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Kill The Bill? Some Progressives Say Nothing Is Better Than Senate Health Care Bill (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 15, 2009 at 23:05:44 in Politics
“Yogi Berra is famously noted for the following" "it ain't over 'till it's over". With that in mind, if the insurance industry wants to keep 30-40 million more insureds, then it does the following: agree to have its premium level frozen for the time it takes for the insurance exchange to become effective (3-4 years hence); thereafter, all premium levels must be set according to an economic index, like the CPI. The insurance industry must agree as well to charging no more to any insured for reforms like for not precluding coverage due to a pre-existig condition, etc. The insurance companies also agree to not being exempt from the antitrust laws any longer.
There is a saying, "be a bear in a bear market; a bull in a bull market; but never be a pig, 'cause pigs get slaughtered. The insurance companies and their lackey senators are being downright piggish here, and the way we get rid of pigs is to do what Dr. Dean suggests, get rid of the bill. It is not reform, short of the suggestions I raise, above.”
There is a saying, "be a bear in a bear market; a bull in a bull market; but never be a pig, 'cause pigs get slaughtered. The insurance companies and their lackey senators are being downright piggish here, and the way we get rid of pigs is to do what Dr. Dean suggests, get rid of the bill. It is not reform, short of the suggestions I raise, above.”
time4change2009 replied on Dec 15, 2009 at 23:10:14
“Everything sounds good except the first part. Keeping it 'frozen'. Millions are struggling without HC because the current rates (which would be frozen) are unaffordable. That's the whole problem.
Gov't should have told insurance companies, since we're handing you 30 million or so new customers through the mandate, then we stipulate that you reduce your premiums 20-30%. That's what would have made sense. But Noooo. So...
No Mandate...
Gov't should have told insurance companies, since we're handing you 30 million or so new customers through the mandate, then we stipulate that you reduce your premiums 20-30%. That's what would have made sense. But Noooo. So...
No Mandate...
msbadger replied on Dec 15, 2009 at 23:06:45
“Yogi was cool. Didn't he also say "deja vu all over again" though?”
White House To Reid: Cut A Deal With Lieberman
Commented Dec 14, 2009 at 16:54:20 in Politics
“This is all now utter bull***t. The Democratic form of government has turned into government by those who lie the best, who are most well-connected and who are funded more by the more powerful interest groups and lobbyists. President Obama and the Democrats, you preached change, but you all are no better that George W. and his minions over his eight years in office. To the Democrats: if you don't get Americans REAL health care reform that costs all citizens less out of their pockets, we will ensure you never have to be a representative in Congress again since we will vote you out of office in 2010 and 2012.”
Pegi replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 17:00:17
“whatever.”
BraineyRubble replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 17:00:12
“And not a single Republican even considering any form of change at all. Shame.”
SueInCA replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 16:57:30
“you think Republicans will do any better by you?”
JamesR. replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 16:56:26
“So angry. But points well taken.
Fanned”
Fanned”
Senate Democrats Consider Nightmare Scenario On Health Care
Commented Dec 13, 2009 at 23:48:45 in Politics
“To all those who may read this comment, listen up. We can achieve the very same goal as a public option without there being a public option, or lowering the age for Medicare.
The goal is to make affordable healthcare for all Americans. her is how.
1. freeze health care insurance premiums from the time the law is signed until it becomes effective - - - 3-4 years hence, right? Or, roll back insurance premiums to a time that equals the number of months that insurance exchanges become effective.
2. after the effective date of reform, any increases on an annual basis in premiums will be tied to an index, like the consumer price index.
3. Americans who would initially be eligible to participate in the insurance exchanges would all those who either do not work for an employer with greater than 100 employees, or who are already enrolled in, or eligible for, existing government programs, like Medicare or Medicaid.
4. New insurance regulations, like no pre-existing condition would bar coverage, would take effect upon the bill becoming law. Also, there would be no added costs associated to an insured who applies for insurance with a pre-existing condition.
Now, what is described above achieves the same goal as a public option - - - but there would be no public option. Put that in your pipe Joe Lieberman, and smoke it!”
The goal is to make affordable healthcare for all Americans. her is how.
1. freeze health care insurance premiums from the time the law is signed until it becomes effective - - - 3-4 years hence, right? Or, roll back insurance premiums to a time that equals the number of months that insurance exchanges become effective.
2. after the effective date of reform, any increases on an annual basis in premiums will be tied to an index, like the consumer price index.
3. Americans who would initially be eligible to participate in the insurance exchanges would all those who either do not work for an employer with greater than 100 employees, or who are already enrolled in, or eligible for, existing government programs, like Medicare or Medicaid.
4. New insurance regulations, like no pre-existing condition would bar coverage, would take effect upon the bill becoming law. Also, there would be no added costs associated to an insured who applies for insurance with a pre-existing condition.
Now, what is described above achieves the same goal as a public option - - - but there would be no public option. Put that in your pipe Joe Lieberman, and smoke it!”
David Hart replied on Dec 14, 2009 at 00:13:59
“How do you think all the Democratic Senators (think Baccus, Nelson) with ties to the health care industry will possibly agree to ANY language that does not allow increases for pre-existing conditions or rolls back the price of premiums to ANY figure from the past. That is a pipe dream, and it will never happen.”
meko replied on Dec 13, 2009 at 23:56:56
“If it ensures affordability for consumers, Lieberman will be against it.”
How a Few Private Health Insurers Are on the Way to Controlling Health Care
Commented Dec 12, 2009 at 21:32:04 in Politics
“Secretary reich is RIGHT ON POINT - - - frighteningly correct. It is time for the likes of Senator Burris, perhaps Brown, Wyden and Feingold to just say no to the garbage presently the Senate. What the Senate has before it is no health reform at all. And anyone who begs to differ with me, just ask yourselves, who is paying for any such changes? if you are honest with yourselves, you will know it is us, every single American. I have a suggestion: why not have an amendment introduced next week that places a freeze on insurance company premiums until such time as the insurance exchanges come into being, or perhaps roll back premium levels to a time that equals the period it will take for a health care reform bill to become effective (3-4 years hence). And for good measure, ensure that insurance companies no longer remain exempt from the antitrust laws. Oh, one other thing. Anyone read on p.16 of the bill that no caps on benefits really is bogus; it pertains to lifetime caps---not caps for any one year. Nice slight of hand for insurers and their senator-puppets, huh?”
ChelseaC replied on Dec 13, 2009 at 00:48:46
“Milesz,
Well said.
Fanned.”
Well said.
Fanned.”
The Other Health Care Option
Commented Dec 12, 2009 at 14:48:40 in Politics
“Mr. Kurz has a point, but the principle put forth would remain the same, regardless of whether an entire premium if frozen or not. Consumers must have protection in concrete ways and set forth in words of any legislation that is clear and unambiguous - - - freezing premium levels goes a lng way to do this without there being a so-called public option.”
Health Care Reform: Sifting Through the Suboptimal Solutions
Commented Dec 11, 2009 at 06:44:32 in Politics
“Arianna,
What about this: FREEZING INSURANCE PREMIUMS UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF A HEALTH CARE REFORM, OR, ROLL BACK INSURANCE PREMIUM RATES FOR AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF TIME THAT IT TAKES FOR THE REFORM BILL TO KICK IN. If it takes 3 years to get started once Obama signs the legislation, then roll back premium rates to three years ago. ALSO, I agree that the Medicare buy-in for 55+ is a good thing, but not at rates that reflect gouging by the insurance industry. What do youl, or readers of this column, have to say?”
What about this: FREEZING INSURANCE PREMIUMS UNTIL THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF A HEALTH CARE REFORM, OR, ROLL BACK INSURANCE PREMIUM RATES FOR AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF TIME THAT IT TAKES FOR THE REFORM BILL TO KICK IN. If it takes 3 years to get started once Obama signs the legislation, then roll back premium rates to three years ago. ALSO, I agree that the Medicare buy-in for 55+ is a good thing, but not at rates that reflect gouging by the insurance industry. What do youl, or readers of this column, have to say?”
Ramus replied on Dec 11, 2009 at 07:24:55
“Freezing the premiums..
Burris Threatens To Filibuster Health Care Without Public Option
Commented Dec 10, 2009 at 06:39:51 in Politics
“Senator Burris should be congratulated if he holds to his word, as promised. He, together with Senator Sanders, is doing what politicians should be doing---what is right for his constituents and what is right for the country. It has been too many decades where every single American has been "screwed" by the insurance industry and if the likes of Senator Burris does not stop it, heaven help us all when it comes to health care reform.”
Breakthrough: Health Care Talks Advance In Senate
Commented Dec 08, 2009 at 23:32:06 in Politics
“Let's put it this way: insurers get 40 million new customers. In return, they get to run a new government styled program as well - - - = lots more money for insurers. Then those 55+ can buy into Medicare - - - for how much and for what coverage? Then there are all of America's hospitals who are surely going to beef big time about expanding Medicare. The there is big Pharma - - - where is getting drugs cheaper from Canada in all this? Obama and his minions are nothing more than George W. and his crew. Heaven help all Americans! P.S. The two most important Senators in all this? Sens. Bernie Sanders (I.-Vt.) and Roland Burris (D-Il.). mark my words.”
Lochmon replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 23:37:47
“I'm really curious about this recent wave of authentic Huffpost Bloggers who've never written actual columns on this site, and so often do not even use their real names. Would you be willing to tell me how you scored this status? I'd love to have that cool orange header and attention-grabbing green background for myself.”
pumpupthevolume replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 23:36:59
“The problem with most of the post is that you keep trying to make President into one of the previous president. he is his own person, Hoping is more like FDR or He is a continuation of Bush is living in the past. America has been doing to much of that . We have to live and think in the 21st century. That is why our spirit of innovation is down, because we refuse to look forward , we keep looking back, as if we have no confidence into the future. President Obama is the future and how we work with him, will determine our innovation back into the world stage.”
rick91 replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 23:36:25
“Seems like the teabaggers and Repubs aren't the only ones hoping for America to fail.”
hp blogger Joe The Nerd Ferraro replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 23:35:57
“so we need to thank blogovietch?”
31Blue replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 23:34:08
“You got it!”
KO4Pres replied on Dec 08, 2009 at 23:33:16
“Sheeeesh, chillax...”
Vitter, Coburn Public Option Bluff Called By Democrats (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 05, 2009 at 07:07:40 in Politics
“Well, maybe the Democrats are finally getting the message: Republicans have no interest in ensuring that every single American has access to, and can afford, healthcare in our country. And, moreover, maybe, just maybe, Harry Reid, is getting the message to stop fooling around with anything but a strong competitive mechanism, i.e., the PUBLIC OPTION, that will bring down the costs of premiums to millions of Americans. Right now, the Senate bill is what I call, the "insurance industry full employment act", since it gives health insurers 40 million new customers and a very little and weak check on their ability to raise premium costs to cover the new regulations that will be imposed upon them, like no pre-exisitng conditions will bar coverage. And lest we not forget about Senator Roland Burris of Illinois, who was criticized and scorned upon being appointed to office to fill the shoes of President Obama- - - he (Burris) may be the most instrumental vote for a public option of any senator. He is not running for re-election, and is the most declared candidate of any of them to support a strong public option that covers millions of Americans. Senator Burris may be doing what he was sent to the Hill to do: represent his constituents and their needs, and vote his conscience, rather than voting to get re-elected to office for another term.”
Phaedrus21 replied on Dec 05, 2009 at 08:27:56
“I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with a few of the points of this well-written post.
* I honestly believe that if "we want Obama to fail" were not the overwhelming Republican motivation that there would be a few Republicans who would support this effort. I don't think we can say in general that "Republicans don't want people to have access to healthcare". I just think that their desire to win back the Congress and the White House trumps any desire they might have to improve people's lives.
* Harry Reid knows that the Republicans are not going to support any bill that makes it to the floor no matter what it contains. He doesn't need to "get the message". His not endorsing a strong public option is intended to placate the conservative wing of his own Democratic party. He doesn't need the Republicans to pass the bill. But he does need almost all the Democrats.
That is, if he can get it past a filibuster and bring it to a floor vote at all.”
* I honestly believe that if "we want Obama to fail" were not the overwhelming Republican motivation that there would be a few Republicans who would support this effort. I don't think we can say in general that "Republicans don't want people to have access to healthcare". I just think that their desire to win back the Congress and the White House trumps any desire they might have to improve people's lives.
* Harry Reid knows that the Republicans are not going to support any bill that makes it to the floor no matter what it contains. He doesn't need to "get the message". His not endorsing a strong public option is intended to placate the conservative wing of his own Democratic party. He doesn't need the Republicans to pass the bill. But he does need almost all the Democrats.
That is, if he can get it past a filibuster and bring it to a floor vote at all.”
Marnie1 replied on Dec 05, 2009 at 07:41:29
“The Dims won't be hurt that much if the Repugs kill health care because Dims, Independants, and moderates have all watched and noticed where the problem lies.
But the republicans will be, and will be for years to come. It they want the vote of moderates they will have allow a medicare like public option at the very least. Universal is still what the public really wants.”
But the republicans will be, and will be for years to come. It they want the vote of moderates they will have allow a medicare like public option at the very least. Universal is still what the public really wants.”
An Open Letter to Harry Reid on Controlling Health Care Costs
Commented Dec 03, 2009 at 22:08:59 in Politics
“You have to be kidding? Let the private marketplace correct itself??? First, the private market has been given decades to do this and has failed miserably. Premiums keep going up and up? Second, the private market is in business to make lots of money ---off of you and me. So here is what I suggest to you: stay with private insurers without a public option; I'll go for a competitive marketplace with a public option. In ten years, we'll see who has been "screwed" more. A deal?”
The Audacity of Greed
Commented Oct 15, 2009 at 12:18:40 in Politics
“You are absolutely right; accept a $5,000 penalty for not covering a $50,000 operation. Sounds like a capitalist idea, huh? Now, if only those we elected to office can figure this out as you have, we would all be better off for it.”
The Audacity of Greed
Commented Oct 15, 2009 at 12:16:43 in Politics
“Your figure of 1300 is falacious. Not surprising, since you probably got it from the insurance industry. The figure insurers use includes subsidiaries of giant companies too.”
The Audacity of Greed
Commented Oct 15, 2009 at 12:15:02 in Politics
“Robert,
Your analysis is EXCELLENT and, RIGHT ON! Now, why won't those within the beltway listen. Is it that they are already bought off by the insurance industry lobby? For sure, if we don't see a public option in the final product that goes to Obama's desk, just tell me what REPUBLICAN to vote for in 11/10 and in 11/12. P.S. Two other points you should make in an up coming post: (1) from the passage of real and true health care reform, i.e., with a public option, the time between the passage and effective date should NOT allow insurers to jack up prices like the credit card companies did with rates prior to the effective date of its new regulations; and (2) talk up why lifting the exemption from antitrust laws on the insurance companies should be part of real health care reform as well.”
Your analysis is EXCELLENT and, RIGHT ON! Now, why won't those within the beltway listen. Is it that they are already bought off by the insurance industry lobby? For sure, if we don't see a public option in the final product that goes to Obama's desk, just tell me what REPUBLICAN to vote for in 11/10 and in 11/12. P.S. Two other points you should make in an up coming post: (1) from the passage of real and true health care reform, i.e., with a public option, the time between the passage and effective date should NOT allow insurers to jack up prices like the credit card companies did with rates prior to the effective date of its new regulations; and (2) talk up why lifting the exemption from antitrust laws on the insurance companies should be part of real health care reform as well.”
BartRoberts replied on Oct 18, 2009 at 13:02:26
“"Now, why won't those within the beltway listen. Is it that they are already bought off by the insurance industry lobby?"
The power of these lobbyists has demonstrated to me now more than ever that we need public financing of political campaigns.
Americans of all political stripe should welcome the chance to fire the army of lobbyists now infesting Capitol Hill.”
The power of these lobbyists has demonstrated to me now more than ever that we need public financing of political campaigns.
Americans of all political stripe should welcome the chance to fire the army of lobbyists now infesting Capitol Hill.”
Schwarzenegger Latest Republican To Back Health Care Reform
Commented Oct 06, 2009 at 15:44:05 in Politics
“His statements regarding health care reform are as realistic as his terminator movies. Come on guv, you say you want reform but reform to you is not to reign in insurers that charge an arm and a leg for health care premiums. What you mean by reform, don't ya guv, is that insurers should get millions more insureds through a mandate on all Americans, charge what they want for premiums because there won't be a public option, and limit (as in the Baucus Bill) those who can get subsidies. Now, guv, you think your state is in a financial hole, wait until your type reform comes into being. You won't have a state to govern then. Wise up guv; why don't you rely on what your wife has to say about how health care reform should come about.”
The Ultimate Health Care Solution, and What You Can and Must Do
Commented Oct 05, 2009 at 13:42:42 in Politics
“This MUST be carefully considered, for it is an excellent idea that should be part of healthcare reform!”
The Public Option Lives On
Commented Sep 29, 2009 at 06:33:26 in Politics
“If we don't get a public option; if we don't see insurance regulations, like pre-existing conditions no longer being a bar to coverage; if we don't see the insurance companies no longer exempted from the antitrust laws (Sen. Leahy's bill); and if we don't see Sen. Dorgan's bill on re-importation of pharmaceuticals all come about, then we should "throw the bums" out of office in 2010 or 2012 who didn't allow for these measures to become law!”
MighteeAphrodite replied on Sep 29, 2009 at 09:04:50
“Elected officials who abandon their constituents have an obligation to be unseated.”
Leading Dem Plans To Blow Up Deal With Big Pharma
Commented Sep 29, 2009 at 06:22:48 in Politics
“It is finally time that elected officials start to chip away at why health care is do damn expensive in the U.S. compared to other industrialized nations. Three cheers for Dorgan. Now, let's get this bill passed, get the public option and put insurance regulations, like no pre-existing conditions to bar coverage, in place, and eliminate the antitrust exemption for insurance companies, before year's end!”
Health Care Reform: It Boils Down to Four Words
Commented Sep 27, 2009 at 20:13:40 in Politics
“Your comments are noted, but I don' believe your viewpoints are driving the debate to ensure health care as a right for all Americans.”
Health Care Reform: It Boils Down to Four Words
Commented Sep 27, 2009 at 20:11:59 in Politics
“Thank you for your comments. However, consider if there is private care, how much would it cost, and what controls would exist on private insurers to limit their premiums so that Americans don't go broke having to pay for them?”
The Wyden - Bennett Healthy Americans Act: Why Not Just Say Yes?
Commented Sep 26, 2009 at 23:26:38 in Politics
“Say Lanny, who, or what, contains the private market from raising insurance premiums when they want to and at whatever level they want to? So notwithstanding anything you are saying, what the conservatives want is just another dose of "screwing" American consumers, huh?”
Health Care Reform: It Boils Down to Four Words
Commented Sep 26, 2009 at 23:22:46 in Politics
“But without choice in the form of real competition, the public option loses steam.”
Health Care Reform: It Boils Down to Four Words
Commented Sep 26, 2009 at 20:50:24 in Politics
“Thank you for your comment. Let's just say we agree to disagree. You will never get to advancements in medicine and technology without the ability of those in America to be able to access and afford them.”
PlaceboStudman replied on Sep 27, 2009 at 08:51:51
“And that is part of the problem. Affordability and accessibility should not be driving medical R&D, need should. Should it be okay for us to tell Bill Gates or Warren Buffettt or Steve Jobs who can all presumably afford any procedure or medicine they might need, that their much needed alternative high tech medical technology such as stem cell research is not available because the low income and uninsured, whose biggest medical concern is a broken foot or a sprained ankle get their botox and rogaine? Because that IS currently what is driving medical R&D from my perspective”
President Obama: Get Angry About Health Care Reform
Commented Sep 25, 2009 at 11:30:35 in Living
“Dr. Weil,
You say it like it is. The days to be kind and soothing for President Obama have long since passed on health care reform. The time has come to lay the hammer down, so to speak. Republicans do NOT want health care reform. It is that simple. And they know why they cannot have health care reform - - - because if true and effective reform comes about now, bye bye to a Republican Congress in 2010 and to a Republican president in 2012. But Dr. Weil, you can do something else. Advocate for the public option, which is only an "acronym" for 4 simple words: affordability, accessibility, choice and competition.”
You say it like it is. The days to be kind and soothing for President Obama have long since passed on health care reform. The time has come to lay the hammer down, so to speak. Republicans do NOT want health care reform. It is that simple. And they know why they cannot have health care reform - - - because if true and effective reform comes about now, bye bye to a Republican Congress in 2010 and to a Republican president in 2012. But Dr. Weil, you can do something else. Advocate for the public option, which is only an "acronym" for 4 simple words: affordability, accessibility, choice and competition.”
Barack Obama Must See Michael Moore's New Movie (and So Must You)!
Commented Sep 21, 2009 at 18:47:55 in Business
“What a timely for Moore to produce and then come out with now - - -particularly as to his reference to FDR's 2d bill of rights that calls for, among other items, health care for all Americans!”
wilsonveteran replied on Sep 21, 2009 at 18:54:21
“So you believe that it is government responsibility to give people homes, jobs, health insurance, and an education. What is left for the people to provide for themselves. Maybe the people should not provide anything but money to the government so it can pay for all of the above.”
Baucus Bill: Health Reform That Isn't
Commented Sep 21, 2009 at 09:01:29 in Politics
“Marcia,
I could not agree with you more on your analysis. Should any real reform not contain an effective check on the insurance industry's ability to charge whatever they want (and with many more millions of Americans who MUST be insured under the Bacus plan), I would just as soon see nothing passed by the Congress. It is incredible to think that Americans ( or maybe it should be just those elected officials in DC) cannot see through what is occurring. Even with the additional regulations being proposed, like, for example, pre-existing conditions will not bar coverage, don't folks know all that means is increased exposures to the insurance industry, which, in turn, means more costs, which, in turn, means less revenues to the bottom line? The only way to increase those decreases in profits is to . . . RAISE PREMIUMS. So, in the end, consumers are going to be paying for those new regulations! If Obama thinks he can get through a Baucus bill with some tweaking, do you have any suggestions who to vote for in 2010 and 2012 on the Republican ticket, since that is where I will wind up going if a Baucus plan becomes law?”
I could not agree with you more on your analysis. Should any real reform not contain an effective check on the insurance industry's ability to charge whatever they want (and with many more millions of Americans who MUST be insured under the Bacus plan), I would just as soon see nothing passed by the Congress. It is incredible to think that Americans ( or maybe it should be just those elected officials in DC) cannot see through what is occurring. Even with the additional regulations being proposed, like, for example, pre-existing conditions will not bar coverage, don't folks know all that means is increased exposures to the insurance industry, which, in turn, means more costs, which, in turn, means less revenues to the bottom line? The only way to increase those decreases in profits is to . . . RAISE PREMIUMS. So, in the end, consumers are going to be paying for those new regulations! If Obama thinks he can get through a Baucus bill with some tweaking, do you have any suggestions who to vote for in 2010 and 2012 on the Republican ticket, since that is where I will wind up going if a Baucus plan becomes law?”
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