Why is health care reform in danger of not happening?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama's plan to push through health care reform this year is very much in danger of being dead. Top Democratic advisers are urging the president to get even more involved in the debate before it's too late.
The Congressional Budget office last week put the price tag at more than $1 trillion over the next decade; and said it would still leave millions of Americans uninsured.
Republicans have seized on this, insisting that health care reform may be too expensive at a time when we're already facing huge deficits. Senator Lindsey Graham called the CBO estimates a "death blow" to a government-run health care plan.
Some in the GOP suggest an overhaul of the nation's health care system just might have to wait for a while. They're also accusing the White House and Democrats of trying to rush through what they see as flawed legislation this year, before the mid-term elections in 2010.
The White House acknowledges there are legitimate concerns about the proposed legislation, but says the president is confident that setbacks are a normal part of what happens in Congress and that this legislation will get though Congress by the end of this year.
One senior official tells CNN, "We're not hysterical. We've seen this movie before."
But some people are not convinced, including some members of the president's own party. Senator Dianne Feinstein says she's not sure there are enough votes among Democrats to get this thing through. And she's probably right.
Here’s my question to you: Why is health care reform suddenly in danger of not happening?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Darren writes:
Plain and simple, Capitol Hill is controlled by bankers, big business, and special interest groups, all vying for the failed health care-for-profit model to continue making them all lots and lots of hard earned money.
Sam writes:
Some Democrats finally woke up from their Obama-induced comas and realized this is a very bad plan?
Ronald writes:
Certain media figures, such as Cafferty, are deliberately slanting their coverage of the national health care plan to try to defeat it. Why not quote the New York Times poll which showed 72% of Americans are in favor of a government run national health care plan? We are tired of being snowed by the health industry and insurance lobbyists. Give us health care.
Mike from Denver writes:
It is all about perception. Right now, it seems like the plan costs too much, does too little, and is risky enough that Democrats will not even line up behind it. With that kind of marketing, they should be thankful the press has been so kind.
Ed writes:
The reason health care reform is in danger of failing is because the U.S. is the only nation in the world that has made a for-profit business out of health insurance! We don't need to spend more for universal health care, just ban for-profit health insurance and millions of dollars will be available to cover the uninsured!
Ryan writes:
I put the blame on medical lobbies and the ease with which they can purchase votes from most GOP members and some of the Democrats!
Michael from Lorton, Virginia writes:
Jack, You can insure some of the people some of the time, but you can’t insure all of the people all of the time. It is too damn expensive.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
if this don’t get done this year there will be a lot of congressmen and seaitors on the unemployment line, you just wait and see,
i am retider and have ss witch works very well
Plain and simple, Capitol Hill is controlled by bankers, big business, and special interest groups, all vying for the failed healthcare-for-profit model to continue making them all lots and lots of hard earned money.
I'm so glad that the Government is finally taking this seriously. Even with insurance, I'm a healthy 25 year old non-smoking student who pays $120 out of pocket each month for my insurance. I recently went to the doctor for the yearly checkup, and my insurance company was billed over $1100!! Granted when they came to the negotiated rates it was much less, but it'd be so devastating to have to pay that out of pocket. $1100 for a physical!! Are you serious?!?! This has GOT to change.
It has always been in danger of not happening. It was a campaign pipe dream which many fell for. As long as we have lobbyist in Washington the people of United States of American will not have health care. The only thing we can count on... is taxes. And excellent health care for our government representatives.
Or we could take to the streets in protest for health care for all.
Wouldn't it be nice if we who giveth their jobs (our vote) with great benefits could also taketh away..
Oregon
Because:
1. They offer no way of paying for it;
2. It does not attack major issues such as tort reform, pharmacutical and medical equipment research and development funding;
3. It does not target the 45M uninsured (many of whom can afford healthcare insurance but chose to be uninsured, mainly young adults) but rather targets even those who have coverage; and,
4. What the government is offering is NOT healthcare reform...it is socialized medicine.
Face the facts, the Government has two healthcare programs that they have proven they cannot manage, Medicare and the VA Healthcare system. Why should we give them all of it to mismanage?
The politicians that make up our Congress never put the best interest of the American people or their conscience ahead of their pocketbooks.
In spite of the fact that practically every democratic country in the world has some form of government health care and the fact that a vast majority of the electorate favors it, they are caving in to lobbyists who represent well healled campaign contributors who, for selfish monetary reasons, don't want it.
This is another example of the fact that we have "the best government that money can buy".
Bob Louisville,Ky
Because Congress doesn't have the courage to make it happen. This has been a problem for 40 years. The health insurance industry is no better than the financial industry! GREED! One word sums it up, and the blame belongs with the health industry (especially the insurance companies) , the AMA, and law makers who just want to keep taking the lobbyist's money to get re-elected. Oh, by the way, the citizens who keep re-electing these people are also to blame.
It's tooooooooo expensive! Period! When are these politicians and their leader Obama going to get the message, that this country is going broke with their spending habits, and financing this universal health care that Obama is selling will push this country into an economic freefall, from which there is no chance of recovery!
The time has come for liberal "I've never seen a tax I didn't like" politicians to remove their grubby hands from the taxpayers pocket!
Universal healthcare is a bust! As Robert De Niro would say "forget about it"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please let the public know that there are NOT 47 million w/o health insurance because they can't afford it. Kudlow (CNBC) said, as I get it–the figure is more like 10,000,000 that need gov't help to get health insurance. Kudlow said many can afford health insurance but won't buy it. And a large % in the 47 million are illegals. And SCHIF would cover a lot of the uninsured kids; they are eligible but didn't sign up. It's said that figures don't lie, etc, and in this case I think there is a lot of misrepresentation to get eventurally a universal plan run by the government. Doctors are forming private groups now, charging a patient fee to join, capping practices, and being selective. As Jack Welch said on Morning Joe today re health care–it will become a class society - only the rich can afford the best, the rest will take rationed care (under the heading of tests "not needed"). CNN should report the negatives of letting the government dominate health care. Medicare for seniors is ok, but I doubt your doctor would keep you as a patient if it meant cutting his income. And the mistakes on electronic reports is another story.
Health Care is Big business,and the hospitals and doctors,pharmecutical companies wont stand to thier monopoly they now have on the American people. There is no reason Government-Run option insurance should be denied,except someones pocket wont have the Gold-Lining it presently has. Its all about the Big Guys pocket.
Jack,
There are big profits for private health insurance corporations. Their overhead costs are 24% while government's Medicare is 4%. The private insurers choose to cover the young and healthy where profits are highest. The seniors, unemployed, and disabled are left to the most expensive, least efficient, lowest quality services. Our public ERs are being crushed by costs and service demands.
In the US, our lawmakers represent the rich who have no interest in what happens to the 95% of us who are below Senator McCain's definition of well off: "$5million in yearly income". They have bought the congress and can and will pay any price to scare people into being against a public option. Just watch the TV ads. You'll get scared no matter your position.
The answer to your question is well known all over the world not just in America. The members of Congress are all lining their pockets with lobbyist monies and are being paid to go against the public's interest.
The GOP is against everything except for drilling for oil, war and torture and the blue dog Democrats are just lining their pockets for future elections.
The sad part is how Senators can go out in pubic and lie about the health care systems in other countries. In my opinion them telling lies makes them complicit in every one of the 20,000 deaths that occur each year in America as a result of people not having health insurance or being denied coverage.
Basically because democratics / Obama plan calls for spending over $1 trillion on a plan that even the government (OMB and CBO) recognizes that will not work if enacted.
One Question. Why do we the American Masses go for the propaganda of those making money off the masses,spilling lies about national healthcare. It can work and will work if wes top listening to the foolishness put out by the people who interest in making money and not really caring about Healthcare at all. We fall for this fooliness everytime it hits the BIG GUYs pocket. Greed is whats bringing this country to its knees
Jack,
Too many Congressmen/women are in the tank for insurance companies...They either have a relative employed with them or accept campaign donations from them....
Health care reform is NOT "suddenly" in danger of not happening. It has always been in danger of not happening because there are powerful interest groups with lots of money to spread around who do not want to see reform. Insurance companies don't want a "government plan" because they know how inflated their administrative costs are and that a government plan would likely be able to provide care for less. Drug companies want to keep their profits – so they need to keep people buying their medications and paying their inflated prices. Doctors are fearful of what will happen to their income with significant change to the system. These groups' voices ring much louder in the ears of people in Congress than the relative whispers of their constituants who have been being crushed under the weight of medical debts incurred when people get sick – sometimes even when they do have " good" insurance. It's time for the people of the USA to decide if healthcare is a right or a privilege and fund it if they feel it is a right.
Quite simply because even with a majority in both houses, plus the White House, our Democrat representatives are a bunch of weak-willed wussies without the intestinal fortitude to take a decent or hardline stand on ANYTHING! The other half of the equation is the fact that all of Congress, both houses on both sides of the aisle are in cahoots with and in the pay of large pharma and insurance companies. When our government is OWNED by big business...is it any surprise that the American people will not get legislation that aids them, if it pinches the corporatocracry in any way? As the saying is...we get the government we deserve.
It is not.
Bush and his group put us into so much of a hole that I doubt we can ever recover. I do not think that health care reform will survive all of those who will not support it. Make the Senate and House dependent on the same plan as everyone else and only then they will find a way.
You know it is not about people's health but about making profit.
The Health care industry knows how to manipulate the current rules to pad their pockets. They don't want the status quo to change, just like the automobile industry and now the petroleum industry fought like hell to keep things as they are no matter the long term consequences.
Jack we all know why, it's because the lobbyist are doing there our economic stimulus package. You know the old saying: "invest in America, buy a congressman/senator"
Good try ..no cigar..Jack...Face it...we need a health care plan and it'll have to be sponsored by the gov't...because the system is a disaster...Insurance run, drug company controlled, ....health care greed has sickened this country beyond immorality...Shame.
Health care reform was always in danger of not happening and isn't a new issue. Every election health care is a big ticket item that gets lots of attention. Both sides like to talk about and use it to pull in votes. Reforming health care is about the poor, elderly and children. These groups don't have money or influence and do not contribute to campaigns. Politicians don't worry about health care or anyone who has it now and hasn't had to use it. Health care reform is in danger because it will cost those who don't need it money. It will always come down to what's in it for me.
It is stalled simply because of two reasons. First , Big Insurance does not want to be undercut on pricing. The second , more complicated reason goes to the bill directly. The American public , in a time of crisis cannot agree with paying hefty penalties,when we are losing our jobs and homes.....and we cannot ever see paying high premiums to support Illegal Undocumented workers. Dont we already have that in the form of Medicaid?
Because Obama-care is a bait and switch that is trying to change us gradually to a single payer system that will ration care, eliminate our choice and cost too much.
Jack
Three words to answer your question. SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS!
They run this country, not the people. They run the country, not common sense. The AMA, the pharmaceutical companies, the insurance companies, the list goes on and on. They will insure enough money goes into the pockets of our "leaders" to make sure this never happens. Until then life and death decisions will continue to be made by a $10/hr receptionist looking on a cost scale and overpaid pharmaceutical executives deciding on which drug makes it to market based solely on how much money it will make (aka the blockbuster). Isn't it such a great system Jack?
John
Carlsbad, CA
This was dead before it got to the Senate. Did ANY American actually think that the insurance lobby would allow competition? When there is no lobby for the insurance companies, big pharma and the AMA involved THEN AND ONLY THEN will we get health care reform.
"Suddenly?" Isn't America the only modern, industrialized nation that still doesn't have universal health care coverage for all? It's because a large swath of America is so callous and so self-centered, that they won't make any sacrifice nor even compromise to make sure all their fellow Americans get adequate health care.
there is a concerted effort to find any fault possable with a plan that has not even been tried – Why? – the insurance companies that have made a free enterprise jack pot on the illness of americans, are convinced that if there was another option they could not compete and we would move up in our raitings for health care world wide from our place "36th " – wonder why they think that?
Many Democrats are concerned about 2010 too much. Many of them remembered what happened when Pres. Clinton tried to pass health care reform, those who supported took a hit in terms of public opinion. The GOP is very good at winning on issues regarding the debt and budget but after running the country into debt under Pres Bush the Democrats who are against it should wake and realize the Republicans are not fiscally responsible.
Dan
St. Louis, MO
Hello Jack,
As Canadians enjoying free health services, I find it hard to believe that Americans do not want to embrace this type of health care. In Canada our Health Care is supurb. We have access to all doctors, both general practioners & specialists. Though sometimes there is a waiting time to see a specialist it is not unusually long. The care in our Hospitals is excellent. from both nursing and physcians working within our Hospitals.
Many of our Hospitals are like 5* Hotels, they offer everything that you could want while you are a patient from excellent care professionally, to looking after the lighter side of getting you well with wonderful amenities.
I sincerely hope that you will be able to work this out so that the American people will benefit from enjoying Universal Health Care.
Wishing you the Best
from
Toronto Canada
Jack,
The Grand Obstructionism Party needs to realize that they lost the last election, that the people want health care reform and that 72% of the people want a single-payer option as part of that reform.
To get it done President Obama needs to spend some of his political capital and get all the Democrats in line. Then, he can start picking off some of the moderate Republicans to get it past the Senate's 60 vote speed bump. He needs to ram it down Congress's throat.
Why?
1) Right wing radio religiously creates half truths and memes based on falsehoods.
2) Democrats aren't effective in countering those Republican techniques
3) The average American believes what they hear without doing any research on their own.
4) Congress gets too much money campaign $$ from insurance companies, giving them unconscionable lobbying power.
Because Americans don't want it enough. If the U.S. wanted health care as much as Iranians want a recount, we'd have it.
You look at polls and 72 percent of americans want a goverment option. All of these politicians are getting big chunks of there campaign funds from private insurance companies. Does anyone think that you are going to see any reform at all. We need to start remembering all of these elected officials who say it can not be done and boot them out of office!
In a word, lobbyists. The republicans have labeled any attempt to fix the system as either too expensive, and or socialism. I don't care if it's socialism, and I don't care that it's expensive, the time has come to fix this mess and put the AMA and the insurance companies in their place and out of politics. Isn't it wonderful to live in a country that cares so little for it's citizens health, but spends billions upon billions on invading a sovereign nation. Disgusting.
Short and Sweet please! Cut cost and cover everyone! Obama has my support but time to cut the bipartisan rhetoric and get political. Put the spot light on the Congress and the Senate. Push the legislators for the ideas and when the deliver a dud CALL THEM OUT! When they spit out the same out political non productive nonsense CALL THEM OUT! When they go on talk shows and have nothing productive to contribute CALL THEM OUT! No time to worry about popularity among his peers. Name names!
there is a concerted effort to find any fault possable with a plan that has not even been tried – Why? – the insurance companies that have made a free enterprise jack pot on the illness of americans, are convinced that if there was another option they could not compete and we would move up in our raitings for health care world wide from our place “36th ” – wonder why they think that?
PS from Chattanooga Tennessee
Our healthcare system is just fine!!
Our government welfare systems are a mess, and our out of control lawyers!!
Jeff in new Britain, CT
I think maybe (hopefully) Americans are beginning to realize that we can do better than a plan that costs $1 trillion and still leaves millions of Americans uninsured. Perhaps it would be cheaper and more practical to take a good look at the shortfalls in our own system and fill in the gaps.
Because TV stations take the money from conservative groups and keep running ads like Conservatives for Patients Rights with a spokesman Rick Scott, who was forced out as head of the Columbia/HCA healthcare company as the result of a fraud investigation which ripped off medicare for millions. The people of this country are as dumb as a box of rocks. Those who have private medical insurance think their in control, until they wake up and realize the company they work for will some day drop the insurance plan. The insurance companies will keep raising premiums and denying coverage to keep their profits up.
Because too many members of Congress are in the pay of the insurers.
Because the American people are being led astray by the Right yet again e.g. " Do you want a bureaucrat between you and your doctor" No, that's why no such bureaucracy exists in Canada. Our government will not even find out a medical procedure has taken place until they get the bill. Unlike the system your Congress is trying to protect (H.M.O. bureaucrats getting between you and your doctor.) e.g. Choice. We don't have to make choices in Canada. Every doctor from from coast to coast in this country is my doctor, we have universal health care remember. e.g. "The U.S. has the best health care system the world has ever known." The W.H.O. rates your health care system 37th just ahead of Slovenia, and you pay twice the amount of any other country. e.g. Remember Bush 41 "If you want to know what's wrong with universal health care just ask a Canadian" Well somebody did, and we elected Tommy Douglass, the man who gave us our health care system the greatest Canadian who ever lived In Canada we find it disgusting and immoral to make a profit of dying children. The question is do you
"
Jack;
The simple answer, which will always apply to questions like this:
"Too much money is involved, and the people & corporations benefiting, will gladly spend many dollars lobbying against a change that would inhibit their income."
Because Americans are waking up to the charlatan on 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The bottom line is that the "46 million" uninsured number is misleading. 10-15 million of those 46 million are eligible for government insurance but are not enrolled. Many millions of them are young people who would rather spend that money on an ipod than health insurance because they figure they are pretty healthy and don't need the insurance. Millions more in that number quit a job recently for another job and are waiting for the new employer's insurance to kick in. There is no point in destroying the nation's healthcare industry for a few million people who, in a real emergency, can go to their local county hospital and be seen for "free". Free, by the way, means at high cost to taxpayers. Just like this proposed legislation.
Jack, it's in danger for the same reason that every moderately good piece of legislation is in danger – our public "servants" are too busy worrying about keeping their jobs to actually do their job! Until Congress becomes willing to fall on their proverbial sword, we will continue to sweat, suffer, and spend $60 on a hammer.
Robert in San Francisco
Because we have corrupt, out of touch politicians who care more about campaign cash than they do about the American people, who by the way, pay for these piece of human garbage politicians solid gold health care. Add on top of that a president who doesn't want to stick his neck out for fear of dropping a couple of points in the polls.
John
Anderson, Indiana
Big money controlling big contributions, big ads, lots of lobbyists, all controlling weak Senators. Americans are tired of what they have but scared of change. The truth about Single Payer, National Health Tax and governement health programs is that we would all pay about half of what we now pay, get better care, everyone could get health insurance and health care cost shifting would end. But Wal-Mart would not like that.
It's dead Jack because not ONE Senator or Congressman has to worry about paying for healthcare and they have all taken money from the insurance companies.
Make them have to pay like the rest of us and you will see healthcare for EVERYONE!!
Jack, that's an easy one. Because the congressmen are like the foxes guarding the chicken coop, and the chicken are us. They are in the pockets of the pharmaceuticals, the health care insurance companies, and the AMA. Even the drug companies realize that change is needed, so they offered $80 billion to reform the Medicare drug policy for seniors, But don't be fooled; they're still making billions off of Americans who can't barter for a better price like the Veterans Administration. As long as our politicians are getting campaign funds from the likes of the insurance companies, there will be no real reform. And all of us will suffer because of it.
Because these elected officials are not willing to make hard decisions. It's easier to point fingers and pass it off to someone else, instead of coming up with a solution.
Because of the lobbyists like AMA, Hospitals, an doctors, and Pharamcetical companies and their greed. American people are suffering and they know. IT WILL HAPPEN. I think, we need to take away all the health care benefits of elected representatives, congressmen and senators., they know what a health care mess mean. They get straightened.....IT WILL PASS....THROUGH THE CONGRESS....IF NOT WE AMERICANS WILL NOT KEEP QUIET....
Health care reform is in danger because the house and senate are addicted to pork, and enjoy sharing their beds with the health care industry lobbyists. They're not there to serve us. They haven't served us since payola was taken from under the table and legalized.
Jack, because of the selfish and selfcentered republicans.While they enjoy the highest quality health care in the world funded by our tax dollars, they refuse to share that with us.what low lives.It is time they give up their government health benefits and join us all shopping for health insurance that keeps rising.Republicans,do as I say, not as I do.God is waiting for them.TERM LIMITS!!
The Dr's and Pharmacutical lobby's have pulled the wool over the countries eyes for years and are doing it again with scare ad's. Money talks and they have plenty and will continue to spend till the bitter end. Just think who makes the money, Ins, Dr. drug co's. why would they want better health care when they charge what they want now or just refuse to take medicare patients.
Hugo, OKlahoma
The Republican 'fear and smear machine' is at it again. They are using half-truths to scare the 'know-nothing independent voters' away from supporting Obama. Most people don't pay enough attention to what is being said and fall for the false emotional argument that they will 'lose something' or have it 'taken away' by government. My company has already cut my benefits and increased my costs for health care. They've taken away other things like life and disability insurance in order to pay inflated executive salaries. They and I would both be better off if the burden of paying for my health care was taken away from the business. My health care depends on my employer's choices between what is best for him and his cronies and what is best for me and my family. Eventually my employer will send my job overseas – and my replacement will have government provided healthcare. Hey problem solved – I won't have to worry about health insurance anymore – I don't have a job.
Oh, that's so easy! One word: Lobbyists
72% of the American people want a public option, yet the idiots in Washington don't get it. Follow the money, Jack. A good look at who is lining the pockets of those that are against it will tell the answer.
Its in danger because our elected officials who are supposed to be serving the people who elected them, are in the pockets of big pharma and the insurance companies and, the American people who should be fighting mad have grown lazy and complacent. They blog, whine and complain when they should be marching on Capital Hill.
Jack, this country has far too many people uninsured, or underinsured. For a country like ours, this is a national disgrace. It is hardly surprising that the Republican party is pouncing on this as they have done nothing but obstruct everything that has begun to pull us out of the depression created by their own party. Congress needs to work together (I know this seems to be a foreign concept to far too many members) to get an insurance package together that serves the people.
I know that most of the reactions to this question will be to blame the Republicans, but with the majorities that the Democrats have in the House and in the Senate, they could pass it if they wanted to. Perhaps it's not going to pass, because it isn't a good idea. Ya think?
Because you're talking about getting the majority of the funding for a government run system by slashing the waste of a similar government run system. Waste that has been going on for decades. You mean it doesn't cross your mind that the only thing that cutting Medicaid/Medicare waste will fund is the waste that the new system will generate, never really funding the core system? Add to that the fact that the cost/funding of this system will most likely be very detrimental to the future US economy (see France, Germany, well...all of Europe). Quick, name a nation whose economy was better 50 years after implementing universal heath care than before implementing it. Better get used to this 9.5% unemployment rate, because that's what It will be permanently in the future.
Don't believe it, that Obama -Care will not happen. Those dims up there in DC are going to pass everything they can this year because they can read the polls that they are being thrown out next year, Obama following in the ouster as soon as possible.
If we don't get a single payer system, our elected officials should have to buy their own insurance in the open market like the rest of us with all of the qualifiers, deductibles, and co-pays that we face every day. If we aren't good enouigh for the single payer system that they have, then let them join the rest of us and face recission and losing their insurance if they are ever in the position of really needing it.
Because of the usual, big money, big insurance companies, big phara, Republicans, and wimpy Democrats won't let it happen.
Insurance companies are much like the Mafia...... only interested in protecting and advancing themselves........real reform can only happen when they are forced out of the picture........into a witness protection program.....and doctors are allowed once again to be HEALERS!
There's an old phrase-"The devil is in the details". Health care reform is a great goal, but the details of how to achieve it have created a soupy prescription for cure that may be worse than the disease.
Too many democrats want to be assured re-election and they can't get that without the Health Care industry campaign funds.
Would you please explain the diffrence between lobbying & bribery?
I say there is NO difference..
&
Why is it against the law for an individual to bribe / lobby a police officer, who enforces the law but it's not illegal for an individual to bribe /lobby a politician , who writes the law?
The GOP has put forth its best effort to try to derail any kind of public option, which is what the vast majority of American's appear to want.
Rather than focusing on ways to pay for something this country wants and needs, the GOP has focused on trying to scare everyone into inaction.
If watching years of political inaction on the news has taught me anything, it is only when the interests of the politicians themselves are on the line that anything will be accomplished. Let's take away *their* health care coverage and see how quickly something would be passed.
Because all of our money is being spent bailing out banks, credit card companies and other special interests. How can we worry about a piddly thing like health care at a time when banks won't be able to foreclose on us if they're allowed to fail?
Sterling Greenwood/Aspen
It's almost dead because the public - unlike the Presidential candidates - haven't been asked point blank if healthcare is a "Right" or "Privilege"... Pose that question to the American people, and then let's find out out which side of the aisle suffers a "death blow".
We've already spent the $1.6 plus trillion it will take to float this thing. Also government run healthcare would be like Amtrak-a total disaster. Ancient Texan Lamesa Texas
If nothing else I wanted Obama to fix the health care disaster...Can't this country even do this right?
Jack, I doubt health reform will pass and there is only one reason why: Washington is crawling with lobbyists from the insurance industry and some corrupt politicians take the money. How sad.
The vultures from the health insurance industry have been making massive contributions to politicians, democrat and republican, for years. Do you think this was from a sense of noble patriotism? The bit has been set.
Why is health care reform suddenly in danger of not happening?
From the standpoint of the people, prohibitive costs, prohibitive regulation and upon closer inspection absolute control by government and the health insurance industry, the latter being the primary beneficiaries...
Why? Because the Dems were dumb enough to spend several weeks trying to be bipartsian with the Republicans. What a dumb move! They have let it be know since the inauguratio that they plan on being obstructionist. I cannot believe the Dems have not figured this out yet.
All they need to do is go ahead with their plan. If the GOP do not want to go along, then that is their business. They will loose in the upcoming elections (the GOP) when their constituents learn that they are responsible for blocking this important piece of legislatre.
With the Health care debate heating up, it would be of value if you cover what our US Congress medical benefits are. As I understand it, WE the tax payer fund 75% if their premiums and they get AFFORDABLE health care.
A novel thought would be to require congressional members to pay the same as US tax payers for health care. Maybe change would be easier to make if they understood what the rest of us deal with.
There will be no significant reduction in health care cost and/ or coverage until a way is found to pay for the additional coverage and a way to restrain the exorbitant salaries and benefits paid to the highest executives in the insurance companies, the pharmaceutical companies, doctors and health care administrative personnel.
One way to help pay for additional coverage for the lower income part of our society is to cancel the current estate tax (Republicans call it a Death Tax) and substitute in its place a living estate tax. Drop the percentage rate from the current onerous double digit levels to be collected at the death of the wealth holder and replace it with a small percentage (one to five percent, graduated upward from a minimum of a few million dollars) collected annually. Eliminate the tax dodging trusts. This would provide a rather handsome, steady flow of funds from the wealthiest part of our society.
Rather than try to legislate each and every industry to restrain abuses by the corporate elite, pass intead an income tax based on the graduated rates (up to 90 %) that were imposed sixty years ago. If we take away the opportunity for the corporate elite to dictate their income levels to astronomical levels, we just might restrain their creative flair for creating financial products designed to line their pockets.
This would put a considerable constraint on ill advised mergers and acquisitions designed more to produce lucretive golden parachute agreements than to produce stronger mor competitive companies. Overly generous stock option would also be restrained and we might return to the real reason for stock options, that being a means for small start up companies to be able to compete with larger corporations for managerial talent.
Health care reform is in danger of failing because the Republicans don't want to get on board with anything and now that they see opposition from some of the Democrats they are going to latch onto this defeat. The Democrats in Congress that oppose health care reform don't want to think outside the box and find a solution. The lobbyists have probably been busy in back rooms fighting this reform like they did in the 90's when the Clintons tried to get health care changed. Commercials are running now that use the same scare tactics as in the 90s about how you won't be able to pick your own doctor and that you can't see a specialist unless the government approves it. I do agree that national health care does not need to look like HMO's. HMO's do work like that. During a health crisis you don't want an HMO giving you an appointment to see a specialist 30 days out when you need to see the specialist tomorrow. This opinion is not from books, but from a real life experience that changed our lives forever because of an HMO.
Cost plus Republicans equal failure and it’s more Republicans than cost.
Universal healthcare sounds great until you realize we have no way to pay for it. Quite simply, we, and by that I mean the 60% of Americans who are actually paying federal income tax, can not afford to pay for insurance for the rest of the country, specifically the 40% who are not paying ANY federal income tax.
Our government is already spending 3 times the amount per capita on healthcare that other nations with socialized medicine are spending. We need to fix THAT problem before just throwing more money at this.
Healthcare reform is in danger of not passing due to America's desire to live in denial. Many Americans choose to not recognize the fiscal danger increasing healthcare costs represent to America's financial ability to maintain our position as world leader. We prefer to be an ostrich with our head buried in the sand while our backside remains fully exposed in the air. We are our own worst enemy.
I hope not Jack. I think reform is the only way to go. It is not socialism as some would have you believe, it is taking back the power that the insurance company has and the pharmacutical companies have.
They make billions of dollars. Premiums are being incresed 9% for employers who are already reeling from the woes of our economy.
We need something where everyone has coverage, that's not the case now, millions are walking around with no insurance coverage or they are on insurance our Government supplies...welfare.
Because we are wasting time on socialized medicine as opposed to expanding current programs that are in the private sector that work!
Everyone needs and deserves coverage...government could subsidize premium payments but they wan't their hands in the cookie jar too!
Good Monday Mr. Jack Cafferty! My Name Is Carnell Terry And I'm From Detroit, MI. My Opinion To Your Question Is That Health Care Will Indeed Happen. The Only People Who Could Really Stop It Are The So-Called Blue Dog Democrats. If They In Fact Go With Being The Death Of This Reform. I Feel That We Should Know Who Those Senators Are, And They Have To Raise Their Own Money For Their Getting Re-Elected In Their Own States. The President Shouldn't Lift One Finger To Do Any Fund-Raisers For Them Either.
Dear Jack, We are at the precipice of a wonderful thing in health care for Americans. This situation we are in now has too simple answer. People are getting cold feet including some of our Democratic leaders. A new and revamped health care plan for our citizens is way past due. We as Americans MUST dilute the power of the insurance companies now not later. Come on folks let's get it done!
Jack
Very easy to understand, too many so-called Blue Dog Democrats are not investing sufficient time with their constituents explaining how the forces against health care reform are using misleading and out right lies regarding the need to have a public insurance program to keep insurance companies from merely rearranging the seats on the "USS Healthcare Titanic." Inflating fears of government controlling what care one can receive while insurance companies already ration care to us as we pay exorbitantly for it to boot. If the Blue Dogs can't get this across to the numbskulls they represent health care is toast.
Carl
Queens, NY
Health Care is big bussiness with BIg bucks behind it.. The CEO's and executives are the next bunch to get regulated. New drugs hit the market and will not be approved for coverage. In 1993 Hillary Clinton was spearheading this cause and she was squashed. It should be no surprise that the President is being squashed.. Let's just see how he handles the flow of information and the reason for failure.
John
White Plains NY
Campaign Finance-This is why. Plain and Simple.
Any other comment is just an excuse or plain ignorance for the games and bribery/lobbying exploiting the First Amendment.
We scream free speech yet money is speech thus campaign contributions are your freedom.
Really? If this is what Americans want to believe- then it is to our own detriment.
Want to complain about lobbying- well then you need to complain about the tool that allows lobbying- campaign finance.
It is a vicious circle.
Unfortunately- 8 years of that no child left behind – America does not even rank in the top 25 for education worldwide!
Because the members of congress and their families already have an excellent public option health care plan. And they don't care about anybody else.
Simple. Congress is apparently entitled and we’re not. They are, first and foremost, entitled to having their palms greased by the medical industrial complex to insure job security, & to hell with the rest of us. We’re, after all, entitled to choose between death or financial ruin. Sounds fair (she says with sarcasm).
It's in danger because influential people are unwilling to pay for it and many of them earn money from the system just as it is.
Why is it ok with republicans that thousands upon thousands of Americans will die prematurely this year alone because of a lack of health care yet 3000 dead on 9/11 changed the way they thought about the world. I hate to throw around the word "terrorist" Jack but I am personally terrified that I will NEVER be able to afford healthcare and one party seems to be just fine with it and actually encouraging doing nothing making them participants in these unecessary deaths. Just one more reason that I will forever hate the republican party and the DINOs that side with them.
Because congress does not work for the people, they work for themselves and their narrow self interests. I hope the lobbyists kept the receipt for their purchase.
Reg
Atlanta
Because the same gutless leadership that was afraid to stand up to Bush's bullying into the Iraqi war is afraid to stand up to the Republicans about health care! I give Obama a lot of credit for taking this one on!!!
Because FRANKLY, the American People DON'T have the COURAGE to take CHARGE of their OWN AFFAIRS!!
Nick. N.
Pasadena. CA.
The reason health care reform is in danger of failing is because the US is the only nation in the world that has made a for profit business out of health insurance!
We don't need to spend more for universal health care..just ban for profit health insurance and millions of dollars will be available to cover the unisured!
Wake up, media and America...health insurance companies' profits are obscene, executive salaries outrageous...and K Street will make sure that the status quo will be upheld...by holding Congress hostage to the mother's milk: political contributions. I lived in Europe with national health and it was superb. Far better than what I get here on my basic HMO plan...and it was much cheaper. The "socialized medicine" myth is a myth. Do the right thing, Congress.
Jack in Dallas
When the Congress, especially the Senate, is compelled to do nothing, it's usually because nothing needed to be done.
Health care reform will not happen because of the influence of the AMA and health insurance lobbyists. It's very simple: money talks.
I put the blame on medical lobbies and the ease with which they can purchase votes from most GOP members and some of the Dems!
Please Jack. It will fail for the same reason it has before – the insurance industry likes their Golden Calf and they line senators' pockets so that they too don't want to lose it. The rest of us are forced to survive it as best we can, and if we can, at the concession of the insurance industry that charges us more for less each year and tells us that chemotherapy for cancer is an "experimental treatment" and argues with us until we drop dead or of exhaustion and just give up. Then they tell us its the lawyers' fault insurance costs are so high. PLEASE!
Republican Greed.
Certain media figures, are deliberately slanting their coverage of the national health care plan to try to defeat it. Why not quote the New York Times poll which showed 72% of Americans are in favor of a government run national health care plan? We are tired of being snowed by the health industry and insurance lobbyists. Give us health care.
Two reasons , Jack.
Because these politicians are still protecting their political " booty" by appearing to be concerned for the "bottom line" in the eyes of their shortsighted constituents.
And many of them do not have the intellect to understand the Obama plan – he is speaking in calculus and they are listeneing in kindergarden arithmetic.
Life is expensive like this plan Jack and the government would have to draw the same line that health insurance companies draw; when not to cover treatment. Morally that line can't be drawn, but practically it must and this paradox can't be overcome.
Re: health care reform in danger...It's hard to fathom the reasons why....not when millions of Americans voted Democrats into Congress and the White House, partly on the promise that it would happen. It's been too long in coming as it is.
It's simply inertia Jack. Too many people will suffer from any change to the current system, albeit broken. Between insurance companies, doctors, and hospitals changes spell added costs and potentially lower profit margins. It's going to take a lot more than our current crisis to overcome our current level of fixedness.
Health Care reform is in trouble because the members of the Congress and the Senate have great health care paid for by the taxpayers. If you took away their health insurance, and the health insurance of all federal employees, we would have a national health care program very, very quickly.
in a nutshell heathcare companies stand to lose money esp overpriced insurance and medcines
There are Democrats like Evan Byah that act more Republican than anything else. They want this adminstration to fail – they act like first cousins to Rush.
Well Jack, you should know the answer to that. If you read any liberal blogs (especially Huffington Post) you would know that it's all the gays fault. Since he's conceded on a few issues that are important to gays, all of the sudden healthcare reform goes out the window.
To Mike in SA: to answer your question, Canada's economy has gotten better. And oh yea, their unemployment rate is much better than Europe's. Europe's economy has been broken since World War 2. That has nothing to do with healthcare.
Lets be real and admit the truth..The poor insurance companies do not want to give up their gravy train. Their lobbys are pushing the THEIR government officials to block any chance for reform. So WHO IS MAKING THE MONEY????
It seems that people would rather have some one getting paid minimum wage by an insurance companyune than to have a government employee that they pay decide what should or should not get paid. At least with a governemnt plan they are more apt to take you r docotrs word. Instead we have multi billion dollar compnaies denying us for their bank account.
here an idea maybe its time for a revolution right here instead of tehran lets start by getting rid of taxpayer funded health care for senators and congressman and give it to the people who deserve it.....us,the taxpayers
Why is health care reform in danger? Because the health insurance industry called and they're not happy. Congress wouldn't want to upset them, then who would cut their campaign checks?
JacK:
If all of the Government employee's, Senators, Congressmen's, Staff lost all of their Healthcare, do you think they would react to get something done? You bet they would, that should scare the bejeve's out of them if they lost there Healthcare Benefits!
Bj
Elkhart, Indiana
Pharma companies want to protect their share of the future profits and will highjack any decision from our crooked politicians.
Plus Obama needs to get clear on the 45 Millions that is a joke to use
Let's protect first the 10 millions AMERICANS who really need cover
Corporate greed. This is a good chance to see who really controls the US- voters or lobbyists for mega-corporations.
I would be happy with a start at reform. If we could get insured with pre-existing conditions, at a reasonable cost, and cap yearly out-of-pocket amounts, we would be well on our way to reform. I would love single-payer plan, but no congress will pass a plan that would put the entire private health insurance industry out of business.
health care only happens during the election race jack,when the president is elected it always dies,like every president before and every president to come.
The big money from big pharma, big medico and big Insurance won't let it happen till most Americans and the Federal Government are bankrupted by healthcare costs. Then they will sell their wares in China.
As an Iranian-American I wanted to first say that my thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian people. In regards to heath care, enough is enough, the republicans have to stop lying and scaringvthe American people. Healthcare reform is not socialism, it does not take away our choice, it gives us another, and doesnt cost to much. We just passed another ridiculous war bill, we can afford to pay for something that will actually help!!!
The drug and insurance companies have to money to spend to defeat it just like they did before. Nothing will change as long as they can buy votes.
Why is healthcare reform failing? Three symbols: $$$
Insurance companies depend on little to no genuine competition plus complacent congressmembers who are easily bought off via campaign contributions or, failing that, implicit threatening of supporting opponents.
Healthcare will pass or maybe we'll see a protest against Congress like the on in Iran. We worked our butts off for change and Insurance for all was one of the most important issues!
Karen in San Diego, CA.
Why is health care reform suddenly in danger of not happening?
From the standpoint of the people, prohibitive costs, prohibitive regulation and upon closer inspection, unfettered control by government and the health insurance industry, the latter being the primary beneficiaries in all coverage situations...
The government is allowing lobbyists and special interest groups to make the decisions, which is influencing our future health care reform.
This is not an issue regarding party lines. This issue will need to be handled sooner than later. If it is not, that office in the White House that trades money with other countries all the time might as well turn into another bedroom! Healthcare is going to Bankrupt the nation.
It IS SIMPLE, Jack. The LOBBYISTS have declared "Health Care for All" dead. This will eliminate fully 1/3 of American citizens who were only moderately interested in "Health Care Reform."
When the lobbyists say, "OK, That's enough "health Care" talk, they REALLY SAY, "Health Care Reform in Congress is DEAD." "Go about your business, NOTHING TO SEE HERE.
Take the greed and profit out of "Health Care Reform" and we would have an affordable system. "It's DEAD." "It's DEAD." The Greedmongers have won again.
Jack,
Its not the Democrats who are going to hold this up, if they do, its the
GOP and the sterling job they did when they controlled Congress and
the Bush Administration for their ineptness and incompetency who led this country down the WRONG path and nearly ruined us. Obama
has the right idea, but, the real issue as I see is, CAN WE AFFORD IT?? Can we count on the Medical and Hospital Communities to drive their prices down like the Drug Companies are doing?? If we ALL give a little the MASSES will benefit, but, are our brothers' keepers
willing to do this?? That IS the question.
Ron – Florida
Its a catch 22, your never gonna get true reform without doing away with the insurance companies. But how can you get rid of them or offer competition without causing another field to lose jobs in a recession? You can't, if the president wants to have reform he has to kill the patient in order to save him and he is unwilling to do that and with the insurance, doctors, hospitals, RX drugs dumping millions in lobbyist to fight it isn't helping.
Mike in Chicago
It is no secret who votes for the health care. The congress and senate are afraid they will have to pay some tax on their free health care that us tax payers are paying for. Paying tax for any gain in employment is suppose to be taxed. It is the law.
It look like the insurance companies and for-profit health care organizations are keeping their GOP troops in line and bullying a a few faint-hearted Democratic Senators into selling out their constituents to protect the status quo. They're your representatives, people. If you want change, let them know.
Hugh
Los Angeles ,CA
A word picture: President Obama as the mailman, trying to deliver the mail (health care for everyone), being chased and nipped at by a pack of dogs (the Republicans). We all depend on the mail coming and expect it to be delivered. I swear, sometimes there are people who don't have a clue they are acting against their own self interests. They will do everything they can to mess things up for the rest of us. This would make a good cartoon.
There is no chance for healthcare reform because no one in congress understands the problem. If their gold standard healthcare benefits were brought down to the standard of the average American and their retirement benefits were not so cushy, they may understand a little more than they do now.
The main problem is that President Obama has largely left out the details of his plan. While it is the function of the legislative branch of government to write laws, it allows the Republicans to use words like "government-run healthcare" while Democrats on the Hill decide on what direction they want to go. You can not argue for something when you do not know what you are arguing for.
Special Interests such as Insurance Companies have always been behind stopping Health Care Reform. They currently have control over the industry and are not planning on giving it up. People are scared of the government being involved, but they aren't afraid of the alternative; being completely at the mercy of large Insurance companies whose main goal is corporate profits... go figure.
Health care may be broke but it ain't at the top of the critical list of things in this country that are broke and need fixing right now. Let's fix AIG, GM, Chrysler, BofA, Citi, Fannie, Freddie, etc first.
Because of the next elections some demos are not supporting it. They most likely do not have the votes because of lack of details.
In the end we will all pay more taxes including on our own health care benifits and not be albe to get axcess because under the present plan some folks make too much $.......
The sad part is that health care reform could of happened if not for the lobbiest.......Reform is a better answer then universal coverage
Reform is in danger because our politicians are bought and paid for by the Healthcare Lobby. Until our representatives reject the greedy demands of the bloated Healthcare industry, our system of so-called-insurance will continue to be a broken disgrace that places profits ahead of people's health and well-being.
The health care issue is being over complicated much as the Hillary plan was. Do the following and the costs will be reduced.
1. Tort reform
2. Better information to caregivers responsible for obviously terminal patients.
3. Update information channels in hospitals.
The number 3 issue is especially valid for VA hospitals. I am on VA disability and even in the same facility, I cazn see 3 different people and each has different information on not only my condition, but muy VA disability status.
Ken from Colorado
Health care reform is bludgeoned by those who have historically opposed it. Like Social Security, Medicare and other such programs, the Republicans are constantly and consistently taking pot shots at all of them. They get their way by calling it “socialism.” As we know everyone in the United States despises "socialism" with the exception of our brilliant Republicans who take all the freebies they can get. My personal idea is that if our elected officials cannot find it in themselves to openly and honestly debate the issue of health care reform where it will benefit all Americans, they should have their “socialist” health care removed, and like everyone else in the United States, they too should expect a minimum of a 25 percent pay cut and a 25-year cap on their salaries.
The real reason: COST. Current plans cost a trillion dollars or more, and the proponents know unprecidented amounts of NEW taxes will have to be raised, and taxes get lawmakers defeated. And, those plans floated around do not cover all those without healthcare. Not to mention that Americans with employer provided plans will not tolerate tinkering around with plans that work, or any form of taxation of those plans.
k-street-period to many lobbist enities. morones without a contiences.
Jack, this a no brainer. Most of congress consists of lawyers, who always reap a fat profit from medically related lawsuits. Why should they be concerned about health care when they are set for life with the best care availabe? If congress were to be subject to the same system of health care as the rest of us, then we would see the quickest passage of laws in the history of the United States.
Jack, healthcare reform is in trouble because Congress wants it to be. The lobbyists are putting way too much money intheir pockets to want healthcare any other way. Do we the people want healthcare reform.... You bet we do, but do our congressional leaders here us, I think not. With all the 'CHANGE' we here it means nothing. Until we can get rid of this democrat/republican regime we aren't going to get anything that is truly good for the american people. Hey, why don't we march on Washington like the Iranians are doing in their country. Our politicians won't throw tear gas at us ???? Yeah Right!!!!!!!!!!!
It seems the "same movie" has the same villain, too. The bill is in danger because the only group out there benefiting from the high cost of health insurance and health care are the insurance companies, the insurance lobby and those on the payroll. Unfortunately, the aforementioned are powerful enough to resist change and crush yet another attempt to fix what's broken for the rest of us. If this were a movie, it would be one of those bogeyman films in which the bad guy keeps getting up and can never be destroyed, no matter how many sequels are made.
This bill may not be perfect, but the old guard is still in place, sleeping in coffins, resisting change and sucking the blood out of the innocent.
Because nobody has the guts to pass it. People hate the insurance companys. Theres going to be a back lash, if somthings not done. The uninsured can feel it, it's close. The law makers should be scared of the mid term elections, if it doesn't get passed. Trust me.I'm watching and taking names.
If healthcare reform is dead it will be bi-partisanship that killed it. If the republicans are unwilling to participate then they aren't wanted. Canada, France, Cuba, Germany and many other countries have created a government funded heathcare system that is fiscally sustainable. Then why is a public healthcare option so far-fetched?
No one, no matter how honorable and right their intentions are, can convince congress to bite the hand that feeds them. Insurance companies have bought and paid for the loyalty of congress, the tax paying citizens are owed nothing.
We desperately need healthcare. People that has good Insurance do not understand. The stupid Repubs are using their scare tactics as usual. Come on Democrats and get in line with our President.
Jack,
Congress is owned by the lobbyists for HMO's, Healthcare Corps. and Big Pharma on both sides of the aisle...Couple that with the Democratic leadership being whimps and we have a literal road block for ANYTHING THE PEOPLE WANT OR IN THIS CASE NEED!
Voters should call congress and tell them to get to the work they were elected to do or we could see a n INDEPENDENT Majority by 2012...1.800.828.0498...
Shameless..if it gets through it will have more than one 'donut hole'!
Because they don't have to worry about insurance they are out of touch with our needs. We are only asking for the same coverage they have, single payer. What's good for them is just as good for us. If they don't give it to us, we'll vote them out!
Jack, Have you and others not been paying attention to the big news which broke earlier today in Pres. Press conference. The story was spoken of over the weekend as well.
Baucus and others worked with Pres. Obama and the Pharmaceutical companies to provide relief for those seniors for whom the Medicare Part B was insufficient for a part of the year when their coverage went into the "Donut hole" Being one of those "one out of four" who ends up in this predicament I am amazed because this means a great boon for us and is a great part of the Health Care package being proposed. Get ont he case Jack. It is important people know about this, and it is important that the doom and gloom people shut up and pay attention to what the Oval office has been working to accomplish.
Thanks for all you do to help us get the news.
I want government run health care I want to go to hospitals and be treated when am sick ! Without paying hundreds of dollars and still be Ill!
Healthcare reform is in danger because we Americans are lazy. Unlike the poor Iranians who are literally giving their lives just for the right to have their voices heard, we already have the right to be heard – so why aren't we shouting from the rooftops like they are in Iran?
Healthcare reform WILL get done, THIS YEAR... But it will ONLY get done IF we are willing to take the time to demand it. Call your senators and representatives. Flood their offices with postcards. March on Washington if necessary.
Whatever you do, if you, like me, are one of those with no healthcare coverage and no ability to get it, then DO SOMETHING to speak up for yourself. Take heart from the people of Iran. At least here you won't get shot for letting your representatives know what you think.
Too many politicians(including democrats) are concerned with serving industry special interests rather than promoting policies which benefit their constituencies.
It's only in trouble because law makers can find away to continue their pet projects and lining there pockets while giving the people an affordable health plan. Too much money is being given to law makers from all sides, it is best that they do continue to do nothing to keep the money flowing to them. Just give the public the same plan that they have.. We are paying for that plan for them why not us...
Why is healthcare reform not happening? Simple its the insurance and drug lobby. These two intities have for years made obscene profits from denying honest customers the healthcare they desparately need. Now these companies are in danger of being put out of business or severely limited and have called in their bribes oh i mean contributors to stop this from happening. I am a nurse and have to release patients everyday because their insurance won't pay for the care they need. Its sad and should be stopped immediately.
Jack,
Finally, the American people are waiting to understand reform proposal before blindly jumping on board. Nobody can tell what this reform will cost, let alone how it will really impact citizens. There's simply too much uncertain on an issue that's near and dear to taxpaying citizens.
Add up the money spent by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies on campaign contributions and lobbying and you'll have your answer. Follow the money.
One of your more obvious questions, Jack. Wealthy and powerful interests in the health care and insurance industries will fight against reform tooth and nail. They don't want to give up the windfall that they are reaping at our expense. It's paying for their bad investments.
We cannot trust corporate America with our health. The only thing worse than a government bureaucracy is a corporate bureaucracy. The government ultimately answers to its people, the corporation only to itself.
Art in West Virginia
Lets face it . We have a corrupt system of government. The lobbyists are agents of corruption. The law makers are the recipients. As long as the Insurance companies and the AMA can afford to bribe enough so-called lawmakers to vote against it we will not get universal health care.
Jack,
People talk about Social Security going under in about 2040, but what isn't widely know is that Medicare may go upside down byt 2013. When the debate widens to include a National Health Plan, people forget that Medicare is, in fact, a National Health Plan and it's going broke fast!
Diane Feinstein and others are asking the hard questions: Where is the money going to come from to fund a National Health Plan that includes, potentially, everybody?
In the end, people are awakening to the reality that the government can't print it way to prosperity or to solve all the ills of the world. Unfortunately, we are becoming more and more a class society – those who have quality group insurance and benefits vs. those who are slipping into third world status.
Doug
I worked in healthcare for over twenty years and am well aware what governmental control in this venue could mean. If you think that the private insurers have restrictions on testing and care....it comes from the initiation of similar programs in the public health services, ie Medicare, Medicaid, Military etc. We also need to realize that many of those being counted in the president's plan should not be. Why should we provide health care to illegal immigrants? Also how many folks are out there who "choose" not to take advantage of the health plans available to them tho well able to afford them. And finally....should a public plan go thru...what incentive is there for the employers who provide quality healthcare to continue to do so? There are many lobbyists and other folks who will put pressure on not letting this plan go thru...and I am with them at this point.
Jack, CNN should be telling *us* the answer to this question. Where's CNN's on-the-spot, in-depth reporting explaining why Americans are about to be denied affordable health care again? This is what we need the news media for. Don't just report the controversy. Report the facts behind it.
Jack, it probably won't get passed the way Congress is talking about how much it would cost, not enough people covered, etc. but threaten to take it away from them and see how fast things change, I sure don't see them complaining about having it.
Jack,
Healthcare is in danger because the democratic party has no more guts to stand up to special interests than the republican party. All of them are in bed with big money interests. The campaign contributions keep rolling, and real reforms will die. Sadly, Obama is not providing the leadership. In a matter of DAYS, they passed a 700 biillion dollar giveaway to the finance industry, but they can't work out a few details to help the average taxpayer? I don't know, Jack, maybe we need to follow the lead of the kids over in Iran. Maybe it's time for a good old fashioned revolution.
The reason it's dying is because the health care industry is lobbying both sides of the aisle. Once it's dead the Healthcare industry will rasie thier rates, kick more people off the roles and billions of dollars by screwing the common man....
Jack, you know why. It's the same people who sign your paycheck. The large corporations have so many in their pocket, ie the Congress and media we never get the truth because they pay you for keeping it off the air and they pay the politicians to keep them in the pink. Shame on all of you.
Healthcare, as the Democrats and Obama want, with a public health plan, will not be passed. People took one look at the price tag and the fact that only an additional 15 million will be covered, and took to the hills. What's another trillion when we are already trillions in debt? Where are you gonna get the money for it? Squeezing Medicare and Medicaid and raising taxes on the rich will not do it. By the way, aren't the taxes on the rich supposed to pay for something else? I forget...anyway, the rich can afford it. Costs are a big problem. According to the head of the renowned Cleveland Clinic, 70% of health care costs are due to chronic diseases. And chronic diseases are mostly caused by 3 factors–obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking. So why should I pay more for my healthcare premiums and more as a taxpayer to take care of people who don't want to take care of themselves? When people who abuse their bodies start paying more out of their pocket for health care, maybe they will stop their destructive behavior and costs will come down.
It's the economy, stupid. The fact that people actually die because they can't afford health care doesn't seem to matter to the folks in Washington. We are being told that we can't afford universal health care. I for one think Obama can find a way- he seems to be able to look at the bigger picture, while the rest of our fearless leaders can't see past their own interests- notice that they have fabulous health care.
To all those who think that 1.6 trillion dollars over 10 years which is the CBO estimate, which if like most government programs from democrats is ususally double or triple the estimate, grows on trees or can be just printed must be a product of the dumbing down of the American Education System. There are not enough rich people to give 100% in taxes to cover all the Obama/deomcrat programs so you should realize the middle class is going to have to pay for it too!
obama is looking for advice on a good system from democrats and republicans. he SHOULD be asking a canadian. im 29, diabetic, Ive had 10 seizures in 18 years. Ive never paid a hospital bill, never paid for my meds, and never called an insurance agent. Ive NEVER met a person go bankrupt or even had a hospital bill until i met an american last year!
Jack –
The people who are arguing over this and who will vote on health care HAVE health care–not to mention jobs. They seem unable or unwillingly to think about people who work hard and still can't afford health care.
Democratic voters have been waiting forever to finally have a true majority in Congress and have a President in the White House so we can finally get things done for the people.
Democrats in the Senate who do not support healthcare reform in favor of healthcare companies have no backbone and will pay dearly during 2010 election.
If there isn't a public plan pushed through by Democrats I know many like myself will fight against incumbent Democrats from being re-elected. If you can't provide support for what 70% of Americans polled are for, then there might as well be a Republican setting in that seat. At least I will know where they stand from the get go.
Because they can't put a price tag on it, you can't add 46 million
people a health care plan and not have it cost billions that evidently those 46 million can't or won't pay for.. So the rest of us will have to add it to our health care costs and then just look how well the government runs medicare.
It's in danger because, the people who are voting against it, have a job and goverment paid health plans. They don't live in the real world like the rest of us.
Jack it's simple, it's all about politics. These people in office care more about how their poll numbers look than they care about passing any meaningful health care reform. What happened to politicians working for the people and not themselves? It seems as though the president is the only one trying to work for the people. As long as these politicians keep worrying about themselves then we can never see any real change including health care reform.
Health care reform is suddenly in danger because the politicians do not have the courage to see it through. They do not have the guts to stand up to the health care industry. When you look at the number of people who go bankrupt due to their medical bills, it becomes quite obvious that major changes are needed.
Jill – Columbus, OH
Suddenly? That's actually kind of funny. We saw this same dance back in 93' and 94'. You better believe that drug makers, HMO's, the AMA, and any other participant in the race for 37th in the world (in terms of healthcare), are going to be out in force to stop anything from changing. Because while the American people are desperate for healthcare costs to come down, and the uninsured to be covered, we will certainly see, once again, that money means more than life.
Dominic from Philadelphia Pa. WE have spent a trillion dollars and many lives and still no WMDs. We can spend a trillion dollars and have universal healthcare and save lives. Jack why is there even a debate???
If it fails it is because the lobbyists DID pay enough to the right congress-people. That CBO estimate IF YOU"D READ IT says that is does NOT INCLUDE A PUBLIC OPTION and if it did the costs would come down AND it would cover more people..it was based on a partial plan and they admitted it was a total Guess on the costs, if you get my drift ,and SEN DODD pointed that out yesterday – WHY DID YOU NOT PLAY THAT CLIP FROM SUNDAY...I tried to call/ e-mail Sen Feinstein's offfice today could not get through...had to call local office in LA – I think she's getting an earful from her Sunday comment that "Obama did not have the votes in the Dem caucus". Boxer is clear and standing tall for Public option and Capps came on board – we're waiting for Feinstein to make a statement on where she even stands on this...she's trying to avoid making a statement on the public option. WILL YOU GIVE US THE LIST OF CONGRESS PEOPLE FROM BOTH HOUSES WHO RECEIVE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM HMOs AND BIG PHARMA?? I'd love to see that and compare these public statements to their positions – since 76% of us want public option!
Because personal rights,are of more importance than human rights.
Barb
Minn,
Because these so called patriot republicans who wave a flag saying how patriotic they are, just don't give a damn about this country. And there are a few democrats in there too. They all want status quo. I need elected again. I tell you Jack the republicans will never gain power again. Not ever. The damage they did to this country is unmeasurable. There greed is even more unmeasurable. If our leaders can not find it in their hearts to care enough for America, to pass a Health Care bill that does what is needed to stabilize the rising cost of health care than let them hear the sound of the dead day after day until their harden hearts plead for mercy.
Damn the republicans who put this country in this position. I hope the democrats hear me also.
Jack –
Health-care is in trouble because the people whom it helps are the Poor. This weak demographic that needs Government's help the most get their programs cut first and funded last due to their lack of clout.
It happens.
Jeino,
Foley, AL
Unfortunately like replacing a government the health system as well needs to collapse entirely to free up the blocks needed to build a new system. America being the champion of capitalism is incompatible at this point to institute any social form of health care. The medicine is produced by corporations, with strong lobbies and large amounts of lobby money and campaign contributions. They will not willingly give up their cash cow. Many hospitals as well are profit businesses. The longer that these entities can hold on to their strangle hold on the country the government will have to pay for the care of those who can't afford their services, and the less profit margin they will lose.
Jack:
I think the issue here is the conservatives have successfully scared Americans into thinking the "public option" will become the only option, that they will lose their current health coverage from their employer or their private health care policy that they purchased with their own money. Instead, the CPR has erroneously, but successfully, told Americans that the government will bulldoze itself into the health care industry and decrease quality care.
What is needed is supporters to start taking out ads that assure Americans that health care reform is the right thing to do and that their coverage will not decrease in scale or quality, just in cost.
Hey Jack,
Blocking Health Care is just another example of the wealthy in our society voting "not out of my wallet". The bail-out for the Financial Industry and the Auto Industry, and the "you name it" industry where the wealthy executives skim first and then allow the "trickle down" of what is left to pay the 'grunts'. If this strategy doesn't work, there is always another war to feed the wealthy. Sharing is not on the screen.
healthcare reform was one of Obama's campaign promises and I expect him to push for it because he seems to be a man of his word. congress is in the pocket of the healthcare industry, they know it, we know it so there is no hope. the american public just needs to keep voting against the politicians that deny us the care that the rest of the civilized world enjoys.
Just to show that your audience doesn't have a clue:
"The GOP has put forth its best effort to try to derail any kind of public option, which is what the vast majority of American’s appear to want."
They take every opportunity to butter you up with anti-Republican comments. But you and I know better Jack. This boondoggle of Obama's is not what the American people want. It's what Obama and his socilaist crew wants. GOD can do no wrong in their eyes. He speaks and the heavens smile. Good grief folks, he's a man. He's a socialist. Get over it.
There is no health plan there is only a spending fiasco that will eventually take our health care system, and instead of fixing it, destroy it. Wake up people.
mr d
, the answer is as simple as 1 2 3
1. greed in a system with poor market regulation
2. greed as in k street, with even daschle against reform
3. greed as in the need to get reelected; another argument for shorter campaigns and govt funding.
i have been a physician for 40 years and single payer systems, not perfect, work very well, thank you.
peter h. dohan, md
Because the people with insurance do not want to lose what they have and want their benefits to remain the same. This plan does not provide the biggest bang for the buck either. My suggestion is for the government ot just increase medicaid for those with no insurance until the country gets out of this slump. It makes no sense to me to cut medicare and medicaid to start a third government run medical plan that will not truly solve our current problem.
We were 39th in health care last year and we'll no doubt be
39 or 40th next year because though we technically have a two-party system, politicians in both parties have sold themselves to the same
corporate biddersl. Vote for change and you'll get the same old
crap.
Jack, maybe we oughta start sending yall videos of our people dying because they can't afford health insurance. Maybe we'd recognize that dying because you can't get health care while Wall Street execs get millions in bonuses isn't really all that different than dying from a bullet on the streets of Iran.
Because the media are not explaining correctly what Obamas plan truly means. The media are comparing Obamas proposed system with the systems in the UK and Canada only. I call that the usual fear tactic. Look at countries where the universal/socialistic healthcare does work. Japan, all the western European countries, Australia etc. There will be some things that need to be americanized, but jee it is working there for years successfully. Those countries have a mixed system (private and government insurances), similar to what Obama is suggesting for the US. Can't wait for it to happen.
the reason we may not see healthcare reform right now is because the democrats are the new republicans. the democratic party is center right and the republican party has gone crazy! we need a progressive party that will do what millions of americans want to see done! we are not being represented in washington by the democrats and most assurdly not by republicans.
Jack you know only poor people don't have health care in the USA. Just let them die because they don't really mater to the republicans because they don't vote for them anyway.
A government funded and controlled heathcare system will have all the compassion of the IRS and all the amazing efficiency of the U.S. Postal System. A government funded option will turn into a government funded system because everyone else will throw in the towel. If that happens the current deficet will look like chump change. The only option that has any hope at all of being a success is a government regulated healthcare system which is run by the private sector which are regulated tightly enough not to screw the little guy. Government funding of any of our citizens must be limited to those who have critical or terminal disease which they cannot afford under any circumstance. The other requirement that the government must really push through is that the irresponsible life styles (extreme obesity, smoking, and drug abuse) will penalize the recipients by requiring them to pay a higher amount. We as americans have got to start being more responsible and take ownership of our own destiny rather blaming or requiring someone else to take blame for our irresponsible actions.
We won't have health care reform because no one is padding the politicians pockets to get it done. It's sad but true. We should take away their healthcare plan, once they have the incovenience of not having health insurance it would pass. Let them declare bankruptcy after a major surgery!
Why ? Well because our country is broke and until the "National Debt"
is paid off , jobs in America are created ,t axes are raised & we pay off
are debt to other countries. Now until Congress does that then
nothing like Health Care reform can be pushed through.
President Obama needs to get his priorities straight & focus on the
economy first.
It will fail if the members of Congress are more worried about the possible fallout if they approve it (read their career) than they are about doing what is best for the American people they represent.
If it does not get passed now, even with its flaws, it just shows that the members of Congress don't have the courage (read balls) to do what is right for America. And the uninsured or underinsured are doomed.
Congress members should have to be without health insurance until they get a health bill approved. Maybe when they have to pay medical bills out of their own pocket, will they see the grim reality for their constituents.
1 – The Republican Party; 2 – The AMA; 3 – The President's always trying to appease Republicans; 4 – Harry Reed...weak, ineffective Senate leader. If it is not passed the Democrats well lose the bi-elections and Obama well not be reelected. It's that simple and the Democrats do not get it. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.
This is the great healthcare scam.
How does every other major industrial country provide universal healthcare at half of the price that we are paying without it?
There is nobody at the table representing the people's interest in healthcare. If we do not take responsibility for demanding change in our incredibly inefficient and wasteful Healthcare system the same old lies about competitive pressures bringing down prices will go on.
Healthcare is not a supply and demand economic model, the provider controls the demand not the patient. Every other major country recognizes this and has some degree of regulation in place. The wealthy healthcare lobby is perpetuating a lie that is crippling the economy and the quality of our lives so they can milk the system.
Ron Barton, Atlanta, GA
Follow the money, The A.M.A., The insurance companies, The hospitals and then dead and I do mean dead last the American people.
1 trillion dollars over 10 years to save a few million lives?
We are spending 2 trillion dollars to bailout millionaires, 2 trillion dollars to chase Americas Most wanted around the Middle East !
Why not spend some of our tax dollars on the taxpayers?
Because spending $694 billion (and counting) on a misguided, unjust, poorly executed war in Iraq lines the pockets of the Republicans' friends and supporters in the military-industrial complex (Halliburton, oil companies, private security contractors). Nobody asked "How will the Iraq War pay for itself?" But in the case of providing health coverage for Americans–a program which would actually save American lives instead of costing them–the Republicans will use every excuse in the book to stop it. Why? So their campaign contributors and lobbyist friends at the private insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry can continue to line their pockets while denying as much medical care as they can get away with to American citizens. America, wake up! Democrats in Congress, it's time to act. You've got the majority, use it!
Obama's healthcare reform is in trouble because it hasn't been defined to the public. The new model seems to be this floating concept that morphs depending on which news station's anchor you listen to. To its credit, the public has learned from it's recent mistake of lack of involvement and will no longer support nebulous ideas. Also, the media is moving off it's unfettering support of Obama without questioning his ideas! His honeymoon is over!
It is in danger of not happening because not ONE member of congress has ever been denied a claim or a procedure that their doctor recommended! When the GOP says people don't want government between them and their doctor they do not realize that a worse villain is between us and our doctor and that is the insurance industry. I would much rather have the government between me and my doctor instead of a "for profit" company with million dollar executive salaries who are looking for EVERY reason to deny me a test or procedures.
Conservative Republicans have no problem with poor people dying. Fundamental Christians ignore the New Testament. Corporate executives are afraid that the government will take some of their 7 figure income. Government employees and Union members with good health coverage are worried that limited procedures like transplants will be decided on a basis other than ability to pay. And those without Health coverage are least likely to vote.
Scare tactics from the GOP. And the Dem with no back bone. We have money for everything else but no money for the people. Sad. Obama is right we need something now. If you ask any middle class American if they care about the deficit or health care. I will bet ya they say health care.We need help now we BUT I will tell you congress better be looking for another job if they don't pass a health bill. Whether you are a republican or a dem. you won't get my vote ever.Like ev erything else give to the rich and big business and take from the middle class. This country is in a sad mess. And don't blame Obama. It's the politicians who think more of themselves and their cronies then this country. Pres. Obama keep fighting the middle class is with you no matter what Washington says. Other countries have better Health care then we have and they spend less money. Maybe we should send congress to other countries to learn how to run a health care program.
Because all the politicians accept Pharma and Insurance company (sort of like prostitution) money for their campaigns. I think they and their families need to go on the same plan ( no health insurance) I have had for the last ten years. Then something would get done. As for representing the American people, they are a shameless bunch.
Linda in Columbus
Dear jack,
As a legaaly blind person who has had three major surgeries to save my life and what I hav e left of my eyesight, quite frankly, I would be dead if I lived in your country.
As per ususual, the payoffs are being mad and the re-election pressure being applied and healthcare reform will die. Simply because the peaple who benefit from the status quo want ith that way. Again my family members in America will suffer from their weak, self-serving public officials.
Yours Carlton Berry
Toronto, Canada
Jack,
The single largest reason is that the for-profit insurance companies, Big Pharma (for which, after all, the U.S. market IS their cash cow) and the AMA have pulled out all the stops – and their bought-and-paid-for politicians (that would be the Congress) are only too happy to jump to their command; the only question being, "How high?"
health care reform is in danger of not happening because the only people with real passion on the subject are the ones without insurance, those on the verge of bankruptcy, and the very wealthy who have no worries about how they will access the health care they need. Mary South Dakota
There is no example anywhere in the world of universal health care coverage that involves for profit health insurance...we must get rid of it before any real reform can take place
What could po$$ibly deter Congre$$ from pa$$ing health care reform oppo$ed by their medical/in$urance/pharmaceutical complex campaign donor$?
Your Gues$$ I$ a$ good a$ Mine.
The irony of it all. We as tax payers pay for all federal,state,county and city employees. Imagine the cost to us. Why not let everyone just shop around and buy their on insurance. You can bet the insurance companies will be more completive if everyone is shopping and comparing cost.
The reason the greatest country on the earth can not have health care for the home of brave is just that, there is more money to be made in fighting overseas conflicts/wars. The phase " Charity begins at Home" was removed from Washington's hand book many years ago. Why else would the US rank 37th in world health care and 23rd in people most likely to live past 60! Think Jack if Washington mobilized a War on Health Care for all Americans to the standard that politicians and civil servants have or they would loose theirs' It would done faster than a New York Minute
Easy Jack...Insurance companies contribute to their campaigns. If gov't healthcare plan is good enough for Senators and Congressmen...why is it good enough for us? Let see them give up their socialise healthcare.
I have a great idea, lets take away the Insurance from Congress, have them join the ranks of the uninsured and then lets watch how fast these over educated Republicans change their minds. Old saying what is good for the Goose is good for the Gander!
If we can't give everyone decent health care with a democrat majority in the house and the senate...then what hope does this country have?! Honestly....My friend is a college student and she collapsed at work yesterday. She went to the ER and was billed $3000. She has no health insurance and now is on the verge of bankruptcy because she can't pay for college, a car, the rent and the hospital bill making only $8 an hour. What a country we live in. It doesn't matter if you are republican or democrat....at this point, no politician wants to even deal with it. They would rather pick up their awesome check and go to their doctor.
I hope I don't get sick down the road, or I'll be in the streets. GREAT JOB POLITICIANS! THANKS FOR GIVING ME SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO! I'm going DENMARK!
Because Big Pharma and the insurance companies have let our congress people know if they vote for it, they will lose the big money they all receive from the greedy.
Why? Our elected leaders have health care and reap the rewards from the health insurance lobbists. I just wonder what would happen if our leaders lost their health care. I think the problem would get fixed real fast. Or perhaps we should pay more attention to what is happening in Iran. And push for change in the streets.
As a non American observer, i have seriously begun to question the "SO CALLED AMERICAN VALUES". What is more important "LIFE OR ARMS"? Partisan politics will not allow politicians see beyond temporary politcal gains, allowing them concentrate the benefit of a comprehensive health care system irrespective of cost " A HEALTH SOCIETY IS A WEALTH SOCIETY".
I have now come to the conclusion that though the health care system in America is advanced, delivery of health care is of a third world standards, where countries like Cuba have better delivery mechanisms and reach.
Wish you luck.
Oshoks
London
The socialism card, fear mongering and the pricetag have scared many Americans away from healthcare reform. Its unfortinute because a public option would lower prices and safe Americans more money in the future.
Because more insurance is not what we need. We all know insurance is an extra expense unrelated to health care. The Federal, State and County Governments all have Public Health Offices. Expand that system with health care professionals and auxiliary workers. That is what needs to be expanded to provide free health care to its citizens in need. Leave out the unnecessary intervening complication and expense of insurance.
If we really want to get healthcare reform done (and I absolutely DO, since I've been without care for 4 years and my health is deteriorating daily) – then we have to make it clear to our senators and representatives (of either party) that they will NOT spend another term in office unless they vote FOR healthcare reform.
The rhetoric coming out of DC and from those commercials is so full of lies and faulty logic that a child could see through it. We already have 3 or 4 government run healthcare programs – Medicare, Medicaid, SCHiP, and Veterans. Yes, they all have some problems, but they all function, none have put insurance companies out of business, rationed care, or invaded anyone's medical privacy.
Let's stop the baloney and get to work – before millions of Americans die of preventable and/or treatable illnesses.
Simple, powerful insurance companies with the help of some doctors. Greed is the order of the day. It dosen't matter that health care cost will one day represent 25% of the GDP while pricing small business owners out of the market. The attitude is simple, I got mine now you get yours.
Jack,The reason healthcare may not happen is because both parties are getting their pockets lined by the insurance co.It is shameful,they all enjoy their healthcare benefits paid for by us yet they say covering everyone will cost too much.They should all be voted out of office if they fail on this task.President Obama is trying to do the right thing and the members of his own party are trying to stop healthcare. They should be ashamed they bragged how they were going to get this done and now they are caving.
I am sick of the argument, "We can't pay for it!" Did we care how much it cost to wage the war in Iraq? Did we care how much it cost to go to the moon? Come on the MOON. What exactly does that do for your everyday life. But somehow when it comes to healthcare conservatives have two arguments. (1) Scare us with threats of socialized medicine and (2) Tell us we can't possibly afford it. Politicians are scared because they have accepted a boatload of money from the insurance and drug companies so they have no power to police or legislate them. Meanwhile, how many people will die while trying to fight with their insurance company or will forgo their drugs because they can't afford them. I have had it with the system not upholding the oath that we all take in the healthcare field, it makes me sick inside to see what is happening in congress. Please President Obama save us from ourselves.
Maybe we should consider labeling National Healthcare as the
ongoing war against disease, so that when Congressional Republicans oppose funding the war, they could then be regarded
as cowardly, UnAmerican disease appeasers.
Healthcare reform in danger????? Of course it is. That is because health care is run by big business, insurance and big lobby that will not settle for lower fees. Impossible and eventually it will implode because of the aging population. The US is the only country in the world that does not have government covered health care and relies on big business to run it.
The big players in healthcare are those who furnish drugs or medical equipment or or insurance. The little players are the doctors and the patients. The big players have more money so they win, and to add injury to insult force the little players to supply the big players their money.
David Root
Fairfax, Virginia
We are here because for years.... most congress members have been unable to rise above their individual interests (to get votes so they keep their lucrative jobs) and find solutions for the greater good of all US citizens. Just too many special interests! Our Government is in Gridlock! Our Governing "experiment” is in severe jeopardy. Washington created the environment that encouraged world class and epic financial risk taking which has hurt millions worlds wide! Does anyone really think this legislative dysfunctional structure can solve our huge debt/deficit problem? I don’t!
jack as long as drug companies can charge americans more money for the same drugs they sell in other countries and they have the washington [i,am only here to make sure our drugs are safe politions]we will never have universal health care and if you don,t beleave ask how much an asperion costs at a hospital
Healthcare in America will only succeed when the members of Congress are required to pay for their own healthcare. When Lindsey Graham and his cohorts are forced to pay co-pays and a percentage of their benefits, only then will they understand what the rush for action implies. Maybe Wolf and his pack can educate America on Congress' health benefits. Who says socialized medicine doesn’t work in America? It's running just fine for Congress. Perhaps we can learn from the Iranian protests and take to the streets, forcing congress to give us the same benefits that they have, or take what we have.
Hi Jack
During the election campain, all the Dems and some Repulicans where in support of the Presidents healthcare reform. Just goes to show you, how they are acting like business as usual. Did they fofrget that's what put the Republican out and the Democrates in during the election. They heard that we the people where ready for change. If they don't get on board and support the healthcare bill. I think we will have to make some more changes, when their seat comes up for re-election! If we get rid of enough the business as usua congressmen, we will get the reform that we want!
Easy Mr. Cafferty…Insurance companies contribute to their campaigns. If gov’t healthcare plan is good enough for Senators and Congressmen…why isn't it good enough for us? Let see them give up their socialize healthcare.
there will never be reform of our health care system as long as so many big corporations are making so much money at the expense of the american people with so much of that money flowing from D.C. lobbyists into the pockets of our lawmakers. from the drug companies who charge $10 for a pill that costs 2 cents to make to the insurance companies who charge thousands of dollars a year in premiums and then drop you the first time you file a claim to the doctors who jam their waiting rooms with so many patients that they can only give each one two minutes to diagnos and treat their aliments. it is all about the money, not about health care.
One of the problems with healthcare is that people think they are entitled to no cost care from the first dollar. If they had to pay out of their health care fund like I choose to do, you can bet there would be less utilization, less fraud, and more price comparisons. There are many reasons for the rapid rise in health care costs–from increasing technology that everyone seems to think they need (hip replacements on 99 year-olds anyone?), the increase in life spans, and the disconnect between the patient and cost. "Sure...I want the MRI for my headache. My insurance will cover it. If you don't order it and I have a brain tumor, I'll sue you." I predict the Dems health care plan will not pass. But then no one has read it yet! Where is it?
Because it is a very bad plan to begin with,they like to say we can keep our private insurance if we want,but how long can they survive when the goverment begins to dictate what they can cover,who they can cover,what they can charge and how much to pay.When the private companies,which have to make a profit, have to compete with the goverment which can only lose money.So then there will only be the goverment plan left,which is what they want to happen,so they can control that much more of our lives
In my opinion the health care reform is in danger and has being in danger from not happening thanks to hidden political agendas. It was killed in the Clinton Administration and Republicans have being reluctant to understand the economical situation in the United States by neglecting to see and understand the Minorities Americans who have not received Medical Care. President Obama’s plan to push through health care reform might have their toughest contender yet but I am confident that President Obama will win. Though, I think that the President has to get involved in the debate before it’s too late. We are also contending with International News as the situation in Iran but Americans have to engage into the local situation first. The report from the Congressional Budget is just another example of the lack of reality legislators have. Leaving millions of Americans uninsured is not the answer. The situation is that leaving Health Care Reform out of the picture is not the answer. In my opinion calling the CBO estimates a “death blow” to a government-run health care plan is just another label or scare tactics from Washington.
Hi Jack,
Because our govt. is afraid of the insurance companies. Corporations run this country. Insurance is nothing more than paid protection. If our politicians had to fend for themselves with their healthcare things would change in a hurry. They should have the same policy that my family has, then maybe they would realize how difficult it can be to keep up with the co-pays and not covered charges. And I wonder if any of these same politicians have ever been told that a service will not be covered at all?
Tamara
Lisbon, Maine
Jack,
It is because of the enormous amount of money that a lot of congressmen and women would not be able to receive from health insurance and pharmaceutical companies. I am a registered nurse and see the games that these health insurance companies play with doctors and hospitals trying to get certain procedures approved for the patients. It is appalling. If the health care industry could not get their act together in 15 years, how anyone in their right mind believe that have seen the light and do the right thing now. We need single payer insurance. I am in the upper middle income class and do not mind paying a little more for health insurance for all.
I'm sure that the voices behind the opposition to government-sponsored healthcare come from those who are already covered by health plans and mistakenly believe that a government plan would limit their freedom of choice while using their tax dollars to pay for those who do not have health insurance. Aren't they the least bit ashamed of the fact the US is the only developed country that does not ensure that all citizens have affordable healthcare? Don't they realize that eliminating the fear and worry over how to pay for serious illness or injury will elevate business productivity by enabling people to give full attention to their work? Don't they know that it's just the right thing to do?
The plan for a government sponsored competing plan is just too wasteful. They should be regulating the heck out of the existing insurance companies. Make them more socially responsible and not so much profit oriented entities. Energy, health and mortgage industries should be regulated to work for everyone. When these industries are unregulated and exist only for profit they will serve only themselves and no one else. "There can be no capitalism without a social conscience" – George W. Bush, after the Enron scandal.
It took marches, sit ins, and hundreds of peaceful demenstrations to get cival rights reform passed. If the people want it bad enough, this is what it will take to wake up the polititions in Washington. The only time they act on something for the people is when they fear being voted out of office. A few massive recall efforts wouldn't hurt either.
All the other industrialized countries have found a way to provide health care for all their citizens, with better results, at lower costs than we do – and decades ago, at that. So why would we want a plan that is estimated to cost us over a trillion more than we already overspend, maybe not cover everyone, and no guarantee of better results.
For crying out loud, stop running around in circles and take a look at how other countries have accomplished this. And if you think this can be accomplished with the "help" of insurance companies, who got us into this mess, can you have private insurance companies that would be willing to skip the ridiculous CEO salaries and hold down administrative costs to the same level as Medicare.
It's sad to see our leaders exhibit so little common sense.
DUH–follow the money. Who stands to lose money and who will gain by increased health care coverage? It is interesting to note that many workers (e.g., automaker employees and airline employees) have been asked to give up wages and benefits in these economically troubled times, but no one is asking anyone in the health care industry to give up anything. Is the doctor's union (the AMA) recommending that their membership roll back their salaries and charges? Where are the sacrifices of pharma, insurance companies, hospitals, etc.? Providing insurance for everyone will not solve the financial problem. The only way to deal with the healthcare industry is to bring costs under control and that means reducing salaries, benefits, perks, and profits. Alas, that will never happen since the healthcare industry owns our congress and probably the White House. The health care industry appears to be willing to bankrupt this country and our politicians are allowing it to happen. Healthcare simply costs to much!
Government health care will be bad for our country and most dems know it. Why would a business continue to pay health insurance with no tax break,and the government will do it! It will soon be a 1 payer system,and all will not be coverd.free eterprise is the American way. If this health care passes it will be a mistake. It is one of the few things everyone is watching, political careers are on the line and law makers know it.
If I had my choice of selling everything I owned for medical treatment, or waiting in pain for months for free treatment, I'd sell everything to avoid the pain. I suspect that most people would agree that European-style medical care is far from ideal. Since money is apparently no object, give the people the same medical plan used by Congress, and the Senate. By relieving Social Security from Medicare/Medicaid expenses, this plan might save Social Security.
– Larry, Seattle
Healthcare reform is in danger of not happening because insurance coverage is not health care! Many people who have health insurance cannot afford the care their insurance does not cover. People need to find out what health care actually costs--since they don't see their bills most people have no idea if the services billed are what they received and what anything costs. Congress needs to propose a public co-op non-profit as an option so insurance companies will have competition.
No discussion on healthcare, until the illegal immigration issue has been dealth with. Our country has been overrun; it's time for all of those people to go home.. We aren't gong to pay for them anymore.
Almost 8 million KNOWN illegals, are working at American manufacturing, and food processing, jobs.
Mandate E-Verify for ALL employees, and employers, and let's get the show on the raod.
14.5 million unemployed American workers need those jobs.
That's the start of our path back to a working economy.
SeniorBuzz
aka Buzzm1
Those Congress persons who are not in favor of public health care should give up their health benefits for one year.even Rich MccCain.
he should give up his benefits, and all others who are getting a free ride off of my taxes. They forget, we are paying for them to have the time to trash our President. I am sick anfd tired of Mccain and Cheney
trashing Pres. Obama.
Let's see: The American Medical Association; drug companies such as Pfizer; health insurance companies such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Prudential: physicians who view their duty to making money as foremost ... need I go on?
Jack, It's simple, The Democrats have forgotten they represent the people and instead they have become "Dime-O-Crats" worried about "I" and "me" Like the Neo Cons, who worry more about campaign contributions than doing what's right. Until we straighten out the legitimacy of "Special Interests," there's no hope in sight. Inevitably, all political decisions are about funneling huge amounts of money into the hands of an ever smaller group of people at the top who have become billionaires and soon probably trilionaires. Leading Democrats should expose those who are focused on their own interests by forcing a vote on public health issues even though they know it will fail to produce legislation so that the public will know who the real "Dime-O-Crats." That will be the real news.
Obama must use the Dem majority and bully pulpit to keep the attention of the American public on this vital issue. With the Republicans and many Blue Dog Democrats in the pockets of the large insurance and pharmaceutical companies, they will not move unless and until they are concerned about getting re-elected. Only the continued force of the American public (who are affected by current health care costs unlike members of Congress) will ensure that real reform actually occurs.
Because GOP would choose to go to hell if Democrats find the right way to heaven and vice versa. As long as lobbing is not a vise rather a virtue I personally will not be surprise.
Several Reasons Jack-
1. Grand Opposition Party playing fear tactics with screams of socialism.
2. Spineless Democrats backing off instead of pushing something through that the AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT.
3. Insurance companies have all these politicians in both parties in their pocket and much more money to lobby for anything to ever happen in this country.
Jack it simple like everything else in America health care won't be reform unless it directly effects the people who need to reform it. When things that need to be changed have no direct effect on the people who need to change them, they will stand by and watch this country crumble under the cost of health care. as long as it has no direct effect on their bottom line. As Long as rich people (ie senators, congressmen, other public officials) have good health care the health care industry feels untouchable. It's funny how republicans don't mind meddling in affairs half way across the world, but when it comes to their own countrymen and women the don't mind us suffering for the sake of capitalism and protecting the interest of the private sector.
Healthcare reform is in danger because Congress doesn't have the backbone to push it through. They say that they don't have the votes. They have something better. They have US, the Will of the People behind them. Those that vote against it may they be Democrat or Republican, they get voted out next election or a recall before then.
We keep doing so until they understand that they WORK FOR US, not for those who would cease to profit when public healthcare for all comes to fruitrition.
Heathcare reform is in danger of not happening because everyone who is working on "the plan" (Senators, Congressmen, White House staff members, pharmaceutical / insurance / physician / hospital special interest groups already have the best of heatlh insurance for themselves and their families.
In order to ever get real, single payer universal care for all here in America we'll need to get the 70 million uninsured Americans in the same conference room with Sen. Baucus, Sen. Grassley.
Possibly we can exhume the 22,000 bodies of those that died last year (and every year) due to health insurance companies' denying coverage, obstructing claims for coverage, and refusing to providepolicies and medical treatment for pre-existing condtions and dump the bodies on the steps of the Capitol Building.
Do you think our illustrious leaders would get the point then?
I doubt it. The sick, the suffering, the injured, the disabled, the frail, those in chronic pain, and of course, the dead, don't have much clout because most of them have either already declared bankruptcy or they are just "dead broke" from already being fleeced by the pharmaceutical and insurance industries.
I'm a male, 63, non-smoker, out of work, with a pre-existing bad back condition. The cheapest policy I can find is $1700 a month. Yes, that's over $20,000 a year.
We need one single payer universal system for all that covers the entire human body including dental and vision, with full choice of doctors and hospitals.
Jack – How do you spell lobbyists? Real healthcare reform will happen only when Obama and congress can devise a plan that will be a "winner" for the doctors/hospitals/drug companies.
This is a crisis that will cost more than the projected $1 trillion over the next decade.
I remember a presidents named Johnson & Bush II who got medicare and the drug plan through a congress their parties controlled. They may not be the best programs, but have saved millions of seniors not covered by a company plan from declaring bankrupcy.
Let's see the same action from Obama and our wimpy congress. The initial plan may not be perfect, but we need to get a move on.
Because we no longer have a democracy. we have a lobbyocracy.
I was FOR a bill that makes sure all Americans are covered. It's something we've needed for years. However, I'm against this bill at this time. I've had it with Congress rushing bills through that start out as a great idea, but when they get done with them they are a mess! They're too under the influence of lobbiests and, it would seem, have a complete lack of common sense. We've spent so much on bail-outs and the stimulus, I wouldn't be able to say ok to anything without a way to pay for it. Congress blew away a lot of the stimulus on garbage. It was an opportunity to make huge changes to our infrastructure for a better future, and they completely messed it up. The President doesn't put enough input of his own on these bills and doesn't stop Congress from just throwing money away. They'd just create another expensive mess with health care. I have no confidence in them, or in the President to set them straight. Because of this, I will ask my Congressman and Senators not to pass a health care bill that falls short. I wish we could just start over with a whole new Senate and House.
Because it has been rushed and poorly thought out. There is no good reason that the USA does not have health insurance for it's citizens. Congress and the rest of the government has no problem providing themselves with excellent health care at the expense of the taxpayers.
Because whenever it is time for the Democrats to stand up and do the right thing they become spineless and self serving. All talk, no action. I bet it would be passed if Congress had no health care. What a bunch of hypocrites. Delaware, Ohio
Elected official and their families all get free health care. TV broadcasters, doctors, and lobbyists all have health care. They have no motivation to give it to the rest of us. Health care should be available to all. jjThe people are in favor of a government run plan overwhelmingly no matter what the media tells you.
Jack, theres not enough of us middle class tax payers left to pay for this and all the other free giveaways to those who dont contribute. I have a novel idea, lets make the poor and filthy rich pay for this, I suspect this will never happen, would be nice for a change!
Rob J
Lake,MI
Jack:
If it fails it will be because it requires political courage and cognitive effort. Who do we have that can do both ?
Because almost all these shameless politicians have taken and continue to take money from the Farma
And health insurance lobbyists, they are not there to vote for their continuance they are there to protect the inflow of cash to their campaign.
Greed!
Why is health care reform in danger of not happening?
Why do you phrase it as a danger of not happening? The danger was having it happen, of having an outrageously inefficient, phenomenally incompetent, government impose insanely expensive socialised medicine on the country.
To paraphrase Lincoln:
A government of the rich, by the rich and for the rich"
Take away the house and senate's insurance and let them go to a free clinic a few times...i think things would change....
According to the World Health Organization we are now 37th in the world in healthcare, behind all the countries with national healthcare and behind Costa Rica, Morroco and Dominica. Congress should be ashamed, but they could care less, and that's both parties. We pay for their healthcare for life which is ridiculous on its face. What other job can you get where your healthcare is guaranteed for the rest of your life even if you only work there for a few years? It's sickening, but wait ...we can't afford to get sick can we?
Because our elected officials do not represent the voters, they seem to be representing corporate health insurance interests on this one. And the media does not appear much better. They rely on advertising from the health care industry to survive. And we wonder why the news is slanted.
Last week there was a hearing in a House subcommittee regarding rescission. The health insurance executives clearly put profits ahead of insureds and feel no shame. The question and answer by Rep. Stupak was stunning. Was there any mention of this in the media-almost none.
The corporations that bought our elected officials have also purchased a biased media.
Jack,
Time for a reality check... The world is changing even if Washington is still clueless!
When are these delusional bozos in Washington going to get the message on health insurance? I operate a one man business and my $7,000 family deductible health insurance costs more than $8,000 a year. Would I balk at an increase in my taxes to minimize this expenditure? Duh!
I would rather pay to cover the uninsured (which I do in any case), than line the pockets of the over compensated CEO's and associated brethren with undeserved bonuses. The time is right to move on national coverage without the gnashing of teeth and "Whoa is me" messaging. FYI our combined projected annual income is well under $60,000 for this year, no thanks to the patriotic excesses of our prior leaders.
Thanks for your attention,
Yaro Stanchak
According to the UnitedHealth Group’s 193-page report, "Care Without Coverage: Too Little, Too Late 18,314 people die in the USA each year because they lack preventive services, a timely diagnosis or appropriate care.
Just look at the numbers. How many Americans die each year due to terrorism? If you’re an American citizen you are more likely to die premature from your country’s lack of National Health Insurance than a Terrorist attack.
If you put a price per person saved National Health Insurance sounds like a bargain at One Trillion over 10 years.
These numbers don’t lie. Politicians and Insurance Companies lie.
Michael Adkins Dayton OH
I am a Canadian citizen, having immigrated to Canada from S.Africa 30 years ago, because of the unjust and oppressive policies of the Apartheid Government. My husband and I have benefited greatly from the Health Care Plan in Canada. I had open heart surgery 20 years ago. I had to wait 3 mths for the surgery but had I lived in S.A. or the U.S.A. and couldn't afford health insurance, I would have waited forever. What is 3 moths against forever!
My husband suffered with Alzheimer's and during the 8 years I cared for him at home, I had help from Social Services. When I finally couldn't manage him, he was placed in a full-care facility with the best care and consideration and all is medications paid for in full. .I visited him every day and observed first-hand the love and care he received, until he passed on a year ago. My husband was a Veteran of the 2nd World War.
I have recently undergone hip-replacement surgery. I did not have to wait and was attended to with consideration at the hospital. I had the best Surgeon who performed complicated surgery, lasting four hours which was completely successful. I have heard it said by some, that we pay higher taxes in Canada. I would remind those who thus comment, that they should add what they pay for private health insurance to their current taxes and they will find that, in fact, they are paying out more money. Private health insurance is expensive and those insurers can cancel your policy at any time. I am ever grateful for the Govt. Health Care Insurance we have in Canada, and wish to correct any misconception held by people in the U.S.A.
Elaine Bunbury
Ok all those who are still blaming the Republicans get real, The Dems have enough votes to pass what ever they want so if it does not pass they and you will have no one to blame but yourselves.
No more blaming Bush and the Rep. too bad,
Yeah, let's take an already inefficient system and turn it over to the government...that's only bound to increase the waste and the overall cost.
Also, I don't want to have to pay for others' healthcare costs (even fractionally). I don't know about everyone else, but I need my money...I don't need it all taxed away.
Health care is failing because there are too many vested interests in preserving the status quo. The insurance and pharmaceutical industries are too entrenched and pretty much own congress. So the American people will get to play second fiddle to industry and a weak willed congress. So much for the folks that send these people to Washington. It is a sad thing that peoples health and wellness are profit centers for big business. I would like to see our illustrious representatives and senators have their health benefits taken away and live like 40 plus million Americans.... uninsured!!!!
Greed! Too many people are making money on the present system. Why do you think we pay twice as much as any other country? Because there are a lot of people getting rich off the present system. These people are not convinced that the new system will allow them to make the same amount of money.
Mountain Home ID
Because the insurance companies don't want the competition and the GOP is too close and sleeping with the insurance companies – they are using everything they can to try and stop this if it means spending trillions of dollars. I retired from one after 28 years, 10 years in management/with my license for life and health. This will only get worse if something isn't done.
The projections of the deficit to get this done is higher than it would be if they figured the Public Option in those figures which would save money so it isn’t correct.
They need give the projections with the Public Option figures included which would lower the deficit figures than the ones they recently came out with. Using the Public Option to show how much that will be saved.
Right now 76% of the country is for this Public Option and 56 would pay higher taxes to get it. I would too..
Dems of all stripes have already cut the balls of this bill and that is why it might be a dead issue.
Idon't want any more "bi"partisan cooperation. There's a whole bunch of us out here in the electorate that are interested in a multi-partisan relationship to government. With all the fracturing with both the Republican and Democratic parties (conservative Democrats, Neo-Cons, progressive democrats, corporate democrats, fundamentalists) istn' it time we started building a party that actually reflected our values?
The Green Party is the only party to have been fighting for a single-payer healthcare system as a non-transient platform issue. I don't agree with all the platform positions of the Green Party, but it's90 per cent closer to reflecting my values than the corporate Dems would have us suffer.
Uh, to all of you complaining that members of Congress have taxpayer-funded health plans, that's part of their compensation package, just as is their paychecks. It's no different than the corporate-funded health benefits of lot of people get–the only difference is that Congressional benefits are provided by the taxpayers.
If you want third-party health benefits, provided by employers or by government, go get a job.
lets get real, president obamas health care will pass, because he has the rite plan for those without. and he has the majority in both houses , the gop are wasting their time, they should be working with the winner of this last election president barack obama , this what te american people want period.2012 will be another sweep for the democrats, and thats for real. yes we can.
It's in danger because it will cost nearly One and a Half Trillion Dollars.
Forget the public option. Mandate private health insurance, and then assist those who cannot afford it on their own with tax credits.
There is no reason to spend so much money on something that will be redundant if private insurance is mandated.
Why is health care reform suddenly in danger of not happening?
Because Congress has healthcare already and that is why we need to make sure that Congress is not entitled to anything unless minimum wage earners are automatically entitled as well.
Cheers!
Nico Janssen,
Houston, Texas
It's in danger because all the Republicans do is whine whine whine instead of doing actual work! It's always been that way, this year is even worse!
There is one obvious answer: Senators and congressmen and other government employees already have the best coverage possible. They are not in danger of dying from heart disease, diabetes or cancer because they cannot afford their healthcare or because their insurance companies decide they can't get the treatment they need.. They don't have to give up half their paychecks each month on insurance that then dictates what kind of medicine you can have and whether or not you really need surgery that your doctor says is necessary. Until it hits home with each and everyone of them, they will continue to vote for the deep pockets of insurance, health and pharmacuetical companies which help pay for their expensive political campaigns. Until they vote with compassion instead of with their own financial interests, they will not understand how much the general population of this country is suffering. So, I propose this as a solution – Instead of creating a national health care program for the rest of us, pass legislation that takes away the government health insurance that takes care of Dick Cheney and the rest of our government politicians so well! Their opinions might change quickly if they found themselves in the same dismal situation the rest of us live with ( and sometimes die from) everyday. CML
I am afraid that any health car reform will be beaten down by our legislator's addition to dollars provided by the Pharmaceutical and Insurance lobbies. Correction of two problems which are robbing many Americans won't cost anything. Drugs like Rituxan, Lipitor, and Protonix have enjoyed ridiculous patent protection. When Rituxan won approval for treatment of RA. in 2006, Genentech promptly raised the price by 60%. This drug costs $9000 per dose or $36,000 typically per year. They have 17 years of patent protection. Lipitor was introduced in 1996. Pfizer is protected until 2011. You can buy the generics for these products elsewhere, but not in the USA. The list goes on and on. No wonder the drug companies are pledging a 50% reduction to seniors while their drug costs are in the "donut".
Our two tiered health system allows insurance companies to charge individuals one price while allowing drastic reductions to insurance companies. With millions loosing their healthcare due to layoffs, the hospitals and doctors are taking a huge advantage of the unfortunate in this economic downturn. Health services should have the same price to individuals or insurance companies.
It doesn't cost billions or trillions for Congress to fix these two big hitter problems. It won't likely get done because of influence pedaling. Come on, Mr. or Ms. Congress -person. Do your job.
Yes, let's reference the NY Times poll on socialized heath care. They aren't biased.