Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

[Guest guest]

An excellent analysis. Medicare and Medicaid are a mess. That camel

is all the way in the tent. You would have to shoot it to get it

out. That would be a bloody mess!

I find it very interesting that there is no real effort to determine

what all the cost elements are in the health care system. Sure, it's

easy to say that hospital costs are too high or too much is being

spent on the elderly in the last year of their lives. But what is

the real cost in terms of doctors, nursing, hospitals, medications,

etc. And in each case, what part is labor, raw materials, research,

development, manufacturing, insurance, profit, etc? Which parts are

increasing and by how much? It is difficult to control something

about which you have absolutely no knowledge!

Dick

At 09:50 AM 8/15/2009, you wrote:

>

>

> From a purely libertarian standpoint, yes they are broken down. If it

>requires taxpayer subsidy to operate, it's broken. Bottom line is, if

>people feel something is valuable enough, they'll be willing to pay for

>it. Now, if they continually vote for the tax renewal, I suppose you

>could say that the populace is indeed willing to pay for it. Well, 51%

>of them, at least.

>

>And I don't know where YOU live, but veterans where I live already get

>free health care through the VA system. Of course in this case, " free "

>is worth exactly what you pay for it. Then again, the VA is the only

>model we have for how government-run socialized medicine will work,

>which is reason enough for me to run screaming in the other direction.

>We already have government-mandated health care in this country, our own

>little model of socialized medicine we can look to for clues. It's

>called EMTALA.

>

>Raise your hands if you think that even 50% of ER patients actually need

>to be in an emergency room.

>

>Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

>

>And I know of VERY few elderly people who are uninsured. Most either

>have Medicare or Medicaid. In the case of Medicaid, the user has no

>co-pay, no deductible, no financial skin in the game, and usually not

>even tax dollars. In fact, they may even get a cash payout of OUR tax

>dollars in the form of Earned Income Credit. Having no skin in the game,

>there is ZERO incentive to use it wisely - which leads to rampant abuse.

>Most of the uninsured in this country are the working poor, or the young

>and healthy who think they don't need insurance - and for the most part,

>these young and healthy aren't that much of a burden to the system.

>

>Raise your hands here if you've never picked up a Medicaid recipient

>wanting a free pregnancy test, or someone who games the system to get a

>ride across town, or who uses the ER as their 24 hour free clinic.

>

>Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

>

>Medicaid will NEVER be utilized appropriately by the vast numbers of

>recipients until they have to make the same decisions that privately

>insured citizens have to make: " Is this ER visit or doctor's appointment

>worth my grocery bill/cable bill/phone bill/disposable income it will

>cost in terms of my co-pay? "

>

>And yes, I talk tough. Bottom line is, you think health care is a right.

>

>I don't.

>

>Health care is a *commodity.* If it were a right, that means EVERYONE

>should have it provided for them, without regard for compensation. That

>means someone has to provide that health care, and that's where the

>argument that health care is a human right breaks down. Because frankly,

>your rights end where mine begin, and *I* have a right to be paid for my

>work, and to let the market determine the worth of the service I provide.

>

>What NONE of the politicians in this issue have told us - because they

>can't - is how expanding coverage to millions more people is going to

>make costs and use of the benefits go DOWN. It won't. One of two things

>will happen - either expenses WILL soar and reimbursement to individual

>medical providers (like EMS, doctors, hospitals, etc.) will be cut, or

>they WILL ration care. This is economic fact, not Republican or

>Democratic rhetoric. And when they start rationing care, the most

>obvious place to start is for those elderly patients you're so concerned

>about. 25% of Medicare dollars are spent on patients in their last year

>of life. The Democrats say that the elderly won't have their benefits

>cut, and right now I believe they are sincere when they say so.

>

>I also believe that once the camel's nose is under the tent in regards

>to the government determining the level of care someone will be

>provided, that promise will go right out the window. It always does when

>politicians promising the moon and the stars for votes get smacked right

>in the face with cold, hard reality.

[Guest guest]

An excellent analysis. Medicare and Medicaid are a mess. That camel

is all the way in the tent. You would have to shoot it to get it

out. That would be a bloody mess!

I find it very interesting that there is no real effort to determine

what all the cost elements are in the health care system. Sure, it's

easy to say that hospital costs are too high or too much is being

spent on the elderly in the last year of their lives. But what is

the real cost in terms of doctors, nursing, hospitals, medications,

etc. And in each case, what part is labor, raw materials, research,

development, manufacturing, insurance, profit, etc? Which parts are

increasing and by how much? It is difficult to control something

about which you have absolutely no knowledge!

Dick

At 09:50 AM 8/15/2009, you wrote:

>

>

> From a purely libertarian standpoint, yes they are broken down. If it

>requires taxpayer subsidy to operate, it's broken. Bottom line is, if

>people feel something is valuable enough, they'll be willing to pay for

>it. Now, if they continually vote for the tax renewal, I suppose you

>could say that the populace is indeed willing to pay for it. Well, 51%

>of them, at least.

>

>And I don't know where YOU live, but veterans where I live already get

>free health care through the VA system. Of course in this case, " free "

>is worth exactly what you pay for it. Then again, the VA is the only

>model we have for how government-run socialized medicine will work,

>which is reason enough for me to run screaming in the other direction.

>We already have government-mandated health care in this country, our own

>little model of socialized medicine we can look to for clues. It's

>called EMTALA.

>

>Raise your hands if you think that even 50% of ER patients actually need

>to be in an emergency room.

>

>Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

>

>And I know of VERY few elderly people who are uninsured. Most either

>have Medicare or Medicaid. In the case of Medicaid, the user has no

>co-pay, no deductible, no financial skin in the game, and usually not

>even tax dollars. In fact, they may even get a cash payout of OUR tax

>dollars in the form of Earned Income Credit. Having no skin in the game,

>there is ZERO incentive to use it wisely - which leads to rampant abuse.

>Most of the uninsured in this country are the working poor, or the young

>and healthy who think they don't need insurance - and for the most part,

>these young and healthy aren't that much of a burden to the system.

>

>Raise your hands here if you've never picked up a Medicaid recipient

>wanting a free pregnancy test, or someone who games the system to get a

>ride across town, or who uses the ER as their 24 hour free clinic.

>

>Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

>

>Medicaid will NEVER be utilized appropriately by the vast numbers of

>recipients until they have to make the same decisions that privately

>insured citizens have to make: " Is this ER visit or doctor's appointment

>worth my grocery bill/cable bill/phone bill/disposable income it will

>cost in terms of my co-pay? "

>

>And yes, I talk tough. Bottom line is, you think health care is a right.

>

>I don't.

>

>Health care is a *commodity.* If it were a right, that means EVERYONE

>should have it provided for them, without regard for compensation. That

>means someone has to provide that health care, and that's where the

>argument that health care is a human right breaks down. Because frankly,

>your rights end where mine begin, and *I* have a right to be paid for my

>work, and to let the market determine the worth of the service I provide.

>

>What NONE of the politicians in this issue have told us - because they

>can't - is how expanding coverage to millions more people is going to

>make costs and use of the benefits go DOWN. It won't. One of two things

>will happen - either expenses WILL soar and reimbursement to individual

>medical providers (like EMS, doctors, hospitals, etc.) will be cut, or

>they WILL ration care. This is economic fact, not Republican or

>Democratic rhetoric. And when they start rationing care, the most

>obvious place to start is for those elderly patients you're so concerned

>about. 25% of Medicare dollars are spent on patients in their last year

>of life. The Democrats say that the elderly won't have their benefits

>cut, and right now I believe they are sincere when they say so.

>

>I also believe that once the camel's nose is under the tent in regards

>to the government determining the level of care someone will be

>provided, that promise will go right out the window. It always does when

>politicians promising the moon and the stars for votes get smacked right

>in the face with cold, hard reality.

[Guest guest]

I will agree 100% with that, it doesnt need to be cured today

I`m all for a new way of healthcare but agree it doesn't need to be a

rash poorly put together deal. Besides what`s Obama gonna do with the

next 3 years if he solves all our problems now lol (i`m totally

kidding of course)

-Chris

> What I see is hyperbole. Just like " We must pass this NOW, don't

> bother with the particulars, or the world will end. " . Wasn't true

> with global warming, wasn't true with the stimulus, and isn't true

> with health care reform. Keep running, Chicken Little.

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

> Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> Person

>

>

> I can tell your one of the proud Texans that we rank 48th or 49th

> for Child Care. Why don't we put a sign up at the state line saying

> this and we can be real proud, but the state line isn't between

> Tyler and Abilene. You couldn't see it could you? So I'll take the

> sarcasm in stride while children are in homes and on the street

> homeless and sick, but I'm also pretty sure you didn't stop at a

> homeless shelter to volunteer to even take a blood pressure for one

> of them or look at the ribs sticking out from illness and hunger.

> You can make fun about, or join those of us who LOVE children and

> WON " T stand by can settle to be 48 or 49th that your seem to be so

> proud of. I guess you just assume the child predators can protect

> them also. I can really see you care about children " NOT " .

> Ron

> 8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I will agree 100% with that, it doesnt need to be cured today

I`m all for a new way of healthcare but agree it doesn't need to be a

rash poorly put together deal. Besides what`s Obama gonna do with the

next 3 years if he solves all our problems now lol (i`m totally

kidding of course)

-Chris

> What I see is hyperbole. Just like " We must pass this NOW, don't

> bother with the particulars, or the world will end. " . Wasn't true

> with global warming, wasn't true with the stimulus, and isn't true

> with health care reform. Keep running, Chicken Little.

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

> Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> Person

>

>

> I can tell your one of the proud Texans that we rank 48th or 49th

> for Child Care. Why don't we put a sign up at the state line saying

> this and we can be real proud, but the state line isn't between

> Tyler and Abilene. You couldn't see it could you? So I'll take the

> sarcasm in stride while children are in homes and on the street

> homeless and sick, but I'm also pretty sure you didn't stop at a

> homeless shelter to volunteer to even take a blood pressure for one

> of them or look at the ribs sticking out from illness and hunger.

> You can make fun about, or join those of us who LOVE children and

> WON " T stand by can settle to be 48 or 49th that your seem to be so

> proud of. I guess you just assume the child predators can protect

> them also. I can really see you care about children " NOT " .

> Ron

> 8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I heard someone point out (I don't remember who) that medicine may

not be a very good place for insurance. With your car, you buy

insurance in case you have an accident - you betting you will, the

company betting you won't. By far the majority of us don't. But,

how many people do you know who've never been sick. And the older

the car, the more that goes wrong with it. Ever wonder why you can't

buy auto repair insurance for old cars?!

Dick

At 12:07 PM 8/15/2009, you wrote:

>

>

> " And when they start rationing care "

>

>They already do ration care based on what you can pay my insurance

>company gives me an allowance of how many times I can refill

>medications or go see my Dr. for out patient care per month, isn't

>that rationing care?

>

> " Health care is a *commodity.* "

>

>This is the sole reason for this discussion! There is no regulation

>on what can be charged for procedures, insurance companies,

>pharmaceutical companies etc. charge what they want without regard

>for the customer they serve. Are medications really worth $750 a pill

>because they are in demand? To me that is absolutely false care

>should not be based on consumer demand. Now I am all for people

>making money and I am more than willing to pay for healthcare, but

>insurance companies are being allowed to quite frankly do whatever

>they want. We are paying into these companies " incase " something

>happens then when it does insurance companies are refusing to cover

>that very 'incase. " They actually employee researchers to deny to

>coverage for things like cancer, calling it a preventable illness.

>Its funny I have never had trouble with my car insurance, I hit a deer

>a few years ago and never once heard the term pre-existing, or

>preventable, in fact, when they asked if I was hurt and I told them no

>they still sent me a check to get care " incase " I decided to have a

>checkup at my Dr. I even got a call from them a few months later

>inquiring whether I had any lasting injury or if I needed any

>reimbursement for medical care from the accident.

>

>If you have ever heard the stand-up of Rock he does a bit about

>curing illness he says " they ain`t gonna ever cure AIDS money Ain`t

>in the cure it`s in the treatment, they gonna find a way for you to

>live with AIDS so they can keep getting your money. " thats a sad

>prospect but I think is right, and in that scenario then NO they

>do not deserve to be paid huge amounts for the job they are doing,

>because it`s half ass! (now of course that is not absolute fact, as

>it would be hard to prove but its something to think about)

>

>In short i just don`t believe that supply and demand has a place in

>healthcare, everyone deserves to have good affordable healthcare

>regardless of their income.

>

>-Chris

[Guest guest]

I heard someone point out (I don't remember who) that medicine may

not be a very good place for insurance. With your car, you buy

insurance in case you have an accident - you betting you will, the

company betting you won't. By far the majority of us don't. But,

how many people do you know who've never been sick. And the older

the car, the more that goes wrong with it. Ever wonder why you can't

buy auto repair insurance for old cars?!

Dick

At 12:07 PM 8/15/2009, you wrote:

>

>

> " And when they start rationing care "

>

>They already do ration care based on what you can pay my insurance

>company gives me an allowance of how many times I can refill

>medications or go see my Dr. for out patient care per month, isn't

>that rationing care?

>

> " Health care is a *commodity.* "

>

>This is the sole reason for this discussion! There is no regulation

>on what can be charged for procedures, insurance companies,

>pharmaceutical companies etc. charge what they want without regard

>for the customer they serve. Are medications really worth $750 a pill

>because they are in demand? To me that is absolutely false care

>should not be based on consumer demand. Now I am all for people

>making money and I am more than willing to pay for healthcare, but

>insurance companies are being allowed to quite frankly do whatever

>they want. We are paying into these companies " incase " something

>happens then when it does insurance companies are refusing to cover

>that very 'incase. " They actually employee researchers to deny to

>coverage for things like cancer, calling it a preventable illness.

>Its funny I have never had trouble with my car insurance, I hit a deer

>a few years ago and never once heard the term pre-existing, or

>preventable, in fact, when they asked if I was hurt and I told them no

>they still sent me a check to get care " incase " I decided to have a

>checkup at my Dr. I even got a call from them a few months later

>inquiring whether I had any lasting injury or if I needed any

>reimbursement for medical care from the accident.

>

>If you have ever heard the stand-up of Rock he does a bit about

>curing illness he says " they ain`t gonna ever cure AIDS money Ain`t

>in the cure it`s in the treatment, they gonna find a way for you to

>live with AIDS so they can keep getting your money. " thats a sad

>prospect but I think is right, and in that scenario then NO they

>do not deserve to be paid huge amounts for the job they are doing,

>because it`s half ass! (now of course that is not absolute fact, as

>it would be hard to prove but its something to think about)

>

>In short i just don`t believe that supply and demand has a place in

>healthcare, everyone deserves to have good affordable healthcare

>regardless of their income.

>

>-Chris

[Guest guest]

Obama will find new problems for government to " solve, " of course.

-Wes Ogilvie

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> Person

>

>

> I can tell your one of the proud Texans that we rank 48th or 49th

> for Child Care. Why don't we put a sign up at the state line saying

> this and we can be real proud, but the state line isn't between

> Tyler and Abilene. You couldn't see it could you? So I'll take the

> sarcasm in stride while children are in homes and on the street

> homeless and sick, but I'm also pretty sure you didn't stop at a

> homeless shelter to volunteer to even take a blood pressure for one

> of them or look at the ribs sticking out from illness and hunger.

> You can make fun about, or join those of us who LOVE children and

> WON " T stand by can settle to be 48 or 49th that your seem to be so

> proud of. I guess you just assume the child predators can protect

> them also. I can really see you care about children " NOT " .

> Ron

> 8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Obama will find new problems for government to " solve, " of course.

-Wes Ogilvie

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> Person

>

>

> I can tell your one of the proud Texans that we rank 48th or 49th

> for Child Care. Why don't we put a sign up at the state line saying

> this and we can be real proud, but the state line isn't between

> Tyler and Abilene. You couldn't see it could you? So I'll take the

> sarcasm in stride while children are in homes and on the street

> homeless and sick, but I'm also pretty sure you didn't stop at a

> homeless shelter to volunteer to even take a blood pressure for one

> of them or look at the ribs sticking out from illness and hunger.

> You can make fun about, or join those of us who LOVE children and

> WON " T stand by can settle to be 48 or 49th that your seem to be so

> proud of. I guess you just assume the child predators can protect

> them also. I can really see you care about children " NOT " .

> Ron

> 8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

yeah your prolly right I mean he is totally going to have to get the

guns out of political extremist EMS workers hands!!! We are a huge

threat!!

-Chris

>

> Obama will find new problems for government to " solve, " of course.

>

> -Wes Ogilvie

>

> Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> > Person

> >

> >

> > I can tell your one of the proud Texans that we rank 48th or 49th

> > for Child Care. Why don't we put a sign up at the state line saying

> > this and we can be real proud, but the state line isn't between

> > Tyler and Abilene. You couldn't see it could you? So I'll take the

> > sarcasm in stride while children are in homes and on the street

> > homeless and sick, but I'm also pretty sure you didn't stop at a

> > homeless shelter to volunteer to even take a blood pressure for one

> > of them or look at the ribs sticking out from illness and hunger.

> > You can make fun about, or join those of us who LOVE children and

> > WON " T stand by can settle to be 48 or 49th that your seem to be so

> > proud of. I guess you just assume the child predators can protect

> > them also. I can really see you care about children " NOT " .

> > Ron

> > 8 ways

> > >

> > > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> > without

> > > coverage

> > >

> > > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > > companies

> > > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> > medical

> > > history.

> > > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-

> Pays:

> > > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > > they can charge

> > > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies

> must

> > > fully

> > > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > > prevent

> > > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance

> companies

> > > will

> > > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage

> for

> > > those

> > > who become seriously ill.

> > > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> > prohibited

> > > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > > will be

> > > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > > receive.

> > > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue

> to be

> > > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > > required to

> > > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > > full.

> > > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > > someone became

> > > sick.

> > >

> > > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> > >

> > > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth

> that

> > > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > > " rationing. "

> > > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that

> are

> > > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > > It's a

> > > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > > President has

> > > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > > by cutting

> > > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

> programs;

> > > ending

> > > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency

> with

> > > such

> > > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > > term,

> > > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > > fiscal crisis.

> > > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > > malicious

> > > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > > seniors. For

> > > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > > end-of

> > > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > > difficult family

> > > decisions.

> > > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > > insurance

> > > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To

> the

> > > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > > under the VA,

> > > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > > excluded. The VA

> > > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > > veterans.

> > > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a

> myth

> > > that

> > > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the

> contrary,

> > > reform

> > > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > > help them

> > > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with

> big

> > > firms

> > > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth

> that

> > > Health

> > > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits.

> To

> > > the

> > > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > > Medicare,

> > > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > > subsidies to

> > > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut "

> hole

> > > to make

> > > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > > force you

> > > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > > To the

> > > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account:

> It is

> > > an

> > > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank

> accounts.

> > > Health

> > > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier

> and

> > > more

> > > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > > like paying

> > > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional

> check, or

> > > by a

> > > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > > will be

> > > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > > of privacy

> > > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that

> people

> > > make.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

ROFLMAO! On that we can agree, brother!

Ron Haussecker wrote:

>

> I would be happy to get the money I paid in back, but that won't happen.

> Ron

> 8 ways

> > > > >

> > > > > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> > without

> > > > > coverage

> > > > >

> > > > > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > > > > companies

> > > > > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> > medical

> > > > > history.

> > > > > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or

> Co-Pays:

> > > > > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > > > > they can charge

> > > > > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > > > > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies

> must

> > > > > fully

> > > > > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > > > > prevent

> > > > > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > > > > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance

> companies

> > > > > will

> > > > > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance

> coverage for

> > > > > those

> > > > > who become seriously ill.

> > > > > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> > prohibited

> > > > > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > > > > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > > > > will be

> > > > > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > > > > receive.

> > > > > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue

> to be

> > > > > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > > > > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > > > > required to

> > > > > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > > > > full.

> > > > > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > > > > someone became

> > > > > sick.

> > > > >

> > > > > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> > > > >

> > > > > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a

> myth that

> > > > > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > > > > " rationing. "

> > > > > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing

> that are

> > > > > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > > > > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > > > > It's a

> > > > > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > > > > President has

> > > > > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > > > > by cutting

> > > > > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

> programs;

> > > > > ending

> > > > > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

> efficiency with

> > > > > such

> > > > > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > > > > term,

> > > > > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > > > > fiscal crisis.

> > > > > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > > > > malicious

> > > > > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > > > > seniors. For

> > > > > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > > > > end-of

> > > > > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > > > > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > > > > difficult family

> > > > > decisions.

> > > > > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > > > > insurance

> > > > > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now.

> To the

> > > > > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > > > > under the VA,

> > > > > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > > > > excluded. The VA

> > > > > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > > > > veterans.

> > > > > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a

> myth

> > > > > that

> > > > > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the

> contrary,

> > > > > reform

> > > > > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > > > > help them

> > > > > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

> with big

> > > > > firms

> > > > > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > > > > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth

> that

> > > > > Health

> > > > > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare

> benefits. To

> > > > > the

> > > > > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> >

> > > > > Medicare,

> > > > > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > > > > subsidies to

> > > > > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut "

> hole

> > > > > to make

> > > > > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > > > > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > > > > force you

> > > > > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > > > > To the

> > > > > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > > > > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account:

> It is

> > > > > an

> > > > > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank

> accounts.

> > > > > Health

> > > > > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it

> easier and

> > > > > more

> > > > > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > > > > like paying

> > > > > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional

> check, or

> > > > > by a

> > > > > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > > > > will be

> > > > > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > > > > of privacy

> > > > > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that

> people

> > > > > make.

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

ROFLMAO! On that we can agree, brother!

Ron Haussecker wrote:

>

> I would be happy to get the money I paid in back, but that won't happen.

> Ron

> 8 ways

> > > > >

> > > > > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> > without

> > > > > coverage

> > > > >

> > > > > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > > > > companies

> > > > > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> > medical

> > > > > history.

> > > > > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or

> Co-Pays:

> > > > > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > > > > they can charge

> > > > > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > > > > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies

> must

> > > > > fully

> > > > > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > > > > prevent

> > > > > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > > > > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance

> companies

> > > > > will

> > > > > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance

> coverage for

> > > > > those

> > > > > who become seriously ill.

> > > > > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> > prohibited

> > > > > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > > > > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > > > > will be

> > > > > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > > > > receive.

> > > > > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue

> to be

> > > > > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > > > > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > > > > required to

> > > > > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > > > > full.

> > > > > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > > > > someone became

> > > > > sick.

> > > > >

> > > > > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> > > > >

> > > > > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a

> myth that

> > > > > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > > > > " rationing. "

> > > > > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing

> that are

> > > > > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > > > > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > > > > It's a

> > > > > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > > > > President has

> > > > > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > > > > by cutting

> > > > > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

> programs;

> > > > > ending

> > > > > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

> efficiency with

> > > > > such

> > > > > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > > > > term,

> > > > > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > > > > fiscal crisis.

> > > > > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > > > > malicious

> > > > > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > > > > seniors. For

> > > > > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > > > > end-of

> > > > > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > > > > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > > > > difficult family

> > > > > decisions.

> > > > > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > > > > insurance

> > > > > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now.

> To the

> > > > > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > > > > under the VA,

> > > > > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > > > > excluded. The VA

> > > > > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > > > > veterans.

> > > > > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a

> myth

> > > > > that

> > > > > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the

> contrary,

> > > > > reform

> > > > > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > > > > help them

> > > > > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

> with big

> > > > > firms

> > > > > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > > > > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth

> that

> > > > > Health

> > > > > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare

> benefits. To

> > > > > the

> > > > > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> >

> > > > > Medicare,

> > > > > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > > > > subsidies to

> > > > > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut "

> hole

> > > > > to make

> > > > > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > > > > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > > > > force you

> > > > > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > > > > To the

> > > > > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > > > > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account:

> It is

> > > > > an

> > > > > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank

> accounts.

> > > > > Health

> > > > > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it

> easier and

> > > > > more

> > > > > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > > > > like paying

> > > > > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional

> check, or

> > > > > by a

> > > > > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > > > > will be

> > > > > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > > > > of privacy

> > > > > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that

> people

> > > > > make.

> > > > >

> > > > >

[Guest guest]

There's a blogger who calls himself Happy Hospitalist who opines

occasionally on health care issues. I don;t read him often, because he's

usually an arrogant ass who demeans other health care professions, but

he wrote an excellent analysis of Medicare and the law of unintended

consequences. For those of you who believe that health care will improve

with more government involvement and regulation, read the blog post:

http://thehappyhospitalist.blogspot.com/2008/03/you-are-living-in-medicare-tomat\

o.html

Grayson wrote:

>

>

> ROFLMAO! On that we can agree, brother!

>

> Ron Haussecker wrote:

> >

> > I would be happy to get the money I paid in back, but that won't happen.

> > Ron

> > 8 ways

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> > > without

> > > > > > coverage

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > > > > > companies

> > > > > > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your

> > > medical

> > > > > > history.

> > > > > > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or

> > Co-Pays:

> > > > > > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how

> much

> > > > > > they can charge

> > > > > > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > > > > > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies

> > must

> > > > > > fully

> > > > > > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > > > > > prevent

> > > > > > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > > > > > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance

> > companies

> > > > > > will

> > > > > > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance

> > coverage for

> > > > > > those

> > > > > > who become seriously ill.

> > > > > > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be

> > > prohibited

> > > > > > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > > > > > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance

> companies

> > > > > > will be

> > > > > > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the

> coverage you

> > > > > > receive.

> > > > > > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue

> > to be

> > > > > > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > > > > > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > > > > > required to

> > > > > > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their

> premium in

> > > > > > full.

> > > > > > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > > > > > someone became

> > > > > > sick.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> > > > > >

> > > > > > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a

> > myth that

> > > > > > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or

> lead to

> > > > > > " rationing. "

> > > > > > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing

> > that are

> > > > > > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > > > > > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > > > > > It's a

> > > > > > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > > > > > President has

> > > > > > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front

> costs

> > > > > > by cutting

> > > > > > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

> > programs;

> > > > > > ending

> > > > > > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

> > efficiency with

> > > > > > such

> > > > > > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In

> the long

> > > > > > term,

> > > > > > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > > > > > fiscal crisis.

> > > > > > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > > > > > malicious

> > > > > > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > > > > > seniors. For

> > > > > > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians

> about

> > > > > > end-of

> > > > > > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary,

> private

> > > > > > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > > > > > difficult family

> > > > > > decisions.

> > > > > > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > > > > > insurance

> > > > > > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now.

> > To the

> > > > > > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > > > > > under the VA,

> > > > > > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > > > > > excluded. The VA

> > > > > > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > > > > > veterans.

> > > > > > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a

> > myth

> > > > > > that

> > > > > > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the

> > contrary,

> > > > > > reform

> > > > > > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax

> credits to

> > > > > > help them

> > > > > > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

> > with big

> > > > > > firms

> > > > > > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > > > > > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth

> > that

> > > > > > Health

> > > > > > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare

> > benefits. To

> > > > > > the

> > > > > > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > >

> > > > > > Medicare,

> > > > > > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > > > > > subsidies to

> > > > > > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut "

> > hole

> > > > > > to make

> > > > > > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > > > > > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > > > > > force you

> > > > > > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change

> doctors.

> > > > > > To the

> > > > > > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > > > > > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account:

> > It is

> > > > > > an

> > > > > > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank

> > accounts.

> > > > > > Health

> > > > > > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it

> > easier and

> > > > > > more

> > > > > > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.

> Just

> > > > > > like paying

> > > > > > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional

> > check, or

> > > > > > by a

> > > > > > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so

> they

> > > > > > will be

> > > > > > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same

> rules

> > > > > > of privacy

> > > > > > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that

> > people

> > > > > > make.

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Which of the 5-6 1000+ page bills are your reading?? There are 3 in the House

and 3 in the Senate including a 3rd that has not been written yet...so exactly

which " bill " should we read?

Dudley

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

I had a typo. Excuse me for a typo, since I'm sure you never had one. Also I

have nothing to do with the DNC, but that is what you get for assuming. So your

already wrong right out of the chute. That is the problem with folks when they

assume. They won't inform themselves on the facts. What are the facts in regards

to EMS with the bill. I've read the bill. Have you? Has any of the EMS

groups/associations read the bill in regards to the effects on EMS. Isn't this a

conversation we should be having in EMS and not a debate and start throwing DNC,

RNC, Lib and other special interest groups in this or should we rise above the

fray and have a honest intellectual, civilized conversation about an issue that

effects us and the patients we take care of everyday. My guess is most folks in

the in the country will take their talking points and just scream an holler, and

show ignorance instead of addressing an the challenges we have as a Country and

Americans head on. Socialized? Hmmm!. We have the Va, Medicare, Medicaid, Chips,

Clinics, DSHS, EMS Districts, Hospital Districts and hundreds if not thousands

of programs funded by federal, state, city and county governments, so I think

you already have government run services everywhere. I was a Director of several

services ran by government and paid for with money, but lots of taxes when with

it also. Guess what. It was funded by County, City, Federal, and State

Government and still are today.

My attempt to have a civilized conversation and leaving politics out it, but

that may not be possible for some,

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance

companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for

out-of-pocket expenses.

3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover,

without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such

as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who

become seriously ill.

5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from

charging you more because of your gender.

6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be

prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible

for family coverage through the age of 26.

8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew

any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance

companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will

mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth that

reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who

want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions,

reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who

want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease

the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of

your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd

myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance

reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for

you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a

utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic

payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand.

The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do

for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Which of the 5-6 1000+ page bills are your reading?? There are 3 in the House

and 3 in the Senate including a 3rd that has not been written yet...so exactly

which " bill " should we read?

Dudley

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

I had a typo. Excuse me for a typo, since I'm sure you never had one. Also I

have nothing to do with the DNC, but that is what you get for assuming. So your

already wrong right out of the chute. That is the problem with folks when they

assume. They won't inform themselves on the facts. What are the facts in regards

to EMS with the bill. I've read the bill. Have you? Has any of the EMS

groups/associations read the bill in regards to the effects on EMS. Isn't this a

conversation we should be having in EMS and not a debate and start throwing DNC,

RNC, Lib and other special interest groups in this or should we rise above the

fray and have a honest intellectual, civilized conversation about an issue that

effects us and the patients we take care of everyday. My guess is most folks in

the in the country will take their talking points and just scream an holler, and

show ignorance instead of addressing an the challenges we have as a Country and

Americans head on. Socialized? Hmmm!. We have the Va, Medicare, Medicaid, Chips,

Clinics, DSHS, EMS Districts, Hospital Districts and hundreds if not thousands

of programs funded by federal, state, city and county governments, so I think

you already have government run services everywhere. I was a Director of several

services ran by government and paid for with money, but lots of taxes when with

it also. Guess what. It was funded by County, City, Federal, and State

Government and still are today.

My attempt to have a civilized conversation and leaving politics out it, but

that may not be possible for some,

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance

companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for

out-of-pocket expenses.

3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover,

without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such

as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who

become seriously ill.

5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from

charging you more because of your gender.

6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be

prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible

for family coverage through the age of 26.

8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew

any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance

companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will

mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth that

reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who

want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions,

reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who

want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease

the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of

your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd

myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance

reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for

you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a

utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic

payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand.

The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do

for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Which of the 5-6 1000+ page bills are your reading?? There are 3 in the House

and 3 in the Senate including a 3rd that has not been written yet...so exactly

which " bill " should we read?

Dudley

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

I had a typo. Excuse me for a typo, since I'm sure you never had one. Also I

have nothing to do with the DNC, but that is what you get for assuming. So your

already wrong right out of the chute. That is the problem with folks when they

assume. They won't inform themselves on the facts. What are the facts in regards

to EMS with the bill. I've read the bill. Have you? Has any of the EMS

groups/associations read the bill in regards to the effects on EMS. Isn't this a

conversation we should be having in EMS and not a debate and start throwing DNC,

RNC, Lib and other special interest groups in this or should we rise above the

fray and have a honest intellectual, civilized conversation about an issue that

effects us and the patients we take care of everyday. My guess is most folks in

the in the country will take their talking points and just scream an holler, and

show ignorance instead of addressing an the challenges we have as a Country and

Americans head on. Socialized? Hmmm!. We have the Va, Medicare, Medicaid, Chips,

Clinics, DSHS, EMS Districts, Hospital Districts and hundreds if not thousands

of programs funded by federal, state, city and county governments, so I think

you already have government run services everywhere. I was a Director of several

services ran by government and paid for with money, but lots of taxes when with

it also. Guess what. It was funded by County, City, Federal, and State

Government and still are today.

My attempt to have a civilized conversation and leaving politics out it, but

that may not be possible for some,

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance

companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for

out-of-pocket expenses.

3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover,

without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such

as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be

prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who

become seriously ill.

5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from

charging you more because of your gender.

6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be

prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible

for family coverage through the age of 26.

8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew

any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance

companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will

mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth that

reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who

want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions,

reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who

want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease

the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of

your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd

myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance

reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for

you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a

utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic

payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand.

The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do

for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Okay, I will engage.

Ron, there is a vast difference between government (local, state and national)

providing defense and public safety functions.? By the constitution, that is

what the government is supposed to do.? Health insurance is not a public safety

function...it was invented in the late 20's and made a part of " work benefits "

during WWII when companies couldn't pay employees more so they introduced

benefits.? Then in the 50's, the federal government implemented a pre-tax

capacity for health insurance benefits so it really took off.? Then in the 60s,

the federal government?decided they could do insurance better and started

Medicaid and Medicare then?fixed the market so that the government would benefit

(can't charge anyone less than you do the government, can't collect from

government clients anymore than what the government pays, oh yeah...and my

personal favorite...the government will pay what it feels is okay...NOT what it

costs to actually provide the service).?

This argument is not about health care...it is about health insurance.? It is

about the government inserting itself into a capitalistic market, and taking it

over.? There are 3 reasons that the cost of health care is rising.? One is the

folks who do not have insurance...a relatively small % of the overall

population...if you believe the numbers our congress people often quote (46-47M)

that is just?about 15% of the total population.? If you believe that about 12M

of this number is people who are in the country " below the radar " that cuts it

down to around 10%...and then we could subtract the folks that CHOOSE to not

have health insurance (around another 10M) but those people will be FINED by the

federal government under the plans currently being considered if they do not get

insurance.? (And ask yourself...how will the Fed Government know if you have it

or not???)? So, we are going to RACK up a tremendous amount of additional costs

for a small % of the population...and I have heard (although admittedly I have

not done the math) that you could actually PURCHASE a top of the line health

insurance policy for everyone that does not have health insurance for less than

1/2 of the cost of this new PLAN.?

I read the post below and one of the arguments for the government developing yet

ONE more health insurance plan is: <<< " I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink " >>>? So...the reason we need ONE more government health

insurance plan is because these two referenced GOVERNMENT run health insurance

systems are failing?????

Here is an example from my agency here in Texas.? Our cost to respond to a 911

call is approximately $650.? Our average bill is around $925 or 950.? The reason

for this is because for 25% of our business, we get paid $350 or so

dollars...and for 12% of our business, we get paid $250...regardless of the care

we provide.? So the poor people who do not have insurance and the folks like us

who have private insurance get overcharged to compensate for this

shortfall...and then...even better....we all pay taxes to allow these 2 low

paying plans to pay us below the market cost of the service.

The reason so many people are concerned about another government option is

because knowing how economics works, another large government insurance plan

paying below costs and charging less than the actual cost to provide the service

to those who " decide " to buy into it...then this will cause health care

providers to charge private insurance higher and higher rates (the $36 aspirin

will end up costing 65 or 70 dollars).? This will cause private insurance rates

to continue to increase and place themselves completely out of affordability

leading almost all employers into the new government plan.?

Lastly, a bit of humor...2 examples used to justify the necessity and critical

need of this new government program.? Our President says we should look at how

the post office performs compared to UPS and FedEx?when considering why the new

government insurance won't drive private insurance out of business...in other

words we know the government plan will be inefficient and cost a lot more than

private industry could do it...but we GOTTA have it.? And my new personal

favorite, when one of the most outgoing, aggressive, and loudest advocates for

improvement and change in EMS in Texas is using DSHS as an example of government

done right...really Ron???? That is quiet a change in the position you have held

about DSHS for the last 10+ years I have been on this list serve.?

That's it for now.?Enjoy.

Dudley

PS: DSHS is regulatory, not a provider...I have no problems with the federal

government being in regulation of parts of the healthcare industry....again,

that is protecting citizens...not taking the place of capitalistic ventures.

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in EMS then

all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital District services

are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am I wrong? If so tell me what

you mean.

Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we can ignore

anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink. Are we suppose to through all the 400-800 State School

Clients out of the Government run system here on the street as threaten to

do last session? They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are

all government contracted services, so if you want the government out of health

care them through them on the street " now " !

Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Okay, I will engage.

Ron, there is a vast difference between government (local, state and national)

providing defense and public safety functions.? By the constitution, that is

what the government is supposed to do.? Health insurance is not a public safety

function...it was invented in the late 20's and made a part of " work benefits "

during WWII when companies couldn't pay employees more so they introduced

benefits.? Then in the 50's, the federal government implemented a pre-tax

capacity for health insurance benefits so it really took off.? Then in the 60s,

the federal government?decided they could do insurance better and started

Medicaid and Medicare then?fixed the market so that the government would benefit

(can't charge anyone less than you do the government, can't collect from

government clients anymore than what the government pays, oh yeah...and my

personal favorite...the government will pay what it feels is okay...NOT what it

costs to actually provide the service).?

This argument is not about health care...it is about health insurance.? It is

about the government inserting itself into a capitalistic market, and taking it

over.? There are 3 reasons that the cost of health care is rising.? One is the

folks who do not have insurance...a relatively small % of the overall

population...if you believe the numbers our congress people often quote (46-47M)

that is just?about 15% of the total population.? If you believe that about 12M

of this number is people who are in the country " below the radar " that cuts it

down to around 10%...and then we could subtract the folks that CHOOSE to not

have health insurance (around another 10M) but those people will be FINED by the

federal government under the plans currently being considered if they do not get

insurance.? (And ask yourself...how will the Fed Government know if you have it

or not???)? So, we are going to RACK up a tremendous amount of additional costs

for a small % of the population...and I have heard (although admittedly I have

not done the math) that you could actually PURCHASE a top of the line health

insurance policy for everyone that does not have health insurance for less than

1/2 of the cost of this new PLAN.?

I read the post below and one of the arguments for the government developing yet

ONE more health insurance plan is: <<< " I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink " >>>? So...the reason we need ONE more government health

insurance plan is because these two referenced GOVERNMENT run health insurance

systems are failing?????

Here is an example from my agency here in Texas.? Our cost to respond to a 911

call is approximately $650.? Our average bill is around $925 or 950.? The reason

for this is because for 25% of our business, we get paid $350 or so

dollars...and for 12% of our business, we get paid $250...regardless of the care

we provide.? So the poor people who do not have insurance and the folks like us

who have private insurance get overcharged to compensate for this

shortfall...and then...even better....we all pay taxes to allow these 2 low

paying plans to pay us below the market cost of the service.

The reason so many people are concerned about another government option is

because knowing how economics works, another large government insurance plan

paying below costs and charging less than the actual cost to provide the service

to those who " decide " to buy into it...then this will cause health care

providers to charge private insurance higher and higher rates (the $36 aspirin

will end up costing 65 or 70 dollars).? This will cause private insurance rates

to continue to increase and place themselves completely out of affordability

leading almost all employers into the new government plan.?

Lastly, a bit of humor...2 examples used to justify the necessity and critical

need of this new government program.? Our President says we should look at how

the post office performs compared to UPS and FedEx?when considering why the new

government insurance won't drive private insurance out of business...in other

words we know the government plan will be inefficient and cost a lot more than

private industry could do it...but we GOTTA have it.? And my new personal

favorite, when one of the most outgoing, aggressive, and loudest advocates for

improvement and change in EMS in Texas is using DSHS as an example of government

done right...really Ron???? That is quiet a change in the position you have held

about DSHS for the last 10+ years I have been on this list serve.?

That's it for now.?Enjoy.

Dudley

PS: DSHS is regulatory, not a provider...I have no problems with the federal

government being in regulation of parts of the healthcare industry....again,

that is protecting citizens...not taking the place of capitalistic ventures.

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in EMS then

all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital District services

are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am I wrong? If so tell me what

you mean.

Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we can ignore

anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink. Are we suppose to through all the 400-800 State School

Clients out of the Government run system here on the street as threaten to

do last session? They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are

all government contracted services, so if you want the government out of health

care them through them on the street " now " !

Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Okay, I will engage.

Ron, there is a vast difference between government (local, state and national)

providing defense and public safety functions.? By the constitution, that is

what the government is supposed to do.? Health insurance is not a public safety

function...it was invented in the late 20's and made a part of " work benefits "

during WWII when companies couldn't pay employees more so they introduced

benefits.? Then in the 50's, the federal government implemented a pre-tax

capacity for health insurance benefits so it really took off.? Then in the 60s,

the federal government?decided they could do insurance better and started

Medicaid and Medicare then?fixed the market so that the government would benefit

(can't charge anyone less than you do the government, can't collect from

government clients anymore than what the government pays, oh yeah...and my

personal favorite...the government will pay what it feels is okay...NOT what it

costs to actually provide the service).?

This argument is not about health care...it is about health insurance.? It is

about the government inserting itself into a capitalistic market, and taking it

over.? There are 3 reasons that the cost of health care is rising.? One is the

folks who do not have insurance...a relatively small % of the overall

population...if you believe the numbers our congress people often quote (46-47M)

that is just?about 15% of the total population.? If you believe that about 12M

of this number is people who are in the country " below the radar " that cuts it

down to around 10%...and then we could subtract the folks that CHOOSE to not

have health insurance (around another 10M) but those people will be FINED by the

federal government under the plans currently being considered if they do not get

insurance.? (And ask yourself...how will the Fed Government know if you have it

or not???)? So, we are going to RACK up a tremendous amount of additional costs

for a small % of the population...and I have heard (although admittedly I have

not done the math) that you could actually PURCHASE a top of the line health

insurance policy for everyone that does not have health insurance for less than

1/2 of the cost of this new PLAN.?

I read the post below and one of the arguments for the government developing yet

ONE more health insurance plan is: <<< " I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink " >>>? So...the reason we need ONE more government health

insurance plan is because these two referenced GOVERNMENT run health insurance

systems are failing?????

Here is an example from my agency here in Texas.? Our cost to respond to a 911

call is approximately $650.? Our average bill is around $925 or 950.? The reason

for this is because for 25% of our business, we get paid $350 or so

dollars...and for 12% of our business, we get paid $250...regardless of the care

we provide.? So the poor people who do not have insurance and the folks like us

who have private insurance get overcharged to compensate for this

shortfall...and then...even better....we all pay taxes to allow these 2 low

paying plans to pay us below the market cost of the service.

The reason so many people are concerned about another government option is

because knowing how economics works, another large government insurance plan

paying below costs and charging less than the actual cost to provide the service

to those who " decide " to buy into it...then this will cause health care

providers to charge private insurance higher and higher rates (the $36 aspirin

will end up costing 65 or 70 dollars).? This will cause private insurance rates

to continue to increase and place themselves completely out of affordability

leading almost all employers into the new government plan.?

Lastly, a bit of humor...2 examples used to justify the necessity and critical

need of this new government program.? Our President says we should look at how

the post office performs compared to UPS and FedEx?when considering why the new

government insurance won't drive private insurance out of business...in other

words we know the government plan will be inefficient and cost a lot more than

private industry could do it...but we GOTTA have it.? And my new personal

favorite, when one of the most outgoing, aggressive, and loudest advocates for

improvement and change in EMS in Texas is using DSHS as an example of government

done right...really Ron???? That is quiet a change in the position you have held

about DSHS for the last 10+ years I have been on this list serve.?

That's it for now.?Enjoy.

Dudley

PS: DSHS is regulatory, not a provider...I have no problems with the federal

government being in regulation of parts of the healthcare industry....again,

that is protecting citizens...not taking the place of capitalistic ventures.

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in EMS then

all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital District services

are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am I wrong? If so tell me what

you mean.

Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we can ignore

anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink. Are we suppose to through all the 400-800 State School

Clients out of the Government run system here on the street as threaten to

do last session? They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are

all government contracted services, so if you want the government out of health

care them through them on the street " now " !

Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Oh yeah...

My ideas for health care reform...

1.? Tort reform.? Limit the amount of non-economic damages people can get on all

cases except gross negligence...much like city, county and the state has today.

2.? Remove state laws that both require all insurance to cover EVERYTHING a

politician thinks should be covered and prevents insurance from being sold

across state lines. Why can't I buy a policy like a friend of mine has in

Wyoming while in Texas??? Also, it help promote competition which will drive

down costs.? I heard a Pennsylvania congress person the other night say that 2

insurance companies provide over 80% of the insurance in Pennsylvania...no

wonder the rates are going up...there is no competition to bring it down.

3.? Allow REAL healthcare savings accounts.? Where you can save a nice large sum

of money to provide both day-to-day expenses as well as the deductible of a

catastrophic health insurance policy.? Not an account you have to empty every

year...but one where you can truly save a good amount of money PRE-tax.? My idea

is you can keep up to 3 times your deductible and if you go over that, then you

can put 1/2 of your overage into a retirement account with no tax penalty and if

you don't spend the rest on healthcare activities...then it gets taxed down to

the limit to help offset the cost of the private insurance we are buying those

who cannot afford to get it on their own.? This provides incentive to spend some

of your savings on preventative things to make you healthier.

4.? Provide insurance (private insurance) for those who cannot afford insurance.

5.? Work to eliminate ALL the fraud in our current government insurance plans

and work to get them up to paying the true cost of providing the service.

I think that is a good place to start...in my opinion anyway.

Dudley

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in EMS then

all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital District services

are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am I wrong? If so tell me what

you mean.

Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we can ignore

anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink. Are we suppose to through all the 400-800 State School

Clients out of the Government run system here on the street as threaten to

do last session? They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are

all government contracted services, so if you want the government out of health

care them through them on the street " now " !

Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Oh yeah...

My ideas for health care reform...

1.? Tort reform.? Limit the amount of non-economic damages people can get on all

cases except gross negligence...much like city, county and the state has today.

2.? Remove state laws that both require all insurance to cover EVERYTHING a

politician thinks should be covered and prevents insurance from being sold

across state lines. Why can't I buy a policy like a friend of mine has in

Wyoming while in Texas??? Also, it help promote competition which will drive

down costs.? I heard a Pennsylvania congress person the other night say that 2

insurance companies provide over 80% of the insurance in Pennsylvania...no

wonder the rates are going up...there is no competition to bring it down.

3.? Allow REAL healthcare savings accounts.? Where you can save a nice large sum

of money to provide both day-to-day expenses as well as the deductible of a

catastrophic health insurance policy.? Not an account you have to empty every

year...but one where you can truly save a good amount of money PRE-tax.? My idea

is you can keep up to 3 times your deductible and if you go over that, then you

can put 1/2 of your overage into a retirement account with no tax penalty and if

you don't spend the rest on healthcare activities...then it gets taxed down to

the limit to help offset the cost of the private insurance we are buying those

who cannot afford to get it on their own.? This provides incentive to spend some

of your savings on preventative things to make you healthier.

4.? Provide insurance (private insurance) for those who cannot afford insurance.

5.? Work to eliminate ALL the fraud in our current government insurance plans

and work to get them up to paying the true cost of providing the service.

I think that is a good place to start...in my opinion anyway.

Dudley

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in EMS then

all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital District services

are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am I wrong? If so tell me what

you mean.

Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we can ignore

anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink. Are we suppose to through all the 400-800 State School

Clients out of the Government run system here on the street as threaten to

do last session? They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are

all government contracted services, so if you want the government out of health

care them through them on the street " now " !

Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We can't eliminate fraud in EMS in Texas, so I don't see that happening.

Perhaps some that perform fraud sit on this list.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We can't eliminate fraud in EMS in Texas, so I don't see that happening.

Perhaps some that perform fraud sit on this list.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We can't eliminate fraud in EMS in Texas, so I don't see that happening.

Perhaps some that perform fraud sit on this list.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Who pays for your health insurance and what does it cost?

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Who pays for your health insurance and what does it cost?

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 1.. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance

> > companies

> > will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical

> > history.

> > 2.. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:

> > Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much

> > they can charge

> > for out-of-pocket expenses.

> > 3.. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must

> > fully

> > cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you

> > prevent

> > illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

> > 4.. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies

> > will

> > be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for

> > those

> > who become seriously ill.

> > 5.. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited

> > from charging you more because of your gender.

> > 6.. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies

> > will be

> > prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you

> > receive.

> > 7.. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be

> > eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

> > 8.. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be

> > required to

> > renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in

> > full.

> > Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because

> > someone became

> > sick.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >