So... what will be the state of health care 2-3 years from now?

[TwixVoy]

So now that any real health care reform is dead where will we be 2-3 years from now?

How many people will have lost coverage? How many people won't be able to afford it?

Will the situation be mostly the same as it is today, or far worse?

Anyone want to make any guesses?

[Zoeisright]

1. Well, tens of thousands more Americans will have died.

I would guess even more will lose coverage and rates will skyrocket.

Thanks, Congress.

[kestrel91316]

2. Lots more people will have been fined and sued into bankruptcy and

homelessness because of no insurance or ripoff insurance or fines.

[LiberalLoner]

3. Yes, but think of the billionaire insurance executives...

They need to get every last dime from us before we die of starvation or exposure in the streets, after all. Oh, won't someone please think of the billionaire insurance execs? Oh, that's right, that's the job of the President and Congress.

[Vinca]

4. There is one thing sure to happen whether or not this bill passes.

The insurance companies will be emboldened like never before. I fully expect the latest premium quoted to my family of more than $20,000 a year (with $5,000 deductible and the usual exclusions) to be more than $30,000 by the time any "reform" would kick in. Probably closer to $40,000. Assuming we might get a 30% subsidy (no kids) if we're lucky, my condition will still be the same: priced out of medical care.

[WeDidIt]

5. We will be WORSE OFF

than if we had done nothing.

[yodoobo]

6. We'll be in far better shape, but improvement will be needed

The plan in the house and Senate is a great start, but further refinement will be needed.