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Independent in Virginia: Who the heck can afford healthcare without insurance these days? My wife and I do pretty well, but honestly, my wife needed a very complicated emergency procedure a few months ago. If we didn't have health insurance we would have lost our house. If she didn't get the procedure she would have died. Nice system. Have a nice day!

Candy West Virginia July 15th, 2009 11:46 am ET

Riddle – Why would republicans not want a gov funded health care plan that will provide competition for the insurance companies?
____________________________

Answer – Because the Obama adminiatration has already strong-armed medical providers into accepting lower payments for medicare and medicaid payments. They won't do this out of the goodness of their hearts, Candy. They will shift the costs to holders of private insurance. This will in turn cause the private insurance companies to raise their rates – thus making them even less competitive versus the government funded plan. More citizens will thereby be forced into the government plan – forcing more cost shifting, forcing more into the government plan. The proverbial snowball effect. Eventually, all that's left is the government plan – which of course is the motive to begin with.

Our current healthcare system is bankrupting the citizens of America.
The problem is that we have a healthcare industry and a person's individual health is for sale in America.
The Healthcare industry in America is not focused on health, it focused on profit.
The Insurance companies are not focused on our health. They are trying to stay in business and they are trying to maintain profit. All they care about is continuing to profit off OF us. And they are willing to bleed us dry.
We don't have to worry about the healthcare lobby getting to our elected officials. THEY ALREADY HAVE!
Universal healthcare is not going diminish quality or limit access, it will cut into the profits of Health insurance companies and they will fight tooth and nail becaus all they want is the money.
The opponents of Universal Healthcare, NOT EVEN THE POSTERS ON THIS BOARD, can provide a logical argument why we should not have Universal healthcare.
And you naysayers say that the Obama supporter "drank the cool aid"
For the life of all liberals and democrats, we can not figure out how conservatives and republicans have convinced a portion of The People to vote against their own self interest.

Dutch – a new report states that Obama wants to turn the country into one big commune and take property ownership away from everybody.

I'm sure you would support this, too.

Lemmings think they can fly, but they just fall off the cliff.

Have any of you been to an emergency room lately? Government healthcare will be sooo much worse. Are all you liberals really to stupid to see that?
I'm sorry, that was a dumb question, you all buy into global warming too.

Scared about public option in health care? Yeah, same way some of us are scared about public education but it works. If we had only private schools, some of us wouldn't be where we are today. There are many of us homeschooling our kids or sending them to private schools. Lets have same options in health care.

Joe, Wouldn't the 10th man just use some kind of loophole to get away with paying around $2 or so? Maybe his other wallet was in the Cayman Islands. Have a nice day!

We do NOT want a madated health care system, where people are ORDERED by the government to buy into a FOR-PROFIT industry or face fines. The Massachuttes model that this legislation mimics, is NOT real health care reform but plays into the hands of the Inusrance industry.

The American People deserve better. The American People currently pay $2 trillion per year into For Profit Health Insurance. $100 billion per year does not sound so bad when you compare the two.

The public option needs to be included but allows anyone to buy into a NON-PROFIT Health CARE plan based on wages. Anything less plays into the greedy, self interest of the Health Insurance industry.

How Profitable is your healthcare?

Now the middle class will be reduced to the new poor, by the tax burden imposed by this legislation.

Social programs may sound good, but SOMEONE has to pay for them, and the fat cats in congress, have no intention of paying for them, themselves.

Here's the Republican mantra: "We only want to help the people who already have the means to help themselves. Everyone else is worthless."

The End.

Thank goodness!

Health care reform is the key to fiscal responsibility!!! Reform is DEFICIT NEUTRAL in just 10 years!!! Compare that to our current health system, which IS our country's number 1 expense - and growing exponentially!

This legislation also offers Americans MORE CHOICE (including the choice to keep their existing insurer and doctor) and MORE COMPETITION. That's as American as apple pie.

To those against reform: Please read a book on macro-economic theory.

I don't get how private insurance companies are going to go out of business when they've been making outstanding profits over the last decade. Over the last decade private insurance companies have tripled their profits. Obviously they are charging more for services and reimbursing less. And that's just regular medical providers. I haven't even touched on the pharmaceutical companies that are raping Americans with the ridiculously high cost of prescriptions. A government option is the the best way to drive cost down and make it an even playing field.

Piece by piece this administration is taking control of our lives. Rather than Big Brothering our life and death to the point the government will decide who gets treatment and lives and who doesn't and dies don't the proponents make enforcable anti-greed rules for the existing private system AND ENFORCE THEM. They'd rather treat only those who wear the mark of the beast (I'm not a religous nut, only making a point) get treatment while others die on a waiting list. Read the signs of what's happening to us. Our finances are taken away in effect taking our purchase power. Our country is going into a debt we'll never recover from and we are to become the property of others (Chinese?). The government is taking control of our employment and thus who eats and who doesn't. Be afraid, people. be very afraid. Stop the danger while you still can.

Has anybody ever considered how many people the current healthcare system employees? If costs are driven down so drastically, as they claim, the revenue lost be these companies will be catastophic. I happen to work for a commercial healthcare auditing firm which employees close to 2,000 people. We are all in fear of loosing our postions due to this healthcare reform, not to mention all the people who do work for the actual insurance companies.

What do you think Medicaid/Medicare is for? The reason hospital charges are so high is because Medicare and Medicaid pay close to nothing for services rendered, and that is still going bankrupt. The remaining portion of these charges not paid for are written of by the hospital. The cost has to be made up somewhere.

As long as you spend money bailing out banks and on a war republicans are all for it, the minute you want to help American citizens they are against it and condemn it! Wonder why that is, do they hate this country so much?

Joe wrote:
Just like the way they forced the banks to give loans to high risk people, look what happend there…. And yes, it was the government that did that….Just ask Barny Frank, the master mind behind it.

And then the brains on Wall street took all of those loans which they knew were risky and, hocus pocus, turned them into nicely bundled securities when no one was looking. Neat trick. Have a nice day!

In a fundraising appeal titled "Hillarycare revisited," the RNC warned about "Obamacare" and said the government "already runs car companies, banks and mortgage companies. Republicans believe that the last thing the American people want is government telling them when and where - or even whether - they can get medical treatment for their families."

Once again nothing but LIES from the GOP. If the above statment were true, then why did the vast majority of American People vote for and elect him? Obviously because the state of our Union was going down the toilet thanks to the Bush/Cheney decisions.

How will we pay for it?
We can always print more money. It worked for Germany in 1923.

Why do republicans hate it when you spend money on the US of A but don't mind when you invade and rebuild a foreign country???

To answer some of the absurd neocon, Limbag, rhetoric.

If Congress hadn't depleted the Social Security Fund by borrowing against it for the last 40 years, never paying back, the money would be there. Social Security and Medicare have saved the lives of millions in this country for the last 40 years. Although the quality of life is minimal, it has been all many of them have or had.

Many State run medical programs around the world work just fine. The claims of their failure are far exagerated. Switzerland, Germany, Norway, England just to name a few. Claims that Canada's health care system is a failure aren't supported by the Citizenry.

Congress has a gold card medical program, even if the served only 4 years. How do they reconcille denying at least on half as good for the public paying their salaries. You know, the one they vote to increase for themselves.

Now maybe the working poor can see a doctor without having to go the ER for quick fixes that cost the patient hundreds of dollars for a visit because the clinics want see them, because they are uninsured.

Not that any of you ultra rich fully insured republicans and blue dog
democrates care.
Oh I forgot to mention all of these fully insured rich posters on this ticker.

Randolph Carter July 15th, 2009 11:52 am ET

Because Bush and Cheney had such stellar service records. Oh wait… Have a nice day!

----

Typical Obama supporter. None of you can list facts or reasons why anything Obama does is good. You're comparing one crappy administration with another, and that does nothing to support Obama; you're essentially saying "Obama's terrible policies are not as terrible as Bush's." How about listing reasons why this health care thing is good for the U.S., besides the fact that it's yet another handout to people and will encourage them to do less and less themselves. Half of the uninsured can afford health care, but choose to spend their money on McDonald's or text messaging. I shouldn't have to pay for their/your stupid choices.

We need this reform passed ASAP. The US is supposed to lead the world, not follow it. I am willing to pay higher taxes, and the imposition of mandates, because the current system not only doesn't work, but its the most expensive.

@ TCM

Stop wasting your breath. As a veteran, I can say that the Major is in violation of the UCMJ and disobeying a order is conduct unbecoming of an officer. He'll probably be court martialled.

How much is the free healthcare really going to cost us. Can you please let us know?

Randolph Carter,

Government hasn't been out of private industry for over 100 years, They keep sticking their nose in and making all this regulation that creates the messes.

Just like the way they forced the banks to give loans to high risk people, look what happend there.... And yes, it was the government that did that....Just ask Barny Frank, the master mind behind it.

Your doing a great job President Obama,not like the fake cowboys that came before you.

TCM,

C'mon, you purport "blatant lies" and then proceed to bring up right-wing nonsense/LIE over a verified birth certificate. Really? LOL. Credibility please.

OK- so is Obama, Congress, and Senate going to use this particular plan-not! They will keep what they have along with their pensions, etc. They are going to ruin everyone else. Great job!

Peoples voice – Speak for yourself and you don't have a clue what you are talking about.

Anyone with a brain does NOT want Universal health care, we understand what that means. The rest of you are so focused on wanting your free coverage that you can't see straight.

Thanks Obama! I can't wait to help buy health care for people who choose to buy a pair of $100 shoes rather than pay for health care. I also can't wait for my employer to stop covering me through private insurance and go with the government insurance. Only about 1 month wait for a physical from a crap doctor? That's not too bad.

One more thing. You already have somone telling you when, where, and if you get health care. The insurance company, who is profit driven. Britain, Canada, and France all have public health care systems. Everyone of them, without exception, has lower infant mortality rates, and longer longevity rates then the united states and pays less per capita on health care then the U.S. Who does it sound like has it right?

I want the health care plan Obama promised us when he was campaigning. The one where we could all sign up for the plan he is on. Why doesn't the media call him out on that lie?? How about Obama and company join the crappy plan they are trying to cram down our throats.

munchmom wrote:
I don't want the government telling me where, when, and how I receive my health care treatment.

So you'd rather have your HMO and insurance company who are out for profit to tell you where, when and how you recieve treatment? Nice. Have a nice day!

Why the rush? Is the president afraid Senator Kennedy will kick the bucket before his healthcare plan can get passed? Lucky Americans. We just bit off more than we can ever pay for.

So much haterate is this country. Wake up, you haters!!! Obama knows that he is talking about. His mother went through this thing. She had cancer before she passed away. She was fighting with insurance companies when she was in death bed. Don't you think Obama knows how it feels like when people are rejected a coverage? Haters,... watch Michael Moore's documentary, "Sicko." Only then you would know what you are missing in health care. American health care is # 39, after Slovenia!!! Slovenia is a 3rd world country!!! Current Health care in America just sucks!!!
Why don't you allow someone to work, someone who actually shows concerns about American people's health, someone who didn't forget his promises when he got to the office. Obama is working his behind off just you make you people happy, make America a better place, make is more compatible. What is wrong with you, haters???! Wake up and for once, be thankful. Obama is one of few politicians who is actually trying to make a difference, trying not to be just a president, but a great one!!!

A huge sense of gratitude will be extended to Congress & President Obama if the public option is included in this much-needed healthcare reform. A 72% majority of Americans support this effort. Godspeed!

If you want to know why it needs to pass quickly, it is because our politicians are spineless. Despite the fact that 76 percent of Americans favor healthcare reform including a public option, the consensus is that if a bill is not passed this year politicians will start focusing on reelection in 2010 and fall sway to the wealthy special interests that fund their campaigns.

Notice how Obama avoided the issue of capping medical law suits so not to upset the ambulance chasers. Cut down on the outrageous monetary awards against doctors and hospitals and maybe the cost of health care will come down too.

The US has a 3rd world health care system and anyone who has traveled to other counties and experienced the outstanding level of care provided in Germany, the UK or Canada would know this.

The critics of having a single payer system here in the US have either never traveled outside their own trailer park or have ties to the health insurance industry!

It's getting old and predictable, GOPers.

News media: Obama pewped a rainbow!

GOPers: That means he's the devil!

I went to a government agency the other day and waited 2 hours to be served.
It all sounds well and good until it happens. Welfare sounds great until you have family after family stuck in the welfare cycle.
Social security sounded great until 1996. Did we stop any of these things when they quit working? Heck no, you touch anything like that and you will never get re-elected. When are we going to demand what is right for America and put our hands to work, rather than simply putting our hands out?

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!” Samuel Adams

We will get it through,and we will make a list of the vote for further use.

If Dodd is involved it needs to be triple checked. Look at the last committee he was in the Finance/Banking and we know what happened their???????????

TCM your exactly right the insurance companies will fold and then all their employee's will be out of jobs. This sounds more like dictating buisness practices than solving the problem.

@worriedmom

Doesn't bother me a bit. I also thank Elizabeth I for being open minded enough to understand that the world wasn't flat.

No compromise from the Dems... again!! Another broken promise from Obama.

I wish that the congressmen and senators would listen to those of us who don't want universal health care. I don't want the government telling me where, when, and how I receive my health care treatment. There will be no competition, because the government's plan will be come the "new" monopoly on the health care system. Socialism–look up the definition, if you don't believe me!

There is one reason and one reason only the health care industry does not want a public option. It will be such a good program they estimate it will cost them 90% of their business.

I can't wait for these leaches to go out of business.

Ted Kennedy said that healthcare should be a right for all Americans when I was a young girl. I am now 56, so there is no "rush" to fix healthcare. There is only delay, distract, say no and do nothing Republicans. MEDICARE IS NOT FREE, retired people pay about $100 per month in premiums, they have copayments for any services recieved, and have many uncovered services. Why couldn't average Americans buy in, maybe for a little more than the $100 per month premium, and help defray cost that way? It would still be way more cost effective and bring down prices. To bring the cost of healthcare down we must have a public not for profit option. Did we not learn from our financial system and it's institutions that NO PROFIT IS EVER ENOUGH? That greed knows no boundaries and can never be satisfied? As long as the profit is there, prices will never go down, they will just go to: higher salaries, bigger bonuses, and increased stock dividends. We must have a not for profit healthcare option.

How will the government health care plan deal with people who are temporarily between insurance plans? A student graduating college, but not yet employed; or a person between jobs who can't afford COBRA payments?

Also, for people who qualify for a government health care plan, but with a variable income, how will the monthly premiums be calculated?

A lot of people temporarily without insurance are betting on staying healthy during the period they can't afford the insurance. If people are REQUIRED to purchase insurance, will the application process be quick enough to get them the coverage they need on a temporary basis?

I hope Congress doesn't vote on a policy with so many logistical QUESTIONS unanswered!!

In reality we already have two goverhment health care plans, Medicare and Medicaid. Why can't we just improve the ones we have instead of creating another plan?

Medicare and Medicaid are expected to go broke in 5 years.
Could someone please explain to me why so many Americans think it's a good idea to turn over ALL health insurance and care to the government?
Yeah, I think the pharmaceuticals and insurance companies are on a power-trip. And I think that malpractice suits are way out of control.
But I do NOT think that the solution is for the federal government to take over!!

America, You have finally come home to your people.
This is a new era of accountability. Elected representatives must
now and always be loyal to the people of America.

A healthy America will bring down health care costs.
Health care must be every American inalienable right, just like the
right to vote.

Putting Corporate profit ahead of American health is a mockery
and an affront, a crime against humanity. America is about people.

God bless America. You have found your beauty again.
This is world leadership.
Thank you Mr. Obama.

Let's get this ball rolling. I feel sorry for those politicians who voted against what the American people want. They'll be out of a job next year.

I want to know why it is so important to get this bill through QUICKLY? Is it because, if it sits around too long, people will have the time to actually read it and realize they are going to be the losers once again? Those of you on Medicare and Medicaid are going to be losers. The general public will be losers.

Hello TCM... great comments earlier about the Health Care Chaos.
Hope everyone reads it. I am encouraged by the tidal wave of
protests against ANY form of government CONTROLLED Health Care.
The constitution does not guarantee the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of idleness. The pursuit of HAPPINESS is a right, and that
is LOGICALLY achieved by individuals who assume responsibility for
their own health and well being (Whenever reasonably possible).
We the people (government as it should be), should pass laws to
take care of the children and the elderly, and the impaired who cannot
care for themselves, or have no family means whatsoever. Christian
people do that as a way of life, but we still need common government,
because there are some faithless people who try to pull us down.

Stand up... stay up... Believe in the Creator.... and vote Independently,
or Conservatively. Until moderate Democrats change (and they can)...
the Democratic party is a hostage to the faithless.

God is good... let us persevere.

mjm – that is a tragic story. At the huffingtonpost you will see similar stories with better outcomes in countries that have gov't health care. Our current system and culture is twisted and we need privat and public help to get untwisted.

And we all know what a fine job the government does running the US Postal Service and now they want to run health care too.

Be careful what we wish for . . we just might get it.

If we are so concerned with costs, why are hospitals and drug companies PAYING to advertise, which just increases costs?

What happens when all the wonderful doctors we have here in the United States go back to there NATIVE COUNTRY, because there is no incentive to practice here?

God Please bless our nation despite ourselves.

How do you define what works? No one person's body is like another. But, I've been told that I need to go on cholesterol drugs – so I changed my habits and took a cholesterol of 200 down to 159. I lift weights 3x a week, rarely do cardio. But the experts tell me to do the opposite. My blood pressure was borderline and the doctor wanted to put me on drugs. So, I cut out salt – and it's fine. My blood sugar was high – the doctor told me to take drugs – I changed what I ate, cut out refined sugar – and low and behold, my fasting blood sugar is fine. If I'd done what the experts told me to do to prevent problems, I'd be on at least three medications, and be miserably unhealthy.

The WHO ranks the US 37th in terms of health care. Many countries that have government run health care options rank ahead of us. It's abuot time we wake up that we do not have the best options and choices and the government needs to step in since the private industry worries more about profit than our health.

Mike wrote:
July 15th, 2009 11:42 am ET
obama and kerry what a duo. obamby has never served and kerry wounded himself and signed his own purple heart. They both just want to spend other peoples money, only kerry does not have any because his wife has all the money.

Because Bush and Cheney had such stellar service records. Oh wait... Have a nice day!

Does it put any limits on drug companies and the high cost of medications? I need EPO shots for life and they are $1000 a piece. Does it address making generics available far sooner than they are now? What about the drug companies? Is anyone touching that one?? It seems to me that needs to be looked at and addressed. Drugs are outrageously priced in the US.

Mike – funny how you rethugs still harp on stupidity. I've never seen a group of people that hated this country so much that they would want it to fail. Even when bush was destroying this country we still didn't want him to fail although he did, hugely. Hate only returns to the hater, it's called Karma, ask palin and mccain about that, they know it first hand.

I have a friend who was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia. Illinois has a program where young females can be treated for free as long as they meet certain low income requirements.

At first I thought it was a great program, now we're not so sure.

Because the program is similar to Medicaid, the doctors are working for highly discounted rates. Turns out, the only doctors willing to work for that rate are not the best qualified.

What should have been a simple in and out procedure has turned into 4 months of pain and suffering.

She has not been able to work full time, she is in severe pain, she is strapped for cash and her employer is threatening to fire her because she can't do her job.

She now has to go for a second opinion. It's no longer covered by the program. Her bill is already $1200.

She confessed that she would rather have gone to a better doctor and made payments towards her care rather then suffer the way she is.

She now knows that you get what you pay for.

Joe wrote:
KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF PRIVATE BUSINESS!!

Because that worked out so well with the deregulated financial industry. Have a nice day!

Riddle – Why would republicans not want a gov funded health care plan that will provide competition for the insurance companies? Answer – Because they the republicans don't care about those not covered, they only care for the rich. Why don't they give up their 'socialist' health care plan that is currently provided to them via the government?

Since when did the health of americans became too costly to sustain?
You spend billions to send man on the moon and to fund unnecessary wars yet sick americans can die for lack of health care.
Remarkable!

obama and kerry what a duo. obamby has never served and kerry wounded himself and signed his own purple heart. They both just want to spend other peoples money, only kerry does not have any because his wife has all the money.

The other 3% are all Government Employees who have a different plan.

Wake UP!
The Obama/ Democrat political payback machine rolls on all at the additional cost of ballooning;
- deficit spending;
- government bureaucracy
- waste, abuse and corruption
- ineptness of administration, etc

WHO PAYS? MIDDLE INCOME EARNERS

The "RICH" can very well afford attorneys and accountants to reduce their tax liability through the loopholes CREATED and USED by our own MEMEBRS OF CONGRESS.
Soon after the passage of health care reform will be an uproar about the shortfall on the budget and soon will come passage of new taxes or increased taxes from the House.

We agree Mr. President, this would be a fine way to reform health care and make it affordable and accessible for ALL Americans. I hope the Senate will have the courage and backbone to also support this comprehensive solution to America's broken health care system, but I fear they will be more interested in the financial contributions of the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies than of the welfare of American citizens. True change takes high ideals, bravery and resourcefulness – I'm proud we have a President that exhibits those characteristics. I just hope our legislators can learn from you.

That's nice that they're trying to do something about healthcare. Too bad they don't care about the mysterious disappearance of public housing in America and it's replacement with "mixed use developments." Where'd all the urban poor people go? I dunno but look at these shiny new condos. Somebody's making a lot of money and it ain't you and me. Have a nice day!

I will believe obama when he produces a birth certificate.

Does it not bother anyone that once again Obama is putting a rush on this Healthcare. Isnt this the same lines we heard on the Stimulus and it had to be right then and there! and look at what has happened. UNemployment rates are rising and now predicting even higher! There is something fishy about having to have this health agenda so fast!! and I am sure Unions are behind this also as they are not going to have to contribute to healthcare. People start waking up, there is something sinister going on and you fools are being led to believe that things are being done for your benefit. Are you any better off now than you were in January when Obama took over??? I think we are worse! look at the debt and forget about blaming Bush now, your Chosen Leader has tripled the debt when he could have tried to control it, with controlling spending. He is like a person who won a big lottery, spending on the money, not realizing you need to save for the future! Start waking up before it is too late!!

Bravo Mr. President. Thanks for your perserverence in this matter.

What a load of crap. "We'll use the magic money that falls from the sky to pay for it” should have been his quote. They can't pay for the current systems, and they are all out of whack. What makes them think they can do this right?

KEEP THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF PRIVATE BUSINESS!!

For all of you that want socialism, move to Venezuela. Enjoy your poverty there.

Name the 10 that voted against the best interest for the MAJORITY of this country. We'll vote one way or the other next year. We need to know.

If you choose not to want Obama's health care plan than the IRS is going after you, how's that for Freedom of choice in America?

The Insurance Company Lobbyists are getting to the republicans, in spite of what is needed in this country. The Insurance Companies and Banks run this country. We don't get a vote on them. Too bad.

All I can say is it is about time. thank you PRESIDENT OBAMA.

Thank you Obama, now lets please get this passed.