The American Spectator : ObamaCare at Six Months

Text Size

ObamaCare at Six Months

By Philip Klein on 9.23.10 @ 6:10AM

How liberals will exploit the failures of government health care to push for government-run health care.

As President Obama spent Wednesday celebrating the six-month anniversary of the national health care law, his crowning legislative achievement remained deeply unpopular.

Despite repeated claims by proponents of the law that Americans would begin to warm up to it once it was enacted, more than 49 percent of the public currently opposes the law, according to an average of polls compiled by Pollster.com, compared with just 41 percent who favor it. Those numbers are virtually identical to where they stood when Obama signed the legislation in March.

The months since passage of ObamaCare have been marked by the evaporation of one promise after another. Contrary to the rhetoric employed by Democrats when they were ramming the unpopular measure through Congress, further evidence has confirmed that the law will increase costs, raise premiums, and cause Americans to lose their current coverage -- even if they like it.

Yet this is no time for opponents of the law to become complacent. ObamaCare boosters are already laying the groundwork to use the failures of the law to advocate a further expansion of the government’s role in health care.

A perfect example is the uproar over recent reports that insurers were citing the new health care law as part of their rationale for raising premiums. In response to the news, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent a threatening letter to the insurance industry lobby, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), warning that there will be “zero tolerance for this type of misinformation and unjustified rate increases.” Sebelius also added that, “I want AHIP's members to be put on notice: the Administration, in partnership with states, will not tolerate unjustified rate hikes in the name of consumer protections.”

Democratic Sens. Max Baucus and Jay Rockefeller echoed Sebelius, declaring in a letter to leading carriers, “If an insurer thinks it can blame the enactment of the Affordable Care Act for its rising premiums, it is surely mistaken."

It’s not hard to see where this is eventually heading. During the health care debate, liberals argued that regulation alone could not rein in the insurance industry, which is why we needed to create a new government-run plan, or so-called “public option.” But the public option ended up getting dropped so that Democrats could corral the votes necessary to move the legislation through the Senate.

As premiums go up in response to ObamaCare, expect to see a lot of Democrats, egged on by their liberal base, make the following argument: “See, we tried to give insurance companies a chance to clean up their act, but they continued their abusive practices. Now we need a public option.” Over time, this can easily morph into an argument for a fully government-run, or single-payer, health care system (which Obama has long described as his ideal).

To prevent this scenario from playing out, it’s important for the law’s opponents to go beyond scoring short-term political points (i.e., “Obama said premiums would go down, and he lied”), and to use this as an opportunity to educate the public on precisely why liberal health care policies have the detrimental effects that they do, and to advocate alternatives.

It’s no surprise that the new health care law, which requires insurers to offer more generous benefits, would make premiums go up. In the pre-ObamaCare health care system, state regulators already created over 2,000 benefits that insurers were mandated to cover, according to the Council for Affordable Health Insurance -- and those benefits drove up the cost of health insurance by 20 percent to 50 percent. It’s one reason why coverage in highly-regulated New York costs more than double what it does in neighboring Pennsylvania, according to data from eHealthInsurance.com.

ObamaCare adds a raft of new mandates on top of existing state mandates. The Congressional Budget Office determined that an earlier version of the law would increase premiums in the individual market by 10 percent to 13 percent over where they would be without the law’s passage.

Some of the mandated benefits -- such as the “slacker mandate” that forces insurers to allow younger adults to stay on their parents’ policies until the age of 26 -- are popular in isolation. That’s why it’s imperative to remind the public that the flip side of having the government require additional benefits is that it will drive up premiums for everybody else.

The alternative to the liberal approach is to shift away from a system that is dominated by government and employers, and toward a system where individuals have more control over their own health care dollars and can choose polices that best suit their budget and medical needs.

While ObamaCare supporters may be on the defensive right now, it’s important to remember that advocates of government-run health care will use any angle to build on their gains -- even if it means exploiting the failures of government health care.

About the Author

Philip Klein is The American Spectator's Washington correspondent. You can follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/Philipaklein

Letter to the Editor View all comments (108) | Leave a comment

Kylie Estwick| 9.23.10 @ 6:58AM

This is the easiest and most clear cut thing in the world. Conservatives chanted on and on the mantra of private sector health care. We see now the private sector has no plans to cover children with pre-existing conditions. We now have two choices, let them die, or provide them with care. The private sector experiment failed. There is no arguing this. Its black & white. Its fact. No more sticking our heads in the sand. We can talk rhetoric all we want, but children are getting sick in this country and are not getting health care.

Once again, as I almost always seem to say; good luck with the hate. Hope it works out for you.

catholic mom| 9.23.10 @ 7:24AM

I have a friend who is poor and her son got a bad cancer. She went to Duke University Hospital and got the best treatment for him (he is fine now). I know she was unable to pay the bill.....I am sorry but you have your facts wrong.

Eric Cartman| 9.23.10 @ 9:43AM

No, CM, you see, it's for the children. When Liberal Aholes run out of trees, rocks, amoebas - you name it - to protect, they turn to the children (except in the womb - kids are fair game, then). Don't you know? Children are dying like flys! (Well, non-endangered flys). I just dropped my little girl off at school and some kid came running up to my window grasping at his throat trying to breath. His mother yelling "I cants afford inhalers! My Obama money didn't go far enough this month!" Kid died right there. I mean, what a hassle - I had to open my door a tad to nudge him away from the car with my umbrella. And I didn't get 10 feet when I ran over one of the Haskel twins. But he was life-flighted to the hospital where they took out his tonsils just to pad the bill and pronounced him well enough to go back to school. So you see? We need a giant bureaucracy to help us with these sad, sad tales. It's for the children.

Tuesday Nights with Cartman!| 9.23.10 @ 10:04AM

Tuesday! Tuesday night! November 2nd, 2010 - BE THERE! Come watch Kylie Estwick's head explode! Like a alcohol fueled FUNNY CAR! Get there early and receive a free brain splatter resistant SHOWER CURTAIN! Watch Kylie, vtwin, and other assorted scumbags cry, weep and finally BANG! HEAD BOMBS! Fun for the whole family!

It will be the biggest, messiest BRAIN GOO SHOWER EVER! Watch as they scream and yell as THEIR SOCIALIST DREAMS ARE TAKEN APART PIECE BY PIECE! BOOM! HEAD BOMB TUESDAY NIGHT!

BE THERE! TUESDAY! TUESDAY NIGHT NOVEMBER 2nd, 2010!

Sponsored by the TEA Party, Coke and Cheezy Poofs. Must be 18 or accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free admission and stick to poke at the dead bodies with a Cheezy Poof proof of purchase.

Steve A| 9.23.10 @ 11:07AM

This was a very scientific survey used to arrive at the 45,000 #. You poll all of the deceased in the calendar year, subtract the # of those who still got treated with no insurance from those who did have insurance & also got treatment, & assume those that had no coverage would still be alive.

TR| 9.23.10 @ 11:19AM

Steve, vtwin simply copied a post he made yesterday, the same exact posting. He was shot down then and had no response, so just ignore him. He is mentally defective and not worth the time. Oh, he will try to taunt you into response, but just ignore him. He eventually goes away. He's a typical troll.

skip| 9.23.10 @ 11:14AM

Hey genius, how many of these 45,000 would be alive if they had insurance? Does insurance now make those covered immortal? That statistic has been widely ridiculed since it was published, something you should be very familiar with.

old white guy| 9.23.10 @ 3:25PM

in canada the 45,000 would still be dead but there would be a royal commission to find out why they had to wait so long for treatment that they died. then the courts would say the wait times have to be reduced or else and then the government would lay off nurses and close hospitials and things would be better.////

Eric Cartman| 9.23.10 @ 11:20AM

That's just sad. It's probably the saddest thing I ever read. It's really a travesty, if you think about it. With all the help that could be offered from people and institutions, yet we let him suffer such an ignominious failure. I mean, it's sad vtwin is so devoid of original though, he has to cut and paste such meaningless drivel from some journal where the people actually want to work for the government. Sad, yet not unexpected from Lefty twerps. It's really hard for me to look at anymore.

So, please, give what you can to help prevent me from having to read such slop today. Give generously to the "Eric Cartman must got to lunch with a gorgeous babe this afternoon" fund. Please, I need your help.

Steve A| 9.23.10 @ 11:38AM

Eric, I wish you success on your lunch quest. BTW: Did someone play magician & make vtwin disappear?? If so, many thanks.

vtwin| 9.23.10 @ 11:49AM

So you enjoy being treated like a mushroom by the editors of TAS; keep in the dark and feed sh*t?

Eric Cartman| 9.23.10 @ 12:09PM

Well, it could be that, vtwin. OR it could be that you have posted that drivel so many times recently, it is no longer necessary to use up scarce electrons to have it posted one more time. OR, maybe it was a mistake by the editors and it will mysteriously reappear as mysteriously as it disappeared. OR, maybe it will come and go in a ghostly fashion throughout the day, since it's getting close to Halloween. OR, maybe the Obama administration removed it figuring that you have helped them enough and would you please stop. It could be many, many things that has caused such a miracle. Somethings we will never know, nor should we. It takes the mystery out of life.

Steve A| 9.23.10 @ 12:12PM

V, Actually, I look forward to reading your posts for comedic relief. I am not kidding.

Convet| 9.23.10 @ 1:30PM

MORON! Wash your brain and mouth out with SOAP, JERK!

Steve A| 9.23.10 @ 1:56PM

Convet, If you interpret my last as a compliment to vtroll then you need to reevaluate your IQ.

Eric Cartman| 9.23.10 @ 3:06PM

Ahhh - that was great! Thanks Steve. I've been sick and this woman- friends with wife also - took me out and treated me to lunch. And she is hot! Anyway, nice to be thought of. Next time on me. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, vtwin.

Eric Cartman| 9.23.10 @ 3:01PM

YEAH! Ya JERK! Can you believe that guy? What a JERK! God. I mean, really . . .

Mark| 9.23.10 @ 4:31PM

You are right on. The American public was lied to from day one. I have the right to decide how much insurance to buy should I choose any at all. Even if I had none, I could still receive coverage at a state or county facility. It's about choices; your choices. Government has taken over banking, auto manufacturing and now health care. I hope the previous commenter absolutely loves her "MANAGED" GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE IF SHE NEEDS IT!

Scott| 9.27.10 @ 12:57PM

Isn't that the point of mandated coverage though to force you to pay for the medical coverage that at some point you are certainly going to need. Instead of not carrying coverage, getting treatment, and sticking the rest of us with the bill?

M Grant| 9.25.10 @ 10:19PM

Thank you for setting the record straight with an actual fact, not speculation.

Tired| 9.27.10 @ 4:09PM

I am tired of listening to how horrible things are! My 19 year old niece had three hospitalizations and numerous ultrasounds before giving birth. Neither her, nor the baby dad had insurance. Yet, wait for it, she got excellent health care. The child is also getting all of his immunizations and health checks now too. Wow, it's really bad for the uninsured. I made monthly payments to providers AFTER my insurance covered what it would for a gestational diabetic pregnancy and delivery.

John - TMF| 9.23.10 @ 7:42AM

This is simply Democrat/Marxist Socialized medicine talking points, and therefore complete fabrication.

1. The free market has never been tried. Health Insurance has been tied to employment benefits since World War II. Few employers give any real market choices (with the exception of Federal Employees - natch) to their employees because few can. Most companies can offer only one or two plans choices, usually from the same provider with no competition possible. All thanks to your marvelous wonderful over-regulation of the market.

2. With the government invented and regulated employment based market comes the added market drag of not allowing insurance companies to form benefit groups across state lines, and by other group means like religious affiliation, club, organization, etc. Again, this market is foreclosed by government.

3. Unions, which are creatures of socialist government have made it virtually impossible to provide intelligent market based solutions by political pressure on their patrons. Union health benefit plans are currently exempted from the Obama-mess courtesy of such patronage (aka institutional corruption). Unions, due to the massive cost of their demanded "Cadillac no-pay/copay" plans have crowded out other creative options that could be explored by larger employers, thus opening options for smaller employers. Group think leads to lead headed inertia.

The way to "fix" the health insurance problem is to do the exact opposite of what fellow travelers of the Marxist way demand.

A) Sever the relationship between health insurance and employment. Offer the same tax benefits for health insurance purchase regardless of whether or not an employer pays. All medial insurance payments should be 100% tax deductible.

B) End the interstate commerce ban on insurance plans. Allow insurance companies to work with any group to provide a cafeteria choice of medical offerings open to enrollment once a year... This should include the most powerful device ever found for controlling costs - the free market. Medical Savings Accounts with lower cost catastrophic hospitalization plan coverage would revolutionize medical care and affordability.

C) Make all medical care "fee for service". Absolute pricing transparency on all sides must be maintained. All prices for procedures, tests, exams, must be published and changes tied to open season for insurance sales. In addition, transparency rules must be enforced for all insurance companies, no "secret formulas", silent red-lining, or proprietary pricing must be known and published for easy patient access.

It is that simple. Go back to the simple relationship where the doctor and patient are primary in medical decisions. Go back to insurance being "insurance" not bureaucratically overburdened, artificially limited wage/benefit.

Lest I be accused of forgetting the last most important requirement must be a comprehensive reform of medical costs we cannot forget the lawyers.

There MUST be a massive overhaul of the Tort Laws, compensation rules, and a strict limit on punitive damages in current market killer called Medical Malpractice Law. The system is out of balance and is driving much of the cost of medicine, today.

You see, Conservatives have real plans and really do care. They just know that Marx was wrong, and his Communist Utopia was a fraud.

Free Markets work. Nothing else does.

The Mighty Fahvaag

TR| 9.23.10 @ 10:51AM

A well thought out, well reasoned solution. You are logical, reasoned, and it makes total free-market sense. And for that very reason, that it places freedom of choice in the hands of the people, you will see utter contempt and irrational invicives spewed at you for the rest of the day by the leech-class brain-dead envy driven moron marxist wannabes that you see here every day. GOOD JOB! I love tweaking those idiot trolls.

Nunya| 9.23.10 @ 11:24AM

I agree wholeheartedly, the government has so over-regulated this area it's incredible. And, the one area that the Marxists don't want to touch is tort reform--the Democraps have too many tort lawyers that give them money, and then of course you have John Edwards who made a fortune suing tobacco companies.

The dirtly little secret that the Democraps don't want to talk about is how much money doctors have to spend on malpractice insurance. It's absolutely staggering.

While I believe that doctors need to be held responsible for errors that cause pain and suffering to others, there needs to be some common sense applied to the awards given out. In addition, if we had a sensible reform that charged the plaintiff for court costs and lawyer fees if they lost the case, most if not all of our frivolous lawsuits would go away.

Butch| 9.23.10 @ 6:01PM

That's my plan, too, John. That's the one that will work.

TR| 9.23.10 @ 7:40PM

Oh, one more thing Mighty Fahvaag

I'd kill for a chocolate chip cookie.

Average Infidel| 9.23.10 @ 7:49AM

Brought to you via obamas Bin Lying sponsored idiot. Go and drink your koolaids in another room troll. How much is george sorros and the obamas Bin Lying crew paying you for this bit of bull-shit?
You are another one that gives credence to the saying, " if you had a brain, you'd be dangerous."

Tom| 9.23.10 @ 8:43AM

So people who disagree with you hate. Perhaps you should buy a mirror Kylie, it might be instructive.

Fredrick Ward| 9.24.10 @ 2:28AM

Tom,

Didn't you know that if you disagree with a liberal then you are a bigot, racist, hating, ecological terrorist, extreme right religious nut case by default?

Their rhetoric is that if they cannot beat us by logic they try to make us ashamed of speaking out against them. PR spinning is all they have because facts just aren't on their side.

Collectivism Alwaysfails| 9.23.10 @ 8:57AM

If you had one example were someone even an illegal or murderer was left to die you would be harping about it non-stop. Fact is you don't, hospitals, charities and churches never let that happen. In our Private health-care system we fly poor people in from all over the world for not only the best in the world treatment but often the only treatments available anywhere (because the private system saw the need and gov health-care systems simply don't care) and private doctors donate their time not just here but in poor countries run by thugs which keep their people under their thumb. Get real, in Cuba which you guys claim has Great "Free" health-care hospitals often don't even have soap - yeah SOAP and have gone months without toilet paper - you know what you get their? A fitly cart to die on.

Denver Todd| 9.23.10 @ 9:04AM

Kylie, the SCHIP program is a federal/state partnership that covers children. The entire healthcare sectore doesn't have be taken over just to cover children when there is already a program that does just that.

johnb2029| 9.23.10 @ 4:02PM

sorry denver,
this is mandated by the department of redundancy department

skip| 9.23.10 @ 10:27AM

Dear Kylie,
I am glad the civics class you are currently taking in junior high school has interested and engaged you in the debate. Make sure you work hard at your classes, and you may earn the test score minimum enabling you to go to a community college. If possible take a principles of economics 101 class as the knowledge you could gain will be invaluable to you throughout life. You might notice in the article above you have responded to that the private sector has not operated in a free market for a long time, what with thousands of government mandates imposed on the insurance companies. This provides the evidence thinking people accept to conclude government regulations, not private free markets, are the problem. Every rational person in this country knows that every child in this country will receive medical care that needs it. The only children dying in this country are 'legally' murdered before birth. Anyway, study hard and it is possible you will someday have the necessary mental tools to cease making utterly untelligent and dishonest statements in the future. Good luck and enjoy the rest of your childhood.

MG| 9.25.10 @ 10:28PM

You could say what you have to say without being so sarcastic. You may be 'right' on the issue, but dead wrong on your delivery, which in reality, cancels everything out altogether. Start praying and Living what you preach sowill actually make others want to hear what you have to say, and stop being so condescending. P.S. Take a breath and visit: HolyLove.org, which should help keep you grounded. Thanks.

skip| 9.26.10 @ 12:17PM

I am a sinner. My only hope is in Jesus Christ. I am trying to improve. I have read your words with the goal of being open minded and open hearted. I am curious as to why, of all the comments here, you have responded to mine and not others, including the opening comment I responded to. All my life it has been a near universal given truth that in social settings one should never discuss religion and politics, which are really the two most important topics worth discussing when you think about it. I believe there is a significant cause and effect relationship to this attitude and the current state of affairs in our country. Has civility and respecting everyone's opinion regardless in some way contributed to our problems? Isn't it time for a more direct approach? Envision the scene in the temple when Jesus came upon the moneychangers. Maybe it is time for a little more righteous anger in this country. Again, you responded to my comment only among many comments. Why? Thanks.

skip| 9.26.10 @ 9:47PM

My first impression was a website named holylove.org would be a crackpot outfit. Out of curiosity I checked it out. It is full of 'our lady' and 'heavenly mother' crap. What about the savior Jesus? Where does 'He' fit in? The most obvious clue was when I was chided I was dead wrong in a condescending manner. As anyone knows, being right on the issues is secondary to how you deliver your rightness. Sheesh.

tom d| 10.16.10 @ 10:43AM

I have been to holylove in Ohio many times. It is real. Jesus speaks. So does God the Father. Mary is real. Jesus is our savior. Mary is Jesus mother and our mother.

TR| 9.23.10 @ 10:47AM

Every time Kylie The Kommunist puts fingers to keyboard, the outcome is predictable. Anyone who does not agree with her failed version of utopia is a HATER. If you can't understand her twisted logic, then you must want children to die.

Kylie, just go do something productive. Your idiocy is tiring, and arguing with you is like trying to teach a pig to sing. You are mentally unable to separate fact from marxist ideology. Comparing your thoughts to fact are as clear as black & white.

Mike| 9.23.10 @ 11:48AM

It is always the sametired nonsence with you liberals...the rhetoric comes from your end....you use extreme examples that are outside the norm and call them the rule rather then the exception...then site or assume the most dire circumstance as the end result....exactly where and how do you gather you facts? How many children? What conditions are considered "pre-existing"? Where in America have children died as a direct result of lack of coverage? How many? Name one example.....quit trying to scare the young and elderly with your foolishness.....and stop calling the contrary opinion hate.....the only hate and arrogance I can see comes from you when challenged....if you think government controlled health care is so desirable...go to Florida and turn south for 90miles......

KTR| 9.23.10 @ 11:49AM

Kylie, your blurb did not prove anything. It is typical liberal hype and emotion with no backing to take away from fact. More people is socialized medicine go without treatment than those in the U.S. That is a fact. I feel sorry for you since you are afraid to stand on your own two feet and take care of yourself. You need the gov't to do it for you. It will be a horrible slap in the face when they tell you and your family "NO" to healthcare when/if they are ill. I hope that never happens to you or anyone else but the canandians and europeans know this all too well.

Fergie| 9.23.10 @ 11:52AM

Using inflammatory statements about children dieing because they don't have health care is ridiculous. Every state in this country has provisions to help ill children. Spouting the rhetoric that Dumbocrats are so hasty to pull out of their butts is not what I would call being informed. Perhaps you should reconsider the comment about good luck with the hate because health care will become unaffordable for the poor because they will be forced to use money they don't have to buy something they now get for free. Regardless of what Obama said, the Act reads otherwise -- there will be NO free medical care in America for anyone under this new law. Thats why they did this -- so eventually they can say -- just like you -- children are dieing because they are not getting health care -- we now need a universal health care plan -- where taxes are raised -- increasing the ranks of the poor -- care is substandard because NOTHING IS EVER FREE and QUALITY CARE COMES WITH A PRICE. Please wake up -- your comments are convoluted excuses for not being well informed -- as the American people have said -- READ THE BILL before you start spouting off something you clearly have no idea about.

joyce| 9.23.10 @ 12:09PM

I think this is so sad that you cannot see both sides and also see the truth out there . Believe me America would never let children die - what an outrageous statement and scare tactic. I had a sister at the age of [2] die from a brain tumor -- and you know who helped ?? The March of Dimes helped and paid for a lot of the bills because at that time my father was not making a lot and my mother was at home with [3] children. Organizations and hospitals step up to the plate and help -- that is what America is all about .. I DO NOT WANT OBAMA DECIDING WHAT PROCEDURE TO TAKE OR IS SHE TOO OLD ?? I am 53 right now and I think he and his people would put me in the too old category!!

George F| 9.23.10 @ 12:40PM

My goodness sakes alive! Where on earth are you getting your information? It is virtually 100% incorrect!

dan roberts| 9.23.10 @ 12:42PM

I guess the sky is surely falling.

MrC| 9.23.10 @ 12:55PM

Sorry but this is a direct result of government tampering with the system.

That type of policy is no longer a viable product as the government mandated that children can be added to other existing policies.

Thus because of government the insurance companies would lose money offering those policies. Despite the "woe unto you evil businesses" cries of the left. If you are not profitable, you eventually no longer exist. Money runs out.

Thank you Obamacare for screwing things up even worse than they were because of prior mandates.

Ms Jones| 9.23.10 @ 12:56PM

Who is being hateful? Is this the only argument you progressives can produce? 700,000 + conservatives get together in DC on 8/28 to honor MLK's dream. No incidents, no arrests, no trash blowing through the streets. Progressives who attended so they could gather up "proof of hate" left with their hearts and minds changed. Don't get your information filtered through the mainstream media--they are proven (Journolist scandal) liars and minions of the Obama Administration.

As for your assertion that children are dying without health insurance, visit St. Jude's Hospital and any Shriner's hospital for children, where cutting edge medical technology is saving the lives of children daily, FOR FREE. It's called charity, and it's voluntary. Government controlled health care results in long waits, reduced options and death everywhere it's in effect.

John Lahart| 9.23.10 @ 1:14PM

The point is being missed. The private sector would be fine covering anyone with any condition pre existing or otherwise. Provided the costs were covered. These costs don't go away private citizens will pay them directly or via taxes-private or public. The shame is liberal Democrats are putting the trial lawyers and other special interests ahead of "the children" by resisting anything that would reduce costs like tort reform and more competitive insurance reforms. So the same government famous for the $300 hammers and Fannie and Freddie is going to "run" healthcare?

Albert| 9.23.10 @ 1:51PM

Please explain why an insurance company should cover "pre-existing conditions"? Do you buy car insurance AFTER you have an accident and then expect your insurer to cover your "pre-existing damage"? It is economically unsound to offer such things. Furthermore, as "catholic mom" noted, people who need care, get care. Ms. Eastwick, it is you who have your head in the sand because you think there are no economic consequences to government health care.

Mark| 9.23.10 @ 1:53PM

Healthcare reform is unpopular because the extremist right is doing a great job of miss-representing it...

John II| 9.23.10 @ 2:35PM

Miss-representing?

That's the most sexist remark I've ever heard! Shame on you, liberal! You obviously need the "re-education" recently offered by Associate Professor Sebelius.

John II| 9.23.10 @ 2:08PM

"The private sector experiment failed. There is no arguing this. Its [sic] black & white."

Kylie! Are YOU the airhead co-ed who was interviewed randomly by a "mainstream" TV news anchor during Professor Obama's presidential campaign?

I'll never forget her: wide eyes, set jaw, insouciant manner, the works. Asked by the interviewer the moderately probing question, "What do you think about the arguments against socialized medicine?" she responded with the colossal sangfroid and assurance of the brain-challenged Obamamaniac, to wit:

"I don't know and I don't care! All I want is for my medical care to be free!"

Whoa! Was that YOU, Kylie???

burkanuck| 9.23.10 @ 2:13PM

Kylie you are the one with your head up your a$$! I live in Canada and I know FIRST HAND how government run healthcare works and, quite frankly, we have a far less bureaucratic system then you.
Take a look at Britain. The idea of "death panels" can be mocked by braindead liberals like yourself but the fact is the DO exist! The kinds of things you can get coverage for now will be denied without hesitation by a single payer system. You want to see dying children? Move to a single payer system.
The idiocy of liberals is truly something to behold.

Majjohn| 9.23.10 @ 3:05PM

I can't figure out if you're plain nuts, a Marxist, or a Pelosi/Obama a$$ kisser. Maybe all three. In any case it's obvious you have no handle on reality. And to cover those so called children who are dying in the streets, what freedom are you willing to give up? You are truly to be pitied.

Carole M| 9.23.10 @ 4:58PM

What hate are you talking about? Educate yourself. I am an RN and believe me, in the USA everyone gets healthcare even illegals who don't pay for it, you do. Children are not dying in the streets. How about some personal responsibility here,or would that require some work?? I bought my own healthcare for myself and daughter for 20 years so what you don't know is painfully obvious. You fell for it Time to wake up and not be a pawn of the ruling class.

Alan Brooks| 9.23.10 @ 8:40PM

What about the Prescription Drug Act of '06 (in effect before the '06 midterms)? is that popular? can anybody read it all the way through?

And the Disabilities Act of '90: how popular is it?

Fredrick Ward| 9.24.10 @ 2:40AM

Alan,

That's actually the point of many of these people responding; as well as the article itself. The very fact that you mention further government regulation is quite comical. You are supporting the case that over-regulation has occurred within the health care industry. All the health care options of the government have failed. Not the free market because the free market option has never been tried with health care insurance. Yet, the government constantly tries to fix something with the same process that got us here in the first place. The enormous lack of logic is staggering.

Bob Gentile| 9.23.10 @ 9:24PM

Kylie,

Hate? Hmmm. Howzabout this? Public sector health care (at the federal level) is not authorized by our Constitution. That power is reserved to "to the States and to the People" (10th Amendment).

Ergo, the people of Massachusetts, deciding they wanted public-financed health care for their citizens, enacted it. Any other state WAS free to follow suit. We didn't have to trash the Constitution to get public-financed health care. If each state that wanted it had enacted it, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

It's not about hate. It's about the Constitution.

Mayte| 9.24.10 @ 6:29AM

There is NOT ONE SINGLE EXAMPLE you can site of a child dying. You are the one with the lies and the hate. Our current system does not allow that because it still permits doctors and hospitals to make exceptions for charity. Once government has all the power, there will be no opportunity for individuals to make decisions for themselves or to help others. When government realizes the costs of covering everyone for everything, the cost of their agencies and new unionized workers and their pensions, all the money in the world would not be enough and they will be forced to ration and choose who dies and who lives. This is what occurs in my home state of Cuba, which as an added bonus any political dissent gets no medical care in a timely manner or forced psychiatric manipulation.

KyMouse| 9.24.10 @ 9:30AM

Seems to me that there is at least one big problem with insurance companies having to cover children who have pre-existing conditions: Parents will put off buying insurance for their children who are healthy; but when a chronic or catastrophic illness comes along, they'll buy a policy. Covering so many ill children will bankrupt the insurance companies, because they won't have money coming in from policies for healthy children who don't run up medical bills.

And another thought, Kylie: Not having medical insurance is not the same as not receiving medical care. Where in the U.S. have sick children been turned away? Every hospital I know, especially the children's hospitals, has benevolence funding available. (That will probably change as Obama further strangles our economy.)

Tim*| 9.23.10 @ 7:09AM

There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions in CHIP or Medical Assistance.

Patrick| 9.23.10 @ 7:21AM

Obama lied. Quality Health Care Died.

Curtis Rasmussen| 9.23.10 @ 3:21PM

Obama lied, people deemed untaxworthy will die.

Alan Brooks| 9.23.10 @ 8:41PM

"Obama lied, people deemed untaxworthy will die."

Well that ought to please your kind.

Stephanie| 9.23.10 @ 7:24AM

Hey Wylie Kylie, that was in resposonse to obamascare. Nice try though.

Withheld| 9.23.10 @ 7:30AM

Kylie et al - your welcome. My family is being forced out of our home due to the expenses imposed by 'your' misguided compassion.
If I am red lined on expenses taking care of my own family due to a myriad of reasons - what right do you have to forcibly take my hard earned monies and give them to other people I may not even know. Better yet - give them to the same degenerates and low-lives that caused my current heartache. Because of your misguided notions of 'love' and 'caring' the evil people and THEIR children that caused so much pain for my family will now get "free healthcare" ... paid for by ME, my inlaws, and neighbors.... Kylie - good luck with that form of 'love' - hope you all choke on it.

WRTolkas| 9.23.10 @ 7:48AM

Dear Withheld,

I am very saddened that you are a victim of liberals' desire to make the world "fair" for all (of coarse the limousine liberals). I've got news for you Barry the big O and the rest of your crowd, the world ain't fair. Withheld, you probably work hard just to see your pay taxed and taxed again for "redistribution." We have all seen this. And mark my word, this will get worse. More people who uphold honor and dignity will be driven to poverty by the redistribution of their wealth to people with no honor and no dignity. This is all the more reason to remember November 2nd. Let us drive these dimocrats into the sea.

This is war - no quarter, no forgiveness.

And Kylie Estwick, I have never in my life seen a sick child refused medical care. And I have lived a long life. So as Al Pacino said in "Scent of a Woman," F__K YOU TOO!

Regard,
WRTolkas

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 9.23.10 @ 7:51AM

What you will see next is more health insurance companies will fold as rate increases put them out of business.

The progressives will then say "We told you so" as they move for the public option once again.

In the meantime health care professionals will leave the field due to a never ending stream of government forms and oversight.

Welcome to bean and franks health care in the beans and franks society.

logmank| 9.23.10 @ 8:05AM

Why do you folks feed the trolls? Kylie is an unemployed 25 year old with bad complexion, sitting in his mother's basement in dirty underwear. He comes on here every day and throws one of his inane stink bombs, just to see what kind of reaction he will get. Sure enough, several AS readers react with righteous indignation (see above), so he can howl with laughter until Mom comes to the top of the stairs and yells to him to hold it down.
Don't give him the satisfaction, please.

WRTolkas| 9.23.10 @ 8:32AM

Dear logmank,

You are absolutely correct, and so I do apologize for my above comments to that who will not be named. However, my comments to Withheld are from the heart. My only defense is I haven't had my morning cup of tea.

Have a good day,
WRTolkas

Tom Osterman| 9.23.10 @ 9:51AM

If only. Kylie's "arguments" are essentially the same that the Left uses in public debate. The only difference is that Kylie is neither a Democratic politician nor a dinosaur media "journalist."

Tim*| 9.23.10 @ 8:15AM

Kylie's a chick name .

But otherwise I think you're right . She's here on AS for the negative attention she can stir.

TR| 9.23.10 @ 11:23AM

He/she might be an it. I know of several libtards that claim they were born in the wrong body and want to be the opposite sex. More evidence that liberals are mentally defective.

Louis Jenkins| 9.23.10 @ 8:38AM

A six month aniversary? Next we'll be under the spout of a three month aniversary, or how about a two week aniversary. The health care bill was all screwed up to begin with, and Obumar was counting on it. Planned obselecence. I am truly sorry for the rough handling of withheld, but we all face the same situation, just isn't our turn for the moment. Wouldn't it have been much better if you'd had more freedom, instead of so much forcefulness from the big O'? I truly believe things would have been different for you. You have been forced into the favorite trough of Obumar. Some people would be angry, others accept their lot. I for one will not accept. I will get angry, and angrier, and at the proper instigator of this mess.

Rmm| 9.23.10 @ 9:01AM

The mouth-pieces that continue to harp about how great Obamacare will be act as if this thing can defy gravity. The Affordable Care Act was falsely hyped as bending the cost curve down, which we now know isn't going to happen. Dah!
The 30 million uninsured are now dictating to the rest of Americas population.
Any indigent can show up at an ER and receive medical treatment, that has never changed, and the hospital eats the cost.

Fenestra| 9.23.10 @ 9:02AM

I'll make it real simple for Kylie. I do not want to pay for your children. You pay for them, they're yours. I do not want to pay for your food, your housing or your retirement. I want you to get out there and work for what you need, not live off of other people like a parasite.
Now if you physically cannot work, then I want our free society to recognize it's Christian responsibility and give you some low level of subsistence. Enough to keep you fed and warm, but not enough to appeal to the indolent among us.
You get what you pay for, we cannot subsidize lazy forever.

Dan Hirsch| 9.23.10 @ 9:40AM

Look at Ivan Osorio's take on the home page today. He's reminding us of the Congressional Review Act of 1995. C'mon, 'member?

That gives Congress the right to review and repeal any Agency promulgated rule. Which if I'm thinking would apply to any of those "The Secretary will decide" loopholes in the Obama Health care law. A congressional majority agin' that bill could pretty much gut it using that law and simple majorities in the House. And by picking the most egregious agency regulations to attack first, the House could cow the regulators and the Obama care proponents using the threat of voter anger!!! Neat!

Mr. Boehner, Mr. Cantor, Mr. Ryan, please get busy and get loud!!!

Nolite me conculcare!

coal carrier| 9.23.10 @ 9:56AM

Employers offer benefits, in the area of healthcare, to entice individuals to join their company. The progressive government creates a regulation that skyrockets the cost. As time goes on, the company asks the employee to contribute to some of this increased cost. The progressive government then decides to add this company benefit to the tax obligation of the individual through the IRS. This has been the direction of the progressives in the Federal Government for over 35 years. The heartthrob of the left, Bill Bradley, proposed this when he was a Senator from New Jersey. Another scam by the progressives to take away more money from the working man. The party of the little guy, what an absolute joke.

This is not hate speech. This is fact. And don’t tell me that this isn’t so. I experienced this situation, firsthand, during my 47-year career.

another coal carrier| 9.23.10 @ 3:05PM

Preach it!

AnyoneButNewt| 9.23.10 @ 10:04AM

What I have yet to hear anyone say is that Dear Mr. Chosen One did a LOUSY job selling Obamacare. Andrea Mitchell and Butch Maddow can crow and weep all they want about the "Party Of No" but when The Clean And Articulate One" gives a long, rambling explanation (like, he's a Doctor now too, I guess) as to why someone might be better off taking a pill,,,as if this is any of the governments business,,,,,,,,achhhh!!!!! Obamacare makes me sick.

RacerJim| 9.23.10 @ 10:04AM

The older ObamaCare has become the truer Rep. Joe Wilson's "You Lie" has become.

LibertyLover| 9.23.10 @ 10:45AM

The bill is unconstitutional. If the liberal-socialist party gets their way with this obscenity of a bill, we will have decreased quality in care, increase in costs, and forced coercion by the government. Force coercion not only in coverage, but a multitude of over things. As the article states, we are already beginning to see this.
These people need to be removed from power and the first step is november.

newsrider| 9.23.10 @ 10:57AM

I will celebrate when it is repealed

Oldefarte| 9.23.10 @ 12:02PM

As Philip's article says, in the insurance industry [and any other type BUSINESS FOR PROFIT], it's the old axiom of [in Chinese] .....NO TICKEY, NO WASHEY. Insurance companies exist in order to make a profit, and if the government forces them to add services to peoples' coverages, those additional expenses must be paid for [translation, PREMIUMS WILL INCREASE]. If, as liberal politicians want in typically ranting/raving about those FAT CAT BANKERS/INSURANCE EXECUTIVES, the government forces those insurance companies to eat those added costs/expenses of additional insured benefits, then the bankruptcy of these insurance companies becomes a fact. Of course, everyone should realize that THAT BANKRUPTCY [of private insurance companies] is precisely what these liberal politicians want to occur, so that after/resulting from same they can then set up governmental entities to provide insurance all at taxpayer expense. The result of this will them be a price/premium fixing by government after the benefits increase, and the income/premium deficits [that would have resulted in bankruptcy by a private insurance company] will thereafter be paid for/covered by the TAXPAYERS in the form of HIGHER TAXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

George S| 9.23.10 @ 12:45PM

This is the moment of truth for Republicans -- and for us. As insurance policies are being canceled or priced out of reach within the next two years, will we be able to hold out and ride it through until we get a Republican president and congress? With the way we are loathe to get rid of unemployment insurance, I am a little pessimistic.

Right now, things are still normal, however policies being negotiated for next year are changing drastically and the full effect might not kick in until late 2011. Then what? The clamor to repeal will fall on deaf -- but big -- ears. Will Republicans fall under pressure to "do something" to stop the insurance calamity? That's the key, for if they nibble around the edges legislatively, or offer "fixes", the law remains structurally intact and plants its roots permanently. Once the market is decimated, it does not return to normal right away; it takes years.

That's why it's critical to get rid of the Murkowskis, the Bennetts and the rest of the RINO's. They would compromise and fold in the face of a public outcry. What about the TEA party Republicans? Can they stand tall in the face of an Obama who is using the insurance crisis as proof that we need a public option -- unemployment insurance 's evil twin -- or will they tell us the awful truth that we have to ride it out until one day it gets better... but no guarantees. It all depends on us.

JB| 9.23.10 @ 12:56PM

Our insurance already does most of these things. We haven't had a maximum limit, there were no pre-existing exclusions, our kids were covered till 23 if in college and not married. Is it the same for the age 26 requirement? If so, neither of my kids would be able to stay on my plan because they had graduated from college and were married with careers. So far as I can tell, our family gained..hmmm, let me see, oh yeah, nothing good.
Oh well, I guess AARP pulled a good one on us too by repeatedly pushing the new plan. Can't someone go to jail for these types of lies? fraud?
Can we please start with our dear Nancy?

Ms. Jones| 9.23.10 @ 1:07PM

AARP is no longer the only game in town. Check out AMAC, the Association of Mature American Citizens, at www.amac.us for a conservative alternative to AARP.

Pete| 9.23.10 @ 1:22PM

I used to think that John Kerry looked like the most dishonest person ever. I now feel the same way or worse about Ms. Sebiscuitus (although she and Kerry may be of the same lineage). Has anyone ever seen them in the same room together at the same time?

John II| 9.23.10 @ 2:24PM

There DOES seem to be a phenotypical aspect to the lefty mindset, generally evident in the eyes (cold and self-important) and the mouth (pursed).

Apparently, humans gradually start to bear an analogical physical resemblance to the ideas they cultivate, rather the way dogs tend eventually to resemble their masters.

These are deep waters, best illuminated by the truly talented political cartoonists.

Ms. Jones| 9.23.10 @ 3:35PM

Sebelius is the daughter of former Ohio Governor, John Gilligan. Gilligan makes the current disaster, Ted Strickland, look like amatuer hour.

Elkhtr| 9.23.10 @ 1:34PM

If every American cancelled their insurance tomorrow, you would see the whole thing change. Insurance is the biggest cancer on our society. They have convinced us all we can't live without it. Rates would be lowered immediately. Doctors would charge less, and lawyers would be left out in the cold.

Well, in the dream world anyway. Can't you all see if we didn't have BHO and Pelosi & Reid, we would all be dead by now. They are the saviours! Don't read the bill. but you'll find out what's in it some day.

Anthony| 9.23.10 @ 1:54PM

On November 2nd the American people will take the keys away from Obama's golf cart.

JC| 9.23.10 @ 3:22PM

For the umpteenth time take the politics out of the process, have intelligent medical people sit down and OUTLINE a program. After this is done we can have a conversation with insurance companies to determine what works and move forward with private and public insurance. Quit demonizing everyone and every company and do it the the reasonable way. Do you want a solution or popular vote? I think the vote is the concern and for one I am tired of it. VOTE THE ALL OUT! So what if the next person is inexperienced; you think this people are doing the job?

Jordan| 9.23.10 @ 3:23PM

The people who are against the health care bill are arguing against an imaginary version that exists only in their own misguided minds.

If you want to repeal it here is what you're saying you want:

1) You want insurance companies to be able to drop kids from coverage if they have a pre-existing condition. As of today they can't do that.

2) You want you kids to be without health coverage if they're 18 to 26 and their employer doesn't offer it. As of today you can keep your kids on your plan until they are 26 if they can't get coverage on their own.

3) You want insurance companies going over your applications with a fine toothed comb looking for errors so they can deny your claim. One woman was denied cancer treatment because she failed to report treatment for acne when she was a teenager.

4) You want to pay for preventive treatment like mammograms and colonoscopies. Those services are now provided free of charge, because the diseases they prevent are cheaper and safer to cure sooner rather than later.

These are just some of the provisions that kick in today and you'd have to be an utter moron to argue against them.

Elkhtr| 9.23.10 @ 4:34PM

All nice, but all of your points will increase cost on everyone regardless of whether they have kids or not. Why should that be?
Also, nothing is free. We are all paying for those tests via increased premiums.
You are a typical liberal talking. Free this and oh my god the children, the children.

Heywood| 9.23.10 @ 4:41PM

If there's no demand for a certain service? Why pay for it? You're the utter moron here--you don't understand free markets and how they work.

JP| 9.23.10 @ 5:03PM

Jordan,
Every single one of your points are strawmen. Obama's arguement for his ObamaCare law was all about cost reduction and covering the "uninsured". Of course, what you people never mention is the simple fact that everyone is essientially insured via Medicaid or Medicare (if they don't possess private insurance). You really haven't a clue what is coming down the pike, do you? A centralized beomouth of a federal agency will "manage" everyone's health care. During the next 4 years, an entire new bureaucracy will be put in place that will dictate an entire slew of new regulations concerning not only your health care, but your life-style. And costs? Already, Congress is admitting that Obama low-balled costs significantly. Rationing is of course the only answer. And we all know how politicized the people at HHS will be.

Save your talking points for the other morons. Over 68% of the voters want nothing to do with ObamaCare. And beginning next year they will see why in an up close and personal way. It will all begin with 16000 new IRS agents going dumpster diving through your life in ways you cannot imagine. I hope you've got pletny of 1099s available, for you will need them.

TR| 9.23.10 @ 5:32PM

Other fine concervative posters have already responded to most of your shallow and unthought-out points. I especially like how you vacuuous liberals trot out the "one woman was deied, etc etc" claptrap. There are avenues to challenge denied reimbursement (and that's the key, you are not denied the care, just reimbursement). I have had the insurance company refuse to reimburse and got the money in the end when I challenged the denials. For liberals, to have to take personal responsibility is just not a real option.

Your 4th point that preventive treatment is now provided free....
I guess that the doctors and nurses and technicians and clinics and radiographers are now government slaves? They are forced by law to provide you with medical procedures and they are forbidden to charge you for it? Oh, wait, you compassionate liberal, you would never ask that! So, hmmmm, where is the money coming from to pay them and the clinic costs...hmmm....oh, maybe it's paid by the government! But wait...the government produces nothing, so where does the government get the money....TAXES! Something you have probably never paid, Jordan, so you wouldn't understand this point. SOMEONE PAYS YOU MORON, IT IS NOT FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!

And one more point....since when os an adult of 24 called a child? I have been on my own, earning and producing, covering all of my own expenses, housing, meals, insurance, transportation since I was 18. What in the hell is happening to our country when a 26 year old is still mommy and daddy's burden???

You call anyone who argues against this boondoggle a moron. This extremist law that was not even read before it was passed by our Representatives in DC (Pelosi said that, not me) is a screwed up law, passes over the objections of nearly 2/3 of the population. You and your liberal marxist lovers are going to feel the wrath of the US in about a 6 weeks.

You are the utter moron, or maybe just intellectually challenged (Obama's new word for mental retards)

Mayte| 9.24.10 @ 6:37AM

How's this? You pay for what you like, and I pay for what I like.

myron martin| 9.23.10 @ 4:16PM

Cosmetic treatments and surgery have plummented in cost because users of the services pay for it. It is the honest microcosm of health-related services that indicates what economic forces influence when permitted without government and third party payments.

Heywood| 9.23.10 @ 4:38PM

"The alternative to the liberal approach is to shift away from a system that is dominated by government and employers, and toward a system where individuals have more control over their own health care dollars and can choose polices that best suit their budget and medical needs." - well written! Every American running for office should be reciting this paragraph to the voters. And follow through by getting rid of Obamacare and then Obama.

Redstateboy| 9.23.10 @ 5:03PM

In other words... Go the Freak out of Business Capitalist Swine!

Pete| 9.23.10 @ 5:14PM

Newsflash! Don't have children if you cannot afford to take care of them.

Elkhtr| 9.23.10 @ 5:47PM

Baucus, Rockefeller, Sebelius, and BHO find it convenient to blame Bush for everything. So they don't want the Insurance Companies blaming them even though all the studies now indicate all costs will go higher than if they hadn't rammed this down our throats.

Tony in Central PA| 9.23.10 @ 9:40PM

A government that can arbitrarily decide who deserves to live does not care about individual rights. A government that tells doctors how to practice and prohibits them from following their conscience hasn't taken over the practice of medicine to improve outcomes.
The only thing we can be sure about with regard to this bill, other than the fact it will increase costs, is that the government will become more powerful and less tolerant of opposition.

Yosemeti Sam| 9.24.10 @ 1:05AM

Folks, what we've got here is a simple case of us Americans - in effigy - being THE voodoo doll which has been needled over and over again legislatively by BHO and his cohort Democrats.

And don't anyone call it -acupuncture!

Steve Paramore| 9.24.10 @ 10:07AM

If this is his crowning achievement, then...as most of us already have decided, he is one big-time, useless sack of hot and ineffective, hot, stinky, air..and needs to take himself and his crew of tax-evading, law-breaking, anti-American 'Czars"' the hell out of America !! Permanently !

Stan Redmond| 9.24.10 @ 10:40AM

I haven't heard the liberals or government appointed insurance commisioners dare mention it is perhaps THEIR DAMNED FAULT insurance premiums are so high.

I am a 37 year old single man with no kids and I'm self employed. When I look at what my insurers ARE FORCED BY LAW to provide me 5o% of these can be thrown out. Goody, I can get yearly mamograms and gynocological examinations. I get healthy baby checkups and excellent care for children I don't have. I don't have a choice in the matter because some idiot power hungry insurance commissioner deems what is best for me. I'm not allowed to look outside of my state for a better deal. I'm not allowed to downgrade or pick and choose what I want covered. NOW we have an entire federal government to get their fingers in the insurance business.

As for the "poor uncovered" people dying in the streets... What ever happened to paying for yourself? And the ones crying loudest ABOUT THE CHILDREN have never been to church. The word "Charity" is foreign to them. They have never heard of St. Judes, Jerry Lewis telethon, March of Dimes, Shriners, etc... How many coin jars do those doomsayers ignore on store counters raising funds for a local child's medical costs? Where are the bodies. Where is this massive pile of footless and tonsilless corpses?

Tom| 9.24.10 @ 12:18PM

The HRC is a reasonable improvement to the current system. Most of the opposition is motivated by partisanship, not reasoned analysis. Most of the basic concepts of the bill where endorsed by Republicans in 1993 when they suggested alternatives to the Clinton's proposals. Now 17 years later the Republicans are condeming their own ideas.