Healthcare: 'Snail's' pace for a reason?

As Mark Silva knows, "Americans United for Change" is just another left-wing Obama lobbying group that Mark Silva is (surprise, surprise) happy to give free publicity to.

To give but one example of the UAC/Obama connection: Brad Woodhouse, former president of Americans United for Change, is communications director for the Democratic National Committee. Funny how Mark Silva would omit little facts like these...

David Axelrod would be pleased that his Democrat media allies are so willing to lobby for Democrat bills--even a bill that nobody has read.

Earth to Mark, Earth to Mark: Democrats have COMPLETE control over Congress. They have 60 Senate votes and over 250 House votes. The Republicans CANNOT slow this up, they CANNOT even stop it. If the Dems want it, all they have to do is call for a vote and vote on it. They don't need one Republican vote in order to pass whatever they want.
Which leads me to another item. Over a week ago, when asked where were the Swamp items on the CBO saying the Dems plans were budget busters or the problems within the Democratic party over health care, Mark responded that he was just getting back into the swing of things and to keep an eye out. Well, Mark, that was a week ago. Still waiting.
But we do get a Swamp item about how it's the Republicans fault no health care bill will be voted on this week.
Again, Earth to Mark, the Republicans can't stop it if the Dems want it!
But then, Mark's marching orders come from David Axelrod and not journalism integrity.

Let's put aside some distractions caused by the health industry-sponsored Democrats, and the controversial analysis of CBO on the economic effect of the proposed independent advisory council and how to empower it substantively, get back to focus on how to meet the goal of deficit-neutral.

The House leaders reached a deal on Medicare payments: A "Pay for Value" reimbursement system that rewards doctors and hospitals that achieve the best outcomes at the lowest cost.

As a result, The House gained a lot of votes, a lot of people who were withholding support.

The federal Medicare program insures some 44 million elderly and disabled Americans at an annual cost of $450 billion, almost one-fifth of total U.S. health care spending.

Supporters of the agreement say it could save the Medicare System more than $100 billion a year and improve care, that means $1trillian over a decade. (Please visit http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=820455&catid=391 for detailed infos)
The Times in a July 7 editorial argued “As much as 30 percent of all health-care spending in the U.S. -some $700 billion a year- may be wasted on tests and treatments that do not improve the health of the recipients,” Thus the remaining $239 billions over a decade do not matter.
No one can disagree with this best outcome / evidence-based system, and private insurance, too, will be greatly influenced by this change with the focus on value over volume. !

Dr. Armadio at Mayo clinic says, "If we got rid of that stuff, we save a third of all that we spend and that is 2.5 trillion dollars on health care. A third of that and that is 700 billion dollars a year. That covers a lot of uninsured people."

THANK YOU !

LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY. (Thomas Paine)

We have the 37th worst quality of healthcare in the developed world. Conservative estimates are that over 120,000 of you dies each year in America from treatable illness that people in other developed countries don't die from. Rich, middle class, and poor a like. Insured and uninsured. Men, women, children, and babies. This is what being 37th in quality of healthcare means.

I know that many of you are angry and frustrated that REPUBLICANS! In congress are dragging their feet and trying to block TRUE healthcare reform. What republicans want is just a taxpayer bailout of the DISGRACEFUL GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT health insurance industry, and the DISGRACEFUL GREED DRIVEN PRIVATE FOR PROFIT healthcare industry. A trillion dollar taxpayer funded private health insurance bailout is all you really get without a robust government-run public option available on day one.

YOU CANT HAVE AN INSURANCE MANDATE WITHOUT A ROBUST PUBLIC OPTION. MANDATING PRIVATE FOR PROFIT HEALTH INSURANCE AS YOUR ONLY CHOICE WOULD BE UNETHICAL, CORRUPT, AND MORALLY REPUGNANT. AND PROBABLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL AS WELL.

These industries have been slaughtering you and your loved ones like cattle for decades for profit. Including members of congress and their families. These REPUBLICANS are FOOLS!

Republicans and their traitorous allies have been trying to make it look like it's President Obama's fault for the delays, and foot dragging. But I think you all know better than that. President Obama inherited one of the worst government catastrophes in American history from these REPUBLICANS! And President Obama has done a brilliant job of turning things around, and working his heart out for all of us.

But Republicans think you are just a bunch of stupid, idiot, cash cows with short memories. Just like they did under the Bush administration when they helped Bush and Cheney rape America and the rest of the World.

But you don't have to put up with that. And this is what you can do. The Republicans below will be up for reelection on November 2, 2010. Just a little over 13 months from now. And many of you will be able to vote early. So pick some names and tell their voters that their representatives (by name) are obstructing TRUE healthcare reform. And are sellouts to the insurance and medical lobbyist.

Ask them to contact their representatives and tell them that they are going to work to throw them out of office on November 2, 2010, if not before by impeachment, or recall elections. Doing this will give you something more to do to make things better in America. And it will help you feel better too.

There are many resources on the internet that can help you find people to call and contact. For example, many social networking sites can be searched by state, city, or University. Be inventive and creative. I can think of many ways to do this. But be nice. These are your neighbors. And most will want to help.

I know there are a few democrats that have been trying to obstruct TRUE healthcare reform too. But the main problem is the Bush Republicans. Removing them is the best thing tactically to do. On the other hand. If you can easily replace a democrat obstructionist with a supportive democrat, DO IT!

You have been AMAZING!!! my people. Don't loose heart. You knew it wasn't going to be easy saving the World. :-)

God Bless You

jacksmith — Working Class

I REST MY CASE (http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/why-markets-cant-cure-healthcare/)

Republican Senators up for re-election in 2010.

* Richard Shelby of Alabama
* Lisa Murkowski of Alaska
* John McCain of Arizona
* Mel Martinez of Florida
* Johnny Isakson of Georgia
* Mike Crapo of Idaho
* Chuck Grassley of Iowa
* Sam Brownback of Kansas
* Jim Bunning of Kentucky
* David Vitter of Louisiana
* Kit Bond of Missouri
* Judd Gregg of New Hampshire
* Richard Burr of North Carolina
* George Voinovich of Ohio
* Tom Coburn of Oklahoma
* Jim DeMint of South Carolina
* John Thune of South Dakota
* Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas
* Bob Bennett of Utah

We expect the worst from the Republicans regarding any real reform at re. healthcard.

Butl, It looks like the health care reform 'worming' it's way through congress just may be the Dems and Obama's 'Waterloo' after all.

No, I'm not channeling Hunnity.
But I have read and heard on the news many pieces on just what is emerging. It looks like it will be the 'Private Health Insurance Profit Enhancement Act'.

As Ralph Nadar said a few years back, 'There's no difference' between the two major parties.
I disagree somewhat, but he was close. The Dems are owned, apparently, by the same people that own the Repubs.

I read just today that even if this thing passes, moderate and low income people will still be priced out of the market. There will be no real cost containment. And the 'public option' is being reduced to a small, ineffective dumping ground for the very poor and very sick.

So, with a little window dressing, the Dems will be handing the private insurers everything they ever dreamed of with a couple weak reforms for icing.

Probably the most distressing aspect of this debacle is the realization that we, the US, are no longer capable of saving itself. The bus is literally hitting the canyon floor, yet our duly elected government that won a large majority with a mandate for bold action is incapable of even mild action let alone real reform.

So, not only will our medical care continue to crash down around us, but our political system is incapable of real change.

"We expect the worst from the Republicans regarding any real reform at re. healthcard. "

What!?

That should read
'We expect the worst from the Republicans regarding any real reform re. healthcare'.

-Democrats pushing for health care reform got serious jolts last week from critics who warned that their proposed legislation would 'do little to slow spiraling health care costs'. A group of conservative Democrats vowed that they would join Republicans-

Blue Dogs Rake in the Dollars from the Health Care Industry ... The 20 Blue Dogs have taken a combined $6,849,273 from various segments of the health care industry, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics

Thank You !

Jacksmith, the U.S. is 37th worst, really? Over 120,000 die in the U.S. a year that wouldn't die elsewhere? Really? Please show some facts on this.
Sorry, but the reality is the U.S. has some of the best health care in the world. We have some of the best doctors, best hospitals and best medicine possible.
Hsr, the Mayo Clinic has gone on record as being AGAINST ObamaCare. Also, if you want true health care savings and true health care reform, then we need tort reform. Often doctors may order tests that are not needed because they have to cover their collective butts from ridiculous lawsuits. Read Charles Krauthammer's column today if you're interested in being enlightened to reality.

In a major news story, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has analyzed ObamasCare and concludes that the costs will be astronomic. See http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10400/07-26-InfoOnTriCommProposal.pdf for more facts David Axelrod and his media allies want hushed up.

By an amazing (non)coincidence, Ben Smith at politico.com ran the same story on the same AUC video just 6 minutes after Mark Silva did. See http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0709/Americans_United_Snail.html#comments for further evidence on how the media coordinates with DNC front groups. And how the media can't be trusted to tell the truth.

Johnny Dee you misquote Mayo Clinic and then want us to read nutcase right wing Obama-hater Krauthammer? Please. jacksmith didn't make that stuff up, it's commonly reported if you pay attention. Tort reform would save about one-half of one percent. So get real yourself.

Nice to know we beat Ben Smith to the punch. They're pretty fast at Politico, and get up pretty early. But as far as conspiracy theories go, having some sources in common in both parties is a bit of a stretch friend. Try sticking to the substance.

Donut,

Try "the Google". The WHO ranks our healthcare system 37th:

http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html

You whine daily about media bias and you're going to reference Charles Krauthammer?

Priceless.

What good is our health-care system if a huge percentage of our population can't afford it? What good is it if the average citizen is one serious illness away from bankruptcy and ruin? Markets fail to adequately address social dilemmas such as health-care. All the social-Darwinist that decry "socialized" medicine" would change their tune if it was their life or a loved-one's who's world was turned upside-down by a health emergency.

C.Morris is right, our system is broken yet we are incapable as a nation of stepping-up to fix it. Special-interest groups still own this country and are heavily vested in squashing any populist reform that would slowdown their collective gravy train.

Welcome Soylent Green, fiction has a way of becoming reality.

Krauthammer, John D???? That FoxNews bum? hahahaha.
NO credibility.

* * * * *
Posted by: hsr0601 | July 27, 2009 12:24 PM
.
Yeah, right. And maybe it hasn’t dawned on anyone that the reason for all of the extra, wasted tests and procedures is the fear of being sued. This highlights one of the main flaws in the current health care bills: None of them breathe a word about tort reform or capping “pain and suffering” awards in malpractice actions. Malpractice insurance is a major cost of the health care industry, in which case capping it would provide a way to drive prices down. Until that happens, the U.S. government and the American People (by proxy) aren’t going to have a health care system; they’ll be running a lottery with a very deep pocket.
.
Next time: Why leaving the wolves in charge of the hen house is going to thwart any effective change in our health care system.

dt is right about the markets.
The 'market' is adept at determining the price of jeans, a gallon of milk, or even an automobile.
But that 3:00 AM heart attack is impossible to price out.
Besides, your private insurance dictates which doctors you can see and which hospital you can go to.

Rupert, here is a column in the Trib about a week ago in which directors at the Mayo Clinic question much of the Dems' plans for health care:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0719mayojul19,0,2771064.story

And the costs of medical lawsuits:
http://www.sickoflawsuits.org/threats/CosttoConsumers.cfm

Many doctors pay malpractice insurance well into the six figures. Also, many states are suffering a shortage of doctors in some fields because of medical liability insurance. FACT!

I wonder what those greddy doctors think of BO now after his comment basically calling them mercenaries:

You come in and you’ve got a bad sore throat, or your child has a bad sore throat or has repeated sore throats,” President Obama explained at Wednesday’s press conference. “The doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, ‘You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid’s tonsils out.’”

Another point that is lost on the folks talking about the increasing cost of health care - the quality of health care has improved. Think what happened years ago with heart attacks, knee surgeries, or various other procedures. The true cost of the entire process, including recover time and lost productivity had much higher cost (that aren't included when the libs talk about high medical costs).

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203517304574306540346505228.html

" ‘You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid’s tonsils out.’”
Posted by: Terry | July 27, 2009 9:26 PM"

At last you are starting to see the problem.

Yes, John D, but they didn't say they are AGAINST Obamacare. Strange you would cite a Tribune article to support your side. Try this...

"Mayo Clinic has apparently warmed to the health care reforms proposed in Washington, D.C.

The well-known Rochester clinic merited several shout-outs in President Obama's health care pitch to the nation Wednesday night." (StarTribune.com, Minneapolis.)

Part or the projected savings in the Medicare portion of the bill is to council the ill and aged to end their life thru euthanasia.

Here you go, take this and you will no longer be a drag on the economy that you can no long support.

Unless you have a secret way of not aging, you too will be there some day.

slats,
you need to show proof on that one.

C. Morris, I agree that market forces are not driving down the cost of health care, but I don't think it is because health services are impossible to price. Rather, I think it is because providers are not competing. Whether you have an HMO, state health insurance, or Medicare/Medicaid, it is always a third party paying the bills. Consumers don't shop. If I need to see a specialist, I don't say, well this guy is $300 an hour, but this gal down the street is $150. I don't care because I am not paying for it. I bet the last time you went to a doctor, you didn't even know how much they charged per hour/per service. I know I didn't. If people don't price shop, providers have no reason to price compete.

One solution that insurance companies try to do is that they will pay a "reasonable" rate based on some community average, and if you want to see someone more expensive, go ahead, but you pay the difference. Medicare is similar. But then people jump up and down clamoring that some insurance company exec or govt bureaucrat is telling them what doctor to see. I sympathize with that argument, but what people don't seem to understand is that whether it is private insurance or government insurance, the money is finite, and lines are going to be drawn.

If a private health insurance system is going to survive, then it has to be justified by doing what a free enterprise system is supposed to - provide quality while driving down costs through competition. That is not happening. In my opinion, the underlying problem with health care in this country is cost. If health care were cheap, I don’t think we would be having these discussions. The key is driving that down, and I don’t see the current system doing that, nor any of the committee plans in Congress. BO is now resigned to trying to achieve reform that is "deficit neutral", which sounds like the status quo when it comes to cost. I don’t see anyone squarely addressing what I consider the big three causes of out of control costs – lack of price competition from providers, over-prescription of tests, and out of control prescription drug costs. As to the over-prescription of tests, BO has commented on the “greed” motivation, but I think that grossly oversimplifies a complex problem. Ask the doctors themselves, and they will say they over-prescribe tests to cover their rear ends from lawsuits. I’m not saying this is the primary cause of over-prescription, but I think it is definitely a factor, and one BO won’t touch with a ten foot pole. He won’t even acknowledge it. I guess the trial lawyers’ bar is more powerful than I thought.

CM, I see from your posts that you are critical of the existing system and of the committee plans. How would you draw it up? I’m guessing single payer, government run?

HH,,
Yes, I believe single payer is the only workable reform that will hold down cost.
It's not even on the table, but David Brooks of all people, said he would prefer SP over what's being cooked up now.
It's just possible that firm regulation and a decent public option would help, for a while, but I don't see that coming. (Yet, anyway)
The Dems were elected on the promise of bold change. What we are getting hardly fills the bill, IMO.

CM,

At l;east you are honest are where you stand and what you think of doctors - that they are nothing but mercenaries looking for the next buck. Please tell me how you single payer system would cure this.

Terry,
Part of the cost reduction, to the medical care consumer would be an insurance pool of 300 million plus people. That in itself would bring down individual premium costs. That's insurance 101, as I am sure you know.
I don't care if taxes or premiums are used to pay for it. The savings in individuals cost would offset any new taxes or replacement premiums.
Secondly, the power of the government to negotiate drug, hospital and other care costs should be a big factor. It was a real mistake not allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices for Medicare D.
Thirdly, employers will also have to contribute, but at a rate far less than the huge costs they now carry. This will help them competitively.

Nobody ever talks about how unfair the current system is. Ever hear of 'cost shifting'? Much of the uninsured costs are simply shifted to your and my premiums.
Also, what real choice do you enjoy under the current system? I have a list of providers I can choose from, and I better get precertified. Also, if I get hurt out of state my copays go to 50/50!?! WTH?! I can be dropped at any time, and any legitimate claim can be denied.

Frankly, after the betrayal by the company provided insurance, and their private industry helpers over the past 15 years, I have no trust in them. I actually would trust a government bureaucrat more than them.

So you want to the gov't to be the big bad monopoly and dictate prices? Do you think that will increase or decrease the number of people that want to enter the medical profession?

Ask doctors what they think of medicare reimbursement. Part of the most recent bill was to cut medicare reimbursements by over 20%. This was done to balance in an attempt to make the bill deficit nuetral.

What needs to be done is to get rid of the "state boundaries" issue for health insurance - more competition is needed. Once competition is established, have the gov't provide vouchers to the uninsured (on a sliding income scale) and have them procure their own. encourage the use of HSAs.

Single payer will gives us service such as the USPS and Amtrak. Look at Massachuttes as an example.