Will health care reform pass Congress this year?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The battle over health care reform looks to be an uphill one for President Obama. The president was in Chicago today, asking skeptical doctors to get behind his plan to overhaul the system - calling it a "ticking time bomb" for the budget that could force the U.S. to go the way of GM.
Mr. Obama swung out at critics - calling them naysayers and fear mongerers... and warned interest groups not to paint his efforts as socialized medicine.
For the first time, Mr. Obama said publicly this overhaul could cost $1 trillion over 10 years; he says that's "real money," but that it's less than what the U.S. is projected to spend on the Iraq War.
The president wants a new public program that would compete with private insurers; it would help cover the 46 million uninsured Americans. He doesn't want to do away with privately owned plans.
But Republicans are accusing the president of pushing a government takeover of health care.
And even members of the president's own party don't think health care reform can make it through Congress. Kent Conrad - Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee - says there aren't enough votes for the public option. Conrad says they're also going to have to attract some Republicans along with holding onto all of the Democrats.
Even though there are big questions about how to pay for all this, Conrad says the country can't afford not to change the system.
Here’s my question to you: Do you think health care reform will pass Congress this year?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Nancy from Grand Ledge, Michigan writes:
I am fairly certain some kind of healthcare reform will pass. But I am afraid that Congress will water it down so much that it won't be the reform we need! They know how important this issue is to many Americans, and they want to be able to brag about their "reform" in the 2010 elections!
Janice from Collingswood, New Jersey writes:
I think a healthcare bill will be passed this year but there will be so much fighting over it, it will be almost useless. Either hospitals will close for lack of funds, or there will be a backup of over a year to get a simple procedure done. It will not be "patient friendly" and insurance companies will still be getting rich off of poor people.
Mark writes:
No, it will not pass. As a former lobbyist, I can honestly say it is very easy to stop legislation if there is enough special interest money wanting to do so. In this case, big pharma and the health insurance industry will use front groups to keep a safe distance but make sure their members of Congress either load it up with unrealistic amendments or just don't show up when it’s time to vote (that way they can honestly say they didn't vote against it).
Scott from Scottsdale, Arizona writes:
Jack, Unfortunately no! Our country has already demonstrated that it will not endorse change until the system collapses, literally! Look at our financial system as a good example. Americans don't have the backbone to insist that their representatives in Congress speak for the people.
Kerry writes:
I’m hopeful that it will not pass in its present form. Given the extremely high yet underestimated costs, no clear plan or budget to pay for it… and a higher level of awareness by more citizens against it, proponents will be in for a tougher fight than they realize.
Gabriel from Hartford, Connecticut writes:
It depends on how many politicians are on sale this time.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
C'mon Jack. You know that IT WILL PASS the Health Care reform bill.
If not this month the reason would be to make some theatricals in Congress which at the end of the play boy meets girl and every one
will be happy everafter.
Jack: Health reform should pass Congress, or corporate America will get the green light to close ER's to only those who are bleeding or who have broken bones. The ER will no longer be the poor mans health care system. The Medical profession has a motto,"do no harm", but corporate America has a motto, "make money at any cost."
I can only hope and pray that health care reform will pass Congress this year. If not, both parties should be declared DOA (dead on arrival) by US voters in the next Congressional election.
I am afraid Health Care reform will pass Congress this year. The rhetoric from the administration is full of excellent sound bites, the intent of President Obama's initiatives from banking to automotive industry to health care are all aimed at needed reform. However, the execution so far in his term has been a complete disaster or a disaster in progress. We don't need Czars to dictate actions, what we need are intelligent astute leaders who know how to put together a complete strategic plan with the steps required to attain the well meaning objectives. Health care change is a major undertaking and cannot be attained through knee jerk, pork laden Congressional action.
no because all the senate & congress have been bought off buy the drug companies. it will never happen , their all way to greedy . and Pelosi doesn't want single payer–I didn't realize that she was God.
The GOP, “Party of No" continues to live up to their standard policy “NO” when it comes to helping Main Street. Having 46 million people without healthcare and companies unable and no longer willing to bare the expense; why do you suppose the cost is so high? Tough question! The GOP is either a sleep at the switch or simply don't care about main street. I think the latter. The GOP continues to look out for the fat cats as their ongoing policy! Somebody has to pay for the un-insured on main street when they go to the emergency room, etc., and you can bet it’s not the GOP. They've got great insurance coverage and have no personal wearies. Making healthcare available and affordable to every American should and must be the goal of the white house and congress. The GOP must roll up their sleeves and help work out an honest solution to this ongoing healthcare crisis and stop saying "NO."
I think so but it will be so watered down that nobody will be happy.
Jack,
I am sure it will! The Democrats have both houses of Congress (for now anyway) They know they have a better chance of passing a health care reform bill that costs billions of dollars that we don't have. They'll have to pass it now before the Republicans take back Congress.
Jack, If it does pass, I don't think the public is going to be very happy with what is presented.
There are just too many issues to work through and it shouldn't be rushed..but most know the intent is to get it through as fast as possible..before anyone realizes just what happen.
Ahh...just WHEN wil the blinders come off?
Jack: If health care is not passed this year, it's time to replace the whole Congress. They have done nothing but stall my whole life time.
Half of them will be up for re-election next year and all can be signing up for under-employment. It's time they do their job or get thrown out!
It has to. We're facing insolvency. It's not an option and this administration knows it.
Lets hope not ,the government needs to butt out of private enterprises,we already see how well they run social security,the post office and amtrack,not a very good track record!
I do think there will be some sort of health care reform get passed by the end of the year. I can only hope that it will still amounts to something by the time it gets thru Congress, though.
Healthcare better be passed with a public option. The Insurance companies and the Healthcare Industry have increased cost and lowered care for years. It is time to put people first and if these elected officials will not act then we should vote them out. I am tired of the rationing argument, we all know that the Insurance Industry dictates what doctors you can/cannot see and what treatments they will pay for. Stop all this BS and pass the legislation. If President Obama cannot get bipartisan support he should pass it by reconciliation and take credit while the republicans suffer the consequences of being the party of "NO".
Probably not. But if it does, it will definitely be a win for big phama and the insurance companies. We the People are the "useless eaters" that this country's government (made up of corporations and the bought and paid for congress and media) would love to dispose of.
We need health care badly. I have aarp insurance which is supposed tobe on the side of the retired people, yet ithe cost goes up almost every year. One of the reasons is that it does not make their cost per the individual's need. They go by what your zip code is and there are many senior citizens in my zip code.
The other problem is that although I voted for president Obama, I'm afraid he is chewing off more than he can chew. He wants to hold onto his popularity and is piling up so many bills that WE THE PEOPLE will have to pay for in our taxes eventually, and so will mour children and grandchildren. There won't be any money left to bail us out after we have bailed Gm, AIG any every other incompetentout.
come on people,dont you see obama get everything he want.
Not if the rapacious insurance companies or their "in the pocket" running-dog venal politicians have anything to say about it. Anyone who doesn't fight for a single-payer system better update their resume, and that includes Obama.
The only thing keeping from health care passing this year is that the Republicans, rather than trying to make this country better, are taking the low road of trying to undermine the President. Our best hope is that the public recognizes what the Republicans are up to and press Congress to do the right thing for the whole country. Frankly, we should all have the same health care and that includes Congress.
Something with that name will pass, but it will not be as ambitious (or as useful) as Obama's proposals are.
Yes;
However all the parties need to work together. Obama supports a public option. The way to pass health care reform is to call the congress. Write a letter share your story . Join a group OFA organizing for America. Write a letter to the editor of local newspaper. Keep this issue on the Radar & keep the pressure up.
The will is clearly there. Reform is needed. I think hardly anyone can argue easily that the current system is broken. The way has now to be figured out.
Many elected Representatives will respect the peoples will even if they are pressured by special interests. Clearly the will needs to be shown thru peaceably and respectful actions of the voters who desire change.
Our elected people need to do action by creating & drafting a bill . Then passing a bill and getting it signed into law. So many steps and so many pitfalls. However like Civil Rights 40 of years ago it wasn't easy but happened. Many people argued against its merits, they stymied change and wanted the staus-quo but changed happened because of its importance. Health care is a right and its importance cannot be under estimated.
For reform to succeed the congress needs to understand that failure is not a option. This time must be different lives, incomes , peoples way of life are at stake.
If it doesn't get passed this year, there will be new faces in Congress next yr and in 2012.......and yes, the Democratic Party will add to their majority.....maybe that's what the Republicans want....
You know Jack, I really think it will. I think he can convince congress that this is a great idea. I think that congress is about the people and helping them, what this bill is all about.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Congress actually passing some meaningful legislation? Never happen.
`No Jack. They know it's not going to work but they have to go through the same political song and dance. Taxing the healthcare sector would create more layoffs and cause more financial instability. Not the right time in my opinion Jack.
You Betcha
sadly yes it will pass the reason i say sadly it will be a bill that we the average american does not want
The nixes with health care reform are like kingergarten classes these days: just because one kid in the class is severely alergic to peanuts the whole class has to be changed in order to make things work. It's going to take a long time and I don't see it happening within the next year; in fact, in my opinion it might not even happen in President Obama's first term in office (provided that he's re-elected). I'm betting on the later part of his current term.
Sure Health Care Reform will pass congress this year but no where near as robust as it needs to be because the American people still don't quite understand or buy-in to thew fact that health care cost and energy cost has this nation in a strangle hold which will impede economic growth....
Steve
Clifton, VA
Maybe if Congress can get it approved by Limbaugh and Cheney.
It is now or never. The Democrats are not going to hold power in Congress. They get themselves thrown out every time, because they like to rob people blind people with taxes and fees. The erosion of their power will begin in 2010.
There is no need to develop another bureacracy to fine people for not getting health insurance. Simply remove medical expenses from the list of things you can file bankruptcy for (like student loans). This will penalize people who do not get coverage. This will satisfy those like Hillary Clinton who wish to persecute Americans.
This will all but eliminate those expensive emergency room visits that jack up the price of healthcare. We will also save billions in clearing our courts of half their bankruptcy cases. It is a simple solution. But our so-called leaders are not interested in simple and cheap, and we Americans always pay for their partisan bickering.
Not if the Republicans have anything to say about it. They continue to argue that the issues are too complex to rush through Congress. What rush? They have been debating reform for thirty years. We all know the arguments for and against the various proposals. There are 100 million Americans with no or inadequate insurance. People are being denied access to health care while they stall. If we denied them coverage until reform is passed, we would see how quickly they could act. Fortunately, the Democrats seem to have the votes needed to get something done. Hopefully it won't be too waterted down to apease the Republicans.
I think it will pass this year. That way the Democrats can have 10 or 11 months to get these votes on their side and sooth the feathers of the ones that are against it. This next year will be another exciting time in the political arena and provide a lot of great topics for the cynics of the blogs like me to answer the creative questions that Jack will write. It should be fun but very expensive.
Think its going to pass provided rush and dick. c continue to talk in public and show coz it shows how weak the republicans are and for them to gain american confidence they willl have to help bring about change promised by the very popular President
I agree with others who have said that if health care reform is going to happen, it has to be this year. Members of Congress will be to worried about getting re-elected to enact any meaningful legislation after the 2009 session. Yes, that is a sad commentary, but it is reality. Again, I suggest, term limits are the solution.
probably.
the better question is will it work?
Yes......in one form or another.
I’m hopeful that it will not pass in its present form. Given the extremely high yet underestimated costs, no clear plan or budget to pay for it, the newly discovered “Pork” in this bill and a higher level of awareness by more citizens against it – proponents will be in for a tougher fight than they realize.
If the Democrats hold firm and listen to the people, health care can be passed this year. if the economy is to recover, it must be passed this year.
Something called "health care reform" might pass Congress, but I'm becoming less and less optimistic about the whole exercise. The majority of Americans want a single-payer plan and that isn't even on the table. Now their second choice, the so-called "public" option is being sacrificed for some complicated co-op plan. The Democrats I talk to are pretty disgusted. We didn't work like hell and donate more than we could afford to end up with a bunch of Republican-lite representatives. If we don't end up with something remotely close to what we were promised, the politicians can look elsewhere for donations and door knockers next time around.
Probably not. They've still got to finish reading and responding to all of those letters of discontent, criticism, suggestions and great ideas I've sent them. Either that or throw 'em in the trash...just like they've done with the economy. (Ouch!) In all fairness, the current state of the economy was a team effort on their parts (or lack thereof). Everybody has differing personal interests -for whatever reason. But until our politicians get on the same page and start thinking with society as a whole in mind, we'll just keep yelling at them for making bad decisions, voting them out, and letting the next one give it a go. We'll get the right people in Congress one day. Unfortunately this particular day isn't looking so good, but I am optomistic. Hugs 'n' Smootches Jack~! Dean-O
Jack:
If ALL Democrats and the 3 Republican we can depend on support the President , then it should pass. I wrote to the President & Vice President asking them to put a face on Healthcare. Take a page from the Republican Playbook with Joe the Plumber. Feature everyday people who have been hurt by our healthcare–Destroyed from massive medical bills, unable to cover basic needs because of the high cost of healthcare insurance, unable to afford drug costs etc. etc. etc. The time is here to make this happen. President Obama DID put a face on healthcare when he addressed the Medical Association this morning–doubt it was because of Me but makes no difference just get it done!
Lets hope not, but the republicans can't stop it, so the only way to stop it is greedy "in fighting" among the libs.
Does not look right to me, too many people took out on the streets. However, the Iranians complaining and protesting in the US should pack up and go over there and fight for their country. Freedom does not come for free, talk here is cheap.
Yes,but who knows what form it will take? I really hope it is a good one,as 47 million people depend on its success.
I would like to think so, but there are too many lawyers and lobbyists
for the big medicine makers!!!
Jack
Something will pass... but if it does not iclude a public insurance pool option it won't be reform.
If we really want to completely reform health care we should go for a Single Payer system. It is where we are inevitably headed anyway and we might as well go the whole way now rather than drag it out for the next 50 years.
Pablo
Arlington Texas
Probably not. There is nothing I can do but pray that things will get cheaper for all of us who cannot afford good insurance.
It depends on how many politicians are on sale this time.
Never not in a hundred years. Not with these corrupt members of congress. They are worthless.
Passage of the health care bill is just fine with me, PROVIDING, all elected officials and government employees go on the identical plan that we the citizens will have. If they believe it's so great for us then naturally it is the best for them as well. That's my deal. Take it or leave it.
It will be a MIRACLE if it does. THE QUESTION is, IF it passes WHAT FORM will it be in???
Jack,
Our healthcare system cannot be reformed until the insurance industry is fixed. Allowing providers to bill outraegous minimums to the insured for basic services to cover losses from uninsured is the biggest problem. The system will not change until the whole thing breaks. I hope at that time the system isn't on and HMO, can you imagine the bill for a broken system specialist!
with any luck there will never be government ran health care
The good lord forbbing – NO. But look for Mr. Obama to be selling it like he owns it on ABC (Always Barrack Company).
Well, they already passed a myriad of health care bills for banking and industry, so maybe, just maybe, if there is any more paper to print dead presidents on they will address the real health problem's. If it promises to bail out top guns in the medical and insurance field's, it WILL happen.
Holy crap, where's the tylenol?!
I think a healthcare bill will be passed this year but there will be so much fighting over it, it will be almost useless. Either hospitals will close for lack of funds, or there will be a backup of over a year to get a simple procedure done. It will not be "patient friendly" and insurance companies will still be getting rich off of poor people.
Jack, it should only pass if they forego the hefty penalty against working class folks, Issue it to only Taxpaying American Citizens , and have one system for rich and poor alike. Otherwise if its some affirmative action for the Illegal uninsured, at the expense of regular folks, and the Rich pay less..........dont we already have that? Why pay twice?
I am fairly certain some kind of health care reform will pass. But I am afraid that Congress will water it down so much that it won't be the reform we need! They know how important this issue is to many Americans, and they want to be able to brag about their " reform" in the 2010 elections!
I think President Obama's health care plan will pass this year but I sure wouldn't call it "health care reform". Real reform will be when we join the rest of the civilized world and provide not-for-profit health care for all of our people.
Brownwood, Texas
You know, Jack, I would love to think so, but, realistically, I don't think we will see much happen. There is so much untrue propaganda being presented by organiztions on TV that I think a lot of people are believing that any reform will mean that people will receive less than adequate care. I really hope I am wrong - BUT the AMA and the insurance companies are not willing to give up one greedy dollar to better the system or help people - they want money, money, money - to hell with compassion and caring.
I would hope and pray that healthcare reform passes this year. I am getting very tired of being part of the working poor. It is because of healthcare coverage. In fact, many of us are one major illness away from loosing everything. However, many republicans/ conservatives have no understanding because they can afford coverage that is not afforded to the working class. I believe they are in "bed" with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies. I pay a premium every two weeks, plus co-pays for medications and physician visits. If I get really sick, then I must pay a $500.00 deductible and 2,500.00 out-of-pocket expenses. Who has that kind of money? Something has to be done to make it affordable.
as long as we have both political parties from congress taking money from health giants, it is going take a long time for healthcare to pass.single payer shouldn't never be removed off the table because we want to choose our own healthcare and pay lower costs.there are some folks who claimed that president obama is a socialist yet they want to feel sorry for the rich companies who screwed us.those folks are plain stuipd and dumb to believe that theory.no one who lives in this country shouldn't be without healthcare regardless of color,sex, religion etc.we noticed that some blue dem dogs are worrying about spending too much yet they take in huge donations from insurance companies.give me a break.i hope that all voters start paying attention to all senators and congressmen because they are manipulating voters like fools while they are getting free insurance from taxpayers and their lives are well taken care of.also i hope all voters start reading more about their politicans too because we don't hear enough in the mainstream media.healthcare should be affordable to all citizens not just companies or to the elected officials.i want president obama to get it done or else more folks will continue to stay sick without having insurance.there are too many lives in this country who needs healthcare while the rich can afford to pay for it.enough is enough!
That depends. If the bill has anything for us in it, it is already dead. The only way congress will pass anything is if it screws us, lines their pockets and/or if of benefit to the insurance, hospital and drug industries
Public option – Slick on words isn't he?? Government competing with private insurance. Nobody in their right mind could ever believe this would work. So if you already have private insurance are you exempt from the taxes to cover public insurance?? Is everyone going to pay towards this or just the tax paying citizens paying for everyone else? Are the doctors willing to become government employees? Can you force doctors to accept patients on this plan? Still way too many unanswered questions to be rushing this through without any real thought.
Of course not. Any legislation that will benefit the middle class and the poor are doomed. How can health insurance companies continue to rip us off??
Jack; A bill having to do with Health Care will pass Congress this year but will it address the crisis that presents itself today. No same old grandstanding via lobby groups, health professionals, elite who have resources and the media that control the agenda by "artificial politics".
I hope healthcare reform makes it to the floor for a vote but not socialized medicine. That would be a bad thing. Obama comparing the cost of healthcare to the Iraq war is a cop out on his part. First off no one asked for the Iraq war in the first place. To try and pass healthcare off as an equal onus is ignorant. There is no comparison to a war and healthcare and he should quit trying to rake cat litter over it to hide it. It stinks and the federal government could cover those 47 million people without insurance under Medicaid and then work to control and curb medical spending. That is a doable plan fine tweaking the system without gouging the pockets out of Americans.
I hope not. I voted for Obama but I didn't like the legislation for credit cards being rushed through to meet a timetable and ending up with guns being allowed in National Parks. To get health care, without loopholes a submarine could fit through, congress would have to work every day till the new year. Setting a time table is just bad. What moronic items would be tacked on to get it through? Most of us will still be here in 2010, don't rush and botch it.
A conservative group in Texas has an ad out saying a public option will be just horrible because it will "put a bureaucrat between you and your doctor." The folks funding this ad are from insurance companies. Then we hear the insurance companies are saying they won't be able to "compete" with this absolutely horrible option. Which is it? What they really want is to have the tax payer subsidize their profits. Pass Obama's plan.
Healthcare reform will pass Congress unless the Republicans start their whiny ways instead of coming up with REASONABLE solutions.
There are too many dollars available from pharmaceutical and health industry lobbyists and too many Congressmen willing to accept them to expect any real movement any time soon on passing any health care reform which will not benefit them before the citizens the laws are meant to help. So Jack, I guess no will have to be the answer.
Some form of health care will pass this year Jack. My only fear is that it will not be comprehensive, not be the once in a lifetime reform needed and will give the insurance companies everything they want. If we want real reform it must start with making health insurance not for profit and providing a public option.
No, we'd need a Congress that represents the people, instead of Corporate Interests for that to happen. As was proven with the Attempt to fix the Mortgage mess, industry owns our congressional critters. Worse yet, I supported some of this scum with my hard earned money. How sickening is the present situation? Support Democratic Corporate Whores, or get Republicans who are even worse.
Yes it will pass, but it will be full of so much pork that americas cholestrol will go through the roof. The health care system needs a serious makeover and once again the dumm republicans don't know how to fix and don't want Obama to fix it.
Jack, I hope so. I had to give up my company health insurance because I couldn't afford the premiums anymore and still keep my house.
I don't think it will pass because the details are so sparse. And I want them to answer how this new plan is different than medicare and medicaid. It seems that this is going to be a way to pay for all the illegal immigrants. As far as I'm concerned every citizen should qualitfy for medicaid or medicare
I think everyone, not just Obama, is missing the real problem. Namely, doctors are for the most part isolated from the people being charged by the offices they work for and by the insurance companies. Doctors, and hospitals, do anything they want without regard to what it will cost the patient since they figure someone else (probably an insurance company) is going to pay for it anyway. How many real studies have been done to investigate needless tests and referrals to multiple specialists, as well as an extra day or two in the hospital?
The first step, in my opinion, is to remove the layers of insulation between the doctor and the patient when it comes to the actual bill.
The powerful lobby's of the medical community, insurance companies and the republicans will try to keep this from becoming a reality. While the fat cats in congress engage in lies and name calling, millions of americans have no health-care. Mitt Romney, while unable to keep from smirking continues to lie about the results of such a plan. We know it will not be perfect, but revisions over the years will make it work.
It will never happen Jack. Nothing that truely helps average americans. Too many "special interests" and too many politicians with their hands out. We'll see something that will be hailed as true reform but will be nothing but the same old thing.
Jack: Yes, I think some form of healthcare reform will pass this year. We are all have some immediate or distant family member or friend who is suffering from lack of resources to have medical treatment. When it hits home, we're all for it. In 2010 the house will be up for re-election. With appropriate positioning, we will finally have healthcare reform. Yes, there's a price tag – as there was for the Iraq war.
I hope so. We need some kind of reform now! It's gotten too awful.
O'bama is right the health system is broken, Once my Cobra runs out I cannot get health insurance because I have sleep apnea . I make to much money to qualify for any governbment program.. I do know people who had insurance and were broke after a devasting illness. Private insurance compay's only want healthy people. With Obama's government program those of us who are less then perfect would have an alyerative rather then do without. By the way my cobra is
$341 a month and unempoyment is $300 per week. you do the math..
Thanks to Obama for picking up $224. witch makes it affordable.
I hope so! I'm supporting the President's change agenda. I want not only a public option but also a single payer. The USA needs a healthcare system that works for everyone like Canada, Mexico, Cuba, South America, Europe and Scandanavia. The opposition to such a healthcare system is not quality, access nor affordabilty, it is greed; just like everything else in the USA capitalist system. Fortunately for this world we all live in, many of the societies in the rest of the world are smarter and more caring than, here, in the USA.
I'd like to answer that question with a question, Do you think the American government wants the average family to have health care?
If the American people say both parents must work to afford health care, then they need to pass it.
The rest of the so called civilized countries provide it.
If one parent could stay home and raise the children, the American family would become healthy again and not need to see the doctor as much. And we could pay cash.
I'll bet we see the doctor more for stress related illnesses and poor eating habits then any other problems.
Oregon
I believe something on this topic will get passed, but I am not sure about this year, and I know it won't be a plan that will really do any good. There are too many people making WAY too much money off of this. As long as there are people making millions, and companies with balance sheets involved (And this includes politicians too), nothing good will happen. Greed likes unhealthy peasants.
Healthcare Reform is critical if we are going to survive as a Nation.
The public option and the non-profit insurance agency in order for the plan to pass must be a life-raft or saftey-valve not a trojan horse and should replace Medicare,Medicaid. The public option would be available for those without insurance. The non-profit would be available for those businesses looking to attract quality people and compete in the marketplace with lost health insurance for the business and the employee. The size and scope of the government effort in healthcare would contract and expand as the economy expanded and contracted. Obviously, during an economic upturn the government effort would contract and save the taxpayer billions of dollars. Also, during an economic downturn the individual would have health insurance, those without health insurance would be covered at at all times and during economic downturns businesses could continue to compete and hire quality people with good health benefits. This would be a market based system and is sustainable long term.
It better pass, our current system is unsustainable and helps no one other than insurance company executives.
Yes, because everybody agrees something needs to be done, which means they'll tinker around the edges and tell us they fixed it. Of course the insurance companies will remain in charge, so don't expect any realy change.
Ed Reed
Are you kidding? Show me one state that's created a Worlers' Comp system that isn't rape by statute. Smaller legislatures can't resist the medical & insurance lobbies and neither can the larger Congress.
This is part of the same old fight that has been going on in this country since we adopted the constitution: business interests vs. the average American. Let's face it, big business has been running this country since that unholy alliance between the old pro-business Republican party and the religious right back in the late 70's resulted in the election of Ronald Reagan. The insurance companies are funding the fight to keep any kind of reform out, using bogie-man words like "socialized medicine" and offering examples from the government run plans in England and Canada. They don't talk about the people in this country who have had procedures declined by the insurance companies or who have been denied coverage by the insurance companies. They won't talk about all the failures of our health care system, including the woman in NY who died in an ER because no one got over to look at her. They don't want to talk about the huge profits insurance companies make every year.
I doubt that we will see any meaningful reform. The fight is just too big.
No, lobbyist dollars will prevent it.
If that's what the insurance companies want....
If there is any sanity or compassion left in Washington DC for Americans going without healthcare coverage, it will. Any Congressional Representative who fails to heed the outcry on this issue and the neglect of millions of Americans is the worst of criminals and deserve to be turned out of office and their insurance cancelled!!
Health Care will not be passed this year. There is way too much partisan bickering. Politicians are concerned with what politicans worry bout most, the next election. Why would they worry about the millions of uninsured. The Republicans will give their reason for why a public system wont please the upper class and the democrats will argue about the private sector robbing the middle class with high rates, the stick to their guns and by doing so they will never compromise.
I don't know, but I fear not. I do know the Republicans, AMA (better known as the doctors union), rich well do everything to shoot it down. I am a 63 year old 100% disabled veteran and can't buy health insurance. This is wrong and there's 45 million of us uninsured. I got the money, give me the insurance, I want to live. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.
No.
How many administrations have we gone through where nothing was done at all except talk about it.
The fire is out of control and we don't know what to do about it.
I wonder what kind of health insurance plans our Congressmen have.
Maybe they don't need a plan. Hell, who needs a plan if you make that much money anyway.
Let's move on to something more important like bigger tax cuts for the rich.
Jack, your pushing my buttons again.
Yes they should. Look what is the problem here we had spent BILLIONS in Iraq on Bombs amunitions, we have spent billions in Afghanistan & BILLIONS more we will spend on these wars. But DEAR OH GOD don' t spend that much money on Americans for affordable health care.... Is this silly debate or what..
Dear lord i hope they change the health care these commercals trying to scare the $#!& out of people are paid for by the current heathcare plan easy to afford when an aspren costs 300 dollars!!!!
I really hope so! This is such a major issue. I cannot afford to go to the doctor, dentist or get my eyes checked like I need too. We have a $4000 deductible. That means we have to pay the full doctor office call, full price for our prescriptions and eyeglass/exams. We are in pretty good health, so therefore, we will never reach that $4000 mark. This is so important for so many people. If health care is reformed where everyone can afford it, there will be less absenteeism from work and school. Therefore, it will help the economy with more people at work well and rested.
Jack be serious!
No health care won't pass Congress this year or probably next year as well. Why? Because both the dems and republicans are going to be scared stiff that they lose their cushy jobs in Washington come 2010.
Health Care will not be passed this year. There is way too much partisan bickering. Politicians are concerned with what politicans worry bout most, the next election. Why would they worry about the millions of uninsured. The Republicans will give their reason for why a public system wont please the upper class and the democrats will argue about the private sector robbing the middle class with high rates, they stick to their guns and by doing so they will never compromise.
I think it will pass but not enough to help the majority of people..you see our congress men and women have their health care thanks to us..
I think healthcare reform will certainly be passed this year because Americans are finally realizing the economy and healthcare are so intertwined, there's no way out of this crisis without fixing it. The broad support President Obama is receiving across the nation also makes me feel hopeful that something will finally be done about healthcare in America.
No...this is a very big step for America and it will not happen in the next 4 years, but it will happen. America will eventually be dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age where people can think about their fellow Americans first instead of big insurance. I don't know why you can't do it in stages. Find a way to cover the people making below 25 thousand a year and could never afford private insurance. You could offer doctors bonuses for doing work for people in that bracket the list goes on and on. But you need to keep an open mind to make it work.
heath care reform will not pass until services are taken away from the private sector- as long as a service which decides on quality of life or life and death of people is a profit making business there will be resistance to change (too many people are making too much money). call me a socialist but i call myself more of a humanist- we need to expand our rights to include the right to an appropriate and adequate education and to health care.
Not if all the medical and pharmaceutical lobbyists bribing our elected officials can help it.
Yes, I believe Congress will act. American Businesses will benefit the most from this heavy burden being lifted off its shoulders. The rest of the world has already woken up. Health care should in no way be tied into having a job. They can charge less for a car over there than we do here because their auto makers aren’t paying for their employee’s health insurance, so why can’t we do that here? It will make us more competitive in the world market.
Dear Jack, I had heart surgery in Bangkok, Thailand three years ago. total cost, 3500 dollars US. As long as our heath in the US is just another business, instead of a vital service, which it should be, not the congress, or anyone else will fix the problem. Will it pass? yes. Will it matter? no! Jim Sloan Phoenixville, Pa.
YES, If it does not than we will never see it pass unless we have a Boston tea party again and change our government completely.
I don't know if it will make it to the floor for a vote or not but i do know one thing. Please don't tell Obama what comes after a trillion.
I have already quit both of my jobs because i see no point in working for a living when the government will just give me everything i need when it steals it from others through taxes.
If health care reform doesn't make it this year, when will it ever? The Republican fear mongers continue to poison the debate on real health reform; very similar to past banking and financial business debates. The old "free market" will eventually produce healthy people because those that are truly sick and in need won't live long enough to enjoy it.
Dave in Alabama
Dear Jack, I have a lot of faith in Obama, but no faith in Congress. Our president would actually have a better chance of catching bin Laden with his own bare hands, than he has of signing real health care reform that is for the people. The insurance company lobbiests will stop at nothing to pay off congress and get their way to continue to lie to, and take advantage of all Americans. I wish they would just put it to a vote in America and forget those crooks getting paid off... then we would win. Americans are fed up w/ fighting w/ insurance companies for the care they pay for, and worse for those of us who can no longer even afford to pay for the insurance in the first place, with a glimmer of hope that they would pay if need be.
Dana in Oregon
Not a chance. Until we have a Congress where the median age is under 110 years old, we won't see much change, Democrat or Republican.
Jack,
I don't think Health Care reform will pass this year or any other year. It might be nice if it did, i really don't believe our government has the smarts to operate a successful Health Care plan. Just take a look at how they operate everything else.
Carl in Illinois
Will it pass? Of that I am not sure.
But is private medical insurance better. I had private insurance in the past, but I have been without insurance during the last eight and a half years. When I had Private insurance I did witness each of my difference medical insurances controling what the doctor diagnosed and what the doctor can gave me in perscriptions.
Well at least with the reform I would have a chance of actually having insurance and not having to pay out of pocket every time I see the doctor and buy those perscriptions. Right now I can not even do the refill on the perscriptions which the doctor wants me to continue to take because I cannot afford them. I cannot even afford the follow up visit. The doctor's office sent me a letter that they need to discuss my exray. Oh well, maybe in two months I can afford to go in on the follow up for that exray discussion.
If there is a more vital issue facing this country than healthcare, I don't know what it is. The healthcare system in the U.S. along with the Insurance companies are a total disgrace. How can we, a nation that openly recognizes LIFE as the most important natural right, deny 46 million Americans of any kind of insurance, while effectively gouging the rest of us with exorbitant premiums, and constant denials of service? How can the United States, the beacon of liberty and equality, rank far below the rest of the developed world in infant mortality rate? How can we watch our friends and relatives whither away in front of our eyes so that the CEOs of Kaiser-Permanente can buy their sixth vacation home? Especially in our current economic situation with millions unemployed the idea of denying care based on pre-existing conditions is absurd. What adult over twenty years of age doesn't have a pre-existing condition? With all that said, sadly the Health Care reform supporters should plan on continuing the fight. I don't see Congress taking any definitive steps until there is a unified and majority public movement for it. Until then, we will continue to let Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad and baby die off as if it was 1815.
Dan, Haddonfield, NJ
Jack I have one foot in the grave already. When the other one goes in, I'll be dirt poor paying the health care system. Long before this convoluted health care bill sees the light of day, I'm afraid.
I think something will pass, but it will be so watered down and useless that one wonders what the point is.
No.
Easy to talk about but oh so hard to solve. The potential for political currency to be lost here will make passage vertually impossible. With present conditions in the country, getting a consenses concerning health care will be like sailing into a gale. Poor timing!
I certainly hope so, Jack. We have a broken system, millions uninsured, costs of health care out of control and vital decisions about our health being made by big business. We certainly cannot depend in the AMA, insurance companies, drug companies and the hospitals to fix anything, and nothing will improve without government intervention.
It is a disgrace that in the good ole USA we spend more than any nation on health care and rank 30th in quality and performance.
President Obama.s plan deserves all of our support, including
the party of no who does not want for the American people to have
what they do.
there will be some kind of half measure that will be half effective. one thing is for sure though, those who have will get more and those that don't won't.
Universal healthcare/Medicare/healthcare for all/government option should pass this year;however, I fear that all the so called Christians will kill it, money talks ,while caring and faith walks. I have faith that a miracle will happen and all those who need healthcare will receive it ,hopefully from the believers. Gene
unfortunatly noa although something needs to be done about the system we have now which if you don't work for a company that provides health insurance to it's employees or can afford to purchase your own you are in trouble if you get sick.my understanding of president obama's plan was not to force people into a goverment sponsored health plan and giving people the option of obtaining goverment health insurance or keeping their insurance they already have if they want to.something must be done to help the thousands that don't have health insurance because they can't afford it.many people don't go to see a doctor when they are ill and their childen as well and have to suffer the consequences.doctors and insurance companies are to blame for high medical costs ,i was a hospital employee before i retired and saw a patients bill where she was charged 20 dollars for 2 asprin,that is robbery and something needs to be done about it
Hi Jack,
In a word NO. There are too many big pharmacutical, medical and insurance companies that have billions and billions to lose if Obama passes this.
In the end it will die and so will the millions of Americans who don't have coverage when they or their children get sick.
Very sad that Republicans and Democrats could find hundreds of billions to fight false wars and TRILLIONS more to bail out big banks yet they don't think twice about looking the other way when millions of American men, women and children get sick and need help
Absolutely pathetic
Jesse
Vancouver Canada
Sadly~I do not think it will pass. Every American SHOULD receive the same Health Care as our Senators. How embarassing~we throw $$$
at Banks, Car Companies, etc and we, as a nation, have NO proper healthcare~bitterly disappointing and totally unacceptable.
Yes Jack we will. We have no choice but to fix this mess. I believe we will have a blue print or template we can work with this year, I believe we will continue to make it better next year.
No, not unless they do comprehensive tax reform at the same time and sweeten the deal with a hefty VAT prebate and ending income tax filing by the vast majority of families.
If all 46 million people get insured for an affordable amount of money, then why can`t the system finance itself? all 46 million people can't get sick at the same time.
Teko
Germany
We can't have everything. We want free health care, but also the right to sue the pants of every doctors. Get rid of of malpractice suits. Physicians, Nurses they make mistakes just like everyone else or have I been mistaken and every government official has been perfect.
Yes some form will pass. But only GOD knows whether it will be true reform or some hackneyed bill that some will have to hold their nose to vote for. The pain for failure will be too great for the Republicans.
Twas the night before December 31st, 2009 and all through the House not a Representative was stirring not even a Page. The chairs were all empty as they recessed again in hopes that a new year would be health reform clear. All health reform bills were debated at length with visions that they would go away soon. No health reform now. So dash away, dash away, dash away all.
Jack , We all need the same healthcare that Congress has, that way with everyone buying into the same program we all benefit with a cheaper rate .
Jack, the Obama administration may get some type of health care bill pushed through this year, but until they reign in the lawyers and produce some tort reform, it won't mateer. The physicians in our country will still be pushed into ordering countless expensive tests so they don't miss anything, make any mistakes, for fear of being sued.
No. I believe they missed their chance. Besides, no one wants Socialism, and that is what President Obama is peddling with this. It is left over from Hillary Clinton and Senator Ted Kennedy's healthcare plans, which includes provisions that equate to *forcing* people to have insurance (whether they want to or not; whether they have another plan for themselves, or not). Until they realize what America is about, and truly understand freedom and liberty, I hope every effort fails.
–Stephen Fox
Panama City, Florida
It is ridiculous that the media and so-called intelligent people in the United States are having a debate on universal healthcare. Countries such as Canada, Australia, England and the United Stated most cherished ally Israel, have Universal health care. If universal healthcare is so bad Israel would never have had it. The majority of people in the United State do not have healthcare and even if they have the co-pay is so high and other uncovered portion of bill is so much that they still cannot go to the doctor. This is ignorance and naivety from the American public and fear mongering by the Republicans and the big medical companies who is in control of the healthcare system in this country. It is an absolute shame that a country as the United State who called itself a superpower and spend so much money on wars and weaponry is claiming they cannot afford to give their entire citizen healthcare. SHAME SHAME SHAME
It will not because the big drug companies and big insurance companies will see to it that it will not. They will bury Congress with money.
Obama said Health Care will go the way of Government Motors.... Bankrupt and run by Obama cronies. Is that the way of Health Care? Bankrupt and run by Obama cronies. He doesn't listen to what the people, workers in the field, and experts tell him. He's made up his mind, socialized medicine.
The only way this spineless Congress will pass a healthcare reform bill is if it doesn't reform anything. Like GM and Chrysler, we'll not fix it until it's bankrupt.
No I do not think it will, I bet it will be a long road ahead!
Madison, Wisconsin
Health care can pass. Lots of citizen support. Lots of grassroots organizing to garner support.
Jack, I don't know if it will pass, but for my family's sake it HAS to. I am self-employed, and make a very good salary, but because I'm a sole proprietor and I don't have any employees, decent health care for my family is more than $2,000 a MONTH. With a mortgage payment, a car payment, and 3 kids to send to college, I can't afford that. If, God forbid, something happens to one of us, we're bankrupt.
I think it will pass, people are sick of paying high prices for med; and to go see the Doctor every year. (WE NEED HEATH CARE REFORM NOW)
The British were able to put in the NHS in 1948 when they were broke and recovering from WWll.
New Zealand fully implemented their NHS in 1941 during WWll.
But we Americans can't do as well as other countries anymore? What the hell happened here?
This year? Since when does Congress pass anything in one year? The question should be "Will health care reform pass Congress this century?" That being said, I would say no to both questions.
Jack,
Something called "health care reform" might pass, if only to save face for the Democrats. But it is unlikely it will really change much of anything beyond minor tinkering.
Yes, it will pass this year or we will have a whole new passel of legislators next election!
it better pass or god save america. peter h. dohan, md
A bill will pass in some form. The problem is will it be watered down in such a way that people like me the single, the unemployed and uninsured will still not be able to have access.
Will congress pass healthcare reform this year? Will the Nationals win the World Series?
Jack,
If it includes government run healthcare, I certainly hope not. This government and the last have already taken control of enough of our lives.
Jack,
You politicians are so frightened of the idea of socialized medicine that they will make sure to prevent significant change.
On behalf of those countries which have "socialized medicine", thank you. We suffer here with better, cheaper health care. And the economic benefits help us keep ahead of the US in lifestyle.
Cheers
Jack,
No i doubt it will pass, but how would that be new. I suppose what we could do what we always do; debate, debate, more debate, then do nothing until everyone in the country is dead or sick and we can't do anything about it so good luck America
They had better or we the Nation are tattooed. How much longer do these, bought and paid for, Congressional professional fools think they can stall before we find ourselves too broke to service the national debt. At that point are we going to hold our creditors (the World) at bay with bayonets?
It better pass! Or the peope will be in the streets protesting and this Medicare patient will be there with them!
The insurance companies are liars and thieves. They use their money to control Congress. We have had it with them!
we can only hope so becuase all the fear mongering the insurance companies are spreading aobut the dangers of socialized medicine may end up making this country a thrid world nation. We are behind most in health care now. The fact is you can have some high school graduate tell your doctor what test you can have or not as we do now, or some government employee. Being a retired government employee with a BA i will take the governement empolyee anyday.
I can't tell you whether or not it will pass, but I cry out for help that it does. I'm trapped in severe pain waiting for two weeks (to see a doctor that is ASSIGNED to me by my HMO) and at risk of losing my job because of the economy (I will know this week). I have one year left of school at university and my future depends on it. It will come down to health care or education. We need help, as a people. I guess I don't think it will pass, honestly, and my future as well as that of many others is not one to look forward to.
It won't pass this year. The Republicans are too strong and the Dems are too spineless. And both are too corrupt. If it does pass, no one should worry about this potential public healthcare plan putting privates out of business – they can be bought up by the gov't and people won't lose their jobs. Oh no, we'll start behaving like *every other Western nation!* Yeah, the CEOs might have to give up their 6th Bentley, but I'm sure they'll manage.
Jack, I can only pray that healthcare change will pass. The country cannot possibly continue down the path that we are on right now. As someone who is approaching retirement in the next 10 years, i cannot imagine what insurance or even Medicare might cost by then if we don't do something now. Whatever the plan might turn out to be, it's got to be better. It just HAS to be.
Obama's health care reform plan, in its current form, will not pass this year. A public option is the first step to nationalized health care and everyone knows it. Though it may not be Obama's plan, it will be used by future politicians to impose a single-payer system. People need only look at Medicare and Medicaid, two government run health programs that are complete disasters, for what would happen under Obama's plan.
Jack, As long as we have a system of "for profit" health care we will never get the costs under control. Doctors and hospitals are more responsible to their stockholders than their patients.
Greed is rampant and for many doctors this is the only reason they practice medicine, they have lost their compassion for those that cannot afford insurance and this is a travesty.
The "for profit" system of medicine must be eliminated.
No way – that would mean that all Americans would have a plan close to or equal to the American Revolutionary Guard – Congress. Add to that the money from the insurance lobby and this bill will be on the docket for as long as there is money to be had by the ARG.
Until we figure out how to keep doctors, hospitals, and drug makers out of court, and away from ambulance chasing tort lawyers, we will never fix healthcare. We don't really want to get better, we just want someone to pay for our own stupid mistakes.
Jack:
It would be better if we "passed" on Congress and reformed ourselves into better health.
Jack, unfortunately No! Our country has already demonstrated that it will not endorse change until the system collapses, literally! Look at our financial system as a good example. Americans don't have the backbone to insist that their representatives in congress speak for the people. We've become a country of spineless do nothings and I think it's time we took to the streets, like the Iranians, to clearly send a message to our deaf and dumb government. It's time for real health care reform in America. The time for grandstanding and politics has passed.
Jack,
No it wont,
But it wont because there all insured and dont care if we are or not, they have not lost everything for having cancer or being refused treatment.
They have not seen a love one die at home because they dont have insurance, they JUST want to make a point Republican VS Democrat.
They dont give a crap about us.
This is just like Iran ONLY my goverment is telling me I cant have healthcare if I have a pre existing condition nor my employer does not offer it. so MY congress is saying NO were going to fight you and let you die alone broke.
There only worried about there party, not about us or our choice/right to have insurance.
No it will not pass. As a former lobbyist I can honestly say it is very easy to stop legislation if there is enough special interest money wanting to do so. In this case, big pharma and the health insurance industry will use front groups to keep a safe distance but make sure their Congress members either load it up with unrealistic amendments or just don't show up when its time to vote (that way they can honestly say they didn't vote against it).
Yes it will Jack, I believe in this President being able to accomplish it this year. I think he we will have the votes coming to the administration side. Things can look a little dim at time, but the health care plan will past.
David
Martinsburg, WV
It will not pass. Why on earth doesn't the news preface any opinion of congressman or senators with how much they accepted in contributions from an entity related to the issue? The health care industry has lobbied $4 bil in two years.... Right, I see no story there.
we need public health care desperately and it will only pass if our elected leaders care more about the american people than padding their and the insurance companies pockets. in other words , not very likely
Why do you think there is no longer a recognizeable mafia? Did those people just fall off the face of the earth? Where do you think they went? Did we 'evolve' away from that thinking in just a mere 3 generations? Perhaps, Howard Hughes involvement in the mafia at Vegas, advanced education, medicine and corporations helped to bring them all together. Unlucky for Congress.
If they do, and only if they do, can I believe they have put the people's interests ahead of their own - at last!!
I find it amazing the self titled "Best place to live in the world" thinks it is proper that its citizens have to go bankrupt to pay medical bills. Now, I am not going to pretend we here in Canada have a perfect system, but if it wern't for our system I would be dead. From age 21 to age 52 I paid monthly premiums and was fortunate not to have you use it. At 52 I was diagnosed with MS and lucky to live here.
Peter
I support the President's idea on reforming America's health care. Remember he was elected because of the change he promised to bring to Washington, Wall Street and Mainstreet. It will not be easy to reform health care in America and will also be difficult for the bill to pass through congress this year. I do not see that happening this year. If all the democrats on the hill and a few republicans change their mind before the mid-term elections, it may happen.
Just like Senator McCarthy had to paint everyone as communists to get things he wanted in 1950's or Bush had to paint the opposition as terrorists in order to pass the Patriot act or invade Iraq, Obama might have to hold his nose and show children dying in hospitals due to lack of healthcare. I hate fear mongering but that's the only thing that usually works to push through legislation that will take money away from so many hospital, insurance and status quo interest groups.
NO. Congress will not pass health reform. You know why, as well as anyone with common sense. The poor die young, they get left behind.
Health care reform does not affect/effect congress and their families. They will not see it through because it's too hard for them, they aren't paid enough to actually work on something that will benefit honest, hardworking citizens. Come on....get real. Inmates in prisons will be took better care of than my hardworking grandparents ever imagined, yet we will foot the bill on them. What about honest hard working people???? Come on Jack....Tell people to wake up and smell the coffee. It's all about Money!!!!! It's about feeding the rich and famous.
Dah.....
I'm not sure if we will get health care reform.
But when it cost $1,600 in the emergency room to get 3 stiches , to close a cut , there is obveously big problems in our cost for medical services.
Jack,
If Congress doesn't pass the health care system, its going to send a message to all of us that its all right for them to get all their free health care from US taxpayers, but we don't deserve the same. Its also sending the rest of us a message that this Democratic Congress isn't willing to do what the people voted them into office to do: Make the necessary changes for the benefit of all Americans, not just the selected few! Joann from Maine
President Obama is keeping his campaign promise to finally change healthcare–and that includes a public plan option. I'm behind him on this most difficult of undertakings. I believe we will get something workable this year–maybe only a start, but something.
To those who keep harping that we can cover everyone without real reform or a public plan, all I can say is: Where were you the last eight years? If it's so easy, why haven't you done it?
Some people don't know what to make a president who does what he says he's going to do. Heady stuff, isn't it?
Virginia
i dont think so jack ,last time i checked washington was still run by the lobbists,and coperate interests like drug companies who control the senate.
It has to pass. If it doesn't, there could be a revolution in our own country. People in Congress who get their campaign pockets lined by the drug companies and special interest groups should care about the health of their constituents, not their campaign coffers.
Maybe we should ask the people in government like John McCain to give up their public funded health care.
Then we should figure out how much they would have paid out over their "public careers" and bill them for it.
It is funny how the only people who have public health care are the very people who deny it for the rest of our country.
Greed and payoffs are the real reason "we the people" are ripped off by the private sector. Does
the insurance industry use our premiums to by our political elites?
As long as members of Congress do not have to worry about their own health care, they will remain above so many of us who do. Let them walk in the shoes of a small business owner, farmer, or any other American who prays every day that they won't get sick because they can't afford to, and they'll sing a different tune.
Jack,
I don't know if they will pass it, however, I know what would force them to pass a basic health care plan for the uninsured. Just take the health coverage away from Congress and their families until they pass a plan. There would be such a flurry of activity amongst those members of Congress it would make your head spin. By the way, dental coverage would be nice also. I'm sure our hard working members of Congress receive it at our expense.
Thanks,
Elizabeth in Oregon
I am betting on the GM approach, it would get better after it gets way worse; there is not a snowball chance in hell that the Health Care Insurance Industry is going to give up 200 to 350 billion in profits over the next 2 years to help anyone in this country.
We can start by stopping all direct consumer advertisement from pharma and health insurers, cap their CEO and shareholder payments and their you created, at least, 200 billion in savings a year with a pen stroke.
Add to that tort reform so Doc's are not obliged to order labs and procedures just in case and you created another 200 billion a year in savings.
Yes. The question should be, "What kind of health care reform will pass this year." My guess is that it will not be what most of the public wants, but it will be the very best the president can get without starting a civil war.
And it will improve on what we have.
Health care costs are going up as a percent of our GDP, and health care spending is leading the U S towards the same end as the USSR. Military spending in the former USSR grew so large as to be unsustainable, and the U S is on the same road but it is health care that is bankrupting the nation.
If the U S spent the same % of its GDP on health care as Japan, the U S would save hundreds of billions of dollars. Comparing the two is hard, but while we are fat, they smoke in large numbers.
Bottom line, our health care industry bailout costs will make GM and Chrysler look like pocket change. Either we cut costs in some kind of system or we deny sick people good care. Hey, we already have third world infant mortality rates. Who cares.
If the people (taxpayers & voters) get behind real reform through a government option, it will pass. As much as members of Congress likes the millions flowing into their campaigns from Big Healthcare, they need voters to get re-elected.
Healthcare insurance companies have seen their profits rise steadily in the past decade. Their profits come from denial of benefits, taxpayer dollars (Medicare & Medicaid), and short changing doctors.
I'd like to offer my usual cynical reply but I have never seen someone with so much talent to identify important tasks and get them done. If Obama thinks it is important, (and it is) it is going to get done.
I am a Canadian CNN "junkie" 🙂 and follow your news and resports avidly. From what I read and hear, health care reform will be difficult to get passed.
That is sad as I hear all the "fear" invoked about our Canadian health care and all those people "dying" while waiting NOT TRUE
Take my example just from this past year:
2 cat scans, 1 MRI, showing spinal stenosis and herniated disc with degenerative disease
5 hr operation to remove disc and put in plates/rods–8 days in hospital-in Alberta we don't evne pay premiums for health care anymore. When we did, it was $40 a mo for family.
Know how much i paid? $64 because i wanted a private room!
They talk about our waitng time–mine was 6 months and in the states? My waiting time would have been forever cuz I could not have afforded all this. Only the rich don't wait in the U.S, the middle class and poor just don't get at all seems to me ( and it is only rich Canucks who come there too as they don't want to wait their turn)
Stop being so afraid folks –I would never give up our sysem!
T
The health care is partially a money issue and partially a "socialism" issue. The money issue is due to the democrats trying to spend the next 30 years worth of tax money in 2 years. They seem to want to make sure no future administration has a dime to work with. The other issue "socialism" is not the worth discussing. Those that oppose alternative allocation methods of medical services want things to stay the way it is. The way that benefits those of affluence and those that are lucky to have some form of health insurance.
The folks that have no access to health care are willing to take the risk of a wait or a limited service. They have nothing now and anything would be an improvement.
Hopefully Jack, a preventive type of affordable insurance will.
Years back I worked for American Aiirlines regional carrier American Eagle that made insurance cost for part time workers out of reach. Back then I never could afford a doctor for annual check ups.
Years later the hypertension I never knew I had resulted in ESRD
and I'm happily now on Kidney Dialysis. To think it might've been avoided with a few blood test and one or two generic beta blockers
affordable health care would have covered. So goes health care in America!
I would love to think any kind of healthcare initiative would pass! Unfortunately the reality is that the lobby that protects insurance companies has done a "great job" at making it seem it's a bad idea.
I find that most people (in this economy) cannot afford medical insurance. Cobra is too expensive for those who have been laid off and many self employeed and small business owners can not afford or maintain medical insurance.
In the long run, not providing even basic medical coverage will cost US taxpayers much more!
I'm from California – you know what's happening in our state!
Hi Jack..It would be a shame if this health care reform passes. We don't need the government in anymore of our business. Isn't it enough they took over the auto industry?? I voted for Obama, and now I am having serious doubts about him. No No No on the health care reform and I hope and pray it does not pass. We have paid for our own health care for a long long time. Why should others get a free ride??? We are in debt enough. Back off, Mr. Obama....
Jack, I pray that they do. I have been HIV+ for 18 years and have had aids for the last 3 years. You have no idea what I have had to go through to get proper care. I even left a 120k/year job to re-locate in order to get proper care. Being disabled now with AIDS, people in this country have no idea how much this disease costs, and yet our official plan of action is "abstinance." This is a joke and will not work. Without insurance, my medicine ALONE would cost in excess of $35,000.00 a year. Yes, that is correct. Some bottles cost over $1400.00 (and that is just for a one month suppy). I don't care what they call it. What is wrong with having a "socialist" idea implemented in a democracy? I can never have a lapse in coverage, or I get slammed with the "sorry, we're not going to cover you for two years as you have a pre-existing condition." If I didn't pay COBRA (which was $400.00/month when I was working), I would have had no medicine and could have easily died. This nation voted Obama in for this reason and he needs to deliver. This is a left of center country now and the right and exrtreme right needs either get on board or shut up. He does not need Republican help. Forget them, they forgot us for the last 8 years and look where we are now.
Thanks, Jack, for listening. You do a great job and I enjoy your input on CNN.
Healthcare reform is not just desperately needed, it's probably a necessity for long term existence of this country. Unfortunately, not only do I think it will not pass Congress this year – I don't think it will ever pass until two other key issues are addressed. First, we must release the financial stranglehold that special interest groups and lobbyists have on our governement. Second, reformation of the Republican Party...while their unpopularity is still very high, they are a force to be reckoned with and will not just go away.
Jack , Heatlhcare should pass with every taxpayer included on the roll. Wiht Congress giving themselves a raise we the people should be covered as well!
Will congress pass a health care reform this year? I think not. I've never once heard of anyone oppose health care who didn't have healthcare themselves. Health care has been debated for decades and nothing has happened. It's easy to debate, Jack. While millions of Americans have died over the years lawmakers can go to bed each night comfortable that they have led the good fight, and they can afford the doctors' visit the next morning.
It had better pass, WITH a strong public option and WITHOUT a delay before it takes effect. Republicans are pushing for a delay to let the fatcats pig out at the trough a little longer – and you can bet they'll go hog wild! All I can tell you is that if it doesn't pass, or passes with a delay or without a public option, I'm gonna be working to raise as much money as I can to unseat whichever sellouts in the legislature vote aginst it.
Well, Jack the way I see it; No! nothing will get passed. And, the republicans are going to get the blame. All the money we're spending on War, and we can't find a way to spend money on health care. There's no doubt health care has to be reformed, but so many individual beliefs can't figure out that if you don't work together to have a solid, viable health care system America will face health care crisis after crisis, a total collapse, because when people can't get a doctor or prescription, then hell will reign in the streets. All prosperous civilized people have one thing in common, a they take care of each other and no by doing so you become human.
Yes, I believe health reform will pass this year. It may not be every possible aspect, but I believe a foundation set of proposals can pass. People who are worried about too much government control should realize that most of the control now is in the hands of the insurance companies (not the doctors or patients) and their only goal is to make money. We need to get balance in the system and allow everyone the same access to good health care.
No, because for Congress it isn't enough that 60% of all bankruptcies are medically caused, and, of those, 75% HAVE what laughably passes for "health insurance." This apparently doesn't concern representatives who need the contributions of the Health Insurance Industry and the Pharmaceutical Cartel that collectively have the health care system by the throat. Throw the AMA into the equation with notable exceptions and you have a lethal triad that is sentencing American patients to a long, slow death. Hurrah for Dr. David Himmelstein of Physicians for National Health Care Progress, who advocates a Single Payer system and John Conyers HR 676.
It would pass in a heartbeat if we removed the single pay insurance which our representatives now enjoy. What is good for the Dukes and Earls is also good for the peons.
It will pass, but it will be a watered-down bill that will only succeed in subsidizing the current insurance companies.
But maybe it's for the best, I mean is America really read for the dreaded Socialism? Nevermind that WHO has acknowledged that the top 10 best healthcare systems in the world are publicly-funded (read: STALIN! MAO! LENIN!)
Our Canadian system ranks 7 spots higher than your American system, despite us spending 5% less of our GDP on it. Socialism is cheap, eh?
No, it won’t. Our congress critters biting the hands that feed them won't win them elections. Let's take away their health care, all expenses including travel, pay them $7 an hour based on hours worked, and see if they come down from the clouds and maybe get a clue about their collective "let them eat cake" attitude.
I am fed up with how politicians manipulate the system. They owe the american people who voted for them some form of health insurance net. They claim we can't do this, we can't do that. They would rather us lose our health care in this historic recession. I wish I had the will to move to Denmark, France or Switzerland. At least they put the people's health as a number one priority. I would have to admit, though the United States has the best economy, it is the most greediest country I have ever seen. This is America's Priority.
1. Money
2. Money
3. Money
4. Money
5. o yeah healthcare... no biggie.
Health care in this country should be for everyone. When will this country function on morals than selfishness.
The Republicans should stop B00 Whoing. All they say is Obama this
Obama that. They had ample time to cry during the bush years but you did not hear a whimper out of none of them. Leave Obama along and
let him fix the health system.
The word,health care reform, ifself is selfexplainatory.Everybody wants a reform of the healthcare system.Those who oppose actually
are the bad people.If they are congressmen or senators they should be called off from their offices.
There are too any powerful lobbies & the influence they wield involved to get a good health reform bill; plus there needs to be more protection for doctors from malpractice suits. If there aren't limits placed on malpractice awards, doctors won't stop ordering unnecessary tests, etc. Since so many of our legislators are lawyers there's a snowball's chance in hell of malpractice reform happening.
The losers will continue to be everyday Americans.
Something may pass, but if it does not include–at minimum–a public option, it won't be reform but will be more handouts for insurance companies. The republicans have declared that they are willing to consider a bipartisan option that does not include a public option. When they were in power, they defined bipartisanship as "You do what we say." Now that they are out of power, they define bipartisanship as "You do what we say." Health care reform is too important to be at the mercy of senate rules that give undue power to minorities. If the democrats put reconciliation off the table, they will be ignoring the will of the people.
No it won't pass. It's too expensive, too complicated and the Health Insurance companies are trying to milk every cent they can out of the public and to do this they need Congress. There is only one way to approach this which is simple. You need to eliminate all private health insurance,and also any prior government assistance such as Medicaid and Medicare. Have one government health insurance with one payer where anyone who is an American is covered. You fund it with a small sales tax. The Health Insurance companies that went out of business could get into insuring other areas and perhaps such things as car insurance, home insurance and possibly even a real dental insurance could be created which due to private enterprise could be affordable and actually cover something.
Jack from Kentucky
Yes congress will pass a health care reform bill this year but I don’t believe it will be a very effective one for the simple fact that Obama wants to change more with health care then congress is willing to vote on this year. But as Obama gains more support from voters we will see congress beginning to feel pressured to vote for a great deal of health care reform to secure votes from their states and districts. It sad to think of Americas health care as just another political tool but that’s where we are as a nation.
Health Care reform bill will not pass congress because it looks like most members of congress are shareholders in those health insurance companies that will be affected by the reforms. Who will pass a bill that will destroy his business?
You guys won't pass it. You're fear of government involvement in health care is too strong. As an unemployed Canadian I feel sorry for those American's who have no health coverage. If fall and brake my leg it's free to get fixed, not the case if I was an American. That's what needs to change with your system, free basic coverage.
It will pass unless Cheney's scare tactics about security take hold and then reform will be out of the question.
You're asking the wrong question Jack. Do you think it's fair that those without health care pay for the health care of those that have it? Every product and service purchased by all Americans has health care costs built in it. Isn't it theft when you don't get what you pay for?
Of coarse not, our politicians are bought and paid for by the people who stand to loose billions if we fix health care or do away with oil ect. I hate to think you take this serious.
Money talks, everything else walks.
So many handouts being passed out, but no mention of anything to repay the handout. Congress will change the bill anyway to the point that it isn't a reform anymore. So what's the point? It'd be great to have but my god $1 trillion? just unreal.
I hope so Jack! It is sorely needed and long time coming! Here we are paying for the BEST healthcare in the world for the President, Congress and the Senate, most of them are MILLIONAIRES and can pay for their own 2 times over!. Yet we have 47 MILLION Americans without healthcare because for majority of them its unaffordable. America can do better for her people that are less fortunate!.
Worrying that private insurance companies would not be able to compete with a national plan, is like worrying that companies couldn't find good CEOs without handing them fifty or a hundred million dollars a year. We voted for change, remember? I will be sick if we don't get health care reform.
Jack, I'm a physician who owes $150,000 in med school loans. If socialized medicine becomes effective will the government pick up my med school tab? How about paying my malpractice insurance? Just saying...How do you think you'll entice the "best and brightest" to enter the field of medicine when the government intends on dictating to MDs. Shouldn't it be up to those of us who've studied medicine to decide who needs what test or what prescription? Every time the government involves itself in ANYTHING it manages to screw up!
I believe an industry gutted, weak, inefficient plan will come forth. After all how can tens of millions of uninsured Amercans compete with the bribes being given to our corrupt congressional representatives by lobbyists representing insurance companies, healthcare providers, and health plans??
The republicans keep saying a public option will put the government between us and our doctors. How could that be any worse than the system we have now that puts insurance companies and profit margins before quality care?
No, I do not think Congress will pass anything which means I'll be dead next year; I'm 87 and the Congress is going to do to me what the Nazis could not do when I landed at Omaha Beach Normandy in 1945 - kill me! I can't afford my medicines because of Part D
Medicare. Thank you Ellis J Harlow Sacramento CA
I certainly hope they manage to pass reform this year. If it includes a public insurance option, we will be assured that at least one plan will not be using our premiums to pay multi-million dollar salaries and big stock options to their CEO's. Mary
Health Care reform should pass this year. The struggle will be fierce as there are too many private interests to obstruct it, particularly the Insurance Cies Lobbyists and the Drugs Providers Lobbyists We Americans deserve the same advantage and the same protection Europeans enjoy, understanding that the advantage is not free. The system must be a Non-Profit organization and must protect everyone employed, All should have the choice of Doctors like in France, Belgium, Germany & other countries. The self-employed would be in a different classification. In Europe the system is generally part of the Social Security; there is a deduction of about 20% on their pay check to cover the Social Security Retirement and the Health Care Benefit. Individuals may purchase an supplemental insurance' usually connected to their professional organizations or Unions. If Europe can do it America can as well. Jacqueline San Diego, Ca.
I don't know Jack. People in Congress just don't seem to have any backbone to work for the people. Plenty of money for wars and bail-outs but NOTHING FOR THE PEOPLE. I speak to my sister in England together with friends and relatives they would never change their single payer system for what we have in this country. They pay one third as much for everything that I have to pay. Believe me the Republicans will PAY if this doesn't pass. They did not pass Hillary's bill and look where we are now. They have all kinds of suggestions now for Obama but where were they the last eight years? Just stuffing their pockets. We know.... supporting WARS. I will be watching and those not voting for health care will never get my vote again.
Joan
Why would anyone still listen to the Republican, Every thing they said about drugs coming for canada proved to be false, The tainted products came from china. Remember all the jobs that where suppose to be created by giving the rich tax breaks. The Republicans can't be trusted to do anything that would help the real americans. They only care about their rich friends. and they will try to delay any health care reforms until next year, so that they can use it as a campaign issue to garner votes. haven't they learned anything for the losses in 2008.
Dems better get their act together so it does pass; if it doesn’t pass this year, Democrats will lose their edge. Healthcare affects everyone and the fatcat naysayers who are against any form of a nationalized or public health system should be forced to give up their healthcare for a year and see how they like paying out of their pocket. Too often those who do have health insurance do not have necessary procedures or medicine covered, get inaccurate bills and are hounded relentlessly by insurance companies whose only interest is themselves, not in delivering reasonable quality healthcare to anyone. A public healthcare system could be no worse and very probably would be better at delivering quality and keeping prices reasonable. I have worked in the healthcare industry and the ineptitude and ruthlessness of insurance companies is breathtaking. Instead of putting down any ideas of delivering healthcare to all Americans, the insurance companies need drastic reform. They are the cancer in the equation.
I know our healthcare system in Canada may not be perfect, but what really upset me was, while I was watching a medical special on CNN called "Prescription Healthcare Reform", a political rep, I am sorry I don't know his name but he actually said "healthcare is not a right" thank goodness police and the military in both our countries are financed by the government. I understand, with respect, the politicians have very good healthcare coverage. I can understand why they don't want to rock the boat.
The American public needs to put Congress on alert – every bum that votes against a minimum of a good public option needs to lose their seat the next election. Obama to publicize all Congress members that obviously have been bought by the insurance & pharmacy companies. It does not help if they get big donations from them if we refuse to vote for them.
Cheryl
Houston
I hope so, because if it doesn't pass, there will be alot more people going on Social Security Disability and the taxpayers will be paying alot more for that. Single payer is the answer. We pay for police and firefighter protection. Healthcare should be included in that too.
Growing up working poor in El Paso Texas, we grew up on "third world" health care from Juarez, Mexico-because even that beat the "free" health care we received in our local emergency room-even Mexico-has the "Seguro Social" free, basic health care system. Its getting kind of hard to stand up for American exceptionalism now a days. If the opponents (democrats or republicans) of this defeat this bil-they damm well have a better one-or will show them just how much we care about them come election time!
Yes, I believe that health care will pass this year. I think that the Obama administration will fight hard to make sure it does. If it does not, I hope that every Senator and every Representative that votes against it is voted out of office. Our government should be ashamed that it has cared so little for the health and wellbeing of the American people. If healthcare is a RIGHT for all citizens, then why don't all citizens have access to healthcare when he/she needs it. I believe that it should be a RIGHT, but at this point in time for many citizens, I am afraid it is a PRIVILEGE. Until our country takes the profit out of the healthcare issues, many of the people will continue to suffer. Why do so many other countries care more about their citizens than the United States does? I hear Republicans that I know personally, talk against having universal healthcare, but they think Medicare is great and don't know what they would do without it. I'm 64 and unable to get healthcare because of pre-existing problems. I'm hoping that I have no healthcare crisis at all, but if I do, I hope it waits until I'm on Medicare so it won't bankrupt my family.
No, no. Never ever.
Congress' health insurance and care is paid for by the taxpayers There is no incentive. They have their's so
"let the nation eat cake"
Paul
Nesbit MS
the health care system in this country needs some kind of changes, but too many people don't want change that will hurt them. I truly hope that the Pres. will succeed in his efforts to make changes. We missed the boat when the Clintons tried, so I hope we don't have to wait another decade to get help for all Americans. Everyhing needs a beginning and now is the time. Its time to think of others ----
What Mr. Obama failed to mention was that of the 46 million uninsured, 22 million of those are illegal aliens.
I am sure that something will pass. Whatever the form, it will be as worthless as medicare/medicaid and VA benefits and end up costing us more for less service. But what the heck, the illegal aliens will get even better health care.
Jack
The reality is that there are multiple obstacles in the way of Obama's reform. Republican opinion, Doctors, and the Health Care Insurance. Health Insurance companies will poor millions into lobbying to prevent such a reform. This battle will be less of a battle for providing for the millions of uninsured Americans, and more about protecting the pocket books of Health Insurance companies and Doctors.
Are there still Republicans in congress? If so, not a chance!
Jack, What every voting American should do is to contact their Senators and House Reps and let them know that if they don't support public health care that they won't get voted back in office. Or sadly, because of the pressure from the insurance,medical, and pharmacuetical lobbyists...the bill won't get passed. When are we Americans going to stand up for our rights!!! I'm sure that most businesses want universal health care, too. The healthcare costs are eating up profits for many businesses. Please Pres. Obama...we need universal healthcare NOW! How many more Americans have to die? What happened to our right to quality of life?
Will health care reform pass Congress this year? No, but Republicans promise to attend the funerals of the uninsured.
Heck no! I'm a senior citizen with a Ph.D. and no health care since 2005. I have a "blown knee" and still try to run 10 Ks. I expect my leg will rot off before Congress does a damn thing!
As someone who has no access to heath care, no money to pay for it and some health problems that really need to be addressed because I have none of the above, I'd REALLY like to have some kind of health care. Just a little if that's all that I can get. Can this pass Congress?Most likely not. But for those of us who feel like Blanche du Bois, depending on the kindness of strangers or Oliver Twist asking "please sir, can I have some more?" it gets really old when "they" just tell you that no, you can't have it and your duty is to eat dirt, to put it politiely, and die. IMO, this is NOT a civilized country.
Diane, Houston
We all want results right away BUT the thing is If it does pass now it may not even go into effect for another 4-5 years. So it is so important to realize that if it doesn't pass now can we really wait for 10 years? We know that right now there 46 million people without health insurance. We are just at the beginning of a depression and the numbers are just going to increase. People are being turned away. Healthcare companies are not approving surgeries. I think this is why Obama says that we have no other choice but to do something now. Imagine what the numbers would be in 10 years out. M. Moores film "Sicko" makes it SO clear. This is a major eye opener for anyone who's seen it. We are the riches nation and also one of the only nations to not have universal healthcare. Make no mistake this must pass.
It's a good idea. It's essential for the economy. It's the Christian thing to do. We've been trying to get it for years and years. Of course it won't pass this year.
It won't pass unless Democrats, who incidentally have received more than enough contributions from the health insurance industry to be culpable if reform is torpedoed, quit echoing the ridiculous argument that creating a public option would be unfair competition for the private sector. I am sick and tired of the whining of the so-called free marketers speaking out of both sides of its mouth. Either you are for competition or you aren’t.
The brilliance of the market or the bogus idea that there is competition in the first place its false has never lowered health care costs and it never will. This debate isn’t about competitiveness at all. It is about letting business go on as usual which is killing people and forcing Americans to choose between the cost of health care and basic necessities.
No, of course Obama's healthcare reform will not pass, how can it when over 30 lawmakers have financial holdings in the healthcare industry? Unless there is some moral epiphany by congress, or Obama somehow finds the courage to go toe to toe with the real problem of corrupt corporate control of congress, the hard working and ever growing "middle" class will never get the rights they deserve. My husband and I both have serious health problems and live without healthcare and I can tell you sincerely from the front lines, it is a CRIME that Americans do not have a universal healthcare program, it is in no way a socialist idea but rather, a right we all deserve, regardless of the size of our income!
Do I think that health care reform will pass through Congress this year? Maybe, but it depends on how involved the public will be.
Its hard to believe or understand how much the Republican party strives to deny health care to America's working poor, but their efforts to sabotage any government run program do just that – spreading lies about treatment delays and overall inefficiencies of any government run programs. If we as a nation frown upon Judges presiding over cases in which they themselves have special interests, how can we trust lawmakers to run this country fairly when they are paid by special interest groups and lobbyists? This is a plague on both houses of congress and affects both Democrats and Republicans, but is currently most evident in the policies of the GOP, especially with their special interests on health care. If we traced money from health Insurance companies, I'm sure we'd see Republican coffers filling to the brim nation wide.
Many people have misconceptions about any government health care, as many people have never experienced the relief of being covered or of having your children covered. How can anyone support a family, or even continue living, if they cannot have the piece of mind and wholeness of body that a health care plan affords? There are 37 million poor citizens in America, approximately 13% of the nation. What would they say if asked about a government run health care plan? Can these people afford the same high dollar plans that most GOP members can? No, they can't afford any type of health care. We must realize that if we as a nation want to move forward, we have to provide health care for all citizens, regardless of income.
I certainly hope so, Americans are getting tired of being ripped off by the insurance companies with high premiums and restrictions of previous conditions. The Congress better pay attention to what the PEOPLE want - not their connections with the insurance companies contributions to them.
When it comes to government, I am a pesimist, I always assume that they will do the wrong thing. This attitude has saved me from alot of disappointment. I don't belive that a useful healthcare bill will pass. However, I wouldn't be surprised if a token bill with the phrase "health care" in the title does pass and turns out to have very little to do with healthcare and alot to do with someone's pet project, like that credit card reform bill that made it legal to carry guns in state parks.
Jack: America will never have good health care. Both Democrates & Republicans take money from greedy Health Care Companys who want to stop health care for all Americans. It wont be long till only rich will have health care & Poor & middle class Will die.
Oklahoma city
It will stall if the democrats don't stand united.
Funny enough though, even if these conservative democrats hold out on voting for reform they will probably loose office to republicans in the next few cycles. Ultimately though, we can blame health care problems on their brainwashed and paranoid constituencies.
Why are some people (conservatives) so much more trusting of insurance executives than elected government officials? Is it because they lace their pockets with the profits of the insurance companies?
To answer the question, probably not. The pharmaceutical companies are well positioned in our country and congressman are probably getting kick backs so its not in their best interest to change things. Its a shame that America toots its horn about being the best country in the world but does not have national healthcare like other "lesser" countries. It is unheard of to not have healthcare in these other countries and it make us look like idiots to the world. Americans are too greedy to "share the wealth" and make sure its citizens are taken care of medically. But if we need to invade or bomb somebody, we can spend billions a month. Shows you where our priorities lie, huh.?!
Hi Jack
Being one of the fortunate ones who have health care coverage. Ha Ha which really means (one major sickness away from being broke and out on the street). With more and more people becoming unemployed. And losing their health care. We more now than ever need a government backed program, that will help those that need it, when their co. moves out of the US and then they must wait retraining. As for those congress person that are so out f touch with the common everyday person who is counting on them to support our President, will surly be looking for our support during the next upcoming election, better think twice if they do not support our President. As shown in the last election we where tired on the Do Nothing Congress. So they better tread wisely.
Jack,
HR-676 has more than 70 signed supporters, which means the votes are there. HR-676 Requires no co-pays. You do not experience any out of pocket expenses. The cost of this program already exists in the combination of current Insurance Premiums and taxes for health care. You experience a net savings so you will have more money in your pocket. Everyone is in – no body is out. Completely portable, you select your doctor. Eliminates corporate bureaucratic waste and fraud which is in the millions of dollars annually. Enables the restoration of the Doctor Patient relationship by eliminating corporations from preventing doctors from performing their work. HR-676 lowers property taxes, eliminates the need for SCHIP and Medicaid. It is Publicly financed and Privately delivered just like the Police, Fire, Highway and Water etc Departments. Enables our businesses to compete in the global market place by removing this cost burden. More than 50% of Doctors want this. More than 70% of Americans want this. More than 50% of Americans want this even when you put the word socialized medicine in the question. How can anyone prevent this bill from coming to the floor and receiving an up or down count? How can any politician vote against such powerful and needed reform?
Carl Fitzsimmons
Webster NY
I'm a physcian in Florida and the only way for many to get premium health care is to commit a major crime or be declared incompetent. Then they can be incarcerated in a state facility and get all the healthcare they need for free.
This issue is not about reforming health care. It's about how to pay for those who can't afford health care. They should call it what it really is and not flower it up.
As a nation, we are 40% obese, 21% use tobacco, the drug and alcohol problems are rampant and now the government is going to pass health care "reform" to a nation that couldn't give a rat's rear end about its' health. 70% of the total health care costs in america are a direct result of obesity. It would be nice if the government actually had a program that would get the nation "healthy".
If, for any reason, we do not get this health care reform accomplished, we should proceed with prosecuting the Bush Administration for their various crimes against the world and our nation.
Never have I been more proud of Obama than I was today. Whether healthcare reform will pass this year will depend on how many Congressmen are owned by the medical industry. That, balanced against how many care more about their constituents than about the combined clout of the so-called doctors, pharmaceutical giants and insurance infidels. In other words, we probably don't stand a chance - we're just the human beings who die because we can't afford care in the most medically advanced country on earth.
Yes Jack health care reform is going to pass this year and it will find support from Warner, Voinovich and Snowe. How's that for optimistic prognostication? Obama has not only shifted the political landscape, he has moved the moral center at home and abroad. The Congress will soon begin to catch up.
As a 38 year old self employed cancer survivor, I cannot get health insurance nor can I afford out of pocket for health care. I am essentially screwed and am too tired to fight the system anymore. I am just going to wait until I need pain meds and to to the ER. At least they can't send a bill to a dead girl.
Jack, When is the U.S. government going to address the untold billions of dollars that illegal immigrants cost this country's healthcare system? Millions of unpaid emergency room visit bills and social services funding anchor children of illegals are two of the worst financial burdens on the American Healthcare system and yet it doesn't seem to ever be addressed as the huge drain that it is. It is past time for taxpaying Americans to demand that Obama and Washington get some real good old fashioned American guts and stop this illegal immigrant freeloading.
Something will be passed. If the Democrats have their way it will be the parts that have the greatest chance for success. If the Republicans have their way they will insist on the parts that have the greatest chance for failure. The Democrats have no choice now but to do what they were elected to do. "If it ain't broke don't fix it" wont cut it anymore cause we are past the point of repair. It is time for replacement.
I lived in Europe and was happy to pay into the nationalized health system. I was happy to think the money coming out of my paycheck towards this wonderful service went towards helping not only my health care but that of anyone else in the country. Those in the US who speak against nationalized health should do a double check at the church door – if you are really a Christian then you are supposed to love thy neighbor as yourself – you should care about everyone’s health as much as your own and act accordingly. I hope and pray that the US lawmakers will give up their hypocrisy and do the right thing soon – enact real reform in the existing system and offer a public health system to all Americans. Some states already offer some free health services. Sick and dying Americans are a drain on the US economy and endanger all citizens – fewer well Americans mean fewer soldiers etc. Disease prevention should be a major goal and part of reform should eventually include demanding high quality water, food and beverage ingredients.
NO, not If the average citizen has anything to say about it. The majority of individuals want control of their family's medical options. For those that really believe they won't lose control of making choices for plans, treatment, physicians if the federal government takes over (i.e. U.S.P.S., Amtrak, GM, Chrysler, Banks, Insurance Companies); then I have a plot of land in the middle of the Atlantic to sell you...
Congress should lose their taxpayer paid healthcare coverage until they pass meaningful reform for all Americans. If we don't get it, neither do they!
It won’t pass unless Democrats–who incidentally have received more than enough contributions from the health insurance industry to be culpable if reform is torpedoed–don't stop echoing the ridiculous argument that creating a public option would be unfair competition for the private sector. I am sick and tired of the whining of the so-called free marketers speaking out of both sides of its mouth. Either you are for competition or you aren’t.
The "brilliance of the market" or the bogus idea that there is competition in the first place is false. Let alone health insurers have never lowered health care costs and they never will. This debate isn’t about competitiveness at all. It is about letting business go on as usual which is killing people and forcing Americans to choose between the cost of health care and basic necessities.
The Republican healthcare plan is sure to pass:
Don't get sick!
We all want results right away BUT the thing is If it does pass now it may not even go into effect for another 4-5 years. So it is so important to realize that if it doesn’t pass now can we really wait for 10 years? We know that right now there 46 million people without health insurance. We are just at the beginning of a depression and the numbers could increase significantly. People are being turned away. Healthcare companies are not approving surgeries. Imagine what the numbers would be in 10 years out. SEE M. Moores film “Sicko” it makes it SO clear.
That, obviously republican lady, can speak for herself. Don't put words in my mouth about health care concerns. I would like very much to give Obama's health care plan a chance.
Our country desperately needs and deserves President Obama's health care plan.
But if the republicans, lobbyists, AMA and big business are allowed to destroy it for their own selfish, misguided, unacceptable wants,
then our president should veto it.
This is too important to bow to political games and greed.
A very diluted reform package will pass, but it will be watered down with the wishes of the lobbyists who want less liability for doctors, high profits for drug companies, continued outrageous costs for people without any insurance, and finally, continued Mercedes for all MDs.
Health insurance carriers and Big Pharma exist to make money. That is not bad as we all want to make money. But, there is a public interest here as individually and corporately we are going bankrupt from health care expense, illustrated and exacerbated by the goverment's inability to negotiate drug costs as is done by VA.
Health care is a necessity for all. If the Senate cannot pass health care reform, it will be because of the obstructionist philosophy that is more interested in Obama failing and in keeping insurance and Pharma contributions flowing to politicians than in the well being of our nation.
I beleive healthcare reform will pass. If we had universal health care people would not have to go on getting sicker. I think health care should be a pro-life issue considering the fact that people are dying because they can't afford it, to me that is the same as murder and also as bad as abortion. The republicans claim to be such conservative christians and so pro life, but yet their against poor people having access to the medicine and healthcare that they so desperately need. I think the republicans need to re examine their own moral principles and beliefs. They are definitely against the middle class and the poor.
Every american citizen who wants the health program should be willing to pay $10.00 a year.
Thank you,
Frank from GA
If we get Al Franken in the Senate and convince one of Maine's Senators to vote on it, we will get it passed. Why Maine and not Arlen Specter you ask? Both of Maine's Senators are in a Democratic state which could ruin them politically
I don't know if it will pass, but I sure hope it does.
It will be a tough road ahead because of all the people screaming "government takeover". It really is sad that so many people have no idea what they are talking about, they just follow what is popular among their own party. There are very few Americans that even know what Obama's plan is and yet they are so ready just to write it off as socialized healthcare. The Republicans reject every single healthcare reform and simply continue to say "no" to every option. The Republican Party has offered no counter proposal, of course that would require them to actually have a counter proposal.
The term "government takeover" is Republican slander that is completely fabricated. The Republicans have done very little in the past months other than try their best to make everything seem negative. They will continue to pick away at the Democratic Party until they regain power and screw us all over again. The Republican Party, the party of no, the party of indecision continues to spread its message of denial and rejection while all along we the people continue to suffer the consequences. Our country is ranked below Costa Rica and just above Slovenia on Healthcare Quality, in other words we are ranked among 3rd world countries. The US continues to be the only industrialized nation without universal healthcare, we spend more on healthcare than any other nation in the world and yet out quality of care is horrific. The people with healthcare pay for the people without it, if we insure the 46 million uninsured then our costs will go down. The plan Obama is proposing does not eliminate private healthcare, it does not reduce it in anyway, it simply expands the market with an option specifically built for the 46 million uninsured and at the same time it will lower the cost of private insurance.
The Republicans and other nay sayers complain about the cost of healthcare reform, but yet they had no problem spending 9 trillion dollars on their agenda in 8 years.
It should...but it won't! At least not a good one. Our congress is controlled by special interests and if anything is good for the people it will be voted down because someone won't make enough PROFIT
Hans In Hermann, MO
Per my earlier comment on selling a plot of land in the Atlantic to those true believers in the adminisration's health plan offer: As with all the current governmental decisions; only "AFTER you've signed onto / bought into the public health care plan"; then I'll take time to clarify the details: "The land I will have sold you, just happens to be several thousand feet deep, somewhere close to Atlantis." Good luck in building on it...
The Healthcare system is all messed up, we need to begin with asking is it a Right? And, if so, put it on the Bill of Rights. If it is, then we need to get rid of 9/10th of the attorneys in this nation, cap all these needless injury suits.....it was the attorney's who got us to this point, not the doctors, not the hospitals, not the pharmacy companies.
But, on the related subject, what I find very interesting is that President Obama who slammed HillaryCare is now looking at it, and the same then Presidential Candidate who slammed McCain's taxation of payroll benefits is now considering the same. Just funny how that all looks today once the real truth comes out, and he gets real knowledge on the entire process. Not that all were bad as he judged, but that all may be needed.
If we do get this National Healthcare System, hopefully nothing like the failures in Canada and France, then you can say good-bye to your tax savings on your Section 125 plans as they will no longer be allowed.
Folks, nothing is FREE, someone pays for it, and that someone is all of us taxpayers. The only people who get things for FREE are those who don't work and pay into the system, like those on the system, and those who allow to be here illegally. Don't forget to add that 25 million populous figure to the total....as the Federal Government has not put them into the figure yet.
If the Government would take the 12 Billion a month that they are spending in Iraq and spend it on health care we would all be able to go to the doctor without selling are house to pay for treatment
Jack,
It's actually looking like it may happen.....For real reform though, and to keep Insurance companies honest, a one payer system need be in the finished bill.
As time goes by, Americans are becoming less and less worthy of a national healthcare plan. An effective national healthcare is only possible in a competent nation. The population base is changing in this country. We are becoming a third world nation. It is as if a Mexican labor in Mexico asking to get paid as much as a French or German labor in Europe. It is just impossible.
Karl
since the health care companies, drug companies and who knows what other special interests have congress in their back pockets I wounldn't hold my breath.
I hope for the sake of all those Americans who don't have health insurance that Health Care Reform will pass your Congress this year.
I am a Canadian, having emigrated here from South Africa 30years ago.We left that country because of the Apartheid Govt. I never cease to be grateful for the Canadian Health Plan. I get mad when I hear people in other countries, express criticism of it. Twenty years ago I had quadruple heart surgery, waiting less than 3 months. I left the hospital without paying anything. Had I still lived in S.Africa and not had Health Ins I would have waited FOREVER – not a mere 3 months, for heart surgery! My husband suffered with Altzheimer's for ten years before he passed away last year. He had the best care at low cost and no medical costs. I had hip replacement surgery 7 weeks ago. It was complicated surgery performed by a brilliant surgeon and I had wonderful care in the hospital. I had many tests in the hospital, prior to surgery and each time was given consideration and care and never kept waiting, ALL AT NO COST. I am deeply grateful for the Canadian Health Insurance. Many Private Insurance Companies have been known, at times, to decline to pay, saying the patient has run out of insurance. That has happened to friends of mine in S.Africa.
The opposition in the United States, is critical of Government, saying Governments can't run anything. Excuse me, but is not the recent collapse of the Financial system in the U.S.A. and many other countries in the world, due to the mis-management and greed of those running private companies ? I am grateful that the Canadian Govt. oversees the Banks here. We had no Bank failures. Nobody wants Socialism but there are times when it is necessary to have some Government oversight.
Elaine Bunbury
Health care reform will not make it pass congress until the politicians
get their hands out of the Pharmaceutical Company pockets.
As long as Congress has health care while Americans foot the bill, healthcare reform better pass. If it doesn't they all need to be kicked to the curb.
Yes, but some dumb Congressmen will pass something that will screw over those with and those without health insurance. As a political science and economics major, I have no confidence in our government.
How does government compete with the private sector? The government responds to Barney Frank and not the market. This is a sham. Daschle gave the road map- avoid the truth and sneak in your ideas.! Obama is LYING about his intentions; notice that the trial lawyers are not patr of the cost problem in Obama's world- no tort reform!!!
we can hope that it will not,because it will only be a disaster like S.S.,M.C.,M.C. all of these programs will be broke in a matter of a few years.If we can't fund the programs we already have where will these new trillons come from, oh I forgot TAX INCREASES, well I have been taxed enough already thank you very much.
Jack:
I seriously doubt it. The problem is far more complicated than the collective gray matter contained within the minds of those trying to solve said problem. And anybody who thinks there is a simple solution, has a simple mind. But you might want to start with our citizens first. A zillion are overweight, out of shape, eat pathetic diets regardless of their weight, pop pills like candy, suffer more "initial" diseases, such as OCBD, get their heads shrunk weekly for no reason, etc. I believe if we got our acts together, and only used the medical professionals truly when we needed them, we could cut our costs in half. We are a bunch of hypocondriacts, with a medical profession that supports it hook, line and sinker!
Gary,
Lexington,KY
Yes ;we have money for a war in Iraq, money for A.I.G.insurance company, money for big banks,money for G.M.money for aid to other country. Jack we have to take care of our own.
Jack, health reform will only pass if the congress remembers that NOT everyone in the country has the great health care that the congress does. And when the congress realizes that 1/3 of our citizens have no health insurance. Those who are against health care for all should be ashamed.
Hello Jack!
We Canadians are watching your health care debates and discussions with great amusement. I doubt there is a single Canadian in a thousand who would choose your current system over ours. And yet from time to time one has to listen to your politicians cite inadequacies in our system as proof that yours is better. I've heard Mitt Romney thusly, and today (Dr.) John Barrasso, Senator from Wyoming talked about Canadian inadequacies as if these faults somehow made our system, so patently superior to yours, disastrous. Why is ours better? There are many reasons but the primary one is that everyone gets treatment for free!!! We Canadians don't walk around worried that a broken leg will result in our personal economic demise. That Americans don't care enough about each other to make health care available to every citizen is a clear condemnation of your society.
There is a simple answer to that question: NO
According to a recent survey by a conservative business research organization (EBRI), eighty-three percent of Americans favor and only 14 percent oppose “creating a new public health insurance plan that anyone can purchase.”
Will the Insurance Industry, Pharma and Congress respect the will of the people? That's obviously a rhetorical question and I'm surprised you bothered to ask it. This entire "debate" is a charade.
It will pass but like the administration tried to address the failed banks lobbyists will have their way again and the american people will be screwed. I believe President Obama has good intentions and the system has failed and needs to be fixed. Of course the republicans will cry fowl again and propose another filibuster. BTW filibusters are on a record historical pace. This year alone there were 112 filibusters a record!!!! Good Luck with the right wing AGAIN!!
rich
Notice that this is so important that there cannot be time to discuss it thoroughly. Obama is afraid that an honest discussion will derail his train!
Now we will have congress not reading the bill fro health care reform just like the stimulus bill
IT is the Congress's JOB to get the votes for the PEOPLE...not the Big corps.. It jmight be wise to see how invested our congressioal representatives are in the HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY!
The % of Doctors in the AMA is less than 20% of practicing physicians..The majority are members in their specialty...
Call the fools and tell them to get off their thumbs and do the work of the y were elected to do! 1.800.828.0498....