My main concern about this health care insurance reform, because let us just be honest, it is not health care reform, is cost. Well, this bill does not do it, period.
When I got sick late this summer and had to have surgery, the bill was an eye opener. The cost that we had to pay out of pocket was outrageous.
See, for me without cost controls, what is the point? It will still be those that CAN afford it and everyone else.
And health care like congress? IT is congress that is making damn sure that the American Public never get that type of health care coverage.
From DemConWatch:
Basically, it looks like the public option is dead. The Democratic politicians will all be saying that this is a good piece of legislation because it will insure more people. It is watered down enough so that anyone could actually vote for it. It is a great win for the insurance companies.
They're talking about some form of privately-run option similar to the program that civilian Federal employees get. Triggered, of course.
Here's what they're NOT telling you:
Without underwrites, the Medicare and private-exchange are no more affordable than they are now. The program civilian Federal employees access is administered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield as a non-profit, but the government pays the lion's share of the premium for employees (yes! using YOUR tax dollars!). Medicare premiums for those over 65, on disability, and their dependents are likewise offset with tax dollars.
Therefore, if you can't afford it now, you won't be able to afford it later.
In addition, Medicare won't be available to anyone between 55 and 64, only those who can't get insurance elsewhere. Think about it for a minute - wasn't one of the original proposals in all the bills the idea that insurance companies wouldn't be allowed to deny coverage? Does anyone else see a disconnect here?
And about the Franken amendment? Without the "conscience" of a public option, it will lead to increased insurance rates on the part of private insurance companies. If you think the insurers will give up their profit dollars without finding some way to recoup them, you haven't been paying attention.
Did you get all that?
We, the taxpayers, continue to pay for the lavish cadillac insurance that congress enjoys, but leave it to congress to not let us, the American Public enjoy the same thing. In other words, the bill is useless where cost control is a concern. Also, it does not address the 27-55 group, you know like the rest of America.
Affordability, went down the drain for this weak as water compromise. I guess the White House and their mismanagement or lack of CONVICTION towards the public option, just want anything to sign so they can slap the sticker "reform" on it and move on.
So, tonight is champaign and caviar for the insurance companies. We knew it would be hard, we fought, but in the end the Democrats were complicit and just could not bring themselves to do the right thing. And President Obama? This will be remembered as a fight that no one saw him throw a punch in. Remember, perception is everything.