Beware the GOP Vampire Congress...just when you think you've beat them, they're back with another undead repeal attempt.
6
When these nitwits say things like "hold Medicaid to its “original purpose” of covering the most severely vulnerable people and [that] too many “able-bodied adults” relied on the program", it makes my blood boil. They must have been born with tiny silver spoons not to acknowledge that plenty of "able-bodied" people are poor even though working, perhaps at McDonalds, but can still get illnesses and injuries that require health care, very expensive health care. I am personally on Medicare, but in a remote area with no doctors accepting it. (If I were on Medical, I could get a doctor in a flash.) So I had to go to Urgent Care for a tick bite - Lyme Disease is rampant here - where the doctor looked at the site we had removed the tick from and gave me two pills. The charge? $967 and some change. Do these guys think a person earning minimum wage could ever pay that? They probably couldn't pay that for their rent! I don't know, perhaps money and power changes one's brain chemistry, destroys the empathy genes along with common sense.
19
When will GOP legislators realize that scads of American citizens have traveled abroad and have experienced "socialized medicine" first hand? Those who have done so realize that, even for non-citizens, office visits and pharmaceuticals cost far less outside the U.S. In my experience scheduling, wait times and paper work are also far less burdensome abroad.
My wife and I have received wonderful care in Canada, France and Italy. Care was delivered on the day needed and at a fraction of the cost for both office visits and pharmaceuticals.
Yet the GOP continue to offer their same old anti-regulatory, anti-socialist bilge--and their undereducated followers keep swallowing it--with incredibly ill effects for themselves and their families.
Why do Republican officials continue to insist that in the U.S. single-payer government healthcare would prove far less efficient than our current for-profit, opaque, cumbersome, and multi-layered public-private arrangement? Is it because the government here is run by ineffective politicians such as themselves? Because it is run by individualistic materialists who--even though so many of them masquerade as devout Christians--actually care ever so much more about their own self-interest, the survival of their Party and continued support from their plutocratic donors than they do about the Gospel message and the common good?
Is it really all about the donations (bribes?) they receive from healthcare "industry" lobbyists?
My wife and I have received wonderful care in Canada, France and Italy. Care was delivered on the day needed and at a fraction of the cost for both office visits and pharmaceuticals.
Yet the GOP continue to offer their same old anti-regulatory, anti-socialist bilge--and their undereducated followers keep swallowing it--with incredibly ill effects for themselves and their families.
Why do Republican officials continue to insist that in the U.S. single-payer government healthcare would prove far less efficient than our current for-profit, opaque, cumbersome, and multi-layered public-private arrangement? Is it because the government here is run by ineffective politicians such as themselves? Because it is run by individualistic materialists who--even though so many of them masquerade as devout Christians--actually care ever so much more about their own self-interest, the survival of their Party and continued support from their plutocratic donors than they do about the Gospel message and the common good?
Is it really all about the donations (bribes?) they receive from healthcare "industry" lobbyists?
19
Here's the problem for what was once called The Grand Old Party:
- If this terrible "health care reform" bill passes, they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
- If this terrible "health care reform" bill fails, they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
- If they find some so-called Middle Ground for this "health care reform" bill that draws some Democratic support, they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
- If they announce that they're going to put this terrible "health care reform" bill on hold until "some time in the future", they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
In sum, once the bitter, malevolent, "Win Obsessed" haters of Obamacare and anything considered "Democratic" joined forces with the hard-right, Ayn Rand inspired "libertarians" and other ideologues to ERASE OBAMACARE---even though it WAS "The Republican/Conservative Health Care Alternative" from the early 90's until early 2009---the GOP started digging its own grave.
While there's no guarantee that the voters will turn against the Republicans in the next few elections because of this health care debacle, most oddsmakers would conclude that the "smart money" is on them losing. And that they're going to soon "be sick and tired of losing so much" in the very near future.
- If this terrible "health care reform" bill passes, they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
- If this terrible "health care reform" bill fails, they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
- If they find some so-called Middle Ground for this "health care reform" bill that draws some Democratic support, they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
- If they announce that they're going to put this terrible "health care reform" bill on hold until "some time in the future", they're going to anger and disappoint millions and lose.
In sum, once the bitter, malevolent, "Win Obsessed" haters of Obamacare and anything considered "Democratic" joined forces with the hard-right, Ayn Rand inspired "libertarians" and other ideologues to ERASE OBAMACARE---even though it WAS "The Republican/Conservative Health Care Alternative" from the early 90's until early 2009---the GOP started digging its own grave.
While there's no guarantee that the voters will turn against the Republicans in the next few elections because of this health care debacle, most oddsmakers would conclude that the "smart money" is on them losing. And that they're going to soon "be sick and tired of losing so much" in the very near future.
7
What's interesting here is that Governors are behaving the way Congress was intended to behave: in a representative fashion.
Rather than being beholden to the party or special interests, the Governors in question are advocating for the people who elected them and whom they represent.
Hey, Congress: #goals
Rather than being beholden to the party or special interests, the Governors in question are advocating for the people who elected them and whom they represent.
Hey, Congress: #goals
9
Voting against Medicaid coverage for poor and marginalized people is actually a vote FOR the welfare of disease germs and cancer cells. Denying coverage is not a cure for cancer.
8
Thank God for intelligent governors!
The other day at my Grandma's house I read her AARP bulletin wherein 5 pages instructed her on how to make do food wise, bathing wise and every wise with inferior foods, soaps etc so that she could survive, deprived, after a life of hard work. This made me think of the latest onerous Republican healthcare bill. No it doesn't effect me YET but it will grind the life's blood out of those who are old or poor. I can help my grandma fortunately BUT what about the others? Or me later? Surely the selfish inhumane new health bill will squeeze the life out of Americans while the oblivious rich look the other way. America is no longer a democracy is it? For this is not the American way.
The other day at my Grandma's house I read her AARP bulletin wherein 5 pages instructed her on how to make do food wise, bathing wise and every wise with inferior foods, soaps etc so that she could survive, deprived, after a life of hard work. This made me think of the latest onerous Republican healthcare bill. No it doesn't effect me YET but it will grind the life's blood out of those who are old or poor. I can help my grandma fortunately BUT what about the others? Or me later? Surely the selfish inhumane new health bill will squeeze the life out of Americans while the oblivious rich look the other way. America is no longer a democracy is it? For this is not the American way.
18
Repeal is a simple shell game. McConnell and his supporters get to take the costs of healthcare off of the Federal balance sheet, excepting, for now, medicare, and make it the states' responsibility. Naturally, some states are howling over this.
I don't get the impression that many in our legislatures really care all that much about the poor, those with chronic illnesses of the body and/or the mind, or the elderly. They just don't want to be seen as uncaring. I also don't see the public as that much different since they voted for the people involved in gutting healthcare supports and supporting spiraling healthcare costs. So they are either indifferent to the plight of others, or lack the intellectual capacity to make connections, in simpler terms, these voters are stupid, the perfect marks for a shell game.
Unless one is content to step over the bodies of the sick and dying while on one's way to church, the bill for treatment will need to be paid somehow. if not by Washington, then by one's state and city. One way or the other, we will be subsidizing medical treatment or disposal.
I don't get the impression that many in our legislatures really care all that much about the poor, those with chronic illnesses of the body and/or the mind, or the elderly. They just don't want to be seen as uncaring. I also don't see the public as that much different since they voted for the people involved in gutting healthcare supports and supporting spiraling healthcare costs. So they are either indifferent to the plight of others, or lack the intellectual capacity to make connections, in simpler terms, these voters are stupid, the perfect marks for a shell game.
Unless one is content to step over the bodies of the sick and dying while on one's way to church, the bill for treatment will need to be paid somehow. if not by Washington, then by one's state and city. One way or the other, we will be subsidizing medical treatment or disposal.
6
The so-called people supporting this nonsense should be publicly indicted and it should memorialized in DC.
Virtually everyone involved is healthcare and insurance has denounced the bill.
Why hasn't the press confronted Cruz, Lee, and McConnell?
This is Trump's cheaper and better, you'l love it, you are going to be amazed.
Virtually everyone involved is healthcare and insurance has denounced the bill.
Why hasn't the press confronted Cruz, Lee, and McConnell?
This is Trump's cheaper and better, you'l love it, you are going to be amazed.
4
Welcome to Providence, Governors!
And thank you for coming “out strongly on Friday against the new Senate bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.”
And thank you for coming “out strongly on Friday against the new Senate bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.”
5
Imagine that you had a grand dream, spanning several years. It doesn't matter what that dream is, but it is yours. You see the outcome in your mind, you feel the joy of reaching that dream.
Instead of working on that dream every day, you keep imagining how wonderful it will be. You tell yourself, today is not the day to actually work on that dream, I'll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow keeps getting pushed back.
All of a sudden tomorrow drops in your lap, like a golden ray of sunshine! So, you furiously begin to work on your dream, which you have discussed with your friends over the years, and they supported. Now, you and your friends are in a frenzy to create the dream before today runs out.
You come up with something resembling that dream of yours and you are so happy. Unfortunately, when you begin to share your triumph with the world, people begin to point out flaws. Big flaws. Things that could have been avoided if you hadn't been in such a rush to bring the dream to life. It would be crushing.
However, you are so united with what you have created, even though the outside forces made you see Big problems, you persist in saying that the creation is wonderful. Even some of your friends start to say that the flaws are just too big.
Do you, reluctantly, listen? Do you try to fix the problems? Start over? Ask for help from people who know? Or, do you lie about the flaws, flatly refuse outside help, and demand that the rest of the world see it as you do?
Instead of working on that dream every day, you keep imagining how wonderful it will be. You tell yourself, today is not the day to actually work on that dream, I'll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow keeps getting pushed back.
All of a sudden tomorrow drops in your lap, like a golden ray of sunshine! So, you furiously begin to work on your dream, which you have discussed with your friends over the years, and they supported. Now, you and your friends are in a frenzy to create the dream before today runs out.
You come up with something resembling that dream of yours and you are so happy. Unfortunately, when you begin to share your triumph with the world, people begin to point out flaws. Big flaws. Things that could have been avoided if you hadn't been in such a rush to bring the dream to life. It would be crushing.
However, you are so united with what you have created, even though the outside forces made you see Big problems, you persist in saying that the creation is wonderful. Even some of your friends start to say that the flaws are just too big.
Do you, reluctantly, listen? Do you try to fix the problems? Start over? Ask for help from people who know? Or, do you lie about the flaws, flatly refuse outside help, and demand that the rest of the world see it as you do?
3
No one seems to want to give up their control on the Tax payer dough. The stress on health insurance instead of health care is ruining it for the tax payers. With high premiums, high deductibles and high government subsidies. the insurance companies have it made with continuous source of funding and profit. US government is the hostage because of a lack of government managed heath care management or public option to complement private health care. Senator from Kentucky, Dr. Rand Paul's argument that Obamacare and the current Republican Health plan are a massive bail out to health insurance companies is on the money. But without a government supported infrastructure and government hired corp of medical personnel, the US government is stuck with a costly health insurance companies to which it contracts out health care of those without private insurance. Before engaging in the Vietnam war, the US government should have invested tax payer dollars in a public-private universal health care program that would have saved trillions while ensuring health care for all Americans. The Department of Health and Human services has the largest budget of all the Departments and even after the mediaid program spending a billion dollars/ DAY, it is pathetic that we cannot provide optimal health care for all Americans. DR. Paul has to make a choice between voting for a repeal of Obamacare or against the Republican plan. It is too late to expect a third choice, the Dr. Paul's preferred choice.
4
Congratulations to GOP governors who are voicing humane responses to GOP congressional malfeasance. Senator McConnell's secretive, rule-bending, debate-free and hurried approach to healthcare legislation is but one more instance of GOP authoritarianism. McConnell's action provides further reason to believe that many U.S. citizens are now being reduced to serfdom within the context of competitive authoritarian rule.
I define "competitive authoritarianism" as:
~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 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, in unprecedented ways, 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.
McConnell recognizes but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of himself, his party, its base and its donors—justifies the means.
Many citizens now believe: Since no governmental institution is bigger than the greed and lust for power that drives the person in charge, no institution is to be trusted.
I define "competitive authoritarianism" as:
~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 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, in unprecedented ways, 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.
McConnell recognizes but one guiding principle: The end—promoting the interests of himself, his party, its base and its donors—justifies the means.
Many citizens now believe: Since no governmental institution is bigger than the greed and lust for power that drives the person in charge, no institution is to be trusted.
3
Trump and his clown car administration darkly warn of an Obamacare "death spiral" while simultaneously peddling a bill that will effectively only insure the chosen few. Health care is complicated; obliterating the lives of the sick and poor much less so. This bill is cruel, ineffective and unprincipled -- just like the president himself.
7
Those Republican governors who oppose this deplorable piece of legislation are to be congratulated.
The Senate bill is just as deplorable as the rule-bending, hearing-free and debate-free procedure by which the opportunistic and authoritarian Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pushed it through.
More critical attention should be focused on the authoritarian procedural machinations of both McConnell and Speaker Ryan.
As things stand, any win for the congressional GOP is a loss for democracy.
The Senate bill is just as deplorable as the rule-bending, hearing-free and debate-free procedure by which the opportunistic and authoritarian Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pushed it through.
More critical attention should be focused on the authoritarian procedural machinations of both McConnell and Speaker Ryan.
As things stand, any win for the congressional GOP is a loss for democracy.
5
When al Assad killed his own people, Americans were justifiably outraged.
But when Republicans want their own people to die for lack of health care, they are praised as heroes of capitalism.
What is the moral difference between McConnell and al Assad? They are both content to watch as the men, women, and children in their own country die.
Al Assad ordered they be attacked with weapons for which there was no treatment. McConnell is far more insidious. He simply wants Americans to sicken and die from lack of treatment. Would you prefer to die suddenly from nerve gas, or from illness, when treatment is available to others, but not to you?
Mitch McConnell gets socialized medicine. Why is he rewarded with what we cannot have? Who rewards a man for being morally indifferent to those who are dying around him?
But when Republicans want their own people to die for lack of health care, they are praised as heroes of capitalism.
What is the moral difference between McConnell and al Assad? They are both content to watch as the men, women, and children in their own country die.
Al Assad ordered they be attacked with weapons for which there was no treatment. McConnell is far more insidious. He simply wants Americans to sicken and die from lack of treatment. Would you prefer to die suddenly from nerve gas, or from illness, when treatment is available to others, but not to you?
Mitch McConnell gets socialized medicine. Why is he rewarded with what we cannot have? Who rewards a man for being morally indifferent to those who are dying around him?
5
Would that the GOP had the will to stand up to the pharmacy and other medical industry lobbies and dark money providers that matches their will to oppose governors and voters and even those industry participants who understand that this bill is mechanically flawed.
2
Attempting repeal is equal only to the stupidity of the original ACA.
Obama knew that placing certain constraints on the health care system would inevitably bias it toward a new permanent entitlement status.
If the GOP wants to add value, they will add incremental features that introduce competition and eliminate waste; prove the merits of the market or surrender to the inevitable train wreck of universal health care in the largest economy which knows only consumption without limits.
Or we can all shut up and admit our ignorance to do that which is right from the bottom-up and accept the servitude of government control that is imposed top-down. Incredibly sad and 180 degrees from what our Founders saw as our mission.
Self governance is not for children. The United States is demonstrating its inability to act like an adult with responsibility, prudence, and judgment.
This will be a Pyrrhic victory for Progressives; nothing to be proud of but an admission of our pathetic nature. Eventually, the United States will collapse under its own weight. To those with hopes of nirvana, point to a successful example of collectivism. Bernie Sanders is no Alexander Hamilton, nor is he Thomas Jefferson.
Obama knew that placing certain constraints on the health care system would inevitably bias it toward a new permanent entitlement status.
If the GOP wants to add value, they will add incremental features that introduce competition and eliminate waste; prove the merits of the market or surrender to the inevitable train wreck of universal health care in the largest economy which knows only consumption without limits.
Or we can all shut up and admit our ignorance to do that which is right from the bottom-up and accept the servitude of government control that is imposed top-down. Incredibly sad and 180 degrees from what our Founders saw as our mission.
Self governance is not for children. The United States is demonstrating its inability to act like an adult with responsibility, prudence, and judgment.
This will be a Pyrrhic victory for Progressives; nothing to be proud of but an admission of our pathetic nature. Eventually, the United States will collapse under its own weight. To those with hopes of nirvana, point to a successful example of collectivism. Bernie Sanders is no Alexander Hamilton, nor is he Thomas Jefferson.
I would like Senator Collins to caucus with the Democrats.
4
The Republican Congress ( House & Senate ) and the Republican
Presidency all seem to have lost their sense of decency and genuine moral compass. It is truly incredible to much of the free world that the Government of United States of America has fallen this low.
Presidency all seem to have lost their sense of decency and genuine moral compass. It is truly incredible to much of the free world that the Government of United States of America has fallen this low.
3
Throughout history countries have invaded other lands and exploited their peoples and extracted their resources. The Republicans are certainly making their mark in US history - they are plundering their own (and more importantly our) country.
3
i want the same coverage that the members of Congress enjoy (Entitlement)
2
Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, your constituents are waiting to hear from you. Don't turn your back on us, like Andy Harris has. You have just come through a terrible illness, so you know what would have happened to you without adequate insurance coverage you could afford.
11
It's a good plan to let the red states have their Medicaid funds cut but let the blue states keep theirs as expanded. The reds are taking more than they put in right now so that plan may even things up a bit and give the voters what they voted for, red and blue.
4
What we are not reading about is why the ACA is not going to be or can be repealed. The populous needs to become more informed about this end of the discussion(s) as to become more informed about the political (policy/law), and the insurance business and how it really works in conjunction with the current policy of the ACA. News agencies need more on this end rather than what the media is feeding the readers what the politicians are working out for the votes of tomorrow.
1
Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD), your constituents are waiting for you to speak to this bill; don't turn your back on us like Andy Harris has done. You have recently been through your own serious health challenges, so you know first hand what would have happened to you and your family had you not had good government-provided health insurance. No one would ever accuse you of deserving your illness because of poor health habits, either, as some of your Republican colleagues have claimed in justifying reductions in coverage.
4
Why aren't Democrats working with a few moderate Republicans on a bill to revise and repair the current ACA? Wouldn't Dems only need a handful of Republican support to force Trump's veto?
The GOP is stuck in a time warp. They obviously believe that the American healthcare system as supported by employers is in the same condition it was back in the 1980s (or even the 1990s). These people (overweening politicos with too much money living on American taxpayer-paid insurance themselves) are out of touch.
Fewer and fewer Americans have good health insurance and even those who have decent health insurance are subject to not only vague pricing mechanisms but also all sorts of games providers use to mask who is the real provider in order to hide the actual cost until care is ALREADY provided.
The cost of healthcare in America is UNAFFORDABLE to even upper middle class households if they had to pay out of pocket for their care. The conflicts of interest, overhead and sometimes outright fraud in the system drive up the price of care in the U.S. Its complexity is a HUGE factor in why it costs so much and why people are stressed about it.
Adding even more layers of junk on top of this already rickety, complex system will just make it more like our tax code: inscrutable. In what way does that serve the country? At some point, Americans are going to have to grow up and accept that our private healthcare system is not only morally indefensible, it is also ineffective and just plain chaotic for no reason other than an accident of history for a political decisions made 50 years ago.
Fewer and fewer Americans have good health insurance and even those who have decent health insurance are subject to not only vague pricing mechanisms but also all sorts of games providers use to mask who is the real provider in order to hide the actual cost until care is ALREADY provided.
The cost of healthcare in America is UNAFFORDABLE to even upper middle class households if they had to pay out of pocket for their care. The conflicts of interest, overhead and sometimes outright fraud in the system drive up the price of care in the U.S. Its complexity is a HUGE factor in why it costs so much and why people are stressed about it.
Adding even more layers of junk on top of this already rickety, complex system will just make it more like our tax code: inscrutable. In what way does that serve the country? At some point, Americans are going to have to grow up and accept that our private healthcare system is not only morally indefensible, it is also ineffective and just plain chaotic for no reason other than an accident of history for a political decisions made 50 years ago.
5
Yes, yes, and yes again. Private health insurance is a mess and run as a gotcha game, to see how much they can avoid paying so their CEOs can make obscene salaries for what? They are not saving lives. The for-profit model is not appropriate or moral for health insurance.
2
I am simply awed by Trump's, Pence's, McConnell's, Ryan's and other republican legislators' utter hatred (towards Obama and his signature legislation) and heartlessness (towards millions of average and below average Americans who are destined to be victims of republican healthcare).
Minus the context of legislative process, they all could be tried for plotting mass murder of millions without firing a single weapon.
Minus the context of legislative process, they all could be tried for plotting mass murder of millions without firing a single weapon.
8
Single payer/Medicare for all. It needs to become a litmus test issue for any candidate, just like the right-wing does with anti-abortion and guns. And our health care is a hell of a lot more important than either of those issues.
6
Sorry, but abortion is pretty freaking important to women.
4
Americans, the insurance industry, the entire health care industry and even our Republican governors are all against this bill. The only people for it are the 1% and the Republicans in Congress. What a stunning indictment of that Congress that this is even close. It can't made any clearer exactly who McConnell, Ryan, Pence and the rest work for.
57
The Health Care Insurance Industry, big donors
1
Universal Health care bill is possible and a must if you like to survive as an Republican in 2018;
To pay for it you charges 3-5% on every Federal sales tax more and dedicate this funds to Health Care.
This sales tax must be on retail and wholesale products with no exceptions or possible deductions for anyone.
On this way everyone is insured and everyone pay the same %.
The Billionaires, middle class and homeless people when they buy food.
Every Baby what need diapers will pay in this Health Care system. Every Trucker what needs gasoline and every senior what needs a walker.
Every Wall street investor will pay his equal share to the system with every trade he makes. ( How much will be traded every day?)
This is the price to living in a society.
The pro's are;
No Medicaid necessary (Trillions in savings)
No private Insurance necessary (there will be a market for additional special insurance)
No Business insurance for employees (saves a ton of money for this every Companies)
A healthier population in America (America first by the way)
Everybody will pay in this Health Care pool, even illegal people or visitors to the USA.
The sales taxes will provide more money as needed. No Hospital has to be closed even in rural areas.
And you need a healthy population to pay taxes in the long future.
So simple and should be understandable even for Republicans.
Hope you give this solution a fair chance in your thinking.
Cheers
Peter Uhl (not a Trump fan at all, but I love America)
To pay for it you charges 3-5% on every Federal sales tax more and dedicate this funds to Health Care.
This sales tax must be on retail and wholesale products with no exceptions or possible deductions for anyone.
On this way everyone is insured and everyone pay the same %.
The Billionaires, middle class and homeless people when they buy food.
Every Baby what need diapers will pay in this Health Care system. Every Trucker what needs gasoline and every senior what needs a walker.
Every Wall street investor will pay his equal share to the system with every trade he makes. ( How much will be traded every day?)
This is the price to living in a society.
The pro's are;
No Medicaid necessary (Trillions in savings)
No private Insurance necessary (there will be a market for additional special insurance)
No Business insurance for employees (saves a ton of money for this every Companies)
A healthier population in America (America first by the way)
Everybody will pay in this Health Care pool, even illegal people or visitors to the USA.
The sales taxes will provide more money as needed. No Hospital has to be closed even in rural areas.
And you need a healthy population to pay taxes in the long future.
So simple and should be understandable even for Republicans.
Hope you give this solution a fair chance in your thinking.
Cheers
Peter Uhl (not a Trump fan at all, but I love America)
13
Retail sales are already taxed. Time to tax services too.
1
Peter Uhl,
Thanks! We appreciate your assistance and love of America. You idea would work, except that I know people will say that it places a heavy burden on the poor among us. We have had a similar discussion at some point in the past about taxes. It was my own party, Democrats, that objected on that basis. I suppose if there were some way to assist them with that tax, but I don't know what that would be, Maybe you have an idea.
Thanks! We appreciate your assistance and love of America. You idea would work, except that I know people will say that it places a heavy burden on the poor among us. We have had a similar discussion at some point in the past about taxes. It was my own party, Democrats, that objected on that basis. I suppose if there were some way to assist them with that tax, but I don't know what that would be, Maybe you have an idea.
2
Fine. This is as logical as a gas tax to pay for auto insurance, eliminating the need for private auto insurance. But logic doesn't pass muster in an age of ideology and, in the face of 40 years of successfully brain-washing the American people into believing that the endless lowering of taxes is morally and fiscally the right course of action and that raising taxes for any reason is evil, it's a huge job to convince folks that they've been sold a lie for all these years.
2
Let's get on with single payer already or at least a "public" option for buying insurance. If I got to pay premiums as high as our mortgage, I'd rather it go to a public pool than the pockets of insurance company CEOs.
46
You won't have to pay "premiums as high as [your] mortgage" with a single payer plan. In fact, you won't have to pay premiums at all. It'll be covered by your taxes -- that's precisely the point of single payer. No replications of bureaucracies (as is the case now), no ordering up of unnecessary tests (to line someone's pocket), no filling out of endless forms (just show your card) and a focus on outcomes. And, all this could be paid for at a cost well below what we, as a nation, are currently shelling out for our healthcare.
The argument against single payer is ideological, not pragmatic. As is, for that matter, the argument in favor of the ludicrous amounts we spend on "defense", the lion's share of which has nothing to do with the real threats we face.
The argument against single payer is ideological, not pragmatic. As is, for that matter, the argument in favor of the ludicrous amounts we spend on "defense", the lion's share of which has nothing to do with the real threats we face.
4
The options are:
- Cover Everything
- Cover Everyone
- Be Affordable
Pick two.
Democrats compassionately and uncompromisingly want to make sure everyone is covered for everything. The Republicans see affordability as a practical necessity and want to trim back the Everyone and Everything parts. Thus the impasse.
There is no solution, be it with private insurance or single-payer healthcare, that can satisfy all three. Delaying death by natural causes of old and sick people is an inherently economically-intensive prospect. And the average outlay by society and not exceed the average contribution from each individual. Reducing the underlying costs of healthcare and increasing the average productivity will necessary to achieving the Utopian goal we'd all like to see. But these are separate battles.
I think the proper balance is to insure a minimal level of care to everyone (either by regulation that shapes private insurance or government aid, it really doesn't matter) and then just accept that rich people get to live longer than poor people. Wealth is certainly not an ideal way of deciding is more valuable and who ought to receive care to help them extend their natural lives. But it's the only system we've got. If you have a better idea that doesn't sound like an episode of Black Mirror than I'm all ears.
( And even in countries like Canada and the UK, who promise Everything for Everyone, administrators resort to balancing the equation by rationing via feigned incompetence.)
- Cover Everything
- Cover Everyone
- Be Affordable
Pick two.
Democrats compassionately and uncompromisingly want to make sure everyone is covered for everything. The Republicans see affordability as a practical necessity and want to trim back the Everyone and Everything parts. Thus the impasse.
There is no solution, be it with private insurance or single-payer healthcare, that can satisfy all three. Delaying death by natural causes of old and sick people is an inherently economically-intensive prospect. And the average outlay by society and not exceed the average contribution from each individual. Reducing the underlying costs of healthcare and increasing the average productivity will necessary to achieving the Utopian goal we'd all like to see. But these are separate battles.
I think the proper balance is to insure a minimal level of care to everyone (either by regulation that shapes private insurance or government aid, it really doesn't matter) and then just accept that rich people get to live longer than poor people. Wealth is certainly not an ideal way of deciding is more valuable and who ought to receive care to help them extend their natural lives. But it's the only system we've got. If you have a better idea that doesn't sound like an episode of Black Mirror than I'm all ears.
( And even in countries like Canada and the UK, who promise Everything for Everyone, administrators resort to balancing the equation by rationing via feigned incompetence.)
2
"countries like Canada and the UK ..... promise Everything for Everyone"
Untrue. This is not a zero sum gain / all or nothing issue at all. "countries like Canada and the UK" along with rest of the industrialized world except the U.S. make no such grandiose claims. Their systems of health simply attempt to make the best use of every health care dollar by having national committees of health care professionals (instead of corporate boards of non-professionals which is how we make such decisions in the U.S.) to recommend which procedures and which medications be paid for by their system (aka as insurance company drug formularies in the U.S.). The rich can still opt for medications/procedures that are not covered. Everyone is covered. This means that, for example, a drug that costs $10,000 and has a 15% chance of extending the life of an elderly cancer patient by 2 months is less likely to be paid for by the national health system than a drug that costs $10 and successfully removes all traces of cancer in 75% of patients young and old. Palin called such practices "death panels" as if the U.S. hasn't had such panels in place for decades. Access to health care services is rationed by ability to pay in the U.S. and by medical necessity in other nations. I know which I believe is a preferable way to go.
Untrue. This is not a zero sum gain / all or nothing issue at all. "countries like Canada and the UK" along with rest of the industrialized world except the U.S. make no such grandiose claims. Their systems of health simply attempt to make the best use of every health care dollar by having national committees of health care professionals (instead of corporate boards of non-professionals which is how we make such decisions in the U.S.) to recommend which procedures and which medications be paid for by their system (aka as insurance company drug formularies in the U.S.). The rich can still opt for medications/procedures that are not covered. Everyone is covered. This means that, for example, a drug that costs $10,000 and has a 15% chance of extending the life of an elderly cancer patient by 2 months is less likely to be paid for by the national health system than a drug that costs $10 and successfully removes all traces of cancer in 75% of patients young and old. Palin called such practices "death panels" as if the U.S. hasn't had such panels in place for decades. Access to health care services is rationed by ability to pay in the U.S. and by medical necessity in other nations. I know which I believe is a preferable way to go.
2
I am 69, retired and have no serious health issues, not even BP or cholesterol. I as a fair haired baby boomer with "sun spots." Before I hit Medicare age, my out of pocket expenses for Blue Cross premiums, blood tests, biopsies, and minor surgical skin treatments ran between $15,000 and $20,000. Its cost me a $300 copay to ER services. I never did find the mythical medical facility that charged the "reasonable and customary fee." I'm guessing it's in Tijuana.
Under Medicare I've had no out of pocket except for my $110 monthly premium. To support a tax cut for wealthy people, I become a major target for the Trumcare insurance tax. I am "old" and have a preexisting condition. The "preexisting" label opens the door to expansion of the definition to increase premiums. Insurers have removed sight, hearing, thinking (mental health), and the ability to eat (dental and mouth) from health care. Slippery slope is a GOP mantra. Now they are using one to kill us slowly.
Under Medicare I've had no out of pocket except for my $110 monthly premium. To support a tax cut for wealthy people, I become a major target for the Trumcare insurance tax. I am "old" and have a preexisting condition. The "preexisting" label opens the door to expansion of the definition to increase premiums. Insurers have removed sight, hearing, thinking (mental health), and the ability to eat (dental and mouth) from health care. Slippery slope is a GOP mantra. Now they are using one to kill us slowly.
29
Good reply. I recently learned from a cousin who is an ENT surgeon in the UK that the NIH, while not perfect, covers all auditory services, including hearing aids (and not just the bare bones models). What a novel concept that would be here, where even private insurance won't help with those outrageously priced devices, even though they can make a difference in holding onto jobs, avoiding isolation, and possibly even keeping Alzheimers at bay.
3
I want each congressperson & senator to post for all to see their own Cadillac plans, paid for by the taxpayers--that I'm told (is it true?) will remain the same no matter what happens to this bill-- so we can compare what they (mill&billionaire politicians) will continue getting for free V. what the multi-millions of ordinary folk are about to lose in their healthcare. Better yet, let them read these out loud from the Senate floor...at the same time as the GOP is trashing the health insurance system that the People have to pay for, while protecting their own hi-end, freebie health packages. Where is the media on these comparisons? Where are the academicians, the late night comedians when it comes to examining the health plans the pols get for free? Item by item. I wanna know what Mitch McConnell gets...not his private info (God Forbid)...just what medical help is available to him if & when he needs it-and for how long? I'm sure I'll be in the County Farm Warehouse for the Dying --if there still was one (it's called "the gutter" now)-- before THAT information will be made public.
10
Dare we hope that if this bill fails, it could usher in a period of bi-partisanship where the moderates of both parties come together to support legislation that improves the lives of Americans? The ACA is not perfect. One way to cut insurance rates is to cut the cost of medical care. How about looking at the impact of drug costs, legal costs, and hospital and insurance company profits? And please, let's drop the farcical discussions of how competition and free-market forces will bring down costs. That free-market does not exist anywhere in the world.
44
The governors might not understand the swiss cheese legislation proposed by the GOP in the Senate, but they do hear the screams of "foul!" by their constituents. And, unlike the GOP members of Congress, they can't run away to D.C. when things get messy.
As a healthcare advocate, I can tell you that Governors' inability to manage the proposed finite funding of Medicaid scares the bejesus out of them.
Hospitals, especially in rural communities that depend on Medicaid funding, will close.
American people will suffer and die because of lack of access to care.
Unwanted pregnancies will skyrocket because women won't be able to go to Planned Parenthood or Medicaid or the ACA for free contraception. Infant mortality rates will soar, because mother won't be able to afford pre-natal and delivery care.
The disabled and elderly in nursing homes who depend on Medicaid will be forced to live with family members ill prepared to care for them. Those without family face shelters and homelessness.
For those with assets and insurance, the cost of care will increase substantially. Hospitals and other providers will need to charge these people more for care to make up for the insured. The price of nonsensically unregulated prescription drug costs will cause those with chronic conditions to suffer and die.
Bankruptcies caused by medical bills, already the #1 reason for people who file, will go through the roof. Our economy will tank.
Welcome to the GOP America dream.
As a healthcare advocate, I can tell you that Governors' inability to manage the proposed finite funding of Medicaid scares the bejesus out of them.
Hospitals, especially in rural communities that depend on Medicaid funding, will close.
American people will suffer and die because of lack of access to care.
Unwanted pregnancies will skyrocket because women won't be able to go to Planned Parenthood or Medicaid or the ACA for free contraception. Infant mortality rates will soar, because mother won't be able to afford pre-natal and delivery care.
The disabled and elderly in nursing homes who depend on Medicaid will be forced to live with family members ill prepared to care for them. Those without family face shelters and homelessness.
For those with assets and insurance, the cost of care will increase substantially. Hospitals and other providers will need to charge these people more for care to make up for the insured. The price of nonsensically unregulated prescription drug costs will cause those with chronic conditions to suffer and die.
Bankruptcies caused by medical bills, already the #1 reason for people who file, will go through the roof. Our economy will tank.
Welcome to the GOP America dream.
45
This is precisely why I am encouraging my children and grandchildren to emigrate. The USA is an evil entity.
1
So, the Governor and senior Senator from KY, the state ranked 45th in per capita income, want to repeal a tax on the 1%, in order to take health care away from its poorest citizens? And their state is The exemplar for ACA success in expanding coverage? Do I have that about right?
What is the literacy rate in KY? Do they get more than one TV station?
37
I am sure, Kentucky is a good example, so are many others under the tyranny of Republican Governors !
8
Medicaid was expanded by our Democratic governor, Steve Beshear, before we inexplicably elected a Republican to office. Bevin has been wanting to get rid of that expansion ever since he was elected. In fact he ran on opposing the ACA. Kentuckians are widely known to vote against their best interests. Personally, I miss Beshear. To answer your last question, we do have a few tv stations here. At least more than one.
2
I think of Senators of old and it's remarkable that these guys can't see a way forward. The public will forgive no repeal if they frame the narrative that, in practice, the ACA can be fixed and no repeal is needed.
We're all tired of hearing "the Republicans need a win" This is not a game. The Republicans AND the Democrats need to find a true way for the public good to be the winner.
We're all tired of hearing "the Republicans need a win" This is not a game. The Republicans AND the Democrats need to find a true way for the public good to be the winner.
62
Hamilton: And it's frankly time the American citizen had a win.
3
Thank you, Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada. Imagine that, an elected Republican who cares whether the people he represents receive medical protection!
27
Why don't Republicans know better than to continue digging their hole?
11
This is a trait that defines the Republicans, and just like some animals , they go on digging !
It will pass. Republican Senators supposedly on the fence will come around. Why? Because party and incumbency are more important than country.
If you doubt this, consider the theft of a Supreme Court seat, engineered by the Senate Majority Leader, M McConnell, who would sell the people of his home state, Kentucky, just to keep his position. Wait! He's doing just that with this disgraceful piece of legislation.
As a group, they have no shame.
If you doubt this, consider the theft of a Supreme Court seat, engineered by the Senate Majority Leader, M McConnell, who would sell the people of his home state, Kentucky, just to keep his position. Wait! He's doing just that with this disgraceful piece of legislation.
As a group, they have no shame.
19
The never ending question that it seems far too many Americans won't answer.
"Why would someone continually vote for and elect representatives of a party(Republicans)that does not and really never did care about the vast majority of those that elected them"?
"Why would someone continually vote for and elect representatives of a party(Republicans)that does not and really never did care about the vast majority of those that elected them"?
9
It will NOT pass. And Republican Senators supposedly on the fence will NOT come around. Why? Incumbency, and more specifically RE-ELECTION are more important than country and party and ideology combined. The truly savvy GOP Senate and House members know that if this were to pass it will be unmitigated electoral disaster for their party, regardless of the fact that the worst parts of this horrible bill won't take effect until 2024, when the Republican leadership are assuming they'll be leaving the White House anyway.
Don't ever underestimate the obsession most members of Congress have with keeping their seats; it's a job like no other with no other employers available. And they usually will do anything to keep it.
Don't ever underestimate the obsession most members of Congress have with keeping their seats; it's a job like no other with no other employers available. And they usually will do anything to keep it.
5
The answer to your question: Fox News.
3
The Republicans have put themselves in a classic lose-lose situation. One of their own making for seven years. They never had a viable alternative to Obama Care and worked like the dickens to sabotage it whenever they could. Memo to Republicans: repeal it, you lose, replace it, your lose, do nothing you lose, negotiate with the Democrats, you lose. Did I say lose - lose, amend that it is lose, lose, lose, lose. As a I've long liberal Democrat I can only say "thank you Mitch McConell." BTW where is Donald Trump on this, is he missing? Or just out to lunch??
17
He is enjoying the dinner at the highest restaurant in Eiffel Tower with his woman and contemplating a trump tower close by !
8
If they were to actually ask Democrats to the table, to repair the ACA, I don't think it would be a total loss for the Republicans. But you are right, for sure, about the other two cases.
He's literally GOLFING at his Bedminster Club.
1
Elections have serious consequences. And if the Republicans can get over their own incompetence long enough to pass some form of this draconian bill, those consequences will be felt by millions of people.
Who will Republican voters, third party voters and non-voters blame when they lose insurance, find out their premiums are horrifically higher if they do have a pre-existing condition, or find out their cheap premiums don't actually cover anything once they do get sick?
Rhetorical question. Of course they'll somehow blame Obama and continue their old voting habits.
Who will Republican voters, third party voters and non-voters blame when they lose insurance, find out their premiums are horrifically higher if they do have a pre-existing condition, or find out their cheap premiums don't actually cover anything once they do get sick?
Rhetorical question. Of course they'll somehow blame Obama and continue their old voting habits.
55
Yes, but the "soft Trump supporters"---those who don't worship him, have their doubts about some of what he says or does, and those "moderates" and "independents" and "just fed up with the system" types who voted for Trump in 2016---WILL, quite possibly in significant numbers, either stay home in the next election, or skip that section of the ballot, or even vote Democratic as a way of demonstrating their displeasure and disappointment with this Republican administration and their congressional allies.
You're probably correct in asserting that the Hard Core Trump voters---those with an extremist right-wing outlook who get their "news" exclusively from Rush Limbaugh, Info Wars, Brietbart and Fox "News"---will never wake up and smell the coffee of reality, but the GOP can't hold on to Congress and the White House on those people alone.
If I were a Republican today, I'd be shaking in my boots and shaking my head, wondering how and why this self-inflicted wound occurred and why my party is now choosing to let the infection spread and fester?
You're probably correct in asserting that the Hard Core Trump voters---those with an extremist right-wing outlook who get their "news" exclusively from Rush Limbaugh, Info Wars, Brietbart and Fox "News"---will never wake up and smell the coffee of reality, but the GOP can't hold on to Congress and the White House on those people alone.
If I were a Republican today, I'd be shaking in my boots and shaking my head, wondering how and why this self-inflicted wound occurred and why my party is now choosing to let the infection spread and fester?
6
WHY do people in the US of A have an aversion to the notion that good health care is or at least should be a BASIC HUMAN RIGHT??? They are still the richest country on the planet, yet they behave as if they are dirt poor and cannot afford to provide for their citizens the rights that nearly every other semi-civilized country take for granted. EVERY person in a wealthy country like that, should have all their human rights met and the most basic of these is health care - without your health how can you l? People with illnesses and infirmities should be taken care of, so that they can live happy, fulfillling lives and remain or become full and productive members of society.. period. Health is not a commodity that should be bought and sold "on the open market".
29
Always keep in mind, "Citizens United" allowed the unfettered bribery of politicians in America. The answer to your logical questions are "lobbyists and big money".
9
As long as we spend half a trillion dollars EVERY YEAR on the military, yes, we are dirt poor--financially, morally, intellectually, and spiritually. That is the main reason there's no money for anything else.
2
So, Gov Sandoval of Nevada says that "his decision to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act had been “a winner for the people of our state” and adds that “I have to be comfortable that those 210,000 lives are going to continue to enjoy the quality of life and health care that they have right now"?
Good for him for making the welfare of his constituents his priority!
Yet, what a comment on the state of Republican zealotry, exemplified by of the likes of Walker, that Sandoval sane stance is "news"! Walker, Cruz & Co are openly disdainful of the health and welfare of THEIR constituents, and most other Americans!
Good for him for making the welfare of his constituents his priority!
Yet, what a comment on the state of Republican zealotry, exemplified by of the likes of Walker, that Sandoval sane stance is "news"! Walker, Cruz & Co are openly disdainful of the health and welfare of THEIR constituents, and most other Americans!
20
For decades now, the solutions to the 60 yr. American healthcare debacle have existed in one form or another in the outside world for all to see, yet, the haggling continues unabated with no light at the end of the tunnel.
You want a solution America? Once and for all, get the darn money out of politics and start electing people that will commit to actually representing ALL of their constituents, NOT corporate donors! Until that happens, nothing will change and the haggling about what to do with health care will continue for another 60 yrs. !
You want a solution America? Once and for all, get the darn money out of politics and start electing people that will commit to actually representing ALL of their constituents, NOT corporate donors! Until that happens, nothing will change and the haggling about what to do with health care will continue for another 60 yrs. !
13
I don't believe Republican politicians are bought by campaign donors. They are just hard hearted people, stingy and lacking in Christian values.
We now have Republican governors added to the mix with the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and the American Hospital Association in the forefront. All of the above are directly involved with the ongoing care of keeping us Americans healthy in body and mind. I am a retired RN, and I have to tell you that when the AMA and the AHA speak up in defense of the ACA, that is not to be taken lightly. Doctors, nurses, and hospitals together are the front line in our battle against diseases and for treatments and cures. Our governors are our troops, supporting us in order for them to support their constituents.
Let us stay focused on why McConnell, Ryan, and their leader Trump want to destroy Obamacare. It has nothing to do with helping us, but it does have to do with lining the pockets of the drug, insurance companies, et al. It has nothing to do with it being "too liberal" since at its heart it is rather conservative with its prototype started under a Republican governor in Massachusetts.
It has everything to do with a win, a win over Democrats, a win over President Obama, a win for the sake of winning. The Republican Congress and Mr. Trump are all about themselves and a minority of special interest groups. To heck with the rest of us.
Let us stay focused on why McConnell, Ryan, and their leader Trump want to destroy Obamacare. It has nothing to do with helping us, but it does have to do with lining the pockets of the drug, insurance companies, et al. It has nothing to do with it being "too liberal" since at its heart it is rather conservative with its prototype started under a Republican governor in Massachusetts.
It has everything to do with a win, a win over Democrats, a win over President Obama, a win for the sake of winning. The Republican Congress and Mr. Trump are all about themselves and a minority of special interest groups. To heck with the rest of us.
17
The irony in all of this was that with the ACA, the state that had the biggest overall reduction in uninsured was Mitch McConnel's state Kentucky, yet, he keeps getting elected! WHY?
10
Fox "News".
3
I can only suggest that there were a lot of people who got the ACA, and were delighted. BUT, they did not know that it WAS Obamacare! Therein, in just the name, lies a huge obstacle with those voters.
3
The current persuasion attempted is to leave it all up to the states. But with Medicaid decimated and Medicare not far behind, how will that be possible? Don't let them bamboozle you.
4
Drawing legitimacy from citizens, governments currently spend approx. $30,000 per year per citizen. Citizens can properly demand that $4,400 of that go to universal healthcare for all, an equal amount for education, without apology.
Some cruel hearts naturally want to disenfranchise others under the guise of economics, but even a cursory examination shows universal healthcare is a sound investment for government that pays enormous dividends.
Some cruel hearts naturally want to disenfranchise others under the guise of economics, but even a cursory examination shows universal healthcare is a sound investment for government that pays enormous dividends.
9
"“I really believe, as the president does, that we’re saving Medicaid,” Mr. Pence said." It is more of the same what we are getting from this White House, whether it is filling of F-86 form by Jared Kushner and then keep adding another 100 or so names in three additional correction or the statements coming from the communication team of the White House and now from the Vice President. My only question is if it is true how come you did not object to it when you were the Governor of Indiana and accepted the money and expanded the Medicaid program in your State and provided the much needed affordable care to your residents?
Medicaid is a part of the whole package, Republicans have a golden chance to actually repeal the whole Health Care scenario by incorporating their Christian values of helping their neighbors in hour of need by making quality healthcare a human right and create a program that ensures everyone has access to healthcare without regards to the ability to pay.
They may call it by any name and that is immaterial. If it needs to be funded by our corporations that earn Trillions in profit so be it. It is about time they pay their fair share and help our fellow Americans; it is their patriotic duty, it is only money that America is asking of them not their life. What kind of patriotism is it that they are objecting to support our fellow Americans who are less fortunate and were busy in helping them become rich?
Medicaid is a part of the whole package, Republicans have a golden chance to actually repeal the whole Health Care scenario by incorporating their Christian values of helping their neighbors in hour of need by making quality healthcare a human right and create a program that ensures everyone has access to healthcare without regards to the ability to pay.
They may call it by any name and that is immaterial. If it needs to be funded by our corporations that earn Trillions in profit so be it. It is about time they pay their fair share and help our fellow Americans; it is their patriotic duty, it is only money that America is asking of them not their life. What kind of patriotism is it that they are objecting to support our fellow Americans who are less fortunate and were busy in helping them become rich?
10
Please.
What do governors know about health care?
What do governors know about the health insurance industry?
The Republic Party controlled House and Senate is the ultimate knowledge base for both of these.
They have reviewed the contents of TrumpCare legislation.
Word by word, page by page.
Through the myriad committee hearings,
they have received the input of both medical resources and industry input.
The list of experts who have provided their input is impressive.
They have the benefits of extraordinary financial analysis: both at a macro level and a focused consumer level economic analysis.
So who cares what the governors think.........
......oh wait.
There is no Republic Party.......
....United Russia American subdivision Party.......
Never mind
What do governors know about health care?
What do governors know about the health insurance industry?
The Republic Party controlled House and Senate is the ultimate knowledge base for both of these.
They have reviewed the contents of TrumpCare legislation.
Word by word, page by page.
Through the myriad committee hearings,
they have received the input of both medical resources and industry input.
The list of experts who have provided their input is impressive.
They have the benefits of extraordinary financial analysis: both at a macro level and a focused consumer level economic analysis.
So who cares what the governors think.........
......oh wait.
There is no Republic Party.......
....United Russia American subdivision Party.......
Never mind
5
People who don't know what "adverse selection" means to insurance have no business writing health care bills.
7
This argument that the healthy people don't should pay for the sick people and the rich pay more as the poor etc. is beside the point.
You all living in a society and everyone what enjoys the freedom what comes with it has to contribute for it.
The best way for Universal Health Care payment is to charge a 3-5% increase in federal sales tax. On this way the rich and the poor paying the same % in the Health Care pool. Sick people paying when they pay there food and medication or the rent - mortgage and electricity and rich people when they buy more jewelry and a second helicopter.
The key is that you have to collect it from retail and wholesale. NO exemption for Corporates or Wall Street or illegal Immigrants. When you buy something you pay 3-5% for Health care.
Trillions $ saved in Medicare and Medicaid.
And a healthy Nation is a stronger Nation and a more prouder Nation.
So simple and made so difficult.
You all living in a society and everyone what enjoys the freedom what comes with it has to contribute for it.
The best way for Universal Health Care payment is to charge a 3-5% increase in federal sales tax. On this way the rich and the poor paying the same % in the Health Care pool. Sick people paying when they pay there food and medication or the rent - mortgage and electricity and rich people when they buy more jewelry and a second helicopter.
The key is that you have to collect it from retail and wholesale. NO exemption for Corporates or Wall Street or illegal Immigrants. When you buy something you pay 3-5% for Health care.
Trillions $ saved in Medicare and Medicaid.
And a healthy Nation is a stronger Nation and a more prouder Nation.
So simple and made so difficult.
5
The rich don't pay sales tax. They invest their extra money. The tax would fall mainly on the poor and middle class.
5
John- I work for a Forbes Billionaire family. They consume PLENTY. In the last week alone I facilitated purchases of over 500k in consumer goods from car dealerships, Bass Pro Shop and 2 high end jewelry stores. When your a billionaire and your investments generate $3-400MM in distributed income annually, you don't think twice about spending $200MM and then investing the rest. The consumption habits of the ultra wealthy would shock you. Adding a 3-5% healthcare tax on top of that to fund Medicare for all would not phase them in the slightest.
Somewhere in the correspondence of Ancient Rome an administrator explains how he responds to demands for an improved administration.
"I simply announce a reorganization," he explains. "It takes years to set up, and by the time we are ready to do something, the politicians have lost their enthusiasm and the odds are I won't have to do anything."
The only answer to improving things is to take the structure we have and keep evolving improvements, year after year.
The Republicans have no idea how to improve things, and just want to agree on anything, no matter how senseless, because that will hold off the day of reckoning.
If they get their way, they will end up with a big nothingburger, their specialty.
"I simply announce a reorganization," he explains. "It takes years to set up, and by the time we are ready to do something, the politicians have lost their enthusiasm and the odds are I won't have to do anything."
The only answer to improving things is to take the structure we have and keep evolving improvements, year after year.
The Republicans have no idea how to improve things, and just want to agree on anything, no matter how senseless, because that will hold off the day of reckoning.
If they get their way, they will end up with a big nothingburger, their specialty.
4
This effort to wreck Obamacare is the most despicable legislation in a generation, a simple pretext for more giveaways to the rich. Contact your Senators and Representative and tell them to give it up.
8
There is something fundamentally immoral about a country that never lacks the funds for building deadly weapons but ponders, debates and delays endlessly on the healthcare for the poor.
50
The Republicans' need for revenge is so pathetic. A Democrat president dared to reform health insurance, yet he used the same market-based principles proposed by a Republican think tank and had been instituted on a statewide level by Mitt Romney, a party darling who later ran against Obama. Naively, Obama thought he might acquire some bipartisan support. It's simply not possible to see anything at play here that deserves respect.
33
Pence 'really believes that we are saving Medicaid'. He could have chosen a better verb as we have become familiar with how odd some of his beliefs are.
14
if only this could filter over
to Congress
to Congress
5
"What many Republicans fear is that action on what they have long derided as Obamacare also matters a great deal to their base."
The Republicans need to quit worrying about this so-called base and worry about what benefits the people of the country as a whole. I have read that that base of theirs is shrinking and is hardly representative of the country they are supposed to govern.
Gallup polls note that "58% favor replacing the ACA with federally funded healthcare system" and "about half would also be OK with keeping the ACA as is." If the Republicans were a party that were concerned with what the people perceive are their needs, they would listen. And then, perhaps, the GOP would be a party for the country.
The Republicans need to quit worrying about this so-called base and worry about what benefits the people of the country as a whole. I have read that that base of theirs is shrinking and is hardly representative of the country they are supposed to govern.
Gallup polls note that "58% favor replacing the ACA with federally funded healthcare system" and "about half would also be OK with keeping the ACA as is." If the Republicans were a party that were concerned with what the people perceive are their needs, they would listen. And then, perhaps, the GOP would be a party for the country.
7
What's apparent now is that ObamaCare, since its inception in 2010, is the quintessential political "game-changer." Republicans--from the House and Senate to state legislatures and statehouses--have, in lock-step, turned out in force against the (black) president's legislative signature. But something happened on the way to repeal: the people who were supposed to benefit from the "Socialist" bill began to like it. The Red State tide that, according to Mitch McConnell was the coalition that sent the GOP a majority of both Houses ("we were sent here to repeal ObamaCare") is putting the brakes on repeal and replace.
Governors, at least those in states that took on the Medicaid tie-in, have seen that people like being able to fall back on a safety net. Even those folks who hated ObamaCare when it first made its appearance, have come to accept the law as a good thing. Governors have come to realize that, going forward, it will be politically suicidal to take on the coming onerous financial burdens that will weigh down their state finances like an anchor. How many states will be willing to raise taxes to pay for health care after severing the spinal cord that is ObamaCare, their lifeline? All so the Richie Riches of America (you know who you are: you're in the shadows, responsible for stuff like Citizens United) can have another yacht or another penthouse or a few more (untaxed) millions to offshore?
Republican governors know better than their brethren and sisters in Congress.
Governors, at least those in states that took on the Medicaid tie-in, have seen that people like being able to fall back on a safety net. Even those folks who hated ObamaCare when it first made its appearance, have come to accept the law as a good thing. Governors have come to realize that, going forward, it will be politically suicidal to take on the coming onerous financial burdens that will weigh down their state finances like an anchor. How many states will be willing to raise taxes to pay for health care after severing the spinal cord that is ObamaCare, their lifeline? All so the Richie Riches of America (you know who you are: you're in the shadows, responsible for stuff like Citizens United) can have another yacht or another penthouse or a few more (untaxed) millions to offshore?
Republican governors know better than their brethren and sisters in Congress.
10
I’ll bet all the Republican Governors, U.S. Senators, and U.S. House Representatives wish they could jump into H. G. Wells “Time Machine” and go back to 2010. And then they could have just shrugged their shoulders and said, oh well the ACA is law, let’s just drop it as a partisan issue.
Of course they can’t go back, and no matter the outcome of this repeal and replace bill, pass or fail they lose. If it passes they draw the ire of all those currently participating in the ACA and Medicaid, both Republicans and Democrats. If it fails they have to deal with all those “other” Republicans including the likes of the Koch brothers, and the uncaring heartless ones who could care less about working class America.
I for one hope it fails, not because I want to see Republicans squirm, but for the sake of the health of some 22 million of my fellow citizens.
Of course they can’t go back, and no matter the outcome of this repeal and replace bill, pass or fail they lose. If it passes they draw the ire of all those currently participating in the ACA and Medicaid, both Republicans and Democrats. If it fails they have to deal with all those “other” Republicans including the likes of the Koch brothers, and the uncaring heartless ones who could care less about working class America.
I for one hope it fails, not because I want to see Republicans squirm, but for the sake of the health of some 22 million of my fellow citizens.
8
Republican tinkering with the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare tantamount to dropping a WMB that will produce more casualty than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki put together !
When it comes to war, republicans do not discriminate between internal and external conflicts ! Every American feel as patriotic duty to fight an external enemy, but republicans feel equally strong to fight Obama though the casualty will exceed those numbers perished in Hiroshima and Nagasaki !
When it comes to war, republicans do not discriminate between internal and external conflicts ! Every American feel as patriotic duty to fight an external enemy, but republicans feel equally strong to fight Obama though the casualty will exceed those numbers perished in Hiroshima and Nagasaki !
6
So, in order to save Medicare, the likes of Trump, Pence, Price, Verma, and other assorted deplorables are pushing a bill designed to kill it? With friends like these, who needs enemies?
20
The bill isn't meant to kill Medicare. It is meant to kill people before they need Medicare.
16
You mean it's not the "greatest healthcare bill ever" by the administration with the "greatest list of achievements in such a short time?" POTUS wouldn't lie to us would he?
This bill is so bad, there's been speculation that McConnell wants it to fail. I don't think he's that clever, I think he's just evil.
This bill is so bad, there's been speculation that McConnell wants it to fail. I don't think he's that clever, I think he's just evil.
34
If they pass it, they buy it and people will suffer. They simply don't care about "what Americans want".
4
As A Canadian, I am confused.
In the 1960s, the Canadian Federal Government enacted the Canada Health Act; it set out standards for universal health insurance, administered by the provinces and territories. The political party in power has changed many times since Lester Pearson, the prime minister who brought in this legislation. And the legislation has been amended numerous times.
However, no political party in the Canadian Parliament has proposed **repealing the universal health insurance**.
I am surprised that there is this focus **repealing** the Affordable Care Act with a "new plan" in the United States instead of revising the Affordable Care Act and for the experience gained in the last few years.
I wish the USA success on this issue. I am a professional (CPA) and am quite happy with the universal health care care
Universal health care also **gives much more mobility to job markets**, as people can switch jobs, or regrettably lose jobs and still have coverage ad care if they break an arm or need gall bladder out. It reduces stress.
Final comment. The CIA World Factbook shows that Canada, a poorer nation than the USA, has longer life expectancies and lower child mortality than the USA. Canada also spends much less (about 9.0 of GDP in Canada vs. about 16.0% of GDP in USA) on health care.
I hope, with all my heart and as a friend of America, that the USA is able to move forward with health care legislation.
In the 1960s, the Canadian Federal Government enacted the Canada Health Act; it set out standards for universal health insurance, administered by the provinces and territories. The political party in power has changed many times since Lester Pearson, the prime minister who brought in this legislation. And the legislation has been amended numerous times.
However, no political party in the Canadian Parliament has proposed **repealing the universal health insurance**.
I am surprised that there is this focus **repealing** the Affordable Care Act with a "new plan" in the United States instead of revising the Affordable Care Act and for the experience gained in the last few years.
I wish the USA success on this issue. I am a professional (CPA) and am quite happy with the universal health care care
Universal health care also **gives much more mobility to job markets**, as people can switch jobs, or regrettably lose jobs and still have coverage ad care if they break an arm or need gall bladder out. It reduces stress.
Final comment. The CIA World Factbook shows that Canada, a poorer nation than the USA, has longer life expectancies and lower child mortality than the USA. Canada also spends much less (about 9.0 of GDP in Canada vs. about 16.0% of GDP in USA) on health care.
I hope, with all my heart and as a friend of America, that the USA is able to move forward with health care legislation.
77
In USA, we have less than 1 % of people who have all the power, all the privilege and even the support of the Supreme Court to do whatever they want to do, So, the republicans are more concerned about the 1 % ,
In addition, the republicans want to shape the population into a young and healthy, beautiful and handsome ....blue eye if you want to add , eventually make Hitler proud !
In addition, the republicans want to shape the population into a young and healthy, beautiful and handsome ....blue eye if you want to add , eventually make Hitler proud !
3
I believe you will find that according to the latest stats, the total wealth of Canadian and several other western industrialized nations " middle class" has caught up to and in many cases surpassed that of the United States, hardly poorer. Access to healthcare is only part of it.
3
Thanks for your support as a great neighbor!
Unfortunately, I believe that the goal to destroy everything that Obama created is the motivating factor for the Republicans including our "birther" Pres. and the "one termer" McConnell.
I know it sounds childish but hate is a strong motivator for many people.
Unfortunately, I believe that the goal to destroy everything that Obama created is the motivating factor for the Republicans including our "birther" Pres. and the "one termer" McConnell.
I know it sounds childish but hate is a strong motivator for many people.
7
I propose they change the nickname of the program from Obamacare to the Republic Health Care Program and pretend they created it. That solves the real problem they have with Obamacare.
30
The Republicans would have squelched the name "Obamacare" a long time ago if our former President had been a little more forceful about "marketing" the ACA after it was passed. At that time, in response to the Republicans' derisive comments, Mr. Obama could have simply uttered the following made-for-TV soundbite: "I like this nickname 'Obamacare,' because Obama does care - about the health of the American people."
2
Guess who likes their jobs, and wants to keep them???? Wow, what a shocking development. Whatever the motivation, please proceed. The GOP Congress is a lost cause. Until 2018.
9
Republicans needs to tread lightly. They did not just vow to repeal the ACA. They vowed to replace it with something better. I wonder how many fewer votes Trump would have received had ne told the truth.
12
I do think the President and Vice President have done an outstanding job of marginalizing the Republican Party. Their base shrinks by the day as reality sinks in.
18
The Republican governors and their GOP-controlled state legislatures are the ones who made sure that ACA would fail in their states by refusing to expand Medicaid funding for the insurance exchanges! They should not be viewed as the cooler heads in what will blow up 1/6 of the economy. Wisconsin, Florida, Kansas, and Texas immediately come to mind.
https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/resources/primers/medicaidmap
http://www.salon.com/2016/05/11/4_oligarchs_turned_governors_who_are_lay...
http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-aca-obamacare-...
https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/resources/primers/medicaidmap
http://www.salon.com/2016/05/11/4_oligarchs_turned_governors_who_are_lay...
http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-aca-obamacare-...
6
True, but few republican governors embraced the ACA and benefitted from the full implementation of the act or rather the people in their states benefitted the full implementation of the ACA !
The Republican Party is delaying Congressional recess so that it can kick children and babies with cancer off their ACA-funded chemotherapy in order to pay for an unearned, undeserved, and unnecessary tax cut for their billionaire donors.
Let that sink in.
Let that sink in.
39
And this is why they cannot move forward with impeachment or charges of treason against the current administration. They need His signature first.
Re: "...Governors From Both Parties Denounce Senate Obamacare Repeal Bill..."
With 2018 and 2020 staring them, down...
I CAN'T believe these Republicans are even considering repealing, (and/or, replacing), Obama_Care!
All around the U.S., we see constituents addressing their, (Republican), senators and congress_folk in 'absentia', or, as cardboard cutouts, (with the politician's image on it!), because this tax break...superficially, disguised as health-insurance-related, is hated, (by just about all of us!), and leaves bad soundbites as these politicians are confronted, (when they can be located), by their angry constituents!
With 2018 and 2020 staring them, down...
I CAN'T believe these Republicans are even considering repealing, (and/or, replacing), Obama_Care!
All around the U.S., we see constituents addressing their, (Republican), senators and congress_folk in 'absentia', or, as cardboard cutouts, (with the politician's image on it!), because this tax break...superficially, disguised as health-insurance-related, is hated, (by just about all of us!), and leaves bad soundbites as these politicians are confronted, (when they can be located), by their angry constituents!
9
These so called "lawmakers" seem to take pride in how large a percentage of Americans they can defraud of input and relevance.
6
Governor Herbert is predictably quiet on health care these days. I actually don't blame him. He's a relatively moderate Republican, all things considered. Herbie is supposed to be retired anyway. He's trying to pass the torch to his deputy before the next term ends. This is a dirty tick the G.O.P. likes to play. If a siting governor resigns, the incumbent advantage remains within the party next election. Never mind the bill to taxpayers. Jason Chaffetz is an even more bizarre example of red state election tampering.
That said, what is Gov. Herbet really supposed to do? Vocalizing opposition to the bill pushes Mike Lee further away and Orrin Hatch doesn't care. The only thing getting Hatch out of office without his permission is a coffin. That don't make things right but that's the way it is. I'm personally holding out hope that some sensible Republicans will wake up from their day dream. I'm reminded of Dead Horse Point. These Senators don't seem to realize the pasture isn't getting any greener despite what the cowboy tells you.
That said, what is Gov. Herbet really supposed to do? Vocalizing opposition to the bill pushes Mike Lee further away and Orrin Hatch doesn't care. The only thing getting Hatch out of office without his permission is a coffin. That don't make things right but that's the way it is. I'm personally holding out hope that some sensible Republicans will wake up from their day dream. I'm reminded of Dead Horse Point. These Senators don't seem to realize the pasture isn't getting any greener despite what the cowboy tells you.
7
When your car has a problem, worn brakes, you fix that problem. No, you don't tow it to the dealer and buy a new one. Fix the parts of the ACA, don't throw the whole thing out Fix, repair not replace. Of course repair might be more difficult, but lawmakers remember that's why you are paid those big salaries. You cash your paycheck now go and do the work that demonstrates you earned it.
13
"Lawmakers" seem quite peeved that they are officially paid only a tiny fraction of what plutocrats shower on them in dark money.
6
No one with intelligence and a conscience can willingly endorse such a poorly conceived repeal bill. Start over. Do it correctly and care about all people.
6
Every Republican politician in the USA wants to stick the blame for taxation on somebody else. Broad based taxation of the mega rich is anathema to all of them.
5
How is a bill that insures 20,000,000 less Americans a step in the right direction?
And don't forget to keep your eye on the tax ball - they dropped the tax repeals in this Bill and immediately said they could repeal the taxes in tax reform.
Same story - enhance the richest in the richest country in the world so the poorest and working poor can crawl to their deathbed.
And don't forget to keep your eye on the tax ball - they dropped the tax repeals in this Bill and immediately said they could repeal the taxes in tax reform.
Same story - enhance the richest in the richest country in the world so the poorest and working poor can crawl to their deathbed.
9
Let me summarize the issue succinctly.
You can either tilt policy to favor the small number of wealthy Americans or you can tilt it to favor the hundreds of millions of average Americans.
Such a difficult choice!
(pssst… don't tell anyone that when the hundreds of millions do well, the wealthy do well too)
You can either tilt policy to favor the small number of wealthy Americans or you can tilt it to favor the hundreds of millions of average Americans.
Such a difficult choice!
(pssst… don't tell anyone that when the hundreds of millions do well, the wealthy do well too)
12
The issues are greater than attributing problems in the malfunctioning expensive health care system to insurance companies who treat their customers like cash cows.
The problem with health care in the US is that the US is the only country in the civilized world that still uses the insurance company based system for health care which is REGRESSIVE to the insured. In contrast, Canada, Japan and Western Europe use the single-payer health care system which is PROGRESSIVE to the insured.
Notwithstanding the positive developments of more affordable health care being offered to Americans under the ACA, the central issue on explaining the high costs for health care that has NOT been debated is that the U.S. insurance system of health coverage is REGRESSIVE. It is regressive in that a given policy with identified benefits will have a set price and this price is to be paid by all persons whether they are rich or poor. As a result, the rich buy the Cadillac versions and the poor the Skateboard versions.
In contrast the public single payer system of payments through taxes is PROGRESSIVE. In Canada, the government established that everyone has the right to have free access to health care. But the fact is that all health care expenses are paid by taxes and these payments of income taxes are progressive in that the more one makes in income the more one pays in taxes. The universal health care system in Canada is not a perfect system, but it works. Also administration costs are lower.
The problem with health care in the US is that the US is the only country in the civilized world that still uses the insurance company based system for health care which is REGRESSIVE to the insured. In contrast, Canada, Japan and Western Europe use the single-payer health care system which is PROGRESSIVE to the insured.
Notwithstanding the positive developments of more affordable health care being offered to Americans under the ACA, the central issue on explaining the high costs for health care that has NOT been debated is that the U.S. insurance system of health coverage is REGRESSIVE. It is regressive in that a given policy with identified benefits will have a set price and this price is to be paid by all persons whether they are rich or poor. As a result, the rich buy the Cadillac versions and the poor the Skateboard versions.
In contrast the public single payer system of payments through taxes is PROGRESSIVE. In Canada, the government established that everyone has the right to have free access to health care. But the fact is that all health care expenses are paid by taxes and these payments of income taxes are progressive in that the more one makes in income the more one pays in taxes. The universal health care system in Canada is not a perfect system, but it works. Also administration costs are lower.
38
It is with good reason that it took us until our 44th President to achieve guaranteed healthcare. Health care legislation is, in fact, so complicated. And it is also not a political weapon to use against President Obama, his party, or millions of Americans. It is life and death.
Obamacare, despite the Republican talking points, is working. If the GOP had a viable alternative, they should have set it forward, transparently, long ago. Leave the ACA and keep us covered.
Obamacare, despite the Republican talking points, is working. If the GOP had a viable alternative, they should have set it forward, transparently, long ago. Leave the ACA and keep us covered.
48
We have no functioning government.
21
This healthcare bill redistributes money upwards from Medicaid. Taking it away , especially from blue states. A peaceful but effective protest would be to reward any other Republican state senator by buying their states products If they vote no. Perhaps we can buy their votes!
5
Universal Health care bill is possible;
To pay for it you charges 3-5% on every Federal sales tax more and dedicate this funds to Health Care.
This sales tax must be on retail and wholesale with no exceptions or possible deductions for anyone.
On this way everyone is insured and everyone pay what he can. The Billionaires, middle class and home less people when they buy food or liquor. (not every Homeless do that).
Every Baby what need diapers will pay in this Health Care system. Every Trucker what needs gasoline and every senior what needs a walker.
Every Wall street investor will pay his equal share to the system.
This is the price to living in a society.
The pro's are;
No Medicaid necessary (Trillions in savings)
No private Insurance necessary (there will be a market for additional special insurance)
No Business insurance for employees (saves a ton of money for this Companies)
A healthier population in America (America first by the way)
Everybody will pay in this Health Care pool, even illegal people or visitors to the USA.
The sales taxes will provide more money as needed. No Hospital has to be closed even in rural areas.
And you need a healthy population to pay taxes in the long future.
So simple and should be understandable even for Republicans.
Hope you give this solution a fair chance in your thinking.
Cheers
Peter Uhl (not a Trump fan at all, but I love America)
To pay for it you charges 3-5% on every Federal sales tax more and dedicate this funds to Health Care.
This sales tax must be on retail and wholesale with no exceptions or possible deductions for anyone.
On this way everyone is insured and everyone pay what he can. The Billionaires, middle class and home less people when they buy food or liquor. (not every Homeless do that).
Every Baby what need diapers will pay in this Health Care system. Every Trucker what needs gasoline and every senior what needs a walker.
Every Wall street investor will pay his equal share to the system.
This is the price to living in a society.
The pro's are;
No Medicaid necessary (Trillions in savings)
No private Insurance necessary (there will be a market for additional special insurance)
No Business insurance for employees (saves a ton of money for this Companies)
A healthier population in America (America first by the way)
Everybody will pay in this Health Care pool, even illegal people or visitors to the USA.
The sales taxes will provide more money as needed. No Hospital has to be closed even in rural areas.
And you need a healthy population to pay taxes in the long future.
So simple and should be understandable even for Republicans.
Hope you give this solution a fair chance in your thinking.
Cheers
Peter Uhl (not a Trump fan at all, but I love America)
17
At the current level of American inefficiency and waste, a single payer system would requite a tax of 16% of economic product.
1
Then that is a great reason to address the inefficiency and waste at the same time. I would also like to say that people who look at the health care in other nations and say, "that would never work here," need to remember that we can devise our own version of single payer, that does work here.
Given the current polarized political climate, I think this gathering of governors provides the perfect opportunity to initiate a splitting of the country into 2 separate nations - the Blue States of America (BSA) and the Red States of America (RSA).
The RSA can keep Trump as their President (after all, nobody else would want him), while the BSA can elect their own President - someone who would champion causes like health care for all, the Paris climate accord and sensible gun control legislation.
Yes, I know I'm dreaming, but Martin Luther King had a dream, too.
The RSA can keep Trump as their President (after all, nobody else would want him), while the BSA can elect their own President - someone who would champion causes like health care for all, the Paris climate accord and sensible gun control legislation.
Yes, I know I'm dreaming, but Martin Luther King had a dream, too.
17
Republicans need to tread carefully. They did not just vow to repeal the ACA. They vowed to replace it with something better. That is the platform that Trump ran on. I wonder how many fewer votes he would have received had he told the truth.
28
The governors are right to be concerned and to oppose this proposal. Cutting medicaid can only result in the most vulnerable of our society being left on their own. Instead, they should look for ways to reduce medical costs and to offer alternatives to private sector insurance when they are not willing to sell policies in an area. To reduce costs, they could negotiate prescription prices so they are no higher than what is paid in Canada, or let people buy their prescriptions from Canada. To offer alternatives they could require the insurance companies that service federal employee insurance to offer policies in counties where there are fewer than three providers. Work on lowering the cost of health care to the patient, not lowering the numbers of people who can afford to use the program.
8
Most of the Governors oppose the Republican Health Care Bill, same for the Insurance Companies, same for Doctors and their professional organizations, and the polls indicate it is very unpopular. So who are the Republican's in favor of the bill representing? Its not those that will supposedly "benefit" from it, its not those that have to deliver the healthcare. Its got to be someone else. Or maybe its just out and out class warfare.
25
What a surreal reality we find ourselves in. I can hardly believe this is still my beloved country when a party in power shows such cruelty and disdain for the most vulnerable of our citizens needing one of the most basic of human rights. Given what we have seen since the inauguration of Trump, I can see only hatred and racism as the Republicans continue down a path to destroy every once of President Obama's accomplishments. Trump made many promises with regard to healthcare yet he now steps back, distances himself from the process, and simply whines that this is more difficult than finding peace in the middle east. I am hopeful that one more Republican will show enough courage to reject this bill, but I won't be surprised if this aggressive push now underway actually works and leads to the bill's passage.
14
Good and affordable healthcare must be treated like good and affordable food or housing. Of course, most of us do not need to receive healthcare every day like food but when you need it, it must available and accessible. It should not be denied because you do not qualify for it or you cannot afford it.
Governors know that the Senate bill is no healthcare "rescue" measure because there is nothing anyone point to that Republicans have accomplished in six months that would suggest they can improve Americans' lives.
Governors know that the Senate bill is no healthcare "rescue" measure because there is nothing anyone point to that Republicans have accomplished in six months that would suggest they can improve Americans' lives.
6
And, as the second Republican healthcare bill teeters on the brink of collapse, Trump will be taking note not about what makes good legislation, but about who is in his pocket. When Paul Ryan pulled the first bill from the House floor, Trump had wanted the voting to continue, so that he could name and shame dissenters. Trump also remarked that he and Ryan learned a lot about loyalty from that experience. Evidently, he did not learn a lot about health care from it. Trump has since gone on to threaten political revenge on Republican Senators who would defy him by deferring to their constituents' need for coverage over his need to undo Obamacare.
8
If Trump can get the Russians' vote the bill would pass.
4
Not a word a about the fiscal reality that should be first and foremost on everyone's mind - the explosive growth in Medicaid spending over the past 20 years. 500 billion plus in 2015 and climbing rapidly. Any governor or senator who votes against reducing Medicaid spending is just kicking the can down the road. The current arc of entitlement spending, including Medicaid, is unsustainable as stated repeatedly by the CBO and everyone else with half of a brain.
The fiscal "reality" does not have implications for how many people are covered and how many are not, nor does it have implications for a single, minimum standard of care available to everyone. It DOES however demonstrate that the marketplace has failed Americans in this area and demands that we implement radically different ways of ensuring care and coverage to all Americans than those we've employed up until now. A good first step would be to be brave enough to look at how other nations have achieved better health outcomes for their populations at a fraction of the cost of our present system. It's a no-brainer, really. But one that has been out reach of the US government for half a century.
1
Why don't we look at the reasons behind that "explosive growth in Medicaid spending?"
Flat or falling wages keep many people in (near) poverty. The cost of medical care has exploded. The cost of prescription drugs has exploded. The Federal Minimum Wage is a slap in the face to working people trying to support themselves and their families, and the minimum wage isn't enough to pay for decent insurance, let alone the rest of the costs of being alive. The mighty big corporations that the Republicans worship cut jobs, don't raise salaries, but reward CEO's with ridiculous golden parachutes. The cost of those parachutes could have paid for GOOD insurance and/or pay raises for those below upper management.
The problem, from what I can see, isn't providing health insurance, it is with disgusting corporate greed and a lack of morality from those at the top. That, or course, includes most of the Republican senators regarding this so-called health care bill.
Flat or falling wages keep many people in (near) poverty. The cost of medical care has exploded. The cost of prescription drugs has exploded. The Federal Minimum Wage is a slap in the face to working people trying to support themselves and their families, and the minimum wage isn't enough to pay for decent insurance, let alone the rest of the costs of being alive. The mighty big corporations that the Republicans worship cut jobs, don't raise salaries, but reward CEO's with ridiculous golden parachutes. The cost of those parachutes could have paid for GOOD insurance and/or pay raises for those below upper management.
The problem, from what I can see, isn't providing health insurance, it is with disgusting corporate greed and a lack of morality from those at the top. That, or course, includes most of the Republican senators regarding this so-called health care bill.
3
Governors seem to know what is happening in healthcare...whether you are a Dem or a Republican they seem to know what makes sense and are close to social trends...Washington Repubs should listen...but I doubt it.
9
I'm old enough to have been around several friends and family members during their last days when they eventually succumbed to their illnesses.
I've seen the skill and compassion of doctors, nurses, and technicians who, at first, desperately worked to save them and then, when all hope was gone, made the dying comfortable in their last hours.
In this country of enormous wealth, no one should be denied this because they are poor. No one.
If that were only the starting point for those in Congress involved in the health care debate.
No. There are country club dues to pay; the best colleges; the nicest homes; fancy cars; the latest fashions, exotic vacations; a comfortable retirement; a nice nest egg of misfortune should come; and something to leave to one's heirs.
It is just a matter of priorities, isn't it?
I've seen the skill and compassion of doctors, nurses, and technicians who, at first, desperately worked to save them and then, when all hope was gone, made the dying comfortable in their last hours.
In this country of enormous wealth, no one should be denied this because they are poor. No one.
If that were only the starting point for those in Congress involved in the health care debate.
No. There are country club dues to pay; the best colleges; the nicest homes; fancy cars; the latest fashions, exotic vacations; a comfortable retirement; a nice nest egg of misfortune should come; and something to leave to one's heirs.
It is just a matter of priorities, isn't it?
27
Those Governors and Senators should think very hard about supporting this bill. If they pass this and the President signed it, every time a person with disabilities loses his/her service no matter if it was related to this bill, there will be an avalanche of on all of our Facebook timelines of every misfortune related to healthcare. Any senior that can not find a bed in a nursing home, every person with disabilities that ends up on a 20 year waiting list will be posted for all of us to see. The metaphorical pitchforks are coming.
19
Senator Corker is in dire need of an adjustment to his thinking. That "free money" he's referring to comes from income taxes paid by the people of his state (let's leave aside for the moment that some states, including his, get back far more than they pay). The real question here is whether to send some of that money back to his state to care for its people, or, as most Republicans seem to prefer, send it to the likes of Boeing and Lockheed Martin for more military hardware so we can drop bombs on people in other countries. That's really what it comes down to.
36
The Democratic opposition is opposition to wealthcare.
The Republican opposition is opposition to healthcare.
Resist Greed Over People and its inhumanity, misanthropy and anti-Christ spirit.
The Republican opposition is opposition to healthcare.
Resist Greed Over People and its inhumanity, misanthropy and anti-Christ spirit.
66
Why on earth are Trump, Mitch McConnell, and his minions so relentless in their efforts to sabotage health care? The answer is simple: it was proposed and passed by a black man. The hard-charging assault on the ACA all comes down to a hatred of Obama and an attempt to destroy his legacy. It's time for these men to admit defeat, jettison this unholy bill and work with Democrats to improve what's already in place -- and working.
169
The Republican Party somehow manages to insult intelligence in practically everything it does or says.
4
You're right that the ACA needs to be fixed and that the clowns on Capitol Hill should work together and fix it.
But what proof, much less logic do you use to bring the race card into it? None. And it deserves none, as that's complete nonsense.
Let's focus on trying to make the country better and quit whining about legacies. Mr. Obama's legacy will settle out in due course as time passes based on FACTS, IN CONTEXT, not about how much people like you cry about "racism".
After all, Mr. Obama was elected in a democratic process in this country, mainly due to policy arguments. Twice. Being black didn't seem to stop him from being elected, OR from creating the ACA, well meaning though flawed as it is.
Why can't we get by the far left wing nonsense and try to actually FIX a fundamentally critical aspect of first world life, which IMO Americans are generally way behind the rest of the world in -- health care costs and how it's paid for?
But what proof, much less logic do you use to bring the race card into it? None. And it deserves none, as that's complete nonsense.
Let's focus on trying to make the country better and quit whining about legacies. Mr. Obama's legacy will settle out in due course as time passes based on FACTS, IN CONTEXT, not about how much people like you cry about "racism".
After all, Mr. Obama was elected in a democratic process in this country, mainly due to policy arguments. Twice. Being black didn't seem to stop him from being elected, OR from creating the ACA, well meaning though flawed as it is.
Why can't we get by the far left wing nonsense and try to actually FIX a fundamentally critical aspect of first world life, which IMO Americans are generally way behind the rest of the world in -- health care costs and how it's paid for?
1
The GOP (un-)think-tank Heritage Foundation was even for The Mandate, before they came out against it in 2011 with Obama in office.
If Obama went the other way and removed all health insurance regulatory protections, you would be certain the GOP would give us single payer lest deregulation leave them with Black-Guy Cooties.
If Obama went the other way and removed all health insurance regulatory protections, you would be certain the GOP would give us single payer lest deregulation leave them with Black-Guy Cooties.
3
Would it be acceptable to leave the existing system in place and just say that it had been repealed and replaced ? Mr. Trump's supporters seem to believe every lie that he tells. Why not this one ?
166
Why not compromise and actually try to, you know, FIX it?
How about something like Medicare for all, for a good start -- or even the entire solution? The main issue would be how to HONESTLY pay for it, and explain the consequences to the American voters.
I suspect that after seeing the network mess and the cost spiral that we're seeing under the ACA, AND the lack of determination on either side of the aisle to fix it, even as some areas careen toward having NO ACA coverage options, voters would be more amenable to a realistic single payer solution. But only IF it's clearly stated how much it will cost, how it will be paid for, and what sort of health care (including limitations, which are needed in ANY real world health care system) will be provided.
Impossible? Well, it is done in most, if not all, of the entire first world, ex-US, so I think not. Impossible to the clowns on Capitol Hill and their constituents' wishes? I don't know. But why not try -- it's a HUGE problem and a very worthy cause.
How about something like Medicare for all, for a good start -- or even the entire solution? The main issue would be how to HONESTLY pay for it, and explain the consequences to the American voters.
I suspect that after seeing the network mess and the cost spiral that we're seeing under the ACA, AND the lack of determination on either side of the aisle to fix it, even as some areas careen toward having NO ACA coverage options, voters would be more amenable to a realistic single payer solution. But only IF it's clearly stated how much it will cost, how it will be paid for, and what sort of health care (including limitations, which are needed in ANY real world health care system) will be provided.
Impossible? Well, it is done in most, if not all, of the entire first world, ex-US, so I think not. Impossible to the clowns on Capitol Hill and their constituents' wishes? I don't know. But why not try -- it's a HUGE problem and a very worthy cause.
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And to finalize the "art of the deal", let's call it Trump care. Where is that easy button?
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That's a great suggestion! Maybe they could also tell them that they made sure that the government hands are kept off their Medicare.
4
If my Senator, Cory Gardner of Colorado, was really "a compassionate and smart person," he would already have come out against this health care bill.
89
Cory Gardner is neither compassionate or smart!!
5
So.... you're saying that Governors absolutely love free Federal money... and at the same time they are very comfortable ignoring the bill that will come due when they have to provide for and replace the "free" money from the Feds.
Who'd a thunk it?
Who'd a thunk it?
12
Libertarianism rationalizes freeloading, but little else.
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Every governor, Mr. Corker claimed, “would love for us to send free, unpaid-for money back home.”
Aren't block grants to the states "free money"? Why do US Senators who say they OPPOSE "free money" propose using block grants?
Go ahead, SteveRR, answer that.
I believe it is so that they can set up their own (local) discriminatory rules for who gets to benefit from THAT free money, whereas the federal rules tend to be more even-handed.
Aren't block grants to the states "free money"? Why do US Senators who say they OPPOSE "free money" propose using block grants?
Go ahead, SteveRR, answer that.
I believe it is so that they can set up their own (local) discriminatory rules for who gets to benefit from THAT free money, whereas the federal rules tend to be more even-handed.
7
You act like they're not helping their own people, us, US citizens who expect a generous and coherent society. What on earth is wrong with you?
2