If Reform Fails (NYT)

[dtotire]

If Reform Fails



Published: March 6, 2010

As the fierce debate on President Obama’s plan for health care reform comes to a head, Americans should be thinking carefully about what happens if Congress fails to enact legislation.

Are they really satisfied with the status quo? And is the status quo really sustainable?

Here are some basic facts Americans need to know as Congress decides whether to approve comprehensive reform or continue with what we have:

HOW REFORM WOULD WORK: Let’s be clear, the changes Mr. Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress are proposing are significant. But, despite what the critics charge, this is not a government takeover. And the program is not only fully paid for, it should actually reduce the deficit over the next two decades.

Under the new system, all people would be required to have health insurance or pay a penalty. If you are poor or middle class you would also get significant help through Medicaid coverage or tax credits to pay the premiums.


more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/opinion/07sun1.html?ref=opinion

[ixion]

1. I wish people would stop calling it 'reform' it most certainly is NOT health care 'reform'

nothing of the sort. It's not really even health insurance reform, since rates are going to go up.

From what I can see, it's the Insurance Industry Profit Protection Act.

[terrell9584]

2. Correct

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. Our elected officials

including the current President and the Dem majorities in the House and Senate has proven to be unable and/or unwilling to put forth a proposal for meaningful healthcare reform. Let the current clusterfuck roposal go down in defeat. And as far as I'm concerned it can take all the spineless self-interested bought and paid for politicians who were unable/unwilling to fight for something better with it. Fuck 'em.