It looks like the pendulum is finally swinging for Health Care "reform"

[Oregone]

There are 3 big news items today regarding health care, which makes me think the status quo will be changed (or at least perceptually so). But does the pendulum swing in just a two-dimensional plane, or does it swing across the board into territory that may not in fact address the problem or the real solution, that being, single payer (a push that has resulted in 50 years of failure thus far):

Insurers Make Pitch For Health Coverage Mandate
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3609406

Ted Kennedy asks Hillary Clinton to head Senate healthcare team
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3608937

Obama Taps Daschle for HHS (Health and Human Services secretary)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3609174

So, at the same time that the insurance industry is requested the government force everyone to buy their shitty private plans, Hillary (who promotes much the same idea), is being offered a chance to implement it working besides Kennedy of all people. Instead of Dr. Dean, a vocal single payer advocate, getting the HHS position, its given to someone who is either the most spineless Democrat in history, or one that agreed and followed lockstep with some of the most radical right-wing legislation this country has seen in decades.

I will eat crow if the US has a single payer, Universal Health insurance or care system in place in the next decade. My 8-Ball says it Looks Unlikely. I have a feeling something is in the works here (something about compromise), and that in the long run, its not going to address the long term issue plaguing the US.

[Robbien]

1. "Reform" is being to look the same under Dems as it did under GOPers

"Reform" is a dirty word meaning Chamber of Commerce types go home happy while we taxpayers have less than what we had before, both in services and in money.

[sandnsea]

2. Nobody ever promised single payer healthcare

It will not pass. We couldn't even get it voted in here in Oregon. I have subsidized insurance and it is a huge relief, even though I still have medical bills I can't afford to pay. At least I can see any doctor for any illness and that is wonderful.

[Oregone]

5. Regardless

This direction that I am predicting (perhaps inaccurately) will only suffice to create a perceptual illusion of a "change" while still leaving the plagued system in place. To me, that isn't change. Its status quo, and mandating coverage is just going to entrench private providers further.

[sandnsea]

8. I don't support mandated coverage

but I do support the rest of Obama's health plan to get people to start looking at what is affordable in terms of a universal health care plan. I think the problem of health care lies in $500 doctor visits as much as the insurance companies.

[Cleita]

3. I'm disappointed. It will be more bonanza for the health care industry with

our tax dollars and not much health care for us or decent fees for the health care providers. What I see coming down the line is doctors and hospitals demanding cash up front and refusing to partake in any insurance or HMO programs even if they are backed by government lucre. I'm working for a doctor right now who is doing that. If the insurers and for profit HMOs aren't cut out of a single payer universal system we will get a big bloated inefficient system that won't fix the problem and will get the country further into debt.

[sandnsea]

4. Oh, and Howard Dean did not promote single payer

He proposed a federal plan that everybody can buy into, just like John Kerry, Hillary and Obama proposed.

[Oregone]

7. Gotcha...

Been so long perhaps I forgot. I remember Universal Health Care was a major component to his stump speeches.

Your prediction: do you think that will really happen? Really? (Im talking about a federal plan)

[Fumesucker]

6. "I can envision a day when you have to show proof insurance at the job interview"..

-Hillary Clinton, slightly paraphrased..

I'd be willing to wager a small sum that rancid idea will rear its grotesque head again fairly shortly.