Democrats are fighting to ensure that 40 million + uninsured Americans get health care coverage

[ProSense]

HEALTH REFORM AT A GLANCE:THE HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE (PDF)

America’s Affordable Health Choices Act will reform the insurance marketplace to ensure that everyone can purchase quality, affordable health insurance coverage. A critical piece is a new Health Insurance Exchange (Exchange) for individuals and businesses to allow them to comparison shop for coverage. This Exchange will revolutionize health care choices and will help reduce the growth in health care spending by encouraging competition on price and quality, not benefit manipulation or efforts to exclude needy patients. Recognizing that many businesses want to continue providing their own health coverage as they do today, business participation in the Exchange is simply a new option for those that are eligible – no business is required to enter.

HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE:
ABILITY TO COMPARISON SHOP

• Give people the ability to choose from a variety of plans — including a new public health insurance option.
  
• Provide standardized benefit packages so that people will be able to comparison shop and make informed choices based on cost and quality.
  
• Plans compete locally—so small plans and national plans have an equal opportunity to offer coverage.

AFFORDABILITY (SEE FACT SHEET “MAKING COVERAGE AFFORDABLE” FOR MORE DETAILS)

• To ensure that health care is affordable to people of all incomes, new affordability credits will be available for people purchasing through the Exchange. They will assist people with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level ($43,000 for individuals or $88,000 for families of four) and phase-out on a sliding scale basis.
  
• Includes a cap on premiums and out-of-pocket spending. Regardless of income, everyone will be protected, so no one will face bankruptcy due to medical expenses.

TRANSPARENCY

• Bring transparency to the health care marketplace, so that families know what benefits their plan covers and what it will cost them.
  
• Require plans to explain their coverage in plain language, so that consumers can make informed choices about their medical care.

STANDARDIZED BENEFITS (SEE FACT SHEET “BENEFITS” FOR DETAILS)

• Allow consumers to choose coverage among several standard benefit packages.
  
• Provide comprehensive health care services with different levels of cost sharing.
  
• Include a Premium Plus plan through which people will have options to purchase coverage for additional health care benefits that are not included in the core benefit standards.

ADVANTAGES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

• Health Insurance Exchange is opened to small employers first (those with 10 or fewer employees in the first year, and 20 or fewer in the second year) and to larger employers over time.
  
• Offers opportunity to small employers through the Exchange to provide their employees with broad choices for coverage and to be able to eliminate the administrative costs of maintaining their own health plan contracts.

[Cleita]

1. All I can say is, corporate health care gets the gold mine and

the average American gets the shaft.

[ProSense]

2. Everyone has an opinion

then there are the facts. See the OP.

[Cleita]

6. I read the facts as you presented them and they suck!

But I don't care at this point. I do have Medicare and I don't have to worry. I would like everyone to have as good as I have, but if you are willing to be led down this path by the ring in your nose well I will say I told you so when the scales fall from your eyes and you can see you have been had. We can get decent health care reform in this country but you will have to educate yourself and fight for it. This package is not the cure.

[ProSense]

8. Thanks for elaborating.

"This package is not the cure."

For the millions of Americans who currently have no coverage and those losing their life saving to medical bills, it certainly is.

[Cleita]

15. Therein lies the problem, it will not help those who need it most.

They will still have to spend down their assets to qualify for assistance, once they are no longer able to work. There really is very little change in this plan at all. Maybe it will make the insurance companies do more, but that's about it. All they have done is update what we already have, like raising the ceiling to qualify for govt. assistance. They will still be dealing with the insurance company bean counters. Doctors will get no relief on the myriad and byzantine paper work demanded by the insurers and trying to get procedures approved.

I say phooey.

[ProSense]

21. Wrong. n/t

[Cleita]

25. Wrong. n/t? Can't you back your statements up a little with

some information?

[Occam Bandage]

3. Maybe if you read more, you could say more too. nt

[Cleita]

5. Dear Occam, you and I seldom agree on anything but to infer that

I need to read more on this issue only points to your own ignorance on this. I have already read all 1000 or so pages of House bill HR 3200, which is the one Nancy Pelosi will bring up for a vote. I have also read HR676 which Nancy Pelosi, I'm certain won't, because she has rejected it in the past. It is the health care reform that makes sense. HR 3200 is a big capitulation to the industries that brought us to the point of crisis that we are at today.

So put a sock in it.

[IndianaGreen]

7. HR676, Medicare for all, is REAL REFORM, the rest is crap!

Health Insurance Reform… we’ve been talking about it for over fifty years now but the situation just keeps getting worse with each passing year. Premiums continue to increase and benefits continue to diminish as corporate profits continue to dominate as the primary objective. Even the new progressive administration in Washington D.C. proposes yet another convoluted hybrid plan that will do little if anything to relieve our health care system of the $660 Billion dollar annual burden of obscene corporate profits, grotesque CEO salaries and the administrative nightmare caused by the existence of over 1200 competing insurance company systems.

At the very same time, few Americans are aware that there is a bill in Congress RIGHT NOW that will change all that and actually create a single-payer national health insurance system for all in the United States simply by expanding and improving Medicare, one of the best and most efficient medical managements systems in the world. This new improved and expanded Medicare will cover everybody and everything including prescription drugs, dental care, nursing home care and much, much more at prices that we can all afford. There will be no more expensive co-pays or deductibles. Exclusions for pre-existing conditions will be a thing of the past. No American will ever again be forced into bankruptcy because of health care debt. The bill is called House Resolution (H.R.) 676. It's what we've all been waiting for and if we all join hands and get behind it, IT WILL PASS!

It’s great that so many organizations have sprung up over the past several years to support the cause of national health insurance for all but nevertheless it seems clear that in the face of the overwhelming power of the private health insurance industry that there is no moral argument powerful enough to loosen their grip on the system itself or on our political institutions that, for whatever reason choose to continue to support them. Accordingly, a real single-payer health care system can never become a reality in this country until tens of millions of Americans are somehow motivated to participate in this struggle. Meanwhile, even though H.R. 676 was first proposed back in 2003, almost nobody outside of a somewhat esoteric circle of politically minded people is remotely aware that it even exists. Stand on any street corner in any city or town in America and ask the first 100, 500, 1000 or even 10,000 people that walk by what they know about H.R. 676 and you will see what I mean. The silence will be deafening! This MUST change, and soon, if there is to be any hope of achieving the ultimate success!

Of course there are many outstanding and excellent organizations working for this cause besides ours and they do a tremendous job in providing organizational efforts and informational resources to many, many thousands. We believe however that the job calls for reaching out to literally millions in a way that only professional media advertising can do and that is what WE are all about. If you agree with this assessment and you are committed to helping make this dream a reality, as are we, then please help or contribute to this effort by supporting HR676.org, Inc. in any way that you can.

That’s where we come in. Here at HR676.org, Inc., the Citizens Alliance for National Health Insurance, our sole purpose is to raise the funds necessary to finance an ongoing national media campaign to inform everyone in America that this bill exists and to make them aware of the tremendous benefits that it will bring to our people when it is finally passed. Now for sure, the big national health insurance corporations will do everything they can to prevent the passage of this bill. But we are confident that once the word gets out to the people about H. R. 676, a tidal wave of popular support will rise up that will all but guarantee its passage.

http://www.hr676.org/

[kath]

11. Thanks, IG. You're right - the other bills are NOT real reform.

They're just protection and huge handouts for the fuckin' bloodsucking insurance companies.

[ProSense]

12. Until it passes, HR676 is a concept, like all the other bills, only with less support.

Support maybe building for it, but the millions of Americans who need coverage now, can't wait around. Get them covered, in a public plan, and the next steps will be easier to make.

[IndianaGreen]

14. HR676 is Medicare for all--or haven't you heard?

Ironic that the same people that defend Medicare will deny it to everyone else.

[Cleita]

16. It has the support of 70% of the American public and 80% of medical

professionals. The only support it doesn't have is from those who benefit from the system, like the insurance companies, HMOs and Wall Street and some ignorant tea baggers who belong in a padded cell as far as I'm concerned.

[CTLawGuy]

17. then why didn't 70% of the people elect 70% of the representatives who support it

?

[ProSense]

18. Or Kucinich? n/t

[Cleita]

23. I was a Kucinich supporter. He was systematically shoved out of the way

in debates, in air time and many other ways until he had to drop out of the race. Amy Goodman had him on her program and asked him the same questions to answer that were asked at a debate he was not allowed to participate in. The problem is that his answers didn't get nationwide coverage like they would have if he could have debated. So the fix was already in to shove him out of the way back then. If you paid attention you would have seen all this chicanery going on.

[Cleita]

19. I think they did like in Montana.

I'm sure the Montanans who voted for Senator Baucus probably didn't realize until now that he's owned by the corporate insurance industry.

[IndianaGreen]

4. Not Evan Bayh! Bayh is owned by Wellpoint, Lilly and Anthem.

"As the debate unfolds, I support fiscally sound reform built on our current health care system that aims to provide Americans with affordable health care."

-- Senator Bayh

Talk about careful wording, this is a complete non-statement other than to ensure that he doesn't have to do anything. I remind our readers that Bayh is in the pocket of corporations like Lilly, Wellpoint, and Anthem.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
[phone]
Russell 131
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear (REDACTED):

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and understand your concerns.

The rising cost of health care and the growing number of uninsured Americans has highlighted the critical need for health care reform. Many individuals and families are unable to receive vital health services under the structure of the current system. I receive letters from constituents on a wide range of health care issues, such as prescription drug affordability, tax credits for health care expenses, and coverage of college students. Please know that I am aware of these challenges and committed to improving access to affordable health care and addressing the needs of those who are uninsured.

Earlier this year, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 was enacted to insure 11 million more children. The legislation included pediatric quality provisions from the Children's Health Care Quality Act (S. 225) that I introduced to address the urgent need to resolve quality care issues widespread in children's health care practices and make publicly available information on the quality of health care provided to children. I have fought successfully for the return of over $150 million in promised federal funds to Indiana to finance health insurance for lower-income Hoosier children. Most recently, I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which was enacted on February 17, 2009. Aimed at creating or saving 3.5 million good-paying jobs nationwide through 2010, the economic recovery package also provides Indiana with an estimated $1.4 billion in additional targeted federal matching funds to prevent Medicaid eligibility cuts and to maintain services.

The economy is an important issue to Americans, and we cannot address the economy without talking about health care. A growing threat to our economy is the skyrocketing cost of health care. The U.S. system is the world's costliest; the country spends some $2.4 trillion a year on health care. An estimated 46 million people are uninsured, and many others lack adequate insurance. Businesses also find themselves in a challenging position to continue to provide health care insurance for their employees. Our priority should be to fix the system as we know it, to ensure that there is access to good, quality health care for Americans.

While we are in the early stages of the debate on health care reform, there are many questions regarding the role of the private and public sector. Due to increasing co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs, many are calling for insurance regulation. Advances in health information technology are also being discussed, as electronic medical records could significantly reduce administrative costs. However, there are serious privacy and security concerns. Accountability measures such as patient notifications and patient control of personal health information must be explored in order to ensure adequate privacy protections.

As the debate unfolds, I support fiscally sound reform built on our current health care system that aims to provide Americans with affordable health care. Rest assured that I will keep your concerns in mind as the debate continues. I will continue to do my best to achieve solvent, bipartisan solutions that provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to as many Americans as possible.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about my work in the Senate, including legislation and state projects. You can also sign up for occasional email updates. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues that matter to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
[phone]
Russell 131
Washington, D.C. 20510

Friday, December 15, 2006

The WellPoint Connection: Bayh, Bush, Hubbard

Last week Presidential hopeful Senator Evan Bayh-D, Indiana encouraged his party not to become “ideological” in its pursuit of new policies for America. With recent feedback from the electorate via mid-term elections and a recent poll on healthcare, I decided to dive into Senator Bayh’s “practical vs. ideological” concerns.

88% of Americans support employers expanding health coverage
61% support the government providing coverage to all people

Evan’s website clearly states his healthcare position. “Everyone should have access to quality, affordable health insurance, and I will continue fighting to make this goal a reality”. Senator Bayh skipped access to high quality, affordable health care and jumped straight to the financing mechanism. Conspicuously absent is any mention of health care provider’s burden of caring for the uninsured, however he clearly states the burden on small employers in providing insurance.

Yesterday, the news reported on a “Universal Coverage” Plan proposed by Senator Ron Wyden-D, Oregon. A prominent feature is the shifting of responsibility for health insurance to the individual. All citizens would have to buy insurance through private plans.

In researching the evolution of U.S. health policy and its turn toward favoring private insurers, I ran across a strong WellPoint connection. Al Hubbard, President Bush’s chief economic advisor served on the board of WellPoint before his appointment. President Bush’s Uncle Bucky still provides governance to the company alongside Susan Bayh, the wife of the aforementioned Senator Evan Bayh. While no bios indicate the connection, two pictures do. Is this the same lady as that?

How might Susan Bayh’s board position at WellPoint influence her husband’s healthcare stands? According to SEC documents, Mrs. Bayh received $82,352 and 3,780 shares of stock for her board service in 2005. That is nearly half of her husband’s annual salary for serving in the Senate. However, in addition board members receive stock option grants which may be exercised for a profit.

http://stateofthedivision.blogspot.com/2006/12/wellpoin...

[kath]

9. No business is required to enter" -- i.e. many people will be stuck w/ the same crappy, expensive

insurance plans they have now.
Looks like a very sloooooooooww phase-in. Many will be left uncovered (or stuck in terrible plans) for many years.
And the caps on premiums and out-of-pocket spending will have many Americans still spending at least 8-10 times what the Canadians spend.

Disgusting.

[ProSense]

10. Right,

because they will opt out just to keep paying high insurance cost. Ever heard of competition?

[IndianaGreen]

13. Real competition would, at a minimum, allow for a public option

What you are defending is a corporate monopoly!

[ProSense]

20. Yes, that is why there is a public option. n/t

[IndianaGreen]

22. which DLC Democrats are currently ditching

or haven't you been keeping up with the news lately.

[Cleita]

24. The public option that is shaping up is a candy store for the insurance

companies. Instead of a government administered program, people will be given subsidies on a sliding scale to BUY insurance from one of the "privateer" insurers or HMOs. Your tax dollars will essentially give them corporate welfare.

[ProSense]

27. So says you. n/t

[RC]

26. The only real answer to fix the health insurance problems we face is to

get the health insurance companies out of the health insurance business. Single payer, universal coverage as Canada has. Let the health insurance companies do the mop up coverage and let them cover those that think private coverage is better, cheaper, whatever.
Anything else is just business as usual behind a facade and nothing really would change except that more people would end up paying for insurance that they really don't have - just like we have now.

You want health insurance companies to handle it all? Then we need to start cleaning the health insurance companies up by throwing Board Of Directors and upper management in prison for fraud, theft, graft, collusion... It is bad enough that RICO should have kicked in a long time ago.

[bvar22]

28. How do you get 40 Million uninsured covered?

Force them to BUY Health Insurance.


How do you solve the Homeless Problem?
Force them to buy houses!


SEE?
Problem Solved!
YAY!