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by John McCormick and Bruce Japsen
President Barack Obama today is calling the cost of health care a "ticking time-bomb" that threatens to slow the nation's economic recovery.
"We are spending over $2 trillion a year on health care -- almost 50 percent more per person than the next most costly nation," Obama said in prepared remarks for an address to the American Miedical Associtation in Chicago today. "And yet, for all this spending, more of our citizens are uninsured; the quality of our care is often lower; and we aren't any healthier."
Obama landed at O'Hare International Airport at 10:15 a.m. CDT in advance of the midday speech before a gathering of the AMA, an audience likely less friendly than those he normally enjoys in Chicago.
After getting off Air Force One, Obama shook hands and spoke for a few minutes with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. He was then flown by helicopter to parking lot near Soldier Field, preventing the traffic snarl that a motorcade would have created.
Plans called for Obama to be in the city for about 150 minutes during what is just his second trip to his home town since inauguration.
Awaiting the president at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and elsewhere were protesters who don't think his approach goes far enough, as well as at least some doctors who are concerned he might go too far.
The appearance will mark Obama's latest effort to pitch a massive health care proposal -- the top legislative priority of his young presidency -- that is expected to dominate the congressional calendar in the coming weeks ahead of his goal of October passage.
"The cost of our health care is a threat to our economy," he said is expected to say. "It is an escalating burden on our families and businesses. It is a ticking time-bomb for the federal budget. And it is unsustainable for the United States of America."
Among other things, Obama is expected to tell the doctors that too much is spent on treatments that don't make Americans healthier, according to an administration official.
He will also stress that he wants to work with the AMA, provide incentives for excellence and that existing relationships between doctors and patients will not necessarily be affected.
"The President will be clear that reform is the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health," the official wrote in an outline to reporters.
Speaking before about 2,200 people, Obama is also expected to insist that his plan will not add to the federal deficit, even though there will be significant up-front costs. His proposals call for $950 billion in revenue and savings to pay for reform.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Chicago, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama would also speak briefly about medical malpractice reform.
Gibbs downplayed the skepticism and criticism coming from some AMA members, saying that there is a difference between what gets said publicly and what is negotiated in private. "Things get said in public to maintain your negotiating leverage," he said.
As a candidate and president, Obama has long maintained that high health care costs are hurting America's competitiveness in the global economy and that coverage must be found for most of the nearly 50 million Americans who now lack insurance.
Since returning from a recent trip to the Middle East and Europe, Obama has primarily focused on health care reform, pushing Congress and various constituencies to act this year.
He has outlined proposals to lower costs and raise taxes to pay for an overhaul of the nation's ever-expanding health care system, including the creation of a government-funded "public" option.
Republican leaders have joined Obama and Democrats in supporting health care reform, although they have suggested a public option could be unfair to private insurers and could easily become another bloated government program.
In a conference call with reporters sponsored by the Republican National Committee, Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), a doctor attending the AMA conference, charged that physicians are concerned Obama's plan will mean that medical decisions will be moved from patients and doctors to a "government-takeover."
On Thursday, Obama made the first physical stop in his health care campaign in Green Bay, Wis., where he appeared before a friendly audience at a town hall-style event.
He was greeted by demonstrators holding signs that said such things as "No socialism" and "Taxed Enough Yet?" Some conservative opponents have also begun to label his plans "ObamaCare."
Monday's audience will be a tougher crowd than the one in Wisconsin, with many of those in attendance more educated on the issue and also more politically diverse. The AMA has already expressed concern over Obama's call for expanded public insurance.
Though the AMA has lost some of its clout in recent years, the Chicago-based group is still the largest physician lobby, representing a quarter of a million doctors.
The House of Delegates that Obama will address has an even broader reach, representing 180 state and national medical societies that include everything from family doctors and psychiatrists to cardiologists and neurosurgeons.
How to pay for the overhaul is one of the key questions.
Over the weekend, Obama suggested some of the money for his proposal could come from $313 billion in government savings over the next decade that he hopes will come from greater Medicare efficiency, lower drug prices and a reduction in the uninsured.
The $313 billion would be in addition to the $635 billion "down payment" he put in his 2010 budget for the health care proposal.
The cuts in government health care spending proposed over the weekend have already triggered push back from hospitals and others in the medical industry.
Obama, meanwhile, has said repeatedly that he supports a public option that would bring more competition to the private insurance market. What is unclear, however, is what that public option would look like.
Doctors meeting the AMA's annual policy-making House of Delegates session have said they are anxious to hear the president's proposal, which has thus far been devoid of details.
AMA leaders said they are opposed to a government-funded option if it were to expand the Medicare health insurance program for the elderly to those under age 65, saying it would compound a "broken system" doctors complain has reduced physician payments and is outdated in how it operates.
Members, however, say they would favor a public option that was administered by private plans, such as the health insurance provided to federal employees and members of Congress.
Some other doctor groups, however, favor a public option and plan to try to let Obama know that. A group called Health Care for America Now plans to demonstrate beginning at 10:45 a.m. in front of the University of Chicago's Gleacher Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive.
In addition, advocates of a single-payer, government run approach that would eliminate private insurance companies have planned a protest near the Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Ave. The group, which includes long-time single payer advocate, Physicians for a National Health Program, planned to gather at 11 a.m., or about 15 minutes before the president was scheduled to speak.
Also protesting Obama's visit is the Pro-Life Action League, which is calling on him to "follow through on his desire to reduce abortion" by withdrawing federal funding for Planned Parenthood and taking other actions.
Several AMA delegates, who have been meeting in Chicago since Saturday, said they are thrilled the president decided to address them. Obama is the first president to speak before an AMA House of Delegates meeting since Republican Ronald Reagan did so in 1983.
AMA leaders say they felt snubbed during the failed health reform push of the early 1990s, an effort led by former President Bill Clinton and then-First Lady Hillary Clinton.
"We were left out the last time, and doctors remember that," said Dr. John McGill, of Bangor, Maine, an AMA delegate from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
After his speech, Obama will fly back to Washington, where his afternoon schedule calls for an Oval Office meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Also in Chicago today is White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who will headline a fundraiser to benefit the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and Senate candidates.
Comments
Obama is wasting his time. He will never be able to strike a fair deal with health care special interests, no matter how much suck-up applause they give him at their conference.
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Posted by: matt | June 15, 2009 2:02 PM
I predict the following reactions to this post:
John W- 6 paragraphs explaining how any Federal involvement in healthcare is unconstitutional, and that every federal court in the last 70 years has been wrong on the constitionality of all Federal aid programs. The answer is for everyone to join an HMO.
Terry- There is no health crisis. The people who don't have health insurance have only themselves to blame. If the poor just cancel their cable thay can pay for health insurance. 15% of the people not having access to quality healthcare is not a problem at all.
John D- Loony liberals, worst people in the world. America's helathcare system is the nbest in the world. If you think there are any problems at all, move to Cuba.
Inky - Sounds like Hitler. Where's birth certificate?
Posted by: Observer | June 15, 2009 2:09 PM
More lies from the Kingpin of all presidents! Every sentence from this guy's trap is one big lie! He says our health care is lacking in quality. Why is it then that when people need stuff done from overseas they come here? Why is an Egyptian girl in Chicago getting free surgery done? Why do Canadians and Brits and Germans and Indians come here? Because the U.S has the BEST health care in the world!
Does the rise in health care costs need to be reined in? Yes. But no costs or expenses have ever been reined in by a government! They just spiral out of control, sort of like Obama's spending and budgets and government size: spiraling out of control!
Posted by: John D | June 15, 2009 2:18 PM
The Grand Old Prevaricators (GOP) , the political arm of WallStreet with the Insurance Corporations are desparately trying to disrupt any attempts for the public to get reduced health care costs . Their objectives are to influence the uninformed electorate . A Public healthcare program would kill the insurance companies . If we all stopped paying for insurance and just pay what ever bill we get for ailments there would be big competition among doctors and among hospitals and their prices would drop . Instead of paying Insurance premiums put the money in a safe local bank with FDIC insurance . If we never get sick we would have a nice nest egg . If we do get sick we will get bills from doctors and hospitals then we could make payments or a down payment to them . Insurance is a bet . You put up your money betting you will get sick . Meanwhile we do everything possible to stay well . As is we are paying even if we never see a doctor . Ask your job for a raise and tell them no more health care payments.
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-mann/americans-whove-used-cana_b_215256.html
Posted by: Kenneth | June 15, 2009 2:52 PM
Our health care system is disintegrating. Today, 46 million people have no health insurance and even more are underinsured with high deductibles and co-payments. At a time when 60 million people, including many with insurance, do not have access to a medical home, more than 18,000 Americans die every year from preventable illnesses because they do not get to the doctor when they should. This is six times the number who died at the tragedy of 9/11 - but this occurs every year.
In the midst of this horrendous lack of coverage, the U.S. spends far more per capita on health care than any other nation - and health care costs continue to soar. At $2.4 trillion dollars, and 18 percent of our GDP, the skyrocketing cost of health care in this country is unsustainable both from a personal and macro-economic perspective.
It always makes me laugh when I hear people say they want to preserve "insurance choice" in this country. What choice do you have when you work and are nominally "insured," but your insurance coverage doesn't pay for anything you need? Are you then going to have the ability to run out and purchase extra coverage on the wages you make? Well, I guess you have the "choice" to rob a bank or maybe win the lottery to pay for it, but that's about it.
Republicans and their rich oligarchy supporters will do anything to kill a good healthcare bill because they know people will like it and when that happens their electoral goose will be cooked for generations - if it's not already.
Posted by: NurseGina | June 15, 2009 3:00 PM
"Ticking Time Bomb" for Socialism.
Posted by: Inky | June 15, 2009 3:09 PM
* * * * *
Posted by: Observer | June 15, 2009 2:09 PM
.
Oh, no. If you’ve read my previous posts on the subject, and don’t understand them or don’t believe them, then it’s pointless to try again. However, I will correct you on one point: I have never said that all federal courts for the past 70 years have been wrong with regard to all federal aid programs. Your willingness to make such an assertion, after conveniently ignoring the details of what I actually wrote, just proves what little willingness or capacity you have to comprehend the issues.
Posted by: John W. | June 15, 2009 3:16 PM
Ask yourself this:
If your employer announced that you were going to be laid off tomorrow because of the economy, and that if you wanted to continue your insurance coverage by COBRA, it would cost of $915 a month (the average cost), how long would you be able to keep yourself and your family covered? Nationally, COBRA coverage costs around 83% of the average unemployment benefit....and that's just fine with the angry old rich white guys who make up the Republican party, but the rest of us here in the real world can't afford it.
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http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09010/940941-28.stm
The insurance crisis could be your problem, tomorrow, through no fault of your own, as it has for millions of hard working americans in the last few months.
Posted by: Republicans hate blue collar workers | June 15, 2009 3:56 PM
I see that " wannabe " boy-scout, John D, aka Kingpin Jr., is making a sorry attempt to character-assassinate President Obama, with lies, lies and more lies. Just as his surrogate, Senator McCain failed, so will he and his Republican( oh, they aren't real conservatives) Party fail. That real reform train is a-rolling and you better get aboard or, once again, you will taste defeat. America is demanding healthcare for everyone, not just corporate sponsored visitors from foreign countries, or publicity stunts from healthcare Corps, themselves !! What good is the quality of healthcare in America for the 60-70 MILLION citizens that can't afford it ? Are they to continue to roll over and die? Is that what America has become, a giant corporation sucking the life blood out of it's citizens ? President Obama's speech, today, outlined a a reasonable response to the economic and Deathcare Corps' policies, that are killing Americans, by the thousands, yearly !! All the lies, by the conservatives, or the Republicans, if you will, is not going to stop this train. As President Obama's election proved, America is no longer going to accept the undemocratic tenets of an archaic agenda, the conservative agenda, whether it is masquerading as a republican, libertarian or an independent ! Your lies and distortions have lost their power, you are now the laughingstock of the nation. I hope you Republicans, don't find yourselves under this train, too!! I would have thought, President Obama's election would have informed you of some changing facts about America ?!! Your 15 minutes are over !! Hop, aboard and fight for what is right for every citizen of our nation, not for what is your best interests !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | June 15, 2009 4:07 PM
We all remember the commercials that were made by Republicans and their pals at the Big Insurance Industry to trick Americans into thinking that health care reform would hurt average working families. We now see what has happened to the health-care system. CEOs rake in the big bucks from the huge profits they take in as health-insurance costs have skyrocketed.
FierceHealthcare reports the following top 10 CEO salaries for 2008:
------------------------------------------------------
* Ron Williams - Aetna - Total Compensation: $24,300,112.
* H. Edward Hanway - CIGNA - Total Compensation: $12,236,740.
* Angela Braly - WellPoint - Total Compensation: $9,844,212.
* Dale Wolf - Coventry Health Care - Total Compensation: $9,047,469.
* Michael Neidorff - Centene - Total Compensation: $8,774,483.
* James Carlson - AMERIGROUP - Total Compensation: $5,292,546.
* Michael McCallister - Humana - Total Compensation: $4,764,309.
* Jay Gellert - Health Net - Total Compensation: $4,425,355.
* Richard Barasch - Universal American - Total Compensation: $3,503,702.
* Stephen Hemsley - UnitedHealth Group - Total Compensation: $3,241,042.
My rates go up and coverage goes down every time I turn around. And then they just decide not to cover certain medications without an explanation. Even scumbag criminals are resurfacing like Rick Scott to try and con America for a second time -- and the corporate media does nothing about it.
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http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/dont-let-third-way-ben-nelsons-or-repub
Posted by: John | June 15, 2009 4:19 PM
We must come up with a system that makes it financially reasonable for a person to get good healthcare coverage outside of an employer provided program.
We simply have too many people who don't have access to employer provided programs. Whether it is through unemployment, partial employment, working multiple part time jobs, contract work or self employment, more and more people are in a position where the good group rates available through an employer provided program simply aren't something they can't access.
Even those who have employer provided coverage are increasing carrying a larger percentage of the costs. These people would also benefit from there being an alternative to their employers program, since the competition would tend to keep the costs of the employer program, which currently have no competition at the individual level, in line.
The reality is that most Americans have little choice in their healthcare anymore. If they have employer provided coverage, they have no choice of insurance provider. At best they may have a choice between an HMO style or a PPO style program in the same provider system, which limits their choice of doctors and hospitals. Those who don't have employer provided healthcare pay more, for less coverage, when it is affordable at all.
Contrary to what the Republicans would have you believe, the Americans with the largest choice in their own healthcare are our seniors who are covered by Medicare. They retain the right to see the doctor of their choice without reference to a list of "approved Providers" like most people have from the PPO or HMO their employer provides.
Posted by: Mike | June 15, 2009 4:54 PM
Does Healthcare need reform?
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=5529
.
Posted by: Blake | June 15, 2009 5:58 PM
What exactly is Obama doing right now? Drumming up support for his health care plan? It doesn't exist. For those of you supporting Obama's "plan", what exactly are you supporting? Whatever bill happens to come out of Congress? Don't you want to see it first? Let's see an actual bill with details about who this plan will cover, will it include a public option, and how much it will cost. Then we can actually have a debate about it. Right now, it's all fluff. On another note, Obama did not exactly knock 'em dead at his AMA speech today. Tough to sell a health care bill without the docs on board.
Posted by: Herbie H. | June 15, 2009 6:05 PM
Observer, you come off as another talking point from the lefty herd. Those you single out post thoughtful, well articulated, and valid concerns about this debate instead of those like you who relentlessly continue to demonize anyone with a position other than yours. Honest discourse of facts is a great disinfectant of spin.
Posted by: bubba Porter | June 15, 2009 6:12 PM
Republican Corporate-Sponsored "Patients United Now" - A Big Insurance Industry Lobbying Group, Funded With GOP Dollars, Is Trying To Kill The National Healthcare Plan For Poor And Middle-Class Americans:
After orchestrating and funding the so-called "Tea Parties" movement, "Americans for Prosperity" — a nationwide front group founded and funded by the right-wing polluter Koch Industries — is launching an ad campaign characterizing President Obama’s effort to reform the health care system as a government take-over that will ration care and care and deny treatments.
"Americans for Prosperity" is notorious for its fake Republican grassroots efforts, funneling millions of dollars into conservative campaigns designed to undermine public initiatives. As Lee Fang put it, “AFP is a professional Republican AstroTurf machine”:
~ They Hosted ‘Drill Baby, Drill’ rallies around the country.
~ They Financed Joe the Plumber’s tour against the Employees’ Free Choice Act and other anti-EFCA rallies.
~ They Started NoStimulus.com, “a grassroots website that we hope will be a focal point for the widespread frustration ordinary Americans feel at the runaway government growth that we see during good economic times and bad.”
Now, they're operating under the name "Patients United Now, Americans for Prosperity", (which is mostly funded by large multinational corporations) and they're masquerading as an organic grassroots movement pretending to be "outraged" over the Presidents health care proposals.
The effort provides cover or ‘grassroots clout’ for conservative politicians and activists to oppose the President’s health care initiative. But this collection of trumped-up charges, outright lies and complete fabrications makes little headway in critiquing the President’s actual proposal." Just like all other peddlers of the “government take-over” critique — Frank Luntz, Conservatives for Patients Rights, Betsy McCaughey, Rick Scott and Sally Pipes — the goal is to define Obama’s proposal in their terms rather than to engage in a debate about health care or offer real solutions to the crisis. As Frank Luntz admitted to the New York Times, “we don’t know what he is proposing".
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http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/05/27/pun/
Posted by: Robert R | June 15, 2009 6:34 PM
I am retired and I vividly recall the hyperinflation of the Jimmy Carter presidency!
I am seriously concerned about the massive spending and the ever increasing deficiits that President Obama is creating.
I am on a fixed pension supplemented by social security. I am fearful that Obama's policies will lead to hyper-inflation that will affect my retirement.
It is time for he and the Democratic Party to be moderate in what they do!
Posted by: Pat H | June 15, 2009 7:08 PM
NATIONAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL CITIZEN'S IS A MUST, PERIOD!! Sell me life insurance, auto insurance, accident insurance and property insurance. MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO SELL HEALTH INSURANCE, PERIOD! EVERYONE GETS HEALTH CARE OR NO ONE GETS HEALTH CARE, BY THAT I MEAN ALL COVERED CITIZEN'S THAT RECEIVE HEALTH INSURANCE FROM THE TAXPAYER WILL NO LONGER GET THEIR HEALTH CARE! THAT INCLUDES POSTAL WORKER'S, SCHOOL TEACHER'S, MILITARY, GOVERNMENT WORKER'S INCLUDING STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREMEN,ELECTED OFFICIALS AND ANYONE ELSE THAT GETS HEALTH CARE FROM THE TAXPAYER. ALSO, THE TAXPAYER MUST ELIMINATE ALL PENSION'S THAT ARE PAID FOR BY THE TAXPAYER, PERIOD, ALL PENSIONS AND HEALTHCARE WILL NO LONGER BE FUNDED BY THE TAXPAYER, UNLESS EVERYONE GETS HEALTH CARE, PERIOD! whiteagle38
Posted by: Raymond L. Juneau | June 15, 2009 9:14 PM
Honest discourse of facts is a great disinfectant of spin.
Posted by: bubba Porter | June 15, 2009 6:12 PM
--------------
Right-wing lunatic fringe clown,
Really? And yet we still haven't heard you do anything on here other than lie and twist facts for the very small, totally rejected by the American people, Rethuglican party.....
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http://www.pufferfishblog.com/weblog/2009/04/republicans-less-popular-than-venezuela.html
Posted by: frosty suntan | June 16, 2009 12:27 AM
am seriously concerned about the massive spending and the ever increasing deficiits that President Obama is creating.I am on a fixed pension supplemented by social security. I am fearful that Obama's policies will lead to hyper-inflation that will affect my retirement.It is time for he and the Democratic Party to be moderate in what they do!
Posted by: Pat H | June 15, 2009 7:08 PM
----------------------------------------
Quit lying, you little Wingnut lockstepper,
Obama is only spending to stimulate the economy because the Bush administration (which you supported) took a budget surplus they got from Bill Clinton and blew it by doubling our national debt in only eight short years. And they did it by giving tax cuts to the richest 2% and starting an unnecessary war, among other things.
Obama is investing in AMERICAN JOBS FOR AMERICAN PEOPLE and he's only doing it because after the eight years of Conservative deregulated cowboy trickledown crap economics trashed our economy, he had no choice.
I know that you and the other deadender wingnuts on here already know this but you figure you're going to con people into coming back to that train wreck you call the Republican party by lying. You're not, because most people in this country aren't as stupid as the average Republican (you) is.
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http://conservationreport.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/history-of-budget-surplus-deficit.gif
Posted by: Tony T | June 16, 2009 1:07 AM
With the Republican smear-the-public-option campaign---designed by Wingnut mouth-breather Frank Luntz---in full swing, here's a handy, crystal-clear rebuttal you can print out and leave on windshields and utility poles (and even in emergency rooms!) across America:
5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION
1. Choice, choice, choice. If the public health insurance option passes, Americans will be able to choose between their current insurance and a high-quality, government-run plan similar to Medicare. If you like your current care, you can keep it. If you don't—or don't have any—you can get the public insurance plan.
2. It will be high-quality coverage with a choice of doctors. Government-run plans have a track record of innovating to improve quality, because they're not just focused on short-term profits. And if you choose the public plan, you'll still get to choose your doctor and hospital.
3. We'll all save a bunch of money. The public health insurance option won't have to spend money on things like CEO bonuses, shareholder dividends, or excessive advertising, so it'll cost a lot less. Plus, the private plans will have to lower their rates and provide better value to compete, so people who keep their current insurance will save, too.
4. It will always be there for you and your family. A for-profit insurer can close, move out of the area, or just kick you off their insurance rolls. The public health insurance option will always be available to provide you with the health security you need.
5. And it's a key part of universal health care. No longer will sick people or folks in rural communities, or low-income Americans be forced to go without coverage. The public health insurance plan will be available and accessible to everyone. And for those struggling to make ends meet, the premiums will be subsidized by the government.
It might not hurt to give your senators a jingle and ask 'em which they embrace more: campaign contributions from the big insurance lobby and Frank Luntz's Republican propaganda, or historic legislation that will enhance their legacy and make them heroes among their constituents for improving the health and well-being of all Americans. Be patient---sadly, it could take some of 'em a while to decide.
Posted by: bubba Porter | June 16, 2009 1:52 AM
Transferable health care would go much farther than public health care. It is basic economics that competition always drives down costs more effectively than government. Transferable health care would give insurance companies incentive to invest in the long term health of their customer and to provide competitive value and prices. Insurance companies would earn more money if less of their customers become seriously ill, and we would have true "health care", rather than "disease insurance." For example, insurance companies could create groups of people at varying fitness levels: the more fit someone is, the less insurance would cost, because the risk of heart disease and diabetes would be less, statistically. The fitness levels could be tested by doctors. This would give customers added incentive to become more fit to save money on insurance. Another health factor that insurance companies could become involved in is nutrition.
Posted by: Toxic | June 16, 2009 4:52 AM
" Transferable healthcare " is another nonsensical approach. You have to have a job, in order to transfer your healthcare. The jobs are still disappearing, by the hundreds of thousands, since the Incompetent One was in Office and this trend is only now, starting to slow down, thanks to President Obama's stimulus package !! The only real chance for healthcare reform is the public element in the mix !! What better way to force the healthcare providers to lower their gouging prices, than to bring in some competition, with the public healthcare option ? Watch how fast these Corporations adjust and lower their gouging prices. That is the only real chance for reform, not these old, tired, band-aid remedies, these healthcare Corporations trot out, every time the issue is being debated !! America is tired and dying, from these greedy Corporations, that deny treatment to needy citizens, as the Corporations stuff their pockets with the money of those that are dying !! America, tell the Corporations, we have had enough of their greed, their lies and their inhuman treatment of their dying clients, as their take their money !! What despicable behavior by, supposedly, " pillars of our communities ", the greedy Corporations !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | June 16, 2009 11:00 AM
everyone is forgetting one important factor. Obama's health plan will limit how much medical help you receive.
When you need help they will look at the amount of medical help you have received, your age and how much the
help will cost. If you can't contribute to the tax structure you will get zip. Old age is a time to get out of the way of others who can support the government. They will make the decision of whether you live or die. Go for it dems. However, some day
you too will be viewed as non-essential.
Posted by: slats | June 16, 2009 11:34 AM
The problem with the Public Choice option is that it will slowly eradicate private health care because why would a business pay for health care when the Federal Government will do it. The businesses can now make more profit. Second, when has the Federal government run anything with in their specified budget? Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, the Budget, they just can’t do the right thing with other people’s money. If you want a look at Government Health care just look to the VA system which is broke.
A few problems with the health care system is the cost, malpractice costs are outrageous, Medicare & Medicaid lose a good portion of their funds through fraud, yet how many people are prosecuted for this? Fix the current system and make it better, cut the fat and improve efficiency. Hold those accountable for fraud and stop giving health care to those here illegally, now you have cut that 50 million number down to 20-25 million, and half of those are young people that don’t want to pay for health care, so now we have about 5-10% of the population that needs help. Fix the old system and all that recouped cash can provide for that 5-10% that need health care.
And what’s with the “we spend more money on health care per person and we are no healthier for it” this is a personal decision the individual makes, to eat health or fast food, exercise or not, and to smoke or not too. We are a nation of excess; just look at McDonalds extra value meals.
Or the government can control all health care issues and years down the line when it gets too expensive, you will see lines waiting for care as you do in other nations where socialized medicine is the norm. You will be able to see a doctor whenever you need to but if you need something special, get in line and hope. Or ban fast food, tobacco, alcohol and any other thing that is bad for your health and the government will tell you what you can and cannot do.
Posted by: Mike | June 16, 2009 2:32 PM
AMERICA’S NATIONAL HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY!
It’s official. America and the World are now in a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. A World EPIDEMIC with potential catastrophic consequences for ALL of the American people. The first PANDEMIC in 41 years. And WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES will have to face this PANDEMIC with the 37th worst quality of healthcare in the developed World.
STAND READY AMERICA TO SEIZE CONTROL OF YOUR NATIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.
We spend over twice as much of our GDP on healthcare as any other country in the World. And Individual American spend about ten times as much out of pocket on healthcare as any other people in the World. All because of GREED! And the PRIVATE FOR PROFIT healthcare system in America.
And while all this is going on, some members of congress seem mostly concern about how to protect the corporate PROFITS! of our GREED DRIVEN, PRIVATE FOR PROFIT NATIONAL DISGRACE. A PRIVATE FOR PROFIT DISGRACE that is in fact, totally valueless to the public health. And a detriment to national security, public safety, and the public health.
Progressive democrats and others should stand firm in their demand for a robust public option for all Americans, with all of the minimum requirements progressive democrats demanded. If congress can not pass a robust public option with at least 51 votes and all robust minimum requirements, congress should immediately move to scrap healthcare reform and demand that President Obama declare a state of NATIONAL HEALTHCARE EMERGENCY! Seizing and replacing all PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance plans with the immediate implementation of National Healthcare for all Americans under the provisions of HR676 (A Single-payer National Healthcare Plan For All).
Coverage can begin immediately through our current medicare system. With immediate expansion through recruitment of displaced workers from the canceled private sector insurance industry. Funding can also begin immediately by substitution of payroll deductions for private insurance plans with payroll deductions for the national healthcare plan. This is what the vast majority of the American people want. And this is what all objective experts unanimously agree would be the best, and most cost effective for the American people and our economy.
In Mexico on average people who received medical care for A-H1N1 (Swine Flu) with in 3 days survived. People who did not receive medical care until 7 days or more died. This has been the same results in the US. But 50 million Americans don’t even have any healthcare coverage. And at least 200 million of you with insurance could not get in to see your private insurance plans doctors in 2 or 3 days, even if your life depended on it. WHICH IT DOES!
Contact congress and your representatives NOW! AND SPREAD THE WORD!
God Bless You
Jacksmith – WORKING CLASS
Posted by: jacksmith | June 17, 2009 1:47 AM