Real Health Care Reform

Today the Senate health committee voted 12-11 in favor of a two-page amendment courtesy of Republican Tom Coburn that would require all Members of congress and their staffs to enroll in any new government-run health plan. Under proposed legislation, Congress is exempt from the healthcare plan that they will possibly be imposing on the rest of us. Congressman John Fleming, from Louisiana, has proposed an amendment that would require congressmen and senators to take the same healthcare plan the | Continue reading this entry »

Every American should have the right to choose how to maintain and improve his or her health. We are at a defining moment in our country's history. If a bill similar to that passed by the House and proposed in the Senate passes, it will mean a shift in power that may have profound implications on your ability to control your own health care. This is because the more control is taken away from you and given to government bureaucrats (to approve health insurance plans, to approve procedures, | Continue reading this entry »

Here is an email I received from my Senator today: Friend— In conversations with Coloradans across our state, many people have asked me exactly what reform means for you and your families. That’s exactly the right question to ask. That’s why I wanted to make sure all Coloradans have the opportunity to understand exactly what the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act means for you. Put simply, this bill will provide more security and stability to Coloradans who have health insurance, | Continue reading this entry »

On Saturday, the Senate got 60 votes in order to clear a procedural huddle, and begin debate on the Senate reform bill, known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Here's what needs to happen before anything becomes law: • First, the bill must pass through the Senate • Then the House and Senate proposals must be reconciled • Third, the reconciled bill must pass through the House • Last, the reconciled bill must pas through the Senate The CBO ranks the cost of this | Continue reading this entry »

Listening to the radio tonight, I heard a senator say that the so called public option will "inject competition" into the marketplace, to drive down prices. If they are successful, we should have them inject extra competition everywhere. I, for one, would like cheaper microbrews. Its too bad we don't require our Congressional representatives to pass an economics test before we give them the authority that we do. One cannot inject competition. To increase competition, you must instead remove | Continue reading this entry »

Its interesting watching the healthcare debate. The biggest problem is the runaway costs, yet the current proposals do little if anything to reign in spending. Of course, politicians always like to act like they're giving you something, before they take it away. What will they be taking away? Oh, our money in the form of higher taxes and higher premiums, and our access to quality health care in the form of long waits and other rations on care. So let's all ponder how higher premiums will | Continue reading this entry »