The American Spectator : Obamacare Alchemy

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Obamacare Alchemy

By Doug Bandow on 2.4.13 @ 6:09AM

Tinkering with the contraception mandate won’t change its base properties.

The Obama administration has found the policy equivalent of alchemy. Employees of religious organizations will receive contraception coverage. And neither the individuals nor the groups will have to pay for it. It’s magic.

Otherwise known as making the insurer pay.

On Friday the Department of Health and Human Services announced its new rule mandating coverage of contraception. Responding to the furor that the proposal first raised, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius proclaimed that the draft regulation would guarantee free coverage “while respecting religious concerns.”

The latest iteration does clarify the exemption, expanding its reach a bit, to some hospitals, social service groups, and universities with religious affiliations. But there would be no protection for other organizations, as well as employers or employees in secular work who happen to be religious. As before, freedom of conscience is sacrificed for the administration’s ideological objectives.

Equally bad is the means of “protection.” Chiquita Brooks-LaSure of HHS helped write the language and explained: “Under the proposed rule, insurance companies — not churches or other religious organizations — will cover contraceptive services.” Employees at a religious institution could go to their group’s insurer and receive a separate plan priced at zero dollars. Insurers cannot “impose any premium, fee or other charge” for the coverage.

Thus we have policy alchemy. Uncle Sam mandates benefits. Employers do not have to provide coverage for the benefits. Employees do not have to pay for coverage for the benefits. The insurers must provide coverage but cannot charge anyone anything.

What’s not to like about this idea? Indeed, why not use this model for health insurance generally?

Think about it. Congress could mandate a generous standard medical plan for all of us. (Heck, legislators might as well include people who aren’t working. Why let lack of employment get in the way of such a great idea?) Not just generous, but very generous. After all, we are entitled to “Cadillac” care — every procedure at the finest facilities for as long as we want.

Lest small-minded critics complain about the cost, the benefits, all of them, would be FREE! Insurance companies would be required to provide the necessary plans. But they would not be allowed to “impose any premium, fee or other charge” for doing so. Just like for the contraceptive benefits.

Then everyone in America would have comprehensive insurance at no cost.

What could possibly go wrong with such a program?

Tragically, it appears that someone at HHS realized that there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, or insurance plan. So the agency proposed allowing insurers to receive a credit against fees they would owe for participating in state health insurance exchanges. Which means the taxpayers would end up paying for the coverage. For Uncle Sam would have to make up the difference somehow — or borrow more money, which just means that future taxpayers would end up paying.

The administration rule nicely demonstrates the fundamental mistake that is Obamacare. It is ridiculous for Washington to decide health care benefits for 315 million Americans.

First, the proposed rule has nothing to do with making “it clear that your boss does not get to decide whether you can have birth control,” as claimed by Planned Parenthood. Today everyone is free to purchase contraception, which is affordable for most everyone. The regulation actually is about subsidies, that is, forcing those who don’t want or like birth control to pay for those who desire birth control.

Second, there is no standard one-size-fits-all insurance package that is appropriate for everyone. Just as it would make no sense to mandate a particular standard for homeowner, auto, or life insurance, it makes no sense to impose a set package for health insurance. We all are different and prefer different mixes of risks and benefits, as well as tradeoffs between health insurance and other uses of our money.

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About the Author

Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute. A former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan, he is the author and editor of several books, including The Politics of Plunder: Misgovernment in Washington (Transaction).

Letter to the Editor View all comments (77) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Appleby| 2.4.13 @ 7:03AM

"Chiquita Brooks-LaSure"? There is actually somebody in the Administration whose name is CHIQUITA BROOKS-LASURE?

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 8:33AM

The quintessential D.C. insider: an Ivy League former Senate staffer-lobbyist now working in the executive branch. Before the Obama administration is over, I wouldn't be surprised if she wasn't appointed to the D.C. Court of Appeals for lifetime tenure.

http://www.ehealthinitiative.o.....raphy.html

Jack in Wi| 2.4.13 @ 3:48PM

Another fine essay by Doug Bandow. He is one of the best writers on the site. It was very informative on this issue.

notfooled| 2.4.13 @ 7:20AM

Must be-name covers three Affirmative Action requirements-Spanish-Anglo-French; a triple header!!

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 10:12AM

And, she's probably a Lesbian.

So, make that 4 Affirmative Action Requirements.

Warrior| 2.4.13 @ 11:59AM

If she were named after a cucumber she would have to be straight!??!

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 1:39PM

No.

She would be Obama's Bathhouse Buddy.

So, how did Arnie's Abortion go?

Was it good for you?

Warrior| 2.4.13 @ 2:58PM

No synaptic funtion, but he's apparently breathing and collecting entitlements.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 3:22PM

You crack me up.

Pecos Pete| 2.4.13 @ 7:21AM

KingOcare is a monstrosity of regulations, rules and ignorance. U.S. tax code is somewhere north of 72,000 pages. KingOcare will exceed this number as the government determnes who, what, how and when health care will be provided. That is, unless you are an illegal alien in which case ... no problemo.

The most interesting disaster in KingOcare is the requirement for massive computer systems to manage everyone's medical records and insurance exchange markets. These "records" will be intertwined with other government databases, like the IRS, Social Security, DHS, ATF and the new proposed National Gun Register. Lots of money (our tax money) will be made by computer companies and programmers. The result will be that nothing works the way it was intended and the systems will be hacked constantly causing failures at critical times.

There is also the significant damage to the economics of the USA. Mr. Bandow touches on insurance companies, but the reach of KingOcare extends from giant companies to single-owner/employee businesses. The economic damage is incalculable.

KingOcare is like a nest of rattlesnakes shaking their rattles warning us that soon we will all be bit by this poisonous beast. And this damn thing can't be killed until after it has bitten us.

Joellen| 2.4.13 @ 8:13AM

Ironically, if anyone doesnt think what Pecos Pete states is not capable of happening,

eh didnt the SUPERBOWL have a 35 minute blackout

but that cant happen with government computers - no siree

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 10:24AM

I've narrowed the cause of that Blackout, last night to:

a) Ray Nagin was stealing the Copper Wire from the Lighting Assemblies.

b) Michelle was in town getting Electrolysis on her Back.

c) Anna K's new Lover, that she got for free from the Trojan Company a coupla weeks ago, burned through its Batteries, so she tried to get it Up and Humming with a Jump Start off the Superdome's Main Frame.

Of course, if you can think of some other reason? I'm sure that everyone would like to hear it. If you know what I mean.

markenoff| 2.4.13 @ 3:58PM

It's Bush's fault. He and Cheney blew up the leveees during huricame Katrina so that Halliburton could steal all the copper out of the Superdome and replace it with plastic. The he sold it to Mercedes-Benz and everyone knows Europeans use a different type of electricity than Americans. Between that and the plastic wire something was bound to blow. And it's all Bush's fault.

Goldwater Girl| 2.4.13 @ 4:11PM

I suspected it might be due to the spontaneous combustion caused by Beyonce's thighs rubbing together

SUBVET| 2.4.13 @ 10:57AM

Yes the beast...........the other day I got bit I guess it owed 94 cents more on my quarterly's so here comes a certified letter from the IRS saying I owe it and they will lien my house if it's not paid.

94 cents......gee I wonder how much it cost to send it.

I guess since I own my home they want that too.

Job| 2.4.13 @ 3:06PM

And this damn thing can't be killed until after it has bitten us.

logic's consistent, can't kill the snake til you "see whats in it."

Job| 2.4.13 @ 3:06PM

And this damn thing can't be killed until after it has bitten us.

logic's consistent, can't kill the snake til you "see whats in it."

Job| 2.4.13 @ 3:16PM

yay double post; since i suck maybe i get get the poison out the snake bite too.

Purp| 2.4.13 @ 7:28AM

Are you people ever satisfied? It's always your way or the highway?

"freedom of conscience is sacrificed for the administration’s ideological objectives." - Not so. If you don't want birth control or the medical support it provides, then you are NOT forced to take it. Nothing personal is sacrificed. Nothing. Except your ideological pressure to force this issue to be about freedom not medicine.
You can't see it because you ARE clouded by your ideology, pure and simple.
Go away.

CJW| 2.4.13 @ 7:51AM

Purpie the Village Idiot posted:

"Purp| 11.8.12 @ 10:35AM

1. "Hurricane Sandy and Chris Christie was the Lord's way of pressing his thumb on the scale to tilt in the direction of President Obama. It was His punishment of Republicans for their lying and trying to cheat (Voter Suppression) their way to political victory, while espousing faith, freedom and constitutional credentials."

2. purpie believes God killed over 100 persons and destroyed millions of dollars of property to help Obama win.

3. In Sept Purpie wrote that Amassador Stevens was at fault and caused his death.

4. Purpie also wrote that the unborn are biological entities not deserving of protection until God allows them to be born. (What does this mean?)

Purpie represents the Loon Left that should be mocked and ridiculed, and not engaged in conversation

Joellen| 2.4.13 @ 8:09AM

Plus purp advocates "for conservatives to lay back and enjoy the rape".

Purp| 2.4.13 @ 10:57AM

No, fool - that was Republican Congressman who said that - Google it, Honey. Stop the misinformation campaign.

Joellen| 2.4.13 @ 11:46AM

Purp the liar, stated in the Paul Kengor's article on 1/21/13 at 7:34 "just lay back & enjoy it (rape) - is that you sweetie"!

Purp - just like the left - lie, distort, and lie again.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 1:58PM

The full quote is just as you say, Joellen:

Purp| 1.21.13 @ 7:34PM
Oh, Dear Honey Babychild - It's too late for what you want. You just don't know it yet. Your 30 years is over.

30 years of Democratic/Liberal rule is your destiny.
If you outlive that period, maybe, maybe you'll be able to see another Conservadum take charge, but the likes of Governor Blimp of NJ, Senator Rocco Rubmeo of Florida, MoonBeam Gingrich or Congressman Paul "Lyin" Ryan will never be President. Hell most of them don't know how old the Earth is, let alone what time it is. LOL

" I dont want it, and with every breath I have, like many Americans, will be fighting to bring it back to its Republic foundation." - well, unfortunately for you, Tootsie, only 26% of America agrees with you in any shape, way or form.

Good luck with that ... or maybe you prefer the Republican definition of Rape - "Just lay back and enjoy it" ... is that you, Sweetie?

CJW| 2.4.13 @ 3:06PM

Albert and Joellen

Purp is a liar and stupid. As Albert knows, with such stupid liars you impeach his credibility by using his own words and statements. Stupid liars like Purp believe they are smart and can BS you.

The reality is Purp is an idiot who lies and keeps posting to supply us with new material. Keep it up purpie!!
Good work, Albert, impeach the credibility of the Village Idiot with his own statements.

flyovermark| 2.4.13 @ 10:13AM

"If you don't want birth control or the medical support it provides, then you are NOT forced to take it. Nothing personal is sacrificed. Nothing."

If we were talking about a law that prevented anyone from using birth control or the medical support it provides, then you might have a point, Perp. But we aren't, and so you don't. Removing the "contraceptive mandate" from Obamacare would not prevent ANYONE from getting birth control or the medical support it provides, so the issue is NOT about medicine.

What we're talking about is a law that punishes employers for refusing to offer an employment benefit that, if free to decide otherwise, they would not offer for fear it might endanger the salvation of their immortal souls. The issue IS about freedom, and it is SPECIFICALLY about religious freedom.
You can't see it because you, Democrats, progressives, and this President, have no respect for the first amendment's limit on the power of Congress to pass a law that abridges the religious expression of an individual.

Purp| 2.4.13 @ 11:05AM

Yes it is about medicine, at least partially. 2 million women are afflicted with Endometriosis and the drugs in contraceptives relieves this MEDICAL problem.
Moreover, if a woman should not have a child do to any medical concerns, contraceptives will stop that from occurring.

What amazes me most is that the people who are most against abortion are also against that which will eliminate abortion entirely. No pregnancy, no abortion, right?

Employers are not free to decide what laws they will abide by and which they will not. It is that simple. Religion has nothing to do with this, nor should it. If the Employer has a religious objection to abortion, contraception or lung resections, fine, don't have one. But he does NOT have the right to deny others their FREEDOM to choose. Paying for it is the issue, not FREEDOM. it's always about money with you people.

What if an employer could decide NOT to pay unemployment insurance? Or do withholding from employees' paychecks?

It's also amazing that the Conservatives that believe in the Rule of Law are okay breaking it if THEY think it's okay. Since when can you decide what laws you will honor and which you won't?

You ARE NOT free to do as you will. You're right - this is about freedom. You are not free to break the law. You have no freedom when the Rule of Law is paramount. Period. Comply or be punished.

flyovermark| 2.4.13 @ 11:51AM

You bet I'm right, Perp, and you are also right that it IS about the "Rule of Law". It's about the "supreme law of the land"; "the law that governs the government".

This is about the Constitution.

THAT law says Congress may not pass laws that prohibit the free exercise of religion. THAT law does not make exceptions for "who" - such as "employers" - or "where" - such as the "workplace" - that allows Congress to pass a law that prohibits free expression of religion. THAT law denies Congress the p0wer to make laws that prohibit the free expression of religion altogether.

Now that we've got that settled, would you care to argue whether or not "onerous taxes and fines" constitute a "prohibition"?

Job| 2.4.13 @ 3:30PM

this is about politics. same reason dental isn't under medical, politics.

Grzmlyk| 2.4.13 @ 11:51AM

Even the joke that is your cookie-cutter mind gets stale eventually.

It is YOU who should go away - take your child's belief in magic and your narcissism and build your Utopia that is the sociological equivalent of the perpetual motion machine.

BTW, what's the limit on your EBT card up to, parasite? Kaching, baby!

Dave Williams| 2.4.13 @ 12:15PM

No, jackhole, YOU go away!!!!!

markenoff| 2.4.13 @ 4:01PM

So if you don't want a gun or ammunition don't buy it. But you must pay to subsidize my 2nd Amendment rights.

Mike G| 2.4.13 @ 8:11AM

I don't understand how this is is constitutional. Where in the constitution does government get the power to force companies to give away the products they offer for sale? I'm going to check with my financial adviser. If I own any interest in an insurance company, and I'm pretty sure I do, I'm going to demand that the company defend my profits.

Jim Adcox| 2.4.13 @ 9:15AM

Keep the government out of bedrooms and wombs, except when they have something to offer for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Kwan| 2.4.13 @ 9:16AM

If anyone thinks HeilObamaCare has anything to do with genuine health care they're greatly mistaken. This monstrosity was designed to condition the population like a Pavlov Dog experiment to accept greater and greater intrusion into their lives by the central government. A little limiting freedom here a little limiting freedom there, and before you know it you've got a genuine totalitarian dictatorship.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 10:04AM

Please tell me that I'm not the only one who sees the Vril Society's Maria Orsitch, whenever I look into the Soulless Eyes of this Death Worshipping old Bitche.

Denver Todd| 2.4.13 @ 9:48AM

I get the feeling that the contraception issue was designed out of Obama's contempt for religion. Despite Obama's declaration of faith, everything he has done from his choice of church to contraception mandate shows that he hates those with true faith.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 10:09AM

It's not his Contempt for Religion.

It's his Contempt for the Religions of Pigs and Apes, and those who would Worship one of them as their Messiah.

He's got not one scintilla of a Problem with HIS RELIGION.

The Religion of Blow Everyone to Pieces.

The Religion who's "Call to Prayer is the most beautiful sound in the world."

No problem at all.

Parker| 2.4.13 @ 10:26AM

Purp, there was a time when I would read your comments and think to myself, "he's just confused."
Not anymore; the more I read your drivel the more I am convinced of the fact that you are just an absolute idiot. You cannot possibly write what you just wrote and still think you are making a point other than a feeble attempt to justify the self-gratifying imposition of your will over the freedom of those who may disagree with you. If the shoe were on the other foot, I can guarantee you, you would not like it or approve of it or accept any justification for it. That, makes you a hypocrite AND an idiot.

Von Mises Jr| 2.4.13 @ 10:47AM

Ignore Caliban, he is a POS.

KennesawJack| 2.4.13 @ 10:33AM

"Thus we have policy alchemy. Uncle Sam mandates benefits. Employers do not have to provide coverage for the benefits. Employees do not have to pay for coverage for the benefits. The insurers must provide coverage but cannot charge anyone anything." Anyone know which part of the above statement does NOT meet the defintion of Fascism?

merlin| 2.4.13 @ 10:48AM

Someone said years ago that what we have in the US is not health insurance, but pre-paid medical care. It is insane to expect a third party, government or private to cover dollar one for most medical care, because the provider has to charge premiums that will cover the cost of the care, processing and billing and profit. For the government, just take out the word profit and substitute inefficiency. To see what the processing, billing and profit costs, ask your doctor what the discount will be if you pay cash.

Catastrophic insurance and medical savings accounts, and no insurance company processing unless the high (10K+) deductable is met seems to me to be a no brainer. And tell the trial lawyers to get lost.

Von Mises Jr| 2.4.13 @ 10:51AM

How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
Abraham Lincoln

I think that if we are forced to pay for liberal women's birth control, they should pole dance for us in a G-String. This makes sense if I am paying.

Von Mises Jr| 2.4.13 @ 10:55AM

BTW, Doesn't Sebelius look like she is already embalmed and should be lying in a coffin?
Milk has more color that this dead, cold fish.

Von Mises Jr| 2.4.13 @ 11:00AM

And furthermore, I would not do this skank with Perp's Nathan's hot dog.

KennesawJack| 2.4.13 @ 10:58AM

Von, have you taken a good look at liberal women lately? With the possible exception of Mika Brezinski, having them pole dance might not be such a good idea. Just sayin'.

Von Mises Jr| 2.4.13 @ 12:28PM

I don't care to watch for sensual enjoyment. My only enjoyment is to see them accept the role they have carved out for them in society.

Warrior| 2.4.13 @ 3:01PM

I was told last time Hillary did a split, she was stuck to the floor for an hour.

KennesawJack| 2.4.13 @ 4:07PM

I heard that, too. Is the part about Mrs. Wiener being stuck under her true?

Von Mises Jr| 2.4.13 @ 8:10PM

I heard Hillary got splinters from working the telephone pole. She wore a triple XXX G-String with enough string to lasso a bull.

Jack London| 2.4.13 @ 11:27AM

Another hateful article attacking women's healthcare. You whack-jobs never learn - you will never have a mandate for government with these endless attacks on ordinary Americans and their security in a fundamental part of human health and wellbeing.

For the record, controlling fertility and allied reproductive health issues are part of healthcare whether you like it or not. You are not free to choose what doctors and patients do. In any case, free contraception only applies to cheap generics if they are appropriate. Co-pays can still be charged on branded drugs if a generic is available.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 12:30PM

Gee, Jack, after seeing the picture of Kathleen Sebelius standing beside the POTUS, and reading your post, I was reminded of Tammy Wynette and her signature hit “Stand By Your Man”. I’ve updated it a bit for the Metrosexual-in-chief:

Sometimes it's hard to be Obama
Giving all his hope to change our land
We now have bad times
While he’s having good times
Doing things no one can understand
But you voted for him now you got him
Even though he's hard to understand
you got free health care to not do so ain’t fair
Cause after all he's your Obam

Stand by Obam
Give up the arms you cling to
Or DHS will take you
where nights are cold and lonely

Stand by Obam
He’ll give you free birth control
to give away the love you can
Stand by your Obam

Stand by Obam
He wants the world to love him
You better, too, or you’ll be banned
Stand by Obam

Jack London| 2.4.13 @ 1:15PM

Poor Albert. You just hate being in enlightened times.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 1:20PM

That's why I spoof you with the classics and oldies, Jack. I am not enlightened enough to do a contemporary parody.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 1:46PM

Maybe you're just not Stupid Enough to speak at his level?

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 1:47PM

And, The Contest is over, bye the way.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 1:49PM

"Enlightened Times".

We are so screwed.

Jack London| 2.4.13 @ 1:55PM

At least you're honest, Albert. It is though 2013 not 1913. Although in 1913 you would really have erupted, as that was the year we got the federal income tax.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 2:19PM

At least your math is bad, Jack. Stand By Your Man was a hit in 1968, not 1913 (the same year that Obama friend and confidant Bill Ayers was leading the Weather Undergound in its terrorist assault on the US and its institutions), and continues to be a beloved hit today (Which, like the Constitution, is what makes it a classic). Therefore, both are still highly relevant, except, apparently, for the enlightened.

CJW| 2.4.13 @ 3:10PM

I thought 'Stand by your man" was Hillary's favorite song.

John Navratil| 2.4.13 @ 3:32PM

That was 'Stained by your man'

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 3:40PM

Actually, that was Monica Lewinsky's version...

Pecos Pete| 2.4.13 @ 2:08PM

Snap! x 4.

Albert Constantine Jr.| 2.4.13 @ 2:22PM

Gracias, Senor Pedro.

Warrior| 2.4.13 @ 3:03PM

The snaps are making me wonder whether we are having Pavlovian type respones to contest type entries. Not the Pecos is a dog...then again...

Pecos Pete| 2.4.13 @ 7:16PM

Warrior: Nope, I'm not a dog. Maybe a butterfly.

KennesawJack| 2.4.13 @ 4:10PM

At least x 4. Maybe more.

Goldwater Girl| 2.4.13 @ 4:22PM

Excellent AC! This is one of my favorite Tammy songs. My other one is Your Good Girl is Gonna go Bad. I even learned to like the taste of whiskey!

holmegm| 2.4.13 @ 12:44PM

"For the record, controlling fertility and allied reproductive health issues are part of healthcare whether you like it or not."

Only in the same elective sense that boob jobs are. Fertility is not a disease or a disorder.

"In any case, free contraception only applies to cheap generics if they are appropriate."

Oh, I see. The magic unicorns will be pleased that they only have to pay for generics.

How does that change what the article is about? If neither the employer nor the employee is paying, then who is?

Jack London| 2.4.13 @ 1:12PM

"Only in the same elective sense that boob jobs are. Fertility is not a disease or a disorder."

Having consultations and prescriptions for the best contraceptive approach (implants, IUD, appropriate pill, health status monitoring) over many years is not like 'a boob job, and denies the huge personal and societal advantages that access to the best contraception for any woman can bring.

"If neither the employer nor the employee is paying, then who is?"

They are paying through insurance contributions, and through taxes. That's what being in a modern society and economy is all about despite the pathetic bleatings of people like you to turn the clock back.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 1:54PM

Please enlighten the rest of us, Jackass from London.

Why should we have to pay Whores, to Whore around the town, whenever they get the urge?

Sould everyone pay for my Coke, my Dirty Movie, and my Hand Lotion, should I get the urge?

Isn't that a Health Care Issue?

This would keep me from trolling around for Hookers to get me off, and maybe get a disease.

Right?

I'll wait.

TLP| 2.4.13 @ 3:24PM

I'm still Waiting.

Job| 2.4.13 @ 4:35PM

If neither the employer nor the employee is paying, then who is?

thats easy, its just like when a proctologist is giving you a free exam and you notice he has one hand on each shoulder so:

If "neither the left hand nor the right hand is assessing your prostate, then who is.

Is is free? no. who's paying? You are.

Cat Shot| 2.4.13 @ 11:36AM

Purp, you say, "It's also amazing that the Conservatives that believe in the Rule of Law are okay breaking it if THEY think it's okay. Since when can you decide what laws you will honor and which you won't?"
How do you square this with your approval of Obama/Holder/Napolitano and their selective enforcement/violation of laws?

Kurt NY| 2.4.13 @ 1:31PM

As offensive as the religious requirement is, the real problem is in the entire concept of setting minimum health care policy requirements. It is estimated that half of the uninsured the ACA was supposed to benefit could afford to buy health insurance but choose not to, opting to spend their money elsewhere. Many of those are young people who have made the reasonable assumption that they are willing to take the small risk of illness and not get insurance.

In their case, their interests would be far better served by minimal policies protecting only against real disaster, which would essentially only kick in should medical expenses reach life changing proportions. They would get the coverage they need for reasonable cost.

Instead, by mandating all kinds of minimum coverages (greatly determined by lobbying by interest groups), the very people the bill was supposed to help are those most hurt as they have expenses for something they don't need placed on them.

John Navratil| 2.4.13 @ 5:06PM

Kurt NY,

Bingo! If you want to rein in costs, you have to get the third man out of the room. If we can't get 95% of the transactions back to fee for service, we are forever going to have the government going to the doctor with us.

Fee-for-service, MSAs and major-medical! If you are getting your medical care for free, you are paying too much for it.

Rhoetus| 2.5.13 @ 9:25PM

We are all farm-animals now.