No wonder why Trump won because lots of people don't have a minimal understanding of issues and legislations that affects them.
178
I hope Barack and Michelle Obama are reading these articles where citizens who totally opposed his signature legislation are at least starting to realize that without the Republican total opposition, the ACA might have been much better legislation but still has made a significant, positive difference in peoples' lives. Trump is working full blast to destroy the Obama legacy, but he's only drawing a stark contrast between his nefarious goals and what President Obama hoped to and managed to accomplish for America.
117
Re second thoughts on repealing the ACA, I reiterate the song the Trump campaign played repeatedly "You can't always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes, you get what you need." It appears retaining and revising the ACA is what we need.
27
All I can say is that opponents of the ACA are poster children for a revamping of a rigorous education curriculum that fosters critical thinking. Need to stop voting against your own interests, then gaining insight when you all realize the negative impact on all of us.
145
Business leaders in rest of the world are very happy America has decided to force its businesses to pay for employees healthcare costs - I think it was a $1000 per vehicle disadvantage for GM years ago - who knows what it is now with $600 epipens, Martin Shkreli and all the other scams make US healthcare cost 18% of GNP vs 12% elsewhere.
I read about a 60 year old farmer in Kansas or somewhere making 28k per year wondering how he could pay for health insurance that cost 12k and had a 6 k deductible. Does he know in Saskatchewan his healthcare would be free and taxes in his bracket the same?
I read about a 60 year old farmer in Kansas or somewhere making 28k per year wondering how he could pay for health insurance that cost 12k and had a 6 k deductible. Does he know in Saskatchewan his healthcare would be free and taxes in his bracket the same?
78
If only Republicans used their power for good. Imagine, quality health care for all. It should not be so difficult to achieve.
One day, maybe, we'll get it, and people will wonder what took so long.
One day, maybe, we'll get it, and people will wonder what took so long.
61
Single payer. No other viable alternative. Healthcare is a right, not for a few, lucky people, but for everyone.
136
This article dances around the most likely reason people's attitudes changed. Most of the previous antagonism for the ACA was simply due to the partisan vitriol spewed constantly in the rightwing press and the Republican marketing of the law as "Obamacare" without real understanding of the law or the implications of the absence of it. The very public debate of the last few months, dragged many of the partisans into the cold light of knowledge. I can only hope that this taste of knowledge encourages them to diversify their news sources and form their own opinions earlier.
110
Behold the extraordinary power of Television.
It convinced millions of republicans to vote against their own well being and lives.
It convinced millions of republicans to vote against their own well being and lives.
116
N.Y.T., Stop describing Medicaid as insurance for " poor people"! It is much more than that, covering the majority of people in nursing homes and supporting rural hospitals. You help perpetuate the idea that Medicaid is for "the Others."
148
Republicans are mean and incompetent regarding health care and the ACA. But we've learned a crucial lesson from the rise in popularity of Obamacare. If Americans were given a side-by-side comparison of single-payer, the ACA, and the Republican plans, identifying them simply as Plan A, Plan B and Plan C, I suspect single-payer would win rather handily. Remove all the loaded words (Democratic, Republican, Socialist), and most people will choose single-payer because it is the best option by far. People like the components of the ACA, but as soon as Obamacare is mentioned, they are against it.
Republicans do one thing very well. They play on people's fears. They are experts at propaganda. They are complete failures at leading, governing, or doing right by the citizen's they purport to serve. (They're also pretty good at starting unnecessary wars, and making money at the expense of the 90%. So actually that's 3 things.)
How ironic that Republicans may actually save the ACA.
Republicans do one thing very well. They play on people's fears. They are experts at propaganda. They are complete failures at leading, governing, or doing right by the citizen's they purport to serve. (They're also pretty good at starting unnecessary wars, and making money at the expense of the 90%. So actually that's 3 things.)
How ironic that Republicans may actually save the ACA.
138
At first I was so excited when the ACA was enacted. I thought finally I would be able to buy health insurance. I'm a 56 year old single mother, making 30K/yr. My excitement was short lived when I went to the marketplace and found even the cheapest policy way out of my reach. Even if I had been able to afford the premiums I could not be able to afford to use it. High deductibles, no eye or dental coverage, and only 50% for medicines. So even though I don't have insurance I want the people who finally got it to keep it. We need to work on fixing what we have so more people, like myself, can afford it too. I also have a teenage daughter with several medical condition on SSI and gets her medical coverage through medicaid. I'm also worried with cuts in Medicaid she will lose her coverage and with several preexisting condition she too will be without medical care. My daughter has several specialist and is on several different medication. I would never be able to afford the care she needs. I hate the fact that people keep saying "FREE STUFF". I work I pay taxes and what do I get for the taxes I pay? A bigger military, a new fighter jet, more vacation pay for my Congressional representatives? Sorry but I don't need any of those things. What I need is healthcare, proper funding of my kids schools, safe roads and bridges. I want my representatives to start spending my money and your money on things we actually need. What I need now is AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE.
146
Based on the details in your comment you would qualify for Medicaid as it was expanded under ACA and no longer requires the asset test.
61
My husband and I literally decided to have our second child the week Trump was elected. It was not out of a victorious glow--we were both afraid that if we didn't have our family now, we could potentially lose health insurance after 2017 for maternity care and other bills related to the many potential exorbitant costs of a birth gone wrong. Why why why do we continue to put politics above the human cost of health?
74
Well, how many people preferred the Affordable Care Act to "Obamacare", when asked in man-on-the-street interviews. Wasn't it something like 90%+ preferred ACA, and they really hated"Obamacare"! American greatness at Details!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
55
The Republicans demonized the ACA deliberately as a rallying theme for racists, right-wing extremists, tax-cut freaks. Trump rode that wave to power, adding xenophobia and immigrant and Muslim bashing to the mix. He started out by showing his total opportunism and malice through spreading the birther slur. Many who opposed the ACA simply swallowed the propaganda and were protesting against having a black man in the White House.
92
Single payer. Drug price negotiation. Death panels (what? You don't think your private insurer has them? Or that you are not your own death panel through the level of coverage you're willing to pay for?)
45
The reason they hated it was two fold. One, they support the Republican party right or wrong. Not that they understand or care anything about its policies. But in their tribal mindset the Republican party is the white man's party. The second reason they hated it was that it was created by a black president. Both reasons can be distilled down to one word: racism.
Its hard to feel sympathy for people are too ignorant or apathetic to form reasonable conclusions about issues that will affect them.
Its hard to feel sympathy for people are too ignorant or apathetic to form reasonable conclusions about issues that will affect them.
96
MEDICARE FOR ALL, LETS GET IT DONE. HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT? THROUGH MODEST TAX INCREASES (TOBACCO, ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA) AND A BUY IN OPTION FOR THOSE UNDER 65.
IT IS DISGUSTING THAT THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
IT IS DISGUSTING THAT THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
55
I can't help but believe that racism, whether subtle or overt, set the stage for the vehement rejection of a federal health program that, in large part, originated from a Republican governor named Mitt Romney. For many in the red states, it is hard to accept that a black man could become President. Here's a man who is a Harvard law school grad, obviously brilliant and capable enough to bring millions of Americans health care who otherwise would have been without. Perhaps not a perfect program, but apparently better than anything that Republicans can devise let alone get passed. The fact that Trump voters who are about to lose health coverage are finally waking up to reality is encouraging yet does not negate the fact that they were grossly ignorant of political reality. They are about to reap what they sowed.
73
Does anyone remember a Republican senator (I wish I could remember who) saying that we can't pass the ACA because Americans would get to like it and repeal would be impossible? Do you remember Obama's grinning response: "So the reason we shouldn't pass this law is that people might like it too much??" I hope Obama is continuing to grin wildly as he sees the republicans tying themselves in knots right now trying to repeal/replace/improve or whatever the ACA. I know I am enjoying this show. Please keep giving us all a good laugh, fellas! I never thought of myself as a sadist before, but I am certainly enjoying watching you all squirm as you try to juggle hatred of Obama's achievement and your desire to repeal the ACA no matter who suffers as a result, with your own desire to get re-elected. I'm sorry, but I am going to be childish here, and end this comment with hehehehehehehe.
61
You have to wonder where did/do these people--who were against the ACA before they became for it--get their news and information.
Here's a clue:
French President Macron was asked right after why he won the French election and not Marie Le Pen. His answer: France doesn't have Fox News.
When do you think these working- and middle-class PA Republicans will realize they have been mercilessly lied to and played the suckers, so that the Koch brothers and other multi-billionaires can get another tax break?
Why is it people don't seem to know what they have until they don't have it.
Here's a clue:
French President Macron was asked right after why he won the French election and not Marie Le Pen. His answer: France doesn't have Fox News.
When do you think these working- and middle-class PA Republicans will realize they have been mercilessly lied to and played the suckers, so that the Koch brothers and other multi-billionaires can get another tax break?
Why is it people don't seem to know what they have until they don't have it.
71
Well, in Canada, it doesn't "cost a fortune."
Ditto in England.
Ditto in many other "civilized" parts of the world – except ours.
Why?
The "for profit" people have had several decades to tell us all "how good it was going to be." Why, they even had a Senator (Dr. Frist), whose brother(!) is the CEO of the Hospital Corporation of America!
What do we have to show for it? EPIC FAIL. Their business model simply doesn't work. It doesn't serve shareholders, providers, or patients. Medical bills are the number-one cause of bankruptcy in America. People who can afford care get care they don't need, while people who can't afford care don't get care they do need, AND(!), the promised shareholder-profits are nowhere in sight.
The body of this well-written article is very simply just another statement of ... EPIC FAIL.
Enough. I want HEALTH CARE. For anyone. For everyone. With no profit motive. Just like many other nations on this planet have had for half-a-century or more.
The heartless cruelty of the present industries, in pursuing this bill and in spinning an unceasing mis-information campaign about it, speaks for itself. Neither this bill or the House version "Repeals Obamacare!" (Read the actual texts for yourself at the Liibrary of Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov.) Both versions give-away billions of dollars to the very industries that have failed us for a quarter-century, and with "NO strings attached!"
E-N-O-U-G-H !!!
Ditto in England.
Ditto in many other "civilized" parts of the world – except ours.
Why?
The "for profit" people have had several decades to tell us all "how good it was going to be." Why, they even had a Senator (Dr. Frist), whose brother(!) is the CEO of the Hospital Corporation of America!
What do we have to show for it? EPIC FAIL. Their business model simply doesn't work. It doesn't serve shareholders, providers, or patients. Medical bills are the number-one cause of bankruptcy in America. People who can afford care get care they don't need, while people who can't afford care don't get care they do need, AND(!), the promised shareholder-profits are nowhere in sight.
The body of this well-written article is very simply just another statement of ... EPIC FAIL.
Enough. I want HEALTH CARE. For anyone. For everyone. With no profit motive. Just like many other nations on this planet have had for half-a-century or more.
The heartless cruelty of the present industries, in pursuing this bill and in spinning an unceasing mis-information campaign about it, speaks for itself. Neither this bill or the House version "Repeals Obamacare!" (Read the actual texts for yourself at the Liibrary of Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov.) Both versions give-away billions of dollars to the very industries that have failed us for a quarter-century, and with "NO strings attached!"
E-N-O-U-G-H !!!
64
Trumpers deserve what they voted for. They get no sympathy for being racist and ignorant.
49
Why dont you have a national medicare system like Canada It would settle all the kibitsing and shut the idiot for good
28
Time for a benevolent dictator. This country is too full of ignorant and stupid people to self-govern itself anymore. As Forest Gump said, "Stupid is as stupid does." And we is and we does.
29
No health care policy can fix stupid.
32
'A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization' - Samuel Johnson, Boswell: Life of Johnson
'the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped' - Last Speech of Hubert H. Humphrey
'A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members' -
Mahatma Gandhi
'A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying' - Pope John Paul II
'the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped' - Last Speech of Hubert H. Humphrey
'A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members' -
Mahatma Gandhi
'A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying' - Pope John Paul II
30
In October of 2011 at age 76. I had a stroke, not massive but a stroke nonetheless; I was admitted to hospital the same day.
I was examined by one of Sydney's top Vascular surgeons, who told me that I would require at least one possibly two operations to remove the build up of cholesterol from my carotid arteries. and that he would perform the first on Wednesday, this was on the Monday.
No messing about, he said it was necessary so I signed the forms agreeing to have the operation. This was performed on the Wednesday, I was in the ICU for two days, and released to go home two days after that.
Four weeks later I had the same operation on the other carotid artery,same thing only this time one day only in the ICU and then I was discharged.
When I was wheeled out of the hospital, to my waiting car I was NOT handed a bill/account. There was no charge whatsoever; everything was covered and paid for by our Medicare System.
And that's how it should be in any civilized society.
In April 2015 I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, In June I entered hospital and my stomach was removed. I was in hospital for 5 weeks, and cared for extremely well, and when I was discharged, I was not presented with a bill, everything was covered by our Medicare System.
Socialized medicine?
So what it works and it works very well.
Taxes doing what taxes should.
The Government doing its duty to we citizens of Australia.
Something our Yankee cousins should try! :)
I was examined by one of Sydney's top Vascular surgeons, who told me that I would require at least one possibly two operations to remove the build up of cholesterol from my carotid arteries. and that he would perform the first on Wednesday, this was on the Monday.
No messing about, he said it was necessary so I signed the forms agreeing to have the operation. This was performed on the Wednesday, I was in the ICU for two days, and released to go home two days after that.
Four weeks later I had the same operation on the other carotid artery,same thing only this time one day only in the ICU and then I was discharged.
When I was wheeled out of the hospital, to my waiting car I was NOT handed a bill/account. There was no charge whatsoever; everything was covered and paid for by our Medicare System.
And that's how it should be in any civilized society.
In April 2015 I was diagnosed with stomach cancer, In June I entered hospital and my stomach was removed. I was in hospital for 5 weeks, and cared for extremely well, and when I was discharged, I was not presented with a bill, everything was covered by our Medicare System.
Socialized medicine?
So what it works and it works very well.
Taxes doing what taxes should.
The Government doing its duty to we citizens of Australia.
Something our Yankee cousins should try! :)
108
The anti-Obamacare campaign is a symptom of the larger disease in which the country spends outlandish sums on things like military pork (not soldiers) which only benefits rich contractors, while social services benefiting everyone else is cut to ribbons.
It's ludicrous that the GOP could ever persuade anyone that depriving millions of American citizens of live-saving medical insurance was a "good thing."
While I'm not advocating for "pure" socialism, it's obvious that it is wrong to waste more than 51% of the federal budget feeding the military contractors while neglecting middle, working class and poor Americans.
It's ludicrous that the GOP could ever persuade anyone that depriving millions of American citizens of live-saving medical insurance was a "good thing."
While I'm not advocating for "pure" socialism, it's obvious that it is wrong to waste more than 51% of the federal budget feeding the military contractors while neglecting middle, working class and poor Americans.
46
No, the Senate did not repeal the ACA, but it is going about cutting its funding, so they might as well have repealed it. They are cutting a bit here in one bill, a bit there in another, and soon there will be no money for it at all.
At that point they will turn in righteous indignation and say, "See? We told you it was a failed system!"
At that point they will turn in righteous indignation and say, "See? We told you it was a failed system!"
32
In all of Europe and the United Kingdom, in all of Scandinavia, health care is free. You walk into a hospital and they will treat you. Think about that. They skip some of the most extreme and heroic procedures, but you can always buy additional insurance to cover those if you want the upgrade. The basic health care is free and it's quite comprehensive as these things go.
41
What defines basic healthcare? Treat a broken limb, but not a radical resection of a malignant tumor? Treat your sinus infection, but no endoscopic sinus surgery? The list goes on and on.... In addition it is not free in those other countries.
7
No matter how its structured, articulated, sold or promoted, it most certainly is never FREE!!! Someone is paying.
12
I think the fundamental political problem is summed up in the 4th & 3rd the last paragraphs. The presumably healthy subscriber of the 4th thinks that his premium is too expensive, but yet doesn't want folks with pre-existing conditions to pay more. This political meme should be called the ObamaRomneyHeritageCare Exclusion Principle.
11
People are disinclined to reason. As trump said- we're a "nation of believers." I wish we were a nation of thinkers.
40
I am amazed that now people claim it was the Democrats' fault that "not one Republican vote" was given for the law...but I remember their boast of "The Party of NO!" for years.
32
There are quite a few amazingly stupid people in the USA and it seems they love to live in rural areas.
39
Not all of them are stupid as much as they are inundated with Republican propaganda, some of it is even endorsed by evangelical churches.
And while most people live in urban areas, the reddest rural population has no experience with city life, its inhabitants nor do they want any.
As one of the rural residents I know refers to anyone not from their part of the south, everyone from anywhere else are "foreigners."
And while most people live in urban areas, the reddest rural population has no experience with city life, its inhabitants nor do they want any.
As one of the rural residents I know refers to anyone not from their part of the south, everyone from anywhere else are "foreigners."
17
Obamacare was the biggest lie in american political history. Now, even dems agree it is not possible as designed. Gov has two options, 1 all in 2 all out.
All in, gov pays all for everyone, raises taxes exponentially. All out, the way it used to be before obamacare. Social security would stay intact, only the gross abuse needs to be eliminated.
All in, gov pays all for everyone, raises taxes exponentially. All out, the way it used to be before obamacare. Social security would stay intact, only the gross abuse needs to be eliminated.
6
They would love single payer i.e. medicare for all even better.
Oh and btw, did you hear our President in one of his first days in office congratulate the Australian prime minister on health care there single payer of course and then yesterday came out how single payer would bankrupt the country. He really knows what is going on.
Oh and btw, did you hear our President in one of his first days in office congratulate the Australian prime minister on health care there single payer of course and then yesterday came out how single payer would bankrupt the country. He really knows what is going on.
17
Right except there are tons on the left and right who don't want to seriously address he cost issue - or if it's easier to understand - why American healthcare system is insane. Until that's fixed - and btw small parts of the issue like RX price negotiating by govt or importation were voted down by democrats to btw it's not going to change. If you wanted cheaper healthcare or want to pay less taxes - we pay more now than some g20 countries w/o actually getting universal healthcRe - than you have to address costs costs costs costs costs - understand finallly ?v???
3
The meta argument would be that modern technological medical practice has made such inconceivably wondrous ministrations possible for the extremely well-funded that it promises an intolerable inequality in access to life-nurturing care, regardless of what the government share of the cost will be. It's a national and global crisis, most acute among us where the high rewards of medical researchers and practitioners motivates the advances while a chunk of us fear and loathe the attempt to cover the ascending costs by government payouts. We probably need to start with a comprehensive standard of what everyone is entitled to, with a guarantee that as new procedures come down in cost they will be included while none will be excluded. Then us po folk can at least hope one day to have our special needs met and most of us will be as well off as the more fortunate, meritorious and avaricious.
5
Having been both insured and uninsured, I can say unequivocally that having insurance is better than not having it.
I can also say that EVERYONE I know hates their health insurance. Dealing with "customer service" stinks, and the premium increases are relentless and massive.
I can also say that EVERYONE I know hates their health insurance. Dealing with "customer service" stinks, and the premium increases are relentless and massive.
11
The blind stupidity of the politics of health care in the US is appalling. We waste billions on unnecessary overhead and preventable illness. Provide a comprehensive public option ( including dental care) and let people chose between government funded clinics and private insurance.
12
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.
Ugh. I have no sympathy for these people. If you don't understand something, don't take a stand on it or against it. Educate yourself. These "flip-floppers" subsist on politics and rhetoric alone, and this article proves it.
Ugh. I have no sympathy for these people. If you don't understand something, don't take a stand on it or against it. Educate yourself. These "flip-floppers" subsist on politics and rhetoric alone, and this article proves it.
31
Mr. Murphy; President Obama is black and talk radio and Fox told you to be against the ACA. Does that jog your memory?
25
This is what happens when you vote against your own interests. Everything the president and his party stand for will hurt working middle class Americans, and the terror they will inflict upon the poor will hurt for decades to come. We should all be ashamed.
14
These people only had Fox News to give them there view on the ACA and it was all negative all day. I love all my fellow americans can't we come together as a nation to support one another. Instead of tearing each other down.
10
Ah yes, the low information voter.
20
Yes, if Obama came out in favor of oxygen, congress would have held their breath until they passed out.
44
"[Ms. McMahon] has not looked into whether she might qualify for the Medicaid expansion; she was not aware Pennsylvania had expanded the program."
Oh good grief. This is a really, really, really disgusting example of the level of ignorance and exploitation and manipulation that surrounds the law. Two really, really, really bad misconceptions about the law are playing out here. I wonder why she is aware of the penalty but not her eligibility for Medicaid, or at the minimum, I suspect, her eligibility for subsidies, which apply to anyone making up to 400 percent of the federal poverty line, $48,240 for a single person? Why is that???? Because that's all Republicans have been emphasizing--how the mandate and penalty inhibit people's freedom and are UnAmerican. And yes, sadly, devastatingly sadly, people such as Ms. McMahon tell themselves it's wrong to resent not being able to test your blood sugar daily, but it's not wrong to resent a law that was meant to help you and it's not wrong to put your head in the sand and it's not wrong to resent the penalty that you wouldn't have to pay if you would only do a little homework.
And pray tell, where are her health care providers in all this? Why aren't they helping inform this woman of her options? Where are state officials and state programs and outreach programs? Department of Health? Was there any attempts at outreach? Apparently not. Just by Fox News spreading resentment.
Absolutely disgusting all around.
Oh good grief. This is a really, really, really disgusting example of the level of ignorance and exploitation and manipulation that surrounds the law. Two really, really, really bad misconceptions about the law are playing out here. I wonder why she is aware of the penalty but not her eligibility for Medicaid, or at the minimum, I suspect, her eligibility for subsidies, which apply to anyone making up to 400 percent of the federal poverty line, $48,240 for a single person? Why is that???? Because that's all Republicans have been emphasizing--how the mandate and penalty inhibit people's freedom and are UnAmerican. And yes, sadly, devastatingly sadly, people such as Ms. McMahon tell themselves it's wrong to resent not being able to test your blood sugar daily, but it's not wrong to resent a law that was meant to help you and it's not wrong to put your head in the sand and it's not wrong to resent the penalty that you wouldn't have to pay if you would only do a little homework.
And pray tell, where are her health care providers in all this? Why aren't they helping inform this woman of her options? Where are state officials and state programs and outreach programs? Department of Health? Was there any attempts at outreach? Apparently not. Just by Fox News spreading resentment.
Absolutely disgusting all around.
54
What the Times failed to mention was that ms. McMahon had applied for medical and been denied due to an income a few hundred dollars too high. She qualified for medical under the affordable care act but for more than 400 dollars per month for her family. This plan also had a high deductible and high copays. It is easier and cheaper to pay your doctor 100 dollars for your yearly visit and buy 4 dollar prescriptions from Walmart. Not everyone is able to afford the insurance that is offered to them.
6
These uncritical voters who whose resentment was perhaps their excuse for stupidity at the polls are reaping the fruits of their misguided labors. Education, reading the papers, looking at substantial news reports, not the Faux News Trump propaganda machine, is what makes for intelligent voters. 52% of Republicans like colleges are a bad idea! I guess it is cooler to sit around, complain about the world and do nothing to better yourself or to seek out the real answers top issues. Keep stewing while doing nothing but continuing to support this clown in the White House.
17
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
Proverbs 11:17 ESV
http://bible.com/59/pro.11.17.ESV
Proverbs 11:17 ESV
http://bible.com/59/pro.11.17.ESV
5
As long as it's taken away from them or is a benefit they can't use, these selfish dummies are all for it....until it's their problem. I wonder who they voted for? Surprise!
8
Republican "thinking":
it's not all right to take insurance away from 20 million people, but it would be just fine to prevent them from having it in the first place. this goes right along with other non sequiturs like it's not ok to permit abortion, but just fine to abandon unhealthy or impoverished babies once they're born.
it's not all right to take insurance away from 20 million people, but it would be just fine to prevent them from having it in the first place. this goes right along with other non sequiturs like it's not ok to permit abortion, but just fine to abandon unhealthy or impoverished babies once they're born.
21
Take away the Congressional health care plan and let's see where we go with this. #1 problem with conservatives: they are only open to something when it becomes personal. Dick and Lynn Cheney: dead set against gay rights until their daughter told them she was gay. Nancy and Ron Reagan: dead set against stem cell research until Ronny got Alzheimer's, and so on and so forth. Yes -- all politics is personal. We are not billionaires like the Trumps. We need health care. That's personal. America needs to divorce health care from employment. It's a horrible idea.
27
If you want government assistance or subsidies for your health insurance yet you voted for these Congressmen and Senators who vow to get government OUT of health care, when are you going to start blaming yourselves?
15
At least these people have the courage to admit it!
3
A lot of people who voted for Trump are now discovering that the old Chinese saying "be careful what you wish for, you might get it" still holds water.
14
Those are the people who make me wish that the GOP would succeed at everything they want to do:
-destroying healthcare
-privatize Medicare, SS, VA, prisons, the school system, you name it
-get rid of Medicaid, food stamps, section 8 housing, WICs, S-Chip and everything else that helps the common folks.
Then I would buy some popcorn, prop my feet up, and see how great they are at "pulling themselves by their bootstraps”.
Racists, ignorant, hypocrites, every last one of them.
-destroying healthcare
-privatize Medicare, SS, VA, prisons, the school system, you name it
-get rid of Medicaid, food stamps, section 8 housing, WICs, S-Chip and everything else that helps the common folks.
Then I would buy some popcorn, prop my feet up, and see how great they are at "pulling themselves by their bootstraps”.
Racists, ignorant, hypocrites, every last one of them.
17
The standard line is America will do the right thing after exhausting all other options. We are nearly there on single payer, it is now the only solution. It's no longer if, simply when.
This is an Obama fail, he would not promote and market and sell. It was beneath him.
Thump is toast. He will be cut to ribbons, as will anyone close to him for saying let it collapse, that he does not own it. It was imbecilic. And treason.
This is an Obama fail, he would not promote and market and sell. It was beneath him.
Thump is toast. He will be cut to ribbons, as will anyone close to him for saying let it collapse, that he does not own it. It was imbecilic. And treason.
3
I'm glad that opinion on Obamacare has shifted-- interestingly, to the view that Hillary Clinton held during the 2016 campaign: fix and strengthen the ACA.
In the long run, the correct solution is Medicare for all. Here's why:
1)Risks are spread over the largest and most diverse possible pool, reducing coverage costs and premiums.
2)A government-run insurance program would cost less to operate than private insurance programs: no need to market; no need to make a profit; economies of scale. This would have the effect of reducing premiums.
3)The government would have leverage in negotiating pharmaceutical costs, as is done in Canada. Again, this would result in cost and premium reductions for the public.
In the long run, the correct solution is Medicare for all. Here's why:
1)Risks are spread over the largest and most diverse possible pool, reducing coverage costs and premiums.
2)A government-run insurance program would cost less to operate than private insurance programs: no need to market; no need to make a profit; economies of scale. This would have the effect of reducing premiums.
3)The government would have leverage in negotiating pharmaceutical costs, as is done in Canada. Again, this would result in cost and premium reductions for the public.
18
I have nothing but contempt for all those brain-dead voters who bad-mouthed Obamacre until they realized they couldn't live without it. Anyone who voted Republican needs to live life just as the Republicans promised, maybe they'll do more than vote with ignorance and hate next time.
29
Wow, reread your note. It seems full of contempt and hate. Pot meet kettle.
I'm pleased opinion has shifted and there seems a glimmer of hope that the ACA's deficiencies can be addressed. I don't think vilifying former opponents will do anything but widen our societal divide.
I'm pleased opinion has shifted and there seems a glimmer of hope that the ACA's deficiencies can be addressed. I don't think vilifying former opponents will do anything but widen our societal divide.
2
It still bothers me that statements like that from Mr, Goracy are allowed to stand unchallenged, speaking of fake news and lies.
The reason there was no Republican participation when the ACA was passed is that they ran around talking about death panels and other lies and would not sit down with Democrats to make the ACA a better law.
There were plenty of hearings, etc. but the Republicans would not support any part of the law, the people be damned. Back then they were working full time on destroying Obama's presidency -- don't vote with him on anything and make him a one-term president.
Vicious Mitch McConnell at the helm, then and now. And they are still at it with their new hero, Donald Trump. Talk about sad!
The reason there was no Republican participation when the ACA was passed is that they ran around talking about death panels and other lies and would not sit down with Democrats to make the ACA a better law.
There were plenty of hearings, etc. but the Republicans would not support any part of the law, the people be damned. Back then they were working full time on destroying Obama's presidency -- don't vote with him on anything and make him a one-term president.
Vicious Mitch McConnell at the helm, then and now. And they are still at it with their new hero, Donald Trump. Talk about sad!
19
Most who vehemently oppose the bill did so because it was brought to them by a black man. Might be time to rethink their priorities.
25
And yet and yet they still support that fool, trump. They hated Obamacare but loved the ACA, dumb.
16
They hated Obama. PERIOD.
27
"“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel..."
Let me help you: the law was re-christened Obamacare.
Let me help you: the law was re-christened Obamacare.
28
"I can’t even remember why I opposed it"..... I'll refresh his and his ilk's memory: the GOP disinformation machine, abetted by Fox "News" and the rest of right wing media, found it really easy to successfully sell incessant lies and distortions about Barack Hussein Obama and Obamacare because of the racist streak embedded in a large swath of the US population.
27
That black President's health care ideas are looking pretty good today. Honestly, if you'd told these folks that Obama invented fresh water they would all have died of thirst.
36
Have all those sheep being led to the slaughter finally come to their senses and are no longer b-ah-ah-ah-ing. Could that be a growling I now hear?
6
Just because 20 million people became insured does not mean they should keep the insurance! Other tax loopholes get taken away, why not this one? The republicans can just say it was a democratic mistake. They can tell people that they would be in the same state they would have been before Obamacare. Plus they enjoyed 5 or so years of health coverage, so they should be theoretically in better shape for the rest of their lives.
1
An inability to plan ones own life is an abdication of personal responsibility. This is one of things the ACA tried to teach people by imposing a penalty for not being insured. But rather than learn from it, many chose to see this as another example of government overreach. If we as a nation are increasing populated by irresponsible adults, how can our future be anything but bleak? Rather than paying attention to planning for the future, too many are being misled by petty and wasteful arguments originating from those we expect to lead us. I'm glad people are beginning to treat this repeal circus as the sham and shame that it is - it's time they took their senators and representatives to task and demanded better from them.
12
I'm tired of people trying to deconstruct the details of 'what happened' with the ACA. It's like asking why people who complain about the lack of public transportation also oppose any tax increases or exercise of eminent domain needed to actually deliver it... Americans are inherently self interested.
We do not have the social culture that prioritizes the society above the individual. It's done us a lot of good in fueling growth and innovation - but it also is the source of much of our divisiveness and stagnation when it comes to healthcare, paid family leave, and other humanistic policies that have been enshrined by other nations for decades.
Basically, Americans want the most innovative healthcare, with no deductables and no copays, for free, for life, without any strings attached, no tax increases, and no limits on the doctors they can see or surgeries they can get or medications they can demand their doctors prescribe.
We've become a nation of selfish ignoramuses who have abdicated responsibility to read and understand politics for ourselves, claiming we're 'too tired' and 'too busy' to read one complete article, let alone multiple points of view, or - gasp! - the actual legislation, to figure out what we think. This goes for both sides of the spectrum. You can't explain complex healthcare legislation in a 30 minute Infotainment rant by O'Reilly or Olbermann, let alone a Tweet!
We do not have the social culture that prioritizes the society above the individual. It's done us a lot of good in fueling growth and innovation - but it also is the source of much of our divisiveness and stagnation when it comes to healthcare, paid family leave, and other humanistic policies that have been enshrined by other nations for decades.
Basically, Americans want the most innovative healthcare, with no deductables and no copays, for free, for life, without any strings attached, no tax increases, and no limits on the doctors they can see or surgeries they can get or medications they can demand their doctors prescribe.
We've become a nation of selfish ignoramuses who have abdicated responsibility to read and understand politics for ourselves, claiming we're 'too tired' and 'too busy' to read one complete article, let alone multiple points of view, or - gasp! - the actual legislation, to figure out what we think. This goes for both sides of the spectrum. You can't explain complex healthcare legislation in a 30 minute Infotainment rant by O'Reilly or Olbermann, let alone a Tweet!
10
People like Ms. McMahon resist obtaining any kind of health insurance. However, should she end up in an emergency room, she would receive care. People hated the mandate - I I agree with Mr. Goracy - who wants to pay nearly $17K in monthly premiums for a plan with a $12K deductible? This is what needs to be addressed, and clearly the ACA fell down on this. Even if I paid the entire monthly premium for my policy it wouldn't be anywhere near that. Unfortunately the GOP is now mainly focused on using repeal of the ACA to reform Medicaid - not to find solutions to situations like this. Mr. Trump clearly was lying when he pledged to have insurance for all, better coverage and lower premiums. He now just wants to repeal the ACA and see what happens. He also was willing to sign a bill that didn't meet his campaign criteria. He just wants "win". That's what people need to understand. And a win for him isn't necessarily a win for the American people.
7
The figures you cite are no where near accurate.
2
The Dems ought to find the courage to advocate for single-payer healthcare.
A consumption tax could fund universal womb to tomb healthcare.
No mandates; no premiums; no deductibles; no co-pays.
Let us have wellness centers that could provide basic preventive screenings, stress management, nutrition, and physical fitness classes.
Universal healthcare would be the end of people having to wait until the traveling medical service comes to town to get dental and eye care
We the People ought to insist on what we want. Our representatives work for us, and we get the government we deserve.
A consumption tax could fund universal womb to tomb healthcare.
No mandates; no premiums; no deductibles; no co-pays.
Let us have wellness centers that could provide basic preventive screenings, stress management, nutrition, and physical fitness classes.
Universal healthcare would be the end of people having to wait until the traveling medical service comes to town to get dental and eye care
We the People ought to insist on what we want. Our representatives work for us, and we get the government we deserve.
8
The saddest part of this article is Ms. McMahon and what she represents -- the R's have convinced people that they don't deserve to have healthcare coverage through Medicaid because it costs the country money. Because the Dems have authored it. That's just tragic.
Roads and schools and national defense and utility oversight and much more all cost the country money (taxes) because they are critically needed services. Why on earth isn't health care considered a critically needed service? Keeping our children and parents and workers healthy and strong isn't critical to a strong nation?
The most hopeful part of this article is that many non-supporters of ACA have inched toward the middle, of asking for a fix rather than a repeal. Public opinion IS slowly changing.
Health care is not a privilege. Health care is not a (constitutional) right. Health care is a critical need. It is literally life or death, decline or recovery, suffering or relief. Like access to safe water, it should not be controlled by the whims and the chaos of the for-profit market. The government very definitely has a huge role in ensuring access to medical care.
Roads and schools and national defense and utility oversight and much more all cost the country money (taxes) because they are critically needed services. Why on earth isn't health care considered a critically needed service? Keeping our children and parents and workers healthy and strong isn't critical to a strong nation?
The most hopeful part of this article is that many non-supporters of ACA have inched toward the middle, of asking for a fix rather than a repeal. Public opinion IS slowly changing.
Health care is not a privilege. Health care is not a (constitutional) right. Health care is a critical need. It is literally life or death, decline or recovery, suffering or relief. Like access to safe water, it should not be controlled by the whims and the chaos of the for-profit market. The government very definitely has a huge role in ensuring access to medical care.
13
This is the wrong argument. The argument should simply be, 'How do we get the government to ensure all have healthcare.'
Our problem is that the rest of the civilized world provides healthcare to its citizens because they see it as protecting national treasure -- its people -- and we see healthcare as a commodity to be sold to those who can afford it.
Sad.
Our problem is that the rest of the civilized world provides healthcare to its citizens because they see it as protecting national treasure -- its people -- and we see healthcare as a commodity to be sold to those who can afford it.
Sad.
18
My brother always said that life is an intelligence test. And sometimes people fail.
18
What is astonishing is that Americans do not look around the world at the other advanced nations that provide in one format or another healthcare as a human right to their citizens, as our neighbor, instead of a "profit center" as the U.S. and ask "Why not us?" The ACA (Yes, GOP calls it Obamacare!) could be improved, especially by providing the Public Option, but instead it is going to be destroyed by Republicans and millions of Americans are going to suffer including children. Is this "Making America Great Again" by Trump?
12
The average American does not know the difference between the ACA and Obamacare. They think that they are two different things or programs.
There lays a problem to begin with.
In general, people aren't very well educated today.
There lays a problem to begin with.
In general, people aren't very well educated today.
34
There's always been plenty of evidence that Americans are conservative in principle but not in practice and this is yet another example.
So many millions watch Fox News and listen to Rush Limbaugh fuming against big government handouts while blissfully collecting Social Security and utilizing Medicare or Medicaid, never comprehending the contradiction.
So many millions watch Fox News and listen to Rush Limbaugh fuming against big government handouts while blissfully collecting Social Security and utilizing Medicare or Medicaid, never comprehending the contradiction.
35
What's the definition of a liberal? A conservative who just had their government entitlement taken away.
34
WhIle it is true that the ACA was passed without Republican votes, it is also true that the ACA contained much Republican origin approach (such as the mandate to buy insurance to eliminate the "free rider" problem), and many (more than 180) Republican offered amendments. History shows a large number of public hearings, many committee hearings, and a reasonable level of "cooperation" before the final votes.
That Republicans refused to vote for the bill was a matter of party coercion to prevent an achievement by President Obama. I have to wonder how many of those Republicans, left to their own devices, would have voted in favor of the bill. And in a different universe, those same Republicans would have worked against the rampant lies told during the nearly yearlong process of legislation.
We'll never know. So today, we are in the position of having watched the failure of a party that had seven years to prepare, and running the risk of more than 20 million, and as many as 32 million people losing coverage. With that will come an increase in unnecessary deaths. And THAT will be on the bloody hands of those who put party over people.
That Republicans refused to vote for the bill was a matter of party coercion to prevent an achievement by President Obama. I have to wonder how many of those Republicans, left to their own devices, would have voted in favor of the bill. And in a different universe, those same Republicans would have worked against the rampant lies told during the nearly yearlong process of legislation.
We'll never know. So today, we are in the position of having watched the failure of a party that had seven years to prepare, and running the risk of more than 20 million, and as many as 32 million people losing coverage. With that will come an increase in unnecessary deaths. And THAT will be on the bloody hands of those who put party over people.
24
I wish we could tweet some of these comments ...
3
I worked for years as a benefit administrator and I learned a couple of things. People never understand their health insurance and they are never happy with it. UNTIL it changes or they lose it and then that plan they did nothing but complain about becomes the greatest thing there ever was.
24
Jim, what you observed is a universal truth about every aspect of life.
7
I don't think that's actually true. There are times when people actually do understand what's going on and there are times when people are actually happy with what they have and there are times when people welcome change. But when it comes to health insurance discontent seems to rule to a far greater degree than I experienced with any other benefit.
Anyone who thinks that health care costs should be coming down needs to consider some of the facts:
1. America's obesity rate is high. This is not without consequences.
2. America's diabetes rate is high. This is not without consequences.
3. Americans eat a lot of junk food and likely ingest a lot of chemicals even with what should be healthy foods.
4. Americans are a year older than they were this time last year, and the pig-in-the-python baby boomer generation is moving into an age group where dormant health problems show up and medical costs rise.
5. We don't have enough Primary Care Physicians and certainly enough geriatricians.
6. Too many people get insufficient exercise.
7. Over half of our babies are born to people whose primary healthcare is Medicaid. They lack discretionary income to meet their families' most modestly defined needs.
8. Today there are still many millions of people with no health insurance.
9. Millions who had no health insurance before Obamacare are now beginning to take steps to manage their health, and that has costs.
10. Relatively few have dental insurance, and dental health plays into overall health in important ways.
11. We have millions of people who are dependent on opioids or using recreational drugs whose dosage and quality is unpredictable.
And we expect health care costs in the aggregate to stabilize? Really?
1. America's obesity rate is high. This is not without consequences.
2. America's diabetes rate is high. This is not without consequences.
3. Americans eat a lot of junk food and likely ingest a lot of chemicals even with what should be healthy foods.
4. Americans are a year older than they were this time last year, and the pig-in-the-python baby boomer generation is moving into an age group where dormant health problems show up and medical costs rise.
5. We don't have enough Primary Care Physicians and certainly enough geriatricians.
6. Too many people get insufficient exercise.
7. Over half of our babies are born to people whose primary healthcare is Medicaid. They lack discretionary income to meet their families' most modestly defined needs.
8. Today there are still many millions of people with no health insurance.
9. Millions who had no health insurance before Obamacare are now beginning to take steps to manage their health, and that has costs.
10. Relatively few have dental insurance, and dental health plays into overall health in important ways.
11. We have millions of people who are dependent on opioids or using recreational drugs whose dosage and quality is unpredictable.
And we expect health care costs in the aggregate to stabilize? Really?
42
This article reminded me of how conservative political philosophy has been co-opted over the last generation. Republicans used to be suspicious of large institutions. They are still suspicious of big government. But they have lost Teddy Roosevelt's suspicion of large corporations, and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.
Instead, they have shifted the dichotomy to the public sector (bad) vs. the private sector (good). It all traces back to Reagan stating, "Government IS the problem." The cartel of the five large for-profit health insurance companies is now just fine, because it is the private sector free market and not the federal government. Price-gouging by pharmaceutical companies is just fine (despite their subsidies from federal research grants) because they are private and not public.
The Republican Party would do well to rediscover their skepticism of monopoly power concentrated in private hands, which can be as dangerous if not more so than the forces of "big government." Donald Trump's populist rhetoric on the campaign trail did resonate with voters on this issue to some degree. Unfortunately, his administration's actions have served only to reinforce the status quo of the private monopoly and oligarchy interests, rather than to check their power.
Instead, they have shifted the dichotomy to the public sector (bad) vs. the private sector (good). It all traces back to Reagan stating, "Government IS the problem." The cartel of the five large for-profit health insurance companies is now just fine, because it is the private sector free market and not the federal government. Price-gouging by pharmaceutical companies is just fine (despite their subsidies from federal research grants) because they are private and not public.
The Republican Party would do well to rediscover their skepticism of monopoly power concentrated in private hands, which can be as dangerous if not more so than the forces of "big government." Donald Trump's populist rhetoric on the campaign trail did resonate with voters on this issue to some degree. Unfortunately, his administration's actions have served only to reinforce the status quo of the private monopoly and oligarchy interests, rather than to check their power.
14
Is it consistent with Christianity to oppose a law that provides healthcare for a fellow citizen, when your healthcare is provided for? Would (Did) Jesus do that?
19
At some point Americans in general have to come out honest. Nobody in rural and conservative population has any idea about healthcare policies or what ACA (a.k.a. Obamacare) is. They are fed racial and cultural prejudice to believe anything their beloved politician would tell them. That is the fundamental problem.
Ignorance led to subdued performance of the ACA fueled by Republican obstructionism. They never wanted to improve it. Moreover, it is antithetical for the Republicans to tax the rich people. And the ACA caused some additional burden to their base.
The red flag went up only when it became reality that if Republicans get their way, the middle-class will be forever enslaved to the oligarchs. Make no mistakes, a lot of people today think that it is OK to suffer a little to support their white knight President. Although, they don't really know the extent their suffering will be. Additionally, the Republicans may try to sell all the problems to their base as a result of liberal policies. And I bet a lot of people will never accepts in their life that anything could be wrong in the Republican agenda.
Ignorance led to subdued performance of the ACA fueled by Republican obstructionism. They never wanted to improve it. Moreover, it is antithetical for the Republicans to tax the rich people. And the ACA caused some additional burden to their base.
The red flag went up only when it became reality that if Republicans get their way, the middle-class will be forever enslaved to the oligarchs. Make no mistakes, a lot of people today think that it is OK to suffer a little to support their white knight President. Although, they don't really know the extent their suffering will be. Additionally, the Republicans may try to sell all the problems to their base as a result of liberal policies. And I bet a lot of people will never accepts in their life that anything could be wrong in the Republican agenda.
26
"'Unlike when Democrats passed A.C.A. with not one Republican vote, what the Republicans need to do is get together with 20 or 25 Democrats and pass some kind of reform,' [Mark Goracy] said. 'That, to me, is how legislation is supposed to proceed.'"
I've long thought that the closer the election, the more moderate the candidate tends to be. Lee Drutman cites data suggesting the opposite. He also points out something which, given the content of this story, is rather important:
We all say we're a divided country. I've said it; I'm sure you, reader, have said it; and almost no one voices objections when it's said. It's taken as so obvious that it needn't be debated. Now, many people have ALSO claimed that the American people are pragmatic, and I think people agree with that, too. How, then, can it be that people tend to want compromise but what we get from Congress is gridlock? We aren't gridlocked on issues, at least not among the American people; we're gridlocked on identity.
Most people have no clue where the parties stand. All they know is: "I'm an X, and we Xs hate Ys." The more they can degrade Ys, the better they feel. You could literally take the Democratic positions and attach them to a "Republican" and most Republican voters would vote for him or her. People know nothing about policy. Among the people, that isn't where polarization originates. https://www.vox.com/polyarchy/2017/6/27/15880328/how-to-reduce-partisan-...
I've long thought that the closer the election, the more moderate the candidate tends to be. Lee Drutman cites data suggesting the opposite. He also points out something which, given the content of this story, is rather important:
We all say we're a divided country. I've said it; I'm sure you, reader, have said it; and almost no one voices objections when it's said. It's taken as so obvious that it needn't be debated. Now, many people have ALSO claimed that the American people are pragmatic, and I think people agree with that, too. How, then, can it be that people tend to want compromise but what we get from Congress is gridlock? We aren't gridlocked on issues, at least not among the American people; we're gridlocked on identity.
Most people have no clue where the parties stand. All they know is: "I'm an X, and we Xs hate Ys." The more they can degrade Ys, the better they feel. You could literally take the Democratic positions and attach them to a "Republican" and most Republican voters would vote for him or her. People know nothing about policy. Among the people, that isn't where polarization originates. https://www.vox.com/polyarchy/2017/6/27/15880328/how-to-reduce-partisan-...
5
NY Times, please do more stories like this. Keep talking to people in the real world about how public policy impacts their lives. I would also appreciate hearing from people who continue to support full repeal, and the reasons why.
This is the kind of reporting that we need more of. It makes abstract political issues concrete and tangible. Thank you.
This is the kind of reporting that we need more of. It makes abstract political issues concrete and tangible. Thank you.
18
Doylestown, PA is a really wealthy town, and Bucks County, PA, is the richest county in PA. Why choose to profile a rich demographic? The reporter should have gone to another, poorer county and spoken to average Americans. Profiling Bucks County citizens on the Affordable Care Act is like going to New Castle to interview folks for an article on coal.
9
If the rich republicans are against doing away with the ACA and see the benefits of keeping it, they will not support republican lawmakers who try to get rid of it. The republicans need those wealthy republicans to fund them. And it shows that even wealthy republicans will be affected.
And quite frankly, unfortunately most people could care less about what happens to poor people.
And quite frankly, unfortunately most people could care less about what happens to poor people.
2
I visited my brother in the hospital this past weekend. He was in ICU and I jokingly mentioned he'd have to start voting for Democrats now that he's had to leave his job and get on disability and Medicare.
He popped off about it since he's a Tea Party conservative and Trump supporter and I pointed out that at this very moment the Republican House budget calls for hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicare and disability in addition to huge cuts in Medicaid.
I also pointed out that the congressmen he's voting for want to replace Medicare with vouchers which places lifetime caps or limits on individual benefits which due to his health problems would be pretty quick.
I don't think I changed his mind but I definitely gave him something to think about whether he likes it or not.
He popped off about it since he's a Tea Party conservative and Trump supporter and I pointed out that at this very moment the Republican House budget calls for hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicare and disability in addition to huge cuts in Medicaid.
I also pointed out that the congressmen he's voting for want to replace Medicare with vouchers which places lifetime caps or limits on individual benefits which due to his health problems would be pretty quick.
I don't think I changed his mind but I definitely gave him something to think about whether he likes it or not.
46
Good for you and thanks. These conservative folks never seem to "get it" until tragedy or discrimination affect themselves or their loved ones.
15
This is highly comical. When you convince someone of something valid or worthy, they do not accept it. When you try to take it away, they put up a fight. Almost makes sense to state the opposite in hopes of your original plan coming to fruition.
10
Yes. Reverse psychology works well on both actual preschoolers and adults who think and vote like them.
12
It's called the "endowment effect," works every time.
1
Anti-healthcare people have been universally well to do, have their own healthcare through work or just don't need healthcare themselves. Under those circumstances it seems to have been easy to point fingers at people who lack those benefits or who actually need healthcare. The idea has prevailed that "it is their fault" because they couldn't get jobs with benefits or got sick because of their sinful lifestyles.
Somehow the anti-healthcare forces were able to sway the uninsured by talk of "very expensive" and get votes to support that point of view. Now there are people who can afford to go to the doctor when they get sick. Odd. They seem to like it!
It is still going to be an uphill battle with anti-healthcare folks deliberately confounding the concepts of expensive prices for specific healthcare services with the total costs of the healthcare system. There have been virtually no attempts at all to cut the prices of American healthcare services. The only cost cutting being proposed is to remove healthcare from the poor and elderly that need it. Congress must deal with the requirements of the needy and squeeze the cost out of big Medicine and big Pharma. They don't do that because they don't want to jeopardize the big bucks they receive for their campaigns.
Somehow the anti-healthcare forces were able to sway the uninsured by talk of "very expensive" and get votes to support that point of view. Now there are people who can afford to go to the doctor when they get sick. Odd. They seem to like it!
It is still going to be an uphill battle with anti-healthcare folks deliberately confounding the concepts of expensive prices for specific healthcare services with the total costs of the healthcare system. There have been virtually no attempts at all to cut the prices of American healthcare services. The only cost cutting being proposed is to remove healthcare from the poor and elderly that need it. Congress must deal with the requirements of the needy and squeeze the cost out of big Medicine and big Pharma. They don't do that because they don't want to jeopardize the big bucks they receive for their campaigns.
13
Hearing about Republican voters change their brainwashed minds about the ACA makes me sick. Glad I have health insurance. For now.
18
I don't respect them any more for this. If anything, I respect them less.
2
Brainwashed folks spouting Fox News talking points as justification for their initial opposition to Obamacare. For the love of God and the country's future, turn off Fox, Rush, Hannity et al and seek out the truth!
38
Patrick Murphy said, "I can't even remember why I opposed" the ACA... Well, Mr. Murphy, I can...You opposed it because someone told you that you did. You opposed it because you stopped thinking for yourself. You opposed it because you allowed - YOU ALLOWED - yourself to be used and to be brainwashed and to be abused. I strongly suggest you sit yourself down, have a little chat with yourself, turn OFF the TV and read a newspaper, instead.
49
I guess government subsidized benefits is a bad thing until it's taken away from white people. Sorry, PA (WI, FL, OH, KY, WVA etc.), but you voted for this!
34
And yet you persist..watching Fox News, listening to Limbaugh, Hannity and Alex Jones, reading Breitbart and Daily Caller and voting Republican even though all of them have lied to you for 8 solid years. At some point didn't common sense set in and you realized you have insurance now and so do your neighbors so vote to keep it? Hard to believe that you don't know how to turn the dial, station or web site so a lot of people don't have sympathy - welcome to the damage you have inflicted on us all of us.
28
Everyone likes the Affordable Care Act, they just didn't like "Obama" care. American racism at its finest!
33
Exactly.
2
The irony is that it was first legislated as the Republican, Rommey Act in Mass.
6
Yep. The Republicans loved it then. They can love it now. Except the ultra-right wing nuts.
I'm willing to bet that most of the people who were against the Affordable Care Act didn't put too much thought into why. Having "Obama" attached to it was enough. Black man in the White House! There goes the nation. If it wasn't outright racism informing their opinions, it was the ready-made opinions of the right-wing racist media that they were sold. Much easier to let them tell you what to think.
26
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy.
Let me remind you: You opposed it because you're a narrow-minded ideologue.
Let me remind you: You opposed it because you're a narrow-minded ideologue.
24
- "Mom, what's a Canadian?"
- "It's an unarmed North American with health insurance, sweetheart."
- "It's an unarmed North American with health insurance, sweetheart."
59
"I can't even remember why I opposed" the Affordable Care Act, he said.
We will remind you - one and only one reason - because it was cleverly marketed as ObamaCare by the Republicans, and you were hypnotized to believe in their lie, that anything that has "Obama" in it is going to be evil! Pure racial bias is the only reason why you and others like you opposed!
We will remind you - one and only one reason - because it was cleverly marketed as ObamaCare by the Republicans, and you were hypnotized to believe in their lie, that anything that has "Obama" in it is going to be evil! Pure racial bias is the only reason why you and others like you opposed!
22
Hate to pile on this Patrick Murphy guy, but... "I can't even remember why I opposed it"?!? Good Lord. That's right up there with "Get your government hands off my Medicaid!"
Allow me to jog your memory, Mr. Murphy. Health care reform was spearheaded by a bunch of lefty liberal Democrats, shepherded through Congress by an uppity woman named Nancy Pelosi, and signed into law by a black guy named Barack Hussein Obama. It was then subjected to seven years of sustained attacks by conservative media, right-wing interest groups, and Republican politicians, attacks characterized by fear-mongering, misinformation, and outright lies. The terms "death panels," in particular, comes to mind.
Starting to remember now?
Allow me to jog your memory, Mr. Murphy. Health care reform was spearheaded by a bunch of lefty liberal Democrats, shepherded through Congress by an uppity woman named Nancy Pelosi, and signed into law by a black guy named Barack Hussein Obama. It was then subjected to seven years of sustained attacks by conservative media, right-wing interest groups, and Republican politicians, attacks characterized by fear-mongering, misinformation, and outright lies. The terms "death panels," in particular, comes to mind.
Starting to remember now?
60
Well guess what, Trumpian Hillary haters: may there be no health care left for you when you are your loved ones get sick. You asked for it, you got it.
14
The problem is that I am one of those loved ones already sick and suffering in spite of having two insurances, one out of my price range but paid for only because I need whatever care I can get. Do you believe my husband cares one bit about the daily pain and agony I suffer? Think again, he voted republican. We should never punish those in need who oppose the current administration.
2
Considering that the Federal government provides about $260 billion in tax breaks for employer-sponsored healthcare every year, this is the least they can do to help cover the rest of Americans.
8
Nice to read some encouraging news about people's attitudes about the politics of health care, but the dialogue would be greatly improved if the terms "health insurance" and "health coverage" were not used as synonymous with health care. They are not the same.
People don't want insurance coverage. They want health care, provided to everyone unconditionally at a reasonable cost. The insurance system does not meet that objective; if insurance companies were out of the equation and we had a single payer in place, costs will come down.
I've lived in England twice in my life. Two of our four kids were born there, so we experienced their National Health Service. It was excellent, as were the several health care situations we experienced in Western Europe, and had no cost, no paperwork.
It is pretty widely known that life outcomes (longevity, serious disease rates, maternal and infant deaths, etc) are better in England, Western Europe, Scandinavia and Canada, among others, than in the US. We are way behind, and deserve at least as good.
People don't want insurance coverage. They want health care, provided to everyone unconditionally at a reasonable cost. The insurance system does not meet that objective; if insurance companies were out of the equation and we had a single payer in place, costs will come down.
I've lived in England twice in my life. Two of our four kids were born there, so we experienced their National Health Service. It was excellent, as were the several health care situations we experienced in Western Europe, and had no cost, no paperwork.
It is pretty widely known that life outcomes (longevity, serious disease rates, maternal and infant deaths, etc) are better in England, Western Europe, Scandinavia and Canada, among others, than in the US. We are way behind, and deserve at least as good.
21
These are mostly the same people who Always complain about "government" involvement in their lives, especially Medicare. They were against Obamacare because because He was black, plain and simple. They are ignorant to a fault which is also why they resent education and educated people who have allegedly made their lives so miserable.
Again, it's always something or someone else who has caused their problems, never themselves. They also still wholeheartedly support Trump, because in their simplistic view of life, Trump is a noteworthy substitute while they await their Lords return to save them.
Ignorance is bliss, but it's also repulsive.
Again, it's always something or someone else who has caused their problems, never themselves. They also still wholeheartedly support Trump, because in their simplistic view of life, Trump is a noteworthy substitute while they await their Lords return to save them.
Ignorance is bliss, but it's also repulsive.
23
It is very disturbing how blocks of people are swayed by lies and propaganda. Maybe it is just the ignorant areas of America.
9
It's amazing that all these white folks are now lamenting the loss of their "entitlement". They always equated entitlements with minorities. It's also telling that the so-called "opioid epidemic" is now called an epidemic because it is affecting rural white communities as if calling it an epidemic makes it seem like its a natural phenomenon. When drug use affected minority communities, it was more of an issue of "personal responsibility" and "moral weakness". You know why you opposed Obamacare? Because of the Obama in it plain and simple. Racism is alive and well in America. It is not on life support.
23
Agree completely.
3
The fact that so many recipients of the benefits of the ACA hated Obama Care is the fault of the Democrats. The Democrats failed at educating the public at large about the benefits of the legislation and instead, allowed the GOP to fill the silence with false stories and rebrand the ACA as Obama Care with Death Panels.
We should not be surprised that those ignorant of the law are now connecting the dots and realizing that - oh my God! - their coverage is dependent upon the very programs that trump railed against and targeted by the GOP for repeal.
Yet, they still do not understand how fundamental the individual mandate and Medicaid expansion are to their premium rate. Instead, again, the Democrats are allowing the GOP to fill the silence with the 'you shouldn't let government boss you around' and 'let the states manage their own healthcare' smoke and mirrors rhetoric.
The Democratic silence is at the heart of the public's misconceptions, otherwise there would be riots all across the nation.
We should not be surprised that those ignorant of the law are now connecting the dots and realizing that - oh my God! - their coverage is dependent upon the very programs that trump railed against and targeted by the GOP for repeal.
Yet, they still do not understand how fundamental the individual mandate and Medicaid expansion are to their premium rate. Instead, again, the Democrats are allowing the GOP to fill the silence with the 'you shouldn't let government boss you around' and 'let the states manage their own healthcare' smoke and mirrors rhetoric.
The Democratic silence is at the heart of the public's misconceptions, otherwise there would be riots all across the nation.
3
I agree with the opinion that killing off all health care for Medicaid and AC folks might be enough to create a teeny bit of awareness in their minds. Nothing else seems to penetrate. Maybe being sick and unable to get help would be the necessary stimulus. Maybe.
6
Write/call your representatives Dems and Repubs...MEDICARE FOR ALL.
Let's put an end to this misery where this state does that and that state does this. Aren't we the #1, the "greatest", the most powerful. Aren't we smart enough to do this and be the United States.
Let's put an end to this misery where this state does that and that state does this. Aren't we the #1, the "greatest", the most powerful. Aren't we smart enough to do this and be the United States.
6
I'm quite sure they will find a way to still blame Obama for what Trump ends up doing to healthcare.
16
“It’s going to cost a fortune,” Jeff Brahin said in an interview at the time.
DID IT, Mr. Brahin? And exactly where? BE SPECIFIC.
DID IT, Mr. Brahin? And exactly where? BE SPECIFIC.
4
Most of the initial uproar was based on a Republican misinformation campaign. The dog whistle was that Obamacare was for minorities, and true mericans don't need the government. Well guess what, turns out the ACA, though not perfect, has saved lives. Yes the lives of those who fought against it. So it seem it seems like the party of obstruction hasn't clued into the fact that a whole lot of there constituents now don't want the ACA destroyed.
So Trump goal #1, eradicate Obama legacy, why? Childish jealousy, and yes correspondence dinner roast. (On the eve of OBL take down)
GOP goal, destroy ACA because Govt shouldn't be in the health care business.
Finally GOP real agenda, tax cuts for the rich by using racist themes to fool desperate whites into believing that blacks, immigrants, woman, LGBTQ, are their enemy. What world what a world!
So Trump goal #1, eradicate Obama legacy, why? Childish jealousy, and yes correspondence dinner roast. (On the eve of OBL take down)
GOP goal, destroy ACA because Govt shouldn't be in the health care business.
Finally GOP real agenda, tax cuts for the rich by using racist themes to fool desperate whites into believing that blacks, immigrants, woman, LGBTQ, are their enemy. What world what a world!
10
Those that hated it and now are afraid of losing it had an excuse before. The man who was behind the plan was black. Now he's gone, and they have to face their own bigotry. That has to hurt about as much as that pre-existing condition.
11
Bigotry doesn't usually hurt the bigots. The pre-existing condition, on the other hand, can kill you or one of your children.
2
Trump-McConnell-Ryan Healthcare: Low income? Poor? Sick? Go lie in a ditch and die so we won't suffer from spending money to take care of you crumb-grabbers.
8
Too late there folks in PA. Trump sold you a bill of goods and you bought it. Sorry for your problems, but you were against "big government" until you needed help.
Typical of all Tea Party "conservatives".
No sympathy here.
Typical of all Tea Party "conservatives".
No sympathy here.
18
To choose not to have health care (and willing to pay a penalty for it) like Cindy McMahon is doing is insane. When you are 52, you get sick a lot more often. Healthcare is expensive. It also amazes me that she does not know the state of Pennsylvania would likely pay for most of her health insurance through medicaid expansion. My guess is she chooses to live in a bubble because she does not want any reason to stop hating Obama.
18
The irony is that, despite Republican claims and certain voter perceptions to the contrary, the Democratic party has supported policies designed to greatly help folks down on their luck since FDR. A notable exception for both parties has been the systemic racism against black folks, but the Dems started trying to change that with passage of the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act over 50 years ago.
The Dems have always supported a better safety net, greater civil rights for a variety of people, and public school systems with less class and racial segregation than we would see with privatized, voucher-supported, schools. And for the last 25 years, the Dems have tried hard to provide health care to more people in need.
Yes, there have been harsh trends in jobs in certain segments, but that goes back 40 years. Neither Republicans or Democrats have effectively solved this current and perhaps long-term problem...yet. The economy has performed slightly better overall under Democratic presidents, however. See the Princeton study.
On balance though, it is hard to see what the people described in this article dislike in Democratic policies other than the more open-minded ideas towards race and other cultures. That, coupled with poor education in many cases along with the harsh propaganda from modern media, probably can explain many of the votes for Trump. It remains unexplainable to me how anyone bought into Trump's transparent empty promises and ugly rhetoric as salvation.
The Dems have always supported a better safety net, greater civil rights for a variety of people, and public school systems with less class and racial segregation than we would see with privatized, voucher-supported, schools. And for the last 25 years, the Dems have tried hard to provide health care to more people in need.
Yes, there have been harsh trends in jobs in certain segments, but that goes back 40 years. Neither Republicans or Democrats have effectively solved this current and perhaps long-term problem...yet. The economy has performed slightly better overall under Democratic presidents, however. See the Princeton study.
On balance though, it is hard to see what the people described in this article dislike in Democratic policies other than the more open-minded ideas towards race and other cultures. That, coupled with poor education in many cases along with the harsh propaganda from modern media, probably can explain many of the votes for Trump. It remains unexplainable to me how anyone bought into Trump's transparent empty promises and ugly rhetoric as salvation.
9
"Mark Goracy, an insurance consultant in Langhorne, near Doylestown, calls the coverage he and his wife get through the individual market “a joke.” Their premium is $1,415 a month, with combined deductibles of more than $12,000."
I do not know Mr. Goracy's financial situation, but those same costs apply to anyone just above the subsidy cutoff point, which is why liberals such as Michael Moore opposed the ACA. The high premiums, and deductibles under the ACA are not a roadblock against medical bankruptcy, when a family of 4 earning over 88K per year, may be on the hook for about 20K in annual deductibles and premiums.
I do not know Mr. Goracy's financial situation, but those same costs apply to anyone just above the subsidy cutoff point, which is why liberals such as Michael Moore opposed the ACA. The high premiums, and deductibles under the ACA are not a roadblock against medical bankruptcy, when a family of 4 earning over 88K per year, may be on the hook for about 20K in annual deductibles and premiums.
5
And without insurance or the ACA, where are these same people? Not any better off. I agree it needs to get better and more affordable, but hopefully this family and others like it benefit from insurance-negotiated rates for medical care which are lower, and often happens when you are insured, even if the deductible has not been met yet.
4
This is the nightmare scenario the Koch brothers were deathly afraid of.
Once you create an entitlement used by over 20 million Americans, it is impossible to remove it completely.
Once the realization of a President actually signing a Republican "health" bill into law, Mitch McConnell's many statements of removing the ACA [Obama Care] by it's roots completely have hit the brick wall of reality.
Mr. Trump does not seem to care that many of his supporters in Red States are actually using the ACA in some form or another. Mr. Trump only wants to sign a health bill, regardless of how many of his supporters it hurts, and claim victory.
Once you create an entitlement used by over 20 million Americans, it is impossible to remove it completely.
Once the realization of a President actually signing a Republican "health" bill into law, Mitch McConnell's many statements of removing the ACA [Obama Care] by it's roots completely have hit the brick wall of reality.
Mr. Trump does not seem to care that many of his supporters in Red States are actually using the ACA in some form or another. Mr. Trump only wants to sign a health bill, regardless of how many of his supporters it hurts, and claim victory.
12
Until both parties start talking and doing something about the cost of health care, nothing will ever change for the consumer. Healthcare costs more in the US than anywhere else in the world. And as long as this continues as is, premiums will go up, more people who previously could afford health insurance will be unable to do so, more companies will back away from offering insurance, and only the politicians will be laughing all the way to the bank.
The ACA tried to make insurance affordable by subsidizing it. How is that sustainable if more and more people simply end up on Medicaid? At some point money will run out.
I would prefer that the conversation shift from the affordability of insurance, to the cost of health care.
The ACA tried to make insurance affordable by subsidizing it. How is that sustainable if more and more people simply end up on Medicaid? At some point money will run out.
I would prefer that the conversation shift from the affordability of insurance, to the cost of health care.
8
A simple solution. Medicare for all. The system is in place and the healthcare providers know how to function with it. We all pay a premium based upon income. We all get basic care. You can buy more if you want.
By "Medicare for All", that means Congress as well.
By "Medicare for All", that means Congress as well.
16
Ms. McMahon says she doesn't want to get insurance to treat her diabetes because of the cost. Yet, she hasn't looked into Medicaid which might provide her medical care at no or very little cost. Perhaps because she knows she would not qualify because she earns too much and simply does not prioritizing her health care.
In any case, she strikes me as an ignorant and selfish person who has chosen to not pay to treat her chronic illness until it becomes life threatening. At which point she will demand that society spend whatever it takes to save her from the poor health and complications she has brought upon herself. Or, she has a conviction to never seek health care for her condition and is willing to die a natural death as people did before medicine knew what diabetes was.
In any case, she strikes me as an ignorant and selfish person who has chosen to not pay to treat her chronic illness until it becomes life threatening. At which point she will demand that society spend whatever it takes to save her from the poor health and complications she has brought upon herself. Or, she has a conviction to never seek health care for her condition and is willing to die a natural death as people did before medicine knew what diabetes was.
17
The ACA was umpopular because the Republicans ran 400,000 ads against it.
In 2003 70% of Americans supported invading Iraq, based on false 'intel' propagandized by the likes of FOX. By the end of the Bush/Cheney admin, 70% of Americans opposed the war.
Now we are doing the same with Iran. 85% of Americans, agian based in incessant right wing lies, are in favor of action against Iran, despite the IAEA's and even Trump admission they're complying with the Anti nuke treaty.
Even with all the physical evidence before our eyes, a large percentage of Americans think climate change is a hoax.
We are dominated by propaganda, and until we collectively are able to foor our opinions on facts, we will continue to fail as a Nation.
The Trump administration has concrete plans to make facts even harder to come by, (see Spencer Media, see Mercer).
I'm not optimistic.
In 2003 70% of Americans supported invading Iraq, based on false 'intel' propagandized by the likes of FOX. By the end of the Bush/Cheney admin, 70% of Americans opposed the war.
Now we are doing the same with Iran. 85% of Americans, agian based in incessant right wing lies, are in favor of action against Iran, despite the IAEA's and even Trump admission they're complying with the Anti nuke treaty.
Even with all the physical evidence before our eyes, a large percentage of Americans think climate change is a hoax.
We are dominated by propaganda, and until we collectively are able to foor our opinions on facts, we will continue to fail as a Nation.
The Trump administration has concrete plans to make facts even harder to come by, (see Spencer Media, see Mercer).
I'm not optimistic.
7
Do not know who the 85% supporting the war is. From the beginning I have been against war there since they have been fighting since the beginning of time and Russia could not win there. But it was a war to make the world safe for Exxon. If all that wasted $ were spent here, we would all be sitting pretty with new infrastructure and great schools.
4
Everyone has to admit that the Republican Party did a great job branding the ACA as Obamacare and rode that horse all the way to control of the country and most of the states! It is an amazing political feat that should be taught in Poly Sci classes for the next 50 years! The issue was never health care it was about political power. Now the Repubs have the power and are shaping this country in ways you aren't noticing, supreme ct, EPA, FDA, FCC, Policing. Recommend Dems do the same thing...
12
Twice I've heard republican representatives support a government bureau to make sure those that apply for Medicaid are looking for work.
Why not simply start up the WPA again? The government by the people for the people employs and protects their own health and welfare through socialized programs. Thanks, republicans.
Why not simply start up the WPA again? The government by the people for the people employs and protects their own health and welfare through socialized programs. Thanks, republicans.
2
I am still blown away that NOW they want Obamacare. Most did not even realize that the ACA and Obamacare were the same thing. It seems to have been a knee-jerk reaction to Fox and the Republicans calling it Obamacare. Anything with his name was to be reviled - even if to their benefit.
11
Leave it to the right wing, they are against entitlements until they have them and there is a threat take them away.
8
This article is just documented proof that people are easily swayed, if not corrupted, by the promise then lure of "free" stuff.
4
I have been back and forth on the healthcare debate. I would like everyone to be insured, but at the same time I dont like the idea of government rationing out health care. I worry that health care will get worse, because our government has a a unique ability to be utterly wasteful with money. I would like to get our spending problem under control before making a national health care system.
1
If by "rationing out healthcare" you mean determining coverage for tests and treatments, I think I would rather trust the government to impartially follow a set of rules which are the same for all, than a for-profit insurance where executives are rewarded for delays, denials, and settlements only with patients who have the money to sue them.
3
The same people who formed the base of "Keep your hands off my Medicare", swept the GOP into office, in 2012. They went further and swept Trump into office in 2016. Now they are now only going to take their Medicare, but their Medicaid and their health insurance. Not only that, Social Security Disability is on the chopping block. And the GOP si also homing in on Social Security retirement.
So, for the past decade or so, these red state "takers" have continued to vote against their own interests and much of the nation, as well. Why? They believed the GOP ,lies long enough that they thought it was the truth. That si so called "entitlements" are ruining the country. Never the mind that many of these people were getting "entitlements". And never the mind that second to the war debt, much of the federal debt is made up of IOUs from raiding the Social Security and Medicare trust funds; Congress does not want to pay back.
So, no sympathy here, you got the government you deserved. Given to you by FOX News, and the pulpit. And now you know what was called "socialism" was actually your Medicaid, Medicare, Retirement and Disability check. Never mind about social wars. Save the unborn, but where do you get the money to raise, and take care of the child? The GOP left that part out.
The Democrats have their issues, but at least they are not dismantling what you folks depend on.
Think about it the next time you vote.
So, for the past decade or so, these red state "takers" have continued to vote against their own interests and much of the nation, as well. Why? They believed the GOP ,lies long enough that they thought it was the truth. That si so called "entitlements" are ruining the country. Never the mind that many of these people were getting "entitlements". And never the mind that second to the war debt, much of the federal debt is made up of IOUs from raiding the Social Security and Medicare trust funds; Congress does not want to pay back.
So, no sympathy here, you got the government you deserved. Given to you by FOX News, and the pulpit. And now you know what was called "socialism" was actually your Medicaid, Medicare, Retirement and Disability check. Never mind about social wars. Save the unborn, but where do you get the money to raise, and take care of the child? The GOP left that part out.
The Democrats have their issues, but at least they are not dismantling what you folks depend on.
Think about it the next time you vote.
15
Expensive blood sugar strips Ms. McMahon? I just got 25 at Kroger for about $6. The meter is pretty inexpensive too.
6
25 strips is not very many days' worth if you test as often as you should. Typically you test when you wake up, then after each meal, and whenever you don't feel right. I've used five in a day, sometimes more. Plus, it depends on your meter. I'm looking at the Walgreens prices and strips range from $0.25 per strip to $1.90 per strip. Note the quantity: per strip. Not everyone is near a Kroger or a Walmart. try to not be so judgmental unless you know the whole story, perhaps?
2
Trump and the Republicans who fill their campaign coffers opposing the ACA could care less about the health of their constituents. Opposition to ACA was a ticket to power and that is all the Republicans care about.
14
Political squabble will not resolve our healthcare crisis.
There is a big gap between what people need and the resources available to pay for it.
One has to be extremely poor or extremely wealthy to not worry about medical bills.
The arguments revolve around taxation and distribution resources. There is no discussion on how to lower medical costs for a given level of service.
Perhaps half of medical cost goes toward treating diseases that are caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. These can be prevented with diet and exercise if started at an early age. Proper lifestyle is not optional.
About a third of medical costs go to bureaucracy. Doctors wasting hours per day on Byzantine electronic paperwork. Legions of medical billing clerks warring with the insurance clerks over reimbursement.
Hospitals are filled with grossly overpaid management staff that doesn't treat patients nor maintain facilities. Unlimited critical care expenses for the uninsured are significant. The cost of medical and facilities supplies is out of control due to lack of supplier competition.
Pharmaceuticals have no caps on profit or marketing. Medical litigation has no bounds on monitory awards.
This list is endless but is never seriously discussed by politicians because ... they don't represent the citizens. That is part of the reason for the rise of populism.
There is a big gap between what people need and the resources available to pay for it.
One has to be extremely poor or extremely wealthy to not worry about medical bills.
The arguments revolve around taxation and distribution resources. There is no discussion on how to lower medical costs for a given level of service.
Perhaps half of medical cost goes toward treating diseases that are caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. These can be prevented with diet and exercise if started at an early age. Proper lifestyle is not optional.
About a third of medical costs go to bureaucracy. Doctors wasting hours per day on Byzantine electronic paperwork. Legions of medical billing clerks warring with the insurance clerks over reimbursement.
Hospitals are filled with grossly overpaid management staff that doesn't treat patients nor maintain facilities. Unlimited critical care expenses for the uninsured are significant. The cost of medical and facilities supplies is out of control due to lack of supplier competition.
Pharmaceuticals have no caps on profit or marketing. Medical litigation has no bounds on monitory awards.
This list is endless but is never seriously discussed by politicians because ... they don't represent the citizens. That is part of the reason for the rise of populism.
7
The ACA was a national version of a Republican plan first tried in Massachusetts. If I know that why don't these PA voters know that?
20
People only pay attention to information that is parceled out in bumper sticker sized portions. It has been reported on these very pages that amongst our fellow citizens there is a sizeable group that, when asked, demanded that Trump shut down Obamacare while being cautious not to affect the ACA.
6
There's an entire "fake news" industry devoted to making sure they don't know it, 24/7.
9
I think we have crossed an important milestone: people in general believe that some level of healthcare is a right. That is a good thing. It allows us all to live with dignity.
The ACA is not perfect. Obama was very clear about that from the beginning. As the GOP is learning, passing any healthcare legislation is hard. THe fact that Obama got it done with the GOP working tirelessly to stop it is amazing.
The GOP missed an extraordinary opportunity. As has been well documented, the ACA was originally conceived by conservative thinkers. The GOP could have reclaimed the idea, crticized Obama as having implemented improperly and then lead a bipartisan effort to fix it. There were and are many simple fixes that could have made it better and cheaper.
The ACA is not perfect. Obama was very clear about that from the beginning. As the GOP is learning, passing any healthcare legislation is hard. THe fact that Obama got it done with the GOP working tirelessly to stop it is amazing.
The GOP missed an extraordinary opportunity. As has been well documented, the ACA was originally conceived by conservative thinkers. The GOP could have reclaimed the idea, crticized Obama as having implemented improperly and then lead a bipartisan effort to fix it. There were and are many simple fixes that could have made it better and cheaper.
13
Had all the states opted into the Medicaid programs and gone long with the state program many of the ACA problems - cost and deductibles would not exist.
19
It's been appalling to see how many people are against "Obamacare" but not the ACA. Such ignorance is one of the roots of our political as well as health care problems.
No one wants to pay for insurance, but everyone is happy they have it when disaster strikes. That's the trade-off. When it affects one's health, it should be a no-brainer. Without our health, we have nothing.
I have been fortunate to have had good employer-provided coverage despite pre-existing conditions since I was a young adult. I cannot imagine what my finances would be like otherwise, what with asthma and other conditions needing frequent treatment.
Ms. McMahon is doing herself no favors by refusing to get health coverage. Diabetes leads to too many dire consequences to take a chance on it. I've seen amputations, gangrene, heart conditions, strokes, and loss of vision in people whose diabetes was not controlled despite their best efforts.
Meanwhile, Ms. Bell is just the type of person that Medicaid expansion is meant to cover: those who through no fault of their own cannot work full time or cannot work at a well-paying job that offers health insurance.
A rich country like America has a responsibility to provide health insurance for all. From good health all other blessings flow.
No one wants to pay for insurance, but everyone is happy they have it when disaster strikes. That's the trade-off. When it affects one's health, it should be a no-brainer. Without our health, we have nothing.
I have been fortunate to have had good employer-provided coverage despite pre-existing conditions since I was a young adult. I cannot imagine what my finances would be like otherwise, what with asthma and other conditions needing frequent treatment.
Ms. McMahon is doing herself no favors by refusing to get health coverage. Diabetes leads to too many dire consequences to take a chance on it. I've seen amputations, gangrene, heart conditions, strokes, and loss of vision in people whose diabetes was not controlled despite their best efforts.
Meanwhile, Ms. Bell is just the type of person that Medicaid expansion is meant to cover: those who through no fault of their own cannot work full time or cannot work at a well-paying job that offers health insurance.
A rich country like America has a responsibility to provide health insurance for all. From good health all other blessings flow.
23
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.
You opposed it because the GOP intentionally named it after a black president.
You opposed it because the GOP intentionally named it after a black president.
95
Ignorance is a powerful force.
5
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.
I'll tell you why...sad to say but needs to be said...BECAUSE OBAMA IS BLACK. That is one of the ONLY reasons I can think of, time after time when I read about people being against something he proposed with no good reason for being against it.
I'll tell you why...sad to say but needs to be said...BECAUSE OBAMA IS BLACK. That is one of the ONLY reasons I can think of, time after time when I read about people being against something he proposed with no good reason for being against it.
46
Of course, if half of our stupid country (yes, stupid) even paid a modicum of attention to the issues and stopped burying their noses in FOX News and The Kardashians, we probably wouldn't be in this mess.
33
You can't blame the Kardashians for what the Kochs are doing.
3
I'm tired of ignorance on the part of some of the Trump supporters re the ACA, and feel for those in most red states who need healthcare the most, especially in red states who have expanded Medicaid, that still want to repeal it. Why are these people so loyal to a party that obviously doesn't care about them? It's puzzling to me, I just don't understand that type of thinking, or lack of thinking
16
1. “Now that you’ve insured an additional 20 million people, you can’t just take the insurance away from these people,” he added. “It’s just not the right thing to do.”
So, the right thing to do is to keep charging young Americans who are living in moms' basement in record numbers and drowning in student loan debt astronomical prices to subsidize older and sicker ones who've had decades to work and accumulate wealth? In other words stealing from Peter in order to pay Paul is the right thing to do even when Peter is our children and grandchildren? Are you and others who defend the ACA so selfish to find this acceptable? Or are you ignorant of how the law works?
2. "A Pew survey in January found that 60 percent of Americans believe the federal government should be responsible for ensuring that all Americans have health coverage."
Require them to use Article V and change the constitution then. Good luck. Until then healthcare and insurance isn't the responsibility of the federal government. Contact your state representatives if you like the ACA so much and have them implement it there.
3. "Many people still have little understanding of how the law works."
You think? They demand lower premiums while simultaneously denying insurance companies the ability to charge those with pre-existing conditions more and older Americans their fair share. They also want to eliminate the individual mandate. This inconvenient thing called reality doesn't allow it.
So, the right thing to do is to keep charging young Americans who are living in moms' basement in record numbers and drowning in student loan debt astronomical prices to subsidize older and sicker ones who've had decades to work and accumulate wealth? In other words stealing from Peter in order to pay Paul is the right thing to do even when Peter is our children and grandchildren? Are you and others who defend the ACA so selfish to find this acceptable? Or are you ignorant of how the law works?
2. "A Pew survey in January found that 60 percent of Americans believe the federal government should be responsible for ensuring that all Americans have health coverage."
Require them to use Article V and change the constitution then. Good luck. Until then healthcare and insurance isn't the responsibility of the federal government. Contact your state representatives if you like the ACA so much and have them implement it there.
3. "Many people still have little understanding of how the law works."
You think? They demand lower premiums while simultaneously denying insurance companies the ability to charge those with pre-existing conditions more and older Americans their fair share. They also want to eliminate the individual mandate. This inconvenient thing called reality doesn't allow it.
Um, how is it that every other industrialized country has figured this out, and for less than we spend? Universal healthcare coverage IS reality. It is the Republicans who want to ignore reality.
10
Why do you feel that elderly people are so rich that we can we can afford to subsidize insurance for anyone. It should be fair devision of the prize.
1
It is too bad that older Americans want to live off the young. They should have been planning for their own healthcare needs all along. There isn't much personal responsibility left in the U. S.
1
Some of the people in this article.... why isn't it possible for someone to buy insurance against their own stupidity?
12
Typical republican voters.
No ability to exhibit empathy.
Only when their entitlement is on the chopping block or gone does it start to settle in.
Please keep your eyes open.
No ability to exhibit empathy.
Only when their entitlement is on the chopping block or gone does it start to settle in.
Please keep your eyes open.
12
Why did people oppose the ACA? Because of the "Obama" in Obamacare.
20
One person says' I don't even remember why I opposed it'
Let me remind him ' You opposed it because it was enacted by a Black President and that too a democrat
Let me remind him ' You opposed it because it was enacted by a Black President and that too a democrat
18
The Republicans in Congress would not need to erect firing squads to execute more Americans than ever perished in the Civil War; all they'd need is to deny them access to healthcare in the 21st century.
10
Hyperbole. Just because you don't have insurance doesn't mean you are going to die.
Good Lord--people have lived long lives without insurance and my sister is one of them.
Good Lord--people have lived long lives without insurance and my sister is one of them.
2
For 2018, and 2020, perhaps we should consider all the stress, anxiety, drama, trauma, demonization and vilification, the blatant dishonesty, the degradation of our political dialogue, the corrosion of our democracy and the general malaise, insecurity, and personal turmoil brought - quite needlessly - upon our nation and its citizens by the malevolent depredations of the Republican Party over the last six years. And for no reason other then that the ACA - a health insurance plan created by the REPUBLICAN Heritage Foundation, and implemented quite successfully by Mitt Romney - a Republican - in Massachusetts, was passed under President Obama, a black man, whose singular achievement, providing health care to millions of otherwise uninsured Americans, must of course be overturned and eradicated at all costs for one reason and one reason only, the color of his skin. This vile racist organization, the GOP, a seditious criminal conspiracy masquerading as a political party, must be held accountable from top to bottom, and cut out, like the cancer it is, from the American body politic. For a look at the progress that is possible without the obstructionism, sedition and sabotage Republicans bring to our political life, take a look at California, where Jerry Brown (the man who should be president) has neutralized Republican wreckers and returned the state to rational, compassionate, effective governance. We MUST have NO REPUBLICANS in 2018! NO REPUBLICANS in 2020!! NONE! NOT ONE!!
17
Short version: They thought their health care was God's provision to His White People, while the dusky others were getting freebies from the government. turns out their health care was a freebie too!
12
The headline should read: These Americans Hated OBAMAcare...
nytimes, since when did Obamacare become "the Health Law". Who are you placating? These Americans can't even remember why they opposed it, please remind them by accurately titling this article.
nytimes, since when did Obamacare become "the Health Law". Who are you placating? These Americans can't even remember why they opposed it, please remind them by accurately titling this article.
9
Part of me wants to tell people like Ms. McMahon that she really isn't saving herself (or taxpayers, for that matter) any money. The instance she suffers a heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, or amputations from her uncontrolled diabetes, she'll realize that her decision is penny-wise and pound-foolish. It's not just about paying for insurance or healthcare costs; poor health can mean unemployment and can anyone really put a price on good health? There are many rich people in the world that would trade their wealth to be able to be healthy again.
But people will not be convinced by these arguments. Rather, using Cialdini's ideas about consistency of thought from his book, Influence, we should appeal to the values they already hold dear. For example, personal responsibility. Tell them that by buying insurance they are in fact taking responsibility for their own and their family's care instead of depending on the whims of fortune. Tell them what happens to people and families who do not have insurance. No, this is not new but keep repeating it until it sinks in.
But people will not be convinced by these arguments. Rather, using Cialdini's ideas about consistency of thought from his book, Influence, we should appeal to the values they already hold dear. For example, personal responsibility. Tell them that by buying insurance they are in fact taking responsibility for their own and their family's care instead of depending on the whims of fortune. Tell them what happens to people and families who do not have insurance. No, this is not new but keep repeating it until it sinks in.
9
Walmarts test strips are about $0.18 each, about half the cost of the brand name strips. Even with my medicare Part D the final cost of either is about the same. The really expensive meds for diabetics is insulin. The heavily advertised non insulin glutide and similar injectables are very expensive even with insurance and unaffordable without insurance.
2
Today's insulin has been produced cheaply for over 20 years using genetically modified bacteria. This is a large money maker for companies that produce it and they are resisting allowing less expensive biosimilars to come to market. One thing they are using the familiar tactic of selling a slightly different version of the same thing at the usual cost, adverising it heavily to get MD's to prescribe it.
4
The voters have spoken and the verdict is that all Americans, except the very rich and the very conservative think healthcare is a right, not a privledge. The Freedom Caucus idea of being free from healthcare is not selling.
When asked if healthcare is a right or a privledge, my local Republican said healthcare is a responsibility. So remember folks, live a virtuous life and don't fall or get hit by a bus because that's your responsibility.
When asked if healthcare is a right or a privledge, my local Republican said healthcare is a responsibility. So remember folks, live a virtuous life and don't fall or get hit by a bus because that's your responsibility.
14
Republicans failed to understand that the unpopular part of Obamacare--due to latent racism and rabble rousing by opportunistic tea-partiers--was the 'Obama' part. The 'care' part of Obamacare, the average Trump voter was down with, feared losing, and truth be told, wanted more of. Calling it socialist was an ad hominem swipe at the former president; the benefits of socialism, detached from Obama, were welcome. If Republicans want to put a win on scoreboard, propose a universal, single-payer system, call it Trumpcare, and watch it fly through Congress.
9
It's clear the people in this article are motivated and ruled by their emotions not by their intellect. These are the same people that listen to the right wing talking heads that prey on their emotions. That is why they are probably Trump voters too.
15
Darwinism.
It doesn't seem to have occurred to Republicans that they are literally killing off the people who vote for them.
It doesn't seem to have occurred to Republicans that they are literally killing off the people who vote for them.
12
More likely that the opioids epidemic will kill off the youth before they can vote for a liberal
Tired yet?
libertyhealthshare.org
It works very well for myself, wife, and two young children. About 1/4th the cost of a similar health insurance plan on the exchanges.
libertyhealthshare.org
It works very well for myself, wife, and two young children. About 1/4th the cost of a similar health insurance plan on the exchanges.
2
Sounds like more than a few Trump/GOP voters are starting to have a bit of buyer's remorse now that (seemingly) unaffordable health care looms large on the horizon.
I guess I just don't understand all the whining and complaining spilling forth from these pro-Trump folks. After all, they knew it was a snake when they put it in their pocket.
I guess I just don't understand all the whining and complaining spilling forth from these pro-Trump folks. After all, they knew it was a snake when they put it in their pocket.
10
Do I have one iota of sympathy for people who could not be bothered to learn what the law was and how long it worked. The right to vote is paired,at least morally, with a duty to be at least marginally I when you cast your vote. Too many of Trump's supporters have trivialized their right to vote by embracing -not stupidity. - but will fill ignorance.
And so my sympathy for the predicament Trump voters find themselves in at the hands of this feckless President and cynical Congress is tempered by the thought that they so completely abdicated their civic duty to simply pay attention to what they were about to do in the ballot box
And so my sympathy for the predicament Trump voters find themselves in at the hands of this feckless President and cynical Congress is tempered by the thought that they so completely abdicated their civic duty to simply pay attention to what they were about to do in the ballot box
7
I can't understand the moral compass of people who were completely fine with leaving 20 million people with no health insurance at all but then claim it would be unfair or immoral to take away their current healthcare. Isn't the former at least as immoral as the latter?
4
It is crazy how unimportant healthcare is, and how easy it is to hate socialized medicine, until you get sick. American voters are horribly uneducated about issues. They are easily swayed by basic propaganda during election season. This is just another example of voters listening to sick Right wing pundits, following their advice, and now they will pay for it.
9
With all due apologies to Casablanca's Captain Renault, I'm shocked, shocked to find out that these individuals have finally discovered that the "evil" Obamacare spun by Republicans is actually the good, and very helpful, Affordable Care Act!
9
I really hope those who are starting to understand what it would be like without health care don't vote for people who don't care about their welfare.....
5
Face it. Foes of the Affordable Care Act resented its nickname. Whoever invented the title "Obamacare" did not do service to our then President or to the Congress that voted for the original act. Just more evidence of the submerged racism toward Barack Obama. It's like the protesters with their signs saying, "Government, take your hands off my Medicare." Yeah, right.
5
“Unlike when Democrats passed A.C.A. with not one Republican vote, what the Republicans need to do is get together with 20 or 25 Democrats and pass some kind of reform,” Mark Goracy, an insurance consultant said. “That, to me, is how legislation is supposed to proceed.”
Mr. Goracy, pay atention: ACA is a 1,000 page bill because even among Democrats, there were Conservatives, Anti-Birth Control, States Rights, Free Market, business lobbyists, etc. dems that required "compromises".
To Get 20-25 Democrats, any COMPROMISE GOP bill would lose Tea Partyers - - several dropped out because the proposed Senate bill doesn't CUT deep enough (basically, they want less fed money & less insured people). Politically, GOP has hit a brick wall on how deep to cut, and yet it can't do more to attract ANY Democrat because even the most conservative Dems (in KY, LA, OHIO, AR, etc.) know their states have expanded Medicaid which Tea Partyers want to remove (Tea Partyers' concession is to eliminate Medicaid over 2 or more years, which elimination is unacceptable to ANY Democrat).
There's no compromise -- Dem's compromise is to simplify, but without taxes which GOP want to eliminate, the Fed Budget Deficit increases, and individual mandate are actuarially needed to keep premium tolerable (meaning still high) for sick, older people. As an insurance consultant, Mr. Goracy should be explaining this rather than criticizing it.
Mr. Goracy, pay atention: ACA is a 1,000 page bill because even among Democrats, there were Conservatives, Anti-Birth Control, States Rights, Free Market, business lobbyists, etc. dems that required "compromises".
To Get 20-25 Democrats, any COMPROMISE GOP bill would lose Tea Partyers - - several dropped out because the proposed Senate bill doesn't CUT deep enough (basically, they want less fed money & less insured people). Politically, GOP has hit a brick wall on how deep to cut, and yet it can't do more to attract ANY Democrat because even the most conservative Dems (in KY, LA, OHIO, AR, etc.) know their states have expanded Medicaid which Tea Partyers want to remove (Tea Partyers' concession is to eliminate Medicaid over 2 or more years, which elimination is unacceptable to ANY Democrat).
There's no compromise -- Dem's compromise is to simplify, but without taxes which GOP want to eliminate, the Fed Budget Deficit increases, and individual mandate are actuarially needed to keep premium tolerable (meaning still high) for sick, older people. As an insurance consultant, Mr. Goracy should be explaining this rather than criticizing it.
2
As an American expat, I can tell you that the French system works. Taxes are higher in France, but we have better roads and health care.
Also, the government doesn't allow drug companies to get rich quick.
The US needs FULL coverage for all. Those that can afford to pay more, buy supplemental insurance, like here in France. The supplemental insurance covers things that the basic insurance doesn't.
Also, the government doesn't allow drug companies to get rich quick.
The US needs FULL coverage for all. Those that can afford to pay more, buy supplemental insurance, like here in France. The supplemental insurance covers things that the basic insurance doesn't.
13
What is basic?
1
A couple questions:
Should the young pay for the old simply because they will be old one day?
A broken-bone accident or deer-tick sickness is one thing, but should we be forced to pay for the healthcare costs of undisciplined, overweight “couch potatoes”--bad drivers pay more, good drivers pay less?
Is it my responsibility to help pay for the healthcare costs of my neighbor because his DNA is not up to specs, e.g., the cost of just one million-dollar baby can destroy a neighborhood of healthcare premiums?
Is it the responsibility of all to pay for the healthcare costs of those who arrived without checking first with USCIS, i.e., did not arrive legally?
Can the nation survive the debt required to maintain current ACA costs?
Should the young pay for the old simply because they will be old one day?
A broken-bone accident or deer-tick sickness is one thing, but should we be forced to pay for the healthcare costs of undisciplined, overweight “couch potatoes”--bad drivers pay more, good drivers pay less?
Is it my responsibility to help pay for the healthcare costs of my neighbor because his DNA is not up to specs, e.g., the cost of just one million-dollar baby can destroy a neighborhood of healthcare premiums?
Is it the responsibility of all to pay for the healthcare costs of those who arrived without checking first with USCIS, i.e., did not arrive legally?
Can the nation survive the debt required to maintain current ACA costs?
1
one answer - yes
3
Yes, yes, yes and yes.
3
Let me just add to your questions? Are you aware that some of these "couch potatoes" with jobs will also be contributing to your health needs? And that in the event of a freak accident, we will have all chipped in to support you and your recovery? Is that my responsibility? Yes, because I am a human being.
10
"“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown."
This is telling, and a microcosm of how policy is portrayed these days through the narrow lens of conservative media. Many of these people are stuck in the conservative media bubble, and the "strategy" of the conservative media is to simply be against absolutely anything that comes from the left.
Conservative media plays to their audience by being more attitudinal rather than being ideological or policy driven. In other words, the reason to be for someone, or something, is who is against them. What matters more than policy is the perception that your side is winning, and what matters more than your side’s winning is the perception of "liberals" losing.
Roger Ailes did a lot to damage this country...
This is telling, and a microcosm of how policy is portrayed these days through the narrow lens of conservative media. Many of these people are stuck in the conservative media bubble, and the "strategy" of the conservative media is to simply be against absolutely anything that comes from the left.
Conservative media plays to their audience by being more attitudinal rather than being ideological or policy driven. In other words, the reason to be for someone, or something, is who is against them. What matters more than policy is the perception that your side is winning, and what matters more than your side’s winning is the perception of "liberals" losing.
Roger Ailes did a lot to damage this country...
23
This reminds one of Brexit, where the day after the vote, Google had thousands of hits by voters trying to find out what they had actually voted for. Both examples argue strongly about the responsibilities inherent in living in a democracy.
19
According to the story Ms. McCollum is uninsured. How does someone with diabetes afford that medical treatment without health insurance? Rich uncle? Hardly, I suspect. Probably goes to a free clinic. Or the emergency room.
11
You can't get routine care for diabetes in an ER.
3
I am also diabetic and test my blood sugar levels multiple times daily. Ms. McMahon should do an internet search for her type of test stripes. I currently buying my test strips from Amazon for under $ 25.00 for a box of 50 test stripes. That is not an excessive price.
7
"Excessive" is a relative term. A diabetic usually needs to test their glucose levels several times a day, for example, before and after meals. Let's say, six times a day as an example. A box of 50 strips would last 8 days with 2 strips left over. For a month, she would need 4 boxes, at a cost of $100.
1
The lady with diabetes who cannot afford test strips is a perfect example of someone not researching and educating themselves about ACA and Medicaid. She hasn't looked into Medicaid at all and if she qualifies, she would most likely benefit even minimally. Don't bash systems when you haven't learned their benefits and are only focused on the politics of it. Many people who voted for Trump are the ones now openly speaking out for keeping some form of insurance. Just wish they had really thought about that before voting for sone people.
24
I am repeating myself, but, there is a stigma attached to walking into the welfare office to apply for Medicaid. Call it pride or think it foolish, if someone has been self supporting for life, it can be very hard to walk through that door, and lay out their personal information with local screeners - especially if they have heard over and over again that those folks are all moochers, or are meth or opiate addicts. I, too, think people should educate themselves, but I also think that the ACA wasn't sold as well as possible in some areas. Even Obama didn't make enough enthusiastic sales pitches for the program. Medicare carries no such stigma because (almost) everyone qualifies at 65.
1
Maybe she doesn't want to burden the rest of us by having to pay for her care.
Pretty noble
Pretty noble
2
@ Cheryl - I agree with you about the stigma of applying for Medicaid, although In New York State, when Medicaid was expanded for those who have jobs (and do not receive public assistance or are disabled), they apply for it using the New York State of Health (ACA) website. They do not have to go to the Dept. of Social Services, as their policy is handled by a health insurance company, so they receive a state benefits card, plus a regular insurance card. Not sure about Pennsylvania, but I can't imagine that it would be that different?
1
I am a physician, and we are all well aware that the health care system in this country is broken; this includes physicians who profit from its brokenness and those who suffer because of it. I can't understand how anyone can live with denying other humans health care.
I volunteered at free clinics for the working uninsured poor before the ACA was passed. I also voted for Obama; his stance on health care was a major factor.
The high cost of health care is largely not physician-driven; people need to examine everyone who profits from human illnesses, from drug companies to lobbyists, and do away with the unethical.
I volunteered at free clinics for the working uninsured poor before the ACA was passed. I also voted for Obama; his stance on health care was a major factor.
The high cost of health care is largely not physician-driven; people need to examine everyone who profits from human illnesses, from drug companies to lobbyists, and do away with the unethical.
46
The high cost of health care is driven by the fact that a third of premium dollars goes to overhead and billing which single payer would eliminate. And drugs cost a large multiple of what they cost overseas because we don't do anything to negotiate discounts.
13
That was an excellent letter.
3
...sigh...Has anyone been reading lately about Venezuela? The plundering of the national treasure and consolidation of power leading to political instability then inflation which has stolen the middle class's security; now there is an attempt by the government to consolidate its power further and there is rioting and blood in the streets. No food, no medicine.
This began with Hugo Chavez - remember him? Baseball player and tv personality with a powerful father. Divorced and remarried and felt he should have a lock on his country's presidency. Remember how he taunted President Obama and made attempts to deal his nation's oil directly to US consumers?
It's come to blood running in the streets in Venezuela. God help us and keep us from turning on one another.
This began with Hugo Chavez - remember him? Baseball player and tv personality with a powerful father. Divorced and remarried and felt he should have a lock on his country's presidency. Remember how he taunted President Obama and made attempts to deal his nation's oil directly to US consumers?
It's come to blood running in the streets in Venezuela. God help us and keep us from turning on one another.
15
Funny you said that. One of my friends from Venezuela have been calling Trump "Chavez 2.0" from day one.
6
The Republican Party has fostered an attitude of hatred, envy and laming :others" for the past 40 years. Turning on one another is just the next step. Although i think it might be more productive if voters just turned on Trump and the Republican Party.
I get really tired of reading comments questioning the intelligence of the people interviewed in articles like this. I'm sure many of these people are informed, but for their own reasons came up with different conclusions. You may not agree with them, but that is what democracy is about.
I am from Bucks County and, until recently, lived there. Like many NY Times readers, I am a progressive who would like to see a single payer system or universal healthcare. Even though I disagree with some in PA, I would not call most of my fellow PA citizens ignorant or uniformed.
I am from Bucks County and, until recently, lived there. Like many NY Times readers, I am a progressive who would like to see a single payer system or universal healthcare. Even though I disagree with some in PA, I would not call most of my fellow PA citizens ignorant or uniformed.
1
i don't know about that. there have been opinion articles in more than a single newspaper from Gary abernthy, who is a newspaper publisher in a small town in Ohio. The thrust of his argument is that "the people' are against the ACA because they would rather have their "freedom" than government-sponsored health insurance. And I'm sure if he were alive in France in 1789 Mr. Abernathy would have supported the right of French peasants to "eat cake" if they had no bread.
6
It may be wrong to question the intelligence of some of the people in the article, but it is clear that they are willfully ignorant. There is no barrier to this diabetic woman figuring out that she may qualify for Medicaid. It is confounding that a person would say "I don't remember why I was against it." Sounds uninformed to me. Or, if they have their "own reasons" for opposing the ACA and voting for Trump, those reasons will quickly disappear once they get seriously sick. There are also woefully and willfully ignorant people everywhere, blue states, red, etc. It's everyone. Just watch Jimmy Kimmel some night when he goes out and asks people questions. Astonishing ignorance in this country, all over.
6
Amy - As a fellow PA resident, I cannot agree with your last sentence. Ignorant, that's debatable but uninformed is an absolute lock.
4
An ocean of bile is being directed at those who voted for Trump and who are now afraid they'll lose ACA coverage. I guess this proves that the US isn't a Judeo-Christian country after all.
3
So you are one that thinks everybody should get a trophy?
Wasn't repeal part of the Republicans platform?
People need to think!
Wasn't repeal part of the Republicans platform?
People need to think!
2
Yes, many of us are angry at the people who voted for a lying, cheating bigot and we have a right to be angry.
6
Let's hope we as a country become more atheistic - the happiest countries right now are the least religious. There's nothing laudable in calling the US a "Judeo-Christian Country" to begin with. Perhaps all the praying-in-vain that these people will realize they have done will lead some of them to reason, and thereby to improving their lot by their own hands.
2
I am a retired Latin teacher. One Latin phrase has passed into common English usage. The phrase is bona fide.
Nowadays it means real or actual or genuine.
A more precise rendering would be--IN GOOD FAITH.
You Republicans! I'm talking to you. Mr. Obama's Affordable Health Care Act was crafted and promulgated in just that way.
IN GOOD FAITH. Our then President (and his team) labored IN GOOD FAITH--to improve the health care of our nation. Reach out hands of mercy to the old--the weak --the ailing.
The Republican opposition to so-called "Obama-care" was by no means IN GOOD FAITH. From the get-go it was a shabby partisan maneuver. The hope was--play up the defects of "Obama-care" (and yes--there WERE defects! no one denies it)--and hopefully win votes. It worked. We all know it, don't we. They won votes. Enough votes to take the White House. The House of Representatives. The Senate.
But they have never truly acted--IN GOOD FAITH. Their goal is now what is always was--immense tax breaks for the immensely wealthy. It would hardly do--even nowadays--to trumpet this goal to the nation at large.
And so--you get what we've had for months and years now. Virtually nothing done IN GOOD FAITH. Everything done by trickery, chicanery. Everything crafty--sneaky--underhanded.
Bring back some bona fide. In the older sense: IN GOOD FAITH.
I'm dying to see it. And hey! some people really ARE. . . ..
. ..dying to see it.
I'd rather see them live.
Nowadays it means real or actual or genuine.
A more precise rendering would be--IN GOOD FAITH.
You Republicans! I'm talking to you. Mr. Obama's Affordable Health Care Act was crafted and promulgated in just that way.
IN GOOD FAITH. Our then President (and his team) labored IN GOOD FAITH--to improve the health care of our nation. Reach out hands of mercy to the old--the weak --the ailing.
The Republican opposition to so-called "Obama-care" was by no means IN GOOD FAITH. From the get-go it was a shabby partisan maneuver. The hope was--play up the defects of "Obama-care" (and yes--there WERE defects! no one denies it)--and hopefully win votes. It worked. We all know it, don't we. They won votes. Enough votes to take the White House. The House of Representatives. The Senate.
But they have never truly acted--IN GOOD FAITH. Their goal is now what is always was--immense tax breaks for the immensely wealthy. It would hardly do--even nowadays--to trumpet this goal to the nation at large.
And so--you get what we've had for months and years now. Virtually nothing done IN GOOD FAITH. Everything done by trickery, chicanery. Everything crafty--sneaky--underhanded.
Bring back some bona fide. In the older sense: IN GOOD FAITH.
I'm dying to see it. And hey! some people really ARE. . . ..
. ..dying to see it.
I'd rather see them live.
84
And we now have a "so-called" president who it cheering for Republicans to take away health care from citizens of the United States. A "president" who actually is rooting to bring harm to people. Ain't America just great (again)!
2
So would I.
1
For the life of me, it is incomprehensible that Americans never did focused on the fact that millions in Canada , Australia, New Zealand, Europe, etc. have single-payer insurance that covers people in a very effective --if not complete--manner. Most probably, the idea of exceptionalism and hubris--which is bogus nationalism-- failed us here miserably because it wrongly made us think that the right to health care is not for us since we, Americans, are responsible to see to it that we obtain it on our own, independent of pubic policies and government intervention. Now perhaps we are going to learn the hard way--very hard because people are going to die if the Republicans succeed with their plan to repeal Obamacare.
15
It's unfortunate that a diabetic, like Ms. McMahon, would feel it fiscally responsible to not be able to take care of her health care costs. I wonder why she would make that decision, in that I was hoping premium subsidies would assure she had affordable insurance. My understanding is that is not the case in all instances, but it also sounds like she accepted the blanket 'it's horrible' from the GOP and let herself be sold a barrel of bad apples that has kept her from help she might have always had, if she had explored her options enough.
15
Unfortunately for all these people, they backed the wrong horse for president. Trump is focused on cutting healthcare in order to give his rich friends tax cuts and to pump up the world's richest military complex so we can engage in more wars. That is what they voted for and they need to take responsibility for that.
That said, this whole debacle makes single payer inevitable. People will not be happy with less than they have. If Trump wants to be a hero, then he should pour our money into the better, cheaper healthcare he promised us over and over again. Right now it looks like he doesn't care about anything but scoring a win, regardless of who or how many it hurts.
That said, this whole debacle makes single payer inevitable. People will not be happy with less than they have. If Trump wants to be a hero, then he should pour our money into the better, cheaper healthcare he promised us over and over again. Right now it looks like he doesn't care about anything but scoring a win, regardless of who or how many it hurts.
12
22 million people sharing in the cost of their healthcare beats the heck out of the alternative - the taxpayers footing the entire bill, especially when they are much sicker and cost even more than if their ailments were managed. You would think this would make a lot of sense to a fiscal conservative.
9
Yes, but not all people can afford the cost.
I get so angry when I read about Trump voters afraid of losing their healthcare coverage. Part of me wants to say it serves them right. Then I think it makes me sound just like them - vindictive and uncaring.
49
The USA has some massive problems to overcome before Americans will be able to enjoy the kind of health provisions that are normal in almost the entire rest of the developed world. Your next door neighbor, Mexico, has a single payer system. So does Canada. The US problems are:
1. Your doctors (and dentists, and anyone else in health care with a degree) think that their profession should make them millionaires - unlike in other countries.
2. Your hospitals and your medical insurance companies charge ludicrous amounts for everything.
3. You have a serious problem with the availability of cheap medicines and the government is complicit in this by restricting the availability of generic drugs.
4. Your doctors seem happy to prescribe addictive opioids as if they were handing out candies, causing a massive addiction problem in the whole country and driving up crime levels.
You need a SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM. That means, The Federal Government. That means, getting rid of "Obamacare", cutting out the insurance companies and their for-profit parasitising.
HOW?
Use the Veterans Administration model as an example. Roll it out nationwide. Build government hospitals. Bring in doctors ready to work in them for a reasonable salary - from Cuba if necessary.
It will be painful. But it has to be done. Your economy and society will be transformed. I'm not saying abolish private medical care - if the rich want it they can pay for it - but the USA needs a system for EVERYONE.
1. Your doctors (and dentists, and anyone else in health care with a degree) think that their profession should make them millionaires - unlike in other countries.
2. Your hospitals and your medical insurance companies charge ludicrous amounts for everything.
3. You have a serious problem with the availability of cheap medicines and the government is complicit in this by restricting the availability of generic drugs.
4. Your doctors seem happy to prescribe addictive opioids as if they were handing out candies, causing a massive addiction problem in the whole country and driving up crime levels.
You need a SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM. That means, The Federal Government. That means, getting rid of "Obamacare", cutting out the insurance companies and their for-profit parasitising.
HOW?
Use the Veterans Administration model as an example. Roll it out nationwide. Build government hospitals. Bring in doctors ready to work in them for a reasonable salary - from Cuba if necessary.
It will be painful. But it has to be done. Your economy and society will be transformed. I'm not saying abolish private medical care - if the rich want it they can pay for it - but the USA needs a system for EVERYONE.
14
Don't forget another important factor: many doctors are invested in the facilities in which they work. They are incentivized to create procedures that have been codified by the insurance companies into payables. They are incentivized to use that expensive testing equipment (which they invested in) to make it pay out often.
2
To this day, I still don't understand why the GOP wants to take healthcare away from millions.
It's just not right and its immoral..
It's just not right and its immoral..
9
We are a nation dominated by ignorance, fantasy, hostility, modern stress, money interests, and racism. We collectively deserve this pending episode of madness and suffering. And who could not expect violence and new madness to follow? Ugly America, indeed.
11
Trump said all along he aimed to get rid of the ACA. Now, these people act all surprised that he's trying to do it. These voters put the Republicans in charge. What did they think would happen? When did Republicans ever show an ounce of concern for people like Mr. Murphy, Ms. Bell or Ms. McMahon? Exactly never.
15
I'm sorry but reading this i can only conclude these are not very bright people.
Hello, ACA took billions from the 1% to expand coverage. Take it away and less coverage. What did you expect? This is not complicated until you add in tons of misinformation funded by the Koch bros in quest of getting those taxes rolled back.
Shows the power of right wing media to an uneducated population that lacks critical thinking skills. Only when they were looking down the barrel of the gun did it suddenly dawn on them it was actually loaded....and aimed at them.
Hello, ACA took billions from the 1% to expand coverage. Take it away and less coverage. What did you expect? This is not complicated until you add in tons of misinformation funded by the Koch bros in quest of getting those taxes rolled back.
Shows the power of right wing media to an uneducated population that lacks critical thinking skills. Only when they were looking down the barrel of the gun did it suddenly dawn on them it was actually loaded....and aimed at them.
21
"I can't remember why I was against it in the first place."
Better have that looked at by a qualified neurologist for a diagnosis.
Better have that looked at by a qualified neurologist for a diagnosis.
30
If you live in a democracy, there is a requirement that you be educated enough to understand the issues. If you are a politician in a democracy, it is your solemn duty not to mislead the public for your benefit or your party's benefit.
23
Hope springs eternal.
Typical lower and middle class people who vote against their self interests until they need the medical services covered by the ACA. I can't remember a republican controlled Senate and House that passed legislation that actually helped the lower and middle classes. Yet, these people continue to vote republican year after year only to their detriment.
Oh yes, i remember now, the Medicare medication or part D, signed by George Bush. But wait, nothing to control drug prices and a low limit benefit for drugs costs makes this more of a win for pharmaceuticals not the recipients.
With the low cap on drugs, 1 or 2 prescriptions a year put people in the famous "donut hole". Just think of the benefits it would have provided if Medicare was allowed to operate the drug program similar to the VA where drugs prices are the cheapest because of negotiated drug prices.
They also make sure Medicare recipients are not allowed to participate in any programs provided by the drug companies. So all those commercials that say "only pay $10 co-pay for a year" and in tiny print, people on government programs like Medicare Part D are excluded.
So many missed opportunities for the recipients while drug companies have all time high profit off the backs of people on Medicare. So much for republicans helping corporations disguised as a great plan for for people on Medicare. Give them crumbs but always make sure the corporate "person" and big donors are rewarded first and foremost.
Sad.
Oh yes, i remember now, the Medicare medication or part D, signed by George Bush. But wait, nothing to control drug prices and a low limit benefit for drugs costs makes this more of a win for pharmaceuticals not the recipients.
With the low cap on drugs, 1 or 2 prescriptions a year put people in the famous "donut hole". Just think of the benefits it would have provided if Medicare was allowed to operate the drug program similar to the VA where drugs prices are the cheapest because of negotiated drug prices.
They also make sure Medicare recipients are not allowed to participate in any programs provided by the drug companies. So all those commercials that say "only pay $10 co-pay for a year" and in tiny print, people on government programs like Medicare Part D are excluded.
So many missed opportunities for the recipients while drug companies have all time high profit off the backs of people on Medicare. So much for republicans helping corporations disguised as a great plan for for people on Medicare. Give them crumbs but always make sure the corporate "person" and big donors are rewarded first and foremost.
Sad.
27
The thread through this article: Until it happens to me, it's not a problem and I'm not paying for other people's problems. But why should the rest of us have to wait five? six? years for the people in this article to come around to the fact that one illness could bankrupt them? That a visit to the emergency room is not free, but taxpayer-funded? All of this could be solved simply and quickly: Medicare for all, tweaked so that the government negotiates drug prices to bring them in line with what other countries pay.
27
the aca has flaws but as one who has had independent insurance of well over almost 2 decades, the cost of health insurance was going up prior to 2014, the year the aca kicked into effect. the problem with people opposing it is their misunderstanding. some don't even know that obamacare and the aca are the same thing. people are now seeing the benefits after seeing what a horrible mess they would have if any of the republican versions of a pseudo health care plan were to go into effect. a lot of people don't understand what would happen to them if the thing that they claim to hate were to taken from them.
11
"If I had to pay a penalty, it’s still less than I have to pay for having health care all year,” Ms. McMahon said. At 52, she has diabetes and says the strips to test her blood sugar are so expensive that sometimes she tests once a month rather than daily. She has not looked into whether she might qualify for the Medicaid expansion; she was not aware Pennsylvania had expanded the program."
Herein lies one of the problems with ACA opponents, they don't understand how they and others who refuse to get insurance are behind the problems it is having. They are fundamentally selfish people, because for example diabetics often end up with a bunch of serious health issues, and when the time comes she is banking on getting treatment for it, and doesn't think how much that costs other people.
The opponents of ACA were against it because the GOP put out a ton of propaganda against it, and opponents assumed that the beneficiaries were going to be lazy people on welfare who were 'Obama' supporters. Now that they realize what the GOP plans would cost them, they have started to realize it helped them as well, and more importantly, I think they realize that the GOP plan is really to return to the days before ACA, when 47 million people had no insurance.
Herein lies one of the problems with ACA opponents, they don't understand how they and others who refuse to get insurance are behind the problems it is having. They are fundamentally selfish people, because for example diabetics often end up with a bunch of serious health issues, and when the time comes she is banking on getting treatment for it, and doesn't think how much that costs other people.
The opponents of ACA were against it because the GOP put out a ton of propaganda against it, and opponents assumed that the beneficiaries were going to be lazy people on welfare who were 'Obama' supporters. Now that they realize what the GOP plans would cost them, they have started to realize it helped them as well, and more importantly, I think they realize that the GOP plan is really to return to the days before ACA, when 47 million people had no insurance.
19
Give it 4-6 years.. it will be fixed when we all pay 45% fed income tax.
Only if your earned income is less than 250k.
Greater than that - no taxes
Greater than that - no taxes
1
RE: "President Barack Obama famously promised that you could keep your plan and your doctor, even as a few million people’s noncompliant plans that did not offer all the law’s required benefits were canceled as the law was rolled out."
This was one of the few times Obama failed in being more eloquent, clear and concise one who could keep their plans. Had he said, you can keep your health care plan so long as it meets the bronze standard and explained what those standards were, more people would have been more acceptance. But many believed that as people gained insurance, acceptance would come and it did, but in a backdoor kind of way. Most people came to accept the ACA, but rallied against Obamacare, when they were one and the same, it is not until now, that many see its not voodoo witchery the republicans claimed it to be!
This was one of the few times Obama failed in being more eloquent, clear and concise one who could keep their plans. Had he said, you can keep your health care plan so long as it meets the bronze standard and explained what those standards were, more people would have been more acceptance. But many believed that as people gained insurance, acceptance would come and it did, but in a backdoor kind of way. Most people came to accept the ACA, but rallied against Obamacare, when they were one and the same, it is not until now, that many see its not voodoo witchery the republicans claimed it to be!
5
I was for the ACA back when it passed the House and contained a Public Option. Over in the Senate, the Public Option was removed, and so went the teeth of the bill. As a small-business owner, husband, and father of two children, I was happy with our 'hit by the bus' insurance plan that was $390 per month, with a $12,000 annual deductible. That was fine, we had an HSA, money to cover deductible, all good and happy. The ACA took away our plan and forced us into the market. Same plan was now $780 per month, the next year $930, next year $1,050 a month. We dropped the plan and went to a healthcare cost sharing ministry (libertyhealthshare.org). Had we kept that plan, it is now $1,950 per month (premium rates DOUBLED in Arizona last year!). We now pay $449 per month, $3,000 deductible, and are covered 100% after that up to $1,000,000 per incident. Preventive is covered before deductible. Thank goodness we found Liberty Healthshare!
2
What Republicans fail to tell people is that if they repeal the ACA then those 20 or 30 million people that can not get insurance will still show up at hospital emergency rooms and get treated. Then by law the state is obligated to pay the bills. A $200. office visit becomes a $1500. emergency room bill. Several years ago Maine paid a back bill of around $640. million. Where did the money come from? Taxpayers !!!
17
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was already a Republican plan when it was implemented. Recall Committee Chair Max Baucus wouldn't even discuss a public option or single payer.
The only way to bring costs down with universal coverage is to do what every other developed nation has done -- each one poorer then we are, each one with much lower per capita costs and all with better outcomes.
I wonder if the Trump supporters understand how much money they'd still have in the family if parents and grandparents didn't spend their last dime on the doctor, but left their money to the children.
The only way to bring costs down with universal coverage is to do what every other developed nation has done -- each one poorer then we are, each one with much lower per capita costs and all with better outcomes.
I wonder if the Trump supporters understand how much money they'd still have in the family if parents and grandparents didn't spend their last dime on the doctor, but left their money to the children.
11
You know, it might be easier for the democrats to work together and find a few moderate republicans from blue states to gather enough votes for an amendment to ACA, rather than the other way around. Practically, the GOP plan as is has absolutely zero probability to attract a single democratic vote.
4
"I can't even remember why I opposed [ACA]."
I'll help you remember:
the insurance company and their co-pays,
deductibles,
getting stuck with 20% of the enormous hospital bills,
their refusals to pay for certain things which necessitated calls back and forth (when you're able to reach them, that is).
All ACA did was get rid of some of the worst things about a private insurance system - but it left an awful lot of negatives. Even with ACA, our health care system is still the laughingstock of the developed world - the most expensive system and with the poorest outcomes.
We need single payer.
I'll help you remember:
the insurance company and their co-pays,
deductibles,
getting stuck with 20% of the enormous hospital bills,
their refusals to pay for certain things which necessitated calls back and forth (when you're able to reach them, that is).
All ACA did was get rid of some of the worst things about a private insurance system - but it left an awful lot of negatives. Even with ACA, our health care system is still the laughingstock of the developed world - the most expensive system and with the poorest outcomes.
We need single payer.
10
Medicare for all! Like the guy from Australia said: Increase taxes 2 percent, buy a supplement if you need better coverage. No doctor bills except at tax time!
13
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step".
When trump (small letter, small hands) supporters begin to realize howt
trump's replacement of Obamacare will affect them, they may see the trumpster in a totally different light.
or as another expression reads:
"Be careful what you wish for!".
Sadly, what seems to be an eternity, is only 6 months that trump has become president-unbelievable with the word "lie" embedded in unbelievable!
When trump (small letter, small hands) supporters begin to realize howt
trump's replacement of Obamacare will affect them, they may see the trumpster in a totally different light.
or as another expression reads:
"Be careful what you wish for!".
Sadly, what seems to be an eternity, is only 6 months that trump has become president-unbelievable with the word "lie" embedded in unbelievable!
3
Medical service industry [doctors/drugs/testing] inflated price-fixing and related "insurance negotiated discounts" are the reason I have insurance. I have comprehensive blood tests run once a year, invoiced at $2214.00 total. Insurance negotiated to $123.00 and my "member" discount final cost was only $43.00 total. If I had no insurance at all the bill would have been $2214.00
Single payer is long overdue. If prices need negotiated upwardly--so be. BTW, the president of my medical insurance company made over $17-million last year. I pay about $7,000 a year for my coverage, I refuse to do the math --but how many such policies are needed to simply cover this one top executives wages/benefits?
Administrative costs of Medicaid/Medicare are still around 1%.
Again; Single payer is long overdue!
Single payer is long overdue. If prices need negotiated upwardly--so be. BTW, the president of my medical insurance company made over $17-million last year. I pay about $7,000 a year for my coverage, I refuse to do the math --but how many such policies are needed to simply cover this one top executives wages/benefits?
Administrative costs of Medicaid/Medicare are still around 1%.
Again; Single payer is long overdue!
13
I have very little sympathy left for people who are willfully ignorant. I have for decades voted for higher taxes for myself in order to benefit people who need help, including them. Why? Because I (and people like me) tend to benefit regardless who is in office. Instead, they hold me in contempt for being "an elitist." I don't intend to share my advantages with the willfully ignorant any longer. Let The Tweet in Chief take care of them.
21
By the time Republican voters figure out what their party is doing to their country, it will be in ruins and too late to save.
13
Medicare and Medicaid work. Clearly healthcare is a national priority among the voters and the vehicles for implementation are in place. The GOP is afraid of voter backlash with good reason. Obama is laughing up his sleeve right now.
10
So they wasted their time protesting it just to beg for a second chance? These are the same people who will say "whoops" about the Trump presidency several years from now.
9
[“It’s very, very scary to think about not having health insurance,” she said.
“If the condition doesn’t kill you, the stress of having it does, in this country,” she added. “The fact that people do without health insurance is a sin, in my opinion.”]
And yet the GOP feels its a sin to have a universal healthcare program that benefits all Americans regardless of income.
“If the condition doesn’t kill you, the stress of having it does, in this country,” she added. “The fact that people do without health insurance is a sin, in my opinion.”]
And yet the GOP feels its a sin to have a universal healthcare program that benefits all Americans regardless of income.
9
It has been said many times before. Before you can drive YOUR car, you have to buy LIABILITY INSURANCE. You never want to actually USE that insurance (because it would require having an accident) but YOU HAVE TO BUY IT anyway. The insurance company uses ALL the premiums paid to cover the few people who have accidents. If you do not have some insurance coverage, say for damage to your car, the insurance company will not let you buy it AFTER the accident happens.
Buying health insurance is analogous. You would rather NOT have to use it, because that might mean you have a medical problem. For some puposes, like having babies, using the medical insurance is a GOOD thing. The only way the insurance companies can have the money to pay for the coverage they are required to pay for, is if EVERYBODY chips in. You never know when YOU are going to have an accident, or develop a disease. You cannot expect to be covered starting when you get sick, just as you cannot expect to get covered for a car accident by buying a policy AFTER the accident happens.
Maybe if Congress repealed the law that says a hospital MUST treat you even if you have no insurance, people would wake up and "get it." The rest of us pay for that medical covereage of people with no insurance through our taxes.
Buying health insurance is analogous. You would rather NOT have to use it, because that might mean you have a medical problem. For some puposes, like having babies, using the medical insurance is a GOOD thing. The only way the insurance companies can have the money to pay for the coverage they are required to pay for, is if EVERYBODY chips in. You never know when YOU are going to have an accident, or develop a disease. You cannot expect to be covered starting when you get sick, just as you cannot expect to get covered for a car accident by buying a policy AFTER the accident happens.
Maybe if Congress repealed the law that says a hospital MUST treat you even if you have no insurance, people would wake up and "get it." The rest of us pay for that medical covereage of people with no insurance through our taxes.
14
It seems appropriate that the Republicans are stuck with the elephant in the room (i.e., healthcare costs).
3
The American population is old, fat and takes a ton of pharmaceuticals. These people need healthcare.
My boss, a 57 year old republican has gout, hypertension and a thyroid problem, but he's for repeal. It's very strange!
My boss, a 57 year old republican has gout, hypertension and a thyroid problem, but he's for repeal. It's very strange!
12
So is this the way it's going to be on all issues -- all the people in places like Doylestown -- all the people we're supposed to feel sorry for -- all the people who voted for Trum --, now they're just going to turn around and say "NEVER MIND," just like Rosanne Rosannadanna? Are we supposed to continue feeling their pain? At what point can we just come out and tell them how ignorant we think they were, are and will most likely continue to be?
20
That's Emily Litella, not Roseanna Roseannadanna. (Both exquisitely embodied by Gilda, so I understand the confusion…) Roseanna's line was "It's always something."
Thanks for that correction, Bernie H. As you surmised, I had a vision of Gilda in my mind when I wrote that, but got her characters confused.
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,”
What is it with my people that they have so little imagination when it comes to other people's ideas? This brings to mind the GOP congressmen that were opposed to any legislation regarding gay rights until one of their children came out as gay/lesbian; then they were fully on board. Are you really that closed off to what other people are saying? Did you think it was some vast conspiracy and they are making it all up? It is unbelievable to see how little some people try to engage with the other side of an argument.
What is it with my people that they have so little imagination when it comes to other people's ideas? This brings to mind the GOP congressmen that were opposed to any legislation regarding gay rights until one of their children came out as gay/lesbian; then they were fully on board. Are you really that closed off to what other people are saying? Did you think it was some vast conspiracy and they are making it all up? It is unbelievable to see how little some people try to engage with the other side of an argument.
6
Can someone explain this to me? Is it ignorance, discrimination (ie a black president or a woman candidate) or greed that people don't or didn't support this?
The fake news is so transparent that anyone should be able to see through it.
Or is hate so powerful that it can be whipped up so that people believe anything?
The fake news is so transparent that anyone should be able to see through it.
Or is hate so powerful that it can be whipped up so that people believe anything?
16
You nailed it: racism and sexism.
Now if they could only "un-vote" their choice for Trump!
8
It is my understanding that Included with passage of the ACA were bills mandating provisions and protections for all those insured via employers' sponsored plans and private insurance plans. I do not know why these are not discussed, since repeal of the ACA means insurance companies will be able to deny all these coverages/provisions. These include preventative testing with colonoscopies and mammograms, prenatal care, cancer screenings and physicals for medicare recipients, no annual or lifetime caps, new employee coverage 90 days or less, yearly out of pocket limits ($7,105 individual; $14,300 family),coverage for offspring up to age 26, out of network ER costs equal to in network ER costs, mental health and substance abuse disorders coverage, coverage by large companies must be of minimum value, black lung coverage easier to obtain and benefits go to spouse after death of holder of black lung benefits. The "donut hole" for Medicare recipients was being slowly phased out to be eliminated in 2020. The ACA has mandated all these coverages which will go away with repeal of the ACA. I expect business to revert to the pre ACA levels.
2
"....Republicans are now pushing up against a growing consensus that the government should guarantee health insurance"
That should be corrected to indicate that people believe that the government should guarantee healthCARE. Insurance maintains the profit motive that makes healthcare so expensive. This government should join so many others who provide healthcare to all its citizens.
That should be corrected to indicate that people believe that the government should guarantee healthCARE. Insurance maintains the profit motive that makes healthcare so expensive. This government should join so many others who provide healthcare to all its citizens.
6
For some other reasons why the ACA has proved popular, see Reed Abelson's article from June 11, 2017 in which she details the flexibility benefits in real people's lives.
One intended consequence of the ACA is lower unemployment, as those in their early sixties decide to retire and open up opportunities for younger workers. The ACA helps make that possible for millions of people. Society benefits as retirees enter their volunteering experiences earlier in life.
Likewise for those looking to change jobs, take a sabbatical type year off from working, the ACA is a great safety net. People still pay their fair share for insurance, but have more opportunities in their lives. Society benefits again as workers find time to develop themselves into more valuable and experienced employees.
Yes the ACA needs some fixes, including making the IRS 1095 and 8962 forms simpler, and making sure premiums don't skyrocket for certain small buckets of the workforce in some parts of the country. The Rs in Congress need to realize this, work with the Ds to make it happen, and move on to other issues.
One intended consequence of the ACA is lower unemployment, as those in their early sixties decide to retire and open up opportunities for younger workers. The ACA helps make that possible for millions of people. Society benefits as retirees enter their volunteering experiences earlier in life.
Likewise for those looking to change jobs, take a sabbatical type year off from working, the ACA is a great safety net. People still pay their fair share for insurance, but have more opportunities in their lives. Society benefits again as workers find time to develop themselves into more valuable and experienced employees.
Yes the ACA needs some fixes, including making the IRS 1095 and 8962 forms simpler, and making sure premiums don't skyrocket for certain small buckets of the workforce in some parts of the country. The Rs in Congress need to realize this, work with the Ds to make it happen, and move on to other issues.
8
Your reasoning makes you sound like an Elite, and I mean that as a compliment.
“It’s going to cost a fortune,” he said in an interview at the time."....And most of the people I know are convinced that Obamacare is a major cause of our budget deficits. When I tell them that Obamacare was crafted to be revenue neutral, when I tell them that the CBO multiple times reported that a straight repeal of Obamacare would actually add to the deficit ($10 billion dollars over 10 year) they simply refuse to believe it. The biggest problem with the people who oppose Obamacare is that the vast majority of them have no idea what Obamacare is. I don't know how you can discuss something or reason with people who simply don't know or believe facts.
34
It's not only ignorance. It's deliberate ignorance. They're so convinced everyone else but Fox is lying to them, that they ignore other media - BUT - they also don't even bother to check their facts. They don't do any research. They just believe. They call others lazy, but they are too lazy to look at what is real here.
1
Im also curious as to their views on the shape of the Earth, gravity, and inertia.
1
We have to remember that President Obama got the ACA passed with a republican house and senate majority... Yep, I remember the closed door, behind the scenes, publicity... Yt, it was solid enough for some republicans to pass it. How did that happen? Compromise...
7
The Terrump administration & Congress are killing the ACA slowly anyway, by repealing the mandate (requirement that all, w a/few exceptions, be insured). This is standard US Congressional practice, if you want to "prove" that an agency "doesn't work", you just cut funding until there's no way it can be effective or fulfill its regulatory responsiblities. See the Social Security Administration with its huge backlogs and inadequate staffing (many positions go unfilled because of long lived hiring freezes), the growing ineffectiveness of EPA, Amtrak, etc. Congress, and many administrations would rather further bloat the agency that hasn't performed a full audit in many years: the Dept. of Defense. The US would have no problem "affording" health care for all, and some infrastructure repair, if funding for the DoD was cut by 40% (without cutting enlisted pay or benefits).
5
People were so ill-informed that they didn't realize that Obamacare was the ACA.
Multiple -people are interviewed on the street by any number of comedians and they didn't know That Obamacare was what they had. Anymore than they know their governor, senators or Congress people. Wake up America.
Multiple -people are interviewed on the street by any number of comedians and they didn't know That Obamacare was what they had. Anymore than they know their governor, senators or Congress people. Wake up America.
19
[“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.]
They were brainwashed, propagandized, and bamboozled by state run media a.k.a. Fox News into supporting a political party that only cared about the interests of their wealthy political donors. Folks voted against their own self interest of having affordable healthcare coverage that actually works.
They were brainwashed, propagandized, and bamboozled by state run media a.k.a. Fox News into supporting a political party that only cared about the interests of their wealthy political donors. Folks voted against their own self interest of having affordable healthcare coverage that actually works.
25
A couple of years ago I knew a woman who had really severe problems with both feet. A podiatrist carefully evaluated the problem, performed surgery and saw the woman for numerous follow-up visits. He was not paid for any of this because this woman refused to answer the questions required to get on "Obamacare" and she couldn't pay the bills herself. First, she would have had to answer questions whatever form of insurance she got - that's life - and second, she was willing to stiff the provider who had spent time and expertise on her feet, all because of her hatred of Obama and anything with which he was connected. As they say, you can cure ignorance but not stupidity. You also have to wonder at this woman's level of animosity.
36
Democrats defended Obamacare by stating what it is not. They did not explain what it is. They were totally out maneuvered by crazed racist Republicans. The truth is now coming out. Add inhumanity to the racism and craziness of the Republicans.
13
This is so sad, how can your government be fighting so hard on how NOT to provide you basic healthcare. Here in Canada I take it for granted that me, my kids, my grandma have free healthcare... I only worry about my pet insurance.
18
I am sick and tired of the media telling us every day what Trump voters feel and think. I don't care. I'm sick of them. Thank God for my blue "bubble".
44
I'm not sure if the average American is stupid, ignorant, or both when it comes to health care, particularly the finance part. None of these people would call a plumber to fix their computer but that's essentially what we do when we let Congress make health care policy. The public doesn't know enough to know Congress cannot make sound policy. Congress doesn't know or care enough to do it.
Sadly the real professionals who know whats's best and care enough to try to get good policy at a reasonable price are the career people at CMS. Tragically their boss at HHS is now Thomas Price who is as rapacious, mean and cynical a doctor that ever lived. We'd be better off w/ Vincent Price
Sadly the real professionals who know whats's best and care enough to try to get good policy at a reasonable price are the career people at CMS. Tragically their boss at HHS is now Thomas Price who is as rapacious, mean and cynical a doctor that ever lived. We'd be better off w/ Vincent Price
10
I used to know the late horror-movie actor Vincent Price in his old age. He was a good, kind, generous, intelligent man, at Mass every Sunday. I'd prefer him as Secretary of HHS any day of the week to the disgraceful greedy doctor who's in charge now.
5
What people like Mr Goracy don't seem to understand is the Individual mandate, which sticks in the craw of republicans is what makes ACA work. By forcing otherwise healthy people who may otherwise not even get insurance, to have insurance it brings the money in to cover everybody else. Its the same principle as a giant group policy. Without it insurance companies would not be able to cover everyones preexisting conditions.
15
Perhaps Republicans think that all of these sick, uninsured people will just vanish, without piling up astronomical hospital bills? It may be the same kind of thinking that pervades the anti-choice crowd, who act as if all the reasons that cause a woman to need to terminate a pregnancy magically vanish if she is forced to carry the pregnancy to term.
10
Republicans and Mr. Trump were united by their shared hatred for President Obama. Some of this came from racial resentment, a principal motivation for Trump's voters and also Congressional Republicans. Trump's own hatred is no doubt related to the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2011 when Obama roasted him so brilliantly. For most of Trump's voters, opposition to the ACA was never about the facts. The ACA does have flaws, but almost everything that the Republicans, Trump and their supporters have said about the it has been a lie. Trump's voters aren't really against entitlements; they are just against entitlements that go to people who do not look like them.
What would have happened if Congressional Republicans had simply made a public resolution to stop calling it Obamacare?
What would have happened if Congressional Republicans had simply made a public resolution to stop calling it Obamacare?
14
Article says---- 5 years ago the public was inundated with scare ads on rationed care and big govt bureaucracy. “ But ACA's "supporters, meanwhile, including the president whose name is attached to it, were not making much of a case."
Explain why Obama and Dems didn’t fight back harder against constant Gop tactics to block the govt protections we badly need.
“Not making much of a case”? While the US is generations behind all other industrialized countries in health care for all as a basic right, in the 21st century?
NYT----please analyze why didn’t Obama/Dems properly set ACA up in the 1st place, and then robustly campaign to explain and promote it coast to coast? Amazingly, so many citizens were manipulated to be against health insurance, preferring exposure to disaster.
So Gop opposition to Obama was just part of the problem. The Dems are weak, defensive and disorganized. They're dependent on big insurance/drug megadonors to run for office---this limits them they hustle funds to run for office. This is how our democracy isn’t working.
We need a brave party of opposition to rw Gop radicals aiming to dismantle all 20th C progress in citizen protections. This goes to the heart of why We the People haven't gotten proper representation for their taxation.
How about an article on public opinion favoring reform on campaign finance?
Explain why Obama and Dems didn’t fight back harder against constant Gop tactics to block the govt protections we badly need.
“Not making much of a case”? While the US is generations behind all other industrialized countries in health care for all as a basic right, in the 21st century?
NYT----please analyze why didn’t Obama/Dems properly set ACA up in the 1st place, and then robustly campaign to explain and promote it coast to coast? Amazingly, so many citizens were manipulated to be against health insurance, preferring exposure to disaster.
So Gop opposition to Obama was just part of the problem. The Dems are weak, defensive and disorganized. They're dependent on big insurance/drug megadonors to run for office---this limits them they hustle funds to run for office. This is how our democracy isn’t working.
We need a brave party of opposition to rw Gop radicals aiming to dismantle all 20th C progress in citizen protections. This goes to the heart of why We the People haven't gotten proper representation for their taxation.
How about an article on public opinion favoring reform on campaign finance?
Why didn't they set it up correctly in the first place? My recollection is that Democrats barely got ObamaCare passed, and only after Republicans punched as many holes in it as they could, (hoping it would fail.) If the Republicans and Democrats now work together to clean up the bugs in the system, this system might be passable. But remember, the whole this was a compromise based on a Republican idea; those of us on the left are still holding out for single payer.
1
And yet most still support the constant hate speech and division that vomits daily from Trump's mouth. Democrats have always known that we would have to eventually clean up this mess, that we'd be left to care for the Trump voters that Trump's policies would abandon. We just didn't believe that our embrace would have to begin six months into this train wreck of a Presidency. All along, my biggest fear was that Trump has selfishly divided the country to such an extreme that our nation would never recover. In many ceases, that unfortunately extends to our own families, good people that succumbed to the finger pointing and blame of the toddler Trump. This nation will suffer many regrets as a result of this President. Those now in fear of losing their health insurance always believed that "others" would suffer under Trump. It only became problematic when they finally realized that they are the "other."
14
You nailed it. Thanks D.C.
1
It is truly stunning what the power of elitist right-wing propaganda can do to people. The ACA was debated for 10 months, those debates were held in public, the GOP was asked to comment over and over, yet since they are the Party of No, they turned their backs on it from the beginning.
A tough and controversial piece of legislation designed to help millions of poorer Americans most of whom don't have the means to meet obnoxious GOP demands of self-reliance. "No".
Then the GOP blasted outright lies and falshoods to Fox and other shills for years. Suddenly, the benefits of the ACA outweigh it's removal. No amount of GOP lies, coming from white men who get great health care for free for the rest of their lives, can cover up this simple truth.
A tough and controversial piece of legislation designed to help millions of poorer Americans most of whom don't have the means to meet obnoxious GOP demands of self-reliance. "No".
Then the GOP blasted outright lies and falshoods to Fox and other shills for years. Suddenly, the benefits of the ACA outweigh it's removal. No amount of GOP lies, coming from white men who get great health care for free for the rest of their lives, can cover up this simple truth.
13
And meanwhile, the President these voters elected is busy figuring out how to pardon himself and his relatives while digging up dirt with the aim to discredit investigators. What ever happen to that great design of a healthcare program he promised his voters?
9
All those who refuse to purchase health insurance, instead pay the fine, should be required to set up a payment plan upon using the emergency room since they won't be able to afford it. They should not be able to get out of paying it back, just like student loans or taxes. They can't get rid of it with bankruptcy. No outs. Since we refuse to join the rest of the world regarding healthcare, it's the only way insurance will work in this country in a free market. There is no sympathy for these misinformed people.
10
One of the largest benefits Medicaid provides is payment for nursing home care for our elders. Before the program, seniors had few options because Medicare only pays for "nursing home care" for rehabilitative purposes for a limited period of time. Families face(d) the dilemma of how to care for an elderly family member without enough money to pay for private care OR someone(s) willing to provide that care in home full time. Medicaid changed that. It also now allows married couples to retain a home while still providing nursing home care for the other spouse rather than selling assets down to nothingsville level, to pay for care. The healthy spouse can continue tor reside in the home until after his or her death. People forget that Medicaid has been a life-saver for millions of working American families faced with this situation, and also forget that once deceased, an asset allowed to be retained during life is often sold and the proceeds then claimed by the state to reimburse at least part of the cost of care during the decedent's Medicaid-paid expenses. We are going to need Medicaid-paid for nursing home care more than ever - NOT LESS - as babyboomers continue to age out. Republicans try to frame gutting Medcaid as FREEDOM OF CHOICE. Nothing could be further from the truth.
8
Maybe all this increased atmospheric CO2 we're having is finally allowing Republican brain cells to proliferate so that reality and reason -- such as the plain benefit of *more* healthcare -- is at last overcoming intellectual and emotional infantilism. Maybe we'll reach consensus at 500 ppm that clean air is good, education is a need much like healthcare, and that kindness, fairness, and respect should be afforded to all without regard to our caveman biases.
4
I have never understood - and probably never will - why what is so routine and normal everyday stuff in most countries (i.e. universal health coverage) continues to defy Americans.
21
To begin to understand it you can start by looking back at 100 years of opposition by the American Medical Association.
Then move on to the enormous profits made by the private health industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and, last by not least, the insurance industry. Vulture capitalism at its finest.
Then move on to the enormous profits made by the private health industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and, last by not least, the insurance industry. Vulture capitalism at its finest.
4
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PROVIDES HEALTH CARE FOR THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ. Google it. And yes, it's universal (or single payer). It's part of their Constitution we re-wrote and imposed on them in 2009. You know, following a few years of destroying as much of the country as we could. Your tax dollars at work; as applied by REPUBLICANS. I actually pilfered this post from yesterday, I think. I had never heard that before. Astonished.
16
If you don't mind, I am going to do the same. Need to keep this information at the top of the comment list.
2
Please do and spread the word. If THEY can have health care on our dime....
At least the ACA has started a national conversation about the value and moral obligation to provide health care and coverage for all Americans. Before the ACA actually became law, it was very convenient for many to ignore, dismiss, and make excuses for why this country values some of its citizens and not all of them. Hopefully, the conversation will continue and we will not settle for less than universal coverage/single payer for everyone in the United States. The citizens of other first world nations expect and receive health care, we deserve the same!
6
"Stand on her own two feet", huh. Maybe she doesn't buy fire or auto insurance either. If her diabetes goes untreated she won't have two feet to stand on for much longer.
30
How do you have a systemic, degenerative disease like diabetes and take no steps to secure your health? How do you not test because strips are expensive, but not get insurance, because it's expensive. Maybe this woman will wake up when her kidneys fail or they start chopping off feet...?
You can't fix stupid.
You can't fix stupid.
14
My gosh, it is almost impossible to take in this much cognitive dissonance in one sitting. The lady with diabetes is really that clueless? And completely willing to dump the cost of her care onto the rest of us - sure as heck she will end up in requiring super expensive emergency care that the rest of us will subsidize sometime soon. And my bet is she hates the idea of SNAP or welfare or anything else she associates with non-whites.
And the self-described fiscal hawk really doesn't understand that regular medical care is cheaper in long run than emergency care we all subsidize? What did the NYT do - pick people based on ignorance?
And the self-described fiscal hawk really doesn't understand that regular medical care is cheaper in long run than emergency care we all subsidize? What did the NYT do - pick people based on ignorance?
25
It's easy to poke fun at these people. They don't know much. What the Democrats need to realize from all this is logical, reasoned, face-based arguments don't work for everyone. Getting more voters and citizens to support you takes emotional arguments, ones that are simple. When Dems had Unions behind them it was a simple argument and they often prevailed because of it. This isn't going to change soon, but Republicans have discovered how to get people fired up, Dems need to re-discover it or nothing will change.
18
Spot on. This is what is missing - democrats get told they don't have a message. They have done TONS of work learning policy and have REAL ANSWERS for people. That's why it's confusing when they're told no one knows their position, they recorded it in minute detail.
What they really mean is, you don't have a 'catchy slogan'. The democrats need sales/marketing/ad people it sounds like is all.
What they really mean is, you don't have a 'catchy slogan'. The democrats need sales/marketing/ad people it sounds like is all.
5
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy...
That's what happens when you are brainwashed, Mr. Murphy. You do what you are told to do, based on no reason or thought. Of course you can't remember why, there never was a "why", there was just your blind obedience.
That's what happens when you are brainwashed, Mr. Murphy. You do what you are told to do, based on no reason or thought. Of course you can't remember why, there never was a "why", there was just your blind obedience.
19
Sorry.
2
Eventually becoming fully visible above the flaming wreckage that is modern right-wing politics, facts continue to be stubborn things.
8
It's a shame that those who are now in regret, didn't study the situation before they voted. If we could teach people to use their brains instead of falling for the hype of right wing media, we would be much better off.
14
After ACA passed, the Time ran story after story about problems
Skyrocketing premiums !!
Website !!
Complexity !!
People not happy !!
NOT once did the Times bother to do a story profiling people who were getting life saving care via ACA
And Krugman was begging the times to do this
After Nov 2017, voila, the times does a story profiling people whose lives were changed for the better by aca
I think the Times needs to look long and hard at its coverage
Skyrocketing premiums !!
Website !!
Complexity !!
People not happy !!
NOT once did the Times bother to do a story profiling people who were getting life saving care via ACA
And Krugman was begging the times to do this
After Nov 2017, voila, the times does a story profiling people whose lives were changed for the better by aca
I think the Times needs to look long and hard at its coverage
16
Cindy McMahon, the woman mentioned in the article who has poorly controlled diabetes, is a perfect example of everything wrong with health insurance in America. Unless she finds the motivation to apply for Medicaid, and she qualifies, she will probably continue to go uninsured and mismanage her diabetes until she turns 65 and qualifies for Medicare.
After spending about 15 years with out of control diabetes, if she lives that long, Ms. McMahon will then use Medicare to treat her complications: neuropathy, heart disease, kidney failure, maybe even amputations and blindness. For want of basic medical care and simple commodities like test strips we, the taxpayers, will pay tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat her complications. In the meantime she may end up in an emergency room for a hypoglycemic episode and, since she doesn’t have insurance, the hospital and the rest of us who do have insurance will cover the expense.
The principle at work here is very simple: Pay now or pay later – but you *will* pay. Why not pay now and try to save ourselves some money, and alleviate some human suffering while we are at it?
After spending about 15 years with out of control diabetes, if she lives that long, Ms. McMahon will then use Medicare to treat her complications: neuropathy, heart disease, kidney failure, maybe even amputations and blindness. For want of basic medical care and simple commodities like test strips we, the taxpayers, will pay tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat her complications. In the meantime she may end up in an emergency room for a hypoglycemic episode and, since she doesn’t have insurance, the hospital and the rest of us who do have insurance will cover the expense.
The principle at work here is very simple: Pay now or pay later – but you *will* pay. Why not pay now and try to save ourselves some money, and alleviate some human suffering while we are at it?
23
It should never have been passed from the get-go. Too socialistic which is anti-american. For every dollar it cost it cost dollar and 32 cents.... equals .... debt! .... equals ... bad economics! Obama was and is too much of a socialist (way out of balance) and the Democrats are just not understanding the ripple effects this healthcare bill has created. Bottom line is that if most people took good care of their bodies, no drugs, no smoking, no alcohol, ate a good diet, exercised, watched their weight ...etc.etc.etc. and of course some in this list with moderation we would be a much healthier society with less sick people. We would not have these outrageous healthcare bills. If I take care of my body I help my fellow Americans. It's very simple. I'm 70 and have never been to a doctor and there is no need for anyone to make a crack like: "oh aren't you a lucky one". Read between the lines. Plus Obamacare is unconstitutional and it outrageous that anyone not covered by choice should have to pay a fine. America is so ignorant and it's getting worse day by day.
Oh, aren't you a lucky one.
9
Too socialist? Socialism built our infrastructure, roads and schools. Medicare is socialism. Did you decline to sign up for it when you were eligible?
3
Cancer & auto-immune disorders are some of the most costly treatments. You can take all the care of your body you want, it will not protect you. But yes, way to pat yourself on the back and ignore reality.
Selfish git.
Selfish git.
5
Is there something in the water in Pennsylvania? I wish the reporter had shown Mr Bagel Barrel a photo of Obama and asked if it jogged his memory. When that diabetic woman's kidneys fail, both legs are amputated, blood pressure is ridiculously high and she is hoping the next heart attack will finish her off, maybe then she will get a clue.
7
After growing up in Wisconsin, 40 years in New Zealand have convinced me that 'socialised' medicine/one payer is the way to go. As I enter the officially senior population, I am so grateful that I live in a country where my growing health care needs will be met without an expectation of making a profit or leaving me to get sick and die.
8
Our daughter lived in NZ for four years and was immensely impressed by your health care system. Her then husband suffered from juvenile onset arthritis, and though she would have loved to persuade him to return with her to the U.S., it was inconceivable for him to leave behind NZ health care for our sorry system!
Oh - you mean Rushbo was lying to us all this time?
7
Obamacare is unconstitutional .......... period!
Yawn...
4
I don't believe that that U.S. Supreme Court agrees with you.
7
Except that it isn't. It's been adjudicated.
5
It was going to cost a fortune for whom? The argument that the ACA was going to cost money - especially for the middle class - who would benefit - was always ridiculous. Tax dollars should benefit the taxpayers - as directly as possible. Republican politicians think that taxes are only to benefit the 1% and big business - as far as unfunded cuts - tax loop holes - subsidies and sweet hart defense contracts. The only countries that do not have national coverage are banana republics.
5
Patrick Murphy thought Democrats “jammed it down our throats,”
A common perception for many of my friends who spend their days listening to Rush Limbaugh and their evenings watching Sean Hannity.
Not so much a perception by many of my other friends who spend their time reading, listening and watching "fake news".
A common perception for many of my friends who spend their days listening to Rush Limbaugh and their evenings watching Sean Hannity.
Not so much a perception by many of my other friends who spend their time reading, listening and watching "fake news".
13
Honestly, this is what makes me question democracy.
11
While President TRump threatens to undermine it, many forget that republicans have been actively demonizing and damaging the ACA, hurting millions of americans and killing thousands since it was passed. Look at the numerous republican lawsuits, some allowing religious objections to force reductions in women's health care coverage; rejection of medicaid expansion money by some red state governors (compare outcomes in Tennessee rejected v Kentucky accepted); and most damaging, republicans cutoff ACA subsidies to insurers (through the courts). When the not unanticipated increases in costs followed - because the previously uninsured were sicker than the rest of the population - some insurers pulled out or folded! To those who still call themselves republican I have a question - have you no shame?
4
The case of Ms. McMahon is particularly troubling. If she is representative of the type of folks that feel everyone must stand on their own two feet without assistance, then our health system is doomed no matter what plan remains, or gets put in place. The reason? We all know Ms. McMahon's health issues, with untreated diabetes will continue to get worse. Should the morbidities associated with diabetes, if they manifest before she is eligible for Medicaid in 13 years, will become the unpaid services her local hospital is forced to provide. Multiply this by several millions, and you see the problem with lack of mandate. Soon healthcare will be damaged for all because of the selfish choices of those like McMahon, and a spineless government (current and former) unwilling to make difficult choices. When if comes to healthcare, ignorance is bliss.
9
Republicans pour millions into ads convincing people that help is bad for them, so they can cut programs that give them tax cuts. Ignoring of course that LONG TERM, we are ALL paying these costs. Short term thinking ad infinitum.
2
Maybe if the Republicans had been willing to work with Obama and the Democrats back when the ACA was evolving we would already have a workable plan. But instead they flat out said they wouldn't cooperate and an extremely butchered up version of the bill was what finally passed. From there, the Democrats hoped to improve it and got no cooperation from the other side. The Republicans knew the version that they 'allowed' to pass would probably die a slow death, and only had hopes of repealing it. And now seven years later, here we are - the Republicans in control without a clue what to do, and the American people caught in the midst of it. But then, we have the American public, many of whom didn't even know that many parts of the insurance they were getting - and now don't want to lose - were due to what survived the butcher job - and that low and behold...the insurance they received through the ACA was actually the despicable Obamacare. How about now, we all take a step back and figure out exactly what this country needs in the way of affordable health care for all of it's citizens. That would be a truly novel idea, now wouldn't it?
5
So many white working class people opposed Obamacare because they listened to the lies Republicans told about it. Now that they have figured out they and people like them benefit from it, they realize that the very politicians they voted into office are trying to take it away. And some wonder why liberals think white working class voters are fools? That's why.
10
Seven years of GOP mis-information campaigns about the ACA and government programs have been successful. When someone says, "Keep your government hands off my Medicare," they demonstrate their ignorance that Medicare is a government program. The constant drum beat from the small government/libertarian/tea party machine has created a profound illusion about the daily value of decent medical care, clean drinking water, breathable air, reliable food supplies and medicines, social nets like food stamps and disability- on and on- selling the notion that government can't do anything right. Wake up, my countrymen- it is the government that keeps jungle creatures like the Trumps and Kochs at bay, protecting us from the predators who would pounce from all sides.
6
The feeling that OC was being forced down people's throats
just gets under American's skin.
Now that people see that it is better to have the option of having OC
than not, they have gotten used to it and see its good points while
wanting to have its bad points improved.
If the Republicans somehow get rid of OC and give us
what the greedy insurance companies want - I hope every single
one of them are voted out of office and their Government Health Benefits
ended immediately.
just gets under American's skin.
Now that people see that it is better to have the option of having OC
than not, they have gotten used to it and see its good points while
wanting to have its bad points improved.
If the Republicans somehow get rid of OC and give us
what the greedy insurance companies want - I hope every single
one of them are voted out of office and their Government Health Benefits
ended immediately.
3
Obamacare wasn't forced down anyone's throat. Democrats held 100 hearings and 160 hours of debates and added more than 100 amendments from Republicans. The whole process took more than a year. And President Obama had campaigned on a plan for universal health care and won a substantial majority in 2008, so he was carrying out the wishes of the American people.
3
When I read articles like this, I almost wish (but not quite) that the Republicans had been successful in repealing the ACA. People so badly need to wake up in this country and maybe (just maybe) losing their diabetes medication or breast cancer treatments would have jolted them awake. What are they thinking?
5
I don't understand why the Times chose Bucks County for this article.
Now, BC is a fine county: beautiful, nice people, etc. But it's one of the wealthier counties in the US, ranking about 75th whether by per capita or per household income.
How is that reflective of the U.S.?
It is solidly Republican, barely a Democrat there, so maybe that's why.
Or perhaps because it's both well-to-do and Republican it's more biased against the ACA?
Just curious, as it doesn't seem to be very representative of the US as a whole.
(And a disclaimer, I have relatives who live there, whom I hold dear.)
Now, BC is a fine county: beautiful, nice people, etc. But it's one of the wealthier counties in the US, ranking about 75th whether by per capita or per household income.
How is that reflective of the U.S.?
It is solidly Republican, barely a Democrat there, so maybe that's why.
Or perhaps because it's both well-to-do and Republican it's more biased against the ACA?
Just curious, as it doesn't seem to be very representative of the US as a whole.
(And a disclaimer, I have relatives who live there, whom I hold dear.)
1
The article explains why. Did you read it?
1
Whatever fixing the healthcare situation in the US entails it is not a question of money. You presently and have for years been spending 16 to 17% of your GNP on healthcare. Other countries with universal healthcare (i.e., everyone covered) do the job for 10 to 12% -- with very good health outcomes for their citizens. The 30 or 40 developed countries out there all offer their citizens universal healthcare - no two have the same model for delivering it. In the US you have the golden opportunity to look at the 30 or so existing models and benefit from the experience of others. Don't squander that opportunity!
9
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.
That's because you blacked out in a pool of your own fear, rage and hatred for others who aren't like you. Conservatism is a hell of a drug.
That's because you blacked out in a pool of your own fear, rage and hatred for others who aren't like you. Conservatism is a hell of a drug.
26
It's dismaying to see how willfully clueless Americans are about the subject of organizing and paying for health care services. It isn't just the Trumpsters and tea partiers. Nor is it just Trump himself and congressional Republicans. It's the Democrats too, like Schumer and Cuomo and the voters who simplistically believe we can flip a switch and create a governmental single payer system. We haven't even begun to recognize and sort through the real issues. We are in way over our heads and I don't see a political pathway to a responsible solution.
2
No sympathy for them at all
9
I want to be mean today to everyone who had a hand in getting the imbecile Trump elected. I hope they all lose their insurance and other benefits and die much sooner than if they were healthy! Good riddance to all of these people!
12
So now we know what the real Death Panels are. Call it Wealthcare, Repeal and Run, or whatever disingenuous name the Republicans can dream up, it is nothing short of, to date, the most vile act of a morally bankrupt party.
Sarah Palin was right - but she omitted the word "Republican" in front of Death Panels.
Where are you now Ms. Palin?
Sarah Palin was right - but she omitted the word "Republican" in front of Death Panels.
Where are you now Ms. Palin?
10
Tweaking a line from the great Joni Mitchell - "Don't it always seem to go you won't know what you've got till it's gone....."
5
Idiot Trump voters;They don't know what's good for them.
10
you can't fix stupid. ever.
13
I think that the people, over the age of consent, who were so opposed to government managed health care should sign a pledge to never take any sort of health care for which they have not contributed. I do not believe that I, a taxpayer and health insurance payer, should have to fund care, ER, ambulance, etc., for them when they do not want to contribute when they are healthy. If life's path leaves them unable to finally pay for care then. as ethical consenting adults, they should not be on my tab.
9
I have to thank the Republicans in Congress for their ham-handed attempts to replace the ACA, which led to the ACA's newfound popularity. I also have to thank the human tendency to focus on the problems with any new program, until they see what the alternatives are. It was easy to outline the downsides of the ACA, but we needed a real alternative to see that most of the alternatives were worse.
5
"Mr. Greenberg said the growing belief that the government should make sure people have health coverage was less an outbreak of compassion than a matter of affordability... they did not want to lose the Affordable Care Act’s protections against insurers charging more to people with pre-existing conditions, or denying coverage of basic health benefits."
This point of attack is one that Democrats should take and drive home relentlessly. And which will inevitably end up as some form of single payer.
This point of attack is one that Democrats should take and drive home relentlessly. And which will inevitably end up as some form of single payer.
4
I am confused a little. Republicans say government should not ensure healthcare for all, but the government ensures police protection and fire protection for all its citizens. What is the difference?
8
Please don't give them any ideas.
3
Well for one, we spend about $100 billion a year on police, compared to $3.2 trillion on healthcare. The taxes to support universal healthcare would be far higher than those supporting the police (couldn't find a number for fire protection, but it can't be more than for police).
Sometimes an outsider´s view is very objective. Americans are fond of thinking their country is the greatest in the world. Yet international polls show that many other countries outperform the States in education and longevity. Education and health care are outstanding for the wealthiest layer of US society. Mediocre for the middle group and poor for the rest. Yet any group is only as strong as its weakest link. The future projects that we will need healthy well-educated societies to survive. Is it not time for the American people to stop bickering and pull together to achieve the goal of being the best country it can be????
6
I will never forgive these people for giving us Trump. Never. I have no sympathy for them. They take pride in their ignorance. They are driven by had and envy. They hear what they want to hear from Fox and virulent extremists. Many support organizations like the KKK. The proclaim their family and Christian values from the roof tops, but live their lives in complete opposition to their supposed values. They deserve what they have wrought.
27
The people who opposed the ACA before the Republicans tried to eliminate it were badly misled by their Congressional representatives. Senator Toomey in Pennsylvania was one of the chief charlatans. Now they have woken up to the fact that they would be left destitute and bereft if the Republicans could rip out the ACA "root and branch." The woman who hated the ACA but who had not bothered to see if she qualified for expanded Medicaid is one species of citizen who has been cheated and misled by Republicans. May they wake up by 2018 and vote these reprobates out of office.
6
1500.00 a month and 12000.00 deductible. I am so fortuneate and proud to be a Canadian. I have provincial basic insurance at 600.00 taken at tax time and private insurance that covers dental, massage, et al all for 1500.00.
Flawed it may be, what can't be improved, but efficient, compassionate life saving care for our citizens. Citizens are not consumers in health Care.
Flawed it may be, what can't be improved, but efficient, compassionate life saving care for our citizens. Citizens are not consumers in health Care.
9
That people would actually like and appreciate publicly funded healthcare was always the motivation for the extreme pushback by the radically selfish right wing oligarchy and their Koch funded think tank sycophants.
4
The gentleman complained about our government expanding insurance for every citizen, and all he can think of is "it's going to cost a fortune"? What on earth does he exclaim each time the military demands a new missile system?
5
Fox Fake News needs to apologize to these people for LYING to them about the ACA. They need to be sued for misrepresentation and libel.
Standards for telling the truth need to be re-instated for media. This is beyond dangerous.
Standards for telling the truth need to be re-instated for media. This is beyond dangerous.
7
Perhaps all these whiners could get on-board that chunk of ice the size of Delaware that broke off from Antarctica...oh wait, they don't believe in "Global Warming" either.
So much for the Republican "Let the Polar Bears or Orcas eat them Plan" depending on which pole the ice is falling off of. The "Lemming Plan" went out the window when the president said he wouldn't be the leader off the cliff and Spicer just resigned, so he's out.
Maybe Sessions could lead them?
So much for the Republican "Let the Polar Bears or Orcas eat them Plan" depending on which pole the ice is falling off of. The "Lemming Plan" went out the window when the president said he wouldn't be the leader off the cliff and Spicer just resigned, so he's out.
Maybe Sessions could lead them?
6
Oh boo hoo. If these are Republican voters, then they have repeatedly and knowingly voted to lose their own health insurance and to take away health insurance from others, in at least _four_ previous elections. I'll start having sympathy when Republican voters start taking responsibility for the vast damage that they have caused to the country by electing people like Trump, McConnell, Ryan, etc.
11
I like the comment from the person who couldn't remember why he had been against the ACA in the first place. Exactly!
Probably because the Dems never did a great job of selling the benefits and the Republicans (and Fox, and Limbaugh etc.) attacked it with a stunning continuous assault of outrageous lies from day one.
Oh, and the hateful birther rhetoric and other Tea Party venom surely added a lot of horrific noise.
I suppose better late than never.
Probably because the Dems never did a great job of selling the benefits and the Republicans (and Fox, and Limbaugh etc.) attacked it with a stunning continuous assault of outrageous lies from day one.
Oh, and the hateful birther rhetoric and other Tea Party venom surely added a lot of horrific noise.
I suppose better late than never.
4
I wish that something could be done to lower premiums and deductibles to reasonable levels. However, taking healthcare away from those with preexisting conditions would not only be heartless, it would be almost criminal, in my opinion. There is no no "one size fits all" answer to this. Both parties should get together and seriously reform the ACA. To repeal it just to say, "we did what we promised" is too stupid for words. If the Democrats and Republicans worked together on this, they could come up with a good plan, or plans, and not have to worry about their extreme wings.
2
You can lead a horse to water but, you can't make him think!
5
The Republican party had nearly 8 years to come up with some kind of an alternative to the ACA. Did a single one of them do any home work or research toward coming up with a new system? Not a one! All the sloganeering and campaigning, and constant denigration of Obamacare were only political puffery to get themselves re-elected. The Republicans seem only to have bogus, nothingburger ideas.
You are in sad shape America. You elected an incompetent President and have a Government hopelessly entrenched with Know-nothing-Do-nothing Republican ideologues. Good luck with that!
You are in sad shape America. You elected an incompetent President and have a Government hopelessly entrenched with Know-nothing-Do-nothing Republican ideologues. Good luck with that!
4
Everybody talks and writes about smaller government, smaller public assistance, smaller medicaid, and smaller government spending.
How come nobody ever talks or writes about SMALLER MILITARY SPENDING.....
If we cut some of military spending, we would have enough to address all the other programs and still have some money left so we could cut spending...
How come nobody ever talks or writes about SMALLER MILITARY SPENDING.....
If we cut some of military spending, we would have enough to address all the other programs and still have some money left so we could cut spending...
11
What percentage of low wage employers restrict the number of hours an employee can get in order to avoid having to provide health insurance?
McDonald's, Target, Walmart...how many millions of people want full time hours (and health insurance) but can't get them?
McDonald's, Target, Walmart...how many millions of people want full time hours (and health insurance) but can't get them?
8
I remember reading interviews with people who wanted Obamacare repealed because they were covered by ACA. That is how this county lost its way.
12
The same class of people want the government to stay out of Medicare.
2
The skeptics have learned how true the adage is - absence makes the heart and mind sharper and fonder. Hope this is reflected in the coming 2018 elections.
2
Please poll the top ten domestic manufacturers (who have not off shored their health care exposure) on whether they support repeal and whether they would support Medicare for all.
2
We NEED health care
We DON'T NEED health insurance companies.
We DON'T NEED health insurance companies.
14
I do not understand why Cindy McMahon would avail herself to good health by checking into and receiving Medicare. She said she didn't even know she could......what?? The really sad part is, if she becomes incapacitated by her diabetes, which could happen, she will go the emergency room and be treated and the bill will be paid by others. She will say she has no money to pay and that is terribly irresponsible since there is a plan she could use....Medicaid. I do believe Medicaid would be available to her at that time. I don't think she really would deserve it since has not taken care of her own health.
5
The media apparently decided "Obamacare" got more attention than the boring "America's Affordable Health Care Act" and even today they will not use a respectful term for the health care program that allowed millions of Americans affordable access to health care and longer lives.
They also thought it was a good idea to attack Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton when she designed a Universal Health Care program when she was first lady. And they thought her e-mails were better "news" than her constructive policy ideas when she ran for President of the United States and they promoted a mafia operative 24/7 as OUR president because he was better "news".
It worked out well for the media. We are watching the daily destruction of America closely now and their profits have soared.
Funny thing - the very "viewer" and "reader" numbers they covet will eventually be their destruction - the destruction of freedom of speech and information freedom - if The Con Don and his International Mafia are not stopped.
One media outlet. Just what democracy needs. Problem is it will be fox so-called news if Rupert Murdoch is allowed to buy Sky News in the UK.
Bye Bye Miss American Pie.
They also thought it was a good idea to attack Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton when she designed a Universal Health Care program when she was first lady. And they thought her e-mails were better "news" than her constructive policy ideas when she ran for President of the United States and they promoted a mafia operative 24/7 as OUR president because he was better "news".
It worked out well for the media. We are watching the daily destruction of America closely now and their profits have soared.
Funny thing - the very "viewer" and "reader" numbers they covet will eventually be their destruction - the destruction of freedom of speech and information freedom - if The Con Don and his International Mafia are not stopped.
One media outlet. Just what democracy needs. Problem is it will be fox so-called news if Rupert Murdoch is allowed to buy Sky News in the UK.
Bye Bye Miss American Pie.
10
"I can't even remember why I opposed [the ACA]."
That about sums up much of what you need to know.
I read/listen to a lot of news, including political news. But I don't think that most people have the time, the inclination, or the opportunity to follow the details of many important issues of the day. In certain sections of the country, what news reporting they do receive is not even remotely balanced.
I don't see how we change this when politicians and major news organizations can greatly distort facts and exploit emotions for monetary/political gain.
That about sums up much of what you need to know.
I read/listen to a lot of news, including political news. But I don't think that most people have the time, the inclination, or the opportunity to follow the details of many important issues of the day. In certain sections of the country, what news reporting they do receive is not even remotely balanced.
I don't see how we change this when politicians and major news organizations can greatly distort facts and exploit emotions for monetary/political gain.
3
Medicare for all is the answer since every working American is already paying for it with every pay-check regardless of if they are covered or not. Unfortunately the private for profit health insurance companies don't want to lose their business so they will continue to bribe as many of our politicians to keep themselves in business.
7
Only those who qualify for Medicare (when they reach 65) have the premiums taken out. Which means we pay for around 50 years before we see a penny of medical payment help. Doubt that would work for people who either get their insurance from the ACA or don't qualify even for that.
My brother (74) worked for the Federal Government for over 30 years. Didn't have Medicare or SS premiums taken out at all. When he retired, he kept (& kept paying) for the Federal Health Insurance, & the Federal Pension. He had worked in the private sector before that. About 6 years. SS & Medicare premiums were taken out of those checks. But, he is forbidden by law to take SS & Medicare, even if he has enough 'quarters'. So are members of congress, but why should they be honest? It's called double dipping.
So, Medicare for all, those coming in under 65 would have to pay in another premium for another 50 years (plus/minus) before they get anything out. They wouldn't even be able to enroll (just premiums coming out) until 65. Really don't think that's what you want. Maybe a Medicare like program. So study Medicare (it isn't perfect), then build your own. For which anyone getting Medicare should not pay premiums for as they will never pay them long enough to get any help from it. Paying is why you don't get it until 65. People who don't work don't qualify, that's where Medicaid comes in. Everyone needs health insurance. Single payer is tax based not premium based. I'll stick with Medicare.
My brother (74) worked for the Federal Government for over 30 years. Didn't have Medicare or SS premiums taken out at all. When he retired, he kept (& kept paying) for the Federal Health Insurance, & the Federal Pension. He had worked in the private sector before that. About 6 years. SS & Medicare premiums were taken out of those checks. But, he is forbidden by law to take SS & Medicare, even if he has enough 'quarters'. So are members of congress, but why should they be honest? It's called double dipping.
So, Medicare for all, those coming in under 65 would have to pay in another premium for another 50 years (plus/minus) before they get anything out. They wouldn't even be able to enroll (just premiums coming out) until 65. Really don't think that's what you want. Maybe a Medicare like program. So study Medicare (it isn't perfect), then build your own. For which anyone getting Medicare should not pay premiums for as they will never pay them long enough to get any help from it. Paying is why you don't get it until 65. People who don't work don't qualify, that's where Medicaid comes in. Everyone needs health insurance. Single payer is tax based not premium based. I'll stick with Medicare.
I was against it before I was for it!
Oh, boy.
Oh, boy.
12
What is missing from analyses of opposition to extensions of health insurance is the irrational. We think people make rational decisions, that is, they vote their interest. We have found that they do not. And so with health insurance. Among the "irrationals" are: idiosyncratic selection of what to believe and disbelieve (e.g., thinking facts are fake), conformity to peer/family pressure to think a certain way, believing what my Pa believed (40 years later), unwillingness or inability for whatever reasons to reach out to accessible information, unwillingness or inability to sort through complicated and lengthy information, not believing that understanding or resisting complicated information has personal implications, being content to live aloof from impinging reality, unwillingness or inability to accept that one made wrong decisions and now should change course. Some people will not ever change, and they and their neighbors will suffer as a result. Hmm. Maybe some of this describes me too.
8
It should not be forgotten that some of the ACA outreach money is now being used for anti-ACA adds, and plenty of them.
7
Um, you can't remember why you were against it before you were for it? The republicans know that Americans are pretty stupid. They depend on it.
11
"The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it...no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions…"
John Locke
John Locke
5
ADULTING 101 Lesson
"After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing after all as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true. "
- Spock, in the Star Trek episode "Amok Time"
Old adage saying the same thing:
"Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it."
Why can't these GOP voters realize this BEFORE they cast their vote??
"After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing after all as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true. "
- Spock, in the Star Trek episode "Amok Time"
Old adage saying the same thing:
"Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it."
Why can't these GOP voters realize this BEFORE they cast their vote??
6
To quote the Rolling Stones, "You can't always get what you want...but you might get what you need."
7
I live in Doylestown (Solebury PA to be exact) and there are a lot of dim-witted Trumpsters that voted for Trump even in the face of losing health care and giving people like me sizable tax breaks. It blows my mind. Whatever, let them eat cake (or dog food).
22
There is no way to compensate for ignorance and the failure to educate yourself on important issues. Con men like Ryan, Trump, McConnell & Pence thrive on people's inability to differentiate between liars (aka: politicians) and truth. Until they feel the consequences of their stupidity, they stick to the idiotic information they get from FOX & these con men.
4
"Mark Goracy, an insurance consultant in Langhorne, near Doylestown, calls the coverage he and his wife get through the individual market “a joke.” Their premium is $1,415 a month, with combined deductibles of more than $12,000." For an insurance consultant, he doesn't know much about the cost of care. What you're saying is that husband and wife each have a $6000 deductible. Goracy won't think it's a joke when he uses the health care system. My wife was in the hospital for five days with a blood clot and the total bill was $60,000. The deductible was way easier to pay than $60K!
15
You are absolutely right, Hjalmer. The average person who has never been in a serious situation has no clue about what the actual costs can add up to. Mr. Goracy's insurance company also has the power to negotiate costs with the hospital for example, and can probably greatly reduce his medical bill. Without his insurance coverage, I could only wish him luck if he had to deal with a huge bill and the hospital billing office on his own.
It's rich to me how fiscal conservatives and republicans can criticize the ACA yet support our extremely bloated military budget (54% of the total budget). I cannot believe that our country deprioritizes education & healthcare to fund pointless wars. If we don't place quality of life for our citizens over war, our country is going to fall apart.
27
Just think - after we build a wall, we won't need a military!
Interesting. These people had no problem with denying healthcare access to tens of millions of people in the beginning and now, they see the human cost.
Make no mistake, there are people who just want to punish people for being poor. They have no qualms about hurting people.
Make no mistake, there are people who just want to punish people for being poor. They have no qualms about hurting people.
11
15 billion each for a dozen nuclear aircraft carriers and we keep on building them - in the name of defense - to protect us.
I think healthcare is defense too.
I think healthcare is defense too.
18
"The belief held even among many Republicans: 52 percent of those making below $30,000 a year said the federal government has a responsibility to ensure health coverage, a huge jump from 31 percent last year. And 34 percent of Republicans who make between $30,000 and about $75,000 endorsed that view, up from 14 percent last year."
Another proof that Republicans who voted for Trump are both idiots and hypocrites. They are against "more government" until it benefits them, just like they are against gays until they find its their child who is gay, or against abortion until its their family member who is raped, and the list goes on and on.
Another proof that Republicans who voted for Trump are both idiots and hypocrites. They are against "more government" until it benefits them, just like they are against gays until they find its their child who is gay, or against abortion until its their family member who is raped, and the list goes on and on.
10
Fox News is the shadow branch of the Republican party. Fox spreads disinformation on their 24 hour news cycle, irritating their viewers against anything brown people do.
And as soon as the election is over, Fox does a purge at the network, as Hillary was defeated in November. Oh well.
Hopefully Trump fumbling around along with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan will wake up Trump MAGA voters to the cold truth: Trump was drafted for this to keep Democrats from raising adequate tax revenue from the ultra wealthy to bring down the price of health insurance premiums. The ultra wealthy get to continue record low tax rates started in the Reagan era.
But these people in the article can continue to argue over Hillary Clinton's e-mail server. For the record, two solid years of searching, and not once was she accused of doing something illegal or unethical as Secretary of State.
Trump is only in office riding all of the hard work former President Obama did and filling the stolen SCOTUS seat. Notice that as the heat began to rise with this investigation into what ties the Trump family and campaign team have to Vladomir Putin, Trump is publicly salivating for Anthony Kennedy's retirement.
You've got to hand it to the Republican party shadow guru's. They know how to make government serve the economic interests of the ultra wealthy. Trump said in a television interview in the 1990's "If I ever ran for president, I'd run as a Republican. Republicans are dumb & gullible."
And as soon as the election is over, Fox does a purge at the network, as Hillary was defeated in November. Oh well.
Hopefully Trump fumbling around along with Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan will wake up Trump MAGA voters to the cold truth: Trump was drafted for this to keep Democrats from raising adequate tax revenue from the ultra wealthy to bring down the price of health insurance premiums. The ultra wealthy get to continue record low tax rates started in the Reagan era.
But these people in the article can continue to argue over Hillary Clinton's e-mail server. For the record, two solid years of searching, and not once was she accused of doing something illegal or unethical as Secretary of State.
Trump is only in office riding all of the hard work former President Obama did and filling the stolen SCOTUS seat. Notice that as the heat began to rise with this investigation into what ties the Trump family and campaign team have to Vladomir Putin, Trump is publicly salivating for Anthony Kennedy's retirement.
You've got to hand it to the Republican party shadow guru's. They know how to make government serve the economic interests of the ultra wealthy. Trump said in a television interview in the 1990's "If I ever ran for president, I'd run as a Republican. Republicans are dumb & gullible."
7
That's an urban legend. Trump never said it.
At any rate, he's too stupid to have known it was true.
At any rate, he's too stupid to have known it was true.
American's still hate the ACA. It doesn't do anything to reign in costs. It's adding more and more debt to the total debt which is squeezing out funding for other programs and it is a boon for health insurance companies. This law was never about improving outcomes for americans. It was about an over confident President passing a law just to say he passed a law. Most of our healthy young people find it less expensive to pay the IRS penalty instead of enrolling in the ACA because they know when they get sick they can sign up and get covered without waiting. Lastly, there's a laundry list of items that the law requires coverage for even though many subscribers don't need or want the services. This is a pure $ giveaway to the insurance companies. The ACA stinks. Scrap and start over but I agree both parties should work together to craft the best possible plan.
The US spends 17% of its GDP on health care vs an average of about 10% in the other G20 countries. And that still doesn't cover 10-12% of the population.
Why? Turns out that NOT insuring people ends up costing more through unpaid emergency room care, lack or regular checkups and vaccinations, and so on.
Also, the messy patchwork of payment systems in the US means 30% more in administrative costs compared to countries with single payer models.
And let's not forget about profits. Germany and the Netherlands both offer coverage through the private providers but pricing is strictly negotiated so that costs don't spiral out of control yet leave enough for R&D.
Any true fiscal conservative should arguing for universal coverage - not against.
Why? Turns out that NOT insuring people ends up costing more through unpaid emergency room care, lack or regular checkups and vaccinations, and so on.
Also, the messy patchwork of payment systems in the US means 30% more in administrative costs compared to countries with single payer models.
And let's not forget about profits. Germany and the Netherlands both offer coverage through the private providers but pricing is strictly negotiated so that costs don't spiral out of control yet leave enough for R&D.
Any true fiscal conservative should arguing for universal coverage - not against.
3
Not true according to the polls, including the ones cited here. Repeal would cause 32 million Americans to lose their healthcare, beginning with 18 million next year.
Kind of cruel, don't you think?
Kind of cruel, don't you think?
2
So, Danicro - you favor a return to pre-Obamacare in which 25-30 million people are uninsured?
2
The NYT should have a special section for articles like this which should include all of your articles about Trump supporters and their various "regrets" etc. They should all be titled "Stupid People Saying Stupid Things"
12
"I can't remember why I ever opposed the law..." Oh sir, I'm pretty sure we know why...
25
Listening to many of these Doylestown residents, I find myself feeing pretty misanthropic. It seems the only thing American voters care about is their own personal bean-counting, whether any particular tax or social program benefits them or someone who lives and looks like them, and to hell with everyone else. I feel like giving them the middle finger. But then, of course, I won't, because I love my country and want everyone to do well, even the Neanderthals. (With apologies to the true Neanderthals who were probably more intelligent and community minded than some of these Pennsylvanians.)
9
T-Rump said that, "I love the uneducated" at a campaign rally eliciting a large round of applause from people like these who don't like the fact thay might lose their health care.
I say this to them- 'What goes around,comes around.' You voted for the republicans, so don't complaign.
I say this to them- 'What goes around,comes around.' You voted for the republicans, so don't complaign.
10
The GOP has demonstrated beyond any doubt that it is incapable of doing anything decent on behalf of 95% of Americans. They do great things for the top 5%, especially corporations: cut their taxes, roll back environmental regulations and safety rules, allow them to fire employees for no reason, wait on them hand and foot, and believe whatever lies they tell to get legislation passed. Yet if you look at most of us we're worried about getting and keeping jobs, our children and grandchildren's futures in a country that is falling apart because of the unwillingness on either side to invest in Americans and America. (Privatization isn't the same thing.) And, of course, we're worried about medical care, the cost, access, the quality.
We know how much it costs when we pay the premiums, see the bills from the hospital or the portion that the insurance refuses to pay, or when the bill goes to collection because, once again insurance denies or loses the claims. Yet the GOP denies the evidence that is coming in from world organizations. America has one of the worst health care systems in the world. Our citizens are dying younger than they should. Illnesses are poorly managed, partly because of our fee for service for profit system.
Perhaps the GOP should have concentrated on working with the Democrats for the last 8 years rather than blindly voting to repeal the ACA. Then again, that's expecting too much from multimillionaires who wine and dine the top 5% for funds.
We know how much it costs when we pay the premiums, see the bills from the hospital or the portion that the insurance refuses to pay, or when the bill goes to collection because, once again insurance denies or loses the claims. Yet the GOP denies the evidence that is coming in from world organizations. America has one of the worst health care systems in the world. Our citizens are dying younger than they should. Illnesses are poorly managed, partly because of our fee for service for profit system.
Perhaps the GOP should have concentrated on working with the Democrats for the last 8 years rather than blindly voting to repeal the ACA. Then again, that's expecting too much from multimillionaires who wine and dine the top 5% for funds.
4
They want what he promised: Complete coverage for all at lower cost.
Maybe, MAYBE, they begin to understand they have been conned by a snake oil salesman.
Maybe, MAYBE, they begin to understand they have been conned by a snake oil salesman.
8
This is a county where our elected representative, Brian Fitzpatrick, has yet to hold a public town hall meeting on anything. And a county that went for Hillary in 2016. I'm sure Mr. Fitzpatrick's constituents would like to engage him in person to talk about their concerns regarding healthcare legislation, pro and con.
Where is he? Telephone town halls don't cut the mustard, Brian. I don't think you will be re-elected in 2018 with that approach...
Where is he? Telephone town halls don't cut the mustard, Brian. I don't think you will be re-elected in 2018 with that approach...
5
"Where is he?" He's in hiding along with Pat Toomey.
1
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” I'll tell you why you opposed it, because a bunch of Republican legislators who vowed to obstruct President Obama's agenda in all forms, told you it was a bad thing . . . and you swallowed that malarky.
You opposed it because you didn't think for yourself. You opposed it because you got caught up in all the divisive rhetoric of the hard right and their media mouthpieces, all of whom, by the way, get very wealthy getting people like you riled up and voting against their own interests.
And you opposed it because you're a typical Trump voter who's angry at all the social advancements that have had to be crammed down your throats since the desegregation movement of the 60s. You opposed it because for the last 50 years America has been moving in what most of think is an enlightened direction and thereby at least partially fulfilling its promise, but which you and most Trump voters consider anathema. Simply put, Trump was your middle finger to the pointy headed liberals that you think are ruining your world. Not the most intelligent reason to vote. But you sure showed 'em!
You opposed it because you didn't think for yourself. You opposed it because you got caught up in all the divisive rhetoric of the hard right and their media mouthpieces, all of whom, by the way, get very wealthy getting people like you riled up and voting against their own interests.
And you opposed it because you're a typical Trump voter who's angry at all the social advancements that have had to be crammed down your throats since the desegregation movement of the 60s. You opposed it because for the last 50 years America has been moving in what most of think is an enlightened direction and thereby at least partially fulfilling its promise, but which you and most Trump voters consider anathema. Simply put, Trump was your middle finger to the pointy headed liberals that you think are ruining your world. Not the most intelligent reason to vote. But you sure showed 'em!
16
We need tax based, publicly guaranteed and funded, privately provided, universal care like in France, Switzerland, or Holland. Everyone pays according to their means, the risk is spread both across the population and the generations. What you "overpay" as a healthy young person, you reap later on, sonner or later. Get smart America!
5
We have to take health care, including big pharma, out of the free market capitalist system. No one should profit by speculating on the misfortune of others.
When Dr. Jonas Salk developed his polio vaccine in the fifties, he made it available to everyone as a remedy for the most dreaded disease of that era.
No patents. No fortunes made.
That would NEVER happen under our current system, which is why we won't see a cure for cancer in the U.S. The sheer misery it causes is simply too profitable to pass up.
When Dr. Jonas Salk developed his polio vaccine in the fifties, he made it available to everyone as a remedy for the most dreaded disease of that era.
No patents. No fortunes made.
That would NEVER happen under our current system, which is why we won't see a cure for cancer in the U.S. The sheer misery it causes is simply too profitable to pass up.
1
What's that old cliché saying: "you can't take it away with you, again" or something like that…
1
You still don't get it. They did not hate the law - they hated democrats and President Obama. Now that its a red administration in the white house - they are ok with it.
4
I would like to see an honest assessment of how much Medicaid fraud there is, in dollar amounts, broken down by state and county. I would like to know how many arrests have been made and what have been the sentences doled out.
Who is getting rich off the fraud?
Is it double billing, inflated billing, ghost billing? Are there thousands of urgent care centers doing it or are hundreds of major hospitals padding their income?
Get on it, NYT.
Who is getting rich off the fraud?
Is it double billing, inflated billing, ghost billing? Are there thousands of urgent care centers doing it or are hundreds of major hospitals padding their income?
Get on it, NYT.
2
Why is just the job of the NYT or journalists to root this out?
Did *you* review your last bill when you went to the doctor or hospital or testing center? Did *you* request a fully itemized bill? Did *you* compare your bills against whatever data is available for customary costs in your geographic area or what Medicare typically reimburses for the services or products you received?
Get on it.
Did *you* review your last bill when you went to the doctor or hospital or testing center? Did *you* request a fully itemized bill? Did *you* compare your bills against whatever data is available for customary costs in your geographic area or what Medicare typically reimburses for the services or products you received?
Get on it.
Many Americans also hated President Obama...until the reality of this president sunk in.
3
So, some people are slowly starting to realize how their own ignorance and stupidity is negatively affecting them? But, they are still unapologetic for the nightmare it brought to the rest of us, AKA: The majority of voters?
I'll tell you what I wish for, I wish that everyone who voted for Trump, that isn't a millionaire, would lose their health insurance. And if the GOP has it's way, they probably will. After all: THAT'S WHAT THEY VOTED FOR! (That, and a confirmed, unapologetic, demonstrable racist)
Then there would be a chance, a very small one, that they might finally learn something about the modern GOP.
Then again, no, they probably won't. And never will.
All Trump, McConnell and Fox News have to do is tell them that, "Hillary took your healthcare away!" And the deer's eyes will return to their place in the headlights...
I'll tell you what I wish for, I wish that everyone who voted for Trump, that isn't a millionaire, would lose their health insurance. And if the GOP has it's way, they probably will. After all: THAT'S WHAT THEY VOTED FOR! (That, and a confirmed, unapologetic, demonstrable racist)
Then there would be a chance, a very small one, that they might finally learn something about the modern GOP.
Then again, no, they probably won't. And never will.
All Trump, McConnell and Fox News have to do is tell them that, "Hillary took your healthcare away!" And the deer's eyes will return to their place in the headlights...
4
I believe the 20 (or 22) million that is quoted several times in the article (and in many other articles) does not refer to current plan participants who would lose their healthcare under the most recent Republican plan, but rather the people who are not currently covered who would have been added to the plan by 2026 either as a result of the enforced mandate or by an expansion of Medicaid.
Obviously covering as many people as possible is optimal, but it's a bit misleading to declare that people who don't currently have coverage are going to lose it.
Obviously covering as many people as possible is optimal, but it's a bit misleading to declare that people who don't currently have coverage are going to lose it.
Wrong:
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/52752
Read the section titled: Effects on Health Insurance Coverage". It's quite clear what they are saying.
https://www.cbo.gov/publication/52752
Read the section titled: Effects on Health Insurance Coverage". It's quite clear what they are saying.
In trying to comprehend the mindset of some of my fellow Americans, why do I always end up on a staircase in an M.C. Escher drawing?
You don't miss your water, till the well runs dry.
4
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.
He thought Democrats “jammed it down our throats,” and like Mr. Brahin, he worried about the growing deficit
He thought that because that's what republicans and FOX news said ad nauseum ose phrases and demanded the House and the Senate and the Presidency on those phrases.
He thought Democrats “jammed it down our throats,” and like Mr. Brahin, he worried about the growing deficit
He thought that because that's what republicans and FOX news said ad nauseum ose phrases and demanded the House and the Senate and the Presidency on those phrases.
2
They hated it because of the name: Obamacare. Plain and simple. If his name hadn't been attached to it, they never would have had a problem. Republicans knew that, which is why they started calling it Obamacare. Republicans are brilliant at branding, using words, "dog-whistle" words to fire-up their constituents, even when what they're selling is a pack of lies.
6
The anti-Obama people lied. A lot of people believed the lies.
But:
"A lie cannot live forever" - MLK
But:
"A lie cannot live forever" - MLK
7
These people want small government services, no tax burden and comfort
I say go back to school ... then vote
Congress needs to work for the nation, not corporate contributors or the party.
I say go back to school ... then vote
Congress needs to work for the nation, not corporate contributors or the party.
3
The second paragraph, "it's going to cost a fortune" so said by Mr. Brahin a lawyer and fiscal hawk.
We the USA are spending 45 billion a year in Afghanistan. We have been at war there for 16 years the bill for caring for the returning Veterans will be around a trillion dollars in the future.
Whats costing a fortune?
Why do we have to pay for this endless conflict?
We the USA are spending 45 billion a year in Afghanistan. We have been at war there for 16 years the bill for caring for the returning Veterans will be around a trillion dollars in the future.
Whats costing a fortune?
Why do we have to pay for this endless conflict?
3
Everywhere I go (Hotel, Restaurant, Office, etc...) that plays "FOX News" on one of all their TV's I either change the channel myself or ask to have it changed. Many medical offices and car repair shops now only allow HGTV or some other non-political channel to be displayed.
4
I just cannot fathom how people like this who seem intelligent can be so stupid. Obviously, since people are now forced to get health insurance and either put some money in to support their premiums with government help or pay a fine, more people are contributing to the cost of their own health care. Prior to this, they showed up in an emergency room, got care, and paid nothing. How is Obamacare not more fiscally conservative?
2
At the risk of defending Trump voters, maybe they took him at his word when he boasted that he could come up with a plan that was far better than Obamacare and they're still waiting for that. I think they'll be waiting a lot time...
3
It is good to see people finally starting to appreciate the true benefits of Obamacare. Still, this article continues to conflate health care with health insurance. What we need to fight for is universal healthcare. Whether that is paid for with a system of insurance companies and individual premiums or through healthcare taxes is a legitimate discussion. The individual mandate is a tax but so is the individual subsidies and the subsidies to the insurance companies (all those come from federal appropriations paid with our taxes).
The political climate is making the word "taxes" toxic and that leads to fiscal contortions to avoid the appearance of having them.
I, personally, support the idea of direct taxes for health care. It should be a basic right for all of us.
The political climate is making the word "taxes" toxic and that leads to fiscal contortions to avoid the appearance of having them.
I, personally, support the idea of direct taxes for health care. It should be a basic right for all of us.
9
Yes! Yes! Yes!
I couldn't have said it better myself.
The destruction of the phrase pulling something out "root-and-branch" reflects the thinking here. Destroy something even if it is life-giving, life-supporting healthcare for vulnerable people. Those quoted here give hope that humanity in Trump's America is not lost. Whether this is a true acknowledgement that every person can develop an illness, end up coping with one, have an accident or suffer some financial catastrophe that leaves them unable to afford health care doesn't matter. What matters is that it is now accepted that health care is a basic right.
In many ways, this parallels the attempt to destroy the environment by Trump's administration through polluting rivers with coal wastes, destroying the air through pollution, ignoring the science that certain chemicals will cause cancer and should be limited or not permitted by industry.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt encapsulated the views of most Americans: "Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” Pulling out trees (or healthcare) root and branch is poison for Americans.
In many ways, this parallels the attempt to destroy the environment by Trump's administration through polluting rivers with coal wastes, destroying the air through pollution, ignoring the science that certain chemicals will cause cancer and should be limited or not permitted by industry.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt encapsulated the views of most Americans: "Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” Pulling out trees (or healthcare) root and branch is poison for Americans.
9
Here's an idea: Socialized medicine, like they have in civilized countries. Just a thought.
10
Great example of what happens when people vote based on personality and forget they are charged with hiring someone whose knowledge and experience will directly impact their lives. If you had a sick child would you really want Donald Trump to look after it? Nobody would. So why did we vote for him to care for the health of millions of children?
5
I wouldn't trust Donnie Trump to clean my cat box. He's never worked an honest hour in his life.
1
It's mind-boggling and baffling why so many in this country will not -- will never -- look to the examples of other countries, where some form of single payer/universal coverage works, and works well. What nationalistic hubris. Sure, no system is perfect. But here, the opponents of universal coverage have made the perfect the enemy of the good. Perhaps the threat of losing the ACA is waking some people up. But that would be an enormous change, considering how people vote against their own self-interest so reliably. We'll see when they get to the ballot box.
5
This is both encouraging and disheartening. It appears that people are learning what the ACA has done for them.
But in the end, suggesting that Dems were wrong to pass the ACA without "one Republican vote."
The ACA was good thing, and it has been fortuitous that Dems went ahead an did it at a time when Republicans all, all, said "no way."
Though the past six months, we have all learned that they cannot and will not govern without deference to either the Tea Party, or to a President, clueless about everything, despite his bravado.
So, as to the suggestion that Republicans need to get 25-30 Democrats on board, baloney. Republicans need to help the Democrats fix the Affordable Care Act in two ways --- increasing subsidies to cover the donut hole, and, most importantly enforcing the personal mandate, each of which will stabilize the insurance markets and lower costs.
That they don't even understand this, is absurd.
But in the end, suggesting that Dems were wrong to pass the ACA without "one Republican vote."
The ACA was good thing, and it has been fortuitous that Dems went ahead an did it at a time when Republicans all, all, said "no way."
Though the past six months, we have all learned that they cannot and will not govern without deference to either the Tea Party, or to a President, clueless about everything, despite his bravado.
So, as to the suggestion that Republicans need to get 25-30 Democrats on board, baloney. Republicans need to help the Democrats fix the Affordable Care Act in two ways --- increasing subsidies to cover the donut hole, and, most importantly enforcing the personal mandate, each of which will stabilize the insurance markets and lower costs.
That they don't even understand this, is absurd.
1
If the facts supported by the anecdotal narratives in this column are to be believed then something good may be finally occurring. Clever camoaig slogans created a notion that the 20 million added to ACA rolls were either indolent poor or hapless undocumented immigrants. Now it's becoming clear that it was short sighted and suicidal thinking to the people in many hard scrabble areas including lawyers and small business types that they allowed themselves to be blindsided. Reform and restore is far more appealing than repeal and replace. Voters should realize not to chase fake catchy slogans that resonated in pubs and bars and church fish frys.
1
I want to thank Trump, McConnell, Ryan and the rest of the GOP for focusing so much attention on ObamaCare/ACA that the people who were against it now know what it actually is and want to keep it. Bravo!
4
The Russian Republicans (formerly the GOP) is owned by lobbyists, they only CARE about profits for the few.
Health CARE and prisons should not be for profit. Only in America in 2017 are we discussing the general well being of Americans and the profits to stockholders. RUSSIA HAS SINGLE PAYER NOT FOR PROFIT HEALTH CARE, maybe some of you Trumpsters would be happier in your homeland?
Health CARE and prisons should not be for profit. Only in America in 2017 are we discussing the general well being of Americans and the profits to stockholders. RUSSIA HAS SINGLE PAYER NOT FOR PROFIT HEALTH CARE, maybe some of you Trumpsters would be happier in your homeland?
3
Those who vehemently opposed the ACA did not do so based on principle, or critical analysis.
They opposed it because they simply hated Barack Obama.
They opposed it because they simply hated Barack Obama.
10
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy, who owns Bagel Barrel, on a quaint and bustling street near Mr. Brahin’s law office here in Doylestown.
Hmmmm...can't remember why he opposed OBAMAcare, eh? The article doesn't indicate the level of opposition Mr. Murphy expressed for OBAMAcare, but based upon its title (and the fact that his comments were included) I'm going to assume that it was high. Yet he can't seem to remember why he opposed it? What could possibly be the reason for this type of amnesia with respect to OBAMAcare?
Like I wrote earlier: Hmmmmm...
Hmmmm...can't remember why he opposed OBAMAcare, eh? The article doesn't indicate the level of opposition Mr. Murphy expressed for OBAMAcare, but based upon its title (and the fact that his comments were included) I'm going to assume that it was high. Yet he can't seem to remember why he opposed it? What could possibly be the reason for this type of amnesia with respect to OBAMAcare?
Like I wrote earlier: Hmmmmm...
6
They should have been putting $12 a month away, just like their beloved president said.
3
But yet, there is no living Republican who will admit that Obama was right.......
5
Ms. McMahon exemplifies Darwin's theory of evolution at work. A diabetic who refuses to investigate insurance options and premium support available to her is just crazy. A diabetic who only tests her blood sugar once a month (4-6 times per day is recommended) will be dead or severely disabled in a few years due to complications from lack of blood sugar control.
7
"'I can’t even remember why I opposed it,' said Patrick Murphy..."
I can: You were gullible enough to accept GOP rhetoric at face value, and ignored that gray mass between your ears.
Hopefully, most of those like Mr. Murphy will admit that they were wrong to oppose the ACA, and move forward to insure that all Americans are protected at the time of greatest need.
I can: You were gullible enough to accept GOP rhetoric at face value, and ignored that gray mass between your ears.
Hopefully, most of those like Mr. Murphy will admit that they were wrong to oppose the ACA, and move forward to insure that all Americans are protected at the time of greatest need.
2
If you don't want healthcare, then wear a medical alert bracelet that forfeits the right to emergency or other medical treatment at a hospital so I don't have to pay for it with increased premiums to cover your irresponsibility.
7
"Mark Goracy, an insurance consultant in Langhorne, near Doylestown, calls the coverage he and his wife get through the individual market “a joke.” Their premium is $1,415 a month, with combined deductibles of more than $12,000."
He must consult for "Worker's Comp Insurance"
He must consult for "Worker's Comp Insurance"
I am all for the repeal. It's the only way these people are going to make the effort to educate themselves about why they are angry about what they are angry .
1
We need once again to break the back of magical thinking. To begin we have to start regulating television properly again. Pandering should be seen for what it is and restricted as much as possible.
Sexuality and foul language is not the problem, those things do not create minds that do not think properly. It is the normalization of dishonesty, manipulation and deceit that has fed the ignorance and normalized it among people whose forebears at least had the sense to recognize they were ignorant and because of that endeavor to seek truth and honesty. If you mistakenly think you are "good enough" as is why would you bother to try to change?
Sexuality and foul language is not the problem, those things do not create minds that do not think properly. It is the normalization of dishonesty, manipulation and deceit that has fed the ignorance and normalized it among people whose forebears at least had the sense to recognize they were ignorant and because of that endeavor to seek truth and honesty. If you mistakenly think you are "good enough" as is why would you bother to try to change?
1
Yes, appropriate regulation by the broadcasters not only in opinion mislabeled "news", but the overwhelming depiction of violence and casual brandishing of firearms.
Headline could be: they hated the health law, until their irrational anti-Obama/pro-Trump fury wore off and they actually spent more than two minutes learning about it.
5
Or Jr jumped off the roof & broke his arm, the hospital said it would cost thousands they didn't have, so they would have gone bankrupt. Instead kid's arm healed crooked. Cause they splinted it themselves. They saw it done on TV, looked easy on old westerns.
Vaccines should be mandatory & be free. No school or work if anyone in family (without an immune system problem) doesn't get them.
Vaccines should be mandatory & be free. No school or work if anyone in family (without an immune system problem) doesn't get them.
1
Patrick Murphy can't remember why he opposed the Affordable Care Act? I think I know....because it was called OBAMA care.
1
It is/was the ACA. The republicans named it ObamaCare.
I'm curious if Patrick Murphy opposed the law initially because it was Obama's idea (well, it was actually a GOP idea, but I digress). Was it just a dislike of Democrats in general?
1
You get what you vote for. I have absolutely zero sympathy for these people. None.
5
What about those who didn't vote for 'him', will be the first to lose all insurance if we allow 'him' to stay in office. See the republicans have figured out that dead people can be made to vote for whomever those in control want them too. They have done it for decades, now will make lots of new republican voters among the newly dead. To them it's a win/win scenario.
People who are sick and refuse to buy health insurance because they drank the Republican Kool-Aid and worship Trump make life more expensive for the rest of us. They fill our ERs and need ET services--and the rest of us pay for THEM. They're cheapskates and they live in a fantasy world, totally self-centered. Like their hero, Trump.
11
Come now, the overwhelmingly amplified objections to the ACA comes from and is paid for by the 1% oligarchs and kleptocrats who are outraged that they must share a tiny portion of the cost. Those are the cheapskates who live in the fantasy world, not the poor schmucks who hear only Fox entertainment blared from every gas station and tire store.
I can't let them off the hook. They're the people who elected Trump. And they know what they're doing. Yes, there are oligarchs and kleptocrats, and there are also people who simply like to ignore reality in favor of toeing the Republican line.
All the problems with Obamacare (ACA) will go away if every state enacted the Medicaid expansion AND if the public option was included. A fix for the lack of multiple insures in some state is to 1) Require an insurer in a state to offer coverage in the entire state. Establish a public option in states with less than 2 insurers. Such public option should be cost neutral.
4
Ms. McMahon should quit being so stubborn and uninformed,
and find out what she qualifies for under Obamacare.
I suspect she'll be pleasantly, but grudgingly, surprised.
and find out what she qualifies for under Obamacare.
I suspect she'll be pleasantly, but grudgingly, surprised.
8
It's a little too late now to educate yourself on these issues -- look what you have done to our country. Obamacare (ACA) was meant to help you! And, how the rest of us will pay for it on this issue and just about every other issue that I can think of.
Stunned at the people in the US and we can thank a lack of education in addition to voting against Obama on principle.
Stunned at the people in the US and we can thank a lack of education in addition to voting against Obama on principle.
1
I agree with many commentators that right-wing propaganda was largely responsible for turning these people against Obamacare. However, Republicans love to think of themselves as self-reliant and independent. It annoys and disappoints me that these values don't make them work harder to resist their party's propaganda. In the age of the internet, a man of 50 who is smart enough to own his own business should take more trouble to do his homework, so that he understands the issues and doesn't have to say he can't recall why he ever opposed a major policy.
6
I think it;s an unfair assessment to say that the Republicans have done what the Democrats never could in "selling" the ACA.
More aptly, the Republicans never had a workable alternative that would fit in with their eternal quest to protect the wealthy; their trying to gut the ACA in order to "find" the nearly a trillion dollars they need for the promised tax cut to benefit mostly the wealthiest in the nation, exposed their greed but more importantly, their lack of compassion.It exposed how expendable the majority of the country is in their considerations in legislation on many levels and many issues.
Poor people for the first time had a chance at the many benefits of health care, including being healthy enough to live and work for, a decent life.
More aptly, the Republicans never had a workable alternative that would fit in with their eternal quest to protect the wealthy; their trying to gut the ACA in order to "find" the nearly a trillion dollars they need for the promised tax cut to benefit mostly the wealthiest in the nation, exposed their greed but more importantly, their lack of compassion.It exposed how expendable the majority of the country is in their considerations in legislation on many levels and many issues.
Poor people for the first time had a chance at the many benefits of health care, including being healthy enough to live and work for, a decent life.
6
No mention of seniors that face eviction from their nursing home if Medicaid cuts are as draconian as proposed. There are lots of problems with the proposed law, not the least of which is it's a smokescreen for a huge tax cut for the wealthy. I just turned 65 and was relieved to get Medicare. I agree with last person quoted in the article that a bipartisan solution would be best, but I don't see that happening, so I advocate for Medicare for all with the capability to negotiate drug prices and allow providers to post prices for procedures. Let consumers of care compare cost and quality, then see where prices go.
6
I wish Ms. McMahon and folks like her well but as a MD I see lots of people get into whole lot of trouble without good preventive care. I disagree with Ms.McMahon and folks like her. Not getting health care via Medicaid will cause End Organ damage: Kidney failure needing Dialysis and transplant, Coronary disease needing CABG, Stroke leading to disability and needing PT/OT/Rehab. As a tax payer I rather pay ACA tax to provide preventive care than pay for 1000 times more expensive treatment with tax payer money. We should held some TV and radio talk show responsible for brainwashing these people.
13
Regarding Mr. Goracy's comments that now 20 or 25 democrats should join republicans to improve the ACA, where were those 20-25 republicans in 2010? The debate over the ACA lasted 14 months, was public and the final bill including dead many amendments proposed by republicans. Recent efforts by the republicans not only excluded democrats, it excluded the entire country, including many of their fellow republican congressmen and senators, the final bills created in secret, without public comment, voted on prior to being evaluated by the CBO. Not even close to the effort waged by democrats at bipartisanship. I agree with your assertion that republicans should now work with democrats, yet disagree strongly with the implication that the democrat and republican efforts at the legislative process is in any way significantly similar.
6
This article indicates in various places that national support is up, even in some segments of republican voters but the Kaiser poll seems to indicate that the republican voters as a whole hate the ACA as much as ever over all.
There will never be a change as long as 80% of republicans support what their party does no matter who and what they do and are anti-democrat no matter how much the democrats try to enact laws to help EVERYONE and 30% support the President no matter what he does to our country, our environment and the planet.
Democrats and Independents needs to run on single payer in 2018 and 2020.
There will never be a change as long as 80% of republicans support what their party does no matter who and what they do and are anti-democrat no matter how much the democrats try to enact laws to help EVERYONE and 30% support the President no matter what he does to our country, our environment and the planet.
Democrats and Independents needs to run on single payer in 2018 and 2020.
7
Stating your opinion that we need single payer health insurance is very different from making a persuasive argument for its feasibility as a winning Democratic campaign issue. I would be interested in the latter. But I wonder why the Times bothered publishing your comment, since you add no relevant factual evidence to back up your desire.
1
Their premium is $1,415 a month, with combined deductibles of more than $12,000?
I've never seen any plan in the ACA Exchanges cost that much, and I live in the NYC (the most expensive place to buy insurance). Am I missing something?
I've never seen any plan in the ACA Exchanges cost that much, and I live in the NYC (the most expensive place to buy insurance). Am I missing something?
10
It could be an employer-offered plan.
3
This article doesn't accord to the real world. For the most part this law does not cover 85% of the population. They have no idea what is in it, and no one can be against affordable health care, whatever that means. They all agree on pre-existing conditions, but do not realize that it is in employer insurance, and they want under 26 coverage and do not realize neither party would abolish it.
They don't understand Medicaid and most probably don't realize that government providing nursing home costs to their indigent aging parents, which they strongly approve, is labelled Medicaid. The big defenders of Medicaid expansion are the governors who don't want to raise state taxes to pay for it.
The big objection to Obamacare and a major cause of its disastrous impact on the Democrats in the 2010 election was not what it did, but what it didn't do. It didn't apply to the 85% as Obama had promised in 2008. They are against current Republican plans because those who support them are not in a mood to have expensive plans for the 85%.
I assume Trump is deliberately killing off Ryan-Cruz Care by showing it cannot pass and that then he will negotiate with the Democrats to do something for the 85% as well. Of course, if the Democrats won't, then he will wham them for being against good health care, but just wanting Heritagecare.
They don't understand Medicaid and most probably don't realize that government providing nursing home costs to their indigent aging parents, which they strongly approve, is labelled Medicaid. The big defenders of Medicaid expansion are the governors who don't want to raise state taxes to pay for it.
The big objection to Obamacare and a major cause of its disastrous impact on the Democrats in the 2010 election was not what it did, but what it didn't do. It didn't apply to the 85% as Obama had promised in 2008. They are against current Republican plans because those who support them are not in a mood to have expensive plans for the 85%.
I assume Trump is deliberately killing off Ryan-Cruz Care by showing it cannot pass and that then he will negotiate with the Democrats to do something for the 85% as well. Of course, if the Democrats won't, then he will wham them for being against good health care, but just wanting Heritagecare.
1
The rise of the Tea Party killed bipartisanship in Congress. That was the start of Congress's decline and the legislative process. Obstructionism by either the Republicans or the Democrats is simply the result of each party's resolve to be absolute in their beliefs, therefore killing the ability to seek compromises on issues. Governing is all about compromising as we are a democracy wherein you cannot make everyone happy all the time. Anything else is bordering on totalitarianism. Are we eventually doomed to this fate?
4
We got into this mess by allowing undue influence to people taking inflexible positions based on what they think an imaginary being they credit for creating the whole universe thinks about topical issues.
As usual Republicans go totally blank on the fact that Democrats BEGGED Republicans for their input on the ACA, incorporated much of that input in return for GOP votes, only to find out that Republicans have NO integrity as everyone voted "NO" just for politics, regardless of it being policy that they CLAIMED was acceptable for them. The Dems took 18 months wooing and courting Republican votes, got promises of votes, only have the entire GOP renege.
That was TOTALLY different than McConnell taking 13 of the most conservative male Republicans into a "secret" room to craft a plan to give nearly a $trillion in tax cuts to the super wealthy while slashing healthcare beyond the bone...and then surprise, surprise! Republicans from both the moderate (there is no GOP "left") and hard rightwing opposed it, and the "revised plan" was sunk by: Republican woman who'd been ignored throughout the whole process by McConnell and his cohort.
Not just Trump, but now McConnell and Ryan are learning a hard fact about Washington: Cutting spending is the HARDEST thing to do because someone always opposes it. Senators don't want cuts in their states, or other states in their party, but first in their state. Reps don't want cuts in their district first and foremost, and then their party's districts and states.
Someone ALWAYS gets burned and someone always finds a way NOT to cut something that should be cut. Debts are incurred and enemies are made.
Cutting is the hardest thing to do in Washington.
That was TOTALLY different than McConnell taking 13 of the most conservative male Republicans into a "secret" room to craft a plan to give nearly a $trillion in tax cuts to the super wealthy while slashing healthcare beyond the bone...and then surprise, surprise! Republicans from both the moderate (there is no GOP "left") and hard rightwing opposed it, and the "revised plan" was sunk by: Republican woman who'd been ignored throughout the whole process by McConnell and his cohort.
Not just Trump, but now McConnell and Ryan are learning a hard fact about Washington: Cutting spending is the HARDEST thing to do because someone always opposes it. Senators don't want cuts in their states, or other states in their party, but first in their state. Reps don't want cuts in their district first and foremost, and then their party's districts and states.
Someone ALWAYS gets burned and someone always finds a way NOT to cut something that should be cut. Debts are incurred and enemies are made.
Cutting is the hardest thing to do in Washington.
16
This, to me, is the shame of fake -- and even overtly partisan -- news. Good citizens believe what they hear, and then join the fight against something that is actually in their best interests.
As an independent, I share many values with my conservative friends. Win-at-all-costs politicking is not one of them.
As an independent, I share many values with my conservative friends. Win-at-all-costs politicking is not one of them.
171
And Fintan, my question is: win what? That's what I can't comprehend about the Republican hunger for "winning."
HL Menken once opined "No one ever went broke underestimating the intellect of the American people."
Here we have so many cases in point. Too bad they didn't engage their brains before pulling the voting levers last November.
Perhaps a whiff of healthcare - induced bankruptcy will wake 'em up. After all, Trump thinks we should just "let Obamacare fail." That will be a great payback for their support of Putin's Poodle.
Here we have so many cases in point. Too bad they didn't engage their brains before pulling the voting levers last November.
Perhaps a whiff of healthcare - induced bankruptcy will wake 'em up. After all, Trump thinks we should just "let Obamacare fail." That will be a great payback for their support of Putin's Poodle.
6
An insurance broker, someone I knew in college and now an insurance broker in the Dallas area, was irate about the ACA when enacted. At the heart of his issue was the reduced profit on health insurance - from 30% to 20%. Someone mad about only making a 20% profit can only be described as greedy. I have little sympathy for someone if it means the ACA will only allow them to afford a 30' RV, instead of the deluxe 40' diesel pusher.
9
The question in the news for the past 8 years was, "Why should we all be forced to buy health insurance if we don't want to?"
The question so many ask now is, "Why does this country have to suffer so much because low information voters consistently vote against their own best interests?"
The question so many ask now is, "Why does this country have to suffer so much because low information voters consistently vote against their own best interests?"
17
How does anyone even attempt to reason with people who voted to lose their own health care?
54
The weaknesses in Obamacare were because the Democrats tried so desperately to appease Republicans. The hatred of Obamacare was fomented by Republicans even before implementation. The places where Obamacare is weakest are those Republican-controlled states which rejected it, wanted to sabotage Obamacare. And let’s not forget: Obama had a provision for states to devise their own system if they had a better one, as long as it accomplished the primary mission of the Affordable Care Act. The ACA was designed initially to address a central issue: expanding access to health insurance through the for-profit insurance market, and secondly to get health care costs down by spreading costs, capping non-patient premium costs at 20%, and sharing and incentivizing best practices. Had Republicans allowed Obamacare to be fully implemented, there could have been a new focus on reducing health care costs, beginning with establishing reasonable limits on Big Pharma profits. Americans pay the most per capita with the poorest results of any industrialized nation.
19
The drive to put the ACA in a negative, disastrous light was one of the greatest propaganda efforts of the last 100 yrs. No wonder people were either confused or convinced that the law would harm the nation, it had been pounded home day after day for months.
One of the silliest, but most widely accepted views was that the Democrats "rammed it down our throats". In point of fact, the Republicans came together as a united front to oppose the law for political purposes. They agreed among themselves that none of them would support it with a single vote, even though it was more or less modeled on "Romneycare" that passed in Massachusetts successfully years earlier. When one side refuses to participate in government, what is the majority to do? Give up and go home? In the current era, the Republicans have no problem "ramming" legislation through without the support of Democrats.
All of this shows you can't change people's minds once they are made up and people made up their minds very quickly about the ACA. They have to change them themselves as they are doing now, coming to fully understand something that was presented to them as horrid is actually a useful addition to the lives of millions.
Aside from helping people, the greatest accomplishment if Obamacare is the idea, now widely and almost universally accepted, that everyone must have access to health care. The only question is how best to do it. The "free market" has no answers to this problem.
11
Largely lost in the political gamesmanship and breathless reporting about health care are the looming moral questions. In another beautifully written NYT article yesterday, an author described living with glioblastoma with the aid of Opdiva and Optune, treatments that cost approximately $500,000 per year. These fantastic live-saving treatments are going to become more common, and as they extend lives, the long-term costs are going to spiral. Who should have access to these hugely expensive treatments and who should pay for it?
Answering everyone and the government, respectively, would bankrupt even our wealthy nation. Conversely, it is immoral and unconscionable that a country as wealthy as ours will literally let people die for want of insurance. Part of the answer is that only the government has the size and power (since they fund the bulk of early stage R&D that leads to these treatments) to keep prices in check, but part of the answer is that as a society, we need to figure out how much we really pro-life and how much we are willing to pay for it, not only for ourselves and families, but also for those we have never met.
Answering everyone and the government, respectively, would bankrupt even our wealthy nation. Conversely, it is immoral and unconscionable that a country as wealthy as ours will literally let people die for want of insurance. Part of the answer is that only the government has the size and power (since they fund the bulk of early stage R&D that leads to these treatments) to keep prices in check, but part of the answer is that as a society, we need to figure out how much we really pro-life and how much we are willing to pay for it, not only for ourselves and families, but also for those we have never met.
3
“When something is threatened to be taken away, people start to rally around it,”
Gee, wouldn't that have been a more convenient thought before November 2016? Bucks county only went to Hillary by 0.6%. Like Barrack said, elections have consequences folks.
Gee, wouldn't that have been a more convenient thought before November 2016? Bucks county only went to Hillary by 0.6%. Like Barrack said, elections have consequences folks.
17
This story begs the question: Isn't it obvious that a single payer system would deliver more coverage while at the same time be more efficient and affordable?
22
Maybe the residents of states that did not expand Medicaid should question their legislators on why they voted against it.
17
Question? How about replace them?
2
“Unlike when Democrats passed A.C.A. with not one Republican vote, what the Republicans need to do is get together with 20 or 25 Democrats and pass some kind of reform,” he said. “That, to me, is how legislation is supposed to proceed.”
It is quite true that not one Republican supported the ACA but this quote implies that the Democrats foisted health care onto people with no regard for them. And that isn't true at all. Back then, the Republicans were intractable. They would not support anything coming from Obama. Remember the "you lie" comment? Democrats have long wanted to tweak the ACA, acknowledging that it, like all major pieces of legislation, must be fine tuned once enacted to accommodate un-forseen circumstances. But the R's wouldn't have it. They shouted that ACA was a disaster and must be eliminated completely. Even now, their leaders cling to this falsehood. Even now they march in lock step behind Trump. A man who reacts negatively toward anyone unwilling to worship him.
Hopefully all this will not die down come the mid-term elections. The chaos must remain in order to keep exposed the venal disregard most of the Republican representatives and senators have for the American public. Those bums must be voted out of office and replaced by some people with a heart.
It is quite true that not one Republican supported the ACA but this quote implies that the Democrats foisted health care onto people with no regard for them. And that isn't true at all. Back then, the Republicans were intractable. They would not support anything coming from Obama. Remember the "you lie" comment? Democrats have long wanted to tweak the ACA, acknowledging that it, like all major pieces of legislation, must be fine tuned once enacted to accommodate un-forseen circumstances. But the R's wouldn't have it. They shouted that ACA was a disaster and must be eliminated completely. Even now, their leaders cling to this falsehood. Even now they march in lock step behind Trump. A man who reacts negatively toward anyone unwilling to worship him.
Hopefully all this will not die down come the mid-term elections. The chaos must remain in order to keep exposed the venal disregard most of the Republican representatives and senators have for the American public. Those bums must be voted out of office and replaced by some people with a heart.
9
Every time the Democrats ceded anything to the Republicans, they shifted the goalposts.
8
The extraordinarily high premiums and deductibles that Mr. Goracy pays each month are a result of the combination of his and his wife's age and their income. Their insurance company doesn't have to charge such high premiums or have such high deductibles - they are allowed under the ACA to do so. I was in the same situation as the Goracy's - paying outrageous premiums for insurance I literally could not afford to use because of the deductible - and had a bucket list of health issues that I finally addressed when I became eligible for Medicare. Medicare For All!
15
Mr. Goracy is free to go outside the Marketplace and buy a policy from an Agent or direct from the issuer. You are too.
1
A common mistake made in the health care debate is to think of buying health insurance the same way one thinks of buying a house or a car rather than like paying to fund the fire department. We don't need the fire department until we REALLY need them, and at that time, the question is not whether you paid for fire department services, but rather how do we save lives and preserve the community as a whole. Those who don't want to "pay for things I don't need" are ultimately counting on the beneficence of the community as a whole to bail them out if they have a serious accident or are suddenly diagnosed with cancer or another major illness. We don't pick and choose which houses the fire department will respond to, but this is the dilemma that opting out of health insurance presents to the health care system. When Ms. McMahon has a diabetic crisis, goes into coma, or requires dialysis, who is responsible and are we willing to just say "tough luck'?
19
Wait. There are people earning less than $30,000 ,/ year who vote Republican?
32
If you believed Trump's stump speeches, all of his voters were out of work because off immigrants combined with bad trade deals and the "hoax" of climate change.
2
Maybe if the GOP stopped running negative advertising about health care people would not be so freaked out about fixing the ACA.
11
What they hated was never so much the health law but the President whose skill and compassion got it passed.
55
So now it's "Keep your government hands off my Obamacare!", eh?
24
When McMahon inevitably becomes very sick from her untreated diabetes I trust she had her family will have no trouble taking personal responsibility and they will sell the family farm to cover the hundreds of thousands of dollars it will cost to treat her.
87
Here is the problem that I have with the Cindy McMahon's out there. They elect to go without healthcare coverage, meaning that when. not if, but when she needs care, unless she can pay 100% out of pocket, which I doubt she can, she has no problem with forcing the rest of us to pay for her care.
Hospitals cant turn patients away because of ability to pay for services. Thus every year, hospitals are forced to write-off millions in uncompensated services. These costs are ultimately passed along to those who are responsible and carry insurance. Thus, if you have healthcare insurance, you're paying a premium every month in the form of higher costs to take care of the Cindy's out there.
If hospitals and medical providers cant turn patients away, then everyone should be required to have coverage or show the ability to self pay 100% of the costs. It's no different than auto insurance. If you drive, you must have insurance.
Hospitals cant turn patients away because of ability to pay for services. Thus every year, hospitals are forced to write-off millions in uncompensated services. These costs are ultimately passed along to those who are responsible and carry insurance. Thus, if you have healthcare insurance, you're paying a premium every month in the form of higher costs to take care of the Cindy's out there.
If hospitals and medical providers cant turn patients away, then everyone should be required to have coverage or show the ability to self pay 100% of the costs. It's no different than auto insurance. If you drive, you must have insurance.
70
Hospitals can and do refuse to admit or treat uninsured people all the time. Only people in LIFE THREATENING emergency need must be treated with enough care to stabilize them. Even those patients will be billed by the hospital, and their accounts turned over to bill collectors, usually resulting in a bankruptcy for the patient. The hospitals then write off the cost as their charitable contribution to the community. Politico did an excellent article on this just this week.
5
What you say is especially true in the Republican states that refused to expand Medicaid. There unpaid ER costs continue to increase the cost of healthcare and so the price of healthcare premiums for everybody who carries insurance. Yet the faux news incessantly blames it on Obamacare, doesn't it?
If every person in this country would spend one hour of reading (or watching) different points of view for every hour they spend reading (or watching) what they normally read (or watch) there would be a lot less animosity between the dems and reps.
6
IF you have a chronic condition, like diabetes, you need to get health care insurance. If you're healthy, you need at least catastrophic health care insurance. Nasty stuff happens.
One failure within the health care insurance/delivery system is that providers, while distributing lots of "health information," don't talk about health insurance beyond to the receptionist asking, "Do you have your insurance card?"
One failure within the health care insurance/delivery system is that providers, while distributing lots of "health information," don't talk about health insurance beyond to the receptionist asking, "Do you have your insurance card?"
6
Did I miss the reason McMahon so opposes the ACA that she is likely paying far more than she would with insurance? But she's willing to throw away money to get no coverage? From the beginning, it was obvious that the fine should match the local cost, and then be used to buy a policy. If people fail to use it, well, okay, though stupid. But at least then, when they suddenly need insurance, they'd have it.
2
You really can't fix willful ignorance. The ignorant must suffer the consequences. And sometimes, that means suffer. The ONLY way they will learn.
6
"Nobody knew health insurance was so complicated!" The people that voted for Donald Trump certainly did not. But it was fun while it lasted to pretend you knew what you were talking about and sticking it to Hillary and Obama.
13
This is one of those articles that kinda makes my eyes twirl uncontrollably in their sockets. Why didn't they think about this before they voted in men (and inexplicably women) who spent 7 years saying they could take insurance away from millions to improve American health care? Every time we provide a liberal government benefit it improves million of people's' lives. THAT'S why they are hard to take away. Not this GOP canard about makers and takers. Pushing people into a deep hole and telling them to climb out on their own is not good policy. No, it's what's better known as cruelty.
11
This article does a great job of highlighting the correlation between Republicanism and stupidity. The McConnells and Ryans sure know where their bread is buttered.
14
the claim by Mr. Goracy 62 is the perfect example of misinformation about the ACA plan costs. He leaves out his income, which is likely near or above 6 figures considering his stated job. He omits if his wife has an income and also what their assets are. He omits the plan level he purchases, and if he (at 62) or his wife have conditions that place them in the higher risk pools. His age alone means his insurer can charge 3 times what a similarly situated 25 year old would pay. Meaning that individual would have the same income bracket, dependents, level of care and health conditions. Goracy chooses to buy on the marketplace so he can get a subsidy from the government, he does not have to buy there, he can buy directly from the insurance company.
giving only part of the details is a means to hype his anger and "prove" his claim about how expensive things are, and that is tantamount to lying.
giving only part of the details is a means to hype his anger and "prove" his claim about how expensive things are, and that is tantamount to lying.
11
Thank you. It's unfortunate that people don't take the time to figure this out. Everyone you see in these comments that screams about their high premiums turns out to be someone wealthy enough to not qualify for tax breaks. They're just trying to hitch a free ride on a plan meant for those who could not access insurance any other way.
Ultimately what we are experiencing in this country is the foolishness of believing Milton Friedman was write: that markets will fix, cure everything. Markets are a panacea. Well they are not. Even Friedman conceded that capitalism exploits those at the bottom of the economic ladder and that there should be a negative income tax to assist them. However, the current right wing political parties and media seem to have forgotten you have to add ethics to capitalism and markets to have a just society
7
The same thing happened here in Canada decades ago. Many people, even liberals, were opposed to government health care. But now, 86% of people are in favor of expanding it further, even though it is nearly universal now.
16
I wish the people who cast their votes for #45 could look at the larger picture. What the GOP has shown itself to be is mean-spirited, greedy and arrogant. They exhibit those same character traits in more than just how they've manhandled (or tried to) the repeal/replacement of the ACA.
While everyone's worrying about losing healthcare coverage, just today, #45 appointed a person who does not have a background in science of any kind to the top scientific position in the USDA. What qualification does he have for such an important post, you ask? Why, what a good question. He served as a senior adviser in #45's election campaign.
In contrast, previous undersecretaries at the USDA were biochemists, plant physiologists, nutrition experts. Catherine Woteki, the previous undersecretary, helped manage the Mars, Inc. company’s scientific research on health, nutrition, and public safety.
While everyone's worrying about losing healthcare coverage, just today, #45 appointed a person who does not have a background in science of any kind to the top scientific position in the USDA. What qualification does he have for such an important post, you ask? Why, what a good question. He served as a senior adviser in #45's election campaign.
In contrast, previous undersecretaries at the USDA were biochemists, plant physiologists, nutrition experts. Catherine Woteki, the previous undersecretary, helped manage the Mars, Inc. company’s scientific research on health, nutrition, and public safety.
8
Republicans hammered home their message that Obamacare is a disaster-- never mind that they provided no facts to back that up-- and many people swallowed that line without question. However, now many of those same people have real experience with Obamacare and can see what it provides for themselves. They even know that Obamacare and the ACA are one and the same. It doesn't surprise me that significant numbers are changing their view and letting the people who represent them in Congress know. Many of those representatives who shouted the party line against the ACA for seven years are now in a very uncomfortable position with better informed constituents speaking up.
5
Hey Democrats in Congress: how about learning from the Republicans and branding Trumpcare like they did with the Affordable Care Act?
Let's be shameless in having something simplistically catchy, while staying factually true (unlike "Death Panels")
How's: Trumpcare is Junkcare.
Let's be shameless in having something simplistically catchy, while staying factually true (unlike "Death Panels")
How's: Trumpcare is Junkcare.
10
Ms McMahon might have insurance if she actually understood the ACA. She is eligible for low cost insurance. Better educating citizens about how the program works is one phase of improving this plan.
15
Did you think to ask them what they thought about President Barack Obama? Then and now? As compared to the thing occupying the white house?
12
If they are anything like my relatives, they will follow Trump off a cliff as long as he appoints anti-abortion judges and continues to support 2nd Amendment rights. They will forgive anything else he does that might harm them and their families.
2
Why did these people oppose the ACA eight years ago and have suddenly woken to its virtues? Because before, it had the name of that Black guy in the White House stamped on it -- Obama-care -- and only when it can be compared to Republican "plans" can it now be appreciated.
16
This is a pointless article. None of these plans can work because the insurance companies suck 25 cents out of every dollar we spend on health care, and the drug companies are robbing us blind.
A European style single payer system is inevitable - let's just do it now, and stop wasting the taxpayers money.
Why can't the Times support this actively, instead of trying to turn stupidity into drama every day?
A European style single payer system is inevitable - let's just do it now, and stop wasting the taxpayers money.
Why can't the Times support this actively, instead of trying to turn stupidity into drama every day?
11
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said one man in the story. Oh come on, you know exactly why you opposed it, the same reason all your friends in rural Appalachia opposed it. It is a very "black and white" issue after all.
18
Doylestown is hardly ,nor is Langhorne, a place for a good cross section of opinion. La-di-da liberals and passive conservatives are not particularly a good sampling of the populace of Bucks County. This report may as well have been done st lunch time on Wall Street. A lawyer, insurance broker and a landed/merchant? How did the injured teacher get in there? Next time, try leaving your comfott zone and go into Levittown Bristol or Bensalen.
The current healthcare system is unsustainable without acknowledging the huge elephant in the room - that the system is for profit. That is the biggest problem, of many. Either the government is going to pay (dems ACA) or the people are going to pay (Repubs). That is what this battle is being waged about - who is paying? There needs to be a basic portable single payer system set up - Medicare for all where profit is taken out of the equation. If people want above and beyond, then they can purchase a supplemental policy. What if there was a national sales tax of 1% to help pay for this? Remove the income cap on medicare/ss tax. There seems to be plenty of money for a wall, military, even plenty of money to give to health insurance companies to "shore up the market" (what does that even mean, sounds like corporate welfare), but when it comes to enacting a national single payer system, there is no money. Single payer is already working just fine for seniors, its called Medicare. At the very least, expand Medicare to people age 50 and up.
11
"“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy"
We ALL know why you opposed it sir; because Republicans opposed everything the first black president accomplished, even if it benefitted the entire country. Racism still is one of the most destructive forces in this country. The Repub's decision to call the Affordable Care Act "Obamacare" was a sure way to stir up opposition among whites. It's sad how many people fell for that trick.
We ALL know why you opposed it sir; because Republicans opposed everything the first black president accomplished, even if it benefitted the entire country. Racism still is one of the most destructive forces in this country. The Repub's decision to call the Affordable Care Act "Obamacare" was a sure way to stir up opposition among whites. It's sad how many people fell for that trick.
21
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy...
Yeah, right.
Yeah, right.
9
"I hate Obamacare!"
"Don't take away my ACA!"
This whole scenario is just more evidence of the irrational hatred of Democrats by Republican voters. It is also more evidence of their, shall we say, skin pigment bias.
"Don't take away my ACA!"
This whole scenario is just more evidence of the irrational hatred of Democrats by Republican voters. It is also more evidence of their, shall we say, skin pigment bias.
11
I continue to be flabbergasted at the utter stupidity of our voting population.
6
Unfortunately this article demonstrates just how ignorant many Americans are about matters that are a bit more complicated than making toast. The overwhelming majority of people who were against the ACA line up neatly with the overwhelming majority of idiots who were against seeing President Obama succeed in office (ie. 'Day One goal to make Obama a one term President). This also lines up neatly with the same group of willful idiots who value political party over country/patriotism.
6
No sympathy whatsoever. Your vote for this man was fueled by hate and not one iota of intelligence.
5
Most people who were adamantly against Obamacare and pro-Trump thought the he was going to replace it with a better plan, one that would cover everyone with high quality medical insurance and cost them less. Of course, Trump and the Republicans had no such plan. In fact, such a plan is impossible unless we're talking about Medicare for all. Now people know this and realize that Donald Trump and the Republicans were lying and that they continue to lie. They lie about what Obamacare is and how successful it has been. And they lie about their replacement. I hope in 2018 and 2020 voters will show them the door and lock them out for a good long time.
5
Lesson: Given time truth catches up and surpasses fake news.
3
How terribly uniformed are the people of this country. It just hurts to read this everyday.
677
What does knowing it is intentional do for you?
1
When one party works as hard as it can to spread disinformation, lies, and fear it shouldn't be surprising. I do, however, share your pain.
2
Yes, almost 40% of this country are ignorant, resentful bigots. It's called "American Exceptionalism."
Will restate the obvious.
For the GOP this was always about partisan spite and race resentment.
Now Obama, whom they always hated, is gone - and they would just as soon keep the health care he helped them to acquire - thank you very much.
For the GOP this was always about partisan spite and race resentment.
Now Obama, whom they always hated, is gone - and they would just as soon keep the health care he helped them to acquire - thank you very much.
6
They hate "Obamacare" but they love the ACA
4
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy
Allow me to jog your memory, Mr. Murphy: Barack Obama was your president.
Allow me to jog your memory, Mr. Murphy: Barack Obama was your president.
9
Americans who "hate" the Affordable Care Act -- especially those who blindly voted for Trump simply based on his promise to be an agent of "change" -- are, sad to say, getting what they deserve.
To many Americans, "Establishment" is a bad word. Well, these people had better open their eyes and activate their brains, because "change" from the foul mouths of people like Trump is a worse word -- as it stands not for "improvement," but for destruction.
As much as I dislike the Trump/Hitler analogy (it's too simplistic), it does work in the respect that it captures perfectly the Mindset of Ignorance -- the[desperate] will to believe anything from the mouth of a master conniver, interlaced with a pathetic denial of his danger.
To many Americans, "Establishment" is a bad word. Well, these people had better open their eyes and activate their brains, because "change" from the foul mouths of people like Trump is a worse word -- as it stands not for "improvement," but for destruction.
As much as I dislike the Trump/Hitler analogy (it's too simplistic), it does work in the respect that it captures perfectly the Mindset of Ignorance -- the[desperate] will to believe anything from the mouth of a master conniver, interlaced with a pathetic denial of his danger.
4
These people are so pathetically transparent: they didn't hate the law, they hated the man who had the brains to put it into effect. It's no wonder that the Russians could so easily manipulate our elections in those "red states;" their hatred of everyone and everything that is not like them is blinding--so easy for an experienced, devious enemy to manipulate (which is why the Democrats have never been able to squelch their opposition: Democrats do not see these Americans as enemies). For 8 years these Republicans were in a frenzy that they had to see a family in the White House that wouldn't even be allowed in their neighborhoods. Putin saw that as easy access.
2
A simple review of the constituency for the Affordable Care Act reveals all you need to know.
1. It extends care the best care to people who don't come under it, government.
2. It extends care to those who don't have to pay for it. Pre-existing conditions, illegals, poor...
3. It extends care to those who don't deserve it. drug addicts, criminals...
4. It enslaves the entire population by mandating control by the federal government because of built in failure of the funding mechanism which burdens the workers and providers through taxes.
5. It Increases the strangle hold of power by placing life and death decisions in non-persona, non-medical bureaucrats in the guise of "public health" concerns.
If that is not enough to scare you into repeal and replace mode, one of the other rationed care, socialist/communist Obama/Clinton dream countries is awaiting your entry. Perhaps Cuba, North Korea or even dare I say it, Russia.
1. It extends care the best care to people who don't come under it, government.
2. It extends care to those who don't have to pay for it. Pre-existing conditions, illegals, poor...
3. It extends care to those who don't deserve it. drug addicts, criminals...
4. It enslaves the entire population by mandating control by the federal government because of built in failure of the funding mechanism which burdens the workers and providers through taxes.
5. It Increases the strangle hold of power by placing life and death decisions in non-persona, non-medical bureaucrats in the guise of "public health" concerns.
If that is not enough to scare you into repeal and replace mode, one of the other rationed care, socialist/communist Obama/Clinton dream countries is awaiting your entry. Perhaps Cuba, North Korea or even dare I say it, Russia.
Ha! Many of Donald's supporters are poor white folks, who are in desperate needs of medical care. Look at their teeth, their health is a mess, from years of living without medical insurance. They resented having to buy it, even though most qualified for Medicaid. Interesting how these are the very people ho vote for the GOP, against their own best interest and decry "takers" and "welfare queens" even though the majority of them or their family members are those....takers! Such hypocrisy!
2
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,”
Oh lord it's hard to read this.
This man will soon not remember why he voted for Trump.
In both cases the answer is clear: And you never could.
Oh lord it's hard to read this.
This man will soon not remember why he voted for Trump.
In both cases the answer is clear: And you never could.
2
Anything is better than nothing, I suppose. But that's not saying a lot. With all of our leaders' education, this is what they've lead us too? The village idiot might just as easily done the same, given a chance.
Well, here's an idea for the Republicans (who have mastered the task of LABELLING things to increase antipathy toward that thing, like fake news and lyin' Hillary). Just drop the name "Obamacare," claim credit for it, and let it be.
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it..." OK, then, let me remind you why: You opposed it because you believed the vile lies of Mitch McConnell, Rush Limbaugh and the rest of the Republicans who were desperate to prevent President Obama from doing anything, no matter how beneficial to the American people. These gullible, easily riled people were led around by the nose by public figures without morals or regard for the truth, and were taught by these sleazebags to view Obama as illegitimate, radical and perhaps most of all... black. Well, he looks pretty good in the rear view mirror now, doesn't he?
12
Fools for not paying attention. How's that for winning?
1
Just think what the reaction would be if the Democrats had passed single payer Medicare for All the last time they had a chance at health care. Any idiot who would call for repeal would be quickly denounced.
Currently 115 Democrats in the House are signed on to HR 676, the Improved Medicare for All bill, the highest number who have ever co-sponsored the bill. I don't know how serious they are, but it's our job to make them serious and to give the House more co-sponsors and eventually a supportive president.
Currently 115 Democrats in the House are signed on to HR 676, the Improved Medicare for All bill, the highest number who have ever co-sponsored the bill. I don't know how serious they are, but it's our job to make them serious and to give the House more co-sponsors and eventually a supportive president.
2
This article conveniently glides over the intense hatred of Obama himself that many people expressed over 8 years in conjunction with opposition to the law, and which was the reason republicans came up with the label "Obamacare" in the first place. It also ignores any racial connotations that flowed from that. But that wouldn't be flattering for anyone to admit now, would it?
770
Here's the thing, though. Directly confronting them about it is actually probably more likely to cause them to go on the defensive and erase the real progress this actually represents. Further, my hope is that the people who have now come around in support of the ACA may look back on their reasons for hating it before and realize they weren't reasons that had much to do with the content of the law itself. Having noticed this, they may become more self-aware, such that the next time they have a gut reaction of hate against an idea, they might be more likely to question that gut reaction and really think about the idea critically.
It's not about forcing people to think like we do, and it's definitely not about punishing or belittling them when they don't. It's about getting people to more accurately recognize what is and isn't in their own self-interest. I'm optimistic that this change of heart in support of the ACA could be the first step towards a less divisive political landscape.
It's not about forcing people to think like we do, and it's definitely not about punishing or belittling them when they don't. It's about getting people to more accurately recognize what is and isn't in their own self-interest. I'm optimistic that this change of heart in support of the ACA could be the first step towards a less divisive political landscape.
1
Consider that when asked if they supported Obamacare, somewhere around 305 more people opposed that plan, than when they were asked - the same people - if they supported the Affordable Care Act, and were given the same explanation. In other words, the association of Obama alone in the name caused nearly 1/3 of interviewees to change their opinion - let alone the fact they were so ignorant of the news, they didn't know they were the same piece of legislation.
Any financial assistance from the government (Obamacare, Medicare, Social Security) should immediately cease for all Trump voters.
3
There's this belief among the Puritans (you know who you are) that being poor is your fault. Well, my family was not upper middle class but above that. My parents vacationed with the Posts in that mansion now owned by Trump in Florida. In the '40s my father slipped on ice and hurt his back. A few years later, he developed spinal cancer. With RH negative blood. At $100 a pint, even back then. He died 7 years later and we were broke. We qualified for welfare. There was no insurance for him. None for us. It ruined our family. My sister never psychologically recovered. I'm sure I was damaged. Our family never recovered and it's now 70 years later. Thank you US health care system. THIS is what the GOP wants to go back to.
6
The public response to Trumpcare makes it clear that what everyone hated about Obamacare was the stuff that the GOP and Lieberman negotiated into it. The mistake Obama made was leaving in all the GOP demands after they left the table and refused to vote for it.
3
We needed Lieberman's vote to get past the 60 vote requirement in the Senate in order to avoid the need for reconciliation. Lieberman knew that and exploited to his own gain. He was a Benedict Arnold to his party. I was so glad that Lieberman got voted out next time he ran. Can't stand people like him.
As much as it hurts, Obama and Democrats destroyed their ability to govern for the next 6 years, but saved so many lives by passing the ACA.
Today, we get to have a conversation that was impossible before: how can everyone have sufficient health coverage and not go bankrupt over it. As a fervent Democrat, I have never been so proud of leaders and rank & file reps who sacrificed their careers to advance the nation. Great social change happens sometimes in halting steps: the ACA was a (clumsy) leap. Thanks, Dems.
Today, we get to have a conversation that was impossible before: how can everyone have sufficient health coverage and not go bankrupt over it. As a fervent Democrat, I have never been so proud of leaders and rank & file reps who sacrificed their careers to advance the nation. Great social change happens sometimes in halting steps: the ACA was a (clumsy) leap. Thanks, Dems.
7
Until Americans, like Europeans, are able to acknowledge once and for all that healthcare is a right for all and not a privilege for the fortunate few, the healthcare debate will rage on. Surely lying awake at night worrying that you might be paying for someone you consider "undeserving" is not as bad as lying awake at night worrying about not being able to access healthcare for you and your loved ones.
5
What is clear from the article is that majority of Americans think that the federal government has a duty to provide basic coverage to every citizen.
So why not the Dem party adopt a single-payer plan in its platform? It is the single most important issue facing all Americans and it will give the Dems electoral victories they are desperately looking for. The current plan, the ACA, will face more and more hurdles even without a repeal as Trump/Repubs can kill it in various ways.
So why not the Dem party adopt a single-payer plan in its platform? It is the single most important issue facing all Americans and it will give the Dems electoral victories they are desperately looking for. The current plan, the ACA, will face more and more hurdles even without a repeal as Trump/Repubs can kill it in various ways.
1
The Republicans need to follow through on Trump's and their promises. Repeal the ACA and replace it with much better insurance for all at a tiny fraction of the premiums of the ACA with tiny deductibles. This is what he promised his supporters he would do if elected President. To President Trump and the Republicans it is now time to deliver on your promises of great and affordable health insurance for all. What seems to be the delay?
Complaints about high premiums are very confusing to me. One commenter earlier complained about $1,400 a month family premium in his 60s. I only pay $126 a month for a young family, but my employer pays the other $1,100. Also, I have a $5,000 deductible. True, that is much better. This is private insurance vs. ACA? Not really that different. However, my family is not in their 60s, so, of course, my actual cost to the company should be MUCH lower. Does he have any idea what he should be paying with no protections provided by the ACA? It would be much higher based on actual anticipated health care cost.
1
Republicans: 52 percent of those making below $30,000 a year said the federal government has a responsibility to ensure health coverage, a huge jump from 31 percent last year.
**********
The fact that there are enough Republicans making less than $30,000/yr to create a survey is certainly interesting. What is it they think their elected officials are going to do for them?
**********
The fact that there are enough Republicans making less than $30,000/yr to create a survey is certainly interesting. What is it they think their elected officials are going to do for them?
16
The sad thing about this whole debacle is that the ACA was not about it being a Democratic or Obama "thing." After all, the prototype was Massachusetts' Romneycare. Its intent was to help the very people who were going without any coverage, many of whom live in Red states. President Obama made that clear from the beginning...it is for all Americans, including those who didn't vote for him. The law itself, considering its age, is quite good; and during its creation congressional Republicans were included in the debates. The Times just today published the many amendments put forth by the GOP which were ultimately included. (Juxtapose that with zero input from the Dems for this present senate disaster.) And people can spin this all they want; but even though our former president emphasized the ACA is about all of us Americans, its cruel resistance starting with the GOP was about him...an African-American president who dared to go where no one else had.
25
Mr. Brahin is like so many Americans who have such surface level information. The ACA actually doesn't increase the deficit, because it's actually paid for mostly by taxes on high income people. If he's so concerned about the deficit, he should not be voting Republican. Deficits have since the 1970s, increased under Republicans and decreased under Democrats.
52
Re: "Deficits have since the 1970s, increased under Republicans..."
I suspect that is because Republicans are ready to appropriate, but are reluctant to balance appropriations with taxes.
I suspect that is because Republicans are ready to appropriate, but are reluctant to balance appropriations with taxes.
"Take our healthcare away! Take our healthcare away!" How do you think that would have worked as a campaign slogan? We now know that this is what the Republican leadership meant when they won votes by promising to repeal and replace the ACA. We now have something concrete to respond to. It is an opportunity for the moderates across parties to put forth a bill that insures more Americans and takes the insanity out of premiums.
10
Ms. Bell's story in the piece articulates one of the most farcical aspects of healthcare in this country. Often, a healthcare crisis leading to a chronic or lasting injury will render its victim unemployed, which in turn will strip them of the health care protections they once had under that very same employment. Additionally, this injury would now qualify that individual as one with a "pre-existing condition," making them uninsurable at any reasonable rate. Obamacare sought to alleviate both of these problems, a fact that is largely unappreciated by those who have never experienced a medical crisis.
52
Exactly, Ms. Bell's predicament is the example of why having healthcare tied to employment is ridiculous, and why a law should be passed to do away with this arcane practice. Yes, I believe it should be illegal for an employer to provide any health insurance. Thereby making sure that everyone is swimming in the same water. We should not be segregating the individual market from the employer market.
These people aren't ignorant so much as intentionally misinformed by cable and talk radio. An 86 year old Australian born media CEO has been more influential in America's (mis)understanding of healthcare than any elected official.
793
Doesn't ignorance lead to a lack of the ability to think for yourself. I'm not disagreeing with you, just considering the alternative. There will always be people who can't or won't think for themselves, and then there will be those who like to seek their own answers. Whether they were born that way or raised we will never know.
1
That is giving too much credit to the said Australian and too little credit (blame?) for people who refuse to become informed voters.
2
Nobody is forcing them to watch Fox News. Nobody is stopping them from getting another point of view, Jack
4
Something is better than nothing. Obamacare is something. With no viable alternative being passed. Who in their right mind is going to support nothing?
252
I was going to answer, "Donald Trump", but then I recalled that your question was "Who in their right mind..." --
2
the stronghold in the GOP, Tea Party and the alt-Right support nothing.. or more accurately support people who are not like them having nothing.
1
Mitch McConnell
I'd want to mock and curse the Jeff Brahins and Patrick Murphys of the world for their utter stupidity and bigotry but the right thing to do is to welcome them to the voices calling for legislation to strengthen the ACA and make it work better. Though I'd probably get in a word edgewise about how Rush and Fox News has been lying to them all these years.
13
Welcome them, and then what? They'll go back to voting for GOP & Trump in 2018 and 2020. Then what?
It's unfortunate that there are so many millions of politically illiterate people who don't realize what's being done to them until they see it starting to hit them personally. If they had better political education the situation would not be anywhere nearly as perilous for them as it now is.
10
Maybe it wasn't the ACA they hated...maybe it was the man who signed it into law.
91
Well, Mr. Goracy, if you had turned off Fox News for five minutes way back in 2008, maybe you would have wondered why it was that the Democrats had to go it alone on a health care bill for this country. The Republicans wanted Obama to fail and refused to help him craft anything. The ACA was based on Massachusetts' "RomneyCare," but the Republicans wouldn't support it because the national version came from a Democratic administration. Now, of course, Republicans are lying by saying Democrats refused their great ideas. If that were true, perhaps we would have seen some of these great ideas by now. Wake up and start using that brain God gave you for some critical thinking.
As for getting 20 or 25 Democrats to pass some kind of reform, that ship has sailed. I wish I could send your brain back in time to watch the persistent assault on all things Obama that the rest of us, who turned off Fox News, had to watch. It was a disgrace.
We had a president in 2008 who cared about people, he cared about getting them health care. Now we have a grifter who doesn't care one iota about you. All he wants is a "win" and if "winning" means ripping health care away from millions, that's fine with him.
And, by the way, when they get around to tax cuts--you'll get peanuts while billionaires will get millions. Watch for it, and time try using your brain when the Republicans tell you it will all trickle down to you.
As for getting 20 or 25 Democrats to pass some kind of reform, that ship has sailed. I wish I could send your brain back in time to watch the persistent assault on all things Obama that the rest of us, who turned off Fox News, had to watch. It was a disgrace.
We had a president in 2008 who cared about people, he cared about getting them health care. Now we have a grifter who doesn't care one iota about you. All he wants is a "win" and if "winning" means ripping health care away from millions, that's fine with him.
And, by the way, when they get around to tax cuts--you'll get peanuts while billionaires will get millions. Watch for it, and time try using your brain when the Republicans tell you it will all trickle down to you.
137
Even the high deductibles was a Republican idea based on their fear that higher demand would affect ability to get care and their belief that individual patients can have an effect to keep prices from going up so fast, wasn't it?
Excellent comment, CF. If only this would get through their thick heads.
This country has a large population who can't be trusted with decisions. Steering the wheel of logic is challenging. However, If the idea of taking healthcare away from an individual seems cruel, then you are FOR some form of universal healthcare. Though I'm tempted to complete the loop, I'll let you think on it knowing that we're smart enough to figure this out. I have hope.
8
It took 60 votes to enact the ACA.... Why does it only take 50 to repeal it?
When the Dems had a slim majority in the Senate, nothing got done because they couldn't get to 60 votes. Now, everything only needs 50 (+ Pence). Am I the only one noticing this??
When the Dems had a slim majority in the Senate, nothing got done because they couldn't get to 60 votes. Now, everything only needs 50 (+ Pence). Am I the only one noticing this??
5
Because they are repealing it "carefully"; in a way that let's them use "reconciliation" instead of a full bill. The final piece of the ACA (that part that Republicans whine about all the time) which was passed on Christmas Eve was also done so under "reconciliation" so it is a strategy that both parties have used. However, even as I write this, I should note that there *is* some question as to whether the "clean repeal" is sufficiently limited to qualify for reconciliation. Should the repeal come to a vote, you can count on the Democrats appealing the Senate parliamentarian to make a ruling. If he rules that the repeal doesn't qualify for reconciliation, then it *will* be subject to the normal 60-vote cloture rule --- and thus be effectively dead, unless the Republicans finally decide to do away with the 60-vote cloture rule *entirely*. And, yes, they *can* do that -- and furthermore *that* vote only requires a majority (however there are some Republicans senators who would be very likely to vote *against* such a move: McCain, Graham, Collins, and a few others)
Mitch McConnell is using "budget reconciliation" for the GOP's repeal attempt -- a maneuver which requires only 50 votes, plus Pence to break the tie.
I like the story of from the guy who is 62 and complaining about $1400 a month healthcare cost. What do you expect, something free? I can appreciate where he has been. But this constant babble to destroy Obamacare is increasing his costs. That is what he should be concerned about. I can appreciate the fact that he can't get a the old "stripped down" policies that didn't cover anything. But between now and 65 he won't have to worry about a serious health condition that would cost him everything, his IRA, his home and his savings.
10
To be fair, part of what needs reforming about the ACA is the cost of many people's premiums. (I favor single payer). A plan that costs $1400/month and that's all but useless until you've spent an additional 12k out of pocket (or at least 6k per person) is not all that useful. Potentially the policy holder is looking at almost 30k before they start seeing any benefits: probably about what a starting annual salary is for a decent job in the area.
3
The worm has turned. The worm being the Presidential Apprentice.
Medicare For ALL- 2020- A Healthy America.
Medicare For ALL- 2020- A Healthy America.
9
This reads like a tragic comedy: absolutely littered with people admitting their ignorance aloud...the fact the Republican politicians were behind the times and unable to repeal and replace was obvious during the election cycle...the Republicans live in a self induced echo chamber - reality finally broke through...next up budget cuts that will devastate more benefits and pit those in need with those who provide...after that tax cuts that have always caused inequality to proper while so many in need fall further behind...I feel sorry for this Republican "base," but these days the lessons are for them to learn.
5
'“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” said Patrick Murphy'
Yes. Perhaps you were swept up in blanket opposition to anything that originated from the left/Obama. Nice, ceding judgement to reactionism.
And other change their minds because they now understand how repeal would affect them. Sad.
Yes. Perhaps you were swept up in blanket opposition to anything that originated from the left/Obama. Nice, ceding judgement to reactionism.
And other change their minds because they now understand how repeal would affect them. Sad.
22
Unfortunately Patrick Murphy will probably vote Republican next election
Keep tuning in to Rush Limbaugh, Trump voters. Keep that cable channel tuned to Fake News (Sean Hannity and all that sad train of pseudo-newspeople), Trump voters. With these extreme-right outlets, what you both hear and see is far from what you get. With them, your death waits.
14
I get that, you get that. They don't get that. Unfortunately you can lead a horse to ruin, but you can't make him think.
1
Quote of the day concerning health care:
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” ( Patrick Murphy)
As 'Jimmy' from LA in the comments explained it so clearly -
Mr. Murphy you opposed, because like the Republicans in office at the time of passing the ACA you probably opposed anything Obama wanted, anything Democrats wanted - because , well they were for it,
Because Rush, and Hannity and O 'Reilly, and the rest of Faux News and the WSJ shouted from their megaphones - it was un-American to take care of all our citizens. How many Republicans from the Palin Party ( as we all bow our heads to pray for McCain - lets not forgot his choice of Palin) screamed - "health is a personal responsibility" ( I guess J McC must have been a bad boy since he got sick)
Its often asked how this country can come together - how Dems and Repubs can join hands? Indeed how? When we have people like the ones in this article - like the ones in the previous articles in the NYT's about people regretting their vote for DJT, who are amazed he is the same person who he always was.
To you people , I say - I dont want your hand !
“I can’t even remember why I opposed it,” ( Patrick Murphy)
As 'Jimmy' from LA in the comments explained it so clearly -
Mr. Murphy you opposed, because like the Republicans in office at the time of passing the ACA you probably opposed anything Obama wanted, anything Democrats wanted - because , well they were for it,
Because Rush, and Hannity and O 'Reilly, and the rest of Faux News and the WSJ shouted from their megaphones - it was un-American to take care of all our citizens. How many Republicans from the Palin Party ( as we all bow our heads to pray for McCain - lets not forgot his choice of Palin) screamed - "health is a personal responsibility" ( I guess J McC must have been a bad boy since he got sick)
Its often asked how this country can come together - how Dems and Repubs can join hands? Indeed how? When we have people like the ones in this article - like the ones in the previous articles in the NYT's about people regretting their vote for DJT, who are amazed he is the same person who he always was.
To you people , I say - I dont want your hand !
9
"I can't remember why I opposed it"
Never heard of racism and ignorance?
Never heard of racism and ignorance?
42
How can Patrick Murphy handle the daily tasks of owning a business when he 'can't even remember' how he and his friends got us into this terrible spot? I hope that he thinks long and hard about how he makes his decisions from now on. All of our lives depend upon it.
8
Remember all the Republican rhetoric about the ACA being a "job killer?" They had to protect our economy by repealing it. Yet, somehow Americans survived the ACA and we need to fix it with both parties getting credit!
3
Isn't it frustrating? We want to help them, they need the help, but they hate us too much to accept it.
15
So what they want is a better law, one that provides 100% coverage of everything, but they want it to be free, with no tax increases for the rich. (you never know they might hit the lottery one day) they also want it passed by Republicans. If Democrats pass it they won't be happy they'd rather go without.
5
Face it they hated the health care law at first because the Republicans made sure to not refer to it as ACA and drilled in their minds Obama Care adding what they thought the we hate Obama at any cost stigma to the health care law causing the gullible to fall for it hook line and sinker and now reality is setting in. Go figure.
2
We all know companies sell us products to make a profit. We all know they compete by hyperbole & exaggerated claims. We all have experienced having to return products because of their shoddy manufacture.
What I don't get is why people would ever put their health care into the hands of insurance co's which are not remotely interested in any individual's health?
Democratic Govt's are elected by the people, for the people. Surely that means they are put in place to ensure basic rights & equal access - to education, protection & security of the country & health care. Everyone participates in these by paying their fair share of taxes. To allow private insurers to fiddle in these basic principles (for their own profit!) is plainly & simply undemocratic.
What I don't get is why people would ever put their health care into the hands of insurance co's which are not remotely interested in any individual's health?
Democratic Govt's are elected by the people, for the people. Surely that means they are put in place to ensure basic rights & equal access - to education, protection & security of the country & health care. Everyone participates in these by paying their fair share of taxes. To allow private insurers to fiddle in these basic principles (for their own profit!) is plainly & simply undemocratic.
2
Its funny because no doubt they figured that they wouldn't get benefits but "others" would.
4
I get the sense you're trying to inflate the "victory" when, if fact, it was razor thin. I wouldn't be so cavalier about how close the vote for the undoing of ACA was. We're talking three senators swinging the vote, for opposite reasons. This is not a significant number by anyone's measure, i.e. if it had been 40, then yeah sure. Even if public sentiment has changed to support it, the republicans have adopted the approach of ignoring what's good for the public and/or country (or ignoring the public and/or country outright), if it conflicts with their fascist ideological agenda. So sure, some people may have come to their senses, but 80+% of republicans think there party and Trump are doing a fine job. This is not grounds for celebrating the demise of their >current< attempts to get rid of ACA. I haven't seen anything suggesting the republicans have given up in their efforts, i.e. it's now a long game for them.
2
People of good faith strive to make what is necessary work better. Things get better by evolution, not by revolution.
1
This degree of intrapersonal incoherence is astonishing. "I-hate-Obamacare-don't-take-my-Obamacare." And now that the bottomless cruelty of the Republican "plans" for healthcare has been laid bare for all to see, will these people make a shift at the polls in 2018, or 2020? Sadly, I doubt it.
1
Obama must be laughing his head off. Republicans spent seven long years during his terms talking about the repealing the ACA. What have they done, nothing ,when they have the power to do everything. Instead, their mean spirited approach to repeal only made even their constituents dig in their heels. They should learn never to take away from Americans once something positive becomes available.
By the way, Ms. McMahon, you need to take care of your diabetes before it becomes totally out of control. Then you will have more to whine about.
By the way, Ms. McMahon, you need to take care of your diabetes before it becomes totally out of control. Then you will have more to whine about.
2
Maybe before the election, the voters can stop watching the dumbing down Television and think before they vote because the Republicans get them all in a froth by appealing to their hatred and anger. Next time, be smart. You're not stupid, just made that way.
2
What has changed? Obamacare now has lost its genuine opponent, Obama. Racists find themselves lacking their target, but are confronted by losing insurance, pre-existing conditions, coverage until age 26, portability, and subsidies to defray the increased costs imposed by insurers. Republicans sought support from racists labeling the ACA "Obamacre". With Obama gone, even subconscious racists, have no reason to support repeal.
2
These Americans know nothing about the ACA. What know is the black African - American name. They didn't read the Wall street Journal article “Billionaire Club in Bid to Curb World Population,” said the issues discussed in the top-secret meeting included HEALTH CARE, education and–by far the most controversial–slowing the global population growth. Blind minions being "lead" to slaughter.
1
Newsflash:
Yes Obama Cared and he still does. Is the plan perfect? No!
Did he and his administration do a good job promoting it and educating people at the grass roots about the benefits? Maybe yes. Maybe no.
What the right - Murdoch, Limbaugh, and many other rightwing groups and billionaires, oh well, a vast right wing network - did so brilliantly, so brilliantly as they have done so well for so long was to whip up hysteria among the masses
to get them to vote against their economic self interest.
Maybe people are busy with their lives and don't have time to educate themselves. However, one only has to watch Fox Opinion to understand how it both eggs on and reflects people's anxieties and fears - some real and others not.
It is breathtakingly hypocritical that a party and its politicians who beat their breasts about being pro-life when it comes to abortion thinks little to nothing of being so immoral and inhumane about their fellow humans. Take away insurance from millions? Give insurers the right to charge more for pre-existing conditions? And these monsters are supported by "evangelical Christians?" Jerry Falwell, Jr.?
Franklin Graham? Where on God's green earth and in what incarnation other than the United States can this travesty be considered Christian? WWJD? Certainly not what Ayn Rand would have the Rs do!
Yes Obama Cared and he still does. Is the plan perfect? No!
Did he and his administration do a good job promoting it and educating people at the grass roots about the benefits? Maybe yes. Maybe no.
What the right - Murdoch, Limbaugh, and many other rightwing groups and billionaires, oh well, a vast right wing network - did so brilliantly, so brilliantly as they have done so well for so long was to whip up hysteria among the masses
to get them to vote against their economic self interest.
Maybe people are busy with their lives and don't have time to educate themselves. However, one only has to watch Fox Opinion to understand how it both eggs on and reflects people's anxieties and fears - some real and others not.
It is breathtakingly hypocritical that a party and its politicians who beat their breasts about being pro-life when it comes to abortion thinks little to nothing of being so immoral and inhumane about their fellow humans. Take away insurance from millions? Give insurers the right to charge more for pre-existing conditions? And these monsters are supported by "evangelical Christians?" Jerry Falwell, Jr.?
Franklin Graham? Where on God's green earth and in what incarnation other than the United States can this travesty be considered Christian? WWJD? Certainly not what Ayn Rand would have the Rs do!
4
If this is what it takes to wake up and smell the coffee. Then so be it.
3
I hope these folks have learned a lesson about having opinions on things they don't understand. Understand and learn, then form an opinion. Doing things the other way around has a good chance of making you look like a fool.
1
There are many hucksters in medicine, and all of them want to keep you as captive customers, not to cure you.
The ACA was never going to be popular as long as Obama was in office. Period. As long as his face and funny sounding name was attached to it, no way. People like those in this article have been ingrained through generations not to trust the word of Democrats and ESPECIALLY the word of a black person or anyone who does not look like them. The guy said "I can't even remember why I opposed the ACA." I can: it was because he bought into all the screaming right-wing heads like Limbough and Coulter and fell for all the dog-whistle racism that came with Obama's tenure.
1
A stunning case study in "ignorance is not bliss."
I would love to see NYT interview these same types of people who now say "I don't remember why," and see how they now feel about giving the wealthiest 1% tax relief as the GOP chips away at programs that provide needed support for the poor, sick and disabled (of any skin color). Maybe they could even introduce them to some Muslim immigrant families, so they can see that they have so very much to offer to America.
I would love to see NYT interview these same types of people who now say "I don't remember why," and see how they now feel about giving the wealthiest 1% tax relief as the GOP chips away at programs that provide needed support for the poor, sick and disabled (of any skin color). Maybe they could even introduce them to some Muslim immigrant families, so they can see that they have so very much to offer to America.
1
Cindy McMahon is exactly the kind of person republicans should loathe. She has diabetes and doesn't want to contribute anything (taxes) until something happens. Don't tell me that when she gets a stroke or a heart attack andneeds expensive treatment that she will forego it. Or will she expect the hospital to just provide charity care? What a joke. Selfish
5
Or when she needs dialysis? Talk about costly. Uncontrolled diabetes is very expensive. Maybe she will forgo the dialysis and let nature take its course? Doubtful. She will be on Medicaid and Medicare.
"I can’t even remember why I opposed it,”
Maybe because the Republicans had used their racist dog whistle to call it Obamacare?
It's just that the rest of the country didn't realize it was a dog whistle, thinking it was just politics...
Maybe because the Republicans had used their racist dog whistle to call it Obamacare?
It's just that the rest of the country didn't realize it was a dog whistle, thinking it was just politics...
2
'... Unlike when Democrats passed A.C.A. with not one Republican vote, what the Republicans need to do is get together with 20 or 25 Democrats and pass some kind of reform,” he said. “That, to me, is how legislation is supposed to proceed.” '
OK, Mr Goracy, so when the ACA was passed after months of debate, hours of bipartisan committee work, Obama personally hosting town hall meetings, 170 amendments (including many from GOP) approved ... then 0 GOP votes out of purely ideological reasons – that's NOT how legislation is suppose to proceed?
Then what how do you describe an all-white, all-male, all-geriatric subcommittee working in secret to draft a bill which is then offered on a "take-it-or-leave-basis" to the GOP Senate majority with NO debate, NO amendments, NO town hall meetings, NO request for input from across the aisle, NO time to even read the flipping thing before a vote is planned before the July 4 weekend? Is that how legislation is supposed to proceed?
I would take Obama's version of the democratic legislative process over O'Connell's any day.
OK, Mr Goracy, so when the ACA was passed after months of debate, hours of bipartisan committee work, Obama personally hosting town hall meetings, 170 amendments (including many from GOP) approved ... then 0 GOP votes out of purely ideological reasons – that's NOT how legislation is suppose to proceed?
Then what how do you describe an all-white, all-male, all-geriatric subcommittee working in secret to draft a bill which is then offered on a "take-it-or-leave-basis" to the GOP Senate majority with NO debate, NO amendments, NO town hall meetings, NO request for input from across the aisle, NO time to even read the flipping thing before a vote is planned before the July 4 weekend? Is that how legislation is supposed to proceed?
I would take Obama's version of the democratic legislative process over O'Connell's any day.
2
Oops.
McConnell!
McConnell!
At some point, when the GOP plan is jammed down our throats and millions lose their insurance and many, many die or are turned into non functional invalids, those of us who backed Obamacare are all going to say..."Gee, we told you so." But that really shouldn't be the way this goes. Obamacare wouldn't have failed if the Republicans had been willing to work with the Dems. But all they wanted to do was say no. And all Trump wanted was to do something for himself.There is, of course, an option...the two sides need to work together. Will that happen? I would like to think so, eventually, but I'm not optimistic.
2
I'm so tired of these people. Those who voted for Trump should be removed from the ACA coverage and Medicaid expansion.
1
My plan:
How about everyone is required to pay for a basic private insurance plan that covers the cost based on your income level. Those who earn more pay more. Medicaid should not be extended for free except for those who truly can not work but rather should be given to those in need in exchange for government sponsored work programs. Anyone wanting a Cadillac program can pay for it out of their pocket.
How about everyone is required to pay for a basic private insurance plan that covers the cost based on your income level. Those who earn more pay more. Medicaid should not be extended for free except for those who truly can not work but rather should be given to those in need in exchange for government sponsored work programs. Anyone wanting a Cadillac program can pay for it out of their pocket.
2
You've more or less described the ACA. You could cut out the middleman by making it a tax and making states the insurer. How "basic" is basic? At some point limitations become counterproductive and people stop getting the preventive care that I'm sure you appreciate plays a role in keeping people healthy and keeping costs down.
1
That was the public option embedded in the original ACA bill that was ejected because CONSERVATIVE democrats would not vote for it and without their vote the bill would not pass since "no Republican would vote for it".
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/03/22/whatever-happened...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/03/22/whatever-happened...
Many people did not connect their health insurance to the term Obamacare which was used in a barrage of negative propaganda by Republicans. Now, they are discovering that they are one and the same. I am sure that a poll that would ask people are you in favor of Obamacare and another that would ask are you in favor of an act for affordable care, the responses would be totally different.
5
Single payer now!