Thanks for this essay on how we won this battle.
Now we need to stay alert, because the zombie effort to "kill Obamacare" - because the zombie Republicans pursuing that effort are desperately in need of brains - will go on, and on, and on.
Now we need to stay alert, because the zombie effort to "kill Obamacare" - because the zombie Republicans pursuing that effort are desperately in need of brains - will go on, and on, and on.
7
"Why, exactly, should I 'save' Health Insurance?"
Thirty years ago, a swarm of locusts descended upon this nation with the proposition that "health care" could be provided "profitably." And, furthermore, that the only(!) means of paying for it could likewise be provided "profitably."
To reinforce their point, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) put one brother in their CEO's desk, and the other brother in the US Senate – where he still is, today.
However, no one in Congress seems to be disturbed by the simple observation that it is quite impossible for both business models to co-exist, since they are by definition at diametric odds with one another! ("Neither shall live while the other survives.")
Likewise, no one in Congress appears to be concerned that both of these businesses have utterly failed ALL of their prospective stakeholders – investors, providers, patients.
I am, of course, fully aware of the reasons: "the BRIBES run thick and clear," and the Supreme Court calls them "freedom of speech." But – even this only goes so far, among the actual hundreds-of-millions of American People who are every day actually suffering!
Among the six-hundred-odd people who today occupy the US Congress, is there indeed NO ONE who has V-I-S-I-O-N?
Thirty years ago, a swarm of locusts descended upon this nation with the proposition that "health care" could be provided "profitably." And, furthermore, that the only(!) means of paying for it could likewise be provided "profitably."
To reinforce their point, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) put one brother in their CEO's desk, and the other brother in the US Senate – where he still is, today.
However, no one in Congress seems to be disturbed by the simple observation that it is quite impossible for both business models to co-exist, since they are by definition at diametric odds with one another! ("Neither shall live while the other survives.")
Likewise, no one in Congress appears to be concerned that both of these businesses have utterly failed ALL of their prospective stakeholders – investors, providers, patients.
I am, of course, fully aware of the reasons: "the BRIBES run thick and clear," and the Supreme Court calls them "freedom of speech." But – even this only goes so far, among the actual hundreds-of-millions of American People who are every day actually suffering!
Among the six-hundred-odd people who today occupy the US Congress, is there indeed NO ONE who has V-I-S-I-O-N?
8
Obamacare is a collapsing disaster. People who pay for their own insurance have seen their premiums rise 100% or so since Obamacare began, and because of Obamacare. Millions lost their doctors and insurance policies.
Of course those people who are having their health insurance paid for by other working people don't want this free benefit taken away.
There was no such thing as "saving" healthcare by the recent vote.
And of course the people in both houses of Congress and their staffs are dishonestly receiving 75% of their premiums paid by the taxpayers, as they declared themselves a small business.
Of course those people who are having their health insurance paid for by other working people don't want this free benefit taken away.
There was no such thing as "saving" healthcare by the recent vote.
And of course the people in both houses of Congress and their staffs are dishonestly receiving 75% of their premiums paid by the taxpayers, as they declared themselves a small business.
1
You can spout this general drivel that you've been fed but my own personal experience directly contradicts everything you seem to be so sure of. My premium is about where it was several years before the ACA. It took big jumps right before the ACA but has now stabilized; my 2017 increase was less than it was per year in pre-ACA days. (I fear my next increase but beacause of the damage done to the market by this administration just as it was beginning to stabilize.) I did "lose" my pre-ACA policy, it quit the market, but I've found something equally as good on an exchange. I did not lose a single doctor, in fact I've been able to buy a multi-state plan that now covers me when I spend time with my family away from home base. And its far from free for me -- I don't qualify for a subsidy, but I'm happy to have the plans made available through the creation of the exchanges.
38
With absolutely know knowledge of facts you claim that I "spout drivel" that I have been fed. I assure you that this is not the case, and of course properly resent your demeaning insult. I happen to have a good deal of knowledge about the subject on my own.
My sister lost her policy and doctor, her premium doubled, and she now pays even extra to use he doctor of many years on a concierge basis. Her premium just went up another 29% in July. My daughter's family saw their premium skyrocket from $220 to $800 a month, so that they had to choose a a cheaper plan with less benefits.
As yours, these are individual cases...mine refute your personal story. Much more to say about Obamacare, but the above should answer your remarks.
My sister lost her policy and doctor, her premium doubled, and she now pays even extra to use he doctor of many years on a concierge basis. Her premium just went up another 29% in July. My daughter's family saw their premium skyrocket from $220 to $800 a month, so that they had to choose a a cheaper plan with less benefits.
As yours, these are individual cases...mine refute your personal story. Much more to say about Obamacare, but the above should answer your remarks.
As I stood shoulder to shoulder with women in my family during the Women's March in Washington, I saw the sea of women and even men who came to protest Trump's threat to our healthcare. I knew then that we would prevail. There was just too much energy and determination among the people marching that day. If we have to do it again, we will. We must do everything in our power to stop this man who is utterly unfit to hold any office let alone the Presidency of our great country.
26
I rode a bus from Wisconsin on January 20th to DC, to get there for the Women's March. I'm a senior, a nurse, a mother, wife, grandmother, sister.
I serve on community healthcare committees, council and commission. I'vd had various healthcare positions in the workworld since 1967. That's a long time. There have been good times, bad times, happy times, and sad times in my healthcare career. Numerous awards, pins, pictures. Many belongings from my healthcare world, books, classes, conference brochures, a copy of the speech I gave to my graduating class, copy of the letter I wrote to President Obama about the ACA, numerous essays, some competitive.
But the possession that means the most? The cheap, now very wrinkled piece of poster board I carried in DC on January 21st, when I joined all those men and women, and kids, who were there with their own stories in their hearts, put to their legs, or wheelchairs, to plead their case, too. "SAVE OUR HEALTHCARE" screamed my sign. And the name Tom Price with a big fat X through his name.
I look at that beloved sign that I carried, which also rode the bus all those miles to DC and back to Wisconsin. It stood for my lowly voice, my lowly plea, from my lowly mind and body so that everyone in America can receive healthcare treatment when they need it. So they don't have to go bankrupt, or worry about dying before their time.
I want to say thank you to all those who have done their part to help, too.
Yes, save our healthcare. Please.
I serve on community healthcare committees, council and commission. I'vd had various healthcare positions in the workworld since 1967. That's a long time. There have been good times, bad times, happy times, and sad times in my healthcare career. Numerous awards, pins, pictures. Many belongings from my healthcare world, books, classes, conference brochures, a copy of the speech I gave to my graduating class, copy of the letter I wrote to President Obama about the ACA, numerous essays, some competitive.
But the possession that means the most? The cheap, now very wrinkled piece of poster board I carried in DC on January 21st, when I joined all those men and women, and kids, who were there with their own stories in their hearts, put to their legs, or wheelchairs, to plead their case, too. "SAVE OUR HEALTHCARE" screamed my sign. And the name Tom Price with a big fat X through his name.
I look at that beloved sign that I carried, which also rode the bus all those miles to DC and back to Wisconsin. It stood for my lowly voice, my lowly plea, from my lowly mind and body so that everyone in America can receive healthcare treatment when they need it. So they don't have to go bankrupt, or worry about dying before their time.
I want to say thank you to all those who have done their part to help, too.
Yes, save our healthcare. Please.
54
For those who've been under a rock for the last 80 years:
UNDER THE DEMOCRATS:
FDR: The New Deal (including Social Security, the WPA, CCC, REA, TVA and the GI Bill. All programs which created jobs for millions of out-of-work Americans while bringing 20th century infrastructure to vast swaths of rural America (and put millions of former GIs into colleges, homes and the middle class).
HST (Harry Truman): Fought to expand the New Deal, tried to establish national health insurance. The Marshall Plan (which rebuilt Europe from the ashes of WWII). Champion of "the Little Guy".
JFK: Laid much of the foundation for LBJ's Civil Rights bills.
LBJ: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965. Creation of Medicare and Medicaid.
WJC (Bill Clinton): Welfare reform (a mixed bag); championed women's and gay rights when it was "radical" (signing DOMA under protest, knowing his veto would be overridden).
BHO (Barack Obama): Passed the ACA, bringing health insurance to 20 million mostly poor Americans. A flawed, Rube Goldberg monstrosity - but a giant step forward towards universal coverage.
UNDER THE GOP:
Every single advance noted above, from FDR to BHO, was virulently opposed by every single GOP administration and the vast majority of GOP legislators.
Americans enjoy SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, Civil Rights, Women's Rights, LBGTQ Rights and the protections of the ACA DESPITE 80 years of relentless, reactionary opposition by the GOP.
Who's "looking out for you?" NOT the GOP.
UNDER THE DEMOCRATS:
FDR: The New Deal (including Social Security, the WPA, CCC, REA, TVA and the GI Bill. All programs which created jobs for millions of out-of-work Americans while bringing 20th century infrastructure to vast swaths of rural America (and put millions of former GIs into colleges, homes and the middle class).
HST (Harry Truman): Fought to expand the New Deal, tried to establish national health insurance. The Marshall Plan (which rebuilt Europe from the ashes of WWII). Champion of "the Little Guy".
JFK: Laid much of the foundation for LBJ's Civil Rights bills.
LBJ: Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965. Creation of Medicare and Medicaid.
WJC (Bill Clinton): Welfare reform (a mixed bag); championed women's and gay rights when it was "radical" (signing DOMA under protest, knowing his veto would be overridden).
BHO (Barack Obama): Passed the ACA, bringing health insurance to 20 million mostly poor Americans. A flawed, Rube Goldberg monstrosity - but a giant step forward towards universal coverage.
UNDER THE GOP:
Every single advance noted above, from FDR to BHO, was virulently opposed by every single GOP administration and the vast majority of GOP legislators.
Americans enjoy SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, Civil Rights, Women's Rights, LBGTQ Rights and the protections of the ACA DESPITE 80 years of relentless, reactionary opposition by the GOP.
Who's "looking out for you?" NOT the GOP.
70
Absolutely. The GOP has done nothing but take up time and space in our country. It astounds me that the general public has no clue all of the programs they depend upon came from the Democrats. It makes one wonder how folks can even support the GOP, but they do.
30
"UNDER THE DEMOCRATS:
FDR: The New Deal (including Social Security), the WPA, CCC, REA, TVA and the GI Bill. All programs which created jobs for millions of out-of-work...
Social Security now costs taxpayers over $600 billion annually. The "Alphabet agencies" were only temp jobs at best, and we never actually got out of the Great Depression under FDR's watch. And FDR ignored Japanese overtures for peace six months before Pearl Harbor. How many lives were lost because of his arrogance?
JFK and LBJ gave us Vietnam. Medicare costs taxpayers over $550 billion a year.
Bill Clinton showed us that it's OK to be a serial philanderer as long as you're a Democrat.
I'll agree that Republicans are not looking out for anyone but themselves, but you should remember that it's easy to be generous with other peoples' money, an act which the Democrats have made into an art form.
FDR: The New Deal (including Social Security), the WPA, CCC, REA, TVA and the GI Bill. All programs which created jobs for millions of out-of-work...
Social Security now costs taxpayers over $600 billion annually. The "Alphabet agencies" were only temp jobs at best, and we never actually got out of the Great Depression under FDR's watch. And FDR ignored Japanese overtures for peace six months before Pearl Harbor. How many lives were lost because of his arrogance?
JFK and LBJ gave us Vietnam. Medicare costs taxpayers over $550 billion a year.
Bill Clinton showed us that it's OK to be a serial philanderer as long as you're a Democrat.
I'll agree that Republicans are not looking out for anyone but themselves, but you should remember that it's easy to be generous with other peoples' money, an act which the Democrats have made into an art form.
2
George W. Bush gave us Iraq.
Medicare and Social Security costs in the budget do not reflect the amounts paid in every year by participants in those programs.
The GI Bill was, overall, one of the best investments the country ever made. Arguably, so were all the other work programs cited.
And every Republican president, of course, has been a saint. We know that Reagan was, right?
Medicare and Social Security costs in the budget do not reflect the amounts paid in every year by participants in those programs.
The GI Bill was, overall, one of the best investments the country ever made. Arguably, so were all the other work programs cited.
And every Republican president, of course, has been a saint. We know that Reagan was, right?
9
The only thing that has been saved is government intrusion and higher taxes to subsidize yet another bottomless money pit. This will never be "affordable" without massive government subsidies. If Congress really wants to know how "affordable" the ACA really is, then they need to get off their own 70% taxpayer-funded subsidized health care plan. Maybe then the lights will turn on.
6
@hm1342
"bottomless money pit", "never affordable" ...
Where do you get your cue cards?
US healthcare 17% of GDP. UK 9.7%
US life expectancy 71. UK 73
"bottomless money pit", "never affordable" ...
Where do you get your cue cards?
US healthcare 17% of GDP. UK 9.7%
US life expectancy 71. UK 73
8
UK life expectancy vs ours is affected by US automobile deaths and gunshots. Our survival for medical problems far outstrips the Brits.
Difficult to get real statistics I don't have the basic information to evaluate the Brits, but have been told that NHS money is counted, but not healthcare provided by those doctors and hospitals for patients who voluntarily opt out of the the NHS to get prompt care. NICE (the care-blocking arm of the NHS) prevents much care...so of course their costs are less, as they provide less. Also,in the US we supply much long term care and rehabilitation.
Difficult to get real statistics I don't have the basic information to evaluate the Brits, but have been told that NHS money is counted, but not healthcare provided by those doctors and hospitals for patients who voluntarily opt out of the the NHS to get prompt care. NICE (the care-blocking arm of the NHS) prevents much care...so of course their costs are less, as they provide less. Also,in the US we supply much long term care and rehabilitation.
1
My daughter's life was saved by the ACA. No matter what lies someone has told you. My daughter is alive!
9
The major juggernaut to a bipartisan Congress which embraces regular order
as Senator John McCain does...this juggernaut is the tool of the one percent of
the electorate who are the wealthiest in our nation ; those who use their
money in campaign financing with this infamous juggernaut tool....aka
Citizens United...
It is Citizens United who have corralled the GOP into voting for tax breaks for
the wealthiest citizens of the USA..
so ; how about making this your next cause for reform....repeal Citizens
United and ...regular order will return to the US Congress.....and then we
will have a bipartisan Health Care Bill passed...
Let's tell the truth about WHY the Health Care Bill is not being reformed..
The truth will eventually be told...David Leonhardt...not just the backstories.
as Senator John McCain does...this juggernaut is the tool of the one percent of
the electorate who are the wealthiest in our nation ; those who use their
money in campaign financing with this infamous juggernaut tool....aka
Citizens United...
It is Citizens United who have corralled the GOP into voting for tax breaks for
the wealthiest citizens of the USA..
so ; how about making this your next cause for reform....repeal Citizens
United and ...regular order will return to the US Congress.....and then we
will have a bipartisan Health Care Bill passed...
Let's tell the truth about WHY the Health Care Bill is not being reformed..
The truth will eventually be told...David Leonhardt...not just the backstories.
15
"Chief Justice John Roberts is a movement conservative. Yet he cast the vote that saved Obamacare in 2012 partly because he understood that a partisan shredding of the safety net could undermine his institution — the Supreme Court."
It is neither conservative nor constitutional when the federal government compels you to purchase a product or service. You can't hide behind that decision by calling it a tax when it's actually a fine. Even President Obama told George Stephanopoulos in 2009 that the penalty was not a tax:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/06/obama-in-2009-its-not-a-tax/
It is neither conservative nor constitutional when the federal government compels you to purchase a product or service. You can't hide behind that decision by calling it a tax when it's actually a fine. Even President Obama told George Stephanopoulos in 2009 that the penalty was not a tax:
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/06/obama-in-2009-its-not-a-tax/
1
In a civil society we are all compelled to purchase some products and services whether we use them or not. I do not have children, yet my taxes support schools. I support an educated society. I do not have encounters with law enforcement, but my taxes support it. My taxes also support a ready fire department although my house has never caught fire. Access to basic health services is the same thing. It is a necessary part of a civil society. We need to fix ObamaCare
33
Oh, come on! What walks or talks like a duck on April 15th?
Justice Roberts earned our respect when he voted, against his preferences, for the truth.
Justice Roberts earned our respect when he voted, against his preferences, for the truth.
8
A well-constructed tribute to well-deserving patriots. Thanks, Mr Leonhardt, for expressing a nation's gratitude to those who used their talents in defense of those who could not defend themselves.
25
I agree. I applaud my fellow Americans and all of us who got out there, united, contacted, yelled, "screamed" our opposition to this travesty of a bill. However....did this change anything in this particular vote? Ms. Murkowski and Ms.Collins voted their conscience after listening to their constituents. Mr. McCain reacted to his diagnosis and became "human" and "one of us" after all (nothing to lose). The Senators from Tennessee apparently did not listen to Ms. Bohon, despite her pleas. My Senators must have heard from thousands of us...yet were staunch proponents for the bill that was actually slated to go nowhere (has anyone commented about the lunacy of making sure the House would then vote it down?). So this is really an applause for the unity of the Democrats on just this bill - not a small thing, for sure. But I will give a standing ovation to those of us who continue this fight. Thank you Mr. Leonhardt for your keen observations, and your recognition that the American people still have heart.
22
God Bless you. Continue the fight. Not only to save healthcare but also to save the country, and the world at large from this lunacy that is this "administration".
RESIST! November 2018!!!
RESIST! November 2018!!!
18
More scary than not, that three senators heard the call of their constituents. Not at all encouraging. All those demonstrations, letters, calls, and three senators voted against this killer bill. And, two women at that. Hopefully,
they won't be too penalized, but they should be enshrined in our hearts and memories. Bravo to them!!
McCain had nothing to lose, but kudos to him, also.
they won't be too penalized, but they should be enshrined in our hearts and memories. Bravo to them!!
McCain had nothing to lose, but kudos to him, also.
15
Excellent article...Big thanks to EVERYONE, all the hapless and much maligned Democrats, all the millennials, all the individuals who wrote and called--and again and again, and the 51 senators who came through for us. And a big gasp in horror and disgust for the 48 REPUBLICANS voted for such a criminally incompetent and malicious piece of legislation.
24
Great piece--thank you for acknowledging the hard work of so many different teams, working for the same goal----teamwork isn't always easy or pretty, but it sure works.
16
Almost always, is seem to me that The Fix Is In, and keeps getting stronger. It can really bring me down.
But not this time.
Hallelujah!
But not this time.
Hallelujah!
14
We need more women in Congress.
34
I keep asking myself "what is wrong with these people", meaning Trump and every last Republican in the Senate and House - and those who support them - who have been so relentless in trying to take away healthcare from millions of people. I wish upon all of them to go without healthcare and see what it means, except that would make me as evil minded as they are.
20
If the Republicans gain seats in the senate in 2018 and hold the house--look out. Health care is in big trouble.
9
Health care has been in big trouble since the Democrats passed the ACA.
I am fortunate to have employer provided health benefits. I benefited from Obamacare by being able to cover my daughter for a few years until she turned 26 years. I made calls on behalf of ACA many times when the local ACA activist leader called for help and wrote to Senators, Members of Congress not only in my district, but in GOP districts around the country. What the GOP is doing is terribly unfair & unjust and I will continue to fight them on this issue.
33
God Bless you. Keep up the great work.
11
Still, the ACA came SO close to being ripped apart so it is hard to feel that this is a great victory. It is just a skirmish in a very long war.
Something is very wrong with Congress when a bill so unpopular gets so far.
Something is very wrong with Congress when a bill so unpopular gets so far.
32
The Republican base will continue to bite the hand that heals it. It is just the way they are. And they are not done biting.
Despite the true American heroes highlighted in this story, all but 3 Republicans out of 53 (including Pence) ignored their appeals for humanity and voted to intentionally harm them.
Indivisible is a good start as the un-TEA organization. We need more than that, though. We need to have many more organizations to counter such organizations as the NRA, ALEC, Grover Norquist, anti-abortion groups; and more with reasonable and rational counter-groups. Like a more sensible and responsible gun group, or responsible business group, equitable tax promotion, and a pro-choice group that promotes humane reductions in abortions.
Conservatives are better organized to undercut and demonize any reasonable ideas the left comes out with - especially if it is a Republican idea promoted by a black president. It is time to organize and undercut their lies while co-opting some of the right's good ideas.
I hope at some point in the future the ACA will be formally named "Obamacare" in recognition of a true American President.
Despite the true American heroes highlighted in this story, all but 3 Republicans out of 53 (including Pence) ignored their appeals for humanity and voted to intentionally harm them.
Indivisible is a good start as the un-TEA organization. We need more than that, though. We need to have many more organizations to counter such organizations as the NRA, ALEC, Grover Norquist, anti-abortion groups; and more with reasonable and rational counter-groups. Like a more sensible and responsible gun group, or responsible business group, equitable tax promotion, and a pro-choice group that promotes humane reductions in abortions.
Conservatives are better organized to undercut and demonize any reasonable ideas the left comes out with - especially if it is a Republican idea promoted by a black president. It is time to organize and undercut their lies while co-opting some of the right's good ideas.
I hope at some point in the future the ACA will be formally named "Obamacare" in recognition of a true American President.
23
Thanks, Some of us worked hard and continue to do so. Ted Blumoff, PhD, JD, Director and Co-chair, 159 Georgia Together, Inc. (a 501(c)(4) grassroots organization with 18, 832 members.)
9
THANK YOU to all of you who helped save the current health care plan for all Americans, including certain Republicans and John McCain who voted against this latest version of a repeal/replace bill. However, be vigilant. Trump and Republicans (McConnell/Ryan) are still invested in letting the current health care plan fail by not supporting the risk pools and lowering premiums in the States. Why buy health care in the market place when your premium is higher than the cost of your doctors appointment?
Health care may not be a "constitutional right", but every American deserves access to health care they need and premiums they can afford (preventative and catastrophic) w/o having to lose their life savings, their homes, etc. What's the point?
Messrs. McConnell and Ryan, you should be ashamed. You know no one on this planet can ever save enough money to pay for serious illnesses such as cancer, for the various treatments for its various presentations, as well as other severe illnesses. Your plan for the last 8 1/2 years was/is to continue your pledge to work against Obamacare instead of pledging to make the best fixes you can to keep the current health care plan available to all Americans. If you don't make an about face, shut your office door and go home.
I know you don't wake every morning terrified that you will lose your health care. You're more invested in supporting Trump and sustaining control of the House/Senate. Power is more important than the people you represent.
Health care may not be a "constitutional right", but every American deserves access to health care they need and premiums they can afford (preventative and catastrophic) w/o having to lose their life savings, their homes, etc. What's the point?
Messrs. McConnell and Ryan, you should be ashamed. You know no one on this planet can ever save enough money to pay for serious illnesses such as cancer, for the various treatments for its various presentations, as well as other severe illnesses. Your plan for the last 8 1/2 years was/is to continue your pledge to work against Obamacare instead of pledging to make the best fixes you can to keep the current health care plan available to all Americans. If you don't make an about face, shut your office door and go home.
I know you don't wake every morning terrified that you will lose your health care. You're more invested in supporting Trump and sustaining control of the House/Senate. Power is more important than the people you represent.
18
There really are hero's left in this world!
6
And yet, 48 senators still voted for this heinous bill.
17
It took the efforts of all and then it came down to two women and one elderly man. It is when we will have this ratio in all important decisions to make that the world will be lead with the good of humankind in mind.
8
I am certainly heartened by seeing this dreadful attempt to violate the rights of the American People go down to defeat.
But let's be clear: it was a near thing.
For all the Susan Collins' and Lisa Murkowskis (wait - there's just the two of them!) there were far too many senators that were willing to go along with something that was essentially a fake and a fraud - too many either afraid of the senate leadership, afraid of their own confused consituencies, too ideological, or too insulated from the harm they would do to the American People to do more than tread lightly in our exuberance that this time - this time - they weren't able to do it.
Let's just keep that in mind as we go forward.
But let's be clear: it was a near thing.
For all the Susan Collins' and Lisa Murkowskis (wait - there's just the two of them!) there were far too many senators that were willing to go along with something that was essentially a fake and a fraud - too many either afraid of the senate leadership, afraid of their own confused consituencies, too ideological, or too insulated from the harm they would do to the American People to do more than tread lightly in our exuberance that this time - this time - they weren't able to do it.
Let's just keep that in mind as we go forward.
19
Yes, thank you all.
(Although I still don't understand the antipathy to universal health care or specifically the meanness in Congress, especially from the House.)
(Although I still don't understand the antipathy to universal health care or specifically the meanness in Congress, especially from the House.)
13
Well, we kept we kept Congress from killing us. Now it's time to change Congress and send represtatives that actually consider the people they are representing. Let us hope that this is in fact an historic new beginning and that the government "of the people, for the people and by the people" will not perish from this earth.
16
Fortunately, the "Master of No" proved to be no master when it came to healthcare. (May that continure!)
3
I realize you talked about citizens going to town hall, but do NOT leave out ADAPT organizers and members, who traveled to DC and put their BODIES on the line, often getting dragged out of their wheelchairs and being arrested.
15
Good that fingers got put in the dike - this time.
Now the battle needs to be for Single Payer - big time!
Here's hoping the New York Times and DNC will get behind it - the sooner, the better - let the American people push their Congressmen/women and Senators for the real deal.
Now the battle needs to be for Single Payer - big time!
Here's hoping the New York Times and DNC will get behind it - the sooner, the better - let the American people push their Congressmen/women and Senators for the real deal.
13
And we thank you, the other voice(s) of the NYT, including the Editorial Board, and, of course, that veteran of the Social Security fight against George W. Bush, ...
Thank you Paul Krugman!
Thank you Paul Krugman!
10
You're right, David, that we should pause to be grateful to everyone who helped make it possible for people to keep their health care. Lisa Murkowsky, Susan Collins, John McCain, and every Democratic Congressmen and Senator were true patriots in this go-round. But I'm not about to go all kumbaya, not with FORTY-NINE Republican senators voting for the bill, let alone all those in Congress. What is wrong with these people? What is wrong with that party? And what is wrong with this country? How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see?
11
Nonesense. We barely made it. The Republicans (with two notable exceptions; McCain's grandstanding doesn't count) cared NOThING for what their consitutents or our citizens wanted. In their view, they just need to try again, with more votes.
3
When the emperor (in this instance,McConnell and the GOP) was truly shown to have no clothes, they had no choice but to listen to us all! I laud all of us that made the calls, attended the meetings, tried to get others involved, and fought for what was the right thing to do for all citizens. Make no mistake about it, it was a big vote and only a short lived victory because it is far from over. The real heroes or should I say heroines are Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. They have never wavered knowing just what the stakes were and continue to be. Perhaps this can be a new beginning to get the two parties to work together. I was pleased to see John McCain vote to do the right thing but as all others in his party and he is included, their ideology just cannot grasp that what they were and want to do is evil and just plain wrong! Thank you Mr. Leonardt for applauding the little guy/gal for stepping up to fill a void that should never have been needed to fill in the first place. There are plenty more battles coming and as an individual who has attended Indivisible meetings, "we only just begun to fight..."
4
What set Collins and Murkowski apart were that they are WOMEN! They don't have to flex muscles or measure any part of their anatomy to impress people. They just insert themselves in the other person's place, and do to others as they would have them do to themselves.
8
Yes, totally agree, but where are the other women in the senate and house hiding and why are they not out front and center with our two stars?
4
I'm grateful to all the everyday heroes, and the more prominent people, who contributed to this major triumph of the people over special interests, but let's not fail to give a major shout out of gratitude to the folks from ADAPT [Americans Disabled (for) Attendant Programs Today], who literally put their bodies on the line and tolerated arrest to fight against the destruction of the ACA and Medicaid. We should all be humbled and inspired by their courage and determination. Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! profiled some of these activists here: https://www.democracynow.org/2017/7/27/the_rolling_resistance_meet_three...
3
Wish you had also given some credit to the 7,150 American nuns, led by Sister Simone Campbell of Nuns on the Bus and Newwork, who called the Senate GOP’s core proposal “the most harmful legislation for American families in our lifetimes” and affirming, by referencing Pope Francis, that “health is not a consumer good, but a universal right, so access to health services cannot be a privilege” (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-7150-nuns-who-fought-against....
6
These game changers all come from small states. What a curious thing, American democracy.
2
Their states have a very high percentage of people on Medicaid
"Many Americans look back on the heroic political fights of the past — for suffrage, Social Security, civil rights, Medicare — and wonder why today’s politics never produce inspiring victories. Well, we just witnessed one." Of course this is true. But maybe it's just the curmudgeon in me that makes me point out that all four of these earlier examples were progressive, establishing a better society than the one that existed previously. Somehow the result last week, important as it was, doesn't feel as satisfying. Just holding back the tide against the barbaric forces of the GOP and its donor class doesn't move the needle forward, it just keeps it from sliding back. When will we see health care for Americans of all ages, not just those over 65, administered by a single payer system? When will Medicare be authorized to really negotiate drug prices and reduce the legal larceny the pharmaceutical industry inflicts on all of us?
Yes, I celebrate these heroes. But I look for the day when we can resume moving forward, not just keep from being dragged back.
Yes, I celebrate these heroes. But I look for the day when we can resume moving forward, not just keep from being dragged back.
6
Just got my notice from Anthem today notifying me they are cancelling "many" ACA plans for 2018. Thanks to President Trump. Yes, the ACA is VERY FAR from being saved. The President now owns the ACA and every op-ed piece in the Times should remind him of that. Like General Powell said, "You break it; you own it." Threatening the subsidies is breaking it.
10
It will be all for nothing if things don't change in 2018.
6
Heroes to the freeloaders getting free medical care through Medicaid. Medicaid which is paid by over-stressed middle-class taxpayers who cannot use their own healthcare insurance because of high deductibles. Sad. The three Republicans are really traitors to the American tradition of personal self-responsibility.
That is why there is the individual mandate, please try to learn how insurance works.
7
"Sad"? You sound like you're running for the presidency. Fabulous, you'll do really well.
3
You're lucky if you have employer health care. If not then good luck and be lucky. We all get sick. Oh and do you drive without auto insurance? I guess you don't go without auto insurance because that's for freeloaders.
3
This is all true. The protesters, the activitists, and the public spirited lobbyists are due every honor and much admiration. But this was just a battle, not the war.
The Republicans are keyed up to use the (obscenely cynically named) "Resolution Process" to pass a tax overhaul with only 51 votes. They'll use this to gut Medicare and Medicaid if they can. Meanwhile the president* will do what he can to undermine ObamaCare by defunding the the ACA as much as they can and throwing the health insurance markets into disarray.
But the worst of it is that ordinary people are helping to fight (or watching) a battle on the enemy's terrain. Why aren't we talking more about a single payer system which cuts out the expenses of billing, advertising, and illigitimate profit?
Why aren't we talking about Medicare for all to support healthcare of the same quality as our solenoid Solons now receive at taxpayer expense?
The Republicans are keyed up to use the (obscenely cynically named) "Resolution Process" to pass a tax overhaul with only 51 votes. They'll use this to gut Medicare and Medicaid if they can. Meanwhile the president* will do what he can to undermine ObamaCare by defunding the the ACA as much as they can and throwing the health insurance markets into disarray.
But the worst of it is that ordinary people are helping to fight (or watching) a battle on the enemy's terrain. Why aren't we talking more about a single payer system which cuts out the expenses of billing, advertising, and illigitimate profit?
Why aren't we talking about Medicare for all to support healthcare of the same quality as our solenoid Solons now receive at taxpayer expense?
3
You don't mention the only solutions, single payer and lower prices (e.g. re-imported drugs.) The people are convinced and so are many in congress.
13
I have made more phone calls and sent more letters to elected officials in the past six months than I have in the previous thirty years. It's nice to know I am not alone.
18
Nice column. All the Jessi Bohon's deserve this recognition and appreciation.
My worry, however, is missing the opportunity to solidify--indeed expand--Obamacare if Republicans prevail in the 2018 mid-term elections and the balance of power does not change in both the House and the Senate.
My worry, however, is missing the opportunity to solidify--indeed expand--Obamacare if Republicans prevail in the 2018 mid-term elections and the balance of power does not change in both the House and the Senate.
7
The GOP also deserves credit for our victory. They tried to take healthcare from the poor and sick in order to give a tax cut to the wealthy. The moral bankruptcy was glaringly obvious. It was a tremendous failure of leadership, and highlighted their lack of will and ability to govern for the benefit of the people.
That's the kind of thing that's hard for people not to notice.
That's the kind of thing that's hard for people not to notice.
13
Thank you, David. I think we all needed to hear how important each of us was in our varied roles. The sum truly is greater than its parts and Americans can still unite when it's for the right cause. Now I'll go take my victory lap and come back to suit up for the next battle.
7
The Church is for charity no Caesar.
Let's not forget the thousands of brave, committed disabled advocates who put themselves on the line, working with ADAPT, to save the ACA.
20
Sadly, the republicans are attempting to make the same mistake with the repeal that the democrats made when they passed the mess that is the ACA. They are trying to ram something through because they promised they would, without taking adequate time to consider the consequences. The ACA has created a mess in the healthcare industry and needs to be repealed or overhauled. My personal vote would be to throw the ACA out and make a simple path for those who can't get insurance to get it through a government insurance program, and use the medicaid or medicare infrastructure to administer it. Then, both parties can start working on something to lower healthcare COSTS, which the ACA doesn't even attempt to do. The ACA is all about insurance and nothing about the real cost of healthcare. (Believe me, I've read it all.) It is mathematically flawed from page one to the end and needs to go.
2
In all honestly, the GOP deserves at least half of the credit. For some inexplicable reason, they offered the worst legislation possible to "Replace" the ACA. Thank Goodness. May they continue to lie spectacularly and pursue awful legislation until they drive themselves off the cliff. 2018 can not come soon enough!
19
Yes, all the Democrats stayed strong. I'll go email my Senators and thank them.
15
The most important question as Americans that we now must ask ourselves and reflect on, is with this current administration both in the White House and in Congress, is do we truly have individuals capable of governing. If the answer is no, the next question is what are we going to do about it. This debacle around viable health care for all Americans, just pulled the covers off allowing all of us to see the lack of integrity of those we have elected to govern. They say one thing and will do something else. Our representatives are so busy worrying about their next election and where the dollars are going to come from to ensure they get back into office, that they cannot serve the people who voted them to the office while they are there. Yes, you really do learn the character of an individual in a battle. Only 3 representatives in Congress fully understood why they are there and only 2 of them never wavered.
10
Heartfelt thanks to every one of these people. They are the ones who should be voted into office in 2018!
5
There is just something so very wrong with Trump. He is spiteful and mean.
What on earth happened to this person as a child?
What on earth happened to this person as a child?
12
As the psychiatric profession would say, "parent" is also a verb. DJT's father taught him there are killers who are winners, and then there are the losers. As man-child entered his 20's, the notorious Roy Cohn (infamous for his role as Sen. Jos. McCarthy's legal counsel) entered his life to coach him to be who he is today: a malignant narcissist, sexual predator, business fraud, tax fraud, habitual liar and, if a fight erupts in business, hit back harder, never apologize, never admist guilt, take what you think is yours no matter who it hurts ...
Dump the first wife for an affair wtih the next wife then, repeat the process, all while procreating a lineage of next-generation liars and business frauds, each of whom has replaced the standard blood supply with ice cold water.
THAT is what happened to the boy-king Donald John Trump. That is how it happened. It is in his DNA and topped off with training.
Dump the first wife for an affair wtih the next wife then, repeat the process, all while procreating a lineage of next-generation liars and business frauds, each of whom has replaced the standard blood supply with ice cold water.
THAT is what happened to the boy-king Donald John Trump. That is how it happened. It is in his DNA and topped off with training.
I have to say, I was most moved by the mobilization of people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities who made the journey to Washington to lobby congress often at great difficulty. Their personal stories were moving and inspirational, and humbling. It must have been hard for congress members to steal their hearts against them. Luckily some didn't.
6
Don't forget aout AARP. They were really out there on the defense, running all kinds of ads, twitter messages, emails, etc.
18
AARP correctly surmised that an attack on a broad Welfare State program could mean that others like Medicare & Social Security could be next.
1
The fact that it came down to 3 people on the right does not make me feel at ease. The fact that a number of republicans spoke out against the sham of a bill but voted for it anyway makes me frustrated, sad, and angry all at the same time. I find it hard to believe that even though the vast majority of Americans hated what the republicans offered up it didn't slow down their march to pass it. That is truly freighting.
I called my representatives daily. I signed almost every petition that showed up in my email. I went to talk with my local congressman. Millions of Americans did the same things I did and more, but even with all of that effort it still came down to 3 people. How did we get here and what have we learned we need to change in the future so as not to end up here again?
I called my representatives daily. I signed almost every petition that showed up in my email. I went to talk with my local congressman. Millions of Americans did the same things I did and more, but even with all of that effort it still came down to 3 people. How did we get here and what have we learned we need to change in the future so as not to end up here again?
14
John McCain......a NATIONAL TREASURE...
4
Out of curiosity I went on the NY State website to see who can get Medicaid and for an individual between the age of 18-64 you are eligible for Medicaid if your income is below $16,400 but if you are under 19, REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS you are eligible for Child Health Plus if your income is below $47,500. Also, I tried to find plans and there were none available to applicants of the Platinum Graded 5 plans but I could get Bronze with a $4,000 deductible and all of the ratings were 3 stars out of 5. People who could only afford Bronze cannot afford a $4,000 deductible. I think everyone should have insurance but economically not all of these plans work well. There need to be modifications made to Obamacare.
5
A few of my favorite things: That McCain voted NO was Divine Intervention. He must have realized that he'll soon face his creator (and trying to save the/his Senate's honor was an incentive as well). Don't underestimate the courage of the two female Republican senators: standing up against their leaders and peers who did their wealth-conscious donors' (obscene) bidding. Amazing grace: the many people/activists who stood up for their fellow Americans to receive and hold on to affordable health care, a human right after all. HOWEVER: too few address the enormous need for preventive measures, the fight against sickening industrialized food, the toxic environment etc. The wealth-grabbing Americans will not change and want to help their poorer (and sicker) fellow citizens. Trump certainly wants his (hollow) victory and will sabotage ACA. Obamacare desperately needs fixes before Trump & Co have it implode. Dems need to lead on the move to legislate fixes, before it all collapses. And, hopefully, the 2018 elections will turn tables in favor of a more humane congress.
10
Health insurance shouldn't be saved. It is part of the unholy trinity exploiting sick Americans for deceptive financial gain: Insurers, Hospitals and Pharmaceuticals.
Insurers, with their 30% admin overheads, insanely complex billing systems, greedy executive and CEO compensation ($100M for UHC chief) interference in medical treatment, teams of ex-doctors hired to thwart treatments and drop policyholders (see Sicko movie), division of care into in-network and out-network, frequent squabbles with providers causing patients to lose coverage, and history of denial for pre-existing conditions and imposition of lifetime limits ...
... are a shameful stain on healthcare provisioning. The big failure of the ACA was to leave these bad actors in place and FORCE people to sign up for fig-leaf bronze plans that imposed huge deductibles and worthless narrow networks. The ONLY role for insurers in a sane, civilized system would be to offer private care over and above what the state should guarantee to everyone: full access to preventative and emergency care with no out of pocket charges. The entire system should be funded thru taxation, and the government needs to cap pricing to prevent wholesale racketeering.
Insurers, with their 30% admin overheads, insanely complex billing systems, greedy executive and CEO compensation ($100M for UHC chief) interference in medical treatment, teams of ex-doctors hired to thwart treatments and drop policyholders (see Sicko movie), division of care into in-network and out-network, frequent squabbles with providers causing patients to lose coverage, and history of denial for pre-existing conditions and imposition of lifetime limits ...
... are a shameful stain on healthcare provisioning. The big failure of the ACA was to leave these bad actors in place and FORCE people to sign up for fig-leaf bronze plans that imposed huge deductibles and worthless narrow networks. The ONLY role for insurers in a sane, civilized system would be to offer private care over and above what the state should guarantee to everyone: full access to preventative and emergency care with no out of pocket charges. The entire system should be funded thru taxation, and the government needs to cap pricing to prevent wholesale racketeering.
5
A few thoughts:
-We need a real healthcare system to reduce costs and improve outcomes, not a hodgepodge of individual plans and "choices."
-A tragedy of our current approach is that hospitals are legally required to provide care, regardless of ability to pay; that results in financial losses to hospitals, and financial ruin to families, but care is given.
-As we discuss "healthcare" legislation, we need to remember that we are discussing insuring against healthcare costs, and are not discussing the rising costs of care (without concomitant improvement in quality).
-We can develop a system that guarantees a foundation of care to all to insure health, and still let the more affluent choose additional menu items that make them more comfortable. Guaranteeing care generally means improved health and reduced costs (to the whole population), not the reverse as has been implied or claimed.
-We need a real healthcare system to reduce costs and improve outcomes, not a hodgepodge of individual plans and "choices."
-A tragedy of our current approach is that hospitals are legally required to provide care, regardless of ability to pay; that results in financial losses to hospitals, and financial ruin to families, but care is given.
-As we discuss "healthcare" legislation, we need to remember that we are discussing insuring against healthcare costs, and are not discussing the rising costs of care (without concomitant improvement in quality).
-We can develop a system that guarantees a foundation of care to all to insure health, and still let the more affluent choose additional menu items that make them more comfortable. Guaranteeing care generally means improved health and reduced costs (to the whole population), not the reverse as has been implied or claimed.
5
Well-deserved praise of the Americans who stood up and fought to prevent the Republican ant-ACA juggernaut from stripping up to 28 million Americans of their health care.
What made this Republican effort even uglier and crueler is the fact that it was essentially a stealth operation to bestow a large tax break on wealthy Americans and the corporations they control.
America is better than this. And the Americans praised in this column prove it. They are true patriots, and they deserve our support and our thanks.
What made this Republican effort even uglier and crueler is the fact that it was essentially a stealth operation to bestow a large tax break on wealthy Americans and the corporations they control.
America is better than this. And the Americans praised in this column prove it. They are true patriots, and they deserve our support and our thanks.
23
Maybe the article should be entitled "The Americans Who Saved Health Insurance for the Time Being". This fight is a long way from being over. ACA can be forced to fail if the Trump administration 1. discontinues funding to help defray the cost of deductibles and co-pays for poor Americans or 2. removes the individual mandate. Congress can help protect the ACA until a more thoughtful improvement can be crafted by voting to mandate this funding. Getting a Congressional mandate for funding would almost certainly require continuing pressure on Congress and the Trump administration from those same Americans (and a few more) who just saved the ACA with their calls, letters, emails, town hall attendance . The most recent ACA battle has been decided but the war is far from being decided.
8
This is written as if the fight is over but it's not. The next big battle will be over wresting control of the Senate from Republicans next year. The odds of that happening remain slim, especially since some GOP incumbents are softening their positions on healthcare and others are becoming anti-Trump to conform to the changing attitudes of their constituents.
4
Thank you for this uplifting piece -- the lesson is we must get people to understand that what happens in Congress matters. Let's hope they'll get out and vote for people who have the country's interest at heart.
11
The job is not done. The ACA still needs support. It's up to everyone to stress the importance of millions more people signing up for the ACA insurance for their own good, the good of others, and of the nations. More enrolled will bring down prices.
4
Yes, we need a movement to sign up people for healthcare, promote the ACA during open enrollment, people who can navigate the the websites for businesses and for individuals, people who can sign up Medicaid recipients -- akin to a voter registration drive -- because Trump (and the Republicans) will do what they can to undermine it.
2
Saved Government Funded Health Insurance should be the title
As usual in the divided states of America there are just as many Americans who are going to question the basis of whether health insurance is truly saved as there are those who applaud the 3 Republican senators who voted against the skinny repeal of Obamacare. I just heard a colleague tell me that Sen McCain made a deal with Sen . Schummer to gain his support to pass the increased defense budget spending. I have no reliable source but I would not be surprised knowing McCains' preference for increased military solutions, wars and increased defense spending and his protesting the taking away of US taxpayer support by Trump to the Syrian rebel attempting regime change in Syria. Wonder whether this pseudo savior of health insurance would take responsibility for nudging president Obama to covertly arm the Syrian rebels to topple Asaad during the Arab spring. We all know that the cradle of civilization was destroyed, thousands died due to the bombardment and an epic migration resulted causing untold misery to millions of people and a destabilization of Europe. The other question is how long can the celebration of saving of Obamacare last with sky rocketing premiums and deductibles as well as the diminishi9ng choices due to the pull out by insurance companies?
1
Trump didn't realize what his role needed to be to get this passed. He thought he could order up a new "health care plan" and then sit back in the White House with "pen in hand" waiting for his glorious moment of victory.
It should have been easy but many good people worked much harder than him. He's lazy and ignorant and it showed in the health care battle.
It should have been easy but many good people worked much harder than him. He's lazy and ignorant and it showed in the health care battle.
14
The other Americans who helped save health insurance are the people of New Hampshire and Illinois who elected US Senator Maggie Hassan and Tammy Duckworth respectively in 2016 thereby picking up 2 senate seats held by republicans. Senator Hassan won by 1,017 votes. Without those 1,017 votes who knows where we would be now. Elections matter.
37
What a great piece summing up the saving of an imperfect law . The Dems gained two seats in the Senate in November. Those look awfully big right now. I was moved to tears.
11
Just want to remind that Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii flew to DC with stage 4 cancer for this vote !
50
I am still shocked at the depth of the cold-blooded nature of 49 Senators and the House Republicans. They used to proclaim themselves, "The Party of Life". We know better now.
12
I am still shocked at the depth of the cold-blooded nature of 50 Senators and the House Republicans. They used to proclaim themselves, "The Party of Life". We know better now.
4
Pro-Life-to-be, not Actual Life. Some priority. As Canadians, we look ar that with relief: our universal system is far from perfect, but it works, at lesser administrative costs than our Southern neighbor's one: less than 10%.
3
I would add another name to the list: David Leonhardt.
His coverage and elucidation of the issues has been first-rate. But most of all, I applaud his encouragement that we contact our lawmakers ON THE PHONE. I hadn't previously considered the impact of all those ringing phones on the eve of important votes, but for the first time in my life I telephoned my two Senators and my Congressional representative and spoke for a few minutes to their staff members.
I'm glad I did, and the lesson won't be forgotten. Calling our lawmakers (and calling them on the carpet when warranted) is a meaningful way to be heard in-between visits to the ballot box.
Thanks, David.
His coverage and elucidation of the issues has been first-rate. But most of all, I applaud his encouragement that we contact our lawmakers ON THE PHONE. I hadn't previously considered the impact of all those ringing phones on the eve of important votes, but for the first time in my life I telephoned my two Senators and my Congressional representative and spoke for a few minutes to their staff members.
I'm glad I did, and the lesson won't be forgotten. Calling our lawmakers (and calling them on the carpet when warranted) is a meaningful way to be heard in-between visits to the ballot box.
Thanks, David.
15
This was a great achievement. However, it is too bad that so much energy, time and expense was needed to maintain the ACA, when the same effort could have been spent improving it to everyone's benefit.
8
"Saved health insurance" ????
Whom are you kidding? Health insurance, at least in the form of Obamacare, is a ship slowly sinking, with no life rafts for the passengers, but the Captain and crew have already swam away.
You keep playing the public for idiots, and while you are correct in that regard for way too many, the rest of us understand that if universal health care is desired, it needs a complete overhaul.
But, of course, politics will never allow that.
Whom are you kidding? Health insurance, at least in the form of Obamacare, is a ship slowly sinking, with no life rafts for the passengers, but the Captain and crew have already swam away.
You keep playing the public for idiots, and while you are correct in that regard for way too many, the rest of us understand that if universal health care is desired, it needs a complete overhaul.
But, of course, politics will never allow that.
3
Yes, it needs an overhaul. Even Obama said he welcomed improvements. But to repeal without replacing is unacceptable. And to repeal by minimizing the benefits and coverage is no better.
8
While any policy is being debated, fixed, or overhauled, no one should DIE while a policy changes.
And judging by the GOP in Congress, they are very willing to let us die.
Universal health care is a laudable goal, but just who are you nominating for death in the meantime?
And judging by the GOP in Congress, they are very willing to let us die.
Universal health care is a laudable goal, but just who are you nominating for death in the meantime?
I have always felt that empowering women is good for society. This health care fight, and the important positive role women played in it, only cements that sentiment.
19
I didnt read your whole piece so I apologize if I am wrong but you forgot the #1 American to thank, Obama, who was the first successful American president to offer quality, affordable health insurance for all Americans.
29
'when the best leader's work is done, the people will say, 'we did it ourselves', Lao Tzu. Maybe this is why the American people are quickly forgetting Obama. lets hope the part about 'we did it' happens.
5
We are not forgetting Obama. His grace and leadership will live on as a shining example, and a positive comparison to the current administration.
Also, I have nothing but praise for Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Without there steadfastness against this greedy regime, we would have lived to fight another day. Well done to all the people mentioned in this excellent opinion piece.
Also, I have nothing but praise for Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. Without there steadfastness against this greedy regime, we would have lived to fight another day. Well done to all the people mentioned in this excellent opinion piece.
1
Ditto! Obama is so modest he'll never reach for the credit himself. I could not love the man more.
3
Hear, hear!
2
You are right to praise the resistance, but as Churchill observed after Dunkirk, "Wars are not won by evacuation."
The Democrats have to launch an offensive of their own now.
It may be that at long last we can look forward to a time of No tricks, no tweets and Truth for a change.
If they go forth boldly now, some Democrat may be able to put a Medicare-for-all option.
Surely, after all the examination of Obamacare, it must be obvious this chimera was patched together with the brain of an insurance company, the heart of a miser, the legs of a bird and the arms of a Tyrannosaurus. It was and has always been about saving the health insurance industry, not providing healthcare. Time to take the next step.
The Democrats have to launch an offensive of their own now.
It may be that at long last we can look forward to a time of No tricks, no tweets and Truth for a change.
If they go forth boldly now, some Democrat may be able to put a Medicare-for-all option.
Surely, after all the examination of Obamacare, it must be obvious this chimera was patched together with the brain of an insurance company, the heart of a miser, the legs of a bird and the arms of a Tyrannosaurus. It was and has always been about saving the health insurance industry, not providing healthcare. Time to take the next step.
7
You mentioned the many private citizens, but its worth noting that there were people who were arrested, some of them clergy, some people in wheelchairs. If we're to survive the bigger assaults on our nation, we'll need more people willing to risk inconvenience, fines, and perhaps their own safety while Trump encourages the police not to be "careful" when making arrests.
19
There are many perspectives on what needs to be fixed and how to do it, but do-nothing is not one of them.
6
Kudos to the three Republicans who did what was right. It was a step. Now get together and build on what you have in the ACA. Also by the people who d=came forward en masse to let the Senate know what they thought. Also to Indivisible and organizations like it. Now the man-child bully is promising to destroy what people have. When will the Congress wake up?
8
I'm not sure how you can forget ADAPT, the disabled protestors who there, day in and day out, blocking Senate corridors and demanding that our Congress defend Medicare from the GOP's draconian cuts. People with disabilities are often invisible, but in this case they were there, front and center, photographed while being arrested, dragged from their wheelchairs, and literally fighting for their lives. Please give credit where it is due. Thank you, ADAPT, for saving the rest of us from Trumpcare
60
Thank you, ADAPT.
9
Thank you, ADAPT, for saving the rest of us from Trumpcare, or, as Van Jones quipped, Trump Don't Care.
Maybe this was the best outcome we could have hoped for last week but the title of this column is dangerously misleading. Health insurance was not "saved" last week. Make no mistake, the various alternatives provided by the Republicans over the past few weeks have not been good. But we cannot pretend that the status quo is any good or that the Affordable Care Act is the blessing it's supporters claim it to be. Does it have some important features? Yes. But it did nothing to address the biggest flaws in our healthcare systems: the insurance model, the link to employment and fee for service. In fact, the ACA further cemented each of these into the system with one of the results being continued rapid growth of healthcare costs, often in the double digits, to the point where healthcare cost is already unsustainable and growing, fast. There is much that needs to be fixed with healthcare, including with the provisions of the ACA. But we can't have an honest, productive debate about it, if people are going to hold the status quo up as a standard of perfection.
3
President Trump said he wouldn't let people die on the streets. Hopefully, he will keep his word.
3
Not likely.
1
These congressional heroes voted against the original ACA. Will they ever vote for a h/c plan that covers all Americans, similar to the protection in dozens of countries that is centrist policy abroad? Will Leonhardt and columnists ever write about that?
We avoided the atrocious and celebrate the 2nd rate. In the world’s richest nation, with a renowned constitution, the idealized ACA left out millions and still burdened many with high cost and corporate profit as 1st priority.
ACA was a great improvement over the atrocity in human rights that was our previous health care situation---with illness death, disability, bankruptcy that could have been alleviated.
We will never have h/c for all by 20th century international standards, until we get the big money out of our elections.
Jimmy Carter has said our campaign system is now political bribery veering toward oligarchy.
I ran across on cspan that Bernie Sanders held senate hearings a couple years ago with witnesses from France, Taiwan, Denmark and Canada on how they finance and use their health care—for generations already. It was so rare to see something like that. But it wasn’t covered in the Times or most media that I could find. We missed the chance to see positive examples to throw at our lawmakers and ask, why can’t we have what they have?
The debate is muffled due to the norms imposed by big money sponsorship of our elections. This determines the center of our politics, and thus media commentary.
We avoided the atrocious and celebrate the 2nd rate. In the world’s richest nation, with a renowned constitution, the idealized ACA left out millions and still burdened many with high cost and corporate profit as 1st priority.
ACA was a great improvement over the atrocity in human rights that was our previous health care situation---with illness death, disability, bankruptcy that could have been alleviated.
We will never have h/c for all by 20th century international standards, until we get the big money out of our elections.
Jimmy Carter has said our campaign system is now political bribery veering toward oligarchy.
I ran across on cspan that Bernie Sanders held senate hearings a couple years ago with witnesses from France, Taiwan, Denmark and Canada on how they finance and use their health care—for generations already. It was so rare to see something like that. But it wasn’t covered in the Times or most media that I could find. We missed the chance to see positive examples to throw at our lawmakers and ask, why can’t we have what they have?
The debate is muffled due to the norms imposed by big money sponsorship of our elections. This determines the center of our politics, and thus media commentary.
12
I feel like we need to collectively have a thanksgiving dinner, early. Thank god for all the citizen activists, the people who showed up in droves in politician's offices and meetings, and of course, to the wonderful Senators Collins, Murkowski, and McCain. I'm a medical social worker and the day before the vote, was working with several people who, if the vote had gone the other way, would have been given a death sentence, really. (For example, after treatment for multiple myeloma, the costs of the injections which can keep you alive for twenty happy and productive years (yay! and thank you modern medicine!), would be out of anyone's price range, after selling a home even, unless you were a multi millionaire.) Thank God that saner heads prevailed.
8
After reading this opinion piece, I had to come in to comment that your opinion is wrong. No Americans saved health insurance. One American, an old Republican Senator, John McCain, who will be 81 this month, saved the ACA. Just him.
And while the left gets all giddy about about all the people who get their free and subsidized health insurance, you fail in even the simplest terms to understand that the ACA did two things that undermine what it means to be a free American. One, it forces people to purchase a private market product through government fiat, and two, gives even more money to insurance companies that makes those 1% richer. A more hypocritical group than the Democrats cannot be found.
And while the left gets all giddy about about all the people who get their free and subsidized health insurance, you fail in even the simplest terms to understand that the ACA did two things that undermine what it means to be a free American. One, it forces people to purchase a private market product through government fiat, and two, gives even more money to insurance companies that makes those 1% richer. A more hypocritical group than the Democrats cannot be found.
2
Many citizens and lawmakers believed then, and still do now, that a single payer system is a superior way to provide healthcare than the ACA. And that system would render your above arguments moot. Ultimately it comes down to whether or not we as a country believe healthcare to be a right. As things progress, I believe we will find that the majority of Americans, if they don't already, will believe that it is in fact a right.
11
The GOP saying it "promised Americans" to get rid of the ACA- WHO did they promise- the Freedom Caucus? A group of 30 white males? People want to have healthcare. Medical bankruptcy is the #1 reason people go broke in America and unlike Donald Trump they don't get taxpayers to pick up the tab when they do. 20 million people not having care means you are going to pay the ER top dollar for people's treatment. People are not born knowing they will have a heart problem or diabetes. Please.
The GOP IS hypocrisy- are you kidding. Trump actually RAN on better, cheaper healthcare for all. He lied.
McCain did the right thing and so did the millions who called in.
The GOP IS hypocrisy- are you kidding. Trump actually RAN on better, cheaper healthcare for all. He lied.
McCain did the right thing and so did the millions who called in.
5
One alternative to forcing people to buy a private market product through government fiat is to force people to pay taxes for a government product (or a private one, for that matter). Local governments that provide police, fire, libraries, or dogcatchers force products (actually, services) on people. People are forced to buy insurance for their cars (unless they want to do without cars or drive with fake license plates). Your anarchic conception of freedom is contradicted in many ways, and your sticking point only means that you are a sucker for a certain partisan politics.
The alternatives to giving money to insurance companies are either a health care system that does not involve them (some sort of socialist approach to health) or letting people who do not have (or cannot afford) health insurance live in poor health (or die) or be rescued by charity (including the involuntary charity of the E.R.).
These sophistical talking points of Republicans make them far more hypocritical than Democrats, which is also proven by their inability to do what they promised for seven years or explain why they promised it when they were unprepared to produce.
The alternatives to giving money to insurance companies are either a health care system that does not involve them (some sort of socialist approach to health) or letting people who do not have (or cannot afford) health insurance live in poor health (or die) or be rescued by charity (including the involuntary charity of the E.R.).
These sophistical talking points of Republicans make them far more hypocritical than Democrats, which is also proven by their inability to do what they promised for seven years or explain why they promised it when they were unprepared to produce.
3
Like Jessi Bohon, I also live in Tennessee and have been telephoning and emailing our two senators about the ACA over the last few months. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker both voted for repeal last week. On the phone, their aides respond with icy silence to comments. Their email responses are canned promises to repeal the ACA -- even when my message to them was to please NOT repeal the law! I wish people would stop describing them as reasonable and sensible. They are anything but. Both are multimillionaires who ignore the needs of Tennessee's people. They voted Yes on repeal because they serve Trump and the Republican party. If Senators Collins and Murkowski are heroes, Alexander and Corker are the opposite. I hope we all never forget how this dishonorable pair voted that day.
24
Knowing the sorts of people your fellow citizens elect and the sorts of people they are that they elect and reelect such people, you choose not to move. America is full of people who faced the same choice, or whose ancestors did, and went the other way.
If Tennessee were fixable, the TVA would have done it. If some socialistic scheme like the TVA were presented to Tennesseeans today, they would soundly reject it.
If Tennessee were fixable, the TVA would have done it. If some socialistic scheme like the TVA were presented to Tennesseeans today, they would soundly reject it.
1
I'm disappointed to see this rundown does not give credit to ADAPT, the grass-roots disability rights organization. ADAPT's protesters were dumped out of their wheelchairs and arrested outside McConnell's office for peacefully protesting. They brought a human face to the medically fragile among us, and we should be extremely grateful for their efforts. I applaud them.
24
How about including disabled people, who would have lost so much with this bill? This is not just about Medicaid cuts, but changes to pre-existing conditions rules and others. Check with any organization such as DREDF, The Arc, AAPD, MHA, and many others to see how they rallied us to resist.
13
All your picks are worthy. I would add the name of Senator Maize Hirono who, despite grave illness, took the long flight from Hawaii to D.C. to vote NO. Her impassioned speech, prior to the vote, brought tears to my eyes.
Additionally, Senator Hirono flew back in order to participate in the most riveting Senate Judiciary testimony since Watergate. And while MSM, including this publication, had eyes on deflecting Transgender Tweets, Bill Browder's testimony tied a neat bow on Russian desperation to influence US policy by reversing the Magnitsky Act. This was the sole purpose of the meeting with Trump Jr. Adoption is a fake cover.
http://www.npr.org/2017/07/28/539802914/businessman-paints-a-terrifying-...
Additionally, Senator Hirono flew back in order to participate in the most riveting Senate Judiciary testimony since Watergate. And while MSM, including this publication, had eyes on deflecting Transgender Tweets, Bill Browder's testimony tied a neat bow on Russian desperation to influence US policy by reversing the Magnitsky Act. This was the sole purpose of the meeting with Trump Jr. Adoption is a fake cover.
http://www.npr.org/2017/07/28/539802914/businessman-paints-a-terrifying-...
24
For history, it was a rare example of our modern constitutional Republic rising to meet an historical challenge. For us, it was a textbook written on the fly that contains important lessons about how to make our Republic can work. For Governor Kasich, it was an example about how to use the power of our governors to effectively confront the ideological divide in Congress and force them to realistically address the needs of large sections of our country that are rarely heard from, such as rural areas. For Democrats and Republicans alike it was a call to make future compromises, even on issues we may hold dear. For Chuck Schumer it was a job well done. And, for John McCain it was (and remains) a "Profile in Courage."
8
Let's give a special shout-out to the Center for Popular Democracy and Housing Works -- when you saw a protester being dragged down the halls of Congress, chances are they got there thanks to the hard work of those two groups. Their civil disobedience events gave imagery to the movement at a key moment and helped fuel ongoing local protest.
13
Terrific.
3
That was hardly a victory!
The average American family spends $18,000 on health care per year.
On a median salary of $54,000; how is that even possible?
In contrast, an American expat family in Barcelona is paying $250 per month for health insurance ($3,000 a year). These numbers are what 'victory' would look like and not continuation of the outrageous bills we are currently paying!
The average American family spends $18,000 on health care per year.
On a median salary of $54,000; how is that even possible?
In contrast, an American expat family in Barcelona is paying $250 per month for health insurance ($3,000 a year). These numbers are what 'victory' would look like and not continuation of the outrageous bills we are currently paying!
8
You got your lies lined up pretty well, huh? Except that most American families get their insurance through their jobs or Medicare. Less than 7% of Americans are in the individual market, that is, the ACA. So your "average American family" doesn't exist.
1
Big relief that the senate bill failed thanks to everyone fighting it! But the problem is not solved yet. In Democratic WA state the NON PROFIT insurance providers are sitting on 3.4 BILLION in surplus funds but my daughter's insurer, Premera, is asking for 27.7% PREMIUM HIKES for 2018. This year my daughter had 26% hike, and her list of preferred providers was reduced. She recently had a $1000 bill for lab work because she was unaware they cancelled contract with the lab she has always used; now there is only one lab in a 50 mile radius. Meanwhile the Premera CEO, Jeff Roe, of had a 63% PAY HIKE in 2014 and a 69.4% pay hike in 2015. The insurance companies blame rising health care costs on the need for hiking premiums and cancelling provider contracts, but Premera and other insurers lobbied against and killed a bill in WA state that would have made healthcare costs and provider quality more transparent to consumers.
11
The headline is ridiculous. Hyperbole. If you want to say "The Americans Who Saved Obamacare" go ahead. The Senate vote was not going to take away health insurance from the 94% of the American population that are not getting coverage through the ACA.
1
You appear to be forgetting the Medicaid reductions, the Planned Parenthood funding removal, and the tax changes that would cause issues for all. And probably other things that I've forgotten at the moment.
9
The Republican plan would have removed the requirement that businesses ensure their workers which could potentially impact 170 million Americans (my understanding).
7
We need many more women in Congress and elected offices all over the country. Women just don't respond to the herd mentality of men in the same way. Men create hierarchies; women prefer to work from consensus. I am sure that the Democratic women in the Senate were providing their support to Collins and Murkowski even as the Republicans were hammering away at them.
Women privilege people over profit more consistently than men. Look at the countries where women hold a larger percentage of parliamentary positions (Sweden would be a good start) and you will find a more human, and humane, focus in their laws.
Women privilege people over profit more consistently than men. Look at the countries where women hold a larger percentage of parliamentary positions (Sweden would be a good start) and you will find a more human, and humane, focus in their laws.
14
Why is this not considered a sexist comment?
We should have more females elected to Congress because they comprise 51% of our population. The reason given here should be offensive to all.
We should have more females elected to Congress because they comprise 51% of our population. The reason given here should be offensive to all.
Nothing is 'saved' yet - stay tuned.....
1
A welcome reminder. The fight may continue for some time longer but it's good to pause and reflect on the accomplishments of those you named and others like them. Thank you all.
5
Well, now that we've saved health INSURANCE, can we go back to the battle for genuinely affordable healthcare for all? This for-profit, insurance-based system is killing those of us who have been forced by the current trend of contract-employment only to purchase our own insurance. And a lot of us are older, but not old enough for Medicare, and making just a tad too much for any assistance.
Not to mention the insurance companies are still walking away with a fortune and covering less and less.
We need to fight for the right to good health the rest of the first world has!
Not to mention the insurance companies are still walking away with a fortune and covering less and less.
We need to fight for the right to good health the rest of the first world has!
8
Senator Maizie Hirano from Hawaii, who interrupted treatment for Stage 4 kidney cancer to cast her vote, also deserves thanks for fighting for affordable health care.
247
These great acts to help Americans survive among a sea of bullies is why I am a Democratic for life. I hope and pray many more will turn away from the GOP now that they know what they stand for social injustice and only for the rich one percent. I'm proud to be an American especially today.
12
Thank you for putting credit where it belongs. Not with the Senators who finally defected to fanfare, but with the people whose relentless pressure and efforts knocked the door down. The question remains, do we have enough stamina to keep this up for 4 years?
15
The Times ran an article a few days ago highlighting ACA success stories. Included were families barely getting by on modest incomes, but who, under ACA plans, had to pay obscene annual deductibles of 5 - 10k, and excessive monthly premiums of $1,500 or so. The ACA was killing these people, but they're the ones the Times celebrates as success stories. Calling that "health care" that's been "saved" and that preventing its radical reform or replacement (call it a "fix" if you'd like) is a great victory is dishonest.
2
You are correct- the ACA doesn't work for everyone, nor solve all of the problems with the nation's healthcare system. No one should have to choose between food and medicine, or pay more each month for a health insurance policy than they pay for the roof over their heads. But when the roof leaks, you don't burn down the house, you fix it - with an even better roof.
9
Yeah, but you built a house with a bad foundation, partial walls, a leaky roof, and paid the contractors a premium to build it. So now a bunch of homeless and poor people live there, while the other people that used to be able to barely maintain their homes can't afford their mortgage anymore. Should never have passed inspection, but those Democrats just managed to push that through regardless of the cost.
1
Two items:
The GOP internal vote was not nearly as close as it seemed in the final tallies. Each one of several dissenting Senators was willing to defy the McConnell/Koch cabal and take the hit himself if it came to that. Key among them (and this is just a personal opinion with no evidence) was Colorado's Corey Gardner. In public he's in lockstep, deploring the 'tragedy and disaster of Obamacare'. Maybe he really feels that way -- his public aspect is a complete facade, so we have no idea. But he knows Colorado has the highest percentage of citizens who oppose repeal of any state with a Republican Senator, and a reserve of Sanders zealots who don't like mainstream Democrats very much, but would demonize him far out of proportion with their numbers if he voted for repeal and it passed.
So what do we do now to prevent Trump and the anti-Obama diehards from poisoning the ACA's implementation?
The GOP internal vote was not nearly as close as it seemed in the final tallies. Each one of several dissenting Senators was willing to defy the McConnell/Koch cabal and take the hit himself if it came to that. Key among them (and this is just a personal opinion with no evidence) was Colorado's Corey Gardner. In public he's in lockstep, deploring the 'tragedy and disaster of Obamacare'. Maybe he really feels that way -- his public aspect is a complete facade, so we have no idea. But he knows Colorado has the highest percentage of citizens who oppose repeal of any state with a Republican Senator, and a reserve of Sanders zealots who don't like mainstream Democrats very much, but would demonize him far out of proportion with their numbers if he voted for repeal and it passed.
So what do we do now to prevent Trump and the anti-Obama diehards from poisoning the ACA's implementation?
2
Easy; vote Democrats into Congress across the board.
3
A battle was won. You may have to wait to see who wins the war.
2
one notes those Republicans who spoke the most against the plan also voted for it.
4
I'm surprised more Republicans didn't break ranks. Even in deep red states and districts, the health care vote is a black mark on their record. Congratulations to everyone else though. You can't win them all but you can try.
By the way, I'm also surprised the opinion didn't link the activism guide referenced. Leonhardt links two articles on the Indivisible group but not one to the actual website or guide. Maybe it's a legal thing? Maybe they just want to drive web traffic through preferred sites for additional ad revenue? In any event, here's the actual guide Leonhardt was talking about:
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/guide/
By the way, I'm also surprised the opinion didn't link the activism guide referenced. Leonhardt links two articles on the Indivisible group but not one to the actual website or guide. Maybe it's a legal thing? Maybe they just want to drive web traffic through preferred sites for additional ad revenue? In any event, here's the actual guide Leonhardt was talking about:
https://www.indivisibleguide.com/guide/
6
And let's and let's not forget the journalists. The best, such as Margot Sanger-Katz (NYT) and Julie Rovner (Kaiser Health News) provided the reporting and analysis that served as ammunition for citizen activists. Team Trump attacks journalists for a reason: the free press is a primary safeguard against an authoritarian regime.
27
An interesting piece marred by a careless and silly headline. Last week's Senate votes reprieved the Affordable Care Act. Blue Cross, Kaiser, and other private insurers were not "saved", or much affected at all.
2
No one should ever think ANY fight is over in a Democracy.
7
"What set Collins and Murkowski apart was a willingness to buck intense pressure from Republican leaders."
What set these two Sisters apart was love, and that unstoppable energy which flows only form love, courage, with out which nothing else is possible.
We have to get over this notion that love is some sort of emotional feeling. Love is the channel for the Will to do, the will to serve the Common Good.
The difference between Susan and Lisa was precisely that they acted without regard to their personal survival.
Love generates the courage that will stand up to stupidity, selfishness, greed, authoritarianism, coercion, regardless of any guarantees of surviving. If this were not the case there we would still be under the rule of some king or other.
What these others lack is/was a love for the Common Good and the courage to live for it.
They are mostly buried in their fear and self concern.
What set these two Sisters apart was love, and that unstoppable energy which flows only form love, courage, with out which nothing else is possible.
We have to get over this notion that love is some sort of emotional feeling. Love is the channel for the Will to do, the will to serve the Common Good.
The difference between Susan and Lisa was precisely that they acted without regard to their personal survival.
Love generates the courage that will stand up to stupidity, selfishness, greed, authoritarianism, coercion, regardless of any guarantees of surviving. If this were not the case there we would still be under the rule of some king or other.
What these others lack is/was a love for the Common Good and the courage to live for it.
They are mostly buried in their fear and self concern.
9
Thanks to all these people who united in opposition to a cruel assault on ordinary Americans. Democracy can still work.
But if anyone believes that this war is over, they're naive. The forces behind the assault on average Americans is as old as greed itself. The very rich and powerful behind this latest assault have every resource - including elected and appointed officials - at their command. They are the very same people - or the direct descendants of those - who vowed to undo FDR's New Deal, and LBJ's Great Society. They are nothing less than feudal lords who see the riches of the world as their birthright, and anyone who stands in their way of seizing it as their enemy.
It is nothing less than a war, and the People have won just one battle. Instead of squabbling among ourselves, divided by the "identities" we're assigned or cling to, we need to unite in opposition to those who attack us indiscriminately and inexorably. As Ben Franklin said, and is just as true today: "We must indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately".
But if anyone believes that this war is over, they're naive. The forces behind the assault on average Americans is as old as greed itself. The very rich and powerful behind this latest assault have every resource - including elected and appointed officials - at their command. They are the very same people - or the direct descendants of those - who vowed to undo FDR's New Deal, and LBJ's Great Society. They are nothing less than feudal lords who see the riches of the world as their birthright, and anyone who stands in their way of seizing it as their enemy.
It is nothing less than a war, and the People have won just one battle. Instead of squabbling among ourselves, divided by the "identities" we're assigned or cling to, we need to unite in opposition to those who attack us indiscriminately and inexorably. As Ben Franklin said, and is just as true today: "We must indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately".
10
I would just as easily put Sen. John McCain in the the Unintimidated.
2
A victory it was, but it will be extremely short-lived if Democrats do not keep the pressure on Republicans to stabilize the markets that Trump and the Republicans are actively undermining with each passing day.
Within the next few weeks, insurers will be announcing premium increases in the marketplaces that will likely be in the double-digits. Many insurers won't offer plans at all. And Republicans are sharpening up their fingers to point the blame at Democrats.
This is what happened last year in the campaign, when increases were announced a few short weeks before the election, and Clinton had not done any advance messaging to blunt the assault by Trump.
So Democrats need to get out in front of this, offer concrete and immediate fixes to Obamacare, and push Republicans to sign on. They should ignore McConnell's plan to "move on" to tax reform and keep the hot spotlight on this issue.
Because here outside the DC bubble, we cannot "move on." Many of us will spend the rest of the summer anxious about what is coming down the pike for us with our coverage, and the rest of the year scrambling to adjust.
Within the next few weeks, insurers will be announcing premium increases in the marketplaces that will likely be in the double-digits. Many insurers won't offer plans at all. And Republicans are sharpening up their fingers to point the blame at Democrats.
This is what happened last year in the campaign, when increases were announced a few short weeks before the election, and Clinton had not done any advance messaging to blunt the assault by Trump.
So Democrats need to get out in front of this, offer concrete and immediate fixes to Obamacare, and push Republicans to sign on. They should ignore McConnell's plan to "move on" to tax reform and keep the hot spotlight on this issue.
Because here outside the DC bubble, we cannot "move on." Many of us will spend the rest of the summer anxious about what is coming down the pike for us with our coverage, and the rest of the year scrambling to adjust.
8
And here we see on full display liberal narcissism: never even considering the other side (ineffective health insurance, overpriced premiums, doctors out of business, bankrupt insurers, etc.) just so they can perpetuate the fantasies that they are the anointed ones to bring about "progress." How about just letting us (the 99% of us without medical complications) buy health insurance the same way that we buy food? You die without food yet we don't have a single payer system to provide food for the majority of the country (if we did we would all starve!)
99%?
No. For starters, 25% of Americans have chronic health issues that require regular treatment/ medication. The number of people each year who require treatment for accidental, job-related, sports-related, etc injuries is in the millions. Just because you are healthy at this moment is no guarantee that you will healthy tomorrow. Health insurance is not just to protect you from today's health problems, but tomorrow's, too. And nobody gers out of here alive.
No. For starters, 25% of Americans have chronic health issues that require regular treatment/ medication. The number of people each year who require treatment for accidental, job-related, sports-related, etc injuries is in the millions. Just because you are healthy at this moment is no guarantee that you will healthy tomorrow. Health insurance is not just to protect you from today's health problems, but tomorrow's, too. And nobody gers out of here alive.
6
Richard, Pretty hard to rebut such nonsense, but if Heath insurance was like food, 1/3 of the country would be starving and another 1/3 would be dead. There is no food emergency room that will feed you no matter what.
4
Richard accidentally makes an interesting point.
The arguments he presents and those presented by the opponents of the ACA rest on poor or no data and reach untenable conclusions. First, the article did not claim that the ACA is the perfect solution to the problem of healthcare access, but it is better than the proposed alternatives.
Richard makes claims that 99% of "us" have no medical complications, without being clear about what group he is talking about. It is not all Americans. It is not those over 45. It is not children. It is not those who live in states with poor workers' compensation insurance laws.
Richard makes unsupported claims that (all?) health insurance is ineffective, that (all?) premiums are overpriced, that the ACA has driven doctors out of business, and that (some/many/all?) insurers have been bankrupted by it.
Richard poses a flawed analogy to support his claim. Healthcare may be necessary in a way that food is necessary, but that's where the similarities end. Food is a product. Healthcare and healthcare insurance are services.
By the way, we have state-sponsored food programs to provide food to those in need.
Some of these claims were made and continued to be made by opponents of the ACA, a point that we should keep in mind. The fact that poor argumentation flourishes on a subject that has seen seven years of debate should make all of doubt that the job to improve healthcare access is over.
Thanks, Richard for making that point clear.
The arguments he presents and those presented by the opponents of the ACA rest on poor or no data and reach untenable conclusions. First, the article did not claim that the ACA is the perfect solution to the problem of healthcare access, but it is better than the proposed alternatives.
Richard makes claims that 99% of "us" have no medical complications, without being clear about what group he is talking about. It is not all Americans. It is not those over 45. It is not children. It is not those who live in states with poor workers' compensation insurance laws.
Richard makes unsupported claims that (all?) health insurance is ineffective, that (all?) premiums are overpriced, that the ACA has driven doctors out of business, and that (some/many/all?) insurers have been bankrupted by it.
Richard poses a flawed analogy to support his claim. Healthcare may be necessary in a way that food is necessary, but that's where the similarities end. Food is a product. Healthcare and healthcare insurance are services.
By the way, we have state-sponsored food programs to provide food to those in need.
Some of these claims were made and continued to be made by opponents of the ACA, a point that we should keep in mind. The fact that poor argumentation flourishes on a subject that has seen seven years of debate should make all of doubt that the job to improve healthcare access is over.
Thanks, Richard for making that point clear.
1
It was the two women who voted no in the senate who were republicans, no one else, not even McCain.
1
As a senior who has followed politics for decades, I've never seen legislation as poorly put together as the GOP attempts at a health care bill. After failing the first time in the House, a flawed bill was passed by reassuring hesitant Representatives that it would be "fixed" in the Senate. Two proposals failed in the Senate and then "skinny repeal" was proposed with implication that it would never become law, because it would be fixed in the House/Senate conference committee.
In summary, 5 votes were taken, of which none had real support. The only justification for these bills was that there was a vague promise that they would eventually be improved and that it had to be passed, to fulfill a promise to repeal the ACA. What about the promise to pass something better than the ACA? That was forgotten.
In summary, 5 votes were taken, of which none had real support. The only justification for these bills was that there was a vague promise that they would eventually be improved and that it had to be passed, to fulfill a promise to repeal the ACA. What about the promise to pass something better than the ACA? That was forgotten.
9
I suggest another group of heroes: Democratic lawmakers who voted for the ACA in 2010 and then lost their seats as a result. In some cases these legislators sacrificed their political careers when they cast their votes. Anyone remember any specific names?
Another observation: Democrats passed the ACA in spite of the the lies and distortions told about Obamacare, whereas the Republicans could not repeal the ACA because of the truths voiced by their opponents.
Another observation: Democrats passed the ACA in spite of the the lies and distortions told about Obamacare, whereas the Republicans could not repeal the ACA because of the truths voiced by their opponents.
27
Yes let's celebrate those that did the right thing. But let's not forget that saving Obamacare was due in no small measure to the arrogance, stupidity and legislative inexperience and incompetence of Mr. Trump, Mr. Ryan, Mr. McConnell and the entire Republican congress with the few exceptions noted in this piece.
3
It isnt saved if it is unaffordable. The NY Times can cheer for all those who get subsidies but what about those of us who do not? My premium is scheduled to be $995 a month in 2018, up 50% in 2 years and is an unsustainable rise. Unless we help ALL PEOPLE, which includes those who get no subsidies but are middle class, these victories are meaningless for those of us who actually work.
10
I never bought health insurance as a temporary contract credit analyst at a bank because I couldn't afford it, either, and that was BEFORE the ACA. Independent insurance has always been expensive with high deductibles and co-pays and the tax on the so-called cadillac plans to pay for the subsidies affects insurance provided by large organizations to executives and politicians, not independently-purchased policies.
1
Assuming you are young, what is going to happen to your premium if you get sick? Without the ACA, nothing will prevent the insurance companies from quintupling your premiums. If you're over 50, your premiums will triple. In any case, the fiasco over the past 2 weeks should have proven to you that the Republicans don't care about the middle class.
1
That's precisely why we need single-payer healthcare: Medicare for all!
2
The Republicans who voted for repeal should be named and shamed. I have connected with a local group in a small community on the Outer Banks of NC. We are an Indivisible sanctioned group, and determined to change the course of our current political trajectory by working with other similar groups on a state and national level. We oppose this president and the GOP agenda. We gather to discuss important issues, strategy, and activism. We're constantly looking for potential candidates to run for local offices. I believe Trump has awakened a sleeping giant. We are playing offense and in the game for the long haul.
12
Thank you for this column. It is an important reminder that participation matters; each citizen can make a difference.
Another article in the NYT recently pointed out that Maggie Hassan won her senate race in New Hampshire last fall by the slimmest of margins (~700 votes, roughly 0.1% of votes cast). If she had lost to Kelly Ayotte, the Republicans may have had enough votes to pass their health bill.
Another article in the NYT recently pointed out that Maggie Hassan won her senate race in New Hampshire last fall by the slimmest of margins (~700 votes, roughly 0.1% of votes cast). If she had lost to Kelly Ayotte, the Republicans may have had enough votes to pass their health bill.
17
Great piece. When progressives are on the defensive, as we were on this issue, one has to act accordingly to defend past gains. That includes the key takeaways herein: grass roots organization and advocacy, a united Democratic Party, and a least common denominator program that those who don't agree on key issues - single payer, individual mandate, state flexibility v. federal control - can unite to form a defensive majority. That least common denominator seemed to be expanded Medicaid; and rightfully so. It touches the most people, who happen to be those with the greatest need and fewest resources. In my book, if you were on board with that issue, you were on Team Good Guys.
9
Mr. Leonhardt - Had there been a place to comment on your "Opinion" piece today I would have noted that you could add the overwhelming decision by both house of Congress to deny President Trump the unilateral power to decide when to lift sanctions on Russia. Add to that line in the sand the purported decision of the Senate to thwart the President's ability to make a recess appointment of a new attorney general. Both compliment the expressions of public sentiment (Boy Scouts, police, etc.) which you note. RAK
3
I share the pride like most Americans after the ACA is saved for now.
But is it not ripe for discussions why it so much looks like a social service and not health care.
I would like social responsibilities like "addiction care/mental health/contraceptives ( not pills - they are medicines)" etc removed and clubbed into a separate social support agenda/bill .
We should also remove the rest of the social responsibility of the "employers" to provide healthcare out .
Basically remove all social responsibility issues that I see as the major hurdles out of this " universal like healthcare" and save the real healthcare that every human needs. This should and must be taken up separately just like we have social security taken up separately from medicare.
This will leave the base health care which should cover all and every clinical case and that require a medical practitioner's help be left into it.
May be I am too naive , but just think about it. we need to have the "market" work to really save our ACA and keep it affordable.
But is it not ripe for discussions why it so much looks like a social service and not health care.
I would like social responsibilities like "addiction care/mental health/contraceptives ( not pills - they are medicines)" etc removed and clubbed into a separate social support agenda/bill .
We should also remove the rest of the social responsibility of the "employers" to provide healthcare out .
Basically remove all social responsibility issues that I see as the major hurdles out of this " universal like healthcare" and save the real healthcare that every human needs. This should and must be taken up separately just like we have social security taken up separately from medicare.
This will leave the base health care which should cover all and every clinical case and that require a medical practitioner's help be left into it.
May be I am too naive , but just think about it. we need to have the "market" work to really save our ACA and keep it affordable.
1
In WHAT warped universe is mental health care a "social responsibility??" Guessing you have never known anyone whose very life was threatened by severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, which are just as much "real" physical illnesses as diabetes or heart disease. Naive? Maybe. Uninformed? Definitely!
6
Why is contraception not health care? Why is treatment for mental health not healthcare? Why is treatment for addiction not healthcare? Because you don't want to pay for them?
7
Thanks for reading my point and commenting.
I just want to mention this I read on the internet -
While “there has been no shortage of alleged biochemical explanations for psychiatric conditions…not one has been proven. Quite the contrary. In every instance where such an imbalance was thought to have been found, it was later proven false.” —Dr. Joseph Glenmullen, Harvard Medical School psychiatrist
Not sure if its fake like the statement "mental health is medical condition . proven by lab tests!"
I just want to mention this I read on the internet -
While “there has been no shortage of alleged biochemical explanations for psychiatric conditions…not one has been proven. Quite the contrary. In every instance where such an imbalance was thought to have been found, it was later proven false.” —Dr. Joseph Glenmullen, Harvard Medical School psychiatrist
Not sure if its fake like the statement "mental health is medical condition . proven by lab tests!"
Stand Tall, Raise Your Voices! Agreed, support the Legislators who are Supporting us. SD legislators are NOT supporting us but touting the party line. I routinely write letters, call and post supporting our STRONG legislators, Democrat, Independent OR Repub when they are Doing the Work of the People and Not of Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Ted Cruz, Trey Gowdy etc. This is a cause we cannot grow weary of, we cannot bury our heads in the sand. RESIST, PERSIST, Support those supporting us!
4
Ever notice that the bottom line to every story line regarding legislative action comes down to the fact that the wishes of the few (the money) way too often trumps (inadvertent pun) the needs of the many (we the people). Is there a movement to challenge "Citizen's United"? As long as (cash=speach) > (the rights of the electorate ) we the people will always have a secondary place in the equation.
7
No one saved healthcare in America last week. Obama and the democrats have made a mess of our healthcare, and the republicans lack the chutzpah to fix it. The losers are the American people. We can't afford any of this...so why are we trying. In America, if you want decent health insurance get a job.
I doubt any liberal, democrat, or journalist that is out there praising Obamacare has ever talked to anyone that has had to use it.
I doubt any liberal, democrat, or journalist that is out there praising Obamacare has ever talked to anyone that has had to use it.
1
Holy cow, have you not been paying attention? Did you see the zillion of testimonials by people whose lives were saved by Obamacare? In my own family, I can't imagine what would have happened had the ACA not been passed. So yes, a lot of us out here who are praising it, we've used it.
5
In fact, people who do use ACA are overwhelmingly positive about it.
4
I am a liberal democrat, now retired and on a combo of medicare and senior supplemental. I know many people who are on Obamacare and in spite of its many flaws it is their lifeline to healthcare. Jobs in rural areas, usually small businesses very often do not provide health insurance. I personally know several for whom Obamacare is their literal lifeline because without it they could not get ongoing treatments fighting cancer. I also was a teacher for special needs children. Medicaid is essential for their care. I, and these folks who suffer great anxiety each time a vote to repeal comes up, are deeply thankful to all who voiced their opposition and organized against this inhumane bill. Now let's get it fixed!
5
My brother-in-law is conservative and deeply Christian. He is also a nurse at a hospice and he was highly disturbed by his fellow conservatives' support for the healthcare "plans" that were put forth by Republicans.
He left his Baptist church due its blatant unapologetic support for Trump (he joined a Methodist one). He figured out Facebook and posted daily stories of people struggling with healthcare, withstanding the backlash patiently. He attended every march he could on the subject and wrote all his representatives.
Republicans lost a solid voter in him (he does not live in Arizona, Alaska or Maine). I wonder how many more are out there like him.
He left his Baptist church due its blatant unapologetic support for Trump (he joined a Methodist one). He figured out Facebook and posted daily stories of people struggling with healthcare, withstanding the backlash patiently. He attended every march he could on the subject and wrote all his representatives.
Republicans lost a solid voter in him (he does not live in Arizona, Alaska or Maine). I wonder how many more are out there like him.
24
"I wonder how many more are out there like him." Not enough. But your brother-in-law certainly deserves praise for following his conscience instead of his party, and his faith instead of his church.
9
God Bless you and your brother!
3
Thank you. This was a shining moment in the night of Trump and Republican return to a Dark Ages. That it came within a single vote is horrifying. So many Americans would have lost their healthcare (between 15 and 32 million) in the bills that were voted on in the mad rush to "accomplish" something, even if it was the destruction of critical healthcare for millions and the consequent suffering and preventable deaths.
The protesters are a true grass roots movement. When Sen. Collins returned to Maine, other travelers spontaneously broke into applause to thank her for her steadfast courage. The disabled protesters, some of whom were removed from their wheelchairs, put their lives and health on the line. The clergy people and others who protested, were brave, knowing that they would be arrested, but also knowing that this was a moral imperative. Along the road to his home, Sen. McCain could have seen the heartfelt signs that people put up thanking his courage. Sen. Murkowski withstood thuglike intimidation tactics.
Senators McCain and Hirano epitomized dedicated public service. Sen. Hirano has Stage 4 kidney cancer but like Sen. McCain with his aggressive brain cancer returned to the Senate. They cast their votes for the good of Americans, even though that lost a precious week of treatment for their illnesses.
Thank you to everyone involved. Some of us could only email or call our representatives and senators and be ignored. But the right thing happened.
The protesters are a true grass roots movement. When Sen. Collins returned to Maine, other travelers spontaneously broke into applause to thank her for her steadfast courage. The disabled protesters, some of whom were removed from their wheelchairs, put their lives and health on the line. The clergy people and others who protested, were brave, knowing that they would be arrested, but also knowing that this was a moral imperative. Along the road to his home, Sen. McCain could have seen the heartfelt signs that people put up thanking his courage. Sen. Murkowski withstood thuglike intimidation tactics.
Senators McCain and Hirano epitomized dedicated public service. Sen. Hirano has Stage 4 kidney cancer but like Sen. McCain with his aggressive brain cancer returned to the Senate. They cast their votes for the good of Americans, even though that lost a precious week of treatment for their illnesses.
Thank you to everyone involved. Some of us could only email or call our representatives and senators and be ignored. But the right thing happened.
8
Your calls and emails may have been ignored, but they, along with thousands of others, didn't go unnoticed. If they had been, the repeal and replace process would have gone much easier for the ones in Congress who wanted it. I called Marco Rubio's office every day for the past four or five months, and never once spoke to a human being, often wasn't even able to leave a message. I emailed him once a week, and never received anything other than the (same) auto- reply. When my schedule allowed, I called or visited his local office with other constituents trying to get him to give us some time and listen to our concerns - our calls weren't returned, we weren't even allowed in the lobby of the office building.
But, along with thousands of people, I made his phone ring, I helped to fill his voice mail and his inbox to overflowing. His landlord refused to renew the lease on his office. He may have been able to ignore his constituents' opinions, but not the results of our actions. What we did - what you did - mattered. It got results : - )
But, along with thousands of people, I made his phone ring, I helped to fill his voice mail and his inbox to overflowing. His landlord refused to renew the lease on his office. He may have been able to ignore his constituents' opinions, but not the results of our actions. What we did - what you did - mattered. It got results : - )
3
How could you leave out the leaders of the health care movement, ADAPT!
3
I do praise and honor the coalition that managed to thwart the recent cynical attacks on Americans' health care. But inside every silver lining lurks a dark cloud: The latest bill was defeated by a single vote. That all but three Republicans were willing to vote for the bill is shameful and disheartening, especially as the Prima Donny continues to insist that the Republicans not "give up" and risk needing to cooperate across the aisle to improve, rather than incinerate, the ACA.
3
One can count on McConnell and Ryan regrouping, they're overlords the Kochs demand it.
2
In addition to Mr. Leonhardt's worthy list of heroes, I'd like to suggest the name of that "master tactician" Mitch McConnell. His ham-handed handling of the health care bill was a monument to ineptitude, from its closed-door creation (without the inclusion of any women), to the constant changing of it to please various senators.He came up with a product which was Dickensian in the misery it would inflict, and all in the name of hatred of anything bearing the name Obama. In fact, the result made one wonder which side he really was on. Could any bill be more likely to test whatever integrity any of the Senators might still possess?
4
Don't get me wrong--I think it's marvelous that whatever it was, something conspired to convince three members of the Republican Senate to vote No.
However, every other member of the Republican caucus voted Yes. So one could argue that all of the efforts put forth fell on deaf ears. The main exception was John McCain, who only changed his mind after the unbelievably egregious irony of his own health situation brought him to his senses.
However, every other member of the Republican caucus voted Yes. So one could argue that all of the efforts put forth fell on deaf ears. The main exception was John McCain, who only changed his mind after the unbelievably egregious irony of his own health situation brought him to his senses.
4
John McCain didn't vote against the so-called skinny repeal bill because his current health situation caused some kind of epiphany. He supports repeal. He voted against it because of process only. That's why he voted *for* opening up the debate.
How many Republicans who supported and still support Trump simply due to partisanship have held OPEN, PUBLIC town hall meetings AND actually LISTENED to the voters' concerns, regardless of the voters' party affiliations? Pence and Ryan, as I recall, held an INVITATION-ONLY "town hall" meeting in Wisconsin last March and completely dismissed the messages of the protestors outside the closed meeting. How open-minded of them. Echo chamber legislators funded by big drug, healthcare & insurance company lobbies. Overturn Citizens United and you'll fix a 'uuugggge part of the Congressional problem!
4
I am one of those "Citizens" who joined an Indivisible group in a red state and did those activist things, for the first time in my life. Our Republican congressman and senators did not hold live town halls during the healthcare debate but only those well-managed (and poorly publicized) "telephone town halls" where "questions" are submitted to staff and screened before the call. Funny thing. They did hold live town halls when the Tea Party was out in force several years ago. If our Republican representatives are afraid to personally face their constituents in the home district, where is the democracy? Bottom line, in solid red states, Republican representatives don't have to listen to anybody but their true believers. Only when their margins of election victory start closing will they open their ears.
12
Thank you for what you did.
3
All well and good that after the election citizens from states that made Trump president woke up. I have to think that an aspect of their "low information" vote was not knowing that the ACA is what they referred to as the horrible "Obama Care". They were happy before the election, not to know things, to light their torches and yell "lock her up" maligning and insulting the candidate who's medical insurance bill, proposed during her husband's administration was better than the ACA.
They didn't then or even now take anyone else's plight into consideration unless it's right in their face.
They are all fired up now about the one thing, they think, this administration will cause them to lose.
Those of us who overestimated our fellow Americans, really did.
Even bigger than the healthcare issue is the ongoing non global view most Americans still have of the world.
This administration,by withdrawing from the Paris Accords is at odds with every other civilized nation.
In addition Trump's lack of tact, international protocol, limited real knowledge of real issues, bad manners and bizarre hero worship of dictators is causing us to alienate our allies and contribute to the demise of the natural world, in and outside our own backyard.
I am more less afraid of a future without the ACA than I am of no future at all.
You get what you elect.
They didn't then or even now take anyone else's plight into consideration unless it's right in their face.
They are all fired up now about the one thing, they think, this administration will cause them to lose.
Those of us who overestimated our fellow Americans, really did.
Even bigger than the healthcare issue is the ongoing non global view most Americans still have of the world.
This administration,by withdrawing from the Paris Accords is at odds with every other civilized nation.
In addition Trump's lack of tact, international protocol, limited real knowledge of real issues, bad manners and bizarre hero worship of dictators is causing us to alienate our allies and contribute to the demise of the natural world, in and outside our own backyard.
I am more less afraid of a future without the ACA than I am of no future at all.
You get what you elect.
10
Unfortunately, despite all the items that you accurately list, the biggest concern remains that no matter what this President says or does, he still has more than a THIRD of the country that continues to blindly support him.
Your comment, "Those of us whom overestimated our fellow Americans" could not be more accurate and with that in mind, that still makes the future very unpredictable.
Your comment, "Those of us whom overestimated our fellow Americans" could not be more accurate and with that in mind, that still makes the future very unpredictable.
5
No one woke up - they voted with their eyes open against a very flawed Hillary Clinton....so flawed as to make Trump palatable....
1
"Saved" healthcare. What an absolute joke. I am in the individual market and soon we will have no providers so to allege healthcare was saved by these "heroes" is equivalent to lauding Neville Chamberlain for burying his head in the sand while the middle class gets crushed with higher premiums, higher deductibles and in my case no competition to provide insurance. Again, thanks Obama for wrecking my healthcare. Its a result I won't forget and frankly makes me resentful of those who get it free. Maybe that is the democratic party plan - to divide us by those protecting themselves for free care against those of us in the middle class who have the wight of the ACA on our backs.
3
Have you seen anything proposed by Republicans that would guarantee you lower premiums and deductibles for the same coverage? How about those Health Savings Accounts? Aren't those great!
3
I'd genuinely be interested to know: how exactly do you think President Obama wrecked your healthcare?
ADAPT has been working hard for years for people with disabilities to take the bus, live in the community, and get care. It's about time it is recognized as the force it is. I'm doing my little share. If we all work together we'll have healthcare for all, not just some.
6
Under more normal circumstances, with repeal of "Obamacare" the first priority of an incoming President, one would have expected some Democratic members of Congress to join the repeal votes. Party unity is a real accomplishment.
Here in Florida, there's no Medicaid expansion and likely none next year (the legislature's House has been ultra-conservative) and Sen. Marco Rubio, despite very heavy enrollment in individual health insurance plans in his hometown of Miami, seems genuinely convinced that the Senate repeal bill would have been beneficial. Sen. Bill Nelson (D) is talking to Sen. Susan Collins.
For what little it's worth, I am guessing that, unless dissuaded by the lure of a tax bill, the President will follow Matt Drudge's urgings and sabotage the Affordable Care Act.
Here in Florida, there's no Medicaid expansion and likely none next year (the legislature's House has been ultra-conservative) and Sen. Marco Rubio, despite very heavy enrollment in individual health insurance plans in his hometown of Miami, seems genuinely convinced that the Senate repeal bill would have been beneficial. Sen. Bill Nelson (D) is talking to Sen. Susan Collins.
For what little it's worth, I am guessing that, unless dissuaded by the lure of a tax bill, the President will follow Matt Drudge's urgings and sabotage the Affordable Care Act.
7
What a great message, and one that other media outlets should recognize as well. As a disabled American, I knew I would not be able to go to meetings and town halls or to canvas. So I emailed and called, shared important information online to get the message out. I am just one of millions and yet I am very, very proud.
12
Yes, I celebrate them! And I helped in my own small way!
20
Senator McCain has been harshly criticized by some (e.g. Krugman) for voting to allow the health care measures to proceed, but one effect is that no one can now argue that if only the Senate had had a chance to debate and vote on the three proposals, Trump might have had a win. Supporting the motion to proceed guaranteed that a failure to get a majority for any of the relevant options would mean that Trumpcare, in whatever version, was dead. McCain could count on that failure because he could count on Senators Collins and Murkowski to vote against all three proposals and he had his vote in his pocket if it were needed — as it was for the skinny repeal. He did not show his hand at all during the run-up to the vote on the skinny repeal. So rather than acting reprehensibly in agreeing to have the Senate consider the bills, he may well have played a brilliant hand.
18
You start this column by listing the historic political victories of suffrage, Social Security, civil rights, Medicare. It is telling that the people's major "victory" this time was simply to avert disaster. As long as Trump is in office, we will not create anything. We will not build anything (not even that stupid wall). We will not move forward economically, politically or socially. We will not leave behind a legacy that we can point to when we speak to our grandchildren. We are going to spend the next four years fighting with all we have to prevent Trump from destroying the legacies of the past. What a shameful waste of time, energy and human potential.
24
I still remember the day the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed, I ran out of the house shouting about it. I couldn't believe something this monumental could be agreed to in present day politics. The funding and the panoramic aspects of the law were a master class in policy making and statesmanship. Of course it isn't perfect, no law is and that is what amendments are for. Let us savor this moment of unity across the land and prepare for the next fight, invigorated by this victory.
27
You sound like someone who does not use Obamacare, and, if you do, gets the subsidies. Otherwise you would not be cheering.
1
I am on a healthcare plan I found through the Obamacare website portal. It was a great joy for me and my family to be able to sign up and pay for a plan for me after I was denied health insurance for years because of my pre-existing conditions.
Once my health conditions were controlled with regular care, lower-cost prescriptions, and free health classes provided by my insurer, I was able to begin working full time instead of part-time.
I am now thrilled to have graduated out of the Obamacare subsidy income range as I am doing much better financially. Yes, it will be a burden to cover my Obamacare premiums, but I am thankful for Obamacare. It gave me the help I needed to rebuild my health and my career.
Once my health conditions were controlled with regular care, lower-cost prescriptions, and free health classes provided by my insurer, I was able to begin working full time instead of part-time.
I am now thrilled to have graduated out of the Obamacare subsidy income range as I am doing much better financially. Yes, it will be a burden to cover my Obamacare premiums, but I am thankful for Obamacare. It gave me the help I needed to rebuild my health and my career.
1
Republicans are being described as failures for their inability to come through on their boring, seven-year-long promise to repeal and/or replace the ACA. Their failure was in making the promise in the first place.
27
Are you serious? You mention Topher Spiro sending tweets but not ADAPT whose disability advocates literally put their bodies on the line? DSA? Anyone? This is infuriating.
7
Unfortunately, one of my Senators, Todd Young (R-IN), was no such hero. I called his office many times only to get an answering machine. I guess a huge tax break for the rich, which is really what Trump's and the Republicans' bill was all about, is more important to some Senators than decent, affordable health care.
28
Who Saved Health Insurance? Put volunteers and voters in New Hampshire at the top of the list. For months, volunteers gave up evenings and weekends, staffing campaign offices and going door to door to help elect Democrat Maggie Hassan to the U.S. Senate. Hassan won by about 800 votes. Without the work of all of those volunteers from summer 2016 through election day there might have been a different outcome last week. They are heroes who should be recognized. Thank you.
64
We need Americans to save health care not health insurance. Start phrasing the debate in term of care and not the great scheme of insurance companies. Even Medicare is a great insurance scheme and no about care but delivery. We seem to want to make insurance available but ignore the care that is the central point of health.
9
With all the activism cited by Leonhardt, the disabled folks being pulled out of their chairs in the Congress, the town halls, the letters and emails and calls, etc. etc. and the polling showing how hated was their attempt to eliminate Obamacare, it was only three Republicans which prevented that proposal from passing. This feels like a coup to me. We need a renovated, liberalized Democratic party to take back the congress in 2018 and to pass Medicare for All.
18
This healthcare fight has a group of powerful donors that determine the Senate bill's interests. "The small group of senators secretly crafting a bill to eliminate the Affordable Care Act collected an average of $214,000 in campaign contributions from health insurance and pharmaceutical industries between November 2010 and November 2016 - nearly double the amount received by colleagues excluded from the process, according to a MapLight analysis." McConnell received the lion's share by far. So they will never bring down pharmaceutical prices until we vote them out of office.
23
"Saved health insurance."
Saved health insurance?
So. Everything is okay then. The ACA stands unblemished as the most well-thought-out, well-implemented feat of lawmaking since Hammurabi.
Give these people credit if you want to -- say they prevented something worse from happening, if that's what you believe. Celebrating citizens who make a difference is always a good thing.
But don't fall into the leftist's warm bath of assuming that "everything's AOK!" just because a politically expedient set of unkeepable promises remains on the books. I didn't see anything "saved" seven years ago, and I don't today.
Saved health insurance?
So. Everything is okay then. The ACA stands unblemished as the most well-thought-out, well-implemented feat of lawmaking since Hammurabi.
Give these people credit if you want to -- say they prevented something worse from happening, if that's what you believe. Celebrating citizens who make a difference is always a good thing.
But don't fall into the leftist's warm bath of assuming that "everything's AOK!" just because a politically expedient set of unkeepable promises remains on the books. I didn't see anything "saved" seven years ago, and I don't today.
2
Saving health insurance companies was the Obama plan. The republicans are not the only party bought off.
Now, the Democrats had full control of the House, Senate and Executive. They could have passed, with over 60 years of data from other countries' successful programs, to take the best from all of them, the best plan in the world. And maybe 10-20 pages long. Not over 2000 pages as the ACA is.
The defeat of the Republican plan was a temporary relief for many citizens, but many others will continue with the pain and frustration of unreasonably high deductibles and premiums. So the justified resentment and desire for a more fair plan will continue, and that will keep binging up more plans to terminate the ACA. I say this as one who has benefited from ACA and now, Medicare.
To cheer the "saving" of health care (insurance) is premature, and those who worked to save the ACA should now work as hard to fix or replace the ACA. Replace ACA with single payer/Medicare for All is the only thing that makes sense. But then again, we have to remember both parties of our corrupt Congress, who will fight the humane, economically sensible and higher quality results that single payer would bring, because their "owners" come before their constituents. Until they can be pried away from the cash cows or voted out, the country will be walking on eggshells in the health insurance mess for a long time.
Now, the Democrats had full control of the House, Senate and Executive. They could have passed, with over 60 years of data from other countries' successful programs, to take the best from all of them, the best plan in the world. And maybe 10-20 pages long. Not over 2000 pages as the ACA is.
The defeat of the Republican plan was a temporary relief for many citizens, but many others will continue with the pain and frustration of unreasonably high deductibles and premiums. So the justified resentment and desire for a more fair plan will continue, and that will keep binging up more plans to terminate the ACA. I say this as one who has benefited from ACA and now, Medicare.
To cheer the "saving" of health care (insurance) is premature, and those who worked to save the ACA should now work as hard to fix or replace the ACA. Replace ACA with single payer/Medicare for All is the only thing that makes sense. But then again, we have to remember both parties of our corrupt Congress, who will fight the humane, economically sensible and higher quality results that single payer would bring, because their "owners" come before their constituents. Until they can be pried away from the cash cows or voted out, the country will be walking on eggshells in the health insurance mess for a long time.
3
And like its namesake, the Zombie Bill rises again from the dead, in another guise.
What a grouchy comment Jim, they do need to be recognized , there are fellow citizens in our country who need the ACA and who have done better health wise because of it. I don't get why some have to keep harping with that leftist drivel , its getting old and it is nonsensical , guess you belong to the other half that are extremely healthy or so wealthy that you don't need health care .
2
However much some of us dislike the ACA, particularly for the way it burdens the middle class because of how low the income cap is for subsidies, it has done one very, very important thing for Americans. We are finally having a discussion on the need for all Americans to have access to the medical care they need when and where they need it. There has also been the dawning understanding that our for profit health care industry, aka wealth care industry, is not suitable for seeing to it that all Americans receive the care they need instead of what they can afford. While it's fine to buy the car one can afford, most of us should not be in the position of needing to have treatment for a medical issue and deciding which treatment is more affordable rather than what is more suitable. That is an unacceptable choice. So is forgoing care because we can't afford the copays or the deductibles.
What we have learned is that it's cruel and unusual punishment to force people not to seek treatment they need, to interrupt treatment because the insurance company dropped a provider, to drop bill bombs on people when they use an approved facility, and to force more of us to treat health care as a luxury. We need to have these things in an American medical system: universal access, all doctors accepting payments, a change in medical education, and a less fragmented system to track patients. Oh, and we're patients, not consumers.
What we have learned is that it's cruel and unusual punishment to force people not to seek treatment they need, to interrupt treatment because the insurance company dropped a provider, to drop bill bombs on people when they use an approved facility, and to force more of us to treat health care as a luxury. We need to have these things in an American medical system: universal access, all doctors accepting payments, a change in medical education, and a less fragmented system to track patients. Oh, and we're patients, not consumers.
28
That last sentence says it all. I believe the heroes outlined in this article had the capacity to see themselves as patients first and that the issue being contested dealt solely with patient welfare. Consumerism was and should always be a non-issue when we debate improvements to healthcare.
3
Let's hold off on praising the Democrats or Schumer specifically. Was there really some threat that Dems were going to vote with McConnell to kill ObamaCare?
From out here in flyover country Schumer still seems to think it is enough to sit back and say "We are not Donald Trump". The lack of action from the Dems is making me nervous about the next election cycle. The Dems are missing a golden opportunity to get their ideas out for improving ObamaCare out into the public. They should come up with bullet points to repeat in front of every camera they can find. Five to ten ideas for realistic improvement: allowing the government to negotiate for drug prices, lower the Medicare age to 55, the public option, etc. Dems don't need to achieve their list but it could open the road for compromise. Maybe we get lucky and pull a few of the GOP over, maybe nothing changes because McConnell and Trump will never work with Dems, but at least the public would see the contrast to the incompetence that McConnell has engineered.
From out here in flyover country Schumer still seems to think it is enough to sit back and say "We are not Donald Trump". The lack of action from the Dems is making me nervous about the next election cycle. The Dems are missing a golden opportunity to get their ideas out for improving ObamaCare out into the public. They should come up with bullet points to repeat in front of every camera they can find. Five to ten ideas for realistic improvement: allowing the government to negotiate for drug prices, lower the Medicare age to 55, the public option, etc. Dems don't need to achieve their list but it could open the road for compromise. Maybe we get lucky and pull a few of the GOP over, maybe nothing changes because McConnell and Trump will never work with Dems, but at least the public would see the contrast to the incompetence that McConnell has engineered.
14
Here's a starter suggestion from my spouse, a now-retired OB-gyn: in concert with other ideas for accomplishing your goals, TM, begin a single-payer system by providing govt healthcare for every newborn plus his/her mother from the moment of birth. There's plenty of statistical data to anticipate costs for this in the long range. Meanwhile, tackle all the other issues as you suggest--with reasonable proposals and negotiation. We might even get to single-payer for all without waiting for everyone now alive either to turn 65 or die from lack of healthcare!
4
All this and it was just ONE VOTE between disaster and saving a (largely) functioning health care system. While I'm relived that all three GOP bills landed in the American Standard, my major concern for the future is that the GOP overwhelmingly supported a terrible bill cobbled together over lunch, rushed to the floor with almost zero time for deliberation. That includes several GOP Senators who did not support the bill, but voted for it at the last minute with the wholly disingenuous reassurances from Paul Ryan.
13
Another key aspect of the victory was that it actually came up for 3 votes in the Senate. This is crucial in that voters can now hold their senators accountable for their votes. In the long run, saving and improving health insurance in this country will require voting out of office those who seek to take it away. Now we know precisely who they are.
15
Jessi Bohon is a member of Indivisible TN-6, our local group of activists here in Middle TN. Many of us are new to politics and activism, but we have a great group of dedicated people in a very red state. It's not easy being blue here, and it's often discouraging to keep calling and talking to our very Republican representative (Diane Black) and our senators Alexander and Corker. And yet, despite their intransigence and indifference (especially Black's), I feel as if we are making some progress. More people in our area understand now that (1) the ACA is the same as Obamacare; (2) Medicaid is important to many families here and is under threat as well; and (3) health care is a right that the Republicans are trying to take away. Rural Tennessee votes for Republicans overwhelmingly, but I think we Democrats are beginning to sow the seeds of buyer's remorse in some of our neighbors.
32
Obamacare is a gift to the health care and insurance industries, to be paid for by working middle-class Americans who don't qualify for taxpayer subsidies. It perpetuates the central problem of exorbitant costs, and thus is unsustainable and can't be "saved". Eventually, costs will have to be addressed, probably based on models in other developed countries with similar health care outcomes but much lower costs.
10
RC suggests that ACA is the thin edge of the wedge, opening the door eventually to universal health care. It was the best Obama could do, even when Democrats controlled both houses of Congress, because the Blue Dogs in his own party would not go along with the single-payer option. It also suggests that in the end Medicare for everyone will be adopted as the true way to "save" Obamacare, in reaction to unsustainable rises in cost, . If so, then our 44th president will be revered for his farsightedness: he took half a loaf as better than none at all, when a full loaf was unattainable.
25
What are we seeing, if we know about all the demonstrations, the Town Hall meetings, and the common sense of the people that repeal was bad, to see if almost succeed? Only three senators voted against it. And, let's recognize that of those three, two were women. I'm dismayed to know about all the above- mentioned works against the bill, and...only three senators voted against it?!!. What does it say for the system, for our elected representatives listening to the voice of the people. It says, they really don't. These two women are real profiles in courage. McCain, at this point, has little to lose. Those two women have put themselves against their own party to fight for what they know is right. Bravo, bravo, bravo.
I'm hoping that won't receive repercussions from their party that would harm their ability to work constructively. Bravo, those women should be enshrined in our memories, as well as our hearts.
I'm hoping that won't receive repercussions from their party that would harm their ability to work constructively. Bravo, those women should be enshrined in our memories, as well as our hearts.
13
Totally agree with you , it is never easy nor popular to stand up for what is right and all of these people did. I think even if they get blowback , they will sleep well at night knowing that by doing so they did it for the good of all those Americans who need healthcare , that being said , the ACA still needs to be tweaked and improved . Congress has to stop being bought by the lobbyists who pervert ,( ie; the drug industry , insurance companies , hospitals , etc .) They need to allow medicare etc , to negotiate for drug prices , we need more not for profit hospitals , so many things that need to change and not at the expense of the middle class who carry the burden , while the medical industries and those who head them enrich themselves even more .
2
From Maine and Alaska you have to be tough. Also the states have small and generally working or middle-class citizens who know the value of health care security and are willing to contact their representatives and hold them accountable.
12
A heart felt Thank You to all those that helped save our Heritage Foundation HealthCare. Shall we all join together now and push for Single Payer/Medicare for all?! Please.!
Also, a hat-tip to all those millions who phoned and emailed their representatives. 86% of which were women. Thank you.
Not to be forgotten and much admired, those from Adapt who literally put their bodies on the line. Camped out in rain and heat whilst sitting in their chairs or laying upon statehouse and Whitehouse hall way floors and sidewalks across the nation. They were dragged out and cuffed and jailed for all of us. Whilst the handicapped may only constitute some 15% of Medicaid recipients, they receive over 40% of benefits. The loss of funding for Medicaid is truly a life and death sentence for those in need. They too are our fellow Americans. A hat tip and Thank You brave citizens.
Single Payer/Medicare for all America. Time we join all the other advanced nations and provide health care as a Right plus it makes economic sense.
Lets do it.
Also, a hat-tip to all those millions who phoned and emailed their representatives. 86% of which were women. Thank you.
Not to be forgotten and much admired, those from Adapt who literally put their bodies on the line. Camped out in rain and heat whilst sitting in their chairs or laying upon statehouse and Whitehouse hall way floors and sidewalks across the nation. They were dragged out and cuffed and jailed for all of us. Whilst the handicapped may only constitute some 15% of Medicaid recipients, they receive over 40% of benefits. The loss of funding for Medicaid is truly a life and death sentence for those in need. They too are our fellow Americans. A hat tip and Thank You brave citizens.
Single Payer/Medicare for all America. Time we join all the other advanced nations and provide health care as a Right plus it makes economic sense.
Lets do it.
18
I agree with you that the Adapt Army of wheelchairs and crutches that put it on the line were a major moving point. They remind me of those Iron-Jawed women who stood up to Wilson and were jailed and horrendously abused in order to win the vote for women. Do we, as a nation, need to go through this kind of civil war every fifty years to move another incremental step forward?
3
If we care about the ACA, we must keep fighting. We need to keep the pressure on Congress to work together across party lines to fix the ACA, and we need to pressure the Administration to play ball and not destroy it. The only way to keep the ACA as the law of the land and improve its effectiveness is with more and more citizen action.
10
A number of people sent get-well cards to Sen. McCain after his diagnosis, but before the health care votes in the Senate.
The wishes for his recovery were genuine, but every card also noted that he has very good, taxpayer-paid health insurance, while others with his diagnosis who do not have health insurance had little hope for getting better and were probably planning their funerals and saying their goodbyes.
It seemed like the right thing to do, for many reasons. And the Dollar Store has some very nice get well cards. I don't know if it helped, but as Mr. Leonhardt noted, a confluence of different efforts by different groups was necessary, and even then, the law was barely saved.
The wishes for his recovery were genuine, but every card also noted that he has very good, taxpayer-paid health insurance, while others with his diagnosis who do not have health insurance had little hope for getting better and were probably planning their funerals and saying their goodbyes.
It seemed like the right thing to do, for many reasons. And the Dollar Store has some very nice get well cards. I don't know if it helped, but as Mr. Leonhardt noted, a confluence of different efforts by different groups was necessary, and even then, the law was barely saved.
17
I hate to rain on the author's parade, and the health care result is certainly a life saver, at least for now. But despite the work of all the heroes saluted in the article, a savage bill was passed in the House, and the effort failed in the Senate because of the votes of three Republicans. Given the convictions of these three, I doubt whether they needed to be, or were, converted by outside pressure.
2
Somehow, I think McCain -- fresh from a potentially fatal brain cancer diagnosis -- just MAY have had an epiphany!
3
Residents of NY 22nd Congressional District would love to attend a Town Hall Meeting but our representative, Claudia Tenney, refuses to hold one. She is afraid. She's held telephonic meetings but refuses to meet in a Town Hall setting. So far, she's voted in lockstep with Trump and hasn't heard directly from many of her constituents. I've called her office about issues, as have others. Those calls probably end up being hash marks tallied for each issue with no details. Citizen's Action and Indivisible members have urged her to hold meetings. I am in both cities of her District (Utica and Binghamton) often enough that I could attend one in Utica, though I live in Binghamton. There has been talk of asking another District's Rep. to hold a meeting with the apparently orphaned District 22 voters. What I want is a Rep who will hear her constituents out or be voted out. Let's see what she does after Labor Day when the campaign will gain momentum. If the status quo remains, we can take care of the matter in November 2018.
14
Create a cardboard cutout as one group did, arrange for TV coverage, and hold your downhill by yourselves, making it plain that she was invited but failled to attend.
1
Thank you for this. The heroes, people with the courage of their convictions, are growing fewer. They are all the more deserving of praise.
14
The American citizen must come before political party. When Republicans and Democrats realize that legislative outcomes are the most important factor to the American people blind adherence should subside.
This will mean a lot more work for individual legislators and their staff to investigate all aspects and projected consequences of any legislation. That could not be a bad thing.
This will mean a lot more work for individual legislators and their staff to investigate all aspects and projected consequences of any legislation. That could not be a bad thing.
8
Inspiring. We Cannot give up on democracy.
8
No mention of Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono? She left cancer treatment to get back to Washington for the vote.
29
I believe she's being treated in Washington, but even so, she spoke movingly about her luck at having great insurance vs. what the bills would do to others, and also came in to vote regardless of her condition.
9
No mention because she is a Democrat; she was interviewed on national TV regarding her need for health care and how it should be available for all.
1
Mr. John, Sen. Hirono is a democrat. The article stated that the Dems. stood together.
1
When did it get saved?
My feed says this article came out today -- August 1. If so, Trump is threatening to stop payments and implode Obamacare, in order to force the Senate to overturn Obamacare.
That is completely illogical, but that's the way Trump thinks. I think he will do it. I don't know how he can be stopped.
My feed says this article came out today -- August 1. If so, Trump is threatening to stop payments and implode Obamacare, in order to force the Senate to overturn Obamacare.
That is completely illogical, but that's the way Trump thinks. I think he will do it. I don't know how he can be stopped.
1
Cases are in the courts about Congress in the past stopping many of the payments for subsidies and reinsurance. If the plaintiffs prevail, it may not be up to tRump to underfund the program, or Congress.
1
More good news on the horizon! A group of 43 moderates in the House (both R and D) have formed an action committee to stabilize the ACA exchanges by making some modest changes to the original bill. It's not perfect--they would raise the requirement for small businesses to provide care to 500 employees--but it's a start at a bipartisan approach to making the ACA work better. This demonstrates that there are responsible members of Congress who aren't just in this for a partisan victory and that some Republicans are willing to ignore Trump's threats of retribution.
Fingers crossed!
Fingers crossed!
5
The writer of this piece is way too optimistic, thousands came out and did their patriotic duty to keep the government in check as American's should, this is true, but it should have been millions, and the Protests should have been everywhere and around the clock. In fact the Republicans almost won, they had one of the vilest , nastiest most harmful pieces of legislation this country has ever seen, and they almost got it passed. This is very depressing, America has become a lazy nation, there is more interest in the Kardashians then in public health. The fact is that most Americans have good health insurance through their employees, and they really don't care about the uninsured , "let them go to the emergency room." they see, and will see any National healthcare bill as just another tax burden for the working class. It's very depressing and points to a future of fat lazy people, who have ceased caring about their future and the future of America and the World. We have become a selfish nation, and all the fight has been knocked out of us. Many Americans don't even vote anymore. I congratulate the ones who did the right thing, and tried their best, they deserve all the praise they are getting, they are fine examples of patriotism. But what about the other 326 million Americans who did nothing. That's the real story.
6
Imagine if just one Democratic Senator had become too ill (or worse) to take his/her seat for the crucial vote! What has to happen is that the Democrats pick up a few more Republicans for the eventuality (think Ted Kennedy) that one or more Democrats becomes so incapacitated as to not be able to attend a crucial vote. McConnell wouldn't bat an eyelash to get one of his stinking ideas over the line. Truly frightening.
9
Can we support the Problem Solvers? 43 strong, it could grow: Republicans and Democrats regularly meeting to find solutions to the health care situation. Republicans are (too) slowly peeling themselves off from Trump, but at least it's happening. And they're starting with the ACA.
6
We need to take the same approach, coalition and tactics to fight the climate change deniers and their dangerous policies. It's harder to do, because for many the idea of climate change is too abstract, but the consequences will be dire if we don't.
4
What I'd like to know is this.
Every one of these senators who voted for this TrumpCare bill, have simple and insanely affordable government provided health care coverage. And, these are Senators and Congress critters who make government paid salaries upwards of $180K yearly. Their monthly contribution for their government provided medical care? Less than $150 is the average.
That $150 is 0.01 percent of their monthly income paid- for gold standard coverage. Guess who pays the offset amount? Us, the taxpayer. Yet, they want the rest of us to pay hundreds, some pay nearly a thousand, per month out of our monthly $2800 wages to non-negotiable, filthy wealthy insurers.
That has to change. I know it. They know it. The taxpayer cannot continue subsidizing both the wealthy insurers with high premiums and highly paid government employees medical coverage. The only way to even it all out is to extend single payer to everyone and make supplemental frill care insurance optional. Our honest representatives, Murkowski, Collins, Sanders understand this and I thank them for that.
Every one of these senators who voted for this TrumpCare bill, have simple and insanely affordable government provided health care coverage. And, these are Senators and Congress critters who make government paid salaries upwards of $180K yearly. Their monthly contribution for their government provided medical care? Less than $150 is the average.
That $150 is 0.01 percent of their monthly income paid- for gold standard coverage. Guess who pays the offset amount? Us, the taxpayer. Yet, they want the rest of us to pay hundreds, some pay nearly a thousand, per month out of our monthly $2800 wages to non-negotiable, filthy wealthy insurers.
That has to change. I know it. They know it. The taxpayer cannot continue subsidizing both the wealthy insurers with high premiums and highly paid government employees medical coverage. The only way to even it all out is to extend single payer to everyone and make supplemental frill care insurance optional. Our honest representatives, Murkowski, Collins, Sanders understand this and I thank them for that.
13
Senator McCain has been diagnosed as terminally ill with an incurable form of brain cancer. Therefore McCain knows that time is running out and this is his last chance to leave an indelible mark on the Senate. In dramatic fashion McCain voted "NAY" against letting really bad legislation go to Trump for his signature. McCain also wanted to savor the satisfaction of getting even with the man who is sitting in his chair in the Oval Office.
3
David Leonhardt fails to grasp the basic flaws in the economics of Health Insurance.
He further fails to understand the difference between health insurance, something only relatively few people need....and actual health CARE, something everyone, healthy or sick, rich or poor,Needs.
....
The reality is this.....the USA has perhaps the BEST health CARE on the planet. To wit.....a very healthy overall population!
Yes....that health Care has become INSANELY expensive. Why? because we insist on buying health insurance.....foolishly thinking that health insurance drives the cost down...when, in fact, it does precisely the opposite....insurance drives the cost UP.
Ask any economist(other than Dr. Krugman).
WORSE.....we have premeditately handed over the entire Medical Industry to the Insurance Industry.....thank you US Senate....and your lobbyist enablers.
Insurance Companies have been handed a federal license to basicly print money, as these behemoth organizations now run all the hospitals, all the health insurance outlets, all the doctors, all the nurses, all the pharmacies......I think we once called this a "vertical monopoly" and labelled it a bad thing.
Dave.....some advice......wise up.
He further fails to understand the difference between health insurance, something only relatively few people need....and actual health CARE, something everyone, healthy or sick, rich or poor,Needs.
....
The reality is this.....the USA has perhaps the BEST health CARE on the planet. To wit.....a very healthy overall population!
Yes....that health Care has become INSANELY expensive. Why? because we insist on buying health insurance.....foolishly thinking that health insurance drives the cost down...when, in fact, it does precisely the opposite....insurance drives the cost UP.
Ask any economist(other than Dr. Krugman).
WORSE.....we have premeditately handed over the entire Medical Industry to the Insurance Industry.....thank you US Senate....and your lobbyist enablers.
Insurance Companies have been handed a federal license to basicly print money, as these behemoth organizations now run all the hospitals, all the health insurance outlets, all the doctors, all the nurses, all the pharmacies......I think we once called this a "vertical monopoly" and labelled it a bad thing.
Dave.....some advice......wise up.
5
Wherever Hugo, There UR, you need to look at statistics worldwide and also do a little traveling. Your answer is based on weak personal opinion, not facts.
2
I would say....it is YOU who are weak on the facts and are in denial of how economics works.
And that is the problem these days.
I have heard YOUR side of the argument for 30 years....and its never had the ring of truth.
YOU are now refusing to hear what I am saying.
And that is the problem these days.
I have heard YOUR side of the argument for 30 years....and its never had the ring of truth.
YOU are now refusing to hear what I am saying.
It has given me hope to watch and be a small part of the resistance, but you forgot to thank one group. You forgot to save the disabled who, probably at the cost of personal comfort filled the corridors in Washington and the courtyards and let themselves be carried away by the police to be arrested. Let's not forget them.
13
Thank you for shining a light on who saved health insurance! Great article and those responsible should be praised especially Susan Collins, John McCain and Lisa Murkowski. The ADAPT group was to be praised highly!
3
From the Tennessean: "All seven House Republicans from Tennessee voted in favor of the American Health Care Act, while the two Democrats – Jim Cooper of Nashville and Steve Cohen of Memphis – voted no."
So, why was a young, pretty, obviously white Christian woman featured in this article for being at a town hall and telling her rep the bill was un-Christian? Did she become a community organizer? Is she running for Congress? Nope - somebody posted her question on Twitter, and it went viral. Probably because she was young, pretty.... I mean, the face of rebellion according to this columnist.
So, why was a young, pretty, obviously white Christian woman featured in this article for being at a town hall and telling her rep the bill was un-Christian? Did she become a community organizer? Is she running for Congress? Nope - somebody posted her question on Twitter, and it went viral. Probably because she was young, pretty.... I mean, the face of rebellion according to this columnist.
The Americans Who Saved Health Insurance subjected the rest of us to hundreds of billions of tax dollars being sucked into Washington to be parceled back out to the favored interest groups Congress is in thrall of. Send the whole mess of dollars block-granted to the states and allow John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins figure out how to raise state taxes on their constituents to pay for their largesse. "I didn't come to Congress to throw millions of people off insurance!" How...coy! No, if justice triumphs, she went to Congress - unwittingly - to allow HER constituents to pay for the Medicaid payments she gobbled up for three years. The chickens have come home to roost. Arizona, Maine and Alaska will soon be paying for all the Medicaid patients they agreed so willingly to take. Serves 'em right!
Tone deaf as usual. No blacks or minorities on the list. Just heroic white people. Ho hum
1
And even with all of this, and in face of overwhelming evidence of the damage that repealing the Affordable Care Act would have, a bill cobbled together over lunch and shoved in the face of Senators to vote only failed by 1 vote, with all but 3 Republicans voting in favor. Trump and Republicans love to bash Obamacare and parade so-called “victims” of its “oppression” but never once explained how their Repeal & Replace (plans A, B, C, D, .....) would address any of the problems. They never held a single hearing, asked a single expert or stakeholder. Instead, they ignored the experts, the governors, the constituents, the CBO, even the Republican women Senators who sit on the Health committee. Every expert said that the elements of their Repeal & Replace would only make the problems – high and ever increasing premiums, deductibles and copays – worse, rendering health insurance unaffordable for the tens of millions with pre-existing conditions (Life is a pre-existing condition), which in turn would accelerate the death spiral of insurance. Health care is as essential as water. If it is so critical to maintain a for-profit structure, the industry (1/6 of the US economy) should be regulated much as water and electric utilities are. But the real problem is the for-profit intermediary between doctors and patients: the insurance companies.
4
Here is one of the groups that did it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/368302126865423/ I just joined and cannot take credit but they were tenacious.
1
With all the talk of repeal and replace, we have forgotten the third "R"! REPAIR.
5
My blood pressure goes up every time I hear smug Paul Ryan or bloviating screaming crazy man Donald or used car salesman McConnell talk about "keeping their promise to America" by dismantling ACA.
What a lie ! LIE!
The "promise" was NOT to kill it, but to make it better more comprehensive and affordable (some would call this AMENDING the law)
Cut corporate welfare (oink oink ) and put the money towards the heath of Americans.
Why is this even a debate?
VOTE THESE GUYS OUT
What a lie ! LIE!
The "promise" was NOT to kill it, but to make it better more comprehensive and affordable (some would call this AMENDING the law)
Cut corporate welfare (oink oink ) and put the money towards the heath of Americans.
Why is this even a debate?
VOTE THESE GUYS OUT
7
We use 17% of our GDP to support our medical needs which is significantly more than any other country and yet the GOP wants to eviscerate the safety net. Warren Buffet has said that we can afford universal access and Canadian and European health care systems give us numerous templates of more workable and effective programs. What is needed is a re-structuring of our health care system, not GOP legislation written by Mitch and the guys over lunch that puts children's lives at risk. Trump and GOP are blatantly practicing government malpractice which is reckless endangerment to the public at large.
Let the hearings begin!!
We need to hear from rural hospitals, AARP, nursing homes, doctors, nurses, and the American public. And no more 2am votes on legislation that affects are ability to survive!!!!!!!
Let the hearings begin!!
We need to hear from rural hospitals, AARP, nursing homes, doctors, nurses, and the American public. And no more 2am votes on legislation that affects are ability to survive!!!!!!!
7
The people got us out of Vietnnam. They will get us out of this
mess too.
The Rs have to decide they love this country more than they
hate Obama.
The lies are catching up to them. Attention must be paid
mess too.
The Rs have to decide they love this country more than they
hate Obama.
The lies are catching up to them. Attention must be paid
1
Another another NYTs joke of an article. Anyone who calls Roberts and McCain "conservative" doesn't know what the term means. These guys are progressives. And progressives have been destroying America
since 1901 when Teddy Rossevelt became president after McKinley's assassination.
These people aren't saviors of America. They helped usher in government control over our healthcare, as if Medicaid and the VA are great systems. They are not. Medicaid is welfare, it is designed for the poor, not designed for the majority of American citizens. These guys expanded a welfare program and are hailed as geniuses. They are progressives. Tinhorn masterminds and nothing else.
Put all of these pols on Obamacare. McCain has a terrible ailment at this time in his life. He'd be dead if he had Obamacare.
since 1901 when Teddy Rossevelt became president after McKinley's assassination.
These people aren't saviors of America. They helped usher in government control over our healthcare, as if Medicaid and the VA are great systems. They are not. Medicaid is welfare, it is designed for the poor, not designed for the majority of American citizens. These guys expanded a welfare program and are hailed as geniuses. They are progressives. Tinhorn masterminds and nothing else.
Put all of these pols on Obamacare. McCain has a terrible ailment at this time in his life. He'd be dead if he had Obamacare.
1
I hear the echo of George C. Scott's opening soliloquy as Patton: "Thirty years from now, when you're sitting around your fireside with your grandson on your knee and he asks you, 'What did you do in the great (..war on democracy...)'. you won't have to say, 'Well... I (..supported the president...).''"
1
Senator Murphy says he wakes up every morning fearing another repeal effort. Well, the best defense is a good offense. Democrats should not sit waiting for the next Republican travesty. Do not fear. Instead attack! The failure of a noble effort is in fact a victory. Show the American people who is unequivocally in their corner.
1
Politicians ignore Americans, yet anytime they start running their mouths, it usually begins with, "the American people." If the Dems are not taking notes, shame. My favorite: the elimination of preventative medicine. That little ditty need to be placed around the neck of every pol who voted for the bill.
3
You should take a bow, too, David. You've done a consistently great job, as have Paul K and the editorial board. My feelings about the veteran reporters on the news side are more mixed. Happy to see Mr. Pear stop trashing the ACA, but no reporter seems to be able to take the final step in the equation, namely,
loss of insurance = loss of life
Thus repeal of ACA is nothing less than legislatively sanctioned murder.
It is time to label the Republicans for what they are - would-be killers. Down here in Florida I've already suggested to Sen. Rubio's office that it's time to stop calling him "Little Marco." He's earned the right to be known as Marco "the Butcher" Rubio. Tough guy, very manly.
loss of insurance = loss of life
Thus repeal of ACA is nothing less than legislatively sanctioned murder.
It is time to label the Republicans for what they are - would-be killers. Down here in Florida I've already suggested to Sen. Rubio's office that it's time to stop calling him "Little Marco." He's earned the right to be known as Marco "the Butcher" Rubio. Tough guy, very manly.
2
Unfortunately, I live in a state with one of the most cowardly and craven of senators, Cory Gardner. He pretended to be wavering about Obamacare while sucking up to Trump and Ryan and McConnell and spitting in the face of the constituents who wanted him to come out of his hole and act like a human being. Writing him, calling him, demonstrating--using all possible means from appealing to his humanity to using logical arguments--nothing made a difference to a man who wanted NoCare in every sense of the word. The only solution to political bottom feeders like Gardner is to vote against him. Funny how the two women who showed courage were completely excluded by the Cowardly Boys Club that "wrote" the garbage that was NoCare and had their noses rubbed in their own dirt.
2
If "repeal and replace" were simply replaced by "reform" ... then the parties might work together and the President might keep a promise, and pigs ...
1
What I found so troubling about the whole healthcare legislative process is how close the country came to losing the ACA. Flawed? Yes. But fixable. Fortunately, millions of Americans said the same thing in the face of Republican insistence on keeping a senseless campaign promise. This is a great article and a nice summary reflection of an inspiring legislative moment. Hopefully we are at an inflection point for more bi-partisan cooperation. And hopefully President Trump will get the message and stop listening to the wrong people.
1
A few decades ago, the Times reported a landlord being sentenced to his apartment building because he did not provide heat to his occupants during the winter.
Cory Booker, in a speech in my city - Lynn, MA - also camped out in a low-income apartment building.
I think President Trump should spend a few days in a low income apartment to see the impoverished of capitalism. He should do this in the winter. He should be given a comforter. He should stay a few days in the winter.
I am sure he will be a wiser, more compassionate man.
Cory Booker, in a speech in my city - Lynn, MA - also camped out in a low-income apartment building.
I think President Trump should spend a few days in a low income apartment to see the impoverished of capitalism. He should do this in the winter. He should be given a comforter. He should stay a few days in the winter.
I am sure he will be a wiser, more compassionate man.
2
The Democrats should start listening to Bernie Sanders as their leader, and not Chuck Schumer. Bernie is the one that has been leading on the issue of single-payer health care for the last three years. Europe and Canada solved the healthcare problem in this manner and that is how it is ultimately going to be solved in the United States.
3
I absolutely did not like Clinton. But voting is not just about the POTUS. Had Clinton won, it was Bernie's turn to be holding the money bags and we would not be looking at the end of these programs.
1
reply to TeeBryanToo
As Bernie Sanders has repeatedly pointed out, Europeans have better health care for its citizens at much lower costs.
As Bernie Sanders has repeatedly pointed out, Europeans have better health care for its citizens at much lower costs.
2
When I saw he headline "The Americans Who Saved Health Insurance" I thought "what about everyone else", assuming that it would be about the Senate's three GOP defectors. Surprise! David Leonhardt covered all the bases and then some.
But it will take more. The gains won by one generation must be defended by the next because they are always threatened - sometimes successfully, given that the legacy of the New Deal has been steadily eroded. The plutocrats have worked hard these past few decades to take back what they thought was rightfully theirs before Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt came along. Now it's our turn.
But it will take more. The gains won by one generation must be defended by the next because they are always threatened - sometimes successfully, given that the legacy of the New Deal has been steadily eroded. The plutocrats have worked hard these past few decades to take back what they thought was rightfully theirs before Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt came along. Now it's our turn.
1
What can be done about Trump's threat to stop payments? He's having a lot of really bad days lately. I think he will do it.
The Republicans voted to repeal Obama Care over and over for 7 years. When they finally had the votes they failed because they did not have a replacement. Congressional Democrats need to learn an important lesson from this; it is not sufficient to simply oppose, they must propose. Democrats should be working together to develop a plan that would fix the problems with Obama Care, and make those fixes public. Don't wait until you are "invited" to the discussion, be proactive. Have your legislative solutions in hand, make the Republicans reject them and when Democrats regain the House, implement them. While you're not in power Democrats, do something productive and visionary with your time. The people in this editorial have provided the model.
7
I only wish the Republicans would have heeded that message during the eight year term of our previous President.
For once, united citizens defeated Citizens United.
7
Please add the following to your list for special mention: the tremendous advocacy and courage of ADAPT, other disability activists, like Marca Bristo and others from Access Living, and parents and relatives of special needs children. Their chants and the images of being arrested, disrespected, pulled out of their wheelchairs, and hauled out of Senator's offices in addition to those young children in wheelchairs and their parents will be inextricably linked in my mind with the victory. Another is the pleas from nuns and other spiritual leaders that health care is tied to the spiritual calling to help the sick and needy among us, the passionate and beautiful plea from Jimmy Kimmel after the birth of his son with a heart condition, Ari Melber's incredible interview with the inspiring, moving, and articulate Mike Phillips and his mother, Karen Clay, on Medcaid saving his life. And finally, yes to the constant and effective Twitter updates by Slavitt and Spiro, but also to the many other TV and newspaper reporters who kept us up to date with the daily complicated changes in bill content, strategy, with interviews from experts. This was a historic victory with more heroes--both visible and invisible--too numerous to mention who also had to advocate while dealing with secrecy and a small window of time to react. Thank you.
7
Yes, those who demonstrated and worked hard to prevent repeal of ACA were courageous and deserve our respect and thanks. But sadly they were only marginally successful. I can readily cite 48 examples why I say that; the 48 senators who voted for the repeal despite overwhelming opposition by their constituents.
By casting aside the choice of their constituents, the senators have demonstrated that American democracy is all but dead. We can choose who is put in office but not what they do once they achieve the power of that office.
But we must continue the fight, especially at the ballot box.
By casting aside the choice of their constituents, the senators have demonstrated that American democracy is all but dead. We can choose who is put in office but not what they do once they achieve the power of that office.
But we must continue the fight, especially at the ballot box.
3
"We can choose who is put in office but not what they do once they achieve the power of that office."
The 48 who voted for the "skinny repeal" were doing what they said they would do, weren't they? They were focused on "repeal and replace" with no concern about the damage to the health care system or who would be left out without health care.
So the answer is indeed at the ballot box. In 2018 and 2020, vote ONLY for candidates who promise to work in a bipartisan effort on a plan that delivers high quality health care to all Americans.
The 48 who voted for the "skinny repeal" were doing what they said they would do, weren't they? They were focused on "repeal and replace" with no concern about the damage to the health care system or who would be left out without health care.
So the answer is indeed at the ballot box. In 2018 and 2020, vote ONLY for candidates who promise to work in a bipartisan effort on a plan that delivers high quality health care to all Americans.
1
This was a great article--thanks!
4
I would be more pleased with Senators Collins and Murkowski if they had voted for the ACA in the first place and had not voted for simple repeal (the worst of all choices) in 2015. Or if they had stood against the appointment of Neil Gorsuch if for no other reason that the Senate had ignored its Constitutional obligation to advise and consent on the nomination of Merrick Garland.
And so on.
And so on.
6
amen. while i like what the two Senators consistently did for the ACA, their party line on other issues equally important to the stature of the Senate are disappointments.
1
Thank you for the correct headline: The Americans Who Saved Health Insurance
I say correct, because health insurance is not actually health care. Not when you have to meet a $5000 deductible before the insurance actually kicks in. That's good if you have cancer, but if you're just too sick to go to work, or need a root canal (not covered at all) then seeing a doctor (or a dentist) is still an out of pocket expense. Access to health insurance is no insurance that you have access to health care.
Thanks to all the Americans who stood up and fought against this terrible bill. Now let's fight for Medicare for All.
I say correct, because health insurance is not actually health care. Not when you have to meet a $5000 deductible before the insurance actually kicks in. That's good if you have cancer, but if you're just too sick to go to work, or need a root canal (not covered at all) then seeing a doctor (or a dentist) is still an out of pocket expense. Access to health insurance is no insurance that you have access to health care.
Thanks to all the Americans who stood up and fought against this terrible bill. Now let's fight for Medicare for All.
20
Premiums are like mortgage co-pays and deductibles are a few thousand; this does not help anyone. Get the facts; Obamacare is imploding and a total mess Obama initiated on the people in this country who were very misled.
do you remember what the costs were before the ACA? Stop parroting the GOP lines. Yes, premiums are higher, but they were escalating before the ACA, and people were buying policies that didn't cover anything of consequence.
6
Good for us (U.S.).
4
Thank you for this publication.
2
The only two programs that are funded with taxes are SS and Medicare. All the other social programs are funded by taking money out of the general fund. With the constant push for more free programs, it has now deterred the working public to live off these programs. Why-- because the benefits that they can receive are equal to or better than a minimum wage job. And don't think for a minute that raising the minimum wage will eliminate this problem, it won't. This nation is going broke because of the social programs -- something has to be done.
how about the billions pumped into defense/ the military-industrial complex that General/President Eisenhower presciently warned against in 1960? more money even than the Pentagon sought, i gather. Social programs address the enemy within, & just as potent perhaps, as the enemy outside.
1
How about reducing the mind blowing bloated military spending as we "rebuild the military."
Until it causes people pain it will never change. Democrats long ago decided buying votes with other people's money was the strategy they would use to obtain and keep power. Further it provides them opportunity to shamelessly demonize others.
The problem can be addressed with gradual pain but people are addicted to government money as a drug addicts people. Drug addicts cannot gradually let go of their addiction. Therefore sudden and disastrous pain will be the outcome.
Some believe confiscating the obscene wealth of billionaires and millionaires will solve this problem. That is false for two reasons: one, all that wealth wouldn't make a small dent in the outrageous debt. And two, government won't stop spending what they do not have.
The problem can be addressed with gradual pain but people are addicted to government money as a drug addicts people. Drug addicts cannot gradually let go of their addiction. Therefore sudden and disastrous pain will be the outcome.
Some believe confiscating the obscene wealth of billionaires and millionaires will solve this problem. That is false for two reasons: one, all that wealth wouldn't make a small dent in the outrageous debt. And two, government won't stop spending what they do not have.
I really like the vision of collaboration, coordination, conversation, citizen activism, and principled/conservative (in the sense of institutional preservation) solidarity this column portrays.
I hope these elements can be also be mobilized repeatedly in the coming months and years to support policies that advance civil rights, reduce economic and social inequality, protect the rule of law, and promote a tax system that produces the resources we need to help all our citizens lead secure lives.
I hope these elements can be also be mobilized repeatedly in the coming months and years to support policies that advance civil rights, reduce economic and social inequality, protect the rule of law, and promote a tax system that produces the resources we need to help all our citizens lead secure lives.
9
And there are countless individuals-too old, too sick, too weak- to take part in public displays who quietly tell their visiting nurses, their health care workers, the visitors to their homes or to their rooms in institutions, who tell these people of the truth about Obamacare, about the needs of the many, about the relief so many experience now after years of no help with their pain and suffering. These people are the face of that part of America which has been powerless and victimized, the face of an America which is far removed from the billionaires who control Congress, from the insurance industry which bribes Congress and from the pharmaceuticals which set the price of medicines out of reach for most. These people lead no marches or parades but they quietly spread the word. That Obamacare works.
8
It has been illegal for years to refuse treatment to sick people. The emergency room became the "doctor" for many. Help for serious illness for people incapable of paying for health care or health insurance can be provided at the state level with some form of assistance. Government mandated health insurance has failed. Better to provide funds to states with periodic government audit for legal administration, than throw good money after bad.
>
Until the GOP is out of power, absolutely nothing has been saved.
Until the GOP is out of power, absolutely nothing has been saved.
5
First, I would like to tank the 3 Republican Senators that so bravely voted against the repeal of the ACA (Obamacare.)
In America, it’s a shameful knowing that federal workers as well as Congress have a much better health insurance plan than what Congress has been trying to offer its constituents; the American people.
President Trump and many Republicans are upset because “Trumpcare” health plan never got the votes to pass legislation. they refuse to see that the solution is at hands; set-up a trap. Offer the same health insurance premium to everyone without distinctions or hierarchy. Fix the ACA (Obamacare)by accepting people with preexisting conditions and with mental illness. Both parties must negotiate with pharmaceutical providers for better prices and with health insurance providers for better costs in order to decrease their tremendous profit. Once they see the amount of people they can have in their pool, they’ll surrender. Let me assure you, they aren’t going turn against Congress - the hand that feeds them.
In America, it’s a shameful knowing that federal workers as well as Congress have a much better health insurance plan than what Congress has been trying to offer its constituents; the American people.
President Trump and many Republicans are upset because “Trumpcare” health plan never got the votes to pass legislation. they refuse to see that the solution is at hands; set-up a trap. Offer the same health insurance premium to everyone without distinctions or hierarchy. Fix the ACA (Obamacare)by accepting people with preexisting conditions and with mental illness. Both parties must negotiate with pharmaceutical providers for better prices and with health insurance providers for better costs in order to decrease their tremendous profit. Once they see the amount of people they can have in their pool, they’ll surrender. Let me assure you, they aren’t going turn against Congress - the hand that feeds them.
1
Medicare for All!
11
Yes the true heros of this battle are all those real citizens that showed the country that we the people can get the job done. Of course these heros are not fooled thinking they won the war. This was only the first and hopefully not the last fight for our democratic way of living. And it's nice to know that Senator McCain had great health insurance available to him and he did the right thing. Otherwise he would never be remembered in history as a hero casting this big vote. It remains to be seen just how long it will last.
3
Sometimes it is hard to feel proud about America.....sad but true. On Friday night into Saturday morning I once again felt a renewed spirit that America is the the beautiful place I knew growing up, post WW 2.
Voters cannot be complacent when election rolls around in 2018. Remember who put obscure political principles ahead of real caring for constitutents. Remember who wanted to break the backs of the poor and hardworking to feather the nests of the rich. As a retiree I vote for Medicare For All. It is an incredibly efficient and effective method of providing quality healthcare. I am willing to pay a higher deductible or a higher social security premium to help balance the budget to make this plan more solvent. Come on America! Let's all have liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. By the way....can you be happy if you don't have access to good medical care? Just thinking!
Voters cannot be complacent when election rolls around in 2018. Remember who put obscure political principles ahead of real caring for constitutents. Remember who wanted to break the backs of the poor and hardworking to feather the nests of the rich. As a retiree I vote for Medicare For All. It is an incredibly efficient and effective method of providing quality healthcare. I am willing to pay a higher deductible or a higher social security premium to help balance the budget to make this plan more solvent. Come on America! Let's all have liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. By the way....can you be happy if you don't have access to good medical care? Just thinking!
8
I looked in vain for North Carolina's two Senators' names in this article. Unsurprisingly, they were not to be found.
2
Obama, Pelosi, Reid and Biden bribed a Nebraska senator to force Obamacare through the senate. Along with other bribes to other senators. Nebraska got $100 million/year for Medicaid expansion. Without those bribes the ACA would have died.
Those favors were required because democrats lost Kennedy's seat to a republican destroying their supermajority. Scott Brown was elected as repudiation of the ACA in a blue state. But Obama shoved it through behind closed doors. Democrats have lost a bunch of elections because of the tyrannical way it was crammed down our throats.
Now the shoe is on the other foot and liberal progressives cannot tolerate anyone who does not agree with their way.
Schumer, the senate minority leader actually said Capitalism is dead just last week. That means vote democrat if you want socialism or some other form of tyranny.
Ask Charlie Gard's parents about government run health care. They were legally prevented from spending their own money to try to save their only child. Then they were disallowed legally to take him home to die. I want no part of that kind of tyranny.
Those favors were required because democrats lost Kennedy's seat to a republican destroying their supermajority. Scott Brown was elected as repudiation of the ACA in a blue state. But Obama shoved it through behind closed doors. Democrats have lost a bunch of elections because of the tyrannical way it was crammed down our throats.
Now the shoe is on the other foot and liberal progressives cannot tolerate anyone who does not agree with their way.
Schumer, the senate minority leader actually said Capitalism is dead just last week. That means vote democrat if you want socialism or some other form of tyranny.
Ask Charlie Gard's parents about government run health care. They were legally prevented from spending their own money to try to save their only child. Then they were disallowed legally to take him home to die. I want no part of that kind of tyranny.
I think Brown was elected because the Democratic candidate was just awful. We have a (decent) Republican governor thanks to her as well.
As for Schumer saying capitalism is dead, have a look at his donor list and then tell me if you'll hold him to that statement.
As for Schumer saying capitalism is dead, have a look at his donor list and then tell me if you'll hold him to that statement.
This assertion that Brown won because a Blue state repudiated the ACA is malarkey on many levels. Massachusetts passed the protoype of Obamacare under Republican governor Mitt Romney and it has been very popular. I don't even remember Brown mentioning the ACA during his campaign. He ran against the AG Martha Coakley who was a very poor candidate and made too many gaffes in a truncated campaign. The election was also held when the million plus left leaning college population was on break and many out of state. There is no way that Brown would have won in a regular November election with a competent candidate and that is what happened in a year and half when he was crushed by political neophyte and big backer of Obamacare Elizabeth Warren.
3
So parents have an absolute right to torture their sick and dying child because they want a few extra days of misery for that child by trying something that has never been used for that child's condition? I thought there were laws against child abuse and that includes "treatments" that have no proven validity.
It's time to bring back the public option.
5
Tibett - Here is what is wrong with the public option.
1. A lot of the waste in our system is due to administrative and compliance costs of private insurance companies. While these would be reduced for the people on the public option, they would remain for the vast majority.
2. You can be sure the insurance companies will find ways to attract, the young, the health and the well off, leaving the public option to cover the sick, the older, and the poor. This will drive up the costs of the private option negating the savings from greater efficiency. Then the Republicans will point to the failure of the public option just as they are now pointing to the failure of single payer in various states. (This was because states have to exempt so many people, what they can do is not really single payer.)
3. There is no clear path from the public option to a efficient universal system as there would with incrementally expanding the age for Medicare coverage.
The important thing is to get the politicians to admit the overwhelming data that show a universal, government run health care system would give everyone coverage, better care for all, and cost much, much less. Then we can find a way to work towards that goal.
1. A lot of the waste in our system is due to administrative and compliance costs of private insurance companies. While these would be reduced for the people on the public option, they would remain for the vast majority.
2. You can be sure the insurance companies will find ways to attract, the young, the health and the well off, leaving the public option to cover the sick, the older, and the poor. This will drive up the costs of the private option negating the savings from greater efficiency. Then the Republicans will point to the failure of the public option just as they are now pointing to the failure of single payer in various states. (This was because states have to exempt so many people, what they can do is not really single payer.)
3. There is no clear path from the public option to a efficient universal system as there would with incrementally expanding the age for Medicare coverage.
The important thing is to get the politicians to admit the overwhelming data that show a universal, government run health care system would give everyone coverage, better care for all, and cost much, much less. Then we can find a way to work towards that goal.
3
Perhaps providing some of that overwhelming data would be a good idea.
Sweden is abandoning single payer for private insurance after decades. It seems single payer has failed in that country.
Sweden is abandoning single payer for private insurance after decades. It seems single payer has failed in that country.
I don't believe you about Sweden. "Health care in Sweden is largely tax-funded, a system that ensures everyone equal access to health care services. " https://sweden.se/society/health-care-in-sweden/
All other industrialized countries have some form of universal government run health care, mostly single payor. They get at least as good care as measured by all 16 of the bottom line public health statistics, & they do it at 40% of the cost per person. If our system were as efficient, we would save over $1.5 TRILLION each year.
http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/oecd-health-statistics-2014-frequ...
Here are the per capita figures for health care costs in 2013 in PPP dollars from the OECD:
OECD average - 3463
US - 8713
UK - 3235
France - 4124
Australia (similar obesity) - 3966
Germany - 4919
Denmark - 4553
The Netherlands - 5131
Canada - 4361
Israel - 2128
Switzerland (Highly regulated private insurance) - 6325
Sweden - 4904
Let's compare some bottom line statistics between the US and the UK which has real socialized medicine.
Life expectancy at birth:
UK - 81.1
US - 78.8
Infant Mortality (Deaths per 1,000):
UK - 3.8
US - 6.0
Maternal Mortality (WHO):
UK - 9
US - 14
The WHO using a formula developed by The Harvard School of Public Health ranks our system as 38th in the world. (France & Italy are 1 & 2). This formula doesn't include costs. Bloomberg ranked countries' systems on efficiency which does include costs. We came out as 50th out of 55.
All other industrialized countries have some form of universal government run health care, mostly single payor. They get at least as good care as measured by all 16 of the bottom line public health statistics, & they do it at 40% of the cost per person. If our system were as efficient, we would save over $1.5 TRILLION each year.
http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/oecd-health-statistics-2014-frequ...
Here are the per capita figures for health care costs in 2013 in PPP dollars from the OECD:
OECD average - 3463
US - 8713
UK - 3235
France - 4124
Australia (similar obesity) - 3966
Germany - 4919
Denmark - 4553
The Netherlands - 5131
Canada - 4361
Israel - 2128
Switzerland (Highly regulated private insurance) - 6325
Sweden - 4904
Let's compare some bottom line statistics between the US and the UK which has real socialized medicine.
Life expectancy at birth:
UK - 81.1
US - 78.8
Infant Mortality (Deaths per 1,000):
UK - 3.8
US - 6.0
Maternal Mortality (WHO):
UK - 9
US - 14
The WHO using a formula developed by The Harvard School of Public Health ranks our system as 38th in the world. (France & Italy are 1 & 2). This formula doesn't include costs. Bloomberg ranked countries' systems on efficiency which does include costs. We came out as 50th out of 55.
"... the heroic political fights of the past - for suffrage, Social Security, civil rights, Medicare..."
Each and every one - and more - fought against tooth and nail by Republicans and hard right conservatives. Each one championed by Democrats and left wing liberals - each a hard fight and each finally won by the citizens, organizers, experts, institutionalists and Democrats you give well earned credit to in the recent health care fight.
Add in the 40 hour work week, overtime pay, unemployment security, workers compensation,, workplace safety laws (OSHA), pre-school programs, free and reduced school lunches, child labor laws, school desegregation, employer discrimination laws, PEW grants, those WPA projects that still stand and brought a country off it's knees. All Democratic ideas - fought by Republicans and are now the "victories" Americans today "look back on with respect and nostalgia"
Just as dollars spent by employers on employees are not liabilities but investments, so too are taxpayer dollars spent on the health and welfare and education of taxpayers - investments in a happier, healthier, less crime prone, more productive, more taxpaying citizenry, concepts Republicans have never been able to quite grasp.
Instead they have asserted that rising waters raise all boats while they have tied us off to short chains, watching from yachts as the water slowly scuttles us, forgetting that when we all sink, there'll be no one to clean their head.
Each and every one - and more - fought against tooth and nail by Republicans and hard right conservatives. Each one championed by Democrats and left wing liberals - each a hard fight and each finally won by the citizens, organizers, experts, institutionalists and Democrats you give well earned credit to in the recent health care fight.
Add in the 40 hour work week, overtime pay, unemployment security, workers compensation,, workplace safety laws (OSHA), pre-school programs, free and reduced school lunches, child labor laws, school desegregation, employer discrimination laws, PEW grants, those WPA projects that still stand and brought a country off it's knees. All Democratic ideas - fought by Republicans and are now the "victories" Americans today "look back on with respect and nostalgia"
Just as dollars spent by employers on employees are not liabilities but investments, so too are taxpayer dollars spent on the health and welfare and education of taxpayers - investments in a happier, healthier, less crime prone, more productive, more taxpaying citizenry, concepts Republicans have never been able to quite grasp.
Instead they have asserted that rising waters raise all boats while they have tied us off to short chains, watching from yachts as the water slowly scuttles us, forgetting that when we all sink, there'll be no one to clean their head.
16
It's extremely interesting that Republicans, and especially the Republican leadership, thought they could bum-rush bills through both the House and the Senate to "fulfill the promises" they had made to the American people. It is astonishing that that they chose to completely ignore the growing consensus that Obamacare wasn't so bad, compared to what they had before, but that Obamacare needed some changes to be even better than it already was. The Republicans are determined -- determined! -- to eviscerate a social program that has demonstrated to the satisfaction of many that the government has a large role to play in healthcare in this country. This victory is terrific, but don't bet against these guys sneaking through numerous "tweaks" to the law that betrays their own constituents; it's what they do.
12
The democrats passed ACA without a republican vote, the programs is now in trouble based on the law passed by the democrats. BUT the democrats and liberals now want the republicans to fix it with no votes for the changes. Talk about stupid-- this takes the cake.
How in the world did such a deeply unpopular bill (AHCA) garner 49 votes? The Republican senators (and representatives) cynically adhered to party loyalty rather than representing their constituents, only 17% of whom favored the AHCA.
Where is the decency?
Where is the decency?
10
The victory should have never been required. When will this Republican monopoly accept that "a rose is a rose is a rose is a rose" and get down to business tweaking the ACA to meet the needs of a healthy workforce. We need a strong workforce to sustain a healthy economy. Let's get back to the basics: (1) Fix the health insurance system which was driving costs out of control, (2) address Tort Reform, and (3) establish a national ACA exchange to which citizens of states without a viable exchange could revert.
Pod Save America provides more guidance on how citizens and citizens groups can act at the grass roots level to keep this "victory" moving forward. The Dems just ask for money. To honor the people who effected this victory and to recognize the needs of our fellow citizens who need health care for productive lives, how do we correct the past and move forward? Empower we, the people, to do this.
Pod Save America provides more guidance on how citizens and citizens groups can act at the grass roots level to keep this "victory" moving forward. The Dems just ask for money. To honor the people who effected this victory and to recognize the needs of our fellow citizens who need health care for productive lives, how do we correct the past and move forward? Empower we, the people, to do this.
4
Two woman and a party yes the Democrats (that everyone claims in disarray) saved America. Obviously Senators Collins and Murkowski voted courageously but the Democrats stayed the course in support of improving the ACA helping the poor and middle class keep their health insurance. Not one Democrat broke rank and voted for repeal and because the Democrats who is constantly accused of disarray and not supporting the middle class stood strong for the ACA and helped the Senators defeat the Republican's insanity of repeal and replace.
8
Excellent column. Thank you for all the shout-outs of names we don't know as well as those we do. There was a lot of grassroots involvement in the fight to protect health care.
9
As a teacher with automatically gets coverage under a group plan in which she does not have to personally procure, pay for, and is not at as great of a risk of having a policy termination (yes, those still frequently occur) she is completely oblivious to the problems that those of us on the individual market with hardly and options have with obamacare. Never the less, it wasn't the townhalls that saved obamacare. It was corruption and campaign financing.
Lucky you - with your own cushy taxpayer subsidized insurance. Similar to what congress has. (I have good employer bases insurance too)
My nephew was diagnosed 3 yrs ago at with stage 4 cancer (age 21)
He is now doing well.
Hi medical costs would have bankrupted the family.
Corruption and campain $ didn't save his life.
Obamacare did.
My nephew was diagnosed 3 yrs ago at with stage 4 cancer (age 21)
He is now doing well.
Hi medical costs would have bankrupted the family.
Corruption and campain $ didn't save his life.
Obamacare did.
1
Teachers pay a share of their healthcare. Please put that myth to rest. We do care about others even if we have insurance through our work. Try that on for size, yourself. The selfishness emanates from your side of the aisle!
1
Yes it is true that Senators Murkowski, Collins and McCain are heros along with all of the Democrats for not ripping health insurance coverage away from millions. However, what worries me is that House had no problem passing legislation that would guarantee that that most of these same millions would not have access to healthcare. Paul Ryan believes denying healthcare to the poor or those who struggle with the premiums is a Republican responsibility.
Voters both Democrats and Republicans have to demand affordable access to healthcare. It is not just premiums that must be affordable. Having $6000 or $10000 deductibles makes the coverage useless unless thete is a medical catastrophe. The big question is how to guarantee affordable coverage for all.
Bernie along with many commenters favor single payer, a Medicare for all approach. Certainly it solves the healthcare issue, but what about Democratic states like Connecticut whose employer base is heavily dependent on the health insurance industry? A highbred public private plan that gives insurance companies a role in national health insurance is likely to be the only way politically and even that will be a tough sell.
Voters both Democrats and Republicans have to demand affordable access to healthcare. It is not just premiums that must be affordable. Having $6000 or $10000 deductibles makes the coverage useless unless thete is a medical catastrophe. The big question is how to guarantee affordable coverage for all.
Bernie along with many commenters favor single payer, a Medicare for all approach. Certainly it solves the healthcare issue, but what about Democratic states like Connecticut whose employer base is heavily dependent on the health insurance industry? A highbred public private plan that gives insurance companies a role in national health insurance is likely to be the only way politically and even that will be a tough sell.
3
Absolutely not. There is absolutely no reason why the insurance industry should take a cut of what should be a guaranteed benefit of citizenship, as practiced by every leading country on the planet save the US. It's a prime example of corporate welfare.
THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE HEALTHCARE OF A CIVILIZED NATION FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES. To claim otherwise is to side with what -- at this point in our world's history -- is fraud, plain and simple.
THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE HEALTHCARE OF A CIVILIZED NATION FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES. To claim otherwise is to side with what -- at this point in our world's history -- is fraud, plain and simple.
6
Two quick fixes to the ACA. First, allow any insurer compliant wit its rules in one state to sell insurance on the exchanges in all states. Ironically, this was a a tenet of the Republican and Trump "repeal and replace" mantra that never found its way into their bills. Second, reduce over time, the eligible age for Medicare to say 55 or 50. That will lower premiums for all by adding a healthier population to the current Medicare population, while removing a sicker population (that same group) from the under 65 insureds. It isn't Medicare for all, but extends the original principle behind Medicare of having a safety net for a group most vulnerable to illness, the aging. By that principle, you could also make those with a defined set of pre-existing conditions eligible for Medicaid. That too would lower premiums for the rest, while not having a huge impact on Medicaid rates. Progressives like to say that the ACA made access to healthcare "a right." Actually, Medicare and Medicaid did that over 50 years ago. We just drew different lines as to who was vulnerable - the super poor and the elderly. The ACA just redrew the line.
2
The Health Insurance Industry is in more danger than it has ever been. The ACA's structure has increased cost dramatically and continue to do so. Without significant financial support from the government(taxpayer) the insurance agencies will either drop out of the market or go bankrupt. The Republicans are not going to give money to bail out the insurance agencies and soon there will be more a more places that insurance simply won't be available. There will be a stark choice in the next couple of years to either repeal the ACA or go single payer or there will be massive numbers of uncovered US citizens.
1
Yes, it was a heroic effort, there were a lot of heroes. All that is good and should be savored and remembered.
However, much remains to be done to protect and improve health coverage for all Americans.
We must hold the Trump Administration accountable for faithfully administering the ACA
We must persuade Republican and Democrat congressional representatives to work together and improve our health coverage
Of immediate concern, to stabilize the exchange markets is for Trump to commit to insurances companies that the subsidies will continue to be paid and to reverse its instruction to the IRS to not enforce the individual mandate. If Trump won't cooperate, Congress should mandate the DHSS and IRS to administer these provisions of ACA. And Congress should re-appropriate funds for the risk corridor adjustments that were eliminated by an appropriation bill passed in 2014. That will help for 2018.
For 2019+:
Make the risk pools healthy (to reduce premiums and deductibles) with a 75% subsidy (like Congress gets) for youth through age 29 and by covering adults age 50+ under Medicare. For other adults who earn more than 400% FPL, add the subsidies and HSA provisions (with caps) of BCRA. The exchanges should function better and it will move us toward universal coverage.
The Feds should negotiate drug prices and extend Medicare's fixed price reimbursement to all
Fewer improvements needed to ACA for the majority of Americans on employer coverage and Medicare & Medicaid.
However, much remains to be done to protect and improve health coverage for all Americans.
We must hold the Trump Administration accountable for faithfully administering the ACA
We must persuade Republican and Democrat congressional representatives to work together and improve our health coverage
Of immediate concern, to stabilize the exchange markets is for Trump to commit to insurances companies that the subsidies will continue to be paid and to reverse its instruction to the IRS to not enforce the individual mandate. If Trump won't cooperate, Congress should mandate the DHSS and IRS to administer these provisions of ACA. And Congress should re-appropriate funds for the risk corridor adjustments that were eliminated by an appropriation bill passed in 2014. That will help for 2018.
For 2019+:
Make the risk pools healthy (to reduce premiums and deductibles) with a 75% subsidy (like Congress gets) for youth through age 29 and by covering adults age 50+ under Medicare. For other adults who earn more than 400% FPL, add the subsidies and HSA provisions (with caps) of BCRA. The exchanges should function better and it will move us toward universal coverage.
The Feds should negotiate drug prices and extend Medicare's fixed price reimbursement to all
Fewer improvements needed to ACA for the majority of Americans on employer coverage and Medicare & Medicaid.
4
As a Canadian, I cannot tell you how important a single payer health system is to the well lbeing of our country. I could not imagine the quality of life that we would have with the fear, cost, and complexity of the American system hanging over our heads. Yes, we have problems with our system, due to increasing costs, wait lines, and other supply side problems issues, but there is no question that the overall system works well for Canada and Canadians as a whole. The American right's rant against a single payer system is purely cultural, and has very little to do with reality, or the well being of their country.
77
I hope indivisible and other activist groups will follow through with organizing marches, etc. demanding that ACA problems be fixed. We need to work on lowering underlying costs--of tests and precription drugs especially-- support and strengthen subsidies and awareness campaigns, encourage Medicaid expansion in remaining states, and where little or no competition exists offer a government sponsored option, such as a pay-off Medicaid or Medicare.
4
I hope you will reach out to your local Indivisible group at indivisibleguide(dot)com and offer your energy and insight. All hands on deck!
"John McCain is also deeply conservative. Yet, like Roberts, he realized that taking health coverage from millions, in a hasty, secretive process, could damage his favorite institution — the Senate."
A less charitable explanation exist: pay-back. By voting for the debate and then flipping, he maximized the damage to Trump. Revenge will prove to be McCain's finest moment.
A less charitable explanation exist: pay-back. By voting for the debate and then flipping, he maximized the damage to Trump. Revenge will prove to be McCain's finest moment.
4
I respect your opinion, but I disagree. No one gets out of a hospital bed, travels half way across the country, makes an impassioned speech about working together, then crosses party lines for revenge. The man has brain cancer, he has excellent healthcare. He has pre-existing conditions. He could have been talking about himself, had he not received good healthcare from the government. He gets it. It feel it was an ethical vote.
1
A wonderful thank you to the individuals and groups that fought from November 2016 to today and will fight from August 2017 and on until we have single payer for all. I call my GOP Senator's office an average of 4 times per week. Most days the voicemail is full YEAH it means it is working. Resist, persist, we are indivisible.
5
And how effective was Jessi Bohon? How did the Senators of the "great' state of Tennessee vote on health care? And the Representatives?
And how instrumental were the folks in Texas? And AARP ads?
There was only 1 vote that allowed the bill to fail.
One of those votes was Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, another from Susan Collins from Maine, and the last from John McCain from Arizona.
So it is only one less vote from failing. I would hardly call that an significant victory.
And how instrumental were the folks in Texas? And AARP ads?
There was only 1 vote that allowed the bill to fail.
One of those votes was Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, another from Susan Collins from Maine, and the last from John McCain from Arizona.
So it is only one less vote from failing. I would hardly call that an significant victory.
2
Your point?
What you've demonstrated is that you don't understand what "victory" is.
What you've demonstrated is that you don't understand what "victory" is.
In this Congress it is!
Robert:
The article was about "Americans Who Saved Health Insurance. One was the lady Jessi Bohon did a lot of hard work and she is to be commended for that. However, all that hard work did not get her Senators to vote against the bill. So we can't really count her effort as saving health insurance.
Those that worked hard in Texas, didn't succeed in getting the Texas Senators to vote against the bill and so we can't really count their efforts as saving health insurance.
I do understand what the word victory is. I said I would hardly call it a significant victory.....it is a victory that can still be rather easy to overturn. Remember it happened in House of Representatives: they voted it down (a victory) before they approved the bill.
The article was about "Americans Who Saved Health Insurance. One was the lady Jessi Bohon did a lot of hard work and she is to be commended for that. However, all that hard work did not get her Senators to vote against the bill. So we can't really count her effort as saving health insurance.
Those that worked hard in Texas, didn't succeed in getting the Texas Senators to vote against the bill and so we can't really count their efforts as saving health insurance.
I do understand what the word victory is. I said I would hardly call it a significant victory.....it is a victory that can still be rather easy to overturn. Remember it happened in House of Representatives: they voted it down (a victory) before they approved the bill.
We need to build from this spirit into a full movement that strengthens the very foundation of our democracy, we need to move all the people from subjects to citizens.
8
the so-called health care bills are not about health care, they are insurance industry, "market health" and tax reform bills.
how about NYT makes a forum for the development of health care plans, plans that are about health care, treatment and prevention, both a response to an immediate need and an investment in the future...nothing about costs yet, not even processes, just actual care.
let the medicals and we the people have a go at it then the parsing can begin, we can assign that to our electeds (that's their job, to represent us not protect k street)...but first, let's get a clear picture of what it is.
how about NYT makes a forum for the development of health care plans, plans that are about health care, treatment and prevention, both a response to an immediate need and an investment in the future...nothing about costs yet, not even processes, just actual care.
let the medicals and we the people have a go at it then the parsing can begin, we can assign that to our electeds (that's their job, to represent us not protect k street)...but first, let's get a clear picture of what it is.
4
Congress should provide ALL American citizens the very same ACA Gold Plan healthcare they are provided with the taxes paid by the American taxpayers, along with the same subsidies they recieve, despite their $175K salaries. Hypocrisy of the first-order is the theme of the modern-day GOP.
11
Over? The fight is really just beginning. Republicans will simply regroup, attempt to catch the nation off guard, and work to push through another nefarious plans, meaner, leaner, and even more harmful. They just never give up. That is is why the next election is vital to the health of this country. That is why questions about the safety of the vote is so critical. It is up to everyone to demand health care and make needed changes to the ACA including a public options that is affordable in all markets, throughout the country.
9
Friends are already prepping for the return of pre-extsting conditions restrictions. Don't get genetic testing, even if it might save your child's eyesight, because then you have a condition and will be refused coverage.
The evil inherent in all the repeal bills is taking a severe toll even now. Horrifying.
The evil inherent in all the repeal bills is taking a severe toll even now. Horrifying.
6
When Obama care passed, there were several Democrats who committed political suicide by supporting it despite incredible pressure to walk away. There were only 3 willing to risk their political futures by voting against their party. I say to those Democrats who lost elections over their vote: you absolutely did the right thing. As did Senators Collins, Murkowski, and McCain.
5
No, there are no "heroes" in the Republican Party. Do not give them an iota of credit. NONE! Without Democratic opposition the so-called "heroes" would have fallen in lock step. They gambled they would get a payoff by opposing an unpopular bill. And, their gamble paid off. But in the end, they are all dirty gamblers playing with the lives of Americans. They stink!
1
It was a nail bitter up to the end. Churchill was right, we do the right thing, after trying everything else. Of all things that this administration is destroying, to me, health care is the most important to preserve, a human right.
5
You, too, the Press deserve much commendation. Without the investigative reporting, along with the fusillade of information for the interested parties to digest, process and respond, the same, horrible consequence remains a threat.
6
Good, informative column , Mr. Leonhardt, yet we have a long way to go to completely save and most importantly, reform the ACA. It has always been a starting point, not a final solution. I read somewhere that only 17% of Americans supported the Trump/McConnell/Ryan health plan charade. If that is true, why are the Americans not being respected and more importantly, heard?
McConnell has become a sneak. He is no longer trustworthy and we can't be rid of him soon enough. Trump needs to reread the promises he made on the way to his election. His post-election aura is foul.
McConnell has become a sneak. He is no longer trustworthy and we can't be rid of him soon enough. Trump needs to reread the promises he made on the way to his election. His post-election aura is foul.
4
Great article David, thank you!!!
But there is one more group who needs to be thanked, and that is the Press. Thank you for keeping up with the exhausting and sometimes overwhelming Republican attempts to deprive millions of Americans of decent healthcare.
But there is one more group who needs to be thanked, and that is the Press. Thank you for keeping up with the exhausting and sometimes overwhelming Republican attempts to deprive millions of Americans of decent healthcare.
26
I agree. I actually do thank God for freedom of the press. Your new slogan is so true. Democracy dies in Darkness. I live in Seattle. In addition to paying for (paying being the key word) I also pay for the NYT, the Washington Post and the Japanese Times. The JT is an excellent newspaper. They have a partnership with NYT where Japanese can subscribe to both papers for a little extra. I think I spend about $50 a month on news subscriptions. Democracy is worth every penny of it.
What continues to amaze me is that after 7 long years of constant whining about the A.C.A. the Congressional Republicans can't seem to put together an alternative that passes either the straight-face test or the smell test.
Now add in a Republican president without a clue (‘Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated’) and the Republicans' health care proposals have come down to, "Let's just destroy ObamaCare".
Now add in a Republican president without a clue (‘Nobody knew that health care could be so complicated’) and the Republicans' health care proposals have come down to, "Let's just destroy ObamaCare".
4
More powerful than any branch of government? Mightier than any institution or party in the US?
Yes! The super-rich, the Kochs, S. Adelson, etc. They want the ACA and numerous social programs to be eliminated, and they have very deep pockets. Soon John Cornyn will be acting as their telemarketer again, offering the big bucks in exchange for votes in the House and Senate.
The battle over the philosophical basis of US society continues. Will we be a nation of livestock to be bought, sold or slaughtered at the whim of our super-rich owners?
Yes! The super-rich, the Kochs, S. Adelson, etc. They want the ACA and numerous social programs to be eliminated, and they have very deep pockets. Soon John Cornyn will be acting as their telemarketer again, offering the big bucks in exchange for votes in the House and Senate.
The battle over the philosophical basis of US society continues. Will we be a nation of livestock to be bought, sold or slaughtered at the whim of our super-rich owners?
3
Shame, shame, shame. You have ignored the group that was THE most influential--The Disabled. They embody almost all of the groups you identify--citizens, experts themselves (about health care, out of necessity, and about their own bodies), exemplary organizers (again, out of necessity and out of years and years and years of being unseen and unheard), and unintimidated because of their courage and because of their fear. Those with disabilities (and their families), more than any other group literally were facing an existential crisis. ADAPT, the National Council on Independent Living, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and scores of other disability group made this crisis real and seen. they put their bodies on the line. They were arrested. They made the issue of health care and its removal a life and death issue, because for them, it was.
6
I have so much vitriol for our Ohio Senator Rob Portman (R) that I am going to have a hard time waiting 5 1/2 years to cast my vote against him.
He has become the master of publicly presenting himself as a conflicted GOP moderate who is concerned with doing what is right.
However, as his yea votes on questionable cabinet nominations and repeated support for the GOP health plan demonstrate he is all show.
His support for the skinny repeal would have stripped or damaged coverage for thousands of Ohioans. Far from courageous he is just another go along, get along, GOP Senator, with no regard for the damage he is doing to his constituents or America. It is both disgusting and disturbing.
He has become the master of publicly presenting himself as a conflicted GOP moderate who is concerned with doing what is right.
However, as his yea votes on questionable cabinet nominations and repeated support for the GOP health plan demonstrate he is all show.
His support for the skinny repeal would have stripped or damaged coverage for thousands of Ohioans. Far from courageous he is just another go along, get along, GOP Senator, with no regard for the damage he is doing to his constituents or America. It is both disgusting and disturbing.
9
Amen. Can not wait to vote against him....
Even as you rightfully sing the praises of this assortment of individuals, do not forget who needs to be excoriated.
It'll be a tough call to decide who sits atop that pile; is it itch McConnell or Paul Ryan. Both have displayed shamelessness and servility beyond the pale.
And, how can we forget Trump, the man who lies about expanding healthcare to all as he campaigns only to abandon that idea in the most heinous manner.
And let us not forget the nine senators who promised to not vote for repealing Obamacare only to then go ahead and vote. I'm looking at you Shelly Caputo of West Virginia, and you Rob Portman of Ohio. I hope all the people in those states are watching your action.
It'll be a tough call to decide who sits atop that pile; is it itch McConnell or Paul Ryan. Both have displayed shamelessness and servility beyond the pale.
And, how can we forget Trump, the man who lies about expanding healthcare to all as he campaigns only to abandon that idea in the most heinous manner.
And let us not forget the nine senators who promised to not vote for repealing Obamacare only to then go ahead and vote. I'm looking at you Shelly Caputo of West Virginia, and you Rob Portman of Ohio. I hope all the people in those states are watching your action.
6
As long as money is to be made, Mr. Leonhardt, the Republican Party will attack the Affordable Care Act. They were sent to Congress to do the bidding of the Koch Bottles, ALEC, the Citizens United shadow donors and the lobbyists whose fortunes were (and continue to be) made on the backs of the suffering poor.
Donald Trump will never rest until the black president's legacy is dust. And let's not forget that we are, at bottom, a stupid people. Mr. Trump is the president because 63-million voters thought he would turn out Barack Obama and return America to some sham, bygone era when "America was great." These voters didn't care about health care until it was very nearly taken from them because they were so keen to give it away.
Much has been made of John McCain's saving gesture. Was he goaded to his final vote of "no" because he lay, perhaps very close to death, his mortality sitting atop his shoulders like a crow or raven, warning him of the perils of meanness and just how razor-thin the social safety net is that his party wishes to shred? His fellow-Senator, Lindsay Graham, railed against his party's wish to usher through a "horrible" bill with worse optics--but then voted for party, not country.
And recall that Chief Justice John Roberts angered Samuel Alito, Clarence "Uncle" Thomas and the late Antonin Scalia for siding with country rather than ideology. Recall that day as Sarah Palin set up space outside the Court to gloat.
Yes; health care still remains "game on."
Donald Trump will never rest until the black president's legacy is dust. And let's not forget that we are, at bottom, a stupid people. Mr. Trump is the president because 63-million voters thought he would turn out Barack Obama and return America to some sham, bygone era when "America was great." These voters didn't care about health care until it was very nearly taken from them because they were so keen to give it away.
Much has been made of John McCain's saving gesture. Was he goaded to his final vote of "no" because he lay, perhaps very close to death, his mortality sitting atop his shoulders like a crow or raven, warning him of the perils of meanness and just how razor-thin the social safety net is that his party wishes to shred? His fellow-Senator, Lindsay Graham, railed against his party's wish to usher through a "horrible" bill with worse optics--but then voted for party, not country.
And recall that Chief Justice John Roberts angered Samuel Alito, Clarence "Uncle" Thomas and the late Antonin Scalia for siding with country rather than ideology. Recall that day as Sarah Palin set up space outside the Court to gloat.
Yes; health care still remains "game on."
9
And please don't forget President Obama, Nancy, and Harry who pulled all the right strings to pass the first great health care bill in our history over the usual republican obstructionists.
3
Thank you for writing and publishing this column. In these times, it's heartwarming to witness good triumph over evil.
7
Back home in North Carolina, Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry has canceled all of his town halls, claiming he has pneumonia. I wonder how many other Republicans have canceled their town hall meetings.
7
And his pneumonia treatment was fully covered by taxpayer subsidized health insurance.
5
Saved health insurance? That is laughable. Here in NYC, before ObamaCare, we had Family Health plus. for those making too much to qualify for medicaid, it was $450 per month, with zero deductible, and most doctors accepted it.
Now, the cheapest ObamaCare family plan is $1128 per month, with an incredulous $8000 deductible, and most decent doctors no longer accept any ObamaCare plans. Now if a healthy family of 5 such as mine went without health insurance, we would never hit $3000 in healthcare spending in any given year - so that renders ObamaCare useless. I would have to spend $21536 before I see a penny in "coverage" - from the worst of the worst doctors. Want a zero deductible? Thats $1875 per month. Thats not health insurance. Thats me paying for someone elses healthcare. And thats what you "progressives" are cheering that you saved. I actually work in te industry as a device rep. This law is destroying quality of care for patients. hospitals in poorer areas are either closing or slashing the use of any innovative devices, and have to go with the older cheaper stuff. all this because patients dont understand deductibles, think they are covered, then just cant pay the whopping bill they get. so hospitals have to eat it, and its straining hospital budgets.
Nice job Democrats. You really hurt a lot of people. The most ironic part, is that they are hurting the people they say they are trying to help the most.
Now, the cheapest ObamaCare family plan is $1128 per month, with an incredulous $8000 deductible, and most decent doctors no longer accept any ObamaCare plans. Now if a healthy family of 5 such as mine went without health insurance, we would never hit $3000 in healthcare spending in any given year - so that renders ObamaCare useless. I would have to spend $21536 before I see a penny in "coverage" - from the worst of the worst doctors. Want a zero deductible? Thats $1875 per month. Thats not health insurance. Thats me paying for someone elses healthcare. And thats what you "progressives" are cheering that you saved. I actually work in te industry as a device rep. This law is destroying quality of care for patients. hospitals in poorer areas are either closing or slashing the use of any innovative devices, and have to go with the older cheaper stuff. all this because patients dont understand deductibles, think they are covered, then just cant pay the whopping bill they get. so hospitals have to eat it, and its straining hospital budgets.
Nice job Democrats. You really hurt a lot of people. The most ironic part, is that they are hurting the people they say they are trying to help the most.
1
Wait, you left out Trump. What about all the stuff he pulled that helped damage his own cause?
1
How about that; democracy, from the bottom community level, is alive and well. Politics is the art of the possible, but it requires active participation of what ought to be our government, of- by- and- for the people. And the representatives elected, our servants, administering the day to day activities to allow a smooth functioning of our aim, a peaceful society where each one provides according to his/her talents, and each receives according to his/her needs (also called 'justice'). Trouble is, this is a capitalistic system, where capital always trumps labor, and where inequality, if unregulated, would destroy it's very nature for it's inherent inequities. Thankfully, we are witnessing true patriots, folks that recognize the richness of our diversity, and our strength when working together. Crooked lying Trump, 'our' narcissist in chief, would never understand all this, as he considers the abuse of power his inviolable right (license, not freedom); that is why this 'bull in a china shop' must be sent packing, before he destroys the things we hold dear, a functioning democracy that benefits each and all of us.
Various elements of the 'resistance' came together to help avoid the disaster. And, our Senators who voted no saved millions from painful, unnecessary deaths.
Yet, some commenters still complain. I suspect they have not bothered to follow the analysis on the benefits of the ACA, or on the real fact that it needs to be fixed, and soon. We will eventually, as a nation, come to our senses and develop the medicare for all program.
The real threat now is that Trump will sabotage the program out of spite. That may just end up as one more strike against him as his popularity fades. Even the insurance industry has joined the AARP, the AMA, etc to fight the GOP's terrible goals.
Yet, some commenters still complain. I suspect they have not bothered to follow the analysis on the benefits of the ACA, or on the real fact that it needs to be fixed, and soon. We will eventually, as a nation, come to our senses and develop the medicare for all program.
The real threat now is that Trump will sabotage the program out of spite. That may just end up as one more strike against him as his popularity fades. Even the insurance industry has joined the AARP, the AMA, etc to fight the GOP's terrible goals.
204
TrumpCare did not meet any of Trump's campaign promises...it was not better or cheaper or cover more people. It was not any of that..it didn't pretend to try.
TrumpCare did not address pricing disparity and opacity
TrumpCare did not address higher American drug prices vs the rest of world
TrumpCare's answer to high deductibles and high premiums was to allow insurers to offer skinny plans that cover nothing...not healthcare but junk-care
The Democrats, Collins, Murkowski and McCain did the right thing. But the question we should all be asking is why are there 48 senators and more than 220 representatives that are more willing to do their donors bidding than represent their constituents?
TrumpCare did not address pricing disparity and opacity
TrumpCare did not address higher American drug prices vs the rest of world
TrumpCare's answer to high deductibles and high premiums was to allow insurers to offer skinny plans that cover nothing...not healthcare but junk-care
The Democrats, Collins, Murkowski and McCain did the right thing. But the question we should all be asking is why are there 48 senators and more than 220 representatives that are more willing to do their donors bidding than represent their constituents?
549
Truer words have not been spoken. As you say, the real question is how could any rationale human being vote to get rid of Obamacare without a reasonable replacement.
While we may have concerns about tampering with the election by Russia, I wonder if we should consider investigating why each person that voted to either repeal and almost replace or for a straight repeal would vote that way? Do we have a serious issue with potential corruption associated with those votes? And is anyone investigating it?
While we may have concerns about tampering with the election by Russia, I wonder if we should consider investigating why each person that voted to either repeal and almost replace or for a straight repeal would vote that way? Do we have a serious issue with potential corruption associated with those votes? And is anyone investigating it?
It wasn't Trumpcare, it was Republicare. Trump blustered about better care, cheaper care, etc. throughout the campaign. But while in office, he has offered no opinion on the content of these bills. He just wanted the signing ceremony.
The Republicans in Congress created this dead-for-now monster. The question now: Is it dead or just a zombie, ready to rise again.
The Republicans in Congress created this dead-for-now monster. The question now: Is it dead or just a zombie, ready to rise again.
While this author congratulates those that made their voices heard against these bills, I have been asking the same question that you ask. What happened to those 48 senators and 220 representatives that are not listening to their constituents but only to donors. Shame on them. I hope they are replaced by someone that cares about the people.
1
I thank Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and John McCain. Their votes against their party saved the ACA (at least for now). Yes, citizens have made phone calls to their Senators and Representatives. Yes, citizens have turned activists. Yes, the Democrats stood by their health plan, the signature accomplishment of President Obama. But, with all of that public display of opposition to the Republican effort to Repeal & Replace, the effort worked only because 3 (out of 52) Republican senators had a greater sense of responsibility to the American People than did all of the others. Today, Collins, Murkowski, and McCain (again) join the ranks of national heroes
2
Americans got 'lucky' this time, in an odd kind of way. John McCain received a catastrophic diagnosis and millions of citizens got to keep their health care. For now anyway.
I can't call that courage.
I had begun to change my opinion of Senator Lindsay Graham when he denounced the bill. Horrible was his mildest adjective.
Then he voted for it.
As did Jeff Flake, whose book denouncing this Administration and many of his co-conservatives came out just yesterday.
As did Dean Heller and Shelley Moore Capito.
The real heroes are Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. They said what they believed and then - mercy of mercies - they stuck to it and voted accordingly.
Would that the rest of the Senate do the same.
I can't call that courage.
I had begun to change my opinion of Senator Lindsay Graham when he denounced the bill. Horrible was his mildest adjective.
Then he voted for it.
As did Jeff Flake, whose book denouncing this Administration and many of his co-conservatives came out just yesterday.
As did Dean Heller and Shelley Moore Capito.
The real heroes are Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. They said what they believed and then - mercy of mercies - they stuck to it and voted accordingly.
Would that the rest of the Senate do the same.
527
"I had begun to change my opinion of Senator Lindsay Graham when he denounced the bill. Horrible was his mildest adjective.
Then he voted for it."
He'd like to make you think that his fourth rate intellect, wit and faux folksiness is enough to make him seem "thoughtful" and plausibly statesmanlike.
When you call a bill a fraud and then proceed to vote for it, it makes you the same thing.
I'm sure he thought that little trick was exceedingly clever, by being publicly "honest" about the bill, he thought it would succeed in "disinfecting" him and give him distance from it's stench.
Guess what, Senator Graham, you're wrong about that.
You are a transparent fraud. I liked you better when you were yelling "Benghazi" with your hair on fire, at least you were being honest about what you're really all about.
Which is essentially a lot of hot air and not much else.
Then he voted for it."
He'd like to make you think that his fourth rate intellect, wit and faux folksiness is enough to make him seem "thoughtful" and plausibly statesmanlike.
When you call a bill a fraud and then proceed to vote for it, it makes you the same thing.
I'm sure he thought that little trick was exceedingly clever, by being publicly "honest" about the bill, he thought it would succeed in "disinfecting" him and give him distance from it's stench.
Guess what, Senator Graham, you're wrong about that.
You are a transparent fraud. I liked you better when you were yelling "Benghazi" with your hair on fire, at least you were being honest about what you're really all about.
Which is essentially a lot of hot air and not much else.
John McCain, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins are certainly heroes, but my guess is that they were also providing Graham, Flake, Heller and Capito a little cover for the 2018 elections. Don't get me wrong, I am an ardent Democrat, but today is a day to put partisanship aside and thank those on the other side who stood up and helped to the extent they could.
"The real heroes are Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski."
Senator Collins is not a conservative by any stretch. Senator Murkowski ran for election promising ad nauseum to repeal the ACA. Neither have a spine.
Senator Collins is not a conservative by any stretch. Senator Murkowski ran for election promising ad nauseum to repeal the ACA. Neither have a spine.
"At least nine Republican senators expressed grave doubts about the bills. But only two voted no consistently: Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska".
Here indeed are two examples of the profiles in courage of which then Senator John F. Kennedy lauded in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book. Ms. Collins and Murkowski were oblivious to their party's collective scorn and voted to do the right thing. Ms. Murkowski, in defying the alpha male epidemic running through the GOP and the White House, emphatically spit in the president's eye when he tweeted his displeasure at her vote.
Yes, Mr. Leonhardt, Americans did indeed stand up to authoritarianism and a bullying, blustering know-nothing president who now maybe understands just why America was always great long before he came along.
Here indeed are two examples of the profiles in courage of which then Senator John F. Kennedy lauded in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book. Ms. Collins and Murkowski were oblivious to their party's collective scorn and voted to do the right thing. Ms. Murkowski, in defying the alpha male epidemic running through the GOP and the White House, emphatically spit in the president's eye when he tweeted his displeasure at her vote.
Yes, Mr. Leonhardt, Americans did indeed stand up to authoritarianism and a bullying, blustering know-nothing president who now maybe understands just why America was always great long before he came along.
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To Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg:
If you are reading this, THESE are your 2017 Profiles in Courage winners.
If you are reading this, THESE are your 2017 Profiles in Courage winners.
Maybe Senators Collins and Murkowski weren't "oblivious to their party's collective scorn" but excruciatingly aware. An old timey protester taught me a lot when she told this story: People scorned my protests, saying "You'll never change them." The answer? "Maybe I will, maybe not. Most important is that they will not change me!"
1
Perhaps more than any other person, Governor John Kasich of Ohio deserves recognition and our appreciation for all the work he did, publically and behind the scenes, to build the coalition of fellow governors and the senators from their states who defeated the repeal efforts and preserved the Medicaid program.
I can say confidently that conviction more than ambition motivated Governor Kasich.
I can say confidently that conviction more than ambition motivated Governor Kasich.
2
Susan Collins and the other two Senators, deserve our thanks for staying strong. Senator Collins never wavered on her opposition to the health care proposal offered up by her own party.
9
When I listen to complaints, and I share the concerns regarding high rates and horribly expensive deductibles, the criticism is always toward the ACA or Obamacare, as it detractors prefer to call it. The blame for both rates and deductibles lies with the insurance providers, not the government. The ACA mandated coverage and helped to classify plans as bronze, silver, gold etc. The rates were set by the companies themselves. These companies operate with a 30% operating cost. Medicare is in the low singles digits. It sure seems like a single payer or public option is the way to go.
25
The ACA requires coverage of already sick people. Insurance companies had to raise rates when young healthy people opted to pay the "tax" rather than buy insurance. Also the ACA limits how much an insurance company can spend on operating that company.
First, it's tyrannical to force people to buy anything without their consent. Secondly believing the government can run the health care industry is extremely naive. I refer you to the tragedies of the VA health care system.
A 30% operating cost limit is meaningless when applied globally to every company. There are many factors that can affect the viability of casting in stone how much you can spend to operate a company. Only a fool would presume to tell someone else how to operate their business, while simultaneously telling them who they can sell to.
First, it's tyrannical to force people to buy anything without their consent. Secondly believing the government can run the health care industry is extremely naive. I refer you to the tragedies of the VA health care system.
A 30% operating cost limit is meaningless when applied globally to every company. There are many factors that can affect the viability of casting in stone how much you can spend to operate a company. Only a fool would presume to tell someone else how to operate their business, while simultaneously telling them who they can sell to.
Insurance companies were operating like robber barons, by eliminating anyone who needed coverage. Imagine if insurance companies only offered fire protection to those who lived in brick houses. If it isn't "fair" to force folks to buy insurance, then it would follow that the government should cover everyone. Then our taxes would cover everyone just as police, fire and schools are taxpayer funded.
1
Single payer. Medicare for all. The message is simple. In the 2018 election cycle it should be the first question asked of candidates. If they hedge at all, they are in the pocket of healthcare industry profiteers. It's that simple.
35
@Mary Spross
Lansdale, PA
So how is single payer going reduce the costs of the provision of care which is where the real cost is in the system? It isn't. Furthermore there are economic and political obstacles that make it unachievable. Single payer is a mirage.
Lansdale, PA
So how is single payer going reduce the costs of the provision of care which is where the real cost is in the system? It isn't. Furthermore there are economic and political obstacles that make it unachievable. Single payer is a mirage.
1
@John
The only surefire way to to make certain that single payer is unachievable due to economic and political obstacles is to throw in the towel at the beginning and not even bother to try. I, for one, will only vote for those willing to fight against those economic and political obstacles to get healthcare for all, not the paid off shills at the top of the Democratic party (nevermind the Republicans).
The only surefire way to to make certain that single payer is unachievable due to economic and political obstacles is to throw in the towel at the beginning and not even bother to try. I, for one, will only vote for those willing to fight against those economic and political obstacles to get healthcare for all, not the paid off shills at the top of the Democratic party (nevermind the Republicans).
2
Voters in the middle of the country will not submit to the tyranny of centralized government control. At least not without a fight,
The talking head purveyors of conventional wisdom scoffed at the inability of the Democratic Party to win those state legislative and congressional elections, though the candidates who ran clearly moved the needle significantly in deeply and moderately red districts. Indivisible played a role in each of those races. But when enough people run headlong into a concrete wall, eventually they weaken the wall sufficiently so that someone breaks through. That breakthrough just occurred. Now is not the time to stop and savor victory, but to mount the next campaign so in 2017 municipal elections and 2018 national and state legislative elections we tear that wall down.
9
Check out who funds Indivisible. The column does not mention Indivisible is the brainchild of Obama and those who plot a coup of our legally elected government from his "bunker" down the street from the White House. Valerie moved in with him to, I suppose, make herself available 24x7.
Unlike the TEA (taxed enough already) Party, Indivisible provides training, funds to make available protestors, travel, and other funds to organize gatherings like the women's march.
Unlike the TEA (taxed enough already) Party, Indivisible provides training, funds to make available protestors, travel, and other funds to organize gatherings like the women's march.
“If one of the Senate or House health care bills had become law, millions of people would have lost their coverage. Ultimately, many would have been denied medical care. Birth defects, cancer, diabetes and other conditions would have gone untreated.”
Yes, an estimated 20 million people would have lost health insurance, in addition to the 33 million who are currently uninsured under Obamacare per FiveThirtyEight. If this is considered a victory then it was won on the backs of those currently uninsured, people whose birth defects, cancer, diabetes and other conditions will go untreated. I agree that perfect is the enemy of good, but also think that we need to be more careful about constantly promoting a flawed system as if it were delivered along with the other tablets brought down from Mount Sinai.
Yes, an estimated 20 million people would have lost health insurance, in addition to the 33 million who are currently uninsured under Obamacare per FiveThirtyEight. If this is considered a victory then it was won on the backs of those currently uninsured, people whose birth defects, cancer, diabetes and other conditions will go untreated. I agree that perfect is the enemy of good, but also think that we need to be more careful about constantly promoting a flawed system as if it were delivered along with the other tablets brought down from Mount Sinai.
4
This victory is one to savor, but not take for granted. Both the Democrats and Murkowski and Collins were consistent in their objections. McCain was not. But at least he did the right thing at the last minute.
I will reiterate what I have said before, that all Americans should have the same plan that the Senate, Congress and their staff have through the same special ACA exchange called the D.C. exchange. We, the tax payers are paying for that. I think anyone that cannot afford health insurance, or does not have it through their employer should be accorded the same insurance.
Maybe it is time Mr. Leonhardt to write a column about all of the benefits that we the taxpayers pay for when it comes to our elected officials and staff.
Perhaps budget cutting could cut some of the fat from that. In fact it would be enlightening to know exactly how much each Congress member and Senate member receives for their overall individual budgets to run their offices. Or I suppose Trump could make that one of his next tweets.
I will reiterate what I have said before, that all Americans should have the same plan that the Senate, Congress and their staff have through the same special ACA exchange called the D.C. exchange. We, the tax payers are paying for that. I think anyone that cannot afford health insurance, or does not have it through their employer should be accorded the same insurance.
Maybe it is time Mr. Leonhardt to write a column about all of the benefits that we the taxpayers pay for when it comes to our elected officials and staff.
Perhaps budget cutting could cut some of the fat from that. In fact it would be enlightening to know exactly how much each Congress member and Senate member receives for their overall individual budgets to run their offices. Or I suppose Trump could make that one of his next tweets.
19
i have a deep gratitude to these men and women who have displayed such courage. It is important, especially at this time, to persist in our efforts to provide good health care to all marginalized people. Obamacare leaves 28 million out and does not cut the cost curve. It is neither sustainable or fixable, even if democrats and republicans collaborated. The reason it is is not fixable is the simple fact that insurance companies were allowed to participate in Obamacare and continue to drive up health care costs. They add a totally unnecessary bureaucracy. Thankfully, we do have an empirically supported solution. We know it would work because it has worked time and again in other countries. It is a Medicare for all or single payer.
10
Ask Charlie Gard's parents about empirically supported solutions. His story underscores what happens when decisions affecting individual lives are made in the polished halls of disaffected individuals who only use statistics to determine life and death and individuals' dignity. People who play God with others' lives and the lives of their loved ones.
It is disgusting what invariably happens when administrators in centralized power centers are legally allowed to so coldly tell grieving parents what they can or cannot do with their own child's destiny. Human nature cannot be trusted in this scenario.
If this is what can happen in socialized medicine in a "civilized" country I say, no thanks.
I had a cousin born with a malignant brain tumor the size of a golf ball. My aunt and uncle knew she would not live. But through treatment she lived almost 2 years. They had her and loved her in their home that entire time. I can't imagine the government telling them to let her die due to the statistics and then refusing to let them take her home.
Terry Schaivo's case proves American courts will order death if requested to.
It is disgusting what invariably happens when administrators in centralized power centers are legally allowed to so coldly tell grieving parents what they can or cannot do with their own child's destiny. Human nature cannot be trusted in this scenario.
If this is what can happen in socialized medicine in a "civilized" country I say, no thanks.
I had a cousin born with a malignant brain tumor the size of a golf ball. My aunt and uncle knew she would not live. But through treatment she lived almost 2 years. They had her and loved her in their home that entire time. I can't imagine the government telling them to let her die due to the statistics and then refusing to let them take her home.
Terry Schaivo's case proves American courts will order death if requested to.
Charlie Gard's illness and death was a tragedy for his family. Please do not conflate that tragedy with the mechanism for financing heath care. It had to do with the parents and physicians having a difference of opinion on how to proceed. It happens in all health financing systems and is really a question of resolving medical ethics problems, not one of health financing.
2
Thanks to all the hard working patriots mentioned in this article. I hope they all have the stamina to continue fighting to improve Obamacare and defended it from Trump’s sabotage which is certain to come. As Mr Leonhardt writes "There’s much more work to do."
8
I still think that those who voiced opposition to the bill should have loudly emphasized that the cuts were to give the 1%rs a tax break and that this tax break was essential to the coming tax reform. In other words, yes, the bill in its many versions wooul have left millions uninsured and that the money "saved" by the cuts went into the pockets of the ultra-rich in the form of tax cuts.
13
While I don't generally agree with McCain's politics, I am thrilled with his no vote. I am also not overlooking the fact that my Senator, Jerry Moran, at least thought twice about his vote.
Democracy is getting harder for Americans. We have leaders that are trying to attack us, so we cannot sit back and attend our sporting events and barbecues. We need to stand up and do more to affect or states and country. But, people have been lulled to sleep.
One of the issues is that we are also too busy working, due to the attacks on us by the rich. The service economy of a mature industrial nation does not give much time for political statements.
Democracy is getting harder for Americans. We have leaders that are trying to attack us, so we cannot sit back and attend our sporting events and barbecues. We need to stand up and do more to affect or states and country. But, people have been lulled to sleep.
One of the issues is that we are also too busy working, due to the attacks on us by the rich. The service economy of a mature industrial nation does not give much time for political statements.
9
I am saving this article. And on the days when I am totally depressed about what is happening in our country under this administration, I will reread it and be reminded of all my fellow Americans who continue to fight for our common good. It inspires all of us to seek ways to take action because we can indeed make a difference.
30
I'd like to believe Sen. McCain did the honorable thing. I'd like it even more if I could believe that, but for his protective cover, which rendered their "no" unnecessary, a few other Republicans might have done the right thing. McCain's health makes it unlikely he'll be facing another election. His vote allows his colleagues to duck the consequences of either voting against the party or pulling health care out from under constituents.
15
Including my Republican senator, Rob Portman, who is not stupid, but is, apparently, a moral coward. He keeps his head down, will probably be re-elected, and constantly claims to have Ohio's good at heart. Talks a lot about opioids, but not about infant and maternal mortality. Does he really have a heart at all?
3
Savor but while still marching to the next battle. In pence's Indiana, pence refused ACA and asked for a waiver to try an alternative. It wobbled and was especially harsh on the poor where items like work requirements for Medicaid were enforced and the network ghetto-ed medicaid patients to a narrow, thin set of providers that also happened to exclude the major providers enjoyed by anyone who had a real choice.
In Indianapolis, the strongest market in the state, within a day of the bill being made public, Anthem and another carrier dropped coverage state wide, leaving only the smallest carrier. In the rest of the state the number of carriers dropped to 0.
Although subscribing to the newsletters of every congressman including the democratic senator Andre Carson, all I heard was radio silence.
Indiana, where pence was governor, has one of the lowest rates of citizens who keep up with the basics of state political activity or even knowledge of basic facts.
Breaking the silence needs to be the next battle. djt, mcconnell, cruz, paul, walker et al. win when there's silence.
It's time to shout in Indiana and anywhere else the gop exploits silence.
In Indianapolis, the strongest market in the state, within a day of the bill being made public, Anthem and another carrier dropped coverage state wide, leaving only the smallest carrier. In the rest of the state the number of carriers dropped to 0.
Although subscribing to the newsletters of every congressman including the democratic senator Andre Carson, all I heard was radio silence.
Indiana, where pence was governor, has one of the lowest rates of citizens who keep up with the basics of state political activity or even knowledge of basic facts.
Breaking the silence needs to be the next battle. djt, mcconnell, cruz, paul, walker et al. win when there's silence.
It's time to shout in Indiana and anywhere else the gop exploits silence.
37
Nemo, not using capital letters when referring to pence and the rest of the flimflam r's is spot-on - they are small people indeed.
6
'The two advanced economies with the most economically free health care systems—Switzerland and Singapore—have achieved universal health insurance while spending a fraction of what the U.S. spends. Switzerland’s public spending on health care is about half of America’s, and Singapore’s is about a fifth of ours. If we had either of those systems, we wouldn’t have a federal budget deficit.'
'Conservative Think Tank: 10 Countries With Universal Health Care Have Freer Economies Than The U.S.' Avik Roy, Forbes
'Conservative Think Tank: 10 Countries With Universal Health Care Have Freer Economies Than The U.S.' Avik Roy, Forbes
9
democrats should accept limitations on mal practice suits(and may be lose some of the support they get from lawyers!);certainly defensive medicine and expensive price of buying mal practice coverage contributes to the overall cost of health care;I remember that Al Gore promised improving the situation to physicians in a meeting of American College of Physicians in DC during the clinton era and nothing happened.
hlk, that ain't "defensive medicine," that's for profit medicine where you are just as sick as your insurance coverage allows you to be. And the treatment options curiously run out at the same time as the money.
2
Great article. Good profiles. It is good to be grateful. Thank you.
Now please write a piece about the "Christian" legislators who don't believe that we all deserve health care in the richest country to have ever existed in the history of human existence.
You do know that it was really close and that they will again attempt to take away health insurance from the poor and the elderly - you do know that, don't you?
The day we put compassion and concern for every human being ahead of profits is the day we become truly civilized.
Now please write a piece about the "Christian" legislators who don't believe that we all deserve health care in the richest country to have ever existed in the history of human existence.
You do know that it was really close and that they will again attempt to take away health insurance from the poor and the elderly - you do know that, don't you?
The day we put compassion and concern for every human being ahead of profits is the day we become truly civilized.
97
Now that health insurance has been saved for now, how about working on access to health care for all.
15
Healthcare is far from " saved". The ACA still has too high of premiums and deductibles, and too many insurers are stepping away.
The real work lies ahead.
The real work lies ahead.
12
And let's not forget all the citizens who abided by the individual mandate and bought insurance on the open market even though in many cases they were indeed more expensive than their former policies.
11
The citizens who met in late November to thwart the Trump presidency were right to do so. Starting "Indivisible" was a way of cobbling together a group out of the majority of voters who voted for someone not named Donald Trump. These were ordinary citizens and they stand out as so much more courageous than the Republican leaders on Inauguration night in 2009 who vowed to be against every thing and anything Obama was for.
15
The immediate danger is the man-child in the White House who does not deal well with defeat and has the tools at hand for revenge. I would be surprised if he does not do all he can to sabotage the ACA so that he can claim it failed, the proclaim Barak Obama a complete failure (which, of course, is a major driver of a lot of this nonsense in the 1st place).
Trump must be stopped were it is possible. Where he succeeds in interfering, the facts must be blasted on the airwaves so that all will know that the ACA's raising costs and unstable markets are the results of his callous actions. The uncertainty caused by the GOP in recent months has done enough damage. That too must be made clear to all.
Trump must be stopped were it is possible. Where he succeeds in interfering, the facts must be blasted on the airwaves so that all will know that the ACA's raising costs and unstable markets are the results of his callous actions. The uncertainty caused by the GOP in recent months has done enough damage. That too must be made clear to all.
61
Given that Obamacare made my insurance cover less for more cost, I would say these individuals are part of the cohort that made insurance worse.
2
We are sorry for your insurance cost/benefit adjustment. I am sure there are others who had similar complaints. And that should be addressed as we try to improve National Health Insurance.
However, is it possible that your slight inconvenience was a small contribution to helping thousands if not millions of others get some kind of coverage when they had none? Do you have an ounce of compassion for your fellow travelers?
Because herein lies the core problem: QED thinks in terms of it's self and not the greater good.
Medicare for All - coming to this country. It is inevitable.
However, is it possible that your slight inconvenience was a small contribution to helping thousands if not millions of others get some kind of coverage when they had none? Do you have an ounce of compassion for your fellow travelers?
Because herein lies the core problem: QED thinks in terms of it's self and not the greater good.
Medicare for All - coming to this country. It is inevitable.
19
For the past 7 years, Republicans blocked all attempts by Democrats to lower premiums and deductibles.
They wanted to keep you angry so that you would vote for them, counting on you forgetting that premiums were rising (mine as much as 20%/year) before the ACA.
They wanted to keep you angry so that you would vote for them, counting on you forgetting that premiums were rising (mine as much as 20%/year) before the ACA.
6
I deeply question your claim that your coverage decreased while the premium went up. Clearly there are missing details, for instance, with that policy, were you protected from being kicked off if you got sick, data mined for an unreported hangnail to boot you off, or file a claim that clearly was within the parameters of what you were told was covered only to find you were denied?
No, you didn't because such protection didn't exist before ACA.
No, you didn't because such protection didn't exist before ACA.
5
No time for nostalgia. Trump and company are likely to make financial support for the ACA hard to come by. The challenge now is to find ways to reduce the costs of healthcare so that next year, premiums are not continuing to rise. Achieving this goal with bipartisan support, against the will of a powerful lobby, will take real heroes. Let's see If our democracy can do something good for the American people.
15
If health care has been saved then no further action is needed on Obamacare! Obviously, health care for millions of people is still unavailable and not affordable.
6
Did you read to the end of the piece? That part about Obamacare needs to be improved?
41
That's right. We need a bipartisan effort to improve Obamacare.
26
Where does the story say that health care has been "saved"? Mr Leonhardt's account is clearly about saving coverage for millions who have it only because of the ACA.
Obviously, the number of uninsured is at an historic low. Obviously, Congress and the president could fix problems if they wanted to. Obviously, they don't want to, which makes them complicit.
Obviously, the number of uninsured is at an historic low. Obviously, Congress and the president could fix problems if they wanted to. Obviously, they don't want to, which makes them complicit.
12
It wasn't American "healthcare" that was saved with the votes of a handful of Republican senators. It was merely ObamaCare that was saved -- for now. American healthcare remains the kludgey, dysfunctional, unsustainable, too-expensive and not very effective thing that it's been for a long time. And Democrats need to stop congratulating themselves that somehow they've "saved" something worth saving.
If Republicans do the sensible thing, they won't re-mount an effort at repeal. If Democrats do the sensible thing, they'll recognize that all Republicans need to do is refuse to fund a "fixing" of the ACA that Democrats FAILED to win the right to demand or the power to force. Republicans will do what Trump advised at the beginning of this effort, as he tried to get them to focus not on the ACA but on taxes, regulation and comprehensive immigration: they will allow the ACA to crumble from its own weight and dysfunction, until middle class Americans rebel at paying retail for their healthcare due to the stratospheric deductibles and co-pays of ACA-mandated policies that rise and rise ... and rise. And watch as MORE insurance companies leave the exchanges because despite those deductibles and co-pays they're going broke on policies the Congress refuses to adequately subsidize.
If Republicans do the sensible thing, they won't re-mount an effort at repeal. If Democrats do the sensible thing, they'll recognize that all Republicans need to do is refuse to fund a "fixing" of the ACA that Democrats FAILED to win the right to demand or the power to force. Republicans will do what Trump advised at the beginning of this effort, as he tried to get them to focus not on the ACA but on taxes, regulation and comprehensive immigration: they will allow the ACA to crumble from its own weight and dysfunction, until middle class Americans rebel at paying retail for their healthcare due to the stratospheric deductibles and co-pays of ACA-mandated policies that rise and rise ... and rise. And watch as MORE insurance companies leave the exchanges because despite those deductibles and co-pays they're going broke on policies the Congress refuses to adequately subsidize.
10
You're going to get pilloried here, as usual, but you're not wrong. It seems to be necessary to post a reminder on every thread about the ACA that health insurance is not health care. I suppose we have different ideas about what the solution is (mine is single payer, including dental and vision care), but the fact is that the ACA is not working for many working and middle class Americans. Republicans notwithstanding, i certainly don't expect the Dems to come up with any big improvements. At least not with the leaders that they have.
8
Just a quick question Richard. When you watch Congress refuse to adequately fund the ACA, would you be looking at a Democratic Congress or a Republican Congress?
39
"American healthcare remains the kludgey, dysfunctional, unsustainable, too-expensive and not very effective thing that it's been for a long time."
If the bipartisan groups in the House and Senate are able to come to some consensus on how to stabilize health insurance markets and agree on other fixes to the ACA, there is hope that a much better plan will emerge. Such bipartisan groups are now at work. I hope they are successful.
One day we will have Medicare for all or a universal healthcare plan modeled after some of those in Europe, but that is unlikely until both houses of congress and the executive branch are all controlled by Democrats. But that day will come.
If the bipartisan groups in the House and Senate are able to come to some consensus on how to stabilize health insurance markets and agree on other fixes to the ACA, there is hope that a much better plan will emerge. Such bipartisan groups are now at work. I hope they are successful.
One day we will have Medicare for all or a universal healthcare plan modeled after some of those in Europe, but that is unlikely until both houses of congress and the executive branch are all controlled by Democrats. But that day will come.
17
Excellent article, thank you!
No parsing of these three senators courage, it's real, it's timely, and its consistent. And we owe them a debt of gratitude for their heroism in preserving our healthcare under intense pressure. We have much work ahead, but let us not ever forget their contribution.
Thank you Senators Collins, Murkowski, and McCain you're all true American heroes!
No parsing of these three senators courage, it's real, it's timely, and its consistent. And we owe them a debt of gratitude for their heroism in preserving our healthcare under intense pressure. We have much work ahead, but let us not ever forget their contribution.
Thank you Senators Collins, Murkowski, and McCain you're all true American heroes!
82
Huh? True Americans? No. Not in a million years. If you doubt it, just look at the political party that they represent.
2
The ACA passed with no (r) votes. I'm not sure if Murkowski was in the Senate at the time, but Collins and McCain were, and they followed Boss Mitch's orders and voted against it. Last week, all they did was refrain from voting for a piece of trash.
Thanks to the 48 Democratic Senators who stood united for health care. Thanks to the Democratic Senators who voted for the ACA back in 2010. Most of all, thanks to President Barack Obama, who had a vision of a better America and burned a lot of political capital to make it so.
Thanks to the 48 Democratic Senators who stood united for health care. Thanks to the Democratic Senators who voted for the ACA back in 2010. Most of all, thanks to President Barack Obama, who had a vision of a better America and burned a lot of political capital to make it so.
2
Hold the victory parade, the fight is yet to be won. They will be back, and soon. They want that money. Their entire agenda of tax cuts for the wealthy has always been based on stripping social programs, especially medicaid.
345
Furthermore few have spoken of further reductions of Medicare related to obamacare. Why is Times not even mentioning and ignores that many citizens paid for insurance all their lives and statistically many of those persons lost their jobs through mergers and Supreme Court approved that emoloyers were not obligated to offer medical in retirement. This war is nowhere won. Meantime advantage is funding many so call providers which offer substandard care. Why should any politician many very wealthy give a darn not only with their insurance but wealth to have a chance to live or even more important die well. Or is the rule to charge more to the old and the infirm
1
mid-terms ........
Agreed !
Only they don't want "that" money.
They want OUR money.
It's OUR tax dollars.
OUR tax dollars, that also pay for their salaries, percs, and healthcare.
And the tax paying public has let them know- LOUD and CLEAR - that Americans want healthcare with OUR tax dollars.
They are either deaf or hypocrites.
Or both.
Only they don't want "that" money.
They want OUR money.
It's OUR tax dollars.
OUR tax dollars, that also pay for their salaries, percs, and healthcare.
And the tax paying public has let them know- LOUD and CLEAR - that Americans want healthcare with OUR tax dollars.
They are either deaf or hypocrites.
Or both.
1
This is a fine piece and perhaps we need to believe in heroes, but we also need to know the difference between heroism and expediency, especially in the case of the Senate vote, because it explains what is really happening to our nations politics.
None of the three Republicans who stood up to the current Republican establishment risked their political careers with their votes. The extreme rightward swing of the New Southern Republican party is rooted in the south and any senator from a southern state daring to oppose their anti-government ideology would be a true hero- but no heroes there- they all marched in lock-step.
This right wing movement is what we need to be talking about because it wins even when the Republican party fails to pass legislation. Such failure provides more "evidence" that the federal government in incapable of solving our nation's problems- that the private sector is the only source of salvation for this country.
The complete incompetence of Trump also feeds this propaganda narrative and Democrats better focus on a message of solutions instead of Republican disasters if the people who want the government to lead our nation and not a cabal of successful plutocrats are to succeed in winning back our country from the Koch brothers and their extreme right wing plutocratic allies.
None of the three Republicans who stood up to the current Republican establishment risked their political careers with their votes. The extreme rightward swing of the New Southern Republican party is rooted in the south and any senator from a southern state daring to oppose their anti-government ideology would be a true hero- but no heroes there- they all marched in lock-step.
This right wing movement is what we need to be talking about because it wins even when the Republican party fails to pass legislation. Such failure provides more "evidence" that the federal government in incapable of solving our nation's problems- that the private sector is the only source of salvation for this country.
The complete incompetence of Trump also feeds this propaganda narrative and Democrats better focus on a message of solutions instead of Republican disasters if the people who want the government to lead our nation and not a cabal of successful plutocrats are to succeed in winning back our country from the Koch brothers and their extreme right wing plutocratic allies.
44
The system is working. The misguided efforts of some very, very rich people to win elections through character assassination, the gerrymander and voter suppression is finally becoming clear to an increasing majority, many of whom are taking the necessary steps to push back and reclaim their country.
Dan Kravitz
Dan Kravitz
19
It's amazing, we are required to have auto liability insurance and nobody complains about that yet requiring health insurance gets the Republican's dander aflame.
Yes, the ACA has some mistakes in it; mostly fixable. Whether we go to a single payer system (probably the least expensive) or use the existing medical insurance companies is something to be worked out.
If many of our congress men and women would put their brains in gear and stop worrying about getting reelected maybe the people's business will get done!
Yes, the ACA has some mistakes in it; mostly fixable. Whether we go to a single payer system (probably the least expensive) or use the existing medical insurance companies is something to be worked out.
If many of our congress men and women would put their brains in gear and stop worrying about getting reelected maybe the people's business will get done!
131
What's scary is that the ultimate price was not even considered. When you consider proposals that will drop 20-30 million from insurance rolls, you are in fact going to hasten their personal destruction and/or deaths. There's such vitriol being slung at 'big government' solutions which supposedly intervenes in unwanted ways in our lives, hands unwarranted 'entitlements' to those who seemingly don't deserve them, and has supposedly caused a society full of people waiting on handouts. But the reality is that we as a people are the government and for the well-being of others, our country, AND ourselves, we need government to play a role in 1) ensuring insurance is accessible (which it is with ACA) and 2) driving down the cost of healthcare (which is where the emphasis of the Republicans and Democrats who are supposed to be serving us should be now).
65
The Republicans (and the Congress in general) need to be issued an ultimatum: Fix Obamacare now. Or don't: by all means sabotage or "let it fail" (with a little push). BUT when the insurance industry collapses in the US, we will all understand that private insurance-based healthcare in the US has failed and can't be made to work, and the American people will demand single payer as the only remaining option.
We need to stop calling it Obamacare and start calling it what it is: the last hope for private-insurance-based healthcare in the US. Republicans want to blow it up? Well I guess that's just why we can't have nice things. Next stop is Single Payer, since we all know the Republicans can't be trusted not to destabilize the health insurance industry. Or not to default on the deficit. Or not to increase the deficit with tax breaks for the wealthy. Or ….
In any case, the narrative needs to be crystal clear: the "free market" approach was coming off the rails with costs. Obamacare was the most conservative possible (Heritage Foundation-based) system that had a chance of working — even the Republicans couldn't come up with a more conservative approach that didn't leave people to the wolves. Single Payer is our last real option if Obamacare collapses (or is made to collapse).
We need to stop calling it Obamacare and start calling it what it is: the last hope for private-insurance-based healthcare in the US. Republicans want to blow it up? Well I guess that's just why we can't have nice things. Next stop is Single Payer, since we all know the Republicans can't be trusted not to destabilize the health insurance industry. Or not to default on the deficit. Or not to increase the deficit with tax breaks for the wealthy. Or ….
In any case, the narrative needs to be crystal clear: the "free market" approach was coming off the rails with costs. Obamacare was the most conservative possible (Heritage Foundation-based) system that had a chance of working — even the Republicans couldn't come up with a more conservative approach that didn't leave people to the wolves. Single Payer is our last real option if Obamacare collapses (or is made to collapse).
94
I'm not much a letter-writer to members of congress but the two GOP ladies inspired me to write and to thank them for voting with a conscience on behalf of the American public. I have always thought it ironic that the congress votes to give itself a good salary and plenty of benefits yet has many believing that the taxpayers providing funds for congressional benefits do not deserve the same with their own tax dollars.
My other beef is with the press which does not do its due diligence in illustrating the corporate welfare, that far exceeds any money so labeled for poor and middle class, that is provided to corporations, the largest of which often pay no taxes and have executives with large off-shore accounts that also escape US taxes. See: https://www.cato.org/blog/corporate-welfare-corruption
My other beef is with the press which does not do its due diligence in illustrating the corporate welfare, that far exceeds any money so labeled for poor and middle class, that is provided to corporations, the largest of which often pay no taxes and have executives with large off-shore accounts that also escape US taxes. See: https://www.cato.org/blog/corporate-welfare-corruption
18
It's interesting that you cite a very conservative article. Upon taking a look at it, though, the forms of corporate welfare it enumerates are not among the most egregious, just the ones conservatives don't like, for instance support of investment of green industry development.
And added together, none of the enumerated corporate welfare make up a fraction of the cited $100 billion.
The largest and most charished handouts to corporations for instance tax shelters and other protections aren't mentioned at all.
And added together, none of the enumerated corporate welfare make up a fraction of the cited $100 billion.
The largest and most charished handouts to corporations for instance tax shelters and other protections aren't mentioned at all.
7
Excellent comment, Dwight, especially about the press. We get blow by blow accounts of the loud chaos in the White House and of Trump and all his relatives. But we don't get coverage of what's behind all those for show signings and the things that they are stripping from us. Just today I saw a mention that the Treasury secretary ended a program to help lower income people to save for retirement. I think they are trying to eliminate anything with President Obama's name any where near it. The republicans are trying to shrink monuments and have the land opened for exploitation.
Will we have anything left? Will we even know what we are losing?
Will we have anything left? Will we even know what we are losing?
1
To all the heroes mentioned -- Thank you.
I remain grateful, and inspired to do more.
We must all do more.
I remain grateful, and inspired to do more.
We must all do more.
110
Unfortunately, the ACA has already been sabotaged. There's the Supreme Court decision to allow states to opt out of Medicaid expansion, and the amendment to a funding bill (introduced by Sen. Rubio) to get rid of the risk corridors. It's because of this last item that policy prices went up just before the 2016 election.
I would be for the repeal of the ACA if not for the fact that many people would die as a result, because what we really need is Medicare for All single-payer health insurance.
I would be for the repeal of the ACA if not for the fact that many people would die as a result, because what we really need is Medicare for All single-payer health insurance.
153
Ironically, all the 'opt-out states' are deep red- where there is the most poverty, fewer educational and job opportunities, and highest need for Medicaid (by far).
They consistently vote against their own economic self-interest.
Go figure.
They consistently vote against their own economic self-interest.
Go figure.
11
They think they're voting against black interest. They think white people are a whole different category. I don't get it, but it's pretty plain that's how they think.
4
Marilyn- always keep in focus short & long term goals
SHORT term- maintain & enhance ACA
LOOONG term- Single Payer
please do not confuse the goals &/or activities to
achieve both
thank you
SHORT term- maintain & enhance ACA
LOOONG term- Single Payer
please do not confuse the goals &/or activities to
achieve both
thank you
3
We can all be very proud of the united Democratic Party and of conscientious Republican senators Collins, McCain and Murkowski. When we look back over the decades to see who has made the difference in standard of living, secure retirement, safe banking, civil rights, medical care, infrastructure investment, and education, again and again we see the Democratic Party supported by moderate Republicans making the difference. And always there is this right wing of the GOP telling us we're wrong to be trying to help our fellow Americans have a better life, lamenting that the weak and the lazy will get a free ride, and predicting economic gloom, doom, and catastrophe. Some, including Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater, predicted Medicare would lead to communism. And yet we've sewn that safety net and the economy has expanded and we each have been able to lead better, more secure, and less worrisome lives. I know what side I'm on, and I know which party is on the right side of history.
188
The dilemma for the Democrats is attempting to save the ACA while remaining powerless to abet changes essential to steering it towards being more workable and surviving. And letting the GOP repeal it, then face the ire of the majority of voters come the midterms, but still not have enough control of legislation to pass a new replacement.
The ball is on the 10 yard line and 3.5 years to go.
The ball is on the 10 yard line and 3.5 years to go.
5
Single-payer.
I lived in Taiwan for 3 years. I paid ~ $40 a month for insurance. My employer paid $80. Taiwan covers 99% of its population, and per-person per-year spending on healthcare in Taiwan represents about ~$2,500. Since the employer and employee contribution (in my case anyway) was around 120$, that means the government would be putting forward, on average, about another 120$ a month per citizen. Is that a worthwhile government outlay? I'd say yes.
Single-Payer
I lived in Taiwan for 3 years. I paid ~ $40 a month for insurance. My employer paid $80. Taiwan covers 99% of its population, and per-person per-year spending on healthcare in Taiwan represents about ~$2,500. Since the employer and employee contribution (in my case anyway) was around 120$, that means the government would be putting forward, on average, about another 120$ a month per citizen. Is that a worthwhile government outlay? I'd say yes.
Single-Payer
419
The costs are low for other factors than the fact that it is single payer. You are not likely to have many doctors who feel that at a median income from their practices of over $500,000 a year they were not adequately compensated. The Taiwanese government likely sets prices for pharmaceuticals and equipment. We would have a really hard time doing that. That's just two points.
You also have to recognize, of course, that the citizens there accept terminal illnesses as part of life, not something to fight at all costs in the hope of a miracle and the individuals' responsibility in their own health.
The decisions made by the citizens themselves are what keep the public costs down.
The decisions made by the citizens themselves are what keep the public costs down.
Exactly right. Now is time to really face the problem: the cost of health care in USA. The baby boomers are retiring, the cost can only get worse. The single-payer, medicare for all is the only way to control the cost. Obamacare relies on government subsidy, it is not sustainable because private providers can take government as hostage and there is no incentive for private providers to control the cost.
Now that we know most citizens want medical coverage. It is time for Democrats to propose the Single payer, medicare for all. There is an effective way to convince conservative voters by emphasizing the cost control under universal coverage.
Now that we know most citizens want medical coverage. It is time for Democrats to propose the Single payer, medicare for all. There is an effective way to convince conservative voters by emphasizing the cost control under universal coverage.
We must not speak with the verbiage of past tense; the fight continues.
I applaud all those that have dedicated their time, money, efforts and votes to keeping the ACA ( Obams\Cares ) still in place. We need to improve it, and not to dismantle it. ( unless to replace with wholesale Single Payer )
The Chief Justice did keep The ACA in place, however he also gave republicans a trap door to opt out of the law, as well as medicare expansion. The republicans ( 3 ) may have voted no on this particular iteration of removing the law but what about the 60+ times they voted for repeal, in unison with party ?
We need to keep up the pressure on all sides, right up to next year's midterms and beyond. We will not be safe until republicans are removed completely from power. ( including SCOTUS now that they have stolen a seat to keep the majority )
The pool needs to be expanded, as well as medicaid. ( unless again, Single Payer is in the offering ) I believe going forward, the defacto policy platform of the Democratic party is indeed that. Get involved in the primaries for candidates that explicitly are supportive of Single Payer.
Remember. At any time the Senate leader ( or house ) can put up a vote again in the dark of night, while we sleep.
Don't sleep.
I applaud all those that have dedicated their time, money, efforts and votes to keeping the ACA ( Obams\Cares ) still in place. We need to improve it, and not to dismantle it. ( unless to replace with wholesale Single Payer )
The Chief Justice did keep The ACA in place, however he also gave republicans a trap door to opt out of the law, as well as medicare expansion. The republicans ( 3 ) may have voted no on this particular iteration of removing the law but what about the 60+ times they voted for repeal, in unison with party ?
We need to keep up the pressure on all sides, right up to next year's midterms and beyond. We will not be safe until republicans are removed completely from power. ( including SCOTUS now that they have stolen a seat to keep the majority )
The pool needs to be expanded, as well as medicaid. ( unless again, Single Payer is in the offering ) I believe going forward, the defacto policy platform of the Democratic party is indeed that. Get involved in the primaries for candidates that explicitly are supportive of Single Payer.
Remember. At any time the Senate leader ( or house ) can put up a vote again in the dark of night, while we sleep.
Don't sleep.
271
Now is the time for the Democrats to put together a national commission of these various groups, experts who've studied what's working in other industrial countries, and architects of the ACA--to hammer out improvements to the ACA (that also include prescription+Medicare+medical equipment updates) and create a graduated path to single payer. A national commission made up of prominent groups and televised--would surely help bring others around.
3
Health care is one of the very few things for which the sellers face inelastic demand. The prices of all other goods and services facing inelastic demand in the USA are regulated by government. Retail electricity service providers face inelastic demand. Consequently, their prices are strictly controlled by all governments worldwide, including the USA.
The inelasticity of retail electricity is obvious. If an other electric utility were to triple retail service prices, people might be a little more careful about turning off the lights. Turning off their refrigerators? Watching less television? Not likely. Thus, tripling the price would result in only a small reduction in kilowatt-hours sold. Almost all other goods and services are price elastic. That includes non-medically necessary elective c ..."
http://seekingalpha.com/article/1647632