetime care with their pensions, but think nothing of depriving the citizens they represent of any chance of good health.
300
A hatred more pervasive than "of all things Obama". Dogs of Tartaros
It is time to eliminate separate health care for Congress and government workers. Retirement benefits too. Let them grovel in the gravel they've created.
1
Actually, this conspicuous assessment isn't limited to just experts. Just any-everyone familiar with insurance. Be it: Health, Life, Auto, Fire, Flood, Lloyd's of London,...
"experts say dividing the insurance risk pool in this way would force insurers to raise premiums a lot, because plans that cover more services would primarily attract people who have more health problems. Many middle-class families would not be able to afford those plans,..."
"experts say dividing the insurance risk pool in this way would force insurers to raise premiums a lot, because plans that cover more services would primarily attract people who have more health problems. Many middle-class families would not be able to afford those plans,..."
11
Let's repeat tit ad nauseam: Single payer or two tier universal coverage, as is the case in all developed countries, for on average less than two thirds of what it costs in the USA, provided costs are controlled. If every other developed country can do it, we can do it. Sit down, study how other countries do it, look at government managed prograrms we have already in place (Medicare, VA), do the math, and just do it. Do not listen to the screams of the health care industry (insurers and big pharma) - they are entrepreneurial enough to solve their own problems. The government should take on responsibility for the health coverage of all Americans. That is what they are there for, not to protect the interests of the 1% and the health industry. And if the government can mandate auto insurance, they can mandate health insurance. Simple as that.
154
Health insurance companies already have a form of insurance to prevent loss of profits: buy a Congressman or several. Their ongoing contributions to congressmen and senators guarantee that Congress will ultimately lock in their profits. Money talks, and the rest of us are doomed.
11
@Texas Trader: Good point! Let's get creative and set up Go Fund Me accounts to buy our own congresspeople and senators! What's sauce for the goose, etc.,
2
That's really an intriguing idea. We could create a Go Fund Me account to buy votes. As the pot grows, the first GOP senator who pledges to vote against repeal of the ACA could claim it. Then the pot would start over and could be claimed by the next GOP senator to agree to oppose repeal. If big pharma and the insurance companies can buy votes, why not regular citizens?
1
The closing of this piece holds the key problem, sad to say.
" ....conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans... "
I strongly fear that our nation is lacking in these types of lawmakers whose primary concern is taking care of the constituents who voted them into office.
Instead, they're focused on increasing the coffers of the wealthiest of donors and the "people" of Citizens United (aka corporate interests) while they enjoy health care coverage that any of us would be happy to have.
It's not right.
" ....conscientious lawmakers who care about the health care of millions of Americans... "
I strongly fear that our nation is lacking in these types of lawmakers whose primary concern is taking care of the constituents who voted them into office.
Instead, they're focused on increasing the coffers of the wealthiest of donors and the "people" of Citizens United (aka corporate interests) while they enjoy health care coverage that any of us would be happy to have.
It's not right.
160
Healthcare, something that affects everyone, is not an issue to be dealt with by legislation that the GOP elected officials "cobble together" just so that they can say they met their "repeal and replace Obamacare" slogan.
There have been no hearings of note, but just discussions among a select few GOP representatives.
Opposition to the GOP healthcare legislation includes several reputable organizations and even include some Republican governors. Yet, despite the "sharp curve ahead" warning, the GOP-controlled Congress seems hellbent on speeding ahead with the "repeal and replace" legislation. The sad thing is not so much that they will crash but the millions that will be affected by the crash.
There have been no hearings of note, but just discussions among a select few GOP representatives.
Opposition to the GOP healthcare legislation includes several reputable organizations and even include some Republican governors. Yet, despite the "sharp curve ahead" warning, the GOP-controlled Congress seems hellbent on speeding ahead with the "repeal and replace" legislation. The sad thing is not so much that they will crash but the millions that will be affected by the crash.
23
Americans' healthcare and very lives should not be reduced to a pastiche of compromises and enticements offered to 'satisfy' various political affinities.
116
If the Senators actually believe a bifurcated plan with no-frills and ACA-compliant policies made available, they need to pass one more amendment. The Congress should be automatically signed up for the ACA-compliant policies they offer older Americans and, of course, the premiums. however high, should be automatically deducted from their government salaries. Having a legislature making decisions about all of us while excluding them and their families and friends from the consequences of those decisions is the height of chutzpah.
364
They need skin in the game, just like the rest of us.
1
If a majority of the people disapprove of the legislation being enacted, you aren't living in a democracy.
477
Best comment of the year!!! Puts an Accurate spin on everything.
2
Thats exactly what Republicans said about the ACA. Maybe our country isn't quite as divided as we thought?
Peter, If a majority of the people disapprove of the legislation being enacted, you aren't living in a DIRECT democracy, but you may well be living in a REPRESENTATIVE democracy like the USA. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
1
The real issue is democracy when a wildly unpopular bill lives on. This goes well beyond healthcare.
Millions of voters are fooled by thinking that because they pull a lever once every two years, democracy is assured. The truth is otherwise.
The process is designed, as always, to provide us a choice between candidates already determined by parties attracting donors. At one time the party made the choice of candidates based on balanced factors. Since the 1980's, private funding from motivated elites has successfully resulted in alternate slates in primaries that have insured increased Republican polarization and radicalization. Fear of "being primaried" now has the GOP by the throat.
Be assured, Senators are looking over their shoulders at donor preferences rather than the popular will to the point they will let their own voters suffer and even die for a tax cut and tearing up the safety net. Remember Romney's 47% speech as to why. It was a speech given to an audience of wealthy donors.
So the question is not that we have a right to vote, but this: why do we continue to give so much power to private money to the point that the system no longer works for all of us? What will it take for voters to demand the return to democracy from oligarchy with democratic trappings?
Millions of voters are fooled by thinking that because they pull a lever once every two years, democracy is assured. The truth is otherwise.
The process is designed, as always, to provide us a choice between candidates already determined by parties attracting donors. At one time the party made the choice of candidates based on balanced factors. Since the 1980's, private funding from motivated elites has successfully resulted in alternate slates in primaries that have insured increased Republican polarization and radicalization. Fear of "being primaried" now has the GOP by the throat.
Be assured, Senators are looking over their shoulders at donor preferences rather than the popular will to the point they will let their own voters suffer and even die for a tax cut and tearing up the safety net. Remember Romney's 47% speech as to why. It was a speech given to an audience of wealthy donors.
So the question is not that we have a right to vote, but this: why do we continue to give so much power to private money to the point that the system no longer works for all of us? What will it take for voters to demand the return to democracy from oligarchy with democratic trappings?
244
It's a Corporate Republic in my opinion.
3
"why do we continue to give so much power to private money to the point that the system no longer works for all of us?"
It's a little late for this childish question. GOP presidents have appointed reactionaries to the Supreme Court which resulted in Citizens United, enabling billionaires and corporations to fund candidates.
Have you been living under a rock since Reagan and the Bush family?
It's a little late for this childish question. GOP presidents have appointed reactionaries to the Supreme Court which resulted in Citizens United, enabling billionaires and corporations to fund candidates.
Have you been living under a rock since Reagan and the Bush family?
5
OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED!!!
1
It's time for America to join the civilized world.
There will be no meaningful compromises by the GOP on healthcare. They do not want a comprehensive healthcare bill. They have never wanted such a bill. They do not want anything standing in the way of the commercial healthcare industry moving in and shaking the vulnerable public down for every dime they can get. After years of condemning the ACA, they have no meaningful ways of replacing it and they are loath to work at improving it.
Now might just be the time for those of us who believe healthcare is a right to push what is needed: a single pay plan.
There will be no meaningful compromises by the GOP on healthcare. They do not want a comprehensive healthcare bill. They have never wanted such a bill. They do not want anything standing in the way of the commercial healthcare industry moving in and shaking the vulnerable public down for every dime they can get. After years of condemning the ACA, they have no meaningful ways of replacing it and they are loath to work at improving it.
Now might just be the time for those of us who believe healthcare is a right to push what is needed: a single pay plan.
593
ACA and the GOP plan rely on the free market system to deliver health care. Thus, I don't think America want to join the civilized world because doing so is admitting that the free market system fails to deliver one of the most basic and fundamental services to the American people. Admitting the failure of the free market system is perhaps too high a hurdle for America.
3
Will never happen. Corporations rule. The people submit.
1
Sucking about 321 billion dollars out of the federal healthcare outlay and putting it in the pockets of the rich through tax cuts is nothing short of conspiracy against the common people as it renders millions of people uninsured and many more millions without the Medicaid afforded healthcare access. Isn't it intriguing that even after several poll surveys and expert bodies have established the devastating consequences of the bill, the A.C.A repealing bill is still alive; and instead of causing shame and embarrassment to the Republican lawmakers , let alone stirring their conscience, this has rather provided to them a ground for bargaining and deal making with the Mitch McConnell led sponsors of the bill.
372
It an outrage that ill and disabled citizens are so unwilling to give up there healthcare just to deprive the "POOR WEALTHY" from updated their personal fleet of yachts and and biz jets. Just look how great eliminating veteran benefits could enable in a tax break for our "POOR WEALTHY". Those These deserving "POOR WEALTHY" have paid millions to purchase the best politicians available. Don't you think its so unfair to those greedy poor to think they deserve affordable health care?
Additionally, just think of the fun our President and family can have mocking and ridiculing the thousands of cripples and disabled that this no-health bill will bring forth?
Additionally, just think of the fun our President and family can have mocking and ridiculing the thousands of cripples and disabled that this no-health bill will bring forth?
5
Perhaps they are confident that with the combination of Superpacs, Gerrymandering, and voter suppression they can still continue to abuse their constituents and get reelected.
3
How does healthcare work in India?
The careful language used by the Senators in question like "I am not there yet" or "I have some concerns" suggests they are looking for a gift in the bill for their state like the famous "Cornhusker Kickback" extended for Ben Nelson (and later stripped from the final ACA bill).
96
Or they are scared to state their true position of rolling over and voting for the bill
7
Although opponents of the GOP plan have displayed astonishing tenacity in maintaining pressure on senators, McConnell's strategy depends on exhaustion overtaking the protesters before vulnerable Republicans face the electorate. As the editorial suggests, the majority leader will offer just enough concessions to convince undecided lawmakers like Susan Collins that support for the bill will not cost them their seat in the next election.
The cynicism that shapes McConnell's approach highlights the limitations on the responsiveness of our electoral system to voter discontent. Polls show the Republican bill lacks any meaningful popular support, but that fact will not necessarily determine the outcome of senate races. Most potentially vulnerable GOP incumbents do not face reelection until 2020, by which time McConnell calculates that other issues will have displaced healthcare as a top priority.
In most red states, moreover, the primary rather than the general election decides the identity of the winner. Since Republican primary voters tend to skew right, McConnell assumes that support for his party's bill will protect an incumbent better than opposition to it. In the general election, even strong opponents of the measure might hesitate to express their hostility by voting Democratic.
McConnell's strategy, in short, rests on the conviction that partisanship will override opposition to a particular law. Effective in the past, only the voters can defeat this gambit.
The cynicism that shapes McConnell's approach highlights the limitations on the responsiveness of our electoral system to voter discontent. Polls show the Republican bill lacks any meaningful popular support, but that fact will not necessarily determine the outcome of senate races. Most potentially vulnerable GOP incumbents do not face reelection until 2020, by which time McConnell calculates that other issues will have displaced healthcare as a top priority.
In most red states, moreover, the primary rather than the general election decides the identity of the winner. Since Republican primary voters tend to skew right, McConnell assumes that support for his party's bill will protect an incumbent better than opposition to it. In the general election, even strong opponents of the measure might hesitate to express their hostility by voting Democratic.
McConnell's strategy, in short, rests on the conviction that partisanship will override opposition to a particular law. Effective in the past, only the voters can defeat this gambit.
266
It is so sad that Mitch McConnell has become Donald Trump's yes man, on many fronts including health care. Is he not capable of thinking on his own?
3
It makes me sick that politicians are more concerned with re-election than with doing their job of helping the citizens of the USA.
3
I can agree with your reasoning as to McConnell's tactics but this isn't some run of the mill, ho-hum legislation, it represents, by some estimates, 50,000 people per year dying just to fund a tax cut for the rich; and virtually all people with healthcare today will see their coverage weakened (I suspect that won't include the senators' coverage).
I'm appalled that a lot of the front page coverage by the MSM simply comments on the current and likely next steps like it's some kind of horse race.
Blow blow thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind, as man's inhumanity to man.
I'm appalled that a lot of the front page coverage by the MSM simply comments on the current and likely next steps like it's some kind of horse race.
Blow blow thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind, as man's inhumanity to man.
4