Health bill lawsuits are going nowhere

[harun]

The lawsuit claims that it compels the states to enforce the federal law or to operate exchanges that would make health insurance available to consumers. Section 1321 gives states the choice of doing so or not, and if states elect not to do so, the federal government will enforce the law and operate the exchange in the state.

No state has to do anything, except make its choice known to the federal government. Moreover, section 1333 of the act allows states to apply for a waiver to take a completely different approach to covering their residents if they have a better idea.

The complaint also attacks the provisions of the law that provide Medicaid coverage for all Americans whose income is under 133 percent of the poverty level. These Medicaid expansions are not effective until 2014, and the federal government pays the entire cost until 2017, after which the state's share gradually increases to 10 percent by 2020.

It is hard to understand how the states are harmed in any way by the billions of dollars the Medicaid expansions will pour into their states to cover millions of their residents, many of whom would otherwise be treated by providers without compensation. But in any event, states can simply opt out of Medicaid if they choose not to participate.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/24/jost.health.bill.challenges/index.html?hpt=T2

[veganlush]

1. I just called the AG from my state, Michigan,

..I left the message that I don't appreciate him embarrassing my home state with his wrong-headed attack on the national health care bill. I pointed out that Michigan is not some flat-earth red state. I told him, in my message, that I thought the move would backfire and HURT, rather than help, his gubernatorial bid, which is what this is all about, not some principled stand on anything.

[harun]

2. I need to call mine in PA and do the same.

[veganlush]

3. yes, i think the circumstances are simular too..

...a Democratic Governor and Repugnant AG who is intending to run for Governor of PA?

[veganlush]

4. btw, here's his number if you need it....

Phone:
717-787-3391

Fax:
717-787-8242

[daa]

5. The federal government pays on average

57% the cost of Medicaid so where do you think the states will get the money? Maybe they will have to fire your kids teacher? Its not hard to see how they will be harmed at all.

[Kirbster]

6. Does the concept of tort reform only apply...

to undeserving commoners suing corporations? Don't state Attorneys General using taxpayer money to pursue politically motivated lawsuits against the federal government count as "frivolous"?