Insurance companies hate it because it cuts into the massive honey pot of payments insurers receive. Pass the bill and lets see what good it can do.
1
Health care expenses are ridiculously high. When my father underwent a surgery on the foot for what amounted to a 4 day stay at the hospital the bill was an astronomical 200K before negotiating with insurance that brought it down 50K. Question is why the plastic cup to serve medicines cost 4$.A shared room ~1200$ per night. The bills are ridiculous.
It almost seems people across the world - not just US - are working their lives to sickness to end up paying hospitals/insurance and pharma companies with their entire lives earnings.21st century scam.
11
Is this plan to allow the states to "experiment" not just a toe hold in attaching Medicare? If its such a good idea for health care in general, why not for Medicare? We should not allow the Republicans to argue that there is some magic to state control over healthcare. If a single payer works for the elderly, why not the almost elderly? Or, kids?
Also, what will this plan to have a patchwork of state health care plans do to families who move, or elderly who wish to live by their children? Will an elderly person, already buffeted by the daunting prospect of choosing between myriad Part D prescription plans really have the time, energy and wherewithal to navigate this patchwork?
This is an anti-family plan. So much for the party of family values.
10
Why is Big Insurance is fighting the Graham-Cassidy vociferously?
If blue states are given large block grants with few restrictions, they can use them to help finance single-payer systems. If these systems succeed as promised and expand to other states, Big Insurance companies will be unnecessary.
I never thought I would see the day when liberals would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the "evil" insurance companies that they have vilified for so long. Now I have a severe case of whiplash.
3
Who would have thought that watching Godzilla movies as a kid would have proved so prescient? In this current society, all battles are fought between hulking monstrosities of wealth and influence, concerned only with their own interests, while the little people scurry for safety in the shadows. Nobody believed that Godzilla had the welfare of Tokyo at heart when it pummeled Megalon yet now we're supposed to root for the insurance companies?
3
The idea that the GOP thinks this is a great idea for all Americans is a joke. The fact that they are saying that 50 individual states can each come up with a structure of plans serving more Americans in a more effective manner is a joke. All they care about is tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations and they need to slash somewhere to make that happen. This is shameful.
9
There have been many justifiable complaints about the disparity of health insurance costs, from one State to another. This bill will only make this worse as each State decides how to apportion the funds they receive.
Healthcare is a national imperative that crosses all State boundaries just the same as our national defense. It is time for Republicans to recognize this and act accordingly. We need to rein in the unfettered greed from all facets of our healthcare system and provide for all the people.
8
Republicans have been using the excuse to approve this monstrosity on the basis that this was a campaign promise. This is totally wrong. Trump promised to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a less expensive bill, one that maintained prior illnesses, covered more people and such, not this quick fix number that ultimately will result in the death of probably hundreds of thousands of Americans and drop millions from coverage. Come on Republicans put people ahead of your selfish politics.
3
There should be a litmus test for a revision to the ACA: all Congress members and their families should have to give up their cushy congressional plan and buy the new plan they are trying to foist on the public. After a year on the Graham-Cassidy plan, they can give us their report.
5
Like it or not, if we are not going to have a single payer system then it is absolutely required that the insurance companies (and others) are agreeable to the plan. That is actually one of the strong arguments in favor of single payer.
This illustrates strongly what is wrong with the Republican leadership approach. This will be the third time (!) they have tried to force a purely political healthcare plan down the throats of Americans without committee hearings or a consensus of the medical industry, the insurance industry, and the unique needs of the individual states. Again a plan assembled in secret and brought to the Senate floor with the intent of getting it up for a vote with no CBO review and no multilateral committee hearings.
No non-single payer system will work without compromises that get the insurance industry to sign up. Shoving ideas down people's throats is behavior of a dictatorship, not a Democracy.
5
"Generally, it would shift federal funds away from states that have been successful in expanding coverage to states where Republican leaders refused to expand Medicaid or encourage enrollment." So they are punishing the states that did the right thing and had success with the ACA and rewarding the states who didn't do the right thing and deliberately mucked it up for their state? This is outrageous. 2018 cannot come quick enough.
7
I have read that most health care costs occur in the last year(s) of a person's life. Life saving interventions along with hospital stays in an intensive care unit can add up quickly. Some of these are done needlessly because the patient has not prepared and shared an advance directive. I've heard stories of patients on a vent in an ICU for days until a family member arrives and tells the staff their loved one would not want that done. Why not make it a requirement for anyone receiving subsidized health care (Medicare and Medicaid) to create and share an advance directive. I wonder how much money that might save.
3
The ones who will suffer thr most are the ones who voted for Trump. Are you happy now?
4
As a physician I have to admit things have become a little boring. People are getting routine and preventive care cutting down on what I used to see routinely in the ER. I look forward to challenging cases of pulmonary edema, renal failure, sepsis, cardiogenic shock, DKA, septic abortions, meningitis, pneumonia. Thank you republicans for taking away healthcare. Let the games begin!!! B
17
Agree. I too look with fond reminiscence of days of yore when preventable medical crises were a daily event.
6
I believed nothing could tarnish John McCain's legacy like his willingness to put Sarah Palin a heartbeat away from the Presidency. But a yes vote on this bill would surely cause much more damage (both to us and to his reputation).
9
Nothing matters. Republicans will pass this bill because it is their last chance to overturn something significant passed by the previous administration. The Trump-led GOP governs out of spite as much as they govern out of the interests of the rich and big businesses. Nothing more. Want to talk about Death Panels? It's the people in Congress about to deprive 30M + from healthcare. Each and every one of them is an executioner.
14
Congressional Republicans would create a system that inevitably lets thousands of people die for lack of timely health care, in service to a cruel ideology. That's exactly what Graham-Cassidy would do.
11
Some insurance companies are afraid that the passing of this bill would lead to states adopting single payer.
I doubt it.
But the insurers are correct that 50 different ways of administering health care would create chaos in their industry.
Of course, the real chaos would be on those who would be unable to get adequate health care because they live in the wrong Zip Code.
More important than the opinions of the middle-man insurers are those of the health care providers. If doctors, nurses, and hospitals don't like the bill, the Republicans had better listen.
Those who actually have to administer health care know better than the zombie politicians who want to suck the blood out of those in need.
5
Ok Congress.
Time for you to get rid of your onsite Office of the Attending Physician.
Guess what. Former workers said it's a culture fully centered on meeting your whims at any moment.
This, in fact, is taxpayer subsidized health care. Conveniently located between the Senate and House Chambers. Former workers say it's advanced care.
You are funding socialized medicine for yourselves. You've been getting it all this time. You don't submit any forms, you don't get denied. You get it even if you don't pay the nominal fee.
Top of the line care, onsite services of every type, lab work, a pharmacy, onsite physical therapy, and specialists come in with no extra charge.
Every imaginable service and area of care. Too many to list.
No hassle or wait-- you get the best care your money isn't buying.
Our tax dollars are. In 2009, we learned despite soaring costs in the health care system, your low low low low prices stayed the same for 17 years.
I read this on the congress website:
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS, 2017 --OFFICE OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN
Appropriations, 2016 ...........$3,784,000
Budget estimate, 2017 .....,,.,$3,838,000
Committee recommendation..$3,784,000
The Committee recommends an appropriation of $3,784,000 for the Office of the Attending Physician. The recommendation is equal to the fiscal year 2016 appropriation and $54,000 below the fiscal year 2017 request. The Office was first established by House Resolution 253, adopted December 5, 1928.
10
"Republican senators from Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio and West Virginia will all have to decide whether to heed the pleas of consumers who like the current health law — or yield to the will of Republican leaders, donors and voters who demand an end to the Affordable Care Act."
I can tell you right now what Arkansas' senators are going to do: stiff their constituents. Even though Boozman is a doctor, he puts party and the party line ahead of his constituents' health; he lacks the integrity to say no to any Republican scheme, no matter how repugnant. Cotton is Trump's best friend in the Senate and will do anything to make his buddy look good. (Since it's an open secret here that Cotton is going to make a presidential bid, I would think he'd want to make Trump look bad so that he could more effectively primary him, but what do I know?)
My son has the AR expanded Medicaid for his ACA coverage and it saved his life two years ago. I have talked myself blue in the face, participating in Boozman's ACA tele-town hall meeting, calling both Cotton's and Boozman's offices, signing petitions, sending emails, you name it. They don't care. Party before people!
9
It's obvious that most Republicans don't care about anything except winning, and the opportunity to humiliate Barack Obama. Many of them are probably not even aware of what's in the bill. All they know is that they have the goal line in sight.
3
My senator, Bob Corker, says Tennessee is well-run and will do a good job managing its citizens' healthcare. Let's look at the data. In 2014, Tennessee ranked 44th overall among states. On access to healthcare, Tennessee ranked 35th. http://mobile.datacenter.commonwealthfund.org/m/TN/state
Our governor could have saved lives, savings, and rural hospitals (jobs) by accepting the Medicare expansion, but he didn't. He, like so many Republican politicians, put politics and money ahead of people's lives. I would not call this good management and I have no faith that this lack of concern for the struggling Tennessean will suddenly change if this bill passed.
"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" is a terrible plan when the strangers are our current Republican politicians.
Lives are at stake. If they can't even admit that and address the concerns openly and honestly, they cannot be trusted to craft a humane healthcare plan, either at the state or federal level.
9
This changes everything. If the insurance companies are against it, there must be something good in the bill for consumers. Right now, they have a sweet deal under Obamacare. They get paid tax dollars to sell their policies to sick people and non-rich working people who couldn't otherwise afford their high premiums.. Obamacare expands gets them millions of new customers, "socializes" the risk and lets them privatize the profits. I guess they're afraid some states wouldn't go for that deal and would cover all those ex-Obamacare people with a government-run plan.
So, Republicans want congressional control and responsibility over immigration, marriage, guns, education, trade deals, infrastructure projects, prescription drug industry, banks, women's reproductive rights, building giant walls from state to state, etc. But they don't want to take any responsibility for the healthcare for the citizens of this country? Let the state's figure it out? What a bunch of lazy, irresponsible losers.
24
Don't worry.
Congress is going to do quite well financially.
if this bill is the government fixes health care, its time to recall the entire government - the supporters of this legislation are plain & simple imbeciles - their out-right disregard & disrespect for basic human need reeks of autocratic national socialism...these people need to be removed from office..they serve no one but themselves...
9
A good name for this bill: the Republican Death Care Bill.
16
Since when as Lindsey Graham become the voice of reason - oh, yes, since the zaniness and craziness wrought about by the orange-haired occupant of the WH. I mean, for goodness sake, this is the same man who was running around screaming "sharia law is coming, sharia law is coming . . . we're all going to be murdered". (For a better take on this look up Jon Stewart on youtube). What a cruel joke . . .
9
This and other informative articles should top the front page every day until the vote. This will be very consequential for millions of Americans and the New York Times is giving it short shrift.
11
If the bloated medical insurance complex that is impoverishing us all is against this bill, then there is at least some merit in it.
Pigs squeal when the knife sticks.
1
Even the insurance industry which might be the primary beneficiary of the GOP's horrible health bill wants no part of it.
Doesn't that tell you something? Like what is wrong with these fool, mean-spirited GOP senators?
10
Hidden in this bill is a ticking bomb that could tear our country apart - a declaration of economic civil war that takes money from blue states and a few humane red states, owed them for expanding medicare, and gives that money to the backward confederacy and their neo-sessionist allies, as a form of bribery and spiteful theft.
22
Everybody should oppose this last ditch effort to steal health care from seniors, children and people with preconditions just so a bigger tax break can be offered to the top Republican donors.
14
So what happens if an individual's coverage if they move from one state to another? Or even if they go for a vacation in another state and need medical attention?
10
John McCain made his dramatic plea that the Senate return to 'regular order.' The Senate, including McCain's bestie who happens to author this bill, has ignored him. So there should be only one way for him to vote.
12
This has absolutely nothing to do with healthcare. This is the wealthy telling the people they bought to give them tax cuts. Nothing more. You let the country turn into a Slave State and there is no getting It back. Why do you think they are supplying the police with tanks.
13
No No No! Vote no on this horrible bill. It will kill people literally. It is so they can give ytqx breaks to the wealthy rather than pay to help Americans lead healthy lives.
9
The GOP is simply the 21st century version of the "Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight".They could have taken their time. Come up with a plan that would satisfy some Dems. They could have looked like heros. But they have to prove to a steadily shrinking base that they can get a win. Trump expressed a desire to work with Dems to get things done. This was their answer.
Seven years and counting to get things right. What do they call making the same mistake over and over in expectation that this time it will come out correct??
6
I have personally seen how block grants to states work and they are basically a recipe for fraud (I have personal experience in fraud prosecutions involving block grants). Because it is basically free money that the states get from the United States they have no skin in the game and have no incentive to police fraud. That allows private contractors to basically loot the system with little or no oversight. You want a system that will work? Make the states front the money by taxing its citizens. Then ask for reimbursement by proving that the money was properly spent. Do that and the idea of block grants will disappear faster than Trump's tax returns.
11
Congressional Republicans would create a system that inevitably lets thousands of people die for lack of timely health care, in service to a cruel ideology. That's what exactly Graham-Cassidy would do.
4
I find it really startling that we have Donald Trump tweeting out about this bill like it's going to do everything he promised or that it's even an improvement from the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA or Obamacare), and it's so obvious he has no clue what is really in it or who will be negatively affected by it.
What I really find disgraceful is Mike Pence, Donald Trump's male version of a Stepford Wife, is out there saying with pride what great bill this is and he's looking forward to casting a tie breaking vote, it really is disgusting to see and hear such a devote Christian, just outright lie without any shame.
This is what we have running this country, two unabashed liars, who have absolutely no conscience.
15
What a horrible situation we are in. But thanks for the comic relief: "Mike Pence, Donald Trump's version of a Stepford Wife.... Excellent analogy.
9
Let's be real...as Grassley said, this is about politics, not doing what is in the best interest of the American people! The calculation is easy...what is the number of people that will lose coverage under the new plan vs. the number that will get a tax cut when they repeal the Obamacare taxes? Don't you think every Senator has figured this out already...and I'm not even known as being cynical!
9
Shouldn't we all be concerned about a "SHOWDOWN VOTE"? They waited 6 years. Why the big hurry now? Why not get it right this time? This is political madness which I hope comes back to seriously hurt the politicians who are pushing this now. SHAME ON THIS REPUBLICAN SENATE!
5
Rightists (not to be confused with conservatives) believe that the poor and bad and must be punished. Take away their health care! They deserve it!
Leftists (not to be confused with liberals) believe that corporations are bad and must be punished. Drive them out of business!
They latest bill punishes both the poor and the corporations. It is a way to bring the Left and the Right together.
How does any of the Republican proposals to date ....
Cover all our people with health insurance?
Cost less than ACA ?
If they can't answer those 2 simple questions, its a fraud!
3
What are the Republicans hiding? The return of their dumbest ideas reeks of diversion from something else. Perhaps the "reward the rich" tax bill, which will cut tax revenues and thus justify cutting Medicare, Medical and Social Security? Or to bury the Russia investigation from the headlines? Or maybe they just think that raising lots of bad ideas will fool the voters into thinking there must be something good there? "Real eyes realize real lies." Virtually all Republicans in congress lie all the time.... all the time.
3
Why does the NYT reprint, verbatim, and with no explanation or clarification, Trumps incorrect tweet?
In fact, the bill will allow insurers to raise the premiums for those of preexisting conditions? There is no limit to the amount of those premium increases.
Each day the NYT exposes more and more of its slip towards the right.
3
Republican senators from Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Ohio and West Virginia will all have to decide whether to heed the pleas of consumers who like the current health law — or yield to the will of Republican leaders, donors and voters who demand an end to the Affordable Care Act.
Consumers = voters. Leaders and donors do not equal voters.
Seems like Republicans have clearly shown again whose side they are on!
3
“Given the choice between Arizona or Washington deciding how federal health care dollars are spent in the state,’’ he said, “I’ll take Arizona every day of the week.’’....
Here is a thought: Arizona can take the federal money contributed by Arizona taxpayers and spend it however it wants. Same for California and every other state. We know who would win that contest for funds. What is truly obnoxious is that not only is this bill punishing New York, New Jersey and California and other expansion states, but the money that is being allocated against their interests is disproportionately paid into the federal government by residents of those states. So I say, let's go all the way here, and make the system truly state driven. Let Alabama and South Carolina make do with funds contributed by their own taxpayers.
7
The fact the insurance industry likes Obamacare says all it needs to. Of course they like it, they are making billions. Like anything mandated by the gov they can charge whatever they like because you have no choice other than buy it. Look at what government student loans have done to the cost of college over the last decade or so.
1
Who among doesn't us doesn't have a pre-existing condition, or a loved one who does. If you don't have employer-based coverage, you or they will die a premature death under this bill. And if you do have employer-based coverage, you and your employer should start paying taxes on the money that buys it. I say this as one who has had the LUXURY of untaxed group coverage most of my life.
3
This seems to be Republican revenge. Republican states win, democratic states lose (big!). Christie says NJ loses 10 billion 2020-2026. That is a lot of money by anyone’s reckoning. As well even before this NJ lost more to federal govt of paid taxes than any other state. As well NJ property and income taxes make us the most heavily taxed in the country. What’s the answer? Send all our Medicaid and welfare people to Texas with one way tickets and vote out totally ineffective congressmen.
2
If health insurance companies want to help out their clients, they should tell all the Republicans voting for this bill they'll stop donating to their campaigns. And since they spent $250,000 a day on their lobbyists when Obamacare was being written, perhaps they can send them back out and demand this bill be voted down.
2
It is not surprising that Governors are concerned. If the citizens of his state are dying early deaths due to lack of medical care, a compassionate Governor is going to be even more upset than his state's Senators and his state's members of Congress. Congress is too far removed and isolated from the state voters who elected them. If not, Senator McConnell would have pushed for Superfund EPA work to be done in his state for the toxic waste the coal mining companies left behind. I wonder if McConnell has ever visited the toxic waste sites in his state?
5
There is a reason Mainers petitioned to include on the November ballot
a referendum on expanding Medicaid. Maine's governor, Paul Lepage
refused to accept federal funds under the ACA to expand Medicaid, leaving many without adequate insurance. This is a perfect example of why leaving health care coverage policies to each state would be so inequitable and so subject to political expediency. Citizens of one state might well
have less comprehensive and affordable coverage than citizens of
another but not have the means or professional opportunity or personal situation to pick up and move to a state with a better plan. This latest partisan rush to score a political "win" is even more inhumane than the two previous ones.
7
Only the GOP could be in total power and propose a bill which guarantees them to lose no matter which way it goes. If the bill does not pass, further humiliation adding to the do nothing Congress reputation.
If it passes the GOP then faces 2018 voter wrath, as millions of seniors and others who vote will be without coverage.
Amazing it is what unchecked corporate dollars can accomplish.
7
After all this political wrangling over healthcare, let's talk about reality: death. I have this over 90 year old in law, currently in the throes of death. This person probably has less than 24 hours to live, but the wrangling we've been doing is over a hospitalist who is exerting the power of God, or at least Medicare and other insurance, over the power her own family doctor has to admit this person to hospice. It seems certain diagnoses don't lead to the proper entryway to hospice care. It has been a matter of conjecture whether the family will be forced to move this person home with the requisite equipment for "peaceful transition" or over to the storage unit (a nursing home).
It's all so barbaric... and the new GOP plan only promises to either maintain the status quo or make it worse.
In the US, we really don't care about outcomes. The concern in "Big Medicine" is how much that outcome is going to cost and if it pigeonholes neatly with "house rules" (insurance companies) profitability.
7
The nation's healthcare well being may be beyond the expertise of ordinary legislatures. Note the extreme difficulty of the federal congress to craft any sensible medical insurance program, or identify proper classifications of drugs now in states hands. While the medical field continues to recognize proper applications for cannabis the decision of schedule I remains grossly misplaced. So if relying on the legislative bodies is so misguided, the breaking up of a national and successful universal health care program into 50 pieces is the height of incompetence. This bill needs to be DOA and allow the insurance industries to stabilize, thus lowering the price of premiums. That is until we can get around to the single-payer, perhaps Medicare for all program that the rest of the known world relies on.
6
Standing up to insurers may be one of the few things that Republican and Democratic voters could agree on.
1
Why should access to health care depend on which state you live in? Should not all Americans have the same access to care regardless of which state they happen to live in? The block grants, and state-by-state exceptions will create a mess of variable regulations and result in chaos. The insurance companies are, for once, correct. I don't often find myself sympathetic to health insurance companies, particularly for-profit insurance companies (which have perverse incentives due to the need for ever-increasing profits) but in this case they are right about the worthless invalidity of the Graham-Cassidy bill.
38
This is disgusting. this is disgusting. It is a more direct threat to millions of Americans than Kim Jung Un, and it's being perpetrated by our own governmental leaders. I can't believe they disrespect 88% of Americans this badly.
58
The 5 largest US Health Insurance Companies pre-tax profits increased from $ 15 Billion in 2009 to $ 25 Billion in 2015 .
See
https://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21679475-regulation...
They were bought off not to fight Obamacare with a Harry and Louise campaign that doomed the Clinton effort.
Those $ 25 Billions are $ 25 billion dollars that did not go to patients.
The Swiss and German System use a well regulated, multi payer systems of not for profit insurance companies that works well - and the US should do the same.
4
Try reading the article Woof. These profits are not coming from the exchanges. Coverage and cost can be tackled separately.
Scale is an advantage in most areas of finance, but regulators increasingly see it as risky, and so are discouraging further consolidation among banks, in particular. Health insurance is different: claims and costs rarely swing much during the life of a contract. What is more, many corporate customers retain the risk themselves, using the health insurer mainly to administer their schemes. That makes health insurers safer still, observes Gary Claxton of Kaiser. Instead, the risks of scale are that competition, and thus the customer, suffer.
1
Only the GOP equivalents of the Tin Man (Lindsay Graham) and the scarecrow (Bill Cassidy) could come up with a proposal that has no heart and no brains applied to it's creation. the result is more Frankenstein than anything else. yes it is a monster that would destroy what was a beginning attempt to provide comprehensive affordable healthcare for all Americans. Lindsay Graham has revealed beyond a shadow of doubt that under that Southern Gentility resides a very dark soul. It is time to send him home to his rocking chair and Mint Juleps.
11
If the insurance companies dont want it, it must be good. The more money they take away from California and New York the better.
Actually, a large % of the money that comes in is from . . . New York and California.
3
"Generally, it would shift federal funds away from states that have been successful in expanding coverage to states where Republican leaders refused to expand Medicaid or encourage enrollment."
Say what? States that were successful in getting more of their citizens covered will not only be punished by losing federal funds, but that money will be given to states that were UNSUCCESSFUL? So, conservatives are saying that they want to punish people for being successful while giving 'healthcare welfare" to states (and I'll bet they are Red states) whose governors are of the "if they can't or won't pay for it, why should I pay for them?" ilk?
Did I somehow step Through the Looking Glass without realizing it? Am I going to wake up tomorrow to see the leader of a powerful nation shouting "off with their heads!" at the slightest provocation?
Um.
Uh oh...
21
"Who knew that something like healthcare could be so complicated?"
1
The insurance industry basically owns the insurance regulator in every state, a regulatory system that the insurance companies came up with after the US Suprejme Court in 1948 or '49 ruled that Insurance was subject to the
federal antitrust and price fixing laws. The major problems could be solved if the McCarran-Ferguson insurance antitrust law is repealed, but that would expose the health insurance industry as the fraud that it is and result in "medicare for all," which is by far the most efficient and effective health care financing system in the US. The new health care system should start by enrolling expectant mothers and all newborn children in Medicare, and enrolling people in Medicare at age 64 then 63, 62, 61, etc., until everyone is enrolled. In less than 40 years everyone would be covered. It can be paid for entirely by a no-exception, no deduction, no tax return, cash flow tax of .1 of 1 percent collected by the banks.
7
Can we just go after the insurance and pharmaceutical systems? That's what is being preserved and that's what is causing the problems.
7
It's interesting that Insurers are against the bill, but it's much more interesting why" "Without controls, some states could simply eliminate private insurance, she warned." Could the passage of this law inadvertently start a chain reaction to single payer State by State?
3
Which voters are demanding the end of the ACA? Those 12% -- probably less by now -- who never have to worry about having affordable coverage or are so wealthy that, whether or not coverage is available, affordable or provides meaningful benefits, they'll always have access to health care? Journalists, pundits and others need to be more precise in their reporting and in the presentation of their arguments. It's not "voters" generally who are demanding repeal of the ACA. It is a relative handful of "voters" who support repeal. It's the GOP leadership, doing the bidding of their wealthy corporate and individual benefactors, who are demanding repeal. Here's hoping that those who live by the sword die by the sword -- and that the real masses of voters toss them out of congress in the 2018 elections. #deplorable.
11
This looks like the insurance coverage equivalent of gerrymandering.
Moreover, we cannot have pre-existing condition coverage while not compelling citizens to purchase insurance. The two are mutually exclusive. Without the mandate people could be free to buy insurance only if they get sick.
Instead of trying to erase President Obama, if they devoted the same energy to fixing the ACA they might actually accomplish something. Agent Orange's tweets are unlikely to reflect anothing other than what the last person told him.
5
The insurer are annoyed - they bought and paid for the Federal system - now the administration wants to send them to the 50 states with their payoffs.
2
And without guarantee that a State will not implement Single Payer for its citizens
1
So the latest proposed Republican plan would "destabilize" the market? Destabilize it? Since when has it been stable?
And insurers don't like it? Well, Democrats don't like insurance companies, so that should please them.
Cassidy-Graham must pass to help pay for the coming $1.5 trillion tax cut for rich people, the benefits of which will then trickle down to the rest of us. Just like those Reagan era tax cuts will start trickling down, any decade now. Be patient, Stay The Course, and keep voting Republican.
4
Watching the episode of "News Room" about the killing of Osama Bin Laden; there was a stark realization about the stark difference between Obama and Trump. Obama came on TV and announced the death but paused to say,
"And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The empty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts."
And all the while, Trump hopes to soon come on TV and announce the death of the Affordable Care Act. He could easily use the same speech but rather than 3000 thousand citizens he will be to able to realize the figure of 30 million citizens who will die because of a lack of health care that should be afforded to all Americans.
Only in Trump's and his supporters imaginings are our fellow citizens an expendable item in pursuit of a political agenda.
Obama's actions guaranteed a future for Americans while Trump's apathy will guarantee the death of millions of Americans ... our grandparents, our parents, our children, our colleagues, our friends but the greatest numbers will be among his devoted supporters.
5
"The authors of the new repeal bill, Mr. Graham and Mr. Cassidy, say decisions about health care are best made at the local level."
Because California cancer is WAY different from Texas cancer. Everybody knows that. Believe me.
9
This bill is a last ditch effort to setup Paul Ryan's giant tax cut for the wealthy. The lies and hypocrisy are mind-numbing. If this bill had any merit whatsoever, at least one respected medical organization would be behind it. I know many Americans have lost respect for experts... But, this bill is simply cruel.
When I was young, we counted on Republicans to temper idealistic goals with fiscal responsibility. Now, they all work for the Koch brothers or Sheldon Adelson. Perhaps we should take a tip from NASCAR - All elected officials must wear their patronage and corporate sponsorship as patches on their suits. At least we could more easily pick our poisons.
Republicans would do well to remember, the pendulum always swings back. Single Payer - I hope I live long enough to meet you.
7
If this bill is so great, why are they pushing it through once again with virtually no debate or markup? If they had confidence in the truth and rightness of this bill, they'd submit it to regular Senate order.
I smell a rat, the same decomposing one from the previous bills.
9
I thought insurance companies and big pharma were responsible for the ultra-high cost of health care. At least that's what the Left tells me.
But now that they want to keep the gravy train of Obamacare tax dollars coming their way, they're heroes?
The Left is so naïve.
No, the Left is realistic because for now we have private insurance companies like it or not. Private insurance and big pharma are part of the problem and you will not get away with deflection through simplification.The purpose of this bill is to provide tax cuts for the rich Mookie. You are naive.
6
The Republican Senate cannot be serious. Now the insurance companies come out against this bill? Forget Steve Bannon. The Republicans will be known as the scythe-wielding personification of death.
7
But it is hoped that the rich will be temporarily appeased.
"I would not sign Graham-Cassidy if it did not include coverage of pre-existing conditions." But he would sign it if it repealed Obamacare. He'd sign anything - regardless of what was in it - if it repealed Obamacare. He is incurable sick.
The pro-life party wants to eliminate maternity care. They are the deathcare party and would be ecstatic to take healthcare away from millions. For shame.
9
Have we heard whether the two sponsors would agree to be covered under their own plan ?
And Graham, he is the last person who has any credibility when it comes to health care. A bachelor with little or no real life experience, he has never regularly changed a diaper, fed a child its breakfast, took a child to the doctor or hospital, educated a child or guided a family through life's many ups and downs.
The state that Graham represents S.C., can't even manage to get pot holes and bridges on it's federal highways and roads repaired. And he wants to let the clowns in Columbia design a health care system ?
If Graham wants to give me advice on where to get a beer in Clemson, or Columbia, I'll listen. Otherwise, he should just stop embarrassing himself.
15
My thoughts exactly.
3
You break it, you own it. Don't the republicans remember how they came to take over Congress in 2010?
5
But small mean spirited and heartless Republicans know better than the medical professionals, insurers, and protectors of our nations most vulnerable sick and injured? All in the misguided need for the yet unaccomplished Republicans to finally get a political win, a cheap political win on the abandonment and pain and suffering of our fellow sick, injured, and defenseless Americans? Absolutely outrageous human conduct, each and everyone of these healthcare soulless baldfaced lying Republicans need to be loudly and vehemently shamed every time they attempt to step out in public, anywhere, anytime for the rest of their miserable politics before people and country lives.
4
So, the GOP continues to be tone deaf and deliberately ignorant at the fact that this latest (same) version of wealthcare will harm millions and don't seem to care that months of repeated messages from the American public to them that we want the ACA properly funded or better yet, a single payer system. It's incredible to me that voters keep voting for them and against their own interests. Maybe people dying the in streets will make a difference.
5
The question will be ,how many Americans are the Senators from Alaska, Maine & Arizona willing to kill in their own states in order to fulfill a GOP promise made against a President who no longer is President. The debate should be over how we create a more perfect Union,not spitting or spitting. Peoples lives depend on it ,it is part of our Defense system.
3
It's time for people to wake up and realize that Republicans do not care about the average American. They do not care if you or your family or your kids survive. Them simply do not care. Darwinist to the extreme, they see kids dying of disease as an unfortunate side effect of their parents inexcusable failure to make enough money to buy insurance. They see old people rotting in illness and decay as part of life, a tragic part, maybe, but hey, that's just the way things are.
Do not expect Republicans to care about you or your family. They do not and will not. They want tax breaks for themselves far more than then want your family to live. Get used to it. They will not change. They are incapable.
6
So, Big Insurance and anti-Trump states lose?
An excellent outcome!
An excellent outcome!
1
Pennsylvania expanded Medicaid, too the Federal funding, voted for Trump, and will be badly hurt if this gimcrack bill passes.
Careful what you wish for, they say.
Careful what you wish for, they say.
4
Actually - Americans lose. And sick people who put party over country feel like they got a win.
2
A Cork by nature is light; similarly, a Flake is weak. It is no coincidence that these two lightweights would come out the wrong way on such a difficult and complicated piece of legislation, especially one they covet turning into a debacle. This whole conversation is way over their heads, as they seek to dismantle our healthcare system without regard to the loss of humanity American would suffer; but more certainty, everyday people will pay an enormous cost all because the GOP party is chasing a red cape. But we all know that they really want to gore the Matador, but he has left the arena. But through the ferocious roars, stomping and raised hackles of their constituency, the feel the mandate to plow hither and fro around the empty stadium, create a lot of dust and make a lot of noise about killing the imaginary black matador.
1
The POTUS says this is a great bill- only 32 million will lose their coverage. So much for his concept of health insurance. This is absolutely ridiculous- how can we get the Republicans to stop creating and supporting these insane plans that leave so many people without adequate coverage to get treatment for their sick and disabled children and seniors who will die without treatment. What happened to our country? Every one of the signers should lose their job and be forced out without benefits like the rest of the country. POTUS just wants to get rid of everything Obama did- that is his way to pay back for a joke. POTUS is the most unqualified president ever and the Republican majority Representatives that support him are equally unqualified. There is not one ounce of compassion in the whole group.
What happened to working across the lines?
What happened to working across the lines?
4
The bill is a simple ploy, designed not to pass but let Republicans said they tried their best, giving some protection to Republicans up for election, maybe. This will appease the small number anti ACA crazies and everyone else will sigh with relief. A failed awful bill is better for them than an awful bill. McCain and the others will kill it again and look even better and he is not running. again anyway. They are not at risk. The Republicans stand to gain something by losing but losing everything by winning. Its the only way out of the prisoners dilemma they are in.
2
Axiothea: I understand that the Koch brothers have threatened the republicans that if the health care bill does not pass this time, they intend to cut off the money faucet...and that is all that matters to the republicans. THE MONEY FAUCET.
I have always had great respect for Senator McCain and Senator Graham, however, there is so much deception and grudge holding in DC that I'm saddened that Senator Graham's name is attached to this revised repeal effort. I'm noticing that irrespective of integrity level in Washington, when you are in something so long it takes a pure heart that listens to constituents over special interests who love money more than man. My respect for Senator Graham is not enough to support this bill because 1) Allows states to drop the requirement to cover mental health care 2)Shifts Medicaid funding to a “per capita cap” system. 3)Effectively ends Medicaid expansion 4)Reduces help to purchase health insurance.
This is America which means it belongs to Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Can't we all just get along? Please work together on healthcare Washington!!!
3
By the way, something you can count on--if this beast passes, by next year Republicans will be scuttling up and down California and New York and Ohio, screaming about how Obamacare failed and them Democrats done cut your health care money.
2
Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, said he liked the latest repeal bill. “I’d be ecstatic if we could finally make something happen on health care’’ by passing it, he said, adding: “I’m a states’ rights kind of guy. Our state has been well run for a long time.
====================================
Talk about cognitive dissonance - Tennessee ranks 43rd in healthcare in the nation. Not exactly anything to brag about, Corker.
====================================
Talk about cognitive dissonance - Tennessee ranks 43rd in healthcare in the nation. Not exactly anything to brag about, Corker.
8
Ironic that the health insurance industry might be one of our most powerful allies against this new Republican abomination. Strange bedfellows indeed.
3
Every Republican Senator who supports this bill should be ashamed of themselves and every voter who values "life" should send these cruel and lousy souls packing. This bill will destroy this country.
2
It is increasingly apparent that Republicans cannot be shamed. They are craven, bloodless disciples of death who will literally climb over the bodies of those they've killed to score a political win.
I still have a conscience, and I am increasingly ashamed and embarrassed to be an American.
1
Has anyone spoken to what some of Doctor Cassidy's past patients feel about his new bill?
5
These senators who are proposing HR 1628 must have perfect health insurance I know they do they can go to any doctor and can afford their medicines. I read HR 1628 all 140 pages of this bill. It reads that they want to leave this to the states blue with 'block grants" which is a short term goal to absolve these grants from those staes. The money from blue states will go tor ed states because the red states can't afford to have any "block grants" so its a redistribution of insurance money from a rich blue state to a poor red state which most red states literally have no insurance or carriers to provide insurances in those states. SO that means pre conditions will be at a much MORE HIGHER costs if you have any pre condition. You folks better call and scream at the republican senators and call the three senators who said NO to say NO again to these crazed senators who vote yes on this bill. GO to senate.gov and look up republican senators and tell them to say NO to this bill before we all pay a heavy price for our health care.
They want to damage more of the disabled on medicaid or medical to the disabled who already have no coverage at all to get well they will cut it by 80 billion more. CALL your senators at 202-224-3121 You should all be outraged again instead of fixing ACA they want to destroy a legacy of Obama which is TRUMPS ax to grind he is a crazed lunatic for wanting to kill off anybody health care after all he is rich and can go to any doctor or hospital.
4
I believe Lyndsey Graham actually alluded to the pressure he was under to bring forth this bill ... from big donors! No one voted to have their health care taken away. It is inconceivable that any Senator with a sense of morality - or compassion for constituents - would vote for a plan that does this. What they're not figuring in is that we will remember who took our health care away.
10
The "Individual Mandate" was a concept of the Heritage Foundation. Gov. Romney tested the principles of the ACA in Massachusetts. John Roberts upheld the ACA's constitutionality. John McCain cast the "no" vote at the GOP's apparent Waterloo on healthcare. My prediction is the Republican appointed Parliamentarian of the Senate will rule the Waivers Clause of the Graham Cassidy bill in violation of the Byrd rule, and the vote is never taken. The ACA is the GOP health care plan, they just can't admit it.
3
The people who need help the most will be hurt the worst: the disabled, parents dealing with the aftermath of unforeseen birth complications or the birth of a newborn requiring immediate medical attention, the elderly.
Anyone can become disabled. All it takes is one vehicular collision.
With so many households suffering financial adversity from the severe weather (and very likely more of that to come as winter draws nearer), now is absolutely the worst possible time to start messing around with people's medical coverage. Australians report that the flu season this winter will be a doozy. If it's that virus I just endured, that took a full 6 weeks out of my life, you had better brace yourselves for many disruptions & quite a few hospitalizations.
Americans: look around you. You are fortunate to live in a wealthy country. There's no project the US is too poor to take on. So how about sensibly standing down all the nonsense attempts to dismantle our existing creaky health care delivery system? Save the overhaul of health care programs for some time when you are not in the middle of a Constitutional crisis, climate crisis and looming health crisis. Wait a few years. Get a decent government of competent people with integrity into office, first.
Senator Graham, you are embarrassing in your servility to this awful crowd.
6
I find it very perplexing that the true and legitimate players in the healthcare landscape, namely doctors and patients, are the only voices that are not being heard in this never ending debate. We only hear from polititians, insurance companies and big pharma. The outcome of this, whatever it may be, will not benefit the real actors.
4
Here in the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts we have excellent medical care and nearly universal coverage. Prior to the Medicaid expansion under Obama we had numerous, reasonable subsidized health insurance programs administered by our medicaid organization known as "masshealth"; along with standard medicaid benefits for the poor, we had subsidies for small business owners and those who worked but could not reach for a private plan. We obviously had a robust expansion under obama, and that appears to be ending if this law goes through, but you better believe Massachusetts will remain the model for the US for universal coverage and innovative programs. Just watch.
4
I think this is a subconscious desire on the part of the right to burn the whole thing down rather than be forced to share with what they deem the unworthy. Or to put it simply: If we can't have it, no one can. I don't know if it's actually in the bill, but a senator wanted to add an amendment preventing states from setting up their own single payer systems with the block grants. So much for 'states rights', I guess the only rights that matter are those for your own side.
4
Republicans didn't care in 2003 when my 19 yr. old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and no insurance company would sell him an individual policy at any price. My Republican Georgia state legislature didn't care either. And they won't care next year when his premiums probably goes up double-digits or in 2026 when the federal money in this bill disappears. President Obama and Democrats did care about my son's health and life. They did the best they could to guarantee that my son could at least buy insurance without paying more for his life-threatening, pre-existing condition. Meanwhile, the price of his insulin has more than tripled and Republicans don't care about that either. I am sick and tired of Republicans who not only don't care but make life harder for hard-working people like my son.
11
It seems there is a "red state" v. "blue state" aspect to the Graham-Cassidy bill and the states that support or oppose it. Perhaps Congressional Republicans should let the states decide whether or not they want Graham-Cassidy or to stay with Obamacare. Isn't that the essence of their "free market" values and opposition to "one-size fits all"?
4
Why are Senators moving forward with this when almost everyone is against it. Just about everyone that touches healthcare...patients, seniors, doctors, hospitals, insurers, think this is terrible. What pride of accomplishment do Senators get by exposing more Americans to less access to medical care, exposing our citizens to the discrimination in the form of out of reach premiums because they have a medical condition or disease, and driving millions into bankruptcy because of medical bills. Does ideology always have to trump rational thought and reason. We should improve on Obamacare, not revert to our neanderthal past in which many were deprived of any practical access to medical care.
1
So who are these mythical 'donors' who Republicans say demand the repeal of Obamacare. We know the Koch Brothers and the Mercers despise the ACA, but who are these other mythical creatures? When you have the number of corporate and industry entities coming out against this bill, one seriously has to wonder about the GOP leaders and their connection to reality. Do these Republicans not see the train on the tracks and it is headed straight for them. They continue to provide the Democrats with more and more ammunition to push forward with a single-payer plan in the future. It is stunning.
2
"A great Bill," says Trump. He has no idea what's in the bill. Does anyone take him seriously anymore?
3
The shortest route to single payer will be through the Republicans insane desire to put a W in the win column before the 2018 midterms. Also and, just like all of the end of the world claims of years gone past, the similar claims by the Republicans that the ACA is going to blowup are nothing less than shameless fear mongering tactics that are meant to trick people into voting against their own self interests. Certainly if things were really that bad with the ACA 7 years past should have been more than enough time for it to fully collapse. So, I really hope the Republicans are immensely successful this time around, with their continued irrational efforts to cut off their own noses to spite their own faces, because their success will ensure that two truly great things will finally occur: 1. It will finally bring about a single payer healthcare system in our country that benefits everyone; and 2. it will decimate any future prospects for Republicans to get reelected or elected to political office for years, if not decades to come. The Republicans are clear that they really want to have their cake and to eat it too, and I say let them have it!. But I, guarantee, that in the end, it'll be the worst chocolate cake they've ever had to swallow.
2
Without the CBO score: transparency, in other words, the GOP is relying on the electorate's tendency to allow themselves to be hoodwinked. The only was GOP can win anything is by cheating. So, they promised for 7 years to repeal and replace. Did nothing for those years-now wants to shove thru a killing bill in a matter of days . US citizens WANT health care, no matter what the GOP and FOX claims. Fix the ACA. Save lives. Show compassion and intelligence, GOP!
1
Hard to comprehend how cruel the repubs are.
Doing away with mandates & subsidies for low income and elderly citizens, sending that money to the 1% in the form of tax cuts, and eliminating the guarantee of quality coverage that most people need, including eliminating the guarantee of coverage for pre-existing conditions ... all insure that tens of millions will be harmed by this bill if it passes.
And the new proposed system of block grant is only authorized through 2026. This grant system has been shown in the past to not work fairly or keep up with inevitable rising medical costs. It just allows each state the right to choose how they will not cover people, and who will get thrown off the cliff.
Another GOP disaster from the party that has no conscience or decency. Despicable.
63
Republicans don't care how many people lose their health care and die. They simply can't deal with the humiliation they will suffer if after spending eight long years doing everything to could to destroy everything that Obama did they totally failed to repeal Obamacare, and the most hideous thing about the humiliation is not being able to remove that word OBAMA.
3
When will people remove the blinders from there eyes. Republicans DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
3
Cowardly political rush to injustice to the people by political self-preservationists ...
Forgive them; they know not what they do?
Graham-Cassidy is just the latest Republican Trojan horse attempt to gut Medicaid and destroy Obamacare. At a time when many Americans are already suffering from natural disasters, we don't need an inhuman, man-made, unnatural, Hurricane Trumpcare piled on top of us by the callous crew that calls itself the Republican Party.
5
Sure they came out swinging - this bill will potentially end the mandate that everyone BUY bloated policies from them as well as end the SUBSIDIES that they'vegotten fat on. Money is the root of all evil!
If you haven't already, please start calling or emailing every senator you can.
1
Contact your members of congress. They need to hear from each of us; they don't read this comments section.
1
If John McCain had not been derailed by the GOP to add the idiot Sarah Palin (phew-phew finger pointing) to his ticket in 2008, he could have won. Hats off to McCain's thumbs down to the GOPs last stupid Bill. Keep it up John, you maybe a contender in 2020.
2
He says " it is a great bill". he understands nothing about health care. Nor does he care as long as a bill is passed
Who else would say " we will repeal and replace on day one!" and later: "who could have known healthcare is so complicated?
Only a moron.
8
All the idiot Lefties who are scratching their heads. Just look at the pretty picture - the graphic that shows this bill will screw Blue states for all you need to know. Republicans are vindictive.
I hope they pass this bill, America deserves this bill to pass.
Absolutely well deserved!
After years of watching this nightmare national debate of providing hard working families and individuals efficient, affordable, and accessible medical care, I've finally come to the tragic conclusion that we have indeed become the world's laughing stock.
We elect people who care not one whit about how real working people struggle to pay mortgage sized health care premiums. Nor, do they even try to understand how those 'premiums' managed to balloon to such horrendous numbers. Instead, they bury their heads and come up with these cockeyed 'block grant' proposals which is actually worse than providing Medicaid subsidies. (Please look up block grants and how they 'work').
What we need is a single payer OPTION. And the only reason we can't get it is because of insurers who make deals with employers to cover full-time employees. But, we now live in a gig economy, where more people than ever are NOT covered by a large mega corporation and are at the mercy of the markets for finding 'affordable coverage'. And, sadly, the ACA gives large corporation insurers too much leeway to overcharge, for profit.
Until America decides it has had enough of the profit seeking insurers and Big Pharma lobbyists, who pay their CEO's unjustified millions of blood money, and the slick, double talking politicians who enable their greedy behavior, then the con continues to be on, the American people. And the shareholders and CEO's win.
10
Graham/Cassidy is a fraud. The only way for profit insurance companies can reduce their premiums is to deliver less in healthcare payments. If they take less money in they will pay less money out, period, period, Period. Not to mention the absurd inefficiency of creating 50 new bureaucracies with 50 different sets of rules. It follows that any Senator who votes for this bill has something else in mind other than the greater good of their constituents.
13
You got it 100%
1
If McCain wants to vote "yes" to save face with his buddy Graham, he'd better scare up a "no" vote to offset it.
2
Do they not understand that if this passes, and healthcare (both employer-based and gov't) doesn't improve quickly and visibly, it will hang around their necks as they have tried to hang this on Obamacare?
2
Cassidy and Graham deserve the boot--right out of congress. They HAVE good health insurance but the rest of us simply DONT and they are too stupid, uninformed, petty and selfish to have investigated the matter. May they fry in hell if they push this through! They will never deserve heaven that is for sure after reducing American health care to below that of a third world country.
5
Insurance companies and/or the middle man in healthcare industry are trouble makers for Americans. NY Times recently has an article compared healthcare systems of eight different developed countries. In the end, French healthcare system is the best. France has strict rules and regulations to limit what insurance companies can and cannot do. All the experts favor and agree to that conclusion. I think we should do the same that have strict rules on our insurance companies as well.
2
I bet they do the insurance companies like the so-called insurance stabilization also know as bail outs for the insurance companies.
2
The problem with Republicans - it's a simple problem to understand, but difficult to fix - is they value money over people.
They say we can't afford universal health care. (Note that the people saying this - Republican legislators - all have excellent health insurance.) Yet they have no problem coming up with another $50 billion for the military.
Of course, the people who will suffer the most from Republican policies - poor and middle-class white Republicans - voted them into office.
9
Dr. Cassidy - DO NO HARM - DO NO HARM - DO NO HARM - DO NO HARM
A message lost on this guy - I have listened to many phonies but this guy takes the cake -I would not touch him with a barge pole. All of the ACA protections out the window as States can water down plans or make them comprehensive as they wish, guess which way most will go with limited funding.
Here in New York we have in the past "guaranteed issue" where anyone could buy health insurance, comprehensive health insurance, for a very high price and without pre-existing conditions protection (12 month wait) when in some States plans with very limited coverage were available at certain times and under certain conditions and zero protections and heaven help you if you had a serious health issue. This what Dr. Cassidy want to heave onto our citizens with a quick vote and no discussion. Shane on this guy.
2
So insurers don't want it, hospitals and doctors don't want it, patients and constituents don't want it, but it must be passed by Sept. 30th? American healthcare is being treated like some one time pop up football game...."Just get out there and get a win"?. This is not how democracy works.
Also, American healthcare is already fragmented, opaque and chaotic. Throwing healthcare to 50 states to "figure out" is going to be a nightmare. Why do we need this?
Also, American healthcare is already fragmented, opaque and chaotic. Throwing healthcare to 50 states to "figure out" is going to be a nightmare. Why do we need this?
10
We are not a democracy, not even close. We are ruled by the money men.
When the people who vote for this actually sign up for this "plan", I will believe it is a good plan. If they retain their gold-plated Congressional healthcare (paid for by the rest of us), it is obviously not a good plan.
4
Regardless of the merits of the Republican bill, the notion that the insurance companies are concerned about anything other than their profits is ludicrous. AARP is nothing more than an insurer - their money being made by selling a Medicare insurance product. Please don't confuse what these groups espouse with a legitimate interest in patient care. The CEOs of Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Cigna are making tens of millions of dollars per year by taking taxpayer money while denying needed care.
1
As someone whose red state governor opted out, who has been priced out of the market for 11 yrs. and who has relied on luck and trying to take care of myself as best I can while trying to avoid things like car wrecks and keeling over in public, I almost hope they do pass their disgraceful repeal. Maybe when it becomes painfully obvious - I mean that literally - to the republican base that they've been thrown under the bus, backed up and run over again, they'll figure out that voting republican is harmful to your health.
6
I would not sign Graham-Cassidy if it did not include coverage of pre-existing conditions. It does! A great Bill.
Black is white.
Poverty is wealth.
Slavery is freedom.
6
George Orwell had it all foreseen decades ago, didn't he; a prescient vision!
It may "cover it".
But without any cap on what insurers can charge those with pre-existing conditions. And yet the insurers are unanimously opposed to the bill.
Delusion, confusion and denial. The Republicans count on it.
1
It's past due time for the Democratic Party leadership to step up - House Bill 676, Healthcare for All, re-introduced by John Conyers of Michigan, has some good support yet lots of hesitation. The Party needs to do what's right, instead of following the wishes of corporate sponsors (the pharmaceutical and health "care" industries). No more tinkering at the margins, no more posturing, no more "modest changes" to Obamacare.
3
I didn't realize that Canadians are so concerned about the health of United States citizens! Thank, guys!
But...I'll say it again...how are these numbers calculated?
Do they assume that the elderly will not become healthier? Do we assume that if x number of people have type 2 diabetes in 2020, x plus will have it in 2026? If 80% of our medical costs come from treating "lifestyle" diseases, do we assume that people won't get better education & change their lifestyle? Some changes in how healthcare is delivered has just begun to take hold...disease prevention is the key to keeping costs down & in having a healthier population.
So what happened to the "great idea" endorsed by Trump and congressional Republicans -- selling insurance across state lines. Those lines would become impenetrable under the latest proposal, and residents of all states would lose coverage at a price they can afford. It would be better to just repeal Obamacare and go back to the previous system under which the federal government shared Medicaid costs with states. Now the idea is to set the states "free" to default on their obligations to the poor and disabled. The US would have the healthcare system of an impoverished Third World country -- really no system at all, just federally imposed chaos.
1
If this bill passes it will require the formation of 50 state death panels to determine which citizens will die from the disease and other health issues now covered by Obamacare but must now necessarily be dropped from coverage given the projected decreases in health insurance funding. Citizens in any state whose senator votes for this bill must ask at the next senatorial town hall meeting, "Whom did you favor killing when this bill passed, and why did you want them killed?" All the rancor over one federal "death panel" when Obamacare was passed pales in comparison with the prospect of 50 state death panels.
3
The rhetoric of a death panel was proven false during the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
It is still nothing but rhetoric in today's situation.
It is still nothing but rhetoric in today's situation.
This is exhausting. I am disgusted with the GOP's tactics - to shun a bipartisan approach for this zombie bill. Of course, living in a blue state, we'll feel the pain of this legislation even more. My kids' health care is threatened. I read yesterday that the GOP is even trying to advance legislation that will prevent states from pursuing single payer at the state level. So on one hand they get to bang on the states rights drum while in fact preventing states from enacting the will of the people. I have no words for this level of frustration.
2
For congressional Republicans anything that removes low income people from getting health care is a win and anything that repeals anything positively associated with President Obama is a win.
3
"Generally, it would shift federal funds away from states that have been successful in expanding coverage to states where Republican leaders refused to expand Medicaid or encourage enrollment."
So with Graham-Cassidy Republicans have come up with a general formula for their red-state bribes, which were being done ad-hoc by amendments in prior versions: Promise to shift Medicaid expansion money from blue states to those red states which were entitled to expand Medicaid under the ACA for their constituents, but whose Republican governors and legislatures refused to do so for political purposes.
2
I've started making a list of the ways right-wingers and libertarians duck and dodge around answering the kinds of questions Jimmy Kimmey asked.
I'm up to 172; among the very best was Matt Lewis' inimitable, "Well, you have to realize that this is a matter of freedom and choice."
But let me summarize: asked about numbers, they'll talk principles.
Asked about principles, they'll talk numbers they pretty much just made up.
3
Even critics of this latest monstrous effort are being too soft. If the Republicans are successful in passing this bill and if Trump signs it into law, people will die. Period. Remember Sarah Palin's death panels? We're looking down the barrel at that possibility right now.
3
Studies show that the American people have changed their minds about the Affordable Care Act. The people still suffering are in states that refused to expand services such as Medicaid. Republicans vote for the interests of the rich. The rich don't want to pay taxes for middle class healthcare. Their families have the best insurance you can buy and they do not hide their belief that health is a privilege not a right. Insurance companies will again be allowed to charge unattainable prices for anyone who has ever been sick or has been born with a weakness of any kind. For instance, one in every fify children born has mental defects. There will be no coverage for them to get help. The ACA holds doctors, hospitals and insurers accountable. Without it, insurers make the decisions about who lives who doesn't, who gets quality of life, who doesn't. Doctors and hospitals will again get paid whether you get better or not. Costs will come down only if you are perfectly healthy and never get sick. Be careful, someday you or your family members may be the one's sick without healthcare coverage.
2
I find the president of BCBS's concern for those with pre-existing conditions a big disingenuous, but I agree with what he says.
1
This is music to the ears of Republicans whose desire for the elimination of Obamacare at all costs and extensive cutbacks in Medicaid is palpable.
3
"Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, said he liked the latest repeal bill. “I’d be ecstatic if we could finally make something happen on health care’’ by passing it, he said, adding: “I’m a states’ rights kind of guy. Our state has been well run for a long time. To know that our state would have the flexibility to carry out the program with more money than it now has could be a real win for us.’’
I wonder why Bob Corker would be for this?
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-gov...
Rank
(1 = Most Dependent; 50 = Least Dependent)
1 Kentucky
2 Mississippi
3 New Mexico
4 Alabama
5 West Virginia
6 South Carolina
7 Montana
8 Tennessee
9 Maine
10 Indiana
I wonder why Bob Corker would be for this?
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-most-least-dependent-on-the-federal-gov...
Rank
(1 = Most Dependent; 50 = Least Dependent)
1 Kentucky
2 Mississippi
3 New Mexico
4 Alabama
5 West Virginia
6 South Carolina
7 Montana
8 Tennessee
9 Maine
10 Indiana
5
I want to suggest a new mantra for the health care debate over the Affordable Care Act. The mantra is "Augment and Implement!" instead of 'repeal and replace.
2
Republican senators need to decide if they will support their constituents who like the ACA or yield to the Republican leaders? Silly me, I thought senators were supposed to support and defend their constituents.
1
Once upon a time we had legislators who could craft some complicated laws, laws governing health and taxes and voting rights and anti-discrimination protections for Americans. They were serious men and women, and they would draft them and debate their terms and edit and polish and negotiate and debate some more to make sure they got it right. Oh, there was lots of political back and forth to be sure, but in the end they would work to finally come up with a finished product that solved problems rather than creating them, and answered questions rather than raising them.
That was once upon a time. Now we have haphazard half baked last ditch efforts by fools armed with one-page summaries and bulleted talking points ready to throw us off a cliff for the sake of saying they did a one thing by throwing us off a cliff.
The lame excuse Republicans use to justify their obsession to do away with what they continue to call "Obamacare" is that it's what they ran on in the 2016 election, and they have to make good on their campaign promise.
This is nonsense and dishonest.
Doing away with the ACA may have been campaign chant for Republicans in November of 2016, but Americans, including the Trump supporters, in the last nine months have come increasingly to learn that the ACA is a significant improvement in not only their healthcare but also in the healthcare of millions of their fellow Americans -- especially the elderly and the poor. According to recent polls around 80% of Americans want to keep the ACA and, if anything, to improve it. Not to repeal it.
And the charge that Democrats kept them out of the legislative process of crafting the ACA, is, simply put, a lie. Republicans were not kept out of the process. Rather they regularly chose not to participate and by wide margins chose to voted against it
And there is no ambiguity about the terms of the Graham-Cassidy bill. To anyone willing to take the time to examine it, it is clear that its objective is to ultimately destroy Medicaid, to rob millions of Americans of affordable healthcare coverage, to use the touted budget savings to give tax cuts to the rich and to corporations, and to rob President Obama of a significant legislative achievement.
Depressing, shameful, and disastrous for the wellbeing of millions of Americans people.
This is nonsense and dishonest.
Doing away with the ACA may have been campaign chant for Republicans in November of 2016, but Americans, including the Trump supporters, in the last nine months have come increasingly to learn that the ACA is a significant improvement in not only their healthcare but also in the healthcare of millions of their fellow Americans -- especially the elderly and the poor. According to recent polls around 80% of Americans want to keep the ACA and, if anything, to improve it. Not to repeal it.
And the charge that Democrats kept them out of the legislative process of crafting the ACA, is, simply put, a lie. Republicans were not kept out of the process. Rather they regularly chose not to participate and by wide margins chose to voted against it
And there is no ambiguity about the terms of the Graham-Cassidy bill. To anyone willing to take the time to examine it, it is clear that its objective is to ultimately destroy Medicaid, to rob millions of Americans of affordable healthcare coverage, to use the touted budget savings to give tax cuts to the rich and to corporations, and to rob President Obama of a significant legislative achievement.
Depressing, shameful, and disastrous for the wellbeing of millions of Americans people.
2
Dear, dear Republicans:
Please pass this latest bill to repeal the ACA. I would love to see a Democratic President, House and Senate in 2021.
Please pass this latest bill to repeal the ACA. I would love to see a Democratic President, House and Senate in 2021.
1
So would I! Just have to pray I don't need healthcare before then.
Of course they're pushing for a vote. They, the republicans, represent the special interests and not the people. They need to go.
Throw the Republicans out!
Throw the Republicans out!
2
"Insurers Come Out Swinging Against New Republican Health Care Bill"
Translation (In Trump speak):
You're not going to make enough money as we you want from this new bill.
But don't worry, Big Insurance, I'll change my mind later. The final new bill
will bring in trillions for you.You haven't seen anything yet. Wait till I come out
with my new tax plan!
1
Go ahead Senate GOP, pass this bill and face annihilation in 2018. It would be a fitting end to your unAmericanism.
3
Republicans should cut to the chase. Pass legislation that repeals, rescinds, revokes, etc. any legislation, appointments, treaties, agreements, executive orders, whatever else that were made during the Obama presidency.
It's what they are trying to do piecemeal.
What a bunch of losers.
It's what they are trying to do piecemeal.
What a bunch of losers.
12
I knew that these people were heartless.
But I thought they had brains. Got that one wrong.
But I thought they had brains. Got that one wrong.
11
I am very concerned. I feel strongly that we all deserve health care; single payer will do it. However, I note with dismay and concern that the AMA hospitals etc. are against the Graham bill. I am positive that these venal organizations are only for what makes them $$$. What to do? You know you are in deep trouble when France does it better than you.
The Graham-Cassidy bill is not single payer. Please read up on this bill, it is horrible. Everyone should be against it.
This is the politicization of Medicine. When politicians have absolutely no clue what they are talking about. When healthcare is a cruel irony. They do not care about your health. They certainly do not care. So see it for what is worth. More slight of hand. More cost shifting and benefit re-allocation.
McCain should be the one most sympathetic. He has a deadly brain tumor. Who is paying for your surgical costs Senator? In all liklihood -- Medicare!
McCain should be the one most sympathetic. He has a deadly brain tumor. Who is paying for your surgical costs Senator? In all liklihood -- Medicare!
4
So in the end, all that the GOP could come up with to "repeal and replace" Obamacare, is to keep Obamacare but to take the money from the states who already expanded Medicaid under Obamacare, and give it to the Republican governors who until now refused to receive the exact same money.
Could you please explain, dear Republican Governors, why federal Medicaid money is okay when first for a couple of years it went to blue states and then goes to your state, rather than simply FINALLY expanding Medicaid in your own state WITHOUT taking insurance way from people living in blue states ... ?
How utterly mean the GOP has become.
And then we're not even talking about "Snowflake" Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, who even had the guts to tell Stephen Colbert with a very big smile yesterday night that Obamacare is really hurting people in Arizona because ... 200.000 people still didn't have coverage (he didn't say how many DID receive coverage thanks to Obamacare in his state - 600.000, according to 2017 data). EVERYBODY should be covered, he claimed.
So how will the GRACA bill achieve that goal? He didn't explain. In the meanwhile, studies already show that GRACA substantially LOWERS Medicaid money for AZ (whereas 400k of those 600k who are now insured thanks to Obamacare, are Medicaid recipients). So it's obvious that Flake was LYING again and again, telling people that he wants to increase coverage all while strongly supporting a bill that severely cuts it.
Shame on you GOP!!
Could you please explain, dear Republican Governors, why federal Medicaid money is okay when first for a couple of years it went to blue states and then goes to your state, rather than simply FINALLY expanding Medicaid in your own state WITHOUT taking insurance way from people living in blue states ... ?
How utterly mean the GOP has become.
And then we're not even talking about "Snowflake" Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, who even had the guts to tell Stephen Colbert with a very big smile yesterday night that Obamacare is really hurting people in Arizona because ... 200.000 people still didn't have coverage (he didn't say how many DID receive coverage thanks to Obamacare in his state - 600.000, according to 2017 data). EVERYBODY should be covered, he claimed.
So how will the GRACA bill achieve that goal? He didn't explain. In the meanwhile, studies already show that GRACA substantially LOWERS Medicaid money for AZ (whereas 400k of those 600k who are now insured thanks to Obamacare, are Medicaid recipients). So it's obvious that Flake was LYING again and again, telling people that he wants to increase coverage all while strongly supporting a bill that severely cuts it.
Shame on you GOP!!
5
So who will be the Judas-Senator who previously voted against prior hurtful castings of the TrumpCare bill only to vote for an even hurtful bill? And can this person ever hold up their head for hurting the American people?
1
"A great Bill" - how can our President be so stupid and clueless!
3
At this point, if you have to ask, you ain't never gonna know.
He has a mental disorder called malignant narcissism. It's the worst form of the disease of narcissism since malignant narcissistic people take great joy in "getting back" at people he perceives to have "wronged" him. A very dangerous mental disorder for the leader of the free world. He is a text book case, look it up.
YOU have to be an IDIOT to vote for this bill so I expect most INCOMPETENT REPUBLICANS to vote for it in spite of all warnings against it,A great REASON to through out most Republicans in Congress in 2018 MIDTERM ELECTIONS
2
Let's be very clear....the health insurance "cartel" and big Pharma is against this bill, not because they really give a damn about the people, but because it would be a significant "stepping stone" for the push to Medicare For All which is exactly what we need. The additional tax all would pay for single payor healthcare coverage would be so much "less" than the outrageous premiums people are forced now to pay each month. And primarily, much of the exhorbitant cost of premiums goes towards satisfying the insatiable greed of these for profit corporations.
3
No, let's be really, really factual. You don't know what single-payer would cost (and neither does St. Bernie, who put neither costs nor funding mechanisms in his own bill), and you have no plan at all for achieving a single-payer system.
For that matter, one doubts that you know what the term means. Let alone how much Obamacare did to cut corporate profits.
For that matter, one doubts that you know what the term means. Let alone how much Obamacare did to cut corporate profits.
1
I guess I hit your nerve with the truth !
For some reason, the Republicans don't seem to want qualified outside help to draft bills. They seem to be saying that they are sufficient among themselves to do it. The ACA was crafted over two years with hearings and multiple outside experts in health care informing the legislators and the public. There has been none of this in the repeal and replace phenomenon in over seven years of trying; the Republicans, when they do introduce their destructive bills, know what is best.
The Republicans still have no plan, no expert testimony, and no sense of compassion. They want to freeze out any Democratic input. They are treating health care as a political issue, when it is truly a humanitarian issue. If they are successful, even in the face of nearly universal opposition, then we are about to enter a time where many will definitely suffer and many others will possibly die needlessly.
If I were in Congress or in the White House, I would not want to be responsible for that outcome. Of course, they have not shown that they care at all, sad to say.
The Republicans still have no plan, no expert testimony, and no sense of compassion. They want to freeze out any Democratic input. They are treating health care as a political issue, when it is truly a humanitarian issue. If they are successful, even in the face of nearly universal opposition, then we are about to enter a time where many will definitely suffer and many others will possibly die needlessly.
If I were in Congress or in the White House, I would not want to be responsible for that outcome. Of course, they have not shown that they care at all, sad to say.
4
As they always say, if you want to know what's going on just follow the money. The fact that insurance companies are up in arms about "Balkanized markets" should tell you that the Republicans may be onto something - for once. As part of a solution to the ACA shortfalls, the markets should be opened up like they are for auto insurance. That way, more carriers will be able to compete and costs will go down.
Paul, that's an interesting take. I read it the opposite way, in that the insurers know that a period of chaos with many uninsured citizens will inevitably lead to a single payer system. We shall see, perhaps.
It's simpler than that. This bill will result in a short term net loss of insured.
It will also throw the administration of what plans remain into total chaos. That's the issue the insurers, and the AMA, nurses, and so many others are concerned about.
Could it be that this is a carefully calculated attempt to co-opt the Republican Senators who have opposed prior attempts. By shifting subsidies from Democratic to Republican states this bill makes it very difficult for any Republican Senator to vote no and claim they are looking out for the interests of their constituents.
3
Sorry, JS, but my red state refused Medicaid expansion, leaving literally billions of dollars in Washington, and our legislature and governor gave each other merit badges for "standing up to those Obamacrats." They seemed to have no difficulty turning their backs on their constituents' interests, in fact they seemed very gleeful.
You kind of confirm my point. Many (most?) people are unaware of just how all of this works. It was shameful that many states refused the medicaid expansion funds just to make a point. The point being of course that Obama was a socialist. I believe they will now use the transfer of funds to make the point that Trumpcare is helping their constituents.
I am so angry with Republicans that it is hard to contain myself. Just the fact that they cannot accept the ACA and work across the aisle to help fix its problems, but instead feel compelled to destroy it, makes my blood boil. My son and I will be directly affected by these changes. We depend upon subsidies to keep the cost of insurance within the scope of what I can afford. Without subsidies I will be priced out of the private market. Where are self-employed cancer survivors over fifty who earn very modest incomes and have heavy medical debt already supposed to find insurance? Texas refuses to expand Medicaid, so we don't qualify. We know the state is simply trying to make people who need help move to other states -- most of the friends we have who are in similar situations, i.e., self-employed with family members who have preexisting conditions, are talking about moving. But what if you can't afford to move, or don't want to? Why should we be forced out of the place we live because our legislators only do the bidding of their wealthy donors?
6
Move to another state? Better to emigrate.
1
"Among the Republicans agonizing over how to vote is Ms. Murkowski, who has said the bill’s effect on her state will be her paramount consideration." And there we have it. Never mind what's morally right, let me do what is my own best interest.
Not "my own best interest," but my state's best interest. Putting words in Lisa Murkowski's mouth is not going to change what she actually said. Ms. Murkowski was elected by her constituents to do exactly what she said. It's the Republicans voting against their constituents that are despicable and selfishly motivated. They're doing it to support tax cuts for their big money donors.
1
This struggle seems so odd to me. Why are senators choosing whether to hurt their constituents or not? Weren't they elected to serve them?
4
If this bill passes into a law all the blue states should build a single exchange and implement a single payer blue state system. The private employers should be given the option of signing up with private insurance companies or be part of the blue state system. Let the individual red states come up with their own individual systems, which no doubt will prove to be costly, inefficient, and unmanageable. The red state voters will soon be fed up with such a health care system in their state. When the democrats win the White House, and gain majority in the Congress they should implement nationwide single payer health care system and get rid of all the profiteering private health insurers. We all can then thank the repeal and replace GOP crowd and President Trump.
6
It's suspect that technology hasn't bent the healthcare cost curve downward. It's almost like they are price gouging, almost..
1
I am perhaps as liberal as it gets - BUT it's obvious that Medicaid fraud is bankrupting the program (subscribe to any news feed about this if you don't believe it), and that over-prescribing of various medications is addicting hundreds of thousands and poisoning the lives of many others.
Add to this the guidelines mandating second-tier coverage in both bare-bones private and government insurance programs, and there is no wonder that our expensive system delivers inferior results.
Lax enforcement of third party payments is to blame, along with incentives to prescribe profit-making drugs. I know I sound like a Republican, but it's time patients had at least a pecuniary incentive to reject medicine that is not in their interest, and first-dollar coverage be no longer the ideal, except for those in greatest need.
Instead, every citizen needs catastrophic coverage, though "catastrophic" is obviously variable by income.
On the one hand, we have millions set to be uninsured.
On the other, we have the "friendly" insurance companies protesting the loss of millions of customers' tasty premiums.
Wonder which outcome the insurance lobby favors? They did write the ACA, after all.
On the other, we have the "friendly" insurance companies protesting the loss of millions of customers' tasty premiums.
Wonder which outcome the insurance lobby favors? They did write the ACA, after all.
I cannot comprehend why on earth these republicans are pushing a health care bill that literally no one but them wants. Who is going to benefit from this? Now even the insurance companies - who you would assume they would try to please - are publicly against what they are doing. I just do not understand this at all. It is literally devoid of reason.
3
Pure evil.
1
I think Jimmy Kimmel should invite Sen.Cassidy and Graham to his show, and let his audience ask questions so they can defend the bill to a national audience. Sen.Graham can then tell the nation on tv that all the criticisms of his bill are crap, but he'll have to give specifics.
Just a hunch , but my guess is they'll weasel out if it. They are Republicans after all.
Just a hunch , but my guess is they'll weasel out if it. They are Republicans after all.
2
It really doesn't get more in-your-face than a U.S. Senator (John Kennedy, R-LA) proposing that state governments be prohibited from using federal money to set up single-payer health care systems in their own localities.
This is really nasty stuff, like the kind of thing you'd expect brutal landowning elites in some developing country like the Philippines to Pakistan to support, i.e. prohibiting provincial governments from letting tenant farmers own small plots of land. Tells you a lot about the kind of country Kennedy and people like him would like to see the United States become.
I honestly can't comprehend the minds of American citizens who vote for politicians who propose this kind of stuff.
75
"I honestly can't comprehend the minds of American citizens...."
You must not have heard of the term, "mindless".
You must not have heard of the term, "mindless".
1
Hopefully it is they who will suffer grievously if this becomes law.
1
The bill fails on two fronts, it reduces health insurance protections for millions of people and it throws the marketplace into chaos. Whoever is supporting this bill is not a friend of the working class voter.
211
"Whoever is supporting this bill is not a friend of the working class voter."
Nor a friend of health insurance companies. This bill would authorize each state to invent its own health insurance policies and coverage. What insurer would want to deal with up to 50 different health plans?
Nor a friend of health insurance companies. This bill would authorize each state to invent its own health insurance policies and coverage. What insurer would want to deal with up to 50 different health plans?
@ Joseph Barnett
Not only are they not friends, worse , they are traitors to the oath they took when they became Senators.
1
Newsflash...
An argument Republican cheerleaders for the latest Obamacare repeal bill make for block grants is that the number of families assisted by the "welfare" program block grant, now called Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, has declined. But if you cut off families, limit and provide ridiculously low assistance, and shift money away from the program, as many states do, viola, the number assisted declines. The Republicans neither know nor care what happens to the needy families who need assistance and don't get it. It would be the same with health care block grants.
10
The people should through the disgusting GOP out of office in the MIDTERM ELECTIONS in 2018
2
They take away from the people. The people should take away from them. Vote the bums out.
23
"...... said Marilyn B. Tavenner, the president and chief executive of the association. Without controls, some states could simply eliminate private insurance, she warned.".....hmmmm....looks like Single Payer or Public Option proponents could win either way....don't think I'll lose any sleep over this one.
2
There is a special place in hades for these demonic politicians who have no regard for the innocent, vulnerable millions who will suffer the worst impact from this cruel and despicable legislation. Since many of these fake heartless Christians supposedly believe in heaven and hell then perhaps they should consider the inferno that awaits them. Life is short. Eternity is forever.
14
This is a bill that punishes minorities, the poor, women, babies and children and democratic leaning states. The Republicans would gladly kill a few thousand children so long as they are blue state children, all in the name of a tax cut for the billionaire Koch brothers and their ilk.
I'm hit with the ACA tax but I have no problem paying it because it helps people get health care and get preventative health care. Why are Republicans so dang self centered, do they really not care that their neighbor may die for lack of medication or the child with asthma down the block will die for lack of care or the family across the street will go bankrupt trying to pay for Dad's cancer treatment. How can you be so utterly heartless for your friends, your family, your neighbors.
13
If you're paying that, either a) you're uninsured, and expect the rest of us to pick up your tab, or b) are making more than $250, 000 a year.
How? Money and greed. Representatives of the American people and American democracy at their finest!
There is a philosophy behind the Republican plans for health care, tax "reform," voter fraud/suppression, etc. It is simply, Rich Donors Uber Alles.
7
You can't get blood from Republican hearts of stone. Their blood type is Woe-negative.
14
If this goes through the damage will be obvious pretty quickly. Why are the Republicans so set on self sabotage?
11
The question is will the country at large allow Republicans to pass an atrocious bill simply to keep a seven-year promise built on lies.
18
Ok, if the states can do a better job with 1/6 of the economy, let us give them block grants to do everything else--armed forces, infrastructure, education, etc. etc. Then we do not need a President, congress or indeed anything federal. Of course this reasoning makes no sense, and neither does this latest iteration of the republican repeal and replace. As Marilyn Tavenner points out, the one positive that may come out of it is a bigger push for a single payer health care system. This is all crazy--just to get a win with no concern for the health of any American.
11
"Without controls, some states could simply eliminate private insurance, she warned."
GREAT! Bring on single payer in NY, California, and other states the enlightenment reached.
9
Would the senators endorcing and pushing this bill down the throats of the American people what it for their own families?
5
Since 2010, the only demonstrable strength shown by the Republicans, is their ability to beat a dead horse and lie miserably. Give it a break. Go home, your not wanted.
14
Doesn't this just redistribute federal wealth (your tax dollars) to the poorest states in a new way? Didn't these states just have to expand medicaid to have the financial benefit of medicaid grants in the first place? I thought Republicans were vehemently against wealth redistribution, so if what is the point of this bill.
62
The point of the bill is sticking it to blue states and anyone who didn't vote for trump.
Lindsey grahm is a small, small man. He comes off all folksy and nice, but he's a blood sucking republican clown - like the rest of them.
Lindsey grahm is a small, small man. He comes off all folksy and nice, but he's a blood sucking republican clown - like the rest of them.
5
Anything paid for out of federal tax revenue is wealth redistribution. Yes blue states that received more funding because they opted into the expansion will receive less funds. The block grant approach which applies to all 50 states is arguably fairer since all the states will share in the healthcare funding by the federal government. I don't like it because my state will get less funds for my healthcare.
Bob Corker says "I'm a states' rights kind of guy."
But don't hold your breath waiting for him to support California's lawsuit over the border wall!
7
States' rights. Remember what happened the last time everybody started arguing about that....
1
Send in the clowns,
there ought to be clowns.
Don't bother, they're here......
4
They are just lying. Passing the buck of preexisting conditions to the states, with no guarantees. A fiasco.
5
When federal legislation makes block grants to states it should do so according to how much those states contribute to the federal coffer. It's absurd that taxpayers in donor states are subsidizing programs in poorer states that contribute less money and are ravaged by crises of their own making. Let red state America fund itself.
4
Republican congressmen are being torn between obeying their corporate masters and gleefully exercising their God-given right to kill the sick and poor.
It can be so, so difficult to be an anti-American moral toadstool.
3
The term "health insurance industry" is in itself obscene. This industry is nothing but a gigantic casino, setting odds and making bets on the very lives of our citizens. And we all know that the house always wins.
4
Many members of GOP will try to bring chaos out order, destroy the current systems of protection just to make more rich people even richer by changing the tax code, which will come next. ladies and gentlemen, that is what this whole houpla is about. The latest push to repeal and replace is not about the sick. it is not about preventing people from becoming sick. it is not hospice and edlerly care. it's about tax reform and the GOP leaders are willing to kill American citizens to get it.
6
I think my favorite part is that they're trying to sell this blivet by taking money from the states that expanded Medicaid and handing it to the states that refused, on the grounds that this is "fairer," to the guys who could have gotten their own Federal funds in the first place.
My second favoritest part is that Graham and Whoosis are selling this on the good ol' states rights ground, given that the exact flexibility they're demanding was why the PPACA tried to establish individual state marketplaces right from the start.
And I'll give the refusal to hang around for any namby-pamby CBO score an honorable mention.
4
You, the GOP have re-started the Civil War in the USA. Hell-bent on destroying any progress since that war, and going back to a time where every state was like its own country. UNITED States of America was a pretty good idea. You say it is, and you support the constitution. Your actions prove otherwise.
I am sick to death of hearing you have to repeal the ACA because of a campaign "promise," to your base. What about your oaths? What about protecting ALL the citizens of this country and working for the good of ALL the people? You have made the unregulated use of political capital your god and strategy.
God help us all.
18
There is no way to get around the fact that healthcare in the US is too expensive and the growth in prices is completely out of control. The economist published a an article on cancer treatments in the last issue and the chart showing the change in cancer drug prices was plotted on a log scale because the the latest prices were over a 100 times those at the beginning. Inflation accounts for part of that but the healthcare industry's share of the economy has doubled in the last 30 years and that can't continue.
Neither party is willing to confront the industry so no "fix" is possible. If this bill actually did anything useful. the screams from the industry would be a lot louder than they are.
3
The blatant connection to election results is nauseating. Clearly, there is a two-Americas mind-set here, where the GOP is trying to get the coasts (better-educated, internationalist, wealthier) to subsidize a less-educated, isolationist, depressed middle of the country. The coasts work for money as a source of power, while the middle of the country works for power as a source of money.
4
Do the Republicans are also want to devolve Medicare to the states?
I wish reporters would challenge their inconsistency on this? Mr Graham, do you want the federal government to end Medicare and make it a block grant program? If not, why not?
2
Jimmy Kimmel is right. Senator/Doctor Bill Cassidy. is lying about the huge, adverse effects of Graham-Cassidy Bill. Same with Senator/Doctor John Barrasso.
These doctors violate their Hippocratic pledge -- "Do no harm."
7
Obamacare="Free" Healthcare....but I ask, free for who? The government can't run medicare, medicaid, ILLEGAL immigration, balancing their checkbook.......what is that they CAN handle....certainly not healthcare where Obamacare only comes by FORCING the estimate 23M people who do not want health insurance to buy it (thus the statements that "23M will lose healthcare if Obamacare is repealed), then the "government" paying for those who can't afford it....but wait....those who can't afford healthcare ALREADY.......receive it thru indigent care at all hospitals......so who benefits most from Obamacare???? Insurers and hospitals. Who is lobbying for Obamacare? Insurers and hospitals....go figure....
I have a simple question for Senators Graham and Cassidy: Will you give up your current healthcare insurance and buy in this marketplace in your state?
I suspect you'll answer 'YES' because you HAVE to, but I also suspect you'll have butterflies in your stomach if you REALLY had to. So, don't hide under the gold-plated healthcare you have as senators, and come out as an average American and buy your insurance in the chaotic marketplace you'll be creating.
5
Another disgusting spectacle of partisan politics and the hubris and deceit of the Republican majority. They have not a care in the world for actually reducing the cost of health care or fixing the problems with the ACA.
Anyone that thinks otherwise is a fool.
Where is the spine of our lawmakers? Thank God for McCain.
YES: REGULAR ORDER
US Senate: DO YOUR JOB!!!
6
The real reason the insurers are coming out against this bill is that they can finally see the writing on the wall. This horrific bill makes it clearer than ever that a publicly funded, single payer system is the only reasonable way to do this, as the rest of the industrialized western world has proven. Say goodbye to the for profit health insurance racket, and hello to common sense.
6
"Take two tax cuts...and drink some state block grants...and call me from the morgue"
"This is a fight for the 'free-dumb' to drop dead, America !"
GOP 2017: "Death To Americans !"
6
Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, said . . . "Our state has been well run for a long time."
I keep thinking about that old saying, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Here's a Republican Senator actually admitting that his state has been well run. So why then, would he even consider tampering with success? One of the biggest problems I have with the GOP is that they don't know when to leave well enough alone. Every proposed solution they have offered regarding health care HURTS more Americans than it helps. Why can't they see that?
100
The GOP does indeed see what they're doing. The party WANTS to hurt more Americans (low-income people and people with pre-existing conditions) then it helps (rich people and big corporations). That is the GOP's raison d'etre!!
Because blind ideology trumps reality.
Because Obama brought it into fruition and anything Obama did is wrong for the GOP. Sad but accurate.
Under Obamacare, insurers have a pretty much guaranteed profit and a guaranteed market that would pay whatever price they put up on the exchanges, even if this market consists only of "subsidized" individuals. What's more, thanks to co-sharing subsidies, they can have a cake and eat it: those people who don't have money are guaranteed to be able to afford co-pays, however high, and those people who actually have to pay the co-pays have money and little choice.
1. Democrats could have passed any bill they wanted 6 years ago. They passed a bill which is nothing more than a huge giveaway to insurance companies. They made this huge mess and have no solution to it.
2. Obamacare was designed to only cover people who are not insured at work. Primarily lower skilled workers, small business workers, people between jobs, and the sick and the young etc. This is the Obamacare risk pool. Its awful. Anyone not subsidized by the federal government who buys this product is getting ripped off with its high cost and really high deductibles. If I am a young and healthy person, why am I forced to enter into this terrible risk pool, when older, more successful and wealthier people are not. It is a huge scam.
3. The only way to make insurance fair to everyone is single payer, or to have statewide risk pools, where insurance companies are not permitted to cherry pick healthy customers. Nothing else will move the needle.
3
Uh, William, you've got this wrong.
As a successful independent businessman, I have/had no choice but to go into the Obamacare pool. I get NO subsidy, pay high premiums with high deductibles, but, for the first time in my life, I get to sleep every night without worrying about going bankrupt because of a single health-care even in my family. While costly, it is worth it.
And I am probably healther than you.
What is the alternative?
If people like you don't want to buy into the sytem, you should be willing to die for lack of medical care if a crisis comes your way. But, you'll be the first begging for help is something bad happened to you.
As well, I pay much higher auto insurance premiums because of young people who, typically, cause many more accidents. I'm not complaining, but you're attitude makes me think I should.
2
I don't disagree with you on single payer and I wish the Dems had included it at least as an option in the ACA. But the answer to the question I often read in the comments - why do I as a young and healthy person have to be part of the risk pool? - is because young and healthy today doesn't mean young and healthy tomorrow.
My fairly young, non-smoking, marathon-running (and many many shorter races) husband with about 6% body fat and no previous history of medical problems suddenly had a stroke (fortunately minor) one day. Our insurance saved us $11,000 in 5 days - that was about 15 years ago, so I can only imagine what the same thing would cost today. And since we had insurance, he could continue to be covered. If he hadn't been insured, I doubt that any insurance company would touch him after a $12,000+ stroke incident.
Congratulations on being young and healthy, but don't ever think it can't happen to you.
1
Senator Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, said he liked the latest repeal bill. “I’m a states’ rights kind of guy. Our state has been well run for a long time."
Really, Corker?
The United Health foundation ranks Tennessee 43rd in America's overall health rankings. Corker doesn't give a dang about his constituent's health. Don't be fooled. Corker, like his fellow republicans, only cares about the money.
8
Here in Maine is how one small Federal block grant was misused by Gov. LePage and his sycophant Commissioner Mary Mayhew.
The US Congress earmarked $13.4 million for low-income children and their families for things like Meals on Wheels and in-home care for seniors. The Maine Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS) spent the money in ways that violated Federal law and were contrary to the advice of the State's own auditor.
Other Federal block grants were likewise used for legally dubious purposes. It should surprise no one that lies and evasions have been forthcoming from DHHS.
Block grants? Slush funds for the Republican governors play with and nothing else.
15
"...state-by-state block grants could create health care chaos in the short term and a Balkanized, uncertain insurance market."
But, but, but...the states know better than Washington bureaucrats! State bureaucrats are better! Everyone knows that if you have a heart attack in Alaska its different than having a heart attack in Florida!
2
Exactly haha -- last time I checked, humans in Texas have the same body parts and functions that a human in NY has. I see no reason why we as a country would want different healthcare systems based on geography. There is a better solution out there, but it should be for all Americans
1
Government of, by, and for the 1%.
The rich have won.
St. Ronnie's prophecy has been fulfilled.
5
A review of the states the will gain and lose makes me think it is the south against the north all over again.
4
If at first you don't succeed with a bad bill, then come up with an egregious bill. Consumers, groups of medical professionals, and insurance associations--and even some Republicans--oppose it. But no matter, let's move ahead anyway. Senators Graham and Cassidy are sitting there with gold-plated insurance plans. Just haul out the convenient "state's rights" mantra.
133
I wonder which insurance agent offered the best deal and wording of the bill to Sens. Cassidy and Graham to put this on?
1
The health insurance industry, the doctors, and Republican governors oppose this crazy attempt to replace Obamacare; but, after all, what do these people know about such things?
4
When a senator exclaims "I'ld be ecstatic if this passed, just goes to show the American people, voters, elderly, children, healthcare community how out of reality he and his cronies are. Every health care organization has condemned this bill, even our dreaded insurers say it is a disaster. Shame on this congress for even considering it. As usual not one empathetic soul amongst the bunch. Let's bring knowledgeable men from other countries who brought healthcare to their countries without destroying their peoples well being.
15
Not for second do I believe that any four senators could write the bill that is now being considered. I seriously doubt that any of the four so called 'authors' really now, in detail, what's in the bill. The real questions is, "Who actually wrote this legislation?" Could it have been the American Legislative Exchange Council? Who? And why isn't anyone interested in this??
5
Do you really believe that the the members of either house -- be they Republicans or Democrats -- actually draft ANY legislation? Well, they don't. It is frequently drafted by or for lobbyists who present it to the folks whose name it is to bear...Or not created that way, then occasionally a staff of worker bees...
1
Trump helped Republicans to rediscover how effective lying is as a political tool. As long as you can lie boldly, brazenly, and unabashedly, Republicans have learned, you face no punishment.
Republicans are putting their newly-rediscovered knowledge to use in pushing for the passage of Cassidy-Graham.
4
This is perplexing. For whom exactly is the GOP Senate (as well as the House) - and their "boss" - representing and speaking? Is it more than half of us Americans? Or for doctors, nurses, hospitals, and now even health insurance companies? No, no, and no again. Let's face the facts. Trump, McConnell, Graham, and company are up to no good. When you exclude the above list, the individuals left are but a drop in the bucket of our population. They are not only the very wealthy but also, for some reason, the few but powerful every day citizen who is obsessed with a single-minded focus, whether it be a past African American president, "religion", resent, or deliberate and stubborn "ignorance". Perhaps, it is all of these wrapped up into one hateful package. But the onus is mainly on this president and his Republican Congress. They lack all signs of morality, compassion, empathy, and, yes, leadership.
7
This dog and pony show is going on to please republican donors. We all know this. This has nothing to do with benefiting constituents, or helping the economy. It will be just the opposite.
21
You are quite probably correct. The bit I don't get is why such a thing as this bill would "please republican donors" at all. What on earth do they possibly get out of it? Are they all just so evil that they enjoy the suffering of people who have less than they do? It just literally makes no sense at all to me. I am thoroughly baffled.
Republicans are simply bad people. Good people don't go around designing programs to hurt others. No need to get creative, or use the thesaurus to find more descriptive ways to describe Republicans, they're just bad people.
18
Here we go again...again. I am thoroughly disgusted, again, by this republican-led congress in their efforts to eliminate any existing plans that exist to help the poor. We have to ask ourselves why this war against the poor? Even if the republicans believe in their own ideology that every man and woman should strap on his own boots and go out and build something with their bare hands, it is still logical to think that some people will still need support and help. I am not sure where they got these ideas that so filled their minds and hearts about stamping out the poor. We know that alot of the recipients of assistance (healthcare or welfare) are minority residents, so we have to conclude that there is more here than simple political ideologies. President Obama was not THE BEST president that held the office (politically), but I would say that his efforts to help the public appeared genuine to me. The ACA appeared genuinely intended to help those who did not have coverage. Give to some, you may take from others. But, overall, the ACA is making most lives better. We only now need to fix the areas where it is failing, and it is clear that the republicans do not care about fixing anything; whether it is taxes, health insurance, consumer protection, world perception...nothing. They are simply in office to tear down. In 2018 and 2020 please wake up and kick these folks out. I don't care who replaces them (Democrat or NEW republicans). Vote them out. PLEASE.
10
Leaving the states free to determine what health care its citizens shall have is a betrayal of the Fourteenth Amendment and the right and privilege of American citizens to health care consistent with the federal government's Constitutional responsibility to provide for the common welfare of all Americans.
1
Man, the GOP were spawned by the Devil himself.
2
Healthcare insurance must be portable; therefore it must be constructed at the national level. Today, insurance uses actuaries where one pays a different price in one state vs. another. It makes sense that insurance may cost more in an large city, like NYC, where the cost of living is high.
The ACA has not been implemented to meet these facts of life. It strives for one price for each item - lab testing, surgery, etc. when it comes to medicaid and medicare. This basically 'sticks' it to the private insured patients and companies that cover part of those costs.
The senate plan does nothing to fix the bad parts of the ACA; mostly, it doesn't stop insurance companies from cherry picking the healthy and charging more for those that are not as healthy. The senate plan throws healthcare over the wall and when the states cannot handle it (government really cannot handle much, especially at local levels, when the issue is complex).
What we need, needed in 2008, need now, is a national risk pool. Insurance must pick up patients from that pool as a percentage of the total insured individuals they cover. And it must be at least at the regional level; not state level. Most here don't realize that insurance companies administer Medicaid and Medicare - readers foolishly think that those are run by the Federal government. And, they are 'free' with whatever care one needs. Not true.
So, we need insurance companies for now just from an administrative perspective.
1
I see. You want to replace national pricing with national pricing.
If you trust your state representatives, you surely don't live in Arizona, where, among other things, two people were condemned to death by our former governor and her henchmen. In his own right, Flake is able to cruise along above the ugly surface of his party's political decisions.
1
As a nurse Case Manager who battled with insurance companies because they love, love, love to send denial letters to their insureds, this seems quite incredible...in a very bad way.
Senator Ron Johnson could not answer a question about pre-existing conditions today and ramifications for millions of insurers, which would be the ultimate insurance denial. Because instead of lying, he chose to answer. This would not give pre-existing conditions just benefits.
The AMA, ANA, American Cancer Society, AARP, and so many more despise and oppose this ploy.
States would not be held responsible for accountability in providing uniform healthcare benefits if this horrendous piece of legislation is passed.
"Do No Harm" has been tossed out the window by elected men and women who should be protecting their constituents and replaced with this legislative proposal.
3
So insureres haven't criticized previous bills. The article suggests they curried favor w/Congress, so legislators wouldn't cut subsidies. But now they're just plain scared, and want people to listen. It's too late.
Reminds me of Pastor Niemöller's "First they came for the communists, and I said nothing, then they came for the unionists ... then they came for me". Insurers can't stomach most health care reform, so now they'll starve.
Niemöller said "I remember a conversation I had with a person who claimed to be a Christian. "He said: Perhaps it's right, these incurably sick people just cost the state money, they are just a burden to themselves and to others. Isn't it best for all concerned if they are taken out?"
There's many a Republican congress person who feels the same way.
In 1930s Germany, people stayed silent because they feared for their interests. It was safer to avoid politics. Many US corporations behave this way. Like health insurers, they may live to regret it.
1
I hope there is an amendment that all members of Congress much purchase a plan from of any new home state healthcare market place. Also, their choosen plan must be in the middle 1/3 of all available plans.
1
If the rationale of this bill is truly to allow health care decisions at the local level then why is there a provision banning individual states from enacting their own single payer system ?
Also, Trump is incorrect because this bill does nothing to guarantee coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. Does he even read anything put in front of him?
246
You're assuming he is able to read.
Trump doesn't care what's in the bill, that was obvious the last go around when they were glad handing in the rose garden, he simply wants something to sign that convinces his base that he repealed Obamacare, wait till they find out what they are going to lose if this bill passes.
Let's be frank. Trump lacks the capacity to discern truth.
Wow. For the first time I am allied with the insurers. Thanks insurers for helping to fight this disastrous bill. Hang in there Collins, Murkoski and McCain! I doubt that any Democrats would vote for this outrageous rip off of the American people. This bill must be defeated.
6
>>>> “A great Bill,” Mr. Trump concluded on Twitter later Wednesday.
Does he actually think that by now everyone other that his small base of deluded supporters has figured out that he has NO IDEA what is in this bill. He doesn't know OR care if it good or bad, or whether 32 million people will lose their insurance after he promised a bill that would "cover EVERYBODY." What he cares about is getting to sign something, ANYTHING so he can have a "victory" party in the Rose Garden. How much Americans will suffer after that is meaningless to him, because for a narcissist like him all that matters IS him.
5
Trump and his evil enablers love this bill because it punishes the "Blue States."
It's another GOP shell game, but thankfully, most of the American people are finally on to them.
What's scary is that we have psychopaths in the U.S. Congress who have absolutely no empathy for their constituents and are willing to let some of them die so that they can score a "win."
4
and it only "punishes" blue states in that those were the ones who took the Medicare expansion. Of course they get more money. The government was handing it out and Texas and Florida turned it down because politics is more important than their constituents.
1
What is there to study? The CBO hasn't done the math but plenty of others have. Why are these GOPers sitting on the fence? Holding out for some goodies? or just so blinded by the tribalism of the right?
2
What's not to like in this bill? The voters get the shaft, and the blue states pay the bill.
3
Fellow citizens: This is what big-money backed post-disaster looting looks like. You don't get to see it much on TV. Poor people loot stores; rich people loot whole countries.
With this strategically timed introduction of yet another terrible alternative healthcare proposal, it's clear that the Trump Administration, in service to wealthy donors and powerful corporate interests and supported by Republican legislators who serve the same, will continue its multi-front war on the American citizens they have sworn to serve. The timing of and the proposal itself is a page out of the "shock and awe" playbook: While the American people are dealing with disasters - in this case wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, Russiagate, nuclear threat in addition to trying to earn their livings and take care of their families - our public servants will use the opportunity to strip us of our protections and rights.
We need to vote ALL of these people out of office in 2018 and 2020 - and we must continue to fight to get money out of politics, starting with repealing Citizens' United.
11
I'm so sure the "insurance companies" are concerned about "creat[ing] health care chaos in the short term and a Balkanized, uncertain insurance market." Yes, that certainly is their concern and definitely not the loss of enormous revenue they could collect from the American people.
2
What of the GOP said
You can keep your doctor
You can keep your health plan
Its going to save Americans $3000 on their insurance
Knowing all along it was a lie!
Makes you think
1
I fear that if this measure passes, we will set the stage for an eventual civil war in the U.S.
4
The Republican Senators are so desperate for a win they will try anything: make promises they can't keep, lie to their constituents, and lie to the country. It's really all about politics, because they can't really care for all the people who would be hurt by this debacle. This is the party that fights for the rights of the unborn, but not the quality of life of the living. Our government is morally bankrupt, yet there are a few bright souls who wrestle with their conscience and we need to back them for the sake of all of us.
6
Asking for a state-by-state chaos -- in the short term and the long term -- and state-by-state corruption.
6
Capito is a lackey, she's in. Flake is a fake, Excuse maker. It's gonna come down to the same three. I thought McCain would vote yes last time. We'll have to see. The rest are bought and paid for. Traitors to their constituents.
4
The insurance company lobbyists don't like it. Better backtrack.
2
Graham Cassidy seems to have no support beyond GOP members of congress, hard core GOP partisans and some conservative think tanks. Most GOP senators have decided to shut their minds, eyes and ears and ram this through, heedless of the opposition of the nation's major medical provider, hospital and insurance groups and even many GOP governors, let alone the public. When in American history has legislation with such vast impact and so little support to gotten this far?
6
Trying to repeal Obamacare is a nefarious act by irresponsible men who should not be in control of this country. Why can't the Republican leadership see how wrong they are, how much is at stake, and how much anguish they are causing?
4
Nothing to worry about.
The 1% won't be inconvenienced, and they are the ones that count !!
9
Surprise, surprise . . . health insurers want to preserve a law that requires you to purchase all-inclusive health plans that either soak you dry or are in fact too expensive to use. Since being forced into Obamacare, my monthly premium has increased from $400 to $1100 and my deductible has increased from$1500 to $6800 -- all with the blessing and force of the federal government.
The great Rahm Emmanuel bought off the insurance industry with the individual mandate and staved off any opposition from the business community by making the employer mandate completely toothless.
Saying that insurers like Obamacare is like saying that vampires like blood.
24
I don't understand the comment about being "forced" into Obamacare with resultant premium increases. Was health insurance unavailable on the private market? Pre-existing condition? Unaffordable?
With respect to premiums, which climbed rapidly higher in prior years, Obamacare has slowed the rate of growth in premiums.
With respect to premiums, which climbed rapidly higher in prior years, Obamacare has slowed the rate of growth in premiums.
1
If what you say is true, I'll bet you had a bare-bones, catastrophic coverage only policy that covered a whole lot less. Either that or you are earning quite well by most peoples' standards.
Whenever I see these Obamacare "horror stories" it always boils down to one of these two possibilities, or the OP is simple making up fictional propaganda,
1
AR Clayboy (feet of clay?), the cost of the health care plans to you are not credible. I believe you have fabricated those figures. If I am wrong please tell us the following:
Who are the insures, previously and now with the expensive plan?
What are the comparable benefits of the two plans?
How many and what ages were covered under you previous plan and now under your expensive plan?
Why would you chose a plan that cost more than twice as much as your previous plan and had higher deductibles? Other plans were available. What caused you to chose this one?
Your assertions are so unbelievable I have to believe you are a troll peddling false information. Just my personal belief. Prove me wrong.
Who are the insures, previously and now with the expensive plan?
What are the comparable benefits of the two plans?
How many and what ages were covered under you previous plan and now under your expensive plan?
Why would you chose a plan that cost more than twice as much as your previous plan and had higher deductibles? Other plans were available. What caused you to chose this one?
Your assertions are so unbelievable I have to believe you are a troll peddling false information. Just my personal belief. Prove me wrong.
There are, of course, numerous downsides to this. But there could be, perhaps, some long term perverse satisfaction. Voters will, literally, live or die with the choices they make in state governments with less mitigation from (smarter or dumber) voters in other states/regions. Having watched the recent KS "experiment" with its state tax policy, I can only imagine what that state government will do if turned loose on health care policy. It's difficult to feel sorry for the voters who elect such governments.
2
The massive transfer of money from blue states to red states under the Republican plan is criminal. Take 10s of billions from California, which has diligently trying to help its citizens, and give it to Texas which doesn't give a whit about its citizens and has done little to help them. Next the Republican tax plan will feature higher rates for taxpayers in blue states. Absolutely shameless.
5
I don't think the insurance industry has any idea how much CONTEMPT the American public has for them. They stand on the same rung as politicians.
1
I would not sign Graham-Cassidy if it did not include coverage of pre-existing conditions. It does! A great Bill. Repeal & Replace.
Wow, does he know he said that out loud?
Elect a clown, expect a circus! The RP 's attempts to govern (not obstruct) proves that Ringling Brothers is gone, but not forgotten!
Thank you.
2
When will our legislators stop putting the American public's lives into chaos? The degree of anxiety that the healthcare debate has injected into our lives is inexcusable. We elect legislators to develop well thought through policy, not to ram rod proposals to fit within short- sighted budgetary goals. While this latest proposal continues to play out, insurance rates have been negatively impacted by additional market risk and uncertainty. Republicans will yet cause Obamacare to implode by their continued push for deeply flawed healthcare options. Shame!!!
1
The irony in all of this is that the average 'Republican base' voter has no idea the ramifications of this bill. Many can't differentiate between the ACA and Obamacare. It will be interesting to see their reaction when this reality hits them.
4
The reaction will be they die? What's wrong with you.
What does it say about how morally bankrupt the Republican Party is when you find yourself rooting for the insurance industry in a battle between them?
12
The insurers and the other health industry players need to let Congress know that they will only make (or bundle) campaign contributions to those who support what they want. That's the only "popular feedback" that actually motivates our legislators. You can be sure that supporters of Graham-Cassidy have already shown Congress the "green". Ordinary folks and their health care woes are not relevant to the discussion at this point except for post facto justification.
2
Somehow I don't think we are going to miss these people anywhere near as much as we miss the last administration
5
One of the key issues in tbe health care debate has always been pre-existing conditions. For millions of us it's a life-or-death question. This article barely mentions it, and provides no details on how the proposed bill would address it. Please update the article to advise how I will be thrown to the wolves this time.
VOTE REPUBLICANS OUT!
3
"Generally, it would shift federal funds away from states that have been successful in expanding coverage to states where Republican leaders refused to expand Medicaid or encourage enrollment."
More Blue State welfare going to those Red States where Republicans hallucinatory economic theories have beggared them.
3
It's fortunate that Republican senators have given themselves the best health care in the nation. They are clearly among the sickest people on the planet.
12
I recall that one of the GOP's objections to the ACA back in 2009-10 was that it defied the norms of how the insurance world worked. Now the GOP is pushing its latest hastily cobbled-together, DC backroom devised bill in spite of the fact that the insurance industry says it is a bad idea.
And of course, the only President we get for the next 3 1/2 years tweets that it is a great bill.
Somehow I am not reassured...
2
Improving the ACA would be the obvious choice.
People that oppose the ACA are going to oppose any other plan too.
2
Improve the ACA how.....by seizing billions of dollars from the 10% of taxpayers that already pay for everything else? ACA is almost an entirely unfunded entitlement expansion of Medicaid to the able bodied. You have to control the cost and you can't do that when personal responsibility can be heaped on backs of others. The GOP needs to let ACA die and them come back with something that offers a balance between benefits and cost. Like open markets, tort reform and reasonable cost control.
Republicans are thoroughly embarrassing themselves and putting Americans' health at risk. They don't even believe in their own plan, it's all about being able to say they passed something. They're basically having a temper tantrum in public.
7
payer health care to grow,” said Marilyn B. Tavenner, the president and chief executive of the association. Without controls, some states could simply eliminate private insurance, she warned.
Exactly - the insurers keep 20% premiums . Medicare takes 4%. Insurance co provide no health care just profits. If they are against it - it means less health care dollars to them and that's fine by me
I have not seen one word about tax cuts for the wealthy that were the primary driver for all the former attempts at repeal. I assume that they are also a "feature" of this current Hail Mary attempt to repeal and replace the ACA with whatever.
One would think the Congress would learn not to pee into the wind.
3
You know it's a good bill when the insurance companies making billions of dollars off the taxpayer don't like it.
28
No not really. It just mean its worse than the existing crappy system in which they make billions. How about getting rid of for profit insurance altogether of it bothers you?We call it single payer and its cheaper.
1
That's a fun little thought but the reason they hate it is the same reason regular people hate it, republicans are going to destroy the way insurance works, in the sense that it no longer will. Horrible for people needing treatment as well as the savage capitalists.
1
Clearly, that alone is not sufficient.
What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, are members of the Robber Baron cabal fighting with each other. In one corner we have the democracy-destroying Koch brothers trying to destroy health care for the "peon masses" - even as David Koch puts his name on hospitals and other medical facilities to pretend he's a "philanthropist". (Did you happen to notice he's also a BIG supporter of Ken Burns' Vietnam war series on PBS? It sickens one after all the profit their war weapons companies made off the war. What an inherited wealth, greedy, socially unconscious fraud he is.)
In the other corner we have the Wall Streeters who control BIG insurance and BIG profits. They are only interested in how much profit they can wring out of the rest of us with little investment.
Patient? What's that? They do not care. Survival of the fittest and all that. Of course, to be the "fittest" in America you have to be the most criminally minded. Sad.
18
Who the heck wants this thing? Sorry, but when the GOP continuously pushes for major legislation that 80% of the country hates, it is time to start talking about campaign finance reform again.
As long as Citizens United is allowed to stand, the country will be at the mercy of wealthy special interests and sleazy politicians. I don't care if you are conservative or liberal, the damage wrought by this decision affects everyone.
John Roberts, this is your true legacy - the destruction of American democracy to gain a short-term partisan advantage. Under your leadership, the Supreme Court has lost any veneer of nonpartisanship, and the country has devolved into chaos, as pieces of it are torn off and sold to the highest bidder.
10
Republican healthcare policy is to:
1. Underfund at the federal level.
2. Arbitrarily distribute the inadequate funds to the states.
3. Leave it to each state to set, regulate and administer healthcare policy.
Any efficiencies created would be overwhelmed when the inefficiencies are multiplied by a factor of 50. With inadequate resources, many states would be left to ration healthcare.
Our biggest health problems have social causes and social effects that do not respect state boundaries. They should be attacked at the Federal level.
2
Here they are AGAIN trying to screw their own constituents. How the hell do these cynics remain in office?
8
Unfortunately, from the point of view of many elected officials, donors, donor networks, and activists matter more (at least in the short term) than ordinary constituents, many of whom are low information voters or non-voters anyway.
Lindsey Graham is a showboater and McCain will go along with his friend.
The entire healthcare debate by Republicans is a side show in the Trump circus. Americans wait for the Big Top to come crashing down.
2
This bill is a right-winger's dream. It would kill the ACA and Medicaid in one fell swoop. Billions of dollars would be freed up to then be used for tax cuts, mostly for very wealthy people. Charles and David Koch couldn't be more proud. This is straight out of right-wing 'heaven' but with none of the 'arm waving', mental gymnastics attempt to justify it associated with right-wing think tanks (e.g., Heritage). It has the simplicity of a bumper sticker or a drunk customer pontificating about he would fix the government if he was in control.
Of course, millions of Americans would be harmed by this legislation as they would discover fairly soon that they no longer have the subsidies to afford health care insurance. It would also undermine the insurance markets in a big way and, since health care is approximately one-eighth of the U.S. economy, it could trigger a recession.
But, what does that matter? The Koch brothers and their buddies (including Donald Trump and his friends) will get their big tax cut and conservative states will no longer have to pretend to provide health care for their poorer citizens. After all, taxes are for 'little people' and the wealthy ones will be laughing all the way to the bank.
As I said, this is a right-wingers dream piece of legislation.
10
Universal Health Care is coming. I can smell it. People are sick of this whole corrupt, ridiculous health care system we have in America. Just think about it. Think about the different systems, medicare, medicaid, veterans health system, private health system, and employer sponsored plans to name a few. And then, some of those are mixed together (medicare advantage plans, etc. check those out if you are not familiar with them).
Why should veterans have a separate and apparently inadequate system? Why on earth should employers be responsible for health care? You could ask a hundred questions about our systems that don't make sense and have no answers. It is a hodgepodge of a mess.
Universal Health Care, organized by the federal government is coming. And it will revolutionize our country and greatly assist all Americans in the "pursuit if happiness.
Find a representative with these views and vote for him or her. We live in a democracy.
7
I can only hope that you are correct Frank. We must first rid ourselves of the Republican stronghold. Because until we do, what the majority of Americans want is irrelevant.
Can someone please specify the problem or problems the bill is meant to solve?
3
The rise of godless comm'nism, mainly, I think. Oh, and health care for the proles.
'This bill could allow govt funded health insurance to grow and could eliminate private insurance' (paraphrased) but that is why big Insurance is against it, not because it will potentially harm people.
The republican plan brings us back to the 1930s and even the insurers are against this, not for humanitarian reasons because they stand to lose a lot of insured if ACA is ended.
The republican plan would basically leave up to 50 millions Americans uninsured at any given time and just about any other American could fall into this group if they have a bad life event.
Join the rest of the civilized world and establish a affordable, quality, universal health plan, shore up ACA first and then transfer to any plan that the rest of the civilized world has.
14
It's the height of hypocrisy when Republican senators go on TV and say that higher federal spending on Medicaid and other healthcare benefits is not fair to future generations because it may increase the deficit. Then on the same day they announce backing of a tax cuts plan that will add $1,2 trillion to the deficit. As we know 90% of the cuts goes to the top 10% richest Americans. Medicaid helps the poorest Americans.
12
The assumption that states would use medical health grants to extend healthcare is as valid as the assumption that cutting taxes for the rich benefits the poor and middle class through trickle down economics. Experience shows that government grants are often used by states to address budget deficits or pet projects rather than what the federal government mandates.
11
In Canada the provinces (States) are responsible for delivering health care services but there are strict conditions that must be met or the Federal Government can withhold transfer payments.
I don't know if this could ever work in the US as Republican have a anathema against any intrusion by your Federal Government in States rights.
Here is what Senator Grassley of Iowa himself said about the Graham-Cassidy so-called health care bill: "I could maybe give you 10 reasons why this bill shouldn't be considered. But Republicans campaigned on this so often that you have a responsibility to carry out what you said in the campaign. That's pretty much as much of a reason as the substance of the bill.” Translation: it’s only to pass something, anything, the effect on people’s lives be damned.
19
republican moves in this regard are not about Healthcare and never have been about Healthcare. Republican moves are designed to eradicate memory of the Obama Presidency.
11
"eraticate memory of the Obama Presidency" sounds like a great idea.....I only wish I could
Money might have a little bit to do with it.
If good Christian Rick Santorum had anything to do with this, which he did, you know why it is so cruel and UN-Christian! Ghandi said it best..."I like your Jesus, but I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Jesus."
23
Republican Jesus is very different.
2
There's almost something to admire in the way that Republican senators plow ahead like stubborn, plodding cart horses in the face of a snowstorm as they endure withering criticism from just about every health care organization in the country, the mainstream media and most of the country's populace, to a vote on a plan that some of the more honest ones admit is utter policy rubbish. Almost but not quite.
What drives them of course is not principle but fear. Fear of their fanatical and angry base. Fear of primary challenges in their next re-election bid. Far from being admirable, it is shameful that they place themselves and their political well being above the interests of the nation.
260
What drives the Republicans trying to shove another lousy health care bill down our throats is the same thing that drives them to do everything. Money. They get huge campaign contributions from the insurance industry and write legislation accordingly. The bonus for this piece of legislation is that it gives the GOP another opportunity to dismantle another part of President Obama's legacy.
Fear of losing the support of the Koch anti-government syndicate.
Fear, and cowardice in the face of it.
Yes, this is a mess. And who's been making healthcare an overly-expensive mess for even longer? Insurance companies. Now they are getting a taste of high-handed uncaring people who want to make decisions about them -- just like insurance companies have dictated the health options for millions of Americans. I am keen on single-payer options, but can we figure out how to get BOTH insurers AND GOP idiots out of any role in administering it?
7
Do you really think that the states who receive these block grants would spend the money on healthcare? Governments are notorious for redirecting money to short term needs, and that is exactly what would happen to this money. The people will be left to fend for themselves, and die young.
10
The cursed new Republican healthcare bill would be a confusing disaster for the American public. If done state by state each individual would choose where to live by the best deal they get in any certain state. How stupid mean and greedy are these Republicans who are for it. They are NOT serving the public they are "supposed" to represent but only themselves. Polls show that the vast voting majority has spoken: We want a single payer insurance that would be cheaper and as efficient as medicare. These "so called men of the people" in government should be thinking of fixing Obamacare and turning it into a universal health system. But NO----they think of their own private selfish money grubbing needs. The needs of women and children especially don't count in this fascist political party that seeks to control women the manner of ISIS. Barefoot and pregnant is how they envision women. We must stand up and resist this cruelty imposed on us.
28
Since the House of Representatives is based on State population, determined every ten years. A State could lure individuals to their States and gain additional Legislators. Taking them from States with less healthcare.
Ah, yes: the "pro-life" party again. They at least *used to* pay lip service to the idea that a fetus should be taken care of (the woman, not so much) and then abandon it once it's born. Now they aren't even trying to give lip-service to taking care of anybody, born or not, especially with no more maternity care, pre-natal care, reproductive health coverage, etc. So, basically, to hell with everybody, but you're right: especially women and children. We won't even mention the elderly since with no more Medicaid to cover nursing homes, they'll be living, or, rather, dying on the street.
Republican Fools.....swinging again, for the fences.
Mr. Ryan, and Mr. McConnell do NOT care about ordinary Americans. They do NOT care if you live or die. They do NOT care if you go broke trying to pay for your medication.
Why?
Because, gosh....Congress has the world's BEST Health Care Package.
And in the end, if you aren't one of 'them'....you can Die.
65
to be fair, this remark applies to all members on Congress. in the same manner as for public schools, politicians are all for voting to fix other people's problems, but they do not make use of the solutions they prescribed for those other people. Politicians in DC seem to send their kids to private school and benefit from their own health plans.
Two southern legislators and their party wagging the American Dog. This is what it was like before the Civil War. Lincoln would roll over and die again he saw what has become of his party, and this Union. Back then they said States Rights when they meant Slavery. Now they say States Rights when they mean local pork barrel, because the patronage pig is more alive and kicking at the local level where there is less publicity than it is in Washington. Think about the post 9/11 block grants to localities no terrorist would ever bother to target. The police chiefs bought fancy cars for themselves, and tanks to intimidate the pupulace. Now, the locals will fund the Health equivalents of Bridges to Nowhere, such as hospitals that benefit their local builders/donors. You can be sure that in many places, that money will not be used to the maximum benefit of actual patients.
26
You are so right! After living within 2 miles of the White House on 9/11, I had to watch the insanity of block grants going to places like South Bend, Indiana, for anti-terrorist programs. (What was in danger, "First Down Jesus"?) And, working in a national organization, I had to field calls from people living in small towns throughout the Midwest, afraid to move because of 'terrorists.' Meanwhile, having been in the bulls' eye myself, I was walking past armed soldiers in armored trucks just to get to work. The ability of the US public to be gulled by their politicians is astounding.
Please don't gloss over the lies. Graham and Cassidy are both saying contradictory things. First, block grants are good because states are better at deciding about health care than DC. However, states are forced to cover pre-existing conditions. Both can't be true, and we are asked to trust our state leaders, but not really.
10
The irony is that some Republicans are afraid to give States freedom because they might do single payer.
3
With all due respect for Sen. Manchin, the fairness principle at the foundation of the Block Grants idea has been corrupted out of recognition. At one time, it was viewed as a way of equalizing the playing field between richer and poorer states, while preserving states' freedom of choice. Now, it is exploited as a political entitlement: A narrow Republican majority brazenly uses its power to extract resources from disfavored states to pursue a despised political agenda.
26
These republican repealers are like the phone solicitors
who go on talking long after you've hung up.
Enough already. Your product stinks.
30
This bill is DOA. NOBODY, of any note, supports it. Senator Cassidy now knows that he can no longer use the name of Jimmy Kimmel to push his goofball plan. I know Republicans have a death wish, but this is ridiculous. Are they really this stupid? Why, YES, yes they are.
30
They already spent the bribe money from the Insurance Industry.
2
Block grants block grants are notoriously changeable. Next year, the Congress can say they need that money for more tax cuts for billionaires. Local legislators can decide to use the money for projects that benefit their donors, not their patients. States are smaller ponds, and inherently more corruptible because you have to grease fewer palms to achieve the same results.
3
Yep, could you imagine what Scott Walker would do in Wisconsin? He just signed up to give away $3 billion of Wisconsin's tax payer's money to a foreign company. I'm sure he wouldn't have any problem giving away my Federal tax dollars to the Koch's.
3
This bill is a bad idea. If passed, there will be a race to the bottom among the states because otherwise unemployed and chronically ill people will steadily move to whatever state provides the best coverage. There's no way to check that with this bill other than by lowering standards.
Health care in this country is expensive because everyone makes a lot of money by keeping it private and by controlling the supply of doctors, hospitals, drugs and treatment generally. With doctors' incomes what they are today, medical schools should be opening daily to train them. The fact that they are not tells you all you need to know about how to solve the problem of cost.
Having succeeded in gerrymandering the state legislatures, Republicans are now on to gerrymandering health care funding.
Just read Jeff Flake's Conscience of a Conservative. Want to give the other side a chance, and all. After reading that, I cannot understand how he would vote for this bill, especially after a writing whole chapter in which he apologizes for voting ideologically rather than pragmatically when it came to TARP. Once he votes for this bill, he'll have enough material for a whole new apology chapter in the next edition of his book!
4
This story, and others covering the Republican push to end the ACA should be front and center in the NYT. Yes, the current earthquakes and hurricanes are terrible and certainly deserve coverage, but we have no control over them. This frantic push that must take place in the next 10 days will effect every American for decades, and not for the better. This story deserves more coverage and in-depth reporting, in ten days it will be too late to look back and analyze what happened.
5
Everybody in the world knows the Republican plan is a disaster. It is opposed by virtually every medical professional organization, the insurance industry, the drug industry, and governors of both parties and a big majority of people. The Republicans don't care what anyone thinks.
3
Why is healthcare on the chopping block when we have 700 BILLION for WAR?
Think about that.
575
Gotta pay Dick Cheney and Eric Prince.
3
America needs all that money to fight wars now that the US State Department is cutting thier budgets. oh, and that the generals are now in key posts in the White House also might have something to do with the current state of affairs.
1
I have thought about it, a lot.
In consideration of the real world issues in Iran and North Korea, I am very worried about making the kind of wholesale cuts to defense at this juncture. In addition, it is clear that there will be unanticipated major expenses for the humanitarian disasters of Irma and Maria. Our military does these things too, and they cost a fortune.
Please consider that as well to retain a balance. Nothing is easy and inexpensive these days.
In consideration of the real world issues in Iran and North Korea, I am very worried about making the kind of wholesale cuts to defense at this juncture. In addition, it is clear that there will be unanticipated major expenses for the humanitarian disasters of Irma and Maria. Our military does these things too, and they cost a fortune.
Please consider that as well to retain a balance. Nothing is easy and inexpensive these days.
1
Let's end the terror and divisiveness. One country. One single payer health care system.
4
So if the evil insurance companies are against the bill it must be good, right? Right?
1
Some crimes are so horrible that even criminals are appalled.
1
Joe - You would think yes, however since the bill is Republican it must be bad to the partisan readers of the NYT. Let's have the insurance companies, who are against this bill, rewrite the next American health care bill or give Jonathan Gruber and the Democrats another chance at a bill.
This bill should be DOA
Thanks to JK for the smakdown - much deserved !
1
Remind me again why we call our nation the "United States?" Maybe we should rename it the Emirates of America.
4
If this debacle doesn't demonstrate Mitch McConnell's utter incompetence, nothing ever will. He is the single most unsuitable candidate for this powerful position at least in my lifetime. That said, we're pretty fortunate to have someone so incompetent leading this bunch.
4
He had enough competence to destroy the Supreme Court for the rest of my lifetime. I'll say we are fortunate when he, Ryan, and the rest of their mean-spirited, hypocritical, grasping, lying pack of opportunists are out of office.
2
Basically, this is about dismantling Pres. Obama's signature legislation which has saved lives, helped Americans not lose their "shirts" because of the high cost of healthcare. Republicans loath Obama, that's what this is about!
Polls show that the majority of Americans want to keep the ACA, but Republicans will hurt their own base because of their egos! Deplorable!
We can vote them out of office in 2018! Republicans are heartless!
9
Loose their "shirts"
You were about to loose your shirt with the taxes Obama care put forth.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010), imposes an annual 40% excise tax on plans with annual premiums exceeding $10,800 for individuals or $29,500 for a family starting in 2020, to be paid by insurers.
You may not be aware, Ron, but those 2020 premium amounts you reference pretty much reflect what people paid for private PPO health plans twenty years ago.
Back in 2000, I recall quotes of $15k individual, $25k family, for what was considered decent coverage at the time.
Imagine what those rates would have ballooned to by now without the intervention of ACA; and that's what we can expect under a GOP plan.
2
Such a needless mess. As soon as you impose a winners and losers mentality on states that did the right thing by their constituents by opting for Medicaid expansion, you bring a degree of partisanship and anger that could have easily been avoided.
This plan still cuts coverage to unacceptable levels, particularly for such a vulnerable population as the Medicaid patients. For a party that aims to reduce the role of the federal government, it's still elevating government--both federal and state--to picking winners and losers.
Such hypocrisy!
15
What a great way to clean up the healthcare mess - create 50 new bureaucracies. Pure genius.
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Consider the fact that the US Congress with unlimited resources has been working on a health system acceptable to all for many years, AND they have not found the key. Now, the Graham-Kassidy bill wants to throw the ball back to 50, count them, 50 states for them to reinvent the wheel. There is the fiction that states can do better because they are closer to the people. Let me suggest that, except for the physical distance, the state government is no closer to me than the federal government. Here is a quote from a conservative opinion piece in today's NYT: "A more flexible system would give states latitude to pursue health care programs that are a better fit for their populations’ ideological sensibilities." So, we are no longer should focus on the body and its maladies, but on ideological premises. I am sure every doctor would agree on this idea: "Yes, Mr.
Smith, before I prescribe a medication for your serious condition, can you please tell me a bit about your political leanings?" Yet, this is precisely the problem, politicians are not focused on health issues but on political positioning.
Let's hope that this last gasp measure is, indeed, the last gasp, so that in the future a more reasonable discussion can take place.
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What I think I'd really like to see is Bill Cassidy and Lindsey Graham appear on Jimmy Kimmel for the full show and prove that he is wrong about the bill, and explain to everyone why this supposed healthcare bill is good for the country.
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Good luck with that...
Also, have the politicians use the same public healthcare plan as their poorer constituents.
1
Partial, brief, but likely scenario:
Block Grant ---> underfunding (potentially 50 different variations) ---> reduction of (a) number of recipients, (b) of benefits, (c) increase out-of-pocket cost, or (d) over time, all of the above.
4
Don't be fooled...this latest Trumpcare...aka Graham/Cassidy is nothing more than Republican pleasing their big donors, like the Koch brothers..who have already told them "the purse is closed" until you "repeal" the ACA.
These TrumpCare bills have NEVER been about giving Americans better healthcare...it has ALWAYS been about pleasing their donors..and giving those donors "bigger" tax cuts. Full Stop.
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Exactly. And, it has nothing to do with Trump's base. Only seven percent of people who voted for Trump reported after the election that repealing the ACA was a high priority for them.
Read between the lines. The Republican Plan will allow states not to really spend money on insurance, but on "plans" and other non essential programs rather then on true health insurance. So the insurance companies will lose out even more then right now. People need to realize that insurance companies want to have minimal, if not zero risk. At the same time they want the biggest profit margins. That's one of the reasons they like medicare and "advantage plans", guarantee profits, minimal risks.
3
I just recently heard that the only reason the Republican Senators are pushing this sham of a bill, is they were instructed by their Big Money Donors, not because it's good for the people or the country.
15
Are we really getting good representation by responsible, mature, selfless politicians? I did not use the word "leaders" on purpose. How could we pay for the invasion of Iraq and years of war without so much as a ripple? Why is the greater good and the boon of long-term policy not killing the argument for short term profit for those in a position to benefit from confusion? Why do I have to write this note in 2017? The facts are all out there for people who use facts to make decisions. Republican health goals literally support the killing of Americans. If you help a long-suffering relative in an assisted suicide to end their pain at their request, you can be convicted of murder, even if you do it one minute before their natural death. Yet republican health policy causes the early deaths of hundreds of thousands of people every year. Why don't we call this murderous policy by its true name - murder for convenience and profit!
13
Republicans spent 7+ years posturing on healthcare without doing any of the spadework required to develop a viable alternative. After offering fantastic, but undeliverable promises, they now propose to claim VICTORY by punting the problem to the states and handicapping them with sharp budget cuts that mean millions will lose coverage. There is a special place in hell….
22
It was Senator Shelly Moore Capito who intoned in July that she didn’t come to Washington to hurt people, yet did an about face and supported her party’s legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare. It’s a matter of what comes first for the GOP lawmakers, the welfare and will of their constituents or their party’s agenda. Will John McCain stand on principle or be swayed by the governor of Arizona? Do the Republican senators really think they know more about health care than the insurers and professionals? At any rate, if this bill fails, the GOP will certainly regroup and try again to do away with the ACA.
12
It's simple, Mr. Lone Ranger.
Senator Capito is a liar.
She doesn't want to be SEEN 'hurting people'....
2
Single payer is the only way to go. This fight has gone on for way to long. Republicans like to throw out the words "socialized medicine", but the countries that have single payer deliver more services at a lower cost. The Republican Party cannot not agree that health insurance is a right for all citizens, yet they enjoy fabulous coverage, like all members of Congress, paid for by taxpayers. Maybe if they were willing to accept what they offer us in coverage I would have some respect for them. Any citizen that votes for a Republican candidate votes against their own best interest unless they are very wealthy whose only interest is lowering taxes for personal gain. Just like the liar in chief.
39
PATHETIC on the part of the GOP. I remember when the Republican Party at least represented a decent sized contingent. This party now only supports its largest handful of donors. It should be renamed the Anti-Republican Party to distinguish itself from the remaining thoughtful, old school, Republicans that were pragmatic, economically conservative (wanted balanced budgets & reasonable regulation), and cared about their country instead of this new group of bought charlatans.
8
let's be frank; there are few voters Republican or otherwise, actively seeking to lose their insurance or have their access to healthcare jeopardized. There is no public groundswell for this bill. Voters won't punish anyone if this bill fails.
Those few who support this bill want a major tax cut for rich people. They also appear to want the complete elimination of Medicaid (and a return to charity care I suppose). This bill will wreak devastation on Medicaid over the next ten years, and remember we haven't completed the War on "Entitlements" yet. There's more out there for rich people to take.
77
Yet we somehow have 700 billing for war. With nearly full bipartisan support.
4
Marilyn Tavenner has the best read on the situation but she leaves out half the story. The Graham-Cassidy bill does encourage state run single-payer programs. If you cut funding to states like New York and California that are already inclined in that direction, you're basically inviting a political counter reaction on the state level. As goes California so goes the nation. Insurance companies are sweating bullets over Graham-Cassidy because the bill actually accelerates their obsolescence. Patching Obamacare is their best path to continued relevance.
However, Graham-Cassidy is an extremely long and painful path towards single-payer. This bill will destroy lots of lives. The bill is actually the anti-Republican Republican bill anyway. You're eliminating individual choice by redirecting funds from the individual to the state government. Not to mention you're doing so unfairly while destabilizing the market place. Everything about this bill is counter productive to the free market idea of capitalism. So much so, the pendulum is likely going to swing back to socialized medicine on the national level.
I'm beginning to suspect that's not the real point though. Republicans don't care. They need this bill to pass in order to get a favorable CBO analysis on their tax plan. They still don't have the money to cut taxes on the wealthy without cutting funding to Obamacare. A ten year phase out will look good enough on paper to get the tax plan through even if the grants never go away.
51
Terrific analysis. One point about California, however. The Legislature here tried to pass single-payer in this last session, but failed. One sticking point is Medicare. Would Medicare recipients get to keep their federal insurance, or be funneled into state single-payer?
4
Good question. I suspect the state program would have to kick medicare eligible recipients back onto the national program until single-payer is nationalized. You'd have state funded single-payer for citizens aged 0-65. After that, the existing federal program takes over. The tricky part is actually the lifetime medicaid cap. Medicaid benefits the elderly. If Californians can't find a mechanism to cover the coverage loss, you're still disenfranchising the aging population. The tax burden would necessarily fall on the younger population. The situation is not likely to gain much popular support as the medicaid benefit predates Obamacare. Working age employees are forced to take up the slack for the problem introduced by the Republican federal government. Not an easy proposition. Just remember where to place the blame when you go to the polls. California is getting deliberately thrown under the bus.
1
No need to remind me! Never, ever vote for, well, you know. Also, it's been clear from the beginning of his term that 45 and his minions have been gunning for California. Lots of luck with that!
If Repuclican leaders thought they had the votes, they would hold the vote immediately, lest someone change his/her mind tomorrow.
7
Insurers are doing exactly what the actuarial mathematics is telling them to do in order to maintain their profits; we can argue about the size and scale of insurance industry profits, but not about subscribers' medical data. In fact, if left up to state governments to provide coverage, barely half our states are populous enough to supply enough young and healthy subscribers' premiums to carry the financial obligations of older and less healthy individuals; opioid addictions further complicate the epidemiological picture. This is one of the primary reasons the Republican bill currently under consideration is so toxic. Perhaps the Republicans have to discover this the hard way, though their leadership certainly knows better; they want and believe they need a political solution that includes red meat for their clueless base. Too bad and too shameful that they are willing to sacrifice the well being of their constituents in order to declare "victory".
18
Get the lobbyists going quickly folks. Nothing changes a vote like a fat campaign check.
3
well if big insurance is AGAINST it..... then it has to be GREAT for us little people.
6
Because we all know Washington knows more about health care than hospitals.
2
"The authors of the new repeal bill, Mr. Graham and Mr. Cassidy, say decisions about health care are best made at the local level."
California: "Cool, so we can use the block grant to set up a single-payer system within the state of California?"
Graham/Cassidy: "NO WAIT THAT'S NOT WHAT WE MEANT"
32
Nice try, but the block grants would be about $500 BILLION less than the cost of single payer health care in California.....
1
Trump says this is a "great bill".
Does anyone believe for one second that Donald Trump has the slightest idea what this "great bill" does? Does anyone believe he remotely cares what's in the bill?
This is a man who two months ago confused health insurance with life insurance.
280
Everything told to Trump is filtered. Who knows what he does and does not know?
3
Yep, that's our President!!
Mr Mueller, please speed up your investigation!
3
It IS great for his Robber Baron brethren, Will. Those are the only people he's talking to - not the unfortunate uninformed peons who voted for him.
This Republicans came up with a pithy slogan, Repeal & Replace, 8 years ago and found out that it worked like a charm. They never actually had to do anything but keep repeating it. Until they got elected...now they're legislating a slogan, not enacting a carefully thought out health care policy that puts the American consumer and their well-being at the center.
67
State's rights? Not if you're a woman - nope, the bill specifically prevents Planned Parenthood from receiving any Medicaid funding, so NO state can contract for their services. Good luck in finding a gynecologist taking Medicaid, or having states quickly coming up to speed with non-religious based woman health clinics. Without reproductive strings attached.
145
It's just mind-boggling that the Republicans could come up with an even worse proposal than their previous attempts. But here we are.
In addition to devastating anyone with a lower income or pre-existing condition, this proposal adds savage vindictiveness toward states who previously accepted the ACA's Medicaid expansion (mostly blue states) while funneling a higher percentage toward those who didn't (mostly red states.) Never mind helping actual Americans, as long as we can punish anyone and anything associated with Obama.
Throw in some insurance market chaos - 50 different sets of rules! - cut some taxes for millionaires and billionaires, kick tens of millions off of their coverage, and hey presto, we've got a "health care" bill!
You'd have to be sick in your soul to come up with something like this. And they are.
686
Mr. Koppett you are of course entitled to your opinion. But factually, as I understand it, the funding formula in the reform bill is a neutral per-capita thing. Blue states would receive less under the repeal because the ACA canted funding in favor of states that went along with the Medicaid expansion. Which approach is "fairer" is more a matter of political preference than math.
Agree, psychopaths
The most gobsmacking part of this, to me, is the vindictiveness toward states that tried to help their citizens by expanding Medicaid. Pure viciousness.
The state block grants idea is just plain dumb, unfair, and nine times out of ten states take those block grants and use them for things the grants were never intended for.
On top of that, what this continual fooling around with dismantling the ACA is doing is destabilizing the entire insurance and health car industry. What needed to be done was being done--a bipartisan approach to stabilizing the health markets that have been faced with incredible uncertainly due to the constant drumbeat of "repeal and replace" for no other reason than the GOP desire to have their own version and claim a win. There is no win here. If this bill passes, EVERYONE's insurance will have a catastrophic rise in price. Millions will drop out or be dropped out. Hospitals will close, doctors will not get paid, insurance companies will limit coverage and charge more for it. Its a LOSE - LOSE proposition and completely unfair to everyone in the country.
16
If this abomination of a bill were to become law, Republicans seem not to have thought of one long-term indirect consequence of balkanizing health care: people will be strongly incentivized to remain in or move to more progressive states, which no doubt will find a way to maintain healthcare for their citizens. The Red States, which seem to aspire to third world status in infrastructure, health care and education, will become only more regressive, given that budgets directed to the good of their people has never been a priority. (Cassidy's state of Louisiana is 50th in general health). People who believe in progress, along with their companies, jobs, and energy, will expand the exodus from those states.
13
Whatever happened to doing what is right for all Americans? The GOP is nickel and diming this new version of health care at the expense of American lives. Furthermore, GOP leaders must show concern for all Americans and the well being of all American health care efforts and not just to their own state and constituents. We are supposed to be in this together, one country and yet there are so many disparities in how government operates from state to state. How convenient it is to vote for a bill that benefits a particular state in efforts to maintain voting popularity while limiting/depriving other states of similar benefits. Where is the common sense in all this?
Other folks including Bernie Sanders have it right….a single payer system is the way to go.
9
To a degree, I thought Lindsay Graham had common sense; this last ditch effort, without regular order, tells me otherwise.
16
Anybody thinking Lindsay Graham has common sense is guilty of reading Lindsay Graham's press releases, and taking them seriously.
2
“Given the choice between Arizona or Washington deciding how federal health care dollars are spent in the state,’’ he said, “I’ll take Arizona every day of the week.’’....Hey Flake,I have a better idea. Given how different the States are and how much better they are than the Federal Government at running things, why don't we take the money we spend on the Pentagon and send it back to the states as block grants so they can have their on army that meets their specific military needs. After all, Florida needs a huge navy to protect its coast line and all its islands, Montana doesn't need a navy, but rather an army that can fight in the mountains, Minnesota needs an army that can fight in the cold, while Louisiana needs hot whether soldiers that are familiar with swamps. New Mexico has a long border to defend and Iowa would save a bunch of money 'cause with no ocean or border and being perfectly flat they hardly need any military at all. Seriously, the various states military needs are far more varied than their differences in healthcare requirements and just think how much money the Federal Government would save by sending them military block grants.
290
@ W A
Funny thing call the U S Constitution keeps a pipe dream such as you propose from ever happening.
Although I do agree all those large liberal states need a massive police/military presence to help control your rampant crime rates.
Chicago, just went over the 500 murder mark.
1
Reply to liwop: if Illinois had an army that could exercise border controls to block gun smuggling from Indiana and other states, Chicago's gun murder rate would plunge.
9
liwop....If you are referring to the preamble to the Constitution where it says "provide for the common defense", remember the first line says "form a more perfect union" and the fifth says "promote the general welfare"; and no matter what it says about defense for the first 70 years, up until the Civil War, each State provided its own military.
7
This is sheer stubborness on the part of Republican legislators. The vast majority of those affected by this law are against it and yet they go right ahead and try to ram it through.
I still say that this is all driven by the desire to get rid of the taxes on investments and the wealthy in the ACA. So they are willing to wreck the U.S. health care system in order to give a tax cut to the wealthy. A tax cut that the rest of us will somehow have to make up since we are still running budget deficits.
Also how can Trump say that pre-existing conditions are covered when the states are allowed to use the grants as they see fit.?
123
because they have a mandate in the bag of $$$$$ stating that the P E C must be maintained.
I know the liberal media doesn't cover that because it upsets the liberal position.
1
How can Trump say pre-existing conditions are covered? He can and does say anything that falls out of his brain when his mouth opens.
Trump is an ignorant incompetent who wants a war with Iran because he pathologically hates Obama who kept us from one.
12
They are just trying to help a downtrodden, small minority.
Themselves and the rest of the 1%.
1
Why not set the A.C.A. to expire after the next Presidential election. That way, the political parties would have a chance to develop modifications or alternatives and the voters could decide.
As a side benefit, Congress could get back to getting some other work done. There are other problems in this country.
3
Because they don't have the votes for that.
What are the motives of elected Republican in the House and Senate on health care reform? And why does President Trump refuse to provide financial and other support for existing federally-mandated health care currently on the books?
As has been widely reported since spring 2017, the strong majority of American citizens favor keeping the federal health care laws as is, with tweaks here and there to further bolster federal health care. And the vast majority of Americans favor a goal of providing more federally-supported health care to more people in the U.S. than are currently covered by such support.
What part of this does President Trump and elected Republican in the House and Senate not get?
14
This is all about providing a desperately needed "victory" for Trump who would gladly sign a piece of soiled bathroom tissue if it met that objective.
20
Cassidy and Graham are clearly geniuses - knowing that deep budget cuts will result in more and better coverage, and that investing more in states that have done less to improve health care for their citizens is a guaranteed way to insure that your money is spent effectively. Senators from states that lose money for health care in this deal but vote for it anyway, thus effectively "putting party over country", should be quickly voted out of office.
13
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, America’s Health Insurance Plans, the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, AARP, and the American Cancer Society have all announced their opposition to this bill.
That should give us cause to think whether this bill might not have something very good for patients and bad for the continuing greed of the privatized health care industry. When they scream the loudest, things might actually be looking up for America.
As George Will suggested recently, if the Congress eventually hands the President a bill which scraps the entire health care industry in favor of Medicare for all, he may, against all odds, sign it, and quickly.
Don't be surprised if it goes down this way. At least, for all the socialist ills that more Medicare may bring, the insane profits to the billionaire brokers and middle earth managers of our health care will disappear for good as money goes directly to the states and out of the hands of the health care industrial complex.
I've seen stranger things happen in politics.
Republicans love to say that people will have access to health care. Well, we all have access to steak and lobster, big cars and yachts and everything else. The question with health care and everything is affordability.
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Not everyone does.
But we have lots of money for WAR.
I wonder how many liberals got the message about the bipartisan support for the 700 BILLION just handed to the military Industrial complex for more war.
Does anyone see how twisted this is?
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Kay, that money was never going to go toward healthcare anyway, not with Republicans running the House, Senate, Presidency and Supreme Court. Why are you so angry at Democrats when it is Republicans that are almost solely in charge of our current political situation?
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Ending insurance, and voting in a $1.3 trillion tax cut while insisting that more Health care and FEMA money go to Texas? Has everyone in the GOP lost their minds? The US needs to quit subsidizing big oil and should not clean up environmental damage caused by big oil, especially in Texas. All those big oil billionaires who expect everyone to clean up after their dirty work need to dip into their own pockets.
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The Republicans have made repealing the ACA a bedrock of their political philosophy. The act now on the theory that if you just say something over and over again, it will happen. This bill combines the worst of all possible worlds, and as usual, will deprive many people of affordable coverage and many more of any coverage at all, all for a campaign slogan.
The Republicans don't give a hoot about Americans' health care. They just want to realize their program of concentrating wealth and welfare in the hand of the already well-to-do. The rest of us can all just die "and decrease the surplus population."
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This isn't a bill which has the best interests of patients. This is a bill designed to slake the thirst for repealing the Affordable Care Act, which has everything to do the pent-up hatred towards President Obama, and nothing to do with the well-being of the the people in this country. I am disgusted that the Republican party leaders can't let that go and put people first.
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As an added benefit, it will help the rich !!
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I'm not a dog, but I sure can hear the whistle. The states that will gain money are, for the most part, governed by mean spirited racists who will make certain that poor people, especially minorities, will lose coverage. This bill also messes with Medicaid, which is not a part of the ACA. According to the Avalere study Colorado will lose $78 billion. Where will all that money go? We all know. To a bloated military budget and tax cuts for the wealthy.
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And will be supported by their Republican senator!
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“The bill contains provisions that would allow states to waive key consumer protections, as well as undermine safeguards for those with pre-existing medical conditions’’
“It’s just basically injecting chaos in 50 state capitals for the next two years”
“States such as Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington would see reductions of 25 percent or more over the 2020 to 2026 period” compared with what they would receive under current law”
“patients will bear the consequences, through reduced access to health care and lost insurance coverage”
“A great Bill,” Mr. Trump concluded on Twitter later Wednesday.
Greed Over People rides again! (hat tip to Socrates)
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Republicans must lose big in 2018, or vote for their constituents instead of their donors. We also must get rid of Citizens United, a shameful decision that has entirely corrupted politics with "dark" money. It's disgusting that McConnell, Ryan, and Trump care more about "winning" against a former black president than the health care of the nation. On the other hand, if they push this through against the American people, maybe it will be the death nell of health insurance, and after many Americans are impoverished and die, and everyone's health insurance skyrockets, we will get Medicare for all. Personally, not a big fan of chaos. As for "block grants", it does not mean "flexibility" for states, it means limited resources, poor, old, or sick, please die quietly.
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Citizens United is a decision by SCOTUS from 2010. You cannot "get rid of it". You can overturn it, but not likely with a Gorsuch court.
You could pass legislation to circumvent it -- but of course, the Dems have been yammering about this for 7 years now and DONE NOTHING.
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The Butch Cassidy/Sundance Kid healthcare plan still inflicts pain on those least able to afford healthcare. Furthermore, it takes funding away from "blue" states to boost funding for "red" states. Quel surprise!
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Nothing, absolutely nothing that the GOP does has the interest of the common man and woman uppermost in their mind. The GOP has truly become the party of the rich and powerful, not anything like your father's GOP. Everything that these people do is to serve their own agenda, not America or it's people. They are totally despicable as human beings.
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But yet Democrats gave bipartisan support for 700 BILLION for more war.
Where are THEIR priorities?
Oh yeah, Russia gate..
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The Democrats (with precious few exceptions) want to make life a little worse for everyone. The Repubs are out & out sadists whose philosophy is: the more suffering the better. We are no better than the Germans of the 1930s. Time to move to Canada. Dreamers, are you listening?
Why on earth are they doing this?? Even their industry benefactors oppose it. Yet they continue. The AFA has flaws; but they can be fixed without throwing the baby out with the bathwater. So is there a racist component? Is it that the president who achieved this, when no one else could, was black? Is it that a black President ridiculed our thin-skinned current President at the Correspondent's Dinner?
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NYT - You are blowing it. This should be the top of the page article. 1/6 of economy or more thrown into turmoil with little planning by these half baked hatchet plans? That is the headline. You are getting coverage fatigue and letting us (including subscribers) down.
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Amen to that. Thank you Joanna.
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