Recognizing Reform

[seeinfweggos]

So what happens if reform does pass? For starters--and this is no small thing--the insurance company will have to sell you a policy, no matter what pre-existing conditions your family brings to the table. And you’ll know from the start that the policy will cover basic services because the government will be defining a basic benefits package. That package is going to include a broader range of services than the typical non-group policy would without reform. So when your doctor recommends a standard test or procedure, you won't have to panic it falls into some hidden policy loophole.

But what will that coverage cost? The basic premium is roughly the same, according to Gruber’s calculations that he extrapolated from official Congressional Budget Office estimates. But that $50,000 income means you’re also eligible for federal subsidies. Large federal subsidies. In fact, the government will cover about two-thirds of the price, so that you’re left owing just $3,600.

Now, you could end up spending a lot more on medical care if you or someone in your family gets sick. But here, too, the federal government would step in to help. Under the reforms, the government would limit out-of-pocket spending to around $6,000 per year. Combined with the premium, you’re on the hook for around $10,000 total, or about a fifth of your income.

...

Could the deal be better still? Of course it could. The House bill, for example, offers substantially better protection from out-of-pocket expenses.

That's an argument for improving the Senate bill in conference committee, when its members meet with their House of Representatives counterparts, and for improving the law if and when it goes into effect. Those of us on the left can, and should, fight for both.

But we should also recognize the Senate bill for what it is: A measure that will make people's lives significantly better. Surely that's worth a little enthusiasm.

http://www.tnr.com/article/health-care/recognizing-reform?page=0,1

[DJ13]

1. Its not reform to build it on the most expensive system in the world

and then force people to buy into it.

[seeinfweggos]

2. can you tell me ANY way to achieve universal coverage that wouldn't be mandatory?

universal is by definition mandatory

[DJ13]

5. "Mandatory" can be done like other countries

By an increase in income taxes.

That would make the wealthy pay into the system, and the lower classes would pay hardly anything (if anything at all, since many are below the threshold for paying income taxes).

That has the side benefit of eliminating the need for subsidies since they wouldnt be charged anything due to their low incomes.

I suspect that wasnt considered simply due to the fact the wealthy would face an increase in their taxes, but if that was the reason it shows the priorities of our Congress members.

[Liberal Veteran]

3. I dunno. Somehow the best analogy I can think of is...

We were promised a double bacon cheeseburger and delivered a mayonnaise sandwich with stale bread and homeopathic mayo.

[ShamelessHussy]

4. Power concedes nothing without a demand

Without a struggle, there can be no progress. Frederick Douglass