GOP Ready to Replace ObamaCare After SCOTUS Decision
by Dr. Susan BerryHouse Republicans will be prepared with a plan to replace ObamaCare with free-market alternatives after the Supreme Court delivers its decision in June. The High Court is planning to hold oral arguments on the healthcare law in March.
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Pennsylvania), who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and chairs its Subcommittee on Health, said that Republicans will be ready for the open window provided by a Supreme Court ruling regardless of the nature of that decision.
Congressman Pitts said he expects the High Court to strike down the individual mandate, but not the entire law. He added that it is also possible the Court could say that federal tax law precludes its decision on the mandate’s constitutionality until after 2015. “We’ll have a window of opportunity with everyone looking to explain that the Affordable Care Act is not fully implemented yet…We’ll use that opportunity and that window to discuss the full ramifications of the Affordable Care Act,” Rep. Pitts said.
Rep. Pitts, who has a Heritage Action for America score of 79%, indicated that the Republican plan will include long-standing GOP priorities, such as limits on medical malpractice suits, the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines, and expansion of the use of health savings accounts. In addition, his committee plans the following:
- A bill to be sent to the House floor this spring which will repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), the “expert” panel charged with cutting Medicare payments to health providers.
- Continue to urge a roll-back of the section of ObamaCare that prohibits states from cutting their Medicaid eligibility until 2014.
- Oversight hearings on the Obama administration’s approach to the definition of “essential” health benefits.
- A major Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reauthorization by June 30, ahead of the September deadline when the current reauthorization expires.
Congressman Pitts indicated that Republicans do not plan to preserve the requirement that insurers cover people who have pre-existing conditions. Instead, the GOP will propose state-based pools in which the government would pay costs for the very ill who require the most care, rather than requirements for coverage by private insurers, a situation that leads to higher insurance costs for everyone.
Though Republicans should be praised for coming up with a plan to reform healthcare in anticipation of the SCOTUS’ decision, we can hardly expect that any “replacement” of ObamaCare will go smoothly if the Court declares that either the mandate or the entire law is unconstitutional. Sadly for the nation, we have an administration that has demonstrated it cares little for the rule of law or the Constitution. Should there be a decision that the law is unconstitutional in its entirety or in part, we cannot expect that the current administration will comply with the decision. As we have seen on many occasions already, this president is likely to thumb his nose at a ruling that is unfavorable to him, using his czars and executive orders to “get around” the ruling in some way in order to continue implementation of his signature legislation.
In addition, as we have also seen, a Republican healthcare reform bill will not likely be entertained by a Democratic-led Senate which could be more concerned about injury to its ego, following a perceived “defeat” by the Supreme Court, rather than responsibility to the citizens of the nation. If a GOP-proposed healthcare reform bill is considered, there will likely be demands, by liberal members of Congress, for government-funded abortion and other “pet” issues in exchange for passage. It is unlikely the president would sign a bill that did not contain some “gifts” to his liberal base.
It is good for Republicans to begin the discussion of free market healthcare reform. But, reliance upon the decision of the High Court to rid the nation of this overreaching law will likely lead to disappointment. All the more reason to elect more conservative members of Congress and a conservative President with vision who will fully repeal this onerous legislation and lead us into a new era of liberty.
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126 Comments
That can only happen if ROMNEY is NOT elected!!! If he is…expect more of the same!!! Who do you think helped Obama institute his Obama care!!!??? NO more progressive RINOS in government!!!!!
As far as I am concerned, I want a President who will do the following!
Completely dismantle Obamacare!!
Completely overhaul the democratic run school system
Completely re-do the income tax laws, so it doesn't take us peons more than ONE piece of paper to do our taxes…
I could go on but I'm sure everyone else wants their turn!!
"elect more conservative members of Congress and a conservative President with vision who will fully repeal this onerous legislation and lead us into a new era of liberty."
I'm starting to feel like whoever we elect We The People will have to be the leaders rather than the led.
A major first step would be allowing insurance to be sold across state lines. The goverment allows MediGap to be sold this way (eg., AARP), which allows lower rates than a state-by-state approach. Our other insurances aren't restricted state-by-state (that I know of), so why health insurance?
The employer-paid cost of health insurance should be added to taxable income. The insured would then have the same deductions available as those who pay for private coverage. This might open some employees eyes
Another option (I don't know how often it's used) is for the employer to provide a flat amount to the employee for the purchase of private insurance. The employee is then free to continue the insurance after leaving the job. Most employers don't do that, so those using the company health insurance actually receive more compensation than those who have self-paid coverage.
If enough Conservatives get elected to the House and Senate, any Republican president will go along with what they present to him. In an ironic twist, Romney will be seen as almost Reaganesque if Conservatives hold both chambers of Congress. Look what having even a minor Conservative majority did to Clinton's legacy!
I am thinking the same. I am thinking of launching a website for citizens to take a pledge, not politicians. The pledge would be to hold the next president and congress feet to the fire for real reform and change of govt. If they dont represent we the people we shall all travel to Washington and effect the change by whatever means necessary.
"if the Court declares that either the mandate or the entire law is unconstitutional"
The mandate is just part of this. The entire law must be struck down or repealed or this republic will be all but unrecognizable in 10 years.
The only true solution to skyrocketing health-care costs is to stop pumping government money into it.
Only when people are spending their own money, only buying what they need, and shopping around for the best deal will prices come down. As long as there is a 3rd-party paying their bills, whether it's government or an insurance company, pricing will continue to rise.
John Stossel did a great series about this issue called "Sick in America" back when he was with ABC. Google it.
Normally a politician only needs to worry about the unwashed masses during an election year, and they are free to pander to special interest the rests of the time with no regard for their voters.
Only an engaged electorate can put a stop to it.
Well it seems our honorable (cough/ gasp) public servants are once again up to their elbows in secrecy, spending our valuable time planning many new laws while WE THE PEOPLE are laser focused on the campaigns.
Has anyone seen info on any of this rumored legislation discussed on the floor of either House of government? Has anyone heard a peep of this from their CONgressman, perhaps the Speaker of the House., Mr Boehner, .. or perhaps the House Leader, Mr Cantor? The arrogance of these buffoons is becoming more and more disgusting. They all seem to be obsessed on some sort of cradle to grave care for us. It seems only WE THE PEOPLE understand we as taxpayers cannot afford that. It amazes me that WE can face the cold hard truth, but our representation in DC is driven to give us collectivism.
What a shame this (R) presidential field has avoided discussing oCare in detail, like a case of the plague. Wouldn't it be terrible (sarc) if all of them gave away their ideas, BEFORE being elected?
I sure hope all these alternative measures that are being "war-gamed" are as complicated as the original oCARE law, because I wouldn't want there to be a chance in HELL that we might ever entertain the possibility that this nation could return to the practice of CAPITALISM, with INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM as its basis…
WHAT A (expletive deleted) COUNTRY!!!
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Agree with all 3 of your demands. I believe Mitt Romney has agreed to do two of them at least. I am not sure of the one page tax return.
I have another suggestion on the taxes. It would not give us a 1 pager, but would result in EVERY adult having a tax obligation. It is: Keep the code the same with one change. The change is to make the 1st one (1) percent of taxes NOT SUBJECT TO ANY OF THE LOOPHOLES in the code. That means that every American would pay at least one (1) percent of their income before any deductions in taxes. The person that makes $10,000 pays $100 regardless of his personal deduction or anything else. The person that makes $100,000,000 pays $1,000,000 regardless of property tax deductions, personal deductions, etc. If the person's tax bracket is 15%, they'd still be responsible to pay the 14% remainder of that bracket on all the after deductions (loopholes).
So, there's be no 47% nonpayers and no millionaires paying nothing. Eventually it would be good to go to a flat tax or a consumption (vat) tax, but that should be INSTEAD of income taxes, sales taxes, etc. Just one tax with people being able to control the amount because they get to decide whether to buy anything.
The bottom line is still CUT SPENDING. GET RID OF SPENDING PROGRAMS. FOLLOW THE CONSTITUTION.
The bottom line is to Reinstate the Constitution. Enable the individuals to be responsible for themselves. According to the Constitution the only thing taxes are to be collected for is THE NATIONAL DEFENSE.
Welfare, redistribution, pet projects, all need to be gotten off the backs of the taxpayers. Other ways can be found to fund them. Such as highways = tollroads. Welfare = churches and groups
Bridges = bonding and tolls to pay for them.
This would end the bailouts and other chicanery that is utilized by politicians to fill their own pockets.
Until we run agencies and czars out of government on a pole… tared and feathered… this bs will continue. It is time that We The People sue our goverment and politicians for derilection of the duties they were elected by us to do.
RINO progressive social engineering is usually done behind closed doors.
Brilliant… so instead of higher insurance premiums the GOP's plan is to continue borrowing and spending the country into oblivion. No, ObamaCare needs to be repealed and people with pre-existing conditions need to write a damn check!
Actually from day one in 2008 the GOP website outlined a two stage 7 point plan to reform health care that didn't default on MC and while leaving insurance to the pvt sector it took out the "no price control" through interstate competition, called for portability so you don't have to get new HC ins just because you move, it cut costs by instituting tort reform, and for the "no matter what uninsured masses" it allowed each state to experiment with pools like they have for bad drivers, means test them after a few years and see which model works best and over the next 15 years it weaned everyone of MC. People over 55 still can use it but everyone else would be able to start and manage health care savings accounts for their old age needs.
A word about the individual mandate.
Not sure the court is a lock on that. There is already precedent in law for that with auto insurance. In order to get a driver's license you have to carry minimum liability insurance to protect other drivers from you. What's wrong with the same kind or law re HC? Why should we the people have to pay for Joe Wino who gets drunk, walks into heavy traffic, and is whisked off to the local hospital where he promptly racks up a million dollar bill that taxpayers have to cover? If the mandate goes away, the only way to avoid paying for Joe is to repeal the law that says hospitals have to treat everyone seriously sick or injured. They're goin broke under that law.
"… sue our government and politicians for derilection…"
Sort'a like all those court rulings that have already gone against o-HOLE's policies? The ones he's arrogantly ignored thus far?
No my friend, I don't think these buffoons are afraid of court orders. The only time they were afraid was when we were in DC, in numbers great enough to over-run their "palace guard"… now them was some skeerd ol' boyz… during those days when oCare was being debated in CONgress. I look back on that stroll that nan-Pig took through that crowd after the passage, and now realize just how truly mortified they really were. The MOST strange aspect of those days was the Republican's reluctance to face their constituency. Most still haven't "faced" us, have they?
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"Sadly for the nation, we have an administration that has demonstrated it cares little for the rule of law or the Constitution. Should there be a decision that the law is unconstitutional in its entirety or in part, we cannot expect that the current administration will comply with the decision. As we have seen on many occasions already, this president is likely to thumb his nose at a ruling that is unfavorable to him, using his czars and executive orders to “get around” the ruling in some way in order to continue implementation of his signature legislation."
They've already stated that this is their intention:
http://weaselzippers.us/2012/01/24/sebelius-well-...
"lose the "must treat" law"
YEP, exactly what I meant when I mentioned we as a nation should return to INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM, which translates to individual responsibility…
Mornin' TS… good to read'ja!
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Maybe "sue" was a "kinder gentler" way of putting it.. I was hopeing that the "tarred and feathered" upped the ante a little.
It is clear that the "Contract With America" pest control was deficient in removing enough of the rats. Now even the roaches have moved back in. Time for another service call…. and this time the job has to be done right before the whole house is condemned.
The criminal party of democrats do not exist to serve the American people. They exist off the backs of the American tax payers as they betray our Constitution and ignore the rule of law. Obama is a brilliant machiavellianistic prevaricator who is dismantling America before our eyes. He MUST be ARRESTED and tried for betraying America.
… make the 1st one (1) percent of taxes NOT SUBJECT TO ANY OF THE LOOPHOLES in the code."
That sounded interesting until I made the calculations, and realized that tax I, as a producer in this economy, would pay, would result in one (1) less person having a job, since it was about equal to his annual salary, before bonuses. Without that employee, my production shrinks by at least one third. Only food for thought…
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The auto insurance requirement is contingent upon operating a motor vehicle on public roadways. People who choose not to be insured merely have to choose not to drive, or in some states submit a surety bond, or show they can self insure (primarily the wealthy)
The health care mandate, on the other hand, falls upon ALL citizens simply because they exist. The comparison might be closer if the auto insurance requirement were federal instead of state level, but it is not – and there are still no-fault states where drivers are only required to insure against their own losses rather than the losses of others.
The bottom line is, the federal government does not have the constitutional authority to mandate that every citizen engage in private commerce, on threat of federal fines (or prison), no matter how the commerce clause has been twisted.
The commerce clause does not provide for forcing commerce where none exists.
I don't understand this splitting-the-difference prediction. The ObamaCare bill contains no severability clause. The architects of the bill admitted that to work at all, the bill requires the individual mandate, which is why they omitted a severability clause. How could the Court invalidate a fragment of such a bill yet leave the rest in place? It goes against virtually all of American legal history!
Obviously, they are going to rely very heavily on ideas from the Heritage Foundation and bills which were introduced and supported by previous Republican senators and congressman such as Newt Gingrich which contained the individual mandate. Oh, I am sorry. I forgot. The individual mandate is now "unconstitutional" because the Democrats introduced a bill containing one and Rusty the Chickenhawk said he hoped "Obama failed" prior to his inauguration. So I see the good doctor believes in the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. After all, they pick up for the tab for the uninsured. Maybe the better view is the good doctor believes the uninsured never get sick, so they are not the ones taking up the space in the ERs. But the most brilliant part of the proposed legislation is barring pre-existing conditions from the insurance pool and passing these costs down to the states. After all, the Republicans do stand for less government and lower taxes.
Frankly I think we should make DC a National Monument, aka tourist attraction… and return the House to their home Districts to do their "work" amongst their constituency. Keep the Senate on a short leash by allowing them to convene only every other month. LOL, after all, that's about all they meet anyway. We need some sort of curb on all this back-room secret s#!t that goes on, as well.. Perhaps we could make that sort of preplanned legislation a Federal crime, punishable by heavy jail-time. I WANT to see OPEN FLOOR DEBATE on ALL legislation in the pipeline!!!
These DC crooks are getting away with "murder", in the name of "serving" us. Their bold arrogance is clearly on display in the current administration, and it's clear a Republican adm will NOT be much different.
Excellent points, Myst.
I knew the auto mandate was state to state but wasn't aware of any state that didn't require it. That said, you're also right….nobody has to buy a car so it isn't as pernicious as the hc mandate forcing us to buy something because we exist.
Hope the court agrees with us, lol.
They still haven't faced us, because even most of the ones with an R after their names have sold out at some point in their careers, and they don't want to answer the tough questions. (Yellow-bellied cowards that they are – if compromise was necessary, they need to explain/discuss that, not hide!)
Career politicians are NOT representative of our population.
You are getting off to a very rough start.
Pound for pound, page for page, word for word, Obamacare was the worst, most duplicitous, deliberately confusing legislation ever voted on.
They knew that when they were writing it. The goal was not to enact a valid law, but to seize another huge chunk of the economy for government control.
As Dr. Berry wrote, Obama will not let this go down without a fight. And when SCOTUS strikes it down, and Obama over-rides their decision with his czars and signing orders, the Republicans' big plans had better include impeachment.
I completely agree with user fees. Why should I pay for a highway that I never use?
I also believe that welfare should be cut almost completely. Let the churches handle charity. Welfare SHOULD be a measure of last resort. It SHOULD NOT be convenient and easy – because why should I make the effort to feed myself if the govt is going to feed me pizza and chips?
Government welfare, as a last resort, should be sacks of rice, soy flour, and a square foot garden kit with seeds. No steaks, no snack cakes…
Seriously… you have hit on something. I agree… it's time to start "home schooling" the politicians. We have let them run with the crowd for way too long…. and left to their own devices… run with the wrong crowds.
With the technology available today… there is absolutely no reason for them to even have to go to the WDC resort and spa at all. Imagine how much money could be saved… and how close an eye we could keep on them if they had to operate from the confines of their home states.
That would put an end to the back room closed door deals. Talk about transparency… that would be it.
One word–leadership
I believe that the fight over Obamacare is going to hinge on the vote of the Obama minion Kagan. She was placed on the court for this reason. It certainly was not based on any record. She is the cheerleader for this mess of legislation.
Her seeming refusal to recuse, the admins refusal to produce relevant documents and the push to recuse Thomas all point in one direction. Her vote will be key.
Roberts needs to investigate this a bit more and stop thinking she will do the right thing. She will most certainly do the LEFT THING.
I see. So Gingrich did not support an individual mandate? Better check your facts: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statement... Perhaps you believe Rusty the Chickenhawk did not say he hoped Obama failed before his inauguration. Once again, better check your facts: http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/daily/2009/01/16/limb... But then, when have you ever let the truth get in the way in your delusional world?
Mornin right back attcha!
What is worrying about that issue is this: doctors will not let a patient die just because they can't pay. They will not stand there and let Joe wino bleed out. They just won't. It's not in their genetic make up to do that. Besides, Joe wino might have a family that takes exception and sues the carp outta them. Bottom line, if Joe makes it onto that ambulance….he will be kept alive, whatever that takes.
Those bills are what are forcing hospitals to close all over the country. Pools were always part of the GOP plan designed to address ole Joe. They just wanted the states to have the right to develop models that work best for them. Even if the mandate is struck down pools would still be a viable alternative.
Otherwise ER closings will go from "a bunch"….. to OMG we have to drive 100 miles to find one even if we have insurance.
Absent a severability provision, the law has to stand or fall in its entirety.
The Supreme Court, as part of the Judiciary no more has a "line item veto" than does the President as part of the Executive.
And can we stop with the "government is going to pay for" bologna? TAXPAYERS foot the bill in each and every example where government is claimed to pay….how about we be HONEST about that and actually SAY it?
Also, lets be HONEST about what "across state lines" means OK? The instant that happens, "government" of the federal variety takes control anyway. That is not the alternative to Obamacare, that is the very CORE of Obamacare. Can you say "commerce clause case law"???
There is only one true solution to this foolishness and that is respect for the private contract engaged in by free people absent the heavy hand of government regulation which amounts to a forced third party.
Yes we must be able to purchase insurance policies from whomever we please and in whichever state we choose, but if we do not see removed the nefarious nature of "commerce clause case law" we will simply have Obamacare by another name. Do not fall for that folks, not again.
RC, I agree 110%, I tool my son out of government school 1 month ago and he's been doing wonderfully in charter school. DOE has destroyed and dumbed down our future!
Romney may keep Obamacare in place, but the results will be the same as in MASS. Huge losses. We can't afford Obamacare: http://www.slideshare.net/CraigJCasey/reasons-why...
Unlike in 2008 when Obama said he was going to reform health care there would be a proposal even if you disagree with some of it on what is going to be done.
What gets me is the attitude of the Obama adminstration. When they don't want states to do something about immigration or voter ID they sue and say it's illegal. Yet when they want to do something which the courts say is illegal they'll just ignore the courts.
Lets call Obama for what he is. DICTATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
Harry, fear not, instead of using his political capital, Obama shoots himself in the foot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeTuWbXi5dY
It's interesting that medical providers will charge insurers and cash patients much more to make up for government underpayments.
all we gotta do is get the eligibility issue litigated on facts instead of having it dismissed on technicalities…then prove that oblunder hussein never officially held the office of POTUS because he obtained it fraudulently…
then every bill he signed would become void…no bill becomes law unless it goes through the constitutional process…and without a legitimate POTUS…that can never happen
You can also operate a motor vehicle on your own property without insurance.
The fat lady has been warming up to a leftest tune and unless the curtain is dropped on the Obamacare play soon it will be all over. As one state Attorney General said,"We are talking about the end of limited government". The Supreme Court we can hope will do the right thing but only removal of Obama and taking back the Senate can assure this abomination does not continue, To that end all conservatives, Teapartiers, libertarians, and freedom lovers of all stripes must stick together.
You make an important point missed by the media and the masses. The Democrats intentionally removed the usual severability clause from Obamacare. This forces the court to accept the entire bill as is or make it void.
This was in fact stated by the states going before the SC. Now we are left with only prayer the leftists on the court do not prevail to shut down the Constitution.
IMPEACH obozzzo
What about Tort Reform?
When Texas enacted a rather mild form of Tort Reform a few years ago, mainly capping rewards, my GP told me his premiums dropped by a third. Providing medical care IS a business, after all, and the cost of insurance is one of those things passed on to the caonsumer (patient.)
Texas also just enacted more Tort Reform in the form of "Loser Pays." Time will tell how much this benefits the Texas economy and its residents.
Ha.
With luck we will replace 100% of Congressmen who are running in 2012. We don't want a RINO replacement for Obamacare.
Things have been out of hand for decades, companies using health benefits to lure employees after the WWIII turns in to an excuse for lower wages. The medical industry figures out how to up their income via insurance, especially government paid.
We need a competitive marketplace to REDUCE the cost of basic medical care. Doctors refuse to deal as do hospitals and labs. We should be able to negotiate and find a doctor and lab tests we could afford. Instead it is a state secret and you the patient are screwed. (Three second opinions from doctors, a couple lab tests = $11,000 !) One policy for all for 'catastrophic' coverage. Why do all taxpayers have to pay for someone's kids laying at home without a job to age 26 ? Call us Greece.
"It goes against virtually all of American legal history!"
And you've just described the entirety of the obama administration.
Brilliant response. ROTFLMFAO It really points out your level of intelligence.
That platform is a path to Obama's re-election. Get rid of the medical advisory board (death panel)? Yes. Get rid of the mandate, INCLUDING all of the required coverages? Yes. Get rid of the provision allowing adults up to age 26 to remain on their parents' health insurance policies? Yes, so that Nancy Pelosi will shut up about artists and musicians being covered.
But asking people with pre-existing conditions to fend for themselves will not fly.
It will take an arrest warrant to get him out of office.
"… if compromise was necessary, they need to explain/discuss that, not hide!)"
What we have now with our Federal Government is both sides hiding, evading and the Republicans are compromising often on basic principles, because the LEFT rushes out to do faux- polling that "shows" WE THE PEOPLE are tired of hearing about their haggling on a particular issue. Our politicians are so desperate to keep their cushy jobs, they have succumbed to this LSM tactic over and over, to the point we no longer have a REPRESENTATIVE REPUBLIC.
The COWARD COMPROMISE CREW is in charge of the Republican House of Representatives right now, as well as the MINORITY LEADER of the SENATE.
Incorrect. You do not need any insurance to have a driver's license.
Because it is not a necessity to have a car, an automobile insurance mandate is not the same thing. You are making the same silly, disingenuous argument that Barry has made time and again, comparing auto insurance with health insurance.
Finally, it is individual states that decide whether to impose an automobile insurance mandate, not the federal government. Under the tenth amendment, states have the power to impose an individual mandate — whether its auto insurance or health insurance.
Its the federal government that lacks that constitutional power.
A guy who thinks there are 57 states, who thinks people with asthma use a breathalyzer, who thinks doctors charge $30,000 for amputating a leg, and who thinks he visited Buckingham Palace in 2008 is not "brilliant."
I'll have to check, but I do think the law has a severability clause. Isn't that the basis for the ruling by Federal Judge Hudson in Virginia?
Intellectually speaking, you're a joke. Even in the very unlikely event you happen to be correct, you completely prevent anyone from even beginning to take you seriously because you're so reliably dishonest in the majority of your comments here. Don't wring your hands too much you will get blisters!
I agree. If our representatives are not willing to discuss what compromises they thought necessary, is it because that compromise was indefensible? If it was necessary, there should be nothing to hide!
The good news is that New Media is allowing a lot of people to see past the narrative…I really, really hope that the 2012 election is good for we the people…not we the republicans, we the PEOPLE. And I am talking about more than just the Presidential election. Get the RINOS and progressives out of the federal government!
We need small government supporters in the House and Senate…then the Presidential election matters less.
That would be a good thing, I think. We have spent a lot of years choosing the "lesser of evils."
I am sick of it.
Happy hunting Mr.Pitts.
No limit for you.
Then that "highly principled" doctor who feels compelled to save the life of a drunk who wandered into traffic, must be willing to foot a significant portion of the cost of saving Joe. Currently he does not. The taxpayer picks up that tab. Charities at one time paid for minimal care for folks like your friend Joe the Wino. Why/ when did that responsibility transfer over to us, the taxpayer? You know tort reform is the answer to Joe's families sudden interest in him, after he "bleeds out". Where were they before his "accident"?
I already do have to travel 40 miles to get to a well equipped, decently staffed ER, so ask me if I GAS if everyone else has the same difficulty. NOPE! If one is deeply concerned about keeling over, perhaps one should move closer to that medical center. This damn herd needs a good, cold, hard culling anyway. How better to do that? After all, that IS what the "death panels" were devised to do.
Should the paramedic be faced with making the decision whether to treat the 350 pound man who falls over with a heart attack, in the local donut shop, after consuming two dozen chocolate covered bear claws for the umpteenth week in a row? WHY THE HELL NOT? I trust that paramedic's judgement as much (actually more) as some panel of creepy elitist on a local "board", who will make biased choices on behalf of saving their own piers and allies. IMO that fat guy made his OWN choice, and we should respect his death-wish…
Eh, this is the very reason CONgress could NEVER have the needed public debate on this issue. Too many bleeding hearts on both sides of the aisle. I will do my damndest to die with my boots ON!
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I see. So specifically, what is "dishonest" about my first comment. You are the joke because you run your mouth all the time and you do not have any supporting facts. You get away with it because you are on this site.
If the only way to win is by promising more entitlements we simply can't afford then we've already lost.
Yep, and meanwhile the MSM and his surrogates continue to show deep loyalty. Though he is saying a lot of wrong things it does not seem to affect him. A Republican president would catch holy hell if the shoe were on the other foot. The American public are being brilliantly played that's for sure.
I am prepared to have the Federal Government get totally the hell out of MY Health Care.
My State is capable of any regulations that MAY be needed.
Once again, you must believe the uninsured never get sick and/or require medical care. Who picks up the tab? Think hard. Remember the first rule of economics: There is not such thing as a free lunch. There are several reasons the non-partisan CBO said our country will save money under Obamacare is the uninsured will not longer flood the ER's when they are sick. This is very costly to our society. Secondly, the uninsured will have access to health care and as a result, they will be treated before serious complications occur. Finally, hospitals and doctors will not be writing off 20% of every bill because of dead beats. If someone thinks they can use a "health savings account" to cover medical bills from serious illnesses, they are delusional. My son recently had his knee scoped. The total bill was over $12,000. Better start saving.
It would have the added benefit of them being forced to "walk amongst" us, and answer to us daily for the decisions they make on our behalf. We all know they are too busy with their social life in DC to read our emails. No more of this elitist snobbery BS they currently fall into. Anyone who is too cowardly to face his constituency daily, rather than only during campaign season, should NOT apply for the job.
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That's really funny! Throwing the fruitcake label around from someone who thinks Obama is a good President!
If there was one, it'd be Holder enforcing it. We're screwed.
No, it does NOT have a severability clause. The Dems got stuck with the bill as it was passed in the Senate before the election of Scott Brown. Language like the severability clause would usually have been added in during a joint conference of the House and Senate and then the final bill would have been sent back to both for a final vote. Since the Brown election meant it could not be passed again in the Senate, the House had to pass the Senate version – one without that clause.
Bwahahaha…..are u sure we ain't twins separated at birth?
AMEN and pass me a beer. I do agree if gov't would stfu charities would step in for children and people with a reasonable long life expectancy. Beats the heloutta the current system.
You didn't hear this from me but paramedics often do make the call…do minimal stuff for ole Joe cause they know if they load him it will take a day and two tanks of gas to find anyone to take him, lol. And nurses do what they call "slow codes" in the hospital and ER when a pt is a goner who just keeps breathin. And we won't even talk about nursing homes.
And mee too, cornpone…..with my boots on! There us just no UP side to geezerhood. Watchin body parts fail one at a time is no way to live and it takes too long to die!
This is why Newt's take on disregarding the SCOTUS bothers me. Just whom do you think The One is going to start quoting when he plows ahead with implementing an invalidated ObummerCare anyway?
Once again, you are clearly demonstrating your level of intelligence. You said I was "dishonest". I challenged you to point out any false statements in my first post. Three posts later, you still are resorting to name calling. This may impress many of the lemmings on this site. But in the real world people would consider you an ignorant fool.
Exactly. When the boss is away…
Very good idea and point ocp. What better way to return the power back to We The People could there be? We could literally stand over them when they vote. Imagine the sweaty foreheads….
Swack! No means no… damn it!
This will be a no go if Romney gets elected and institutes RomneyCare nation wide. http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2012/01/were-scre...
And here I was all worried that ya might have run out of words. Silly me!
;-p',',',',',',
If the Supreme court strikes down the individual mandate in Obamacare doesn't that also mean that Romney's top down big government individual mandate in Massachusetts is also unconstitutional?Since obviously the big government republican establishment who all endorse Romney would want to replace Obamacare with Romneycare.Certainly Mitt Romney made a vigorous defense of his top down big government approach to healthcare the other night.. People who are supporting a Massachusetts liberal like Romney need to beware.
All the top conservatives in this country like Michael Reagan,Hermann Cain,Sara Palin and Michelle Bachmann to name a few are all throwing their support behind Newt Gingrich.All of the Tea Party people I know are supporting Newt Gingrich because only then will you get a top down shakeup of Washington DC.that is way way overdue for this country.A vote for Mitt Romney will probably get rid of the socialist democrats but then you'll be stuck with liberal establisment republicans.
You're well known for refusing to answer anybody else's questions, and for never allowing mere trifles like the truth stand in the way of your talking points of the day. So why should any of us treat you with anything less than total contempt, Warren?
Hi Everyone- thanks for reading my article. I, too, am wary of some of the ideas put forth by the GOP. I do like the idea of expanding health savings accounts because that is the closest idea to people owning their own health insurance plans, at least for non-catastrophic medical needs.
However, I think it's positive for the GOP to get the country seriously talking about healthcare costs from a different perspective. My gut tells me that they are only getting the ideas out there because they must say something if ObamaCare is declared unconstitutional.
It's important to remember that most Americans get their health insurance coverage through their employer, a practice that was begun during WWII when a labor shortage and wage freeze led many companies to lure workers with health benefits as a "perk." That practice has remained and employers now receive tax credits for offering healthcare insurance benefits for their employees.
Unfortunately, this practice has also caused an "entitlement" mentality as well, with many insured Americans- even "conservative" Americans- not knowing or even caring about the costs of healthcare because they are "covered" by their employer-based health insurance. If we think we were overwhelmed by all the regulations and tax increases associated with ObamaCare, just wait until Americans realize that true liberty is really choosing your own healthcare insurance (and, yes, that means doing your own research and reading up on different plans, not having your boss do it for you). There will be an uproar even from so-called "conservative" Americans that will equal the uproar about ObamaCare. The "nanny-state" mentality in this country is already quite entrenched.
So, I am not offended by the GOP raising the discussion. As I said in my article, I don't know that they will get very far with anything until we have, hopefully, a new Congress and a new President. As we have learned, however, we need to keep letting our "public servants" know that they work for us.
Susan Berry
Stupid remarks like that demonstrates the weight of your brain, which one supposes barely makes a mark on the scale. This is the real world or you wouldn't be here, or else you're a delusion in your own mind. You must be on the government take.
LMAO, ;-D Ha, ha, ha… You're funny! NO ONE can talk me under the table… not even your long-winded @$$… but keep on tryin'! Good to see you are functional after that late night.
8-p * * * back'ach'ya!!!
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This site is the "real world"? I see. A site full of birthers, Tea partiers, and wingnuts. It looks like November, 2010 has really gotten into your head. HMMM I bet you think Mittens or Newton will take down Obama. Talk about delusional.
Oh, I respond to questions when they are relevant. However, loaded questions, such as: When did you stop beating your wife, are left unanswered. As they should be.
Even though I have the illusion of having a PPO, I am stuck with Medicare Part B which is already limiting my chances to be seen by specialists because medicare refuses to pay itsdoctors a living wage and my insurance refuses to pick up the difference between medicare payment and a living wage. My company just forced this new United healthcare PPO on me because my old PPO was "too expensive." Rationing of healthcare for seniors is part of Obama's healthcare scam. If you think he is not working behind the scenes with major insurance companies to do this now, I can sell you the White House for $5.00 Rationing is here folks. Here for seniors who have worked and played by the rule of law while members of this administration and its president scoff at the rule of law. Get the government out of healthcare or open up the Congressional health plans to the general public. What is good for me is good for our elected elite.
The whole justification for Obamacare and the Rino position on the "Health care Crisis" was launched as a result of a heritage foundation piece indicating the poor were using the emergency rooms as "cold clinics" and causing overcrowding. Hence Mooshells initiative in Chicago.
It turned out that that report was flawed and based primarily on incidental reporting. need to clear out emergency room misuse set up an emergicare clinic stocked by lesser specialists and lesser equipment to take the overflow. These folks usually have medicare and the hospital will be reimbursed at those levels.
The so called Affordable Care Act has already affected 10s of millions of people. No more free drug samples from your clinics unless of course you are a free clinic. Many citizens who went to their primary care physician at their local clinic depended on free drug samples to get them through until they got paid. A few days supply of antibiotics, etc. For little Johnny who had asthma it was critical he get his rescue inhaler now…but no more..let the kid die. Still want to lie about no death panels you oh so caring liberals?
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Good lord this is getting rediculous
Seems to me there was a gentleman previously running for president who was bold enough to propose this very idea into his platform. . In fact, as I recall, he had several ideas designed to neuter and constrain the megalomaniacs in government and restore more humility in Washington and more deference to the people's voice.
Moreover, the guy had a record of accomplishment in executive level leadership to bolster his campaign words with deeds. Evidently, the DC machine recognized that he was wielding a real "wrecking ball" and through propaganda and a complicit media psy-ops program, the elites were able to effectively dupe a gullible and intellectually lazy public , including the so-called "thought leaders in the family values community" into rejecting this candidate outright.
Irony of ironies, this one candidate who lacked pseudo-sophistication and was the most likely to govern on principle was pounded out of the contest. I know that you, cornpone, know of whom I speak. Furthermore, it galls me to read how the treachery against this man continues now that he has returned to his home state.
Final note: It was extremely difficult for me to cast my primary vote for another candidate recently when my favorite, best choice was still listed on the ballot. After all, I was a life long Indy who had strategically changed my party affiliation to "R" precisely because I wanted to support Rick Perry in this closed primary as well as national election. If he were to UN-suspend, I'd vote for this guy in a heart beat. I'll be going back to "No Party Affiliation" next week.
Heh heh! great quote btw… Whoever got that book fer ya must really care… Prolly a pretty smart feller in his own right too, ain't he? ;-p'''
Yep, all rested and ready for a full day… of laundry and dishes… :'(
Other than Wickard vs Filburn (or is it the other way around?), where the SCOTUS screwed up again and confirmed that a farmer could not grow extra wheat beyond his "New Deal" restricted allotment, even though he was only going to feed it to his livestock, and not sell.
ahem,
Just so's you know, marlene, the federal highway system, like the internet, was begun as a defense program to address a national security issue.
Wrong, as usual. It's unconstitutional no matter what side introduces crap like Obamacare.
What a big waste of tax payer dollars this all has been. It's almost as if congress is intentionally writing bills to keep their buddies busy with court cases.
As far as letting our Representative know how we feel, I did write the little weasel who USED to be my Rep (thanks, Tea Party Patriots) about my concerns on the Patient Diddling and Unaffordable Control Act, pointing out the Bravo Sierra that it was Constituti0onal because states made people buy Liability Insurance. His response was that he didn't know if it was Constitutional or not, but that it was "the Right Thing To Do!"
I'm sure the Breitbart site programmers have added screening, looking for naughty words. I just got dinged at Big Goobermint over eff ee cee aye ell. Don't know if it will be approved yet.
If still they plan on giving lower income people subsidies to buy healthcare, then it fundamentally doesn't change, even if the mandate is removed. It's still a major tax; a major increase in welfare that they will grow and grow, given the opportunity.
I fear the Supreme Court will let us down. It's obvious that they do not understand the Contsitution. If the federal government can force us to buy ANY product, then it will be able to force us to buy anything the federal government says. Since the Supreme Court puts so much emphasis on "precedent", it will set an awful precedent that Presidents will continue to refer to every time they force us to buy something else. I'm afraid it will take a future President with guts to repeal Obamacare in its entirety.
You are simply delusional. I pay for my employees' health insurance. It costs my company approximately $14,000 per month. We are in a plan run by United Health Care. Your typical family premium costs about $1,400 per month. This plan has a $4,000 per year deductible and the next $16,000 is split 80/20 between the insurance carrier and the insured. Some medical costs are not subject to the deductible such as annual physicals. The reason my company receives a tax deduction and this tax deduction would generally not be available to my employees. If health insurance was not deductible, there would be very few, if any persons who could afford coverage. I simply do not know many Americans who can write out a check for $15,000 plus, every year. Nanny state or not. So let's assume tort reform occurs. How much is this going to save on health insurance? A pittance, if that. Under your hated Obamacare, there are different plans. However, these plans must meet minimum standards of coverage. That is all. Americans will be able to shop and compare. But you forgot to mention this in your article. I wonder why? Finally, you think the free market is going to lower medical costs? I see. So doctors are going to start running blue light specials on ACLs or appendectomies? I can see it now. Your child has a hot appendix and the parents are calling up all the hospitals in the area comparing rates. ROTFLMFAO
OH Yeah! Just remembered that I asked this same little ex-Rep why businesses could deduct the cost of providing Health Care to their employees, but private citizens could only deduct 7.5% of the amount OVER whatever the tax code allows. He never answered that one.
Dr Berry: You fail to realize that many of these insured employees don't use their health care coverage for chronic care. I didn't use my private insurance for years except for my annual physical. I was healthy. It cost me a lot of money a month, but when I was diagnosed with cancer, I figured after what they paid out I was the winner in the cost contest.
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