Daily Health Care News - 12/11/09
Posted on December 11th, 2009 by Jason Rosenbaum in News Clips
 |
NEWS
Moderates uneasy with Medicare plan - Politico
Senate moderates who are the linchpin to passing a health care reform bill raised fresh worries Thursday about a proposed Medicare expansion, complicating Majority Leader Harry Reid’s hopes of putting together a filibuster-proof majority for the legislation in the coming days.
High Premiums in Senate Democrats’ Health Plan - New York Times
Senate Democrats have provided few details about their latest health care proposal, but this much seems clear: Anyone who wants to buy the same health benefits as members of Congress, or to buy coverage through Medicare, should be prepared to fork over a large chunk of cash.
Internet users lured to voice views on health bill - Associated Press
Internet users looking for gift cards and other free merchandise are being steered to Web pages inviting them to send e-mails to Congress expressing their views on President Barack Obama's push to reshape the country's health system.
Health care loophole would allow coverage limits - Associated Press
A loophole in the Senate health care bill would let insurers place annual dollar limits on medical care for people struggling with costly illnesses such as cancer, prompting a rebuke from patient advocates.
Senate Dems may change health care compromise - Associated Press
Senate Democrats are considering changing a proposed expansion of Medicare to address complaints from doctors and hospitals and defray costs for consumers, officials said Thursday, two days after party leaders hailed it as part of a breakthrough for health care.
Senate Tied in Knots Over Proposal to Allow Imported Drugs - New York Times
Debating an overhaul of the health care system, the Senate found itself tied in knots on Thursday over a bipartisan proposal to allow people to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada and certain other countries.
Couple To Divorce For Toddler's Health Care - WSMN Nashville
A happily married couple may have to divorce in order to get their toddler the health benefits he needs. Molly and Jason Sheppard have been married six years, but they're thinking getting a divorce.
OPINION
Of OPM role in a reformed health-care system, some are fans, some are definitely not - Washington Post
Like a backup singer finally getting the spotlight, the Office of Personnel Management is moving to center stage in the debate over repairing the nation's health insurance system.
The People STILL Want the Public Option - Daily Kos
Not that public opinion on healthcare makes a damned bit of difference in D.C., but strong majorities still like the public option, according to two new polls, one from CBS/NYT [pdf], and the other from CNN.
That Grand Health Care Compromise? Jerry Nadler Has His Doubts - New York Observer
All year, the biggest fault line in the health care debate has been the public option—a proposed government-run insurance plan that Americans without access to group coverage would be eligible to sign up for.
I know! We need 2 health care reform bills. One for us whn want equal coverage for all. And one for Republicans, conservatives, and "not with my money you don't"s. Those who likely tithe at church to help the same kind of poor people who need help with coverage. Canada dealt with this fairly. Oh, wait! That's right - Less greed, more caring, smarter people.
OK, so if the polls continue to show that the majority of people still want the public option, then where do the republicans get their data that "60 percent of americans don't want this bill"? I heard George Will use this on George Stephanopoulis "This week" program, and again this morning on GMA by Michael Steele of the RNC? Where are these folks getting their data?
Well, it's a good thing for the Republicans and conservative Dems. that the country has done alot of dumbing-down over the years. Where else would you find people screaming and yelling to defeat something that would stop their yapping about the cost of everything and the worry if they lose their health insurance? Even the party that could finally make some success has members who just have to ruin any hope people have of not going broke or worse due to a medical crisis.
Under the House bill, low-income married couples earning too much for Medicaid eligibility will find themselves paying up to $2,000 more for mandatory insurance annually than an unmarried couple with the same income.
Uninsured childless adults working full-time at minimum wage earn too much for Medicaid eligibility and will take a large financial hit because the subsidy won't come close to covering the cost of their mandatory insurance.
Where's the progressive outrage?