Loophole Lets Dozens of Minnesota Congressional Staff Opt Out of Key Health Care Reform Requirement
by Tom StewardMore than 100 staff members appointed by three Minnesota congressmen who serve as chairman or ranking member on powerful House committees appear to be exempt from a key requirement in the controversial health care reform bill recently passed by Congress and signed into law.
According to a Freedom Foundation of Minnesota (FFM) review of the state congressional delegation’s committee assignments, it appears that 115 committee staff of Congressmen James Oberstar, Collin Peterson and John Kline might be able to opt out of the requirement to purchase their health coverage through new state-run insurance exchanges.
“Forcing millions of Americans into government-run exchanges while exempting high-level staffers is the height of Washington arrogance,” Congressman John Kline told FFM. “If it’s good enough for Americans on Main Street, it ought to be good enough for Democrats’ favored staff members.”
While members of Congress and their personal office staff must participate in state insurance exchanges under the new health care reform law, language tucked away in Section 1312 of the 2,076 page bill appears to let hundreds of committee and leadership staff in the House and Senate off the hook and keep their current federal coverage.
A Congressional Research Service analysis obtained by FFM and distributed to Members of Congress and staff indicates that appears to be the case. The 13 page document titled “The Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act, and Its Potential Impact on Members of Congress and Congressional Staff” says the bill’s vague wording apparently leaves out committee staff and party leaders’ staff, as well as other capitol employees. The bottom line: the committee and political staff in the House and Senate who crafted the health care reform legislation can evidently keep their personal health care plans.
Eighteen-term Congressman Oberstar, one of the most powerful committee chairmen in the House and supporter of the health care reform bill, has more committee staff exempted than Peterson and Kline combined.
- Cong. James Oberstar (D), Chairman, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee–59 Democrat committee staff.
- Cong. Collin Peterson (D), Chairman, House Agriculture Committee–33 Democrat committee staff.
- Cong. John Kline (R), Ranking Member, House Education and Labor Committee–23 Republican committee staff.
Kline, who voted against the health care reform bill, has co-sponsored legislation to repeal the loophole, as well as the overall enabling legislation. “I’ll fight to eliminate this outrageous carve-out and ensure no member or congressional staffer gets a better deal than the American people,” Kline said in a statement.
Neither Oberstar nor Peterson responded to an FFM inquiry on whether they believe the exemption represents a double standard or if they favor repealing the loophole and requiring committee staff to get coverage through state-run exchanges the same as their constituents.
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135 Comments
why would they want to opt out of the great Obamacare? Obama said its really good health care for people…hmmmmmm
What could be more telling about the cr@p in this HCR bill than having those who drafted it specifically writing themselves out of it?
Good enough for Thee but not fo ME!!
Welcome to Obama's post racism, transparent, fundementally changed, socially justified Amerika!!
Hey Dems, the real Dems,,,,is this what you voted for?
The heading says "lets" while the body says "appears". Why the vacilation?
because no one knows whats really in the bill, its a huge maize
Just as well…Dems don't pay taxes so why should they be able to enjoy the fruits of the government take over of health care? Hope that means we're able to keep the exempted priviligees from horning in on Ear Leader's DC Bureaucratic Death Panels, too.
</sarc>
Yeah, but this is just the congressional staff members who crafted the bill and know what's in it better than the actual members of congress who voted for it……………………………..
Hmmm, so those who know the bill the best opt out of the program. What do they know that we don't know? Actually nothing. Just like the general public, those who know what's in the bill the best also oppose it.
November, November,November….can't wait till November!
We need to make sure Kline gets voted out with the Democrats, he is corrupt as well!
“I’ll fight to eliminate this outrageous carve-out and ensure no member or congressional staffer gets a better deal than the American people,” Kline said in a statement.
If I'm not mistaken, this is implicitly stating that the American people are getting the sh*t sandwich. If the loophole equates to "staffers getting a better deal", then one can deduce that those not capable of utilizing the loophole are, effectively, getting a worse deal.
Talk radio has been telling us this for sometime now. Congress exempted themselves and some of their staffers are exempt too. I'd bet very few, if any, democrats actually read the bill. Dumbo wanted it, and Poopsie was going to get it done, bribe by bribe. Anything that "good" should have been able to pass sans the bribes and if it is that "good," why would congress and staffers see to it they are exempt? We "peons" just aren't as deserving as they, but we will be paying for congress' healthcare for their lifetimes. Ready to puke? I have been for sometime now (about 16 mos.).
OBAMACARE a special boondogle for the little people! See what we gave you!
Yeah, vote these bums out! I cannot wait until November 2010! Did you see this video– Whoa, tea party people are gonna take power back!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8omc7y98swY
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nobody knows, i hAVENT READ 1 WORD, if its in legalease i wouldnt get it, just like that jerk dem. congressman Conyers who said sincew he wasnt a lawyer he couldnt understand it and had his people read it for him.
i think we need to not repeal obamacare, we need to reverse rolls. exempt any ordinary citizen, and require every politician, staffer, and families to have to use only state run insurance, as proposed by obamacare, and the rest of us get what we have. and all new taxes levied apply only to politicians, and libtard hollywood leftists!
Four easy steps:
Defeat the idiots who passed this.
See that their "Senior staff members" are not subsequently re-hired by a replacement CongressTwit.
Repeal and replace the crap legislation with free-market based solutions.
Pass a law that says in essence "What is good enough for me shall be good enough for thee."
No more exemptions for any pig overlord wanna-be…
"maize"??? You mean it's a big pile of corn? Maybe we can turn it into some subsidized ethanol…
Good for this Congressman Kline. FIX IT, NOW! No more IMPERIAL CONGRESS CRMINALITY.
Is this Rome circa 405 AD? Are we a few years from DISINTERGRATING? Caesar Obama Caligula?
Who's Larry Sinclair? Why did Obama SNEAK out of the W.H. today? Drug run? Scoring downtown yo?
Excellent vid
it was a corny pun
Did you expect any thing less?
unfortunately the person who will win the race will campaign on a theme the likes of "its free and its for thee" funny thing about free stuff its usually worth what you paid for it. I dont think politicians will ever be able to change things, the will of the people is reflected in congress, we are them, We the people need to change more than a politician coming along and changing things for the good, IMHO
I can't understand that kind of arrogance!..If they want this piece of s–t healthcare bill, then everyone of them
should be covered by it as are the "peons"…..Unbelievable that they are getting away with this type of arrogance
even within their own party…Surely there are a few fair-minded Dems out ther???…
Okay, full disclosure here, I have not taken the time to read the entire "law of the land," and I do rely on learning about many of the key provisions through sources like the BIGS. So, based on what this resource is telling us, the law has even more grounds for challenge. This alone suggests that equity is a major basis for complaint. Equal application of the law derives from equal protection. Though I am not a lawyer, it would seem to me that citizens subject to penalty have a claim when other citizens are not subject to the same penalty under the same circumstances.
If nothing else, it would seem that the more of these things we find within the bill – provisions that not only violate common sense but also flirt with transgressing the fundamental principles of our Constitution – the more people will see what a major Charlie Foxtrot this whole thing is.
Upton Sinclair's dad?
How's that opting out, I mean hope, and change working for ya?
If it doesn't apply to ALL it shouldn't apply to anyone…
If this was such a great bill why the loophole? Better yet what other loopholes are in there WE can take advantage of and turn on them!
This Congress is a disgrace and those who vote these people into office you are an enemy of the people of this nation. Im just curious many are looking forward to Nov, what are your plans when these people get re-elected by the zombie army of theirs who have no clue whats going on but are quick with all the gimme gimme wanting handout programs?!
Send a Message to Politicians, Bias Media and Special Interest Groups http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWDaWBCk0FE
Its time for "out of the box" thinking in dealing with all politicians, bias fringe media and special interest groups who are only working for their own interest. Unconventional actions is what is going to be needed to affect real change through http://www.savingtherepublic.com
You're using deductive reasoning to discuss a move by the federal government? I'd be careful. That could lead you to a very dark place mentally.
wouldnt it be funny if all govt. workers could opt out, all public sector unions and the only people who have to get this crap are private sector folks, sounds like thats the dealio
What an absolute crock of sh*t this is.
They get concierge medicine, executive healthcare, corporate wellness and preventive medicine.
We, the serfs,…………………………………………….. get noblamacare. Band-aids for bullet holes.
No, hc.We are sooooo fing f'ed on so many levels. +Hanzo+
He was giving Larry a ride.
This kind of thing frustrates me to no end. When are we going to get people in Washington who are genuinely interested in doing what is good for America as opposed to gaming the system?
Looks like they really do fancy themselves royalty.
Because he made the whole story up. There is not one thing wrong with this bill.
I'd add to that a longer term goal of adding an amendment to the Constitution, defining and limiting the use of the Commerce Clause by the federal government against the sovereignty of the States. This one clause has been used more than any other to usurp the original intent of the Framers, and to subjugate the will of the people.
We can no longer leave the acceptable use of the Commerce Clause to the interpretation of the Court. We must define its intent and its limitations.
wow. I am so shocked. I can't believe congress could possibly be so self centered, arrogant, and low down dirty rat bast@rd's…
Yeah right…
Yet more disdain for main street. It's so "unbelievable" that loophole like this would be in this "necessary" "vital" "reform" "bill"
If no one else has to lose their exempt status to "enjoy" Obamacare with the "little" people…I would LOVE to see Obama, Pelosi and Reid have to go the way of the "commoners". Especially Pelosi! The look on her face would keep me all warm and fuzzy for quite a while.
As the Botox Queen said, you'll see what's in the bill after it's passed.
Obamacare bans new Physician-Owned Specialty Hospitals from being built!
(Section 6001 of the bill contains a measure that prevents groups of doctors from investing in new hospitals)http://blogs.forbes.com/sciencebiz/2010/04/obamac...
—&—
Robbing Peter to pay Paul's health care
Through the so-called Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act (CLASS Act), Americans will find between $150 and $250 taken out of their paychecks each month to cover this program nobody knew about. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/apr/01/r...
The only way these type of people can sleep at night is with sleeping pills.
Cool! And that would save the tax payers a bundle by not having to pay for the "special" people's life time of health care.
JA your sounding like you almost trust this regime (just kidding), sarcasm is not lost with my people just misplaced alot of the time.
I am fed up with the sunzabitches. I want payback and I want it now.
[...] » Loophole Lets Dozens of Minnesota Congressional Staff Opt Out of … [...]
JohnK144
As usual you are spot on. I would also like to see a definitive explanation (and simplification) of "anti-trust" laws. That is yet another fine example of a vague playground for the litigious and others with an axe to grind. How about a "plain English" amendment to reduce the labyrinth of our legal and tax codes? Lawyers and accountants are pretty smart people, I am sure they could find or create a job in some other field if they get squeezed out by reduced demand.
GF
Uh, James, not to pick, but I think its proper name is Czar Husseinus Obaminus or "Hussein the Abominable". I did fail out of Latin, so you may be right.
Larry Sinclair? He is a dead end. That avenue was closed prior to the parade leading up to the Coronation of the One.
/sarc/sarc/sarc/sarc/gagging now/sarc/sarc……………………………………………………………….
Whew! Thanks for that! I was starting to tear up for the poor dumb bastards! Public "service" = oxymoron…
… and to think, that I have about 40 years of this regression to look forward to (23 years old). As long as parasites continue voting with their feet and a firm grasp on someone else's wallet, I fear where this road leads.
It's breathtaking when one takes a step back and sees the damage being wrought by these kleptocrats. One thing I can say on Bush's behalf (not a conservative by most means) is that, under his watch, I have never feared for my life as he was very forthcoming with his terrorist handling… unlike Obama, who seeks to undermine our sovereignty by dismantling all national security protocols in an attempt to appease terrorists whose only loudly professed goal is the destruction of America (and freedom by extension… scratch that, they explicitly condemned freedom as well).
Never have so few, destroyed so much, against the will of so many, this fast… and they continue steamrolling through destructive policies that, by all measures, constitute a fast-track towards third-world status.
You mean like, I dunno, confiscatory tax rates? Maybe we should all pay the same (low) rate with ZERO exemptions?
Maybe unemployment and "welfare" should be funded by a payroll tax (REAL "lock-box" with mandatory adjustments annually). You don't pay in for some qualifying period, no benefits! Lifetime limits on "welfare" so we eliminate the worst gamers.
"E Pluribus Unum", "In God We Trust" and "No ticket? No laundry!". Nice mottoes to live by…
tiredofit? sleeponit and getbacktome okay? just make it soon…;^)>
everyone has the right to opt out, screw the obama scam, dont sign up they cant do squat!
What a surprise. Pardon me while I slip back into my coma.
I need to speak up for Rep. Kline. He's my Rep. here in Saint Paul and he's been doing an excellent job fighting against the Obama regime. I've spoken with him a number of times and am confident that he found out about this after the fact and is seeking to correct it. I'm proud that he's co-authored the legislation to close the loophole. This is typical of his integrity. I'm know that he's also fully committed to see this unConstitutional travesty repealed.
Ah, Minnesota! The land of contradictions. We have Rep. Kline, Rep. Bachmann, and Rep. Eric Paulson (Yay!) On the other hand, we have such mushy headed extreme liberals as Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Betty McCollum and Rep. Oberstar. Oh, and we can't forget Sen. Al Franken – the clown prince of the Senate. Can we just split the state in half and put all the loony left on one side and let them nanny one another and leave the rest of us alone? Just sayin'.
It’ll be our turn to express our appreciation in a few short months!
We the people should not accept that a certain segment of the population is exempt from deathcare.
Well said my friend. If we're dead or invaded, the rest is all for naught.
Even when and if we are able to retake the house and senate this Nov.
will we be able to begin to repair what has been done?
That is why they are adding 16000 new IRS agents to make sure you pay for it. You don't get a choice on whether you sign up.
I hope so, hc. Even if we do, I have to admit, it looks bleak.Don't tell anyone I said that though.I'll die trying.What else can we do? Good to see you, my friend. +Hanzo+
Federal employees are covered by the same private insurance companies that cover most private American citizens. The only difference is they have a true "open enrollment" every November and can switch between a large menu of options. The other big difference is the PRICE! The premiums for federal employees on average are 25 – 50% higher then the private sector.
If this administration & congress truly believe that "Obamacare" will reduce the cost/price of healthcare/insurance, they should try it on their own coverage first. If it works, so be it. The fact that they're forcing the private sector to swallow this plan, proves to me that they're more interested in keeping the coverage that they have!
DO YOU REALLY EXPECT HONESTY FROM A DEMOCRAT?
A Democrat sells his vote (Stupak), has an extramarital affair (Clinton), cheats on his taxes (Rangle), accepts bribes (Murtha RIP), sells a Senate seat (Jackson), backs underage sex-trafficking (Cleaver), lives with a pimp (Frank), lies about racism (Carnahan), and on and on and on…
THEY ARE DEMOCRATS and IT IS EXPECTED OF THEM! They have no morals, there is no God, praise homosexuals, be politically correct, kill your baby, tax global warming, embrace illegals, bigger government is the answer to everything. The most corrupt Democrat is the most exalted.
Obama Czar orders funding of ACORN!
Democrats now Pushing Climate Legislation!
16,000 NEW IRS Agents to Enforce Health Reform!
Bart Stupak (D-MI) Sold Out Abortion for $726,409!
USA Taxpayer Headlines… http://usataxpayer.org/?0050135387
Corruption in Congress http://usataxpayer.org/?0037628434
The healthcare bill was nothing buy a Scam and sleaze sandwich from the git-go. Nothing says imperial arrogance more that the number of laws that congress exempts themselves from. To also exempt their staffers is over the top. WE MUST SEND THEM PACKING along with their stooges in the corrupt mainstream media. Thank God for these few TRUTH-TELLERS in the media.
Your secrets safe here.
good to see you also
Our Declaration of Independence says something about:
"He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance".
Would that be noblamas czars and new deathcare police?………..
I think you've all got it wrong.
You see, these selfless, high level staffers, when they were crafting the bill, saw that the deal for the American people was SO GOOD that their high level of ethics would not allow them to include themselves in the glorious benefits they were bestowing on us all. So they selflessly exempted themselves from the beneficent graces of obamacare to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. These people are the salt of the earth, and they should be applauded for the sacrificial actions.
/sarc/sarc/sarc/sarc/gagging now/sarc/sarc……………………………………………………………….
[...] More on the story from Big Government : Loophole Lets Dozens of Minnesota Congressional Staff Opt Out of Key Health Care Reform Requirement [...]
Gentle Readers,
Congress costs $4.5 billion a year as of this year. That's over $800,000 per member of Congress, 435 Representatives & 100 Senators.
This is why.
This isn't money for programs or constiuents: This is simply what we spend to operate the United States Congress!
What a waste! No wonder these guys can't impose any fiscal dicipline: They can't even control their own costs in their own offices!
Kindest Regards to all,
I am.
John Lepant
Brighton CO
[...] See the original post here: » Loophole Lets Dozens of Minnesota Congressional Staff Opt Out of … [...]
All animnal are equal, some are more equal than others…..
I hope we change back.
The Elites wrote them selves out of the law…They know its not worth a crap
Hey Anon and Bo….If its so good why would Congress exempt themselves…Kool Aid drinkers
[...] Loophole Lets Dozens Of Minnesota Congressional Staff Opt Out Of Key Health Care Reform Requirement [...]
[...] Politicians want you to have it, but they are excluded [...]
Republicans should be using this kind of stuff in every single race this fall……Put this on every single democrat who voted for it. Pound it home, and then along with a few simple ideas promise if they get control of congress they will force a vote on a bill that in some way mandates all federal employees must participate….that no one is exempt…………let the democrats…let Obama, veto a bill that in very clear language states congress, it staffs, as well as The president are not exempt from any laws and mandates passed down on the citizens of this country
Will someone write a "Declaration of Independence" to Obama and government using the same thoughts ???
PLEASE !!!!!! Send it Viral..
now ain't that just like elitists. They know whats good for the common folks, but they are a breed apart, so they deserve better.
It's unconstitutional … all members of congress MUST abide by the same laws as everyone else. Like, DUH?
Now I’ve got a huge incentive to run for Congress.
"Apparently" someone wishes to "let" us think they do know.
SURPRISE, SURPRISE, surprise, anyone who didn't see this coming is goofier than Gomer Pyle!!! I wonder how that "Donut Hole", got through unnoticed, every speech before the rigged vote, mentioned the "Donut holes" as their targets to close? Once these Criminals are out of office, each and everyone needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent Constitutional law will allow!!! They are Thieves, Liars, Cheats and Connivers, if they are not prosecuted, then their actions will be validated as acceptable and all Citizens should be permitted to do what their leaders do!!! Could you imagine America, if all would take up the practices of these thugs, chaos would reign, any remnants of honor would be vilified!!!
What people still don't seem to understand is the unconstitutionality of this bill.
And you HAD to know that there would be some kind of loophole in it someplace that lets the members of Congress and there staffers off the hook. And how about the prez…Does him and his family have to take the same healthcare as they have foisted on the rest of us…or is there another loophole for them too. I guess it doesn't matter seeing as how we, the American taxpayers pay 75% of their HC premiums anyway.
And before someone says…"Well it's the law so it is constitutional"…You should know that we have a lot of unconstitutional laws in this country, some of which have been in existance for decades. That still doesn't make them right. Most of the unconstitutional laws have to do with our second amendment rights starting with the "jim crow" laws way back when. We have laws against students practicing their freedom of religion keeping them from forming prayer groups or bible study groups at school.
Face it, we as American citizens had and have become complacent. It's not too late to make it right, but soon..it may be too late. So…are we going to stand up and let our voices be heard…or are we just going to sit down and take it?
big surprise
Seems that the Muslims and the Amish do not have to have this healthcare either. Yet, everyone else is going to be forced to buy it or be fined! I see problems on the horizon don't you?
A word of caution to Obama and his munchkins: One must be careful in politics, lest the toes stepped on, on one's rise to the top, might be attached to the buttocks which one must kiss in one's descent to the bottom. Ya'll might want to practice that pucker between now and November.
http://www.TeaPartyRevolution.com
http://www.TeaPartyExpress.com
Wethepeeps,
I am sick to my stomach now… Where was this "CLASS Act" in ObamaCARE? how often is it "taken"…
OUTRAGE is too nice a word…
If you're going to talk about honesty, don't you think you should demonstrate it in your post? You must have noticed that adultery, bribery and other crimes aren't restricted to any one party. Do the names Gingrich, Vitter and Sanford mean nothing to you? Accepting bribes: you might try googling Abramoff and reading about the Republican congressman in jail for taking bribes. There is no plan to hire 16000 new IRS agents. Republicans made it up. See factcheck.org for the details.
Seriously, doesn't the fact the opponents of the Health Care Act make up lies about it (death panels, 16K IRS agents, etc) indicate that they don't have REAL things to complain about?
[...] » Loophole Lets Dozens of Minnesota Congressional Staff Opt Out of … [...]
First, they aren't hiring 16000 new IRS agents. That's a lie which anyone interested in fact checking can see of themselves.
Second. yes, you can probably opt out without suffering much penalty. Oh, they might withhold the fine amount from your tax refund, assuming you don't qualify for a waiver based on ability to pay. But then what? You would have no insurance. Don't you think you might want health insurance? The main point of this law is to help people buy insurance. To do that, it says that insurance companies won't be able to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions. To keep people from gaming the insurance companies by not carrying coverage until they need it, the individual mandate was included. Now, you can claim that's unconstitutional – I'm not a lawyer and am not qualified to say one way or the other. But it's hardly a scam any more than it was when the individual mandate was added by Mitt Romney to the plan in Mass, and SUPPORTED by the Heritage Foundation at that time.
They didn't exempt themselves. Click on the link in the article and you'll see that what the analysis says is the the definition of congressional staff MIGHT be interpreted to mean only those staff directly part of the congressmen's offices and not those who are staff of committees. MIGHT BE. Meaning that some one COULD interpret it to mean that IF they wanted to and can get anyone to agree with their interpretation.
This entire article is based on something that is probably not true.
It's manufactured outrage with little or no substance behind it.
Welcome to political discussion in 2010.
These rodents need to be exposed and this bill killed asap. Next, we need to eliminate from their positions any and all that had anything at all to do with this sick unfair and unconstitutional monstrosity.
Raise the flat tax and eliminate the IRS to get these blood sucking political leeches out of our lives.
It isn't going to happen unless we all demand it.
I demand it now!
There you have it there is a new class of people in this country. The RULING CLASS. After the sacrifice of our founders to make sure we had a free republic run by the people we now have something completely different I'm not even sure what you would call it. Every sacrifice every drop of blood spilled for this country was all in vain.
You say "this article is based on something that is probably true". Could you prove that? Again, what it specifically says is that whether or not the committee staffers are included depends on an interpretation that might or might not be correct. Now, there is no doubt that congressmen themselves are included and there is no doubt that congressmen's direct staff are included. So ask yourself, how probable is it that they would have inserted language that might or might not be be interpreted to leave out one subset of staffers. It just doesn't seem likely to me.
I would be interested in hearing what in the bill specifically outrages you. I will confess to having a vested interest in it. I buy my own insurance because my workplace doesn't cover me. And, in 6 years of searching, I have only been able to find one insurer who will cover me as the rest claim I have a preexisting condition. My insurance premiums have gone up 50% in the last 3 years and my policy doesn't cover any preventive care at all. So, the fact that I will be able to buy insurance that covers preventive care on an exchange that gives me options seems like a very good thing to me.
Try a little of your own medicine.
You are generating what is commonly known as a "straw-man." I said nothing about those you mention, pro or con. If you want to discuss them, generate your own post (if you are able).
So, now that we know you are dis-honest, I suspect you are also a Liberal Democrat which puts you right in with the rest of the lying weasels, no credibility.
Dismissed!
Potomac Prostitutes Hall of Shame… http://usataxpayer.org/?0096503212
Circle Flies… http://usataxpayer.org/?0062470846
You don't need to suspect – yes I am a liberal Democrat. I'm here because I think it's healthy to talk to people I don't agree with from time to time. As for my response, you started your message with "do you expect honesty from a Democrat?" and then listed Democrats who have committed various sins/crimes. But those crimes/sins aren't restricted to Democrats, so logically, how can they prove Democrats can't be honest? Or, are you going to use the sins/crimes of various Republicans to prove that THEY can't possible be honest? I guess I don't understand your logic.
Simple is better than convoluted. I, like you, buy my own insurance and am disgusted over the increases in my premiums. If Congress were to eliminate the anti-trust provisions that insurance companies operate under and allow true competition to emerge things would change. When it comes to anything in America, there is no GOOD one-size-fits-all answer. This falacy of an 'exchange' means nothing if every company has to perform universally and provide the exact same coverages.
As an example, I am not a woman and my wife is no longer able to bear children by virtue of her age, why should my policy cover pre-natal coverage? I want an ala carte choice and cover those things that I am more likely to come up against.
The free market when it is allowed will find a way to cover people in an affordable manner. The more that government gets its grubby fingers in the process, the more expensive it becomes. Allowing insurance companies to 'specialize' in certain types of coverage would drive down the cost in those areas.
Also getting REAL tort reform would help too. When I see scum bag filandering b@stards like John Edwards who make millions suing doctors and hospitals it makes me want to puke. These lawyers take a disgusting percentage of the awards granted to those who did actually suffer. Where is the justice in that?
the fact is that it would have been far simpler and far cheaper to subsidize those 30 million people and to create a special class of insurance for thse who are denied coverage by virtue of pre-existing conditions than it was to change the whole system.
If you really want to address this problem try begining by realizing that the one insurance provider who denies more claims (per capita) than any other is the government option (medicare).
Easy to villify the 'for profit' insurance companies, in many cases deservedly so, but to assume the government can do anything better is lunacy. Level the playing field and quit giving insurance companies special treatment (anti-trust provisions) and we can start getting somewhere.
Someone needs to turn their fountain off! What will the working class be left with to cover their own cost of living? This appears to be part of the grand scheme to put everyone at the same level, in poverty. Take from the haves and give to the have-nots. Those of us who have lived responsibly, within our means are being deliberately shoved into financial ruins. From what I read, it's taken directly out of payroll that will equal $150. to $250. a monthly. Now we know why there is a need for 16,500 IRS agents.
If your question is, DO I EXPECT HONESTY FROM A DEMOCRAT, then, NO I DON'T for the reasons stated. Liberal Democrats in Congress have proven themselves to be TRAITORS by subverting the Constitution.
Corruption in Congress… http://usataxpayer.org/?0046741148
If your question is, do I expect honesty from a Republican, then, I don't care right now because THEY ARE NOT IN POWER and they are NOT the ones subverting the Constitution. As I said, if you want to waste your time discussing corrupt Republicans, start your own post.
Worthless Obama voters waiting for a handout… http://usataxpayer.org/?0021481903
Of course they do, they get the gold mine….we get the SHAFT!!!
You make some excellent points. I would like to see tort reform as well. I'd actually like to see ALL tort cases decided by something other than juries. And I'd also like to see some flexibility on plans. The problem is affordability. If you have a dirt simple plan available for healthy 24 year olds, does that mean that older people's premiums will be out of sight? If we allow no limits on premiums and come up with something to subsidize those who can't pay, how do we control companies' understandable impulse to raise rates since uncle sam will pay if the person can't. My real concern is health care costs. We have to figure out how to deliver health care more cheaply. Right now the US pays 7300/person on average, which is double what they pay in France, UK, etc. But even those countries are having cost issues. We need some real analysis and discipline on this – what's the best most cost effective way to deliver care? This law has some stuff in there for trying out some ideas, but we need lots lots more. Here's one interesting thing I read, if you provide after hospitalization nursing support for kids with asthma, it cuts re-hospitalization 80%. But since it's not hospital care, insurance doesn't cover it. ARGH! We have to get sensible about this kind of thing.
I also like the free market, but am skeptical about insurance companies' ability to deliver, mostly since they haven't so far. They are in business to maximize shareholder value, which means denying claims they should be paying and delaying payments as long as possible. Which means more paperwork, more clerks, more costs. Totally unproductive overhead.
AMEN!!!
Closing a loophole is like plugging a hole in Hoover Dam with bubblegum. It won;t fix the problem and the end result will be the total destruction of everything that surrounds the dam. Doesn't submitting new legislation to close a loophole only only serve to acknowledge and accept obamacare as a valid law? We cannot and should not accept any of it. The Constitution does not give any rights to the government and is there to protect We The People's rights that are inherent in us just for having been born. The purpose of the Constitution was to prevent just this sort of socialist take over by federal and state governments. We therefore need to reject and refuse this power play by "the savior" obama.
By the way, if popularity for obamacare is as high as 45% (polls are easily skewed by who is selected to participate), where are all the liberals on here defending it? All I've seen are comments against it. Don't they have anything to say on here? Where are all the supporters? The polls are wrong! We The People hate it – period.
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