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Why I'm Not Joining the Call to "Kill the Bill"
Commented Dec 26, 2009 at 00:19:16 in Politics
“Wendell, there is a big difference between being against the Senate bill and not wanting to vote for it, because of the largesse corporate America would once again been given (this time, the insurance industry got it)---before this, it was Wall Street; then the credit card companies----and wanting to kill the bill. Your having wanted to now favor a bill givi9=ng the insurance industry everything you advocated against is just another example of what we see with politicians. They say one thing to get our vote, and do exactly the opposite when their backs are against the wall. Your credibility with those who listen to you on stations like MSNBC has really taken a tumble, I imagine, just like all the Democrats who voted for the Senate bill. So, please anyone who says there is a chance with the conference committee must be high on something.”
MidwestBlue replied on Dec 26, 2009 at 08:14:54
“Something certainly happened to the people who called this bill a travesty and are now saying: "Well, I think we should keep it and work to change it." I don't know who got to them, but I suspect someone did. There IS no changing this POS. Does anyone honestly think they're going to stick their necks out and re-visit this once the 2010 mid-terms are underway? No, it will be written in stone, mandates and all.”
60+ House Democrats Say "Any" Health Bill With No Public Option Is "Unacceptable"
Commented Dec 25, 2009 at 03:34:59 in Politics
“Americans should know the following: (1) Politicians lie. (2) Politicians will state what is convenient for the moment; (3) Politicians are unreliable; and (4) Politicians are bought and sold by lobbying money like any other commodity. Now, about the 60+ democrats whos signed onto that letter that they will not support any final bill without a public option?????????? Let's put it this way: there is no foundation for health care reform upon which to build if the following are not present in A final bill:
1. No antitrust exemption.
2. Every woman should have as much choice as their own money will take them.
3. New insurance reforms like the pre-existing condition stuff must not cost a dime more than insurance taken out for anyone not having a pre-existing condition.
5. From the time a law takes effect until its effective date (3-4 years), insurance premiums should be held in check, even frozen at 2008 levels.
5. After the effective date of the health care reform bill, a public option should be created.”
1. No antitrust exemption.
2. Every woman should have as much choice as their own money will take them.
3. New insurance reforms like the pre-existing condition stuff must not cost a dime more than insurance taken out for anyone not having a pre-existing condition.
5. From the time a law takes effect until its effective date (3-4 years), insurance premiums should be held in check, even frozen at 2008 levels.
5. After the effective date of the health care reform bill, a public option should be created.”
GrizzlyBowman replied on Dec 25, 2009 at 18:26:28
“#2 sounds anti-women.”
AJRoberts replied on Dec 25, 2009 at 08:19:31
“Look here's the larger looming moral issue that no one is paying attention to: the ability to extend lives in the next few decades is going to be beyond anything we know. At what point does treatment stop? After all 30 new chemo treatments have been exhausted at a high premium to everyone else?”
AJRoberts replied on Dec 25, 2009 at 08:17:36
“Frozen so Obama can get elected to a second term?”
Why I'm Not Joining the Call to "Kill the Bill"
Commented Dec 25, 2009 at 03:21:25 in Politics
“Wendell, I am saddened in a way to read the contents of your post - - - it is true I would not have signed it if I were in the Senate. However, my reason would have been that those who want real reform have given up much more (at least at this stage before the conference committee convenes) thatn what the Senate bill offers. That is always the story with reform - - - start out with a little, and then take decades to get what is due. Corporate America always starts out with a lot (as with health care feform presently) and then figues out ways to get even more. Two current examples come to mind: the screwing of Main Street by Wall Street, and the credit card companies sticking it to consumers before the new regulations take effect in a couple of months. Also, politicians can't be believed, so why think that the folks tasked in a conference committee will do any better than what is in the Senate bill. if the common folk really want some last minute relief, consider this list: (1) clamp down on any premium increases between 2010 and 2013/14; (2) ensure that insurers can't raise premiums to whatever level they wish thereafter; (3) lift the antitrust exemption; (4) ensure that new insurance reforms like the pre-existing conditions stuff don't cost any more than if an insured does not have any such conditions; and (5) make sure every woman in America continues to”
The Last Hurrah to Reform Health Care
Commented Dec 18, 2009 at 15:39:46 in Politics
“Right on! We still have to time to scream, rant and rage, noodge (word?) and get the word out from the progressive base. Progressives still have leverage, and that is, if Obama does not satisfy them, he places in peril every Democrat in 2010, and in 2012.”
The Last Hurrah to Reform Health Care
Commented Dec 18, 2009 at 15:37:12 in Politics
“Then if you don't like what you see, call your reps. The fat lady has yet to sing-----”
The Last Hurrah to Reform Health Care
Commented Dec 18, 2009 at 15:36:05 in Politics
“Thanks for your comments. As Yogi Berra says, it ain't over 'till it's over".”
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..
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.”
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.”
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?”
Health Care: Is it a Right or . . . Is It a Commodity?
Commented Sep 18, 2009 at 11:30:25 in Politics
“There is no right to an education in our country. But what is allowed for, as President Obama has stated, are public colleges in each state financed in part by tax dollars, that compete with private colleges. And, ya know what, they all exist harmoniously. When have we heard that private institutions are being driven from scholarship by those publicly run? Obama and his speechwriters came up with quite an analogy when he spoke of the public option in terms of our higher education system.”
babina replied on Sep 18, 2009 at 15:57:57
“Excuse me, I have paid over $100,000 in taxes for public education. I don't even have kids. An education is a right from elementary school to high school graduation. So is police protection, fire protection, highway access, military protection, public library access, parks access, and so on. You have no clue what you are talking about.”
Health Care: Is it a Right or . . . Is It a Commodity?
Commented Sep 18, 2009 at 11:27:00 in Politics
“I would hate to think "when" the government would wake up and ensure health care for all. Unfortunately, the role of government has typically been reactive (like in the Wall Street debacle) rather than proactive. This time around, we are at fail safe when it comes to health care, so proactive the government MUST be.”
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