Editor's Desk
Real Reconciliation
Betsey McCaughey has come up with a 20-page bill, in plain English, that solves all of Obamacare’s problems.
Betsy McCaughey has come up with a 20-page bill, in plain English, that rescues Obamacare from itself. Here’s the updated press release you should read before studying her bill more closely.
A TWENTY-PAGE BILL IN PLAIN ENGLISH TO REDUCE PREMIUMS AND HELP LAID OFF AMERICANS
This Bill Contains No Mandates on Individuals or States. It is not Dangerous to Your Health or Your Freedom
NEW YORK, Monday, March 1, 2010 New York
Instead of trying to ram a 2,074 page bill through the Senate and House using “reconciliation,” the President should rip up that monstrous bill. “Every day the American people tell me that they want at 20 page bill in honest, plain English — a bill that members of Congress will actually read before they vote and that everyone else can read too,” says Betsy McCaughey, patient advocate and former Lt. Governor of New York State.
“You can’t slip pork barrel projects, or exemptions for members of Congress, or secret payoffs into a twenty page bill. And twenty pages should be enough to address the problem. After all, the framers of the U.S. Constitution established the entire federal government in 18 pages.”
McCaughey has done just that. She drafted proposed legislation entitled “A Twenty Page Bill in Plain English to Reduce Premiums and Help Laid Off Americans.” The bill’s subtitle makes the point: “This Bill Contains No Mandates on Individuals or States.”
The bill recognizes that states have regulated health insurance for over six decades. The bill copies what has worked in states to lower costs and expand access, especially for people with pre-existing conditions.
Title 1: Liberates consumers to buy policies from other states and puts consumers on notice that the products they buy out of state may have different consumer protections from those imposed in their own state.
Title II: Provides federal incentives for states to establish medical courts and cap damage awards.
Title III: Encourages states to establish or improve high-risk pools to help consumers with pre-existing conditions or poor health buy coverage.
Title IV: Extends the current COBRA subsidy, established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. COBRA subsidies are not a permanent entitlement but rather a temporary helping hand to the industrious who have been laid off.
“This bill does not give the American people the run around. You can see what it does, and it provides incentives for states to help the uninsured without imposing unfunded mandates on states or compelling individuals to buy insurance they don’t want,” says McCaughey. “Most important, it does not permit the government to interfere in your doctor’s decisions or deprive seniors of care they are counting on.”
McCaughey has sent the bill to several members of Congress for their consideration. The total cost of the bill is $27 billion a year, and it is estimated to help at least 10 million currently uninsured Americans out of the 15 million or so who are in the country legally, do not qualify for existing government programs, and need help paying for insurance.
To see the bill, visit defendyourhealthcare.us
Letter to the Editor View all comments (58) | Leave a comment
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SC Mike| 3.2.10 @ 8:11AM
Buying across state lines seems attractive, but won’t end up saving folks that much because a state’s insurance rates are driven by its malpractice insurance rates and contracts made with local provider networks (networks are probably not available to folks some distance from the state) in addition to whatever mandates state legislatures pile on. That Pennsylvania has much cheaper health insurance than New Jersey does won’t help someone on the Jersey shores who can’t readily travel to PA for treatment.
Let’s acknowledge what Indiana’s state employee insurance does people make wiser choices with their own money than they do if they believe that someone else is footing the bill. Read Mitch Daniel’s column about Hoosiers’ Health Savings Accounts in Mondays WSJ.
http://online.wsj.com/article_.....DEyWj.html
What HSAs offer is flexibility. As folks age their healthcare needs change. Young couples need obstetrics and pediatric coverage that older couples don’t. Most males can avoid physicians for several decades before they become frequent customers of healthcare services; HSAs give them a chance to provide coverage for a spouse and offspring while saving for their own major expenditures in their 50s and up.
This could work for the poor, too, with an annual amount funding an account accessible by a credit card for medical expenses. I’ll leave the operation and terms and conditions up to the policy wonks, but it would encourage thrift and some degree of predictability in state budgets.
Good Grief| 3.2.10 @ 9:57AM
SC Mike, are you really that dumb, or are you a closet Democrat. Buying "INSURANCE" from Pennsylvannia does NOT mean that you have to get "TREATMENT" from Pennsylvannia, any more than buying car INSURANCE from "The General" requires you to go to Ohio to get your car fixed.
The point of allowing the interstate sale of medical INSURANCE is to allow the consumer to get out from under all the intricate mandates that raise prices within states, when going outside is not allowed. If the states can no longer tinker with what is covered - thereby raising the price - there is every incentive, as well as the opportunity, to offer narrowly tailored, lower priced insurance.
SC Mike| 3.2.10 @ 12:12PM
Good grief, Good Grief! You are incorrect.
In Matawan a PA HMO, the cheapest options, does me no good since that HMO will have no local offices.
A PA BC/BS may not help with a NJ BC/BS preferred provider because of lower reimbursement rates in PA for the same procedure; at best it would reimburse based on the “non-network” (i.e., lower) rate. And the NJ BC/BC preferred provider would likely have to charge at a rate higher because of its contract with NJ BC/BS.
The bottom line is that NJ providers are under no obligation to honor PA fee tables, coinsurance rates, deductibles, etc. It would be much more difficult for individuals to determine the price and their share of the price of services because they’re caught between the insurer and provider. A cash customer, e.g., HAS-holder, would have a much easier time of it.
Also a large factor is a state’s medical malpractice situation. Insurance is likely to be cheaper in a tort-reformed state because the providers charge less. Such a policy will not cover the prices in a non-reformed state, leaving the insured with greater out-of-pocket costs.
Finally, taxes of all sorts increase insurers’ and providers’ costs and may be another reason other than mandates that raise prices in some states.
Peterk| 3.2.10 @ 3:53PM
sorry SC Mike but you are thinking in current terms. if health insurance is freed from the current restrictions your HMO may not (and probably won't be the cheapest), besides it is not insurance but a Health Maintenance Organization that ties you to specific providers.
now if health insurance is sold like auto, house, fire, whatever you would have greater flexibility. just look at the competition from the auto insurers for your business.
Right now I would like to purchase catastrophic insurance and free myself from my employer's system. I rarely see a doctor so see no reason for paying thousands of dollars each year for coverage I don't use.
Chalkdust| 3.2.10 @ 8:20AM
This is way to sensible and workable to be considered by Obama and his gang of progressives. In Addition, it will not defy the relationship between a politician and good government nor a snowball and hell.
Copyleft| 3.2.10 @ 10:56AM
Chalk: If Obama has any "progressives" in his administration, he's done a remarkable job of hiding them.
How long will you people keep repeating the nonsensical claim that Obama's a "leftist"? He's a corporate-interest lacky, just like everyone else in Washington. If he were an actual liberal (much less a progressive), this country would be a lot better off!
Dagny Taggert| 3.2.10 @ 2:10PM
He's more of a union-interest lacky than a corporate-interest lacky
saleboter| 3.2.10 @ 8:28AM
So much for the claim that the pubbies don't have a plan.
Copyleft| 3.2.10 @ 8:38AM
I applaud the clarity and simplicity of this proposal, and its admirable lack of special favors for corporate interests and loophole lobbyists. (Although I strongly oppose it on specifics, such as its attempt to restrict patients' rights.)
Now, where do you plan to submit this? Certainly not to Congress... regardless of party, they'll never even consider a plan that lacks those vital features.
Warrior | 3.2.10 @ 5:12PM
Did you skip some of your dementia meds?
John M| 3.2.10 @ 9:07AM
Where are the "Harry & Louise" ads McCaughey made so famous during ClintonCare? I think they'd go a long way to convey the damaging particulars of ObamaCare to the voters, and the damaging consequences to its supporters in Congress.
Môlsem| 3.2.10 @ 9:30AM
Ms. McCaughey has a proposal which puts one in mind of the old saying, "For every complex problem there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong." Sure, I should by a policy available from Pennsylvania all the way across the country that is not regulated by any state (since I am not a Pennsylvania resident) and may be the worst policy in the country (when was the last time one had a chance to read an insurance policy, assuming one would understand it, before buying?), because it's cheap. Spam insurance is the answer? Blame everything on the doctors and lawyers? What ever happened to judges and juries that function quite nicely for a thousand years until the propaganda machines warmed up. If there's any boogeyman who's going to get between you and your doctor, it's an insurance company.
ontheright| 3.2.10 @ 3:05PM
Occam's Razor comes to mind...
Becky| 3.2.10 @ 9:41AM
Third party pay will always result in higher costs. Gradually moving to individuals picking up their own medical costs will be the only way to lower costs and provide coverage.
It has been 60 years of building upon the idea that medical costs are taken care of by insurance. During that time, Social Security, including disability and Medicare/Medicaid have been implemented and are costing more than expected.
Why isn't there a dental crisis? Although we have had medical coverage for years, and even a little bit of dental coverage, for the most part we have paid our dental bills, and if we haven't had the money, worked out a payment plan (kids' braces).
I agree with the dr. that said, most people that run to the dr. with aches and pains are basically saying they cannot cope with something in their lives. The dr. that my sister knows that quite taking any insurance, saw an increase in people who needed care, and a decrease in those who seemed to like visiting.
DukeD| 3.2.10 @ 9:59AM
When will the American people decide to stop the politicians from playing their shell game? This plan, although not perfect I'm sure, is the appropriate stepping stone to addressing this "problem". Fact is, if everyone would agree to pay for office visits all of our health coverage premiums would drop quite a bit. Why do we expect someone else to pay for a $50 or $75 visit to the doctor? I really don't get it. Surgeries, expensive tests and other medical regimens, that's what insurance is for (IMHO.)
But I say "Way to go!" to Betsy McCaughey for her common sense approach to this matter. Frankly, if you ask me, this whole "Health Care crisis" is nothing more than a vehicle created by the Dems to increase the Federal government's power and reach into our wallets. But that's just me.
Ned| 3.2.10 @ 10:05AM
It still astounds me how little acknowledgment there is of one basic fact: The reason that we have a health care "crisis" is government interference in the market place - so to fix that, we're going to get MORE government interference in the market place. Replete with kick backs, loopholes, and endless pork.
Personally, I favor the "Clancy Solution"... which involves a 747, delivered when all the rats are in one place during the State of the Union speach.
Duked| 3.2.10 @ 10:15AM
"Personally, I favor the "Clancy Solution"... which involves a 747, delivered when all the rats are in one place during the State of the Union speach."
Wow! Ned that's about the most idiotic thing I've heard in some time. Way to add to the discourse! Thanks for giving all of us a black eye.... the libs love to see this kind of thing in print. BTW- it's "speech".
Dagny Taggert| 3.2.10 @ 2:17PM
Although you have to agree with the first paragraph....."Reform" the "crisis" by getting the group most responsible for the "crisis" more involved. Sounds like health care "crisis" acceleration to me.
ALWAYS VOTE| 3.2.10 @ 10:21AM
Sadly I remember not so long ago when Americans were telling Congress that we do not want Government to meddle in our health care. Now, suspiciously enough, we have BOTH sides trying to take control of what is an individual right of choice. Regardless of which party they are in - STAY OUT OF IT!
imsteph| 3.2.10 @ 10:27AM
Don't worry-the Fed will tax any interstate commerce....including the purchasing of healthcare insurance...
Another battle in the war that the left is waging against America and her citizens is that of education. what is going on in OTHER STATES?
Raising by 77% tuition for colleges/universities in Georgia-what is it like in your state?
Subject: State College/University Tuition Hikes= Federal Control
IF the schools are cutting their budget--why would tuition need to go up 77%?
It would BANKRUPT the HOPE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (which pays out tuition for those students wishing to attend college with a 3.0 highschool average or above-that has been a boon for Georgia colleges sense its implimentation)
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=227292
1)Make the State Govs that run their higher education programs run to the FEDERAL gov. for help and once you take money from the devil-you loose your soul.
2)Create an entirely elitists system---no longer will anyone be able (with the fortatude to do so) to attend college. Only those with money....
3)Dumbing down the masses...
4)Showing once again-that STATE GOV. are just a waste---the co-agulating of government into just the FEDERAL (CENTRAL/MONARCHY) level...
5)With your senators and congressmen/women being your Lords and Ladies, Earls, Dukes, etc....
6)And WHY mess with those pesky-costly elections....save money by just acknowledging that certain families with intelligence, prestige, and wealth can just do it better....
7) Ridding us of the 'slowness' of the government system all together --SO THAT THEY CAN GET THINGS DONE!!
Call your state reps and your fed reps today!
Make sure they say NO to any more bribes in exchange for our freedoms from the federal government!!
Yosemeti Sam| 3.2.10 @ 11:47AM
" ... McCaughey has sent the bill to several members of Congress for their consideration...."
Why - a PLAN!
Unlike BHO who has hitched his wagon to
the leading mules of the senate and HR; hauling
2000+ parched pages of a cut-n-paste machinations.
BTW - is BHOs' wagon also carrying left-over
White House Christmas tree ornaments like one
pictured of Mao Zedong? Maybe BHO allowed Jones to take is upon his departure as memorabilia?
Who's got that Mao Zedong ornament?
Pingback| 3.2.10 @ 12:25PM
The American Spectator : Real Reconciliation links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Philosopher | 3.2.10 @ 12:55PM
This is exactly the sort of leadership that we need, but lack, in our Congress! The solution for health care always has and always will be a free-market solution- just like the rest of our prosperous economy:
http://pracphilosblog.wordpres.....socialism/
Connie Jennings| 3.26.10 @ 3:50PM
Free market doesn't work. That is the problem. I tried the so-called free market. I applied for insurance and got turned down because I had seen a doctor one time for a migrains headache.
Pingback| 3.2.10 @ 1:54PM
The American Spectator : Real Reconciliation Interest just to Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Oldefarte| 3.2.10 @ 2:14PM
Her statement ["....Provides federal incentives for states to establish medical courts and cap damage awards...."] is ludicrous, since 'incentives' from legislators [ie LAWYERS] will be as worthless as "a screen door in a submarine". Lawyers and their controlled legislators/congressmen WILL NOT cap lawsuits [ie tort reform]. Anyone knowing a lawyer will know why this is true. Furthermore, her suggestion ["... Encourages states to establish or improve high-risk pools to help consumers with pre-existing conditions or poor health buy coverage...."] could be improved by the idea of having the government nationally establish public hospitals [and staffed by government paid doctors,etc] devoted to serving the uninsured/indigents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pingback| 3.2.10 @ 2:56PM
The American Spectator : Real Reconciliation Instant just to Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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Al Adab| 3.2.10 @ 5:33PM
Before we start promulgating sokutions shouldn't we at least define whether there actually exists a problem? This seems a Hegelian approach to governing, create a crisis and promise solutions which always involve the expansion of governing power.
That we have become conditioned to imagine the first action as invariably a government one works to the detriment of our Freedoms. Hayek called it the "road to serfdom. Can we really state today that he was wrong?
Duked| 3.2.10 @ 7:40PM
Absolutely couldn't agree more!
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Ralph Novy| 3.3.10 @ 4:42PM
My word.
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Steve| 4.1.10 @ 8:38PM
Why is not there a dental crisis? Although we have had medical coverage for years, and even a little bit of dental coverage, for the most part we have paid our dental bills, and if we haven't had the money, worked out a payment plan.
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