Ridiculous... (AP photo)
We already knew that Congressional Republicans were unwilling to adopt any Democratic attempt at health care reform. A new Republican alternate bill, though, seems to show, amongst other things, that they don't even realize why the effort is being undertaken.
The Republican "alternate bill" has ignored nearly every issue with which reform is intended to deal. Easier access to health insurance? The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would extend access to a whopping 3 million more nonelderly residents by 2019 while leaving 52 million of the nonelderly without any health insurance. When expected population increases are taken into account the effect is basically nothing. An end to denial of coverage or exorbitant premiums for people with preexisting conditions? Nothing again. In fact, people with health issues who are covered may actually see their premiums go up if this legislative farce were somehow passed. Considering that overwhelming premiums are already a tool used by insurance companies to passively deny coverage to Americans with preexisting conditions, this may actually exacerbate the problem.
So, what exactly does the bill seek to accomplish? One thing is tort reform, an issue that Republicans have tacked on to the health care debate. According to the CBO, this measure would save us only $11 billion over the next year and only $41 billion over the next decade. This has not stopped Republicans from positing this measure at the forefront of their version of "reform", claiming ridiculous savings ranging from 50 billion to hundreds of billions of dollars. These figures are based on the results of a Stanford study that only dealt with cardiac patients. Conservatives have extrapolated the results of this study to reflect the entirety of our health care system even though separate studies have shown that caps on malpractice torts would have little effect on other areas of medicine. This is a blatant, and likely intentional, misrepresentation of facts, considering that it would be an incredibly basic error. Those who produced these calculations should, and almost certainly do, know better.
The other key benefit of this Republican "legislation" involves further deregulation of the insurance industry. (That is not a typo.) Through such measures as lowering current minimum coverage standards for insurance plans, Republicans are able to provide the true fruit of their "comprehensive health reform", which is...a marginal decrease in premiums for people who already have health insurance! (That is only an average. As I've mentioned, some people, especially those most vulnerable, would face the possibility of an increase in their payments.) Here the Republicans have identified the true problem with our system. Our insurance plans are just too damn good. By allowing insurance companies to make some of them less comprehensive, we can pay less for them These overall savings are the primary driver behind the $68 billion by which the CBO estimates this plan would reduce federal deficits over the next decade.
It is this last figure that Republicans cite as evidence that they have crafted a plan superior to the current Democratic House bill. This may be the most ridiculous thing I have heard since the last time Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn) opened her mouth. (All too frequent.) Basically, they have crafted a health care reform bill that saves money by not reforming health care. What this shows about the Republican viewpoint on health care is very troubling. Instead of seeing this as an effort to enact policy that will save lives, they have simply set about making numbers match up on a piece of paper and claimed it as success. The only beneficiaries of this plan are insurance companies and those who already have health care. More troubling is the fact that many have also seen it as a tremendous opportunity to ruin President Obama in an effort to restore conservatives to power. Surely the lives of a few poor, disproportionately non-white, people are a worthy sacrifice.
However, conservatives may have misplayed their hand. By releasing a "bill" that is unable to accomplish any of the key goals of health care reform, they have effectively conceded that they have no way of doing so that is better than the current House bill. In fact, the House bill provides comprehensive reform, extending coverage to 96% of nonelderly residents, while actually reducing the deficit by $129 billion over the next decade and resulting in "slight reductions" in the deficit during the decade after that, according to CBO estimates. Compare this to the $68 billion we would save via the Republican faux-legislation. In the end, the Republican proposal is nonsense. It is nothing more than a further elaboration on the unofficial party platform, "No!"
Update: Every fact used in this article comes directly from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The explanation for the difference between the CBO figure on tort reform and conservative estimates can be found on the non-partisan fact checking site FactCheck.org. Links to both are in the article.
Comments
This is just bad. One of the worst I have read on examiner. The facts and dollars are mis-used....
The people in our country deserve health care reform. People who have disabilities and chronic health problems should be insulted by the Republican's hateful attitudes towards health care reform. We all should be insulted by the Republicans attitudes towards health care. Health care is a basic human necessity. Voting no to health care reform is a vote against humanity.
As my neighbor said: "What's all this talk about needing universal health care? We already have that in America. We've had it for years. You go see a doctor, they perform their services, then you pay for the service you received."
He has my vote.
Type in this information on the web and READ!
Ms. McCaughey Chairman of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths and a former Lt. Governor of New York State - Read What
What the Pelosi Health-Care Bill Really Says.
It describes how people will be fined or go to jail for non compliance. How illegal aliens can buy insurance but not face fines or jail time for non complying. How much it will really cost each American. This bill is a horror story.
What the Pelosi Health-Care Bill Really Says
Here are some important passages in the 2,000 page legislation.
By BETSY MCCAUGHEY
The health bill that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is bringing to a vote (H.R. 3962) is 1,990 pages. Here are some of the details you need to know.
What the government will require you to do:
• Sec. 202 (p. 91-92) of the bill requires you to enroll in a "qualified plan." If you get your insurance at work, your employer will have a "grace period" to switch you to a "qualified plan," meaning a plan designed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. If you buy your own insurance, there's no grace period. You'll have to enroll in a qualified plan as soon as any term in your contract changes, such as the co-pay, deductible or benefit.
• Sec. 224 (p. 118) provides that 18 months after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will decide what a "qualified plan" covers and how much you'll be legally required to pay for it. T
• Sec. 224 (p. 118) provides that 18 months after the bill becomes law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will decide what a "qualified plan" covers and how much you'll be legally required to pay for it. That's like a banker telling you to sign the loan agreement now, then filling in the interest rate and repayment terms 18 months later.
On Nov. 2, the Congressional Budget Office estimated what the plans will likely cost. An individual earning $44,000 before taxes who purchases his own insurance will have to pay a $5,300 premium and an estimated $2,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, for a total of $7,300 a year, which is 17% of his pre-tax income. A family earning $102,100 a year before taxes will have to pay a $15,000 premium plus an estimated $5,300 out-of-pocket, for a $20,300 total, or 20% of its pre-tax income. Individuals and families earning less than these amounts will be eligible for subsidies paid directly to their insurer.
• Sec. 303 (pp. 167-168) makes it clear that, although the "qualified plan" is not yet designed, it will be of the "one size fits all" variety. The bill claims to offer choice—basic, enhanced and premium levels—but the benefits are the same. Only the co-pays and deductibles differ. You will have to enroll in the same plan, whether the government is paying for it or you and your employer are footing the bill.
• Sec. 59b (pp. 297-299) says that when you file your taxes, you must include proof that you are in a qualified plan. If not, you will be fined thousands of dollars. Illegal immigrants are exempt from this requirement.[/b]
• Sec. 412 (p. 272) says that employers must provide a "qualified plan" for their employees and pay 72.5% of the cost, and a smaller share of family coverage, or incur an 8% payroll tax. Small businesses, with payrolls from $500,000 to $750,000, are fined less.
Eviscerating Medicare:
In addition to reducing future Medicare funding by an estimated $500 billion, the bill fundamentally changes how Medicare pays doctors and hospitals, permitting the government to dictate treatment decisions.
• Sec. 1302 (pp. 672-692) moves Medicare from a fee-for-service payment system, in which patients choose which doctors to see and doctors are paid for each service they provide, toward what's called a "medical home."
The medical home is this decade's version of HMO-restrictions on care. A primary-care provider manages access to costly specialists and diagnostic tests for a flat monthly fee. The bill specifies that patients may have to settle for a nurse practitioner rather than a physician as the primary-care provider. Medical homes begin with demonstration projects, but the HHS secretary is authorized to "disseminate this approach rapidly on a national basis."
A December 2008 Congressional Budget Office report noted that "medical homes" were likely to resemble the unpopular gatekeepers of 20 years ago if cost control was a priority.
• Sec. 1114 (pp. 391-393) replaces physicians with physician assistants in overseeing care for hospice patients.
• Secs. 1158-1160 (pp. 499-520) initiates programs to reduce payments for patient care to what it costs in the lowest cost regions of the country. This will reduce payments for care (and by implication the standard of care) for hospital patients in higher cost areas such as New York and Florida.
• Sec. 1161 (pp. 520-545) cuts payments to Medicare Advantage plans (used by 20% of seniors). Advantage plans have warned this will result in reductions in optional benefits such as vision and dental care.
• Sec. 1402 (p. 756) says that the results of comparative effectiveness research conducted by the government will be delivered to doctors electronically to guide their use of "medical items and se
• Sec. 399V (p. 1422) provides for grants to community "entities" with no required qualifications except having "documented community activity and experience with community healthcare workers" to "educate, guide, and provide experiential learning opportunities" aimed at drug abuse, poor nutrition, smoking and obesity. "Each community health worker program receiving funds under the grant will provide services in the cultural context most appropriate for the individual served by the program."
These programs will "enhance the capacity of individuals to utilize health services and health related social services under Federal, State and local programs by assisting individuals in establishing eligibility . . . and in receiving services and other benefits" including transportation and translation services.
• Sec. 222 (p. 617) provides reimbursement for culturally and linguistically appropriate services. This program will train health-care workers to inform Medicare beneficiaries of thei
• Secs. 1158-1160 (pp. 499-520) initiates programs to reduce payments for patient care to what it costs in the lowest cost regions of the country. This will reduce payments for care (and by implication the standard of care) for hospital patients in higher cost areas such as New York and Florida.
• Sec. 1161 (pp. 520-545) cuts payments to Medicare Advantage plans (used by 20% of seniors). Advantage plans have warned this will result in reductions in optional benefits such as vision and dental care.
• Sec. 1402 (p. 756) says that the results of comparative effectiveness research conducted by the government will be delivered to doctors electronically to guide their use of "medical items and services."
• Sec. 1302 (pp. 672-692) moves Medicare from a fee-for-service payment system, in which patients choose which doctors to see and doctors are paid for each service they provide, toward what's called a "medical home."
The medical home is this decade's version of HMO-restrictions on care. A primary-care provider manages access to costly specialists and diagnostic tests for a flat monthly fee. The bill specifies that patients may have to settle for a nurse practitioner rather than a physician as the primary-care provider. Medical homes begin with demonstration projects, but the HHS secretary is authorized to "disseminate this approach rapidly on a national basis."
A December 2008 Congressional Budget Office report noted that "medical homes" were likely to resemble the unpopular gatekeepers of 20 years ago if cost control was a priority.
I copied pasted most of what the former Lt Governor of New York has said about Pelosi's Health Care bill. You can look it up on your own. Here are the basics.
1. A family earning $44K a year will pay around $7400. annually.
The more you make - the more you will pay.
2. If you don't pay - you can be fined $250,000. and do up to 5 years in jail.
3. You will see fewer doctors and more nursing or physician assistants at your medical appointments.
4. Dental and eye coverage will be reduced.
5. Medicare coverage will be reduced.
6. Illegal immigrants can buy health care AND NOT pay the fines or do jail time if they choose NOT to have it. But American citizens will!
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Below is the Former Lt Governor on New York explanation of the DEMOCRATS (NOT REPUBLICAN) health care reform bill. Set forth by
Nancy Pelosi
Jesus!
WHAT COUNTRY IN THE WORLD TODAY FINES OR PUTS THEIR CITIZENS IN JAIL FOR NOT HAVING HEALTH CARE COVERAGE???????????????
The U.S. is worst than Russia and China!!!
As my neighbor said: "What's all this talk about needing universal health care? We already have that in America. We've had it for years. You go see a doctor, they perform their services, then you pay for the service you received."
He has my vote.
Yeah - look at the guy. He's obviously a progressive slug who hasn't done a bit of real work in his life. Of course he's going to side with the most liberal caucus available. It's the one that represents handouts.
Grain of salt alert.
Nice to see the only people supporting this monstrosity are the losers who feel health care is a "right". Please give me my entitlements. Where are we in this country that there is no personal responsibility for anything. What motivation will the children have to do anything. The government will provide my home, my food, my heathcare, and a little spending money to boot. Only one big problem, eventually all the money and credit will be gone and it will all fail. God help us.
What people need to understand is that reform IS necessary (a right to a healthy life is, indeed, a basic human right). Without it, millions will continue to go uninsured and under insured. No, health care reform is not yet where it needs to be, but the conservative right wing is denying it the opportunity be put in a place where it can be perfected. They refuse to accept anything coming from the Democratic legislators simply because it did not come from their own sector. They and their minions use irresponsible speculation and truly misuse facts via extrapolation, etc., to come up with these speculations. Then when they take matters into their own hands, their "legislation" is far worse, and as he said, "laughable." Pelosi's papers may not have been workable, but they were a thousand steps closer to health care efficiency than this. We can't lose sight of the ultimate goal here: keep health care standards high while making it attainable for all.
People like you should not be allowed to use computers. Your facts are just plain wrong. You obviously have not read the bill.
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