Uh...so look what we are expected to give up in return for them not taxing cadillac plans

[Horse with no Name]

Unless I am reading this wrong--this looks like an even worse disaster brewing. I know for a FACT that if my employer weren't forced to cover me by law, that they would not. Can they just STOP?? Talk about making things worse.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100113/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul
>>>snip
WASHINGTON – House and Senate negotiators working on President Barack Obama's health overhaul bill appear likely to drop a proposed income tax increase on high-wage earners and possibly jettison a requirement for large businesses to offer coverage to their employees, Democratic officials said Tuesday.

[tavalon]

1. I don't like that framing "cadillac plans"

It's meant to convey that it's rich people's spendy, just not necessary, over the top health insurance. It's not and that is disingenuous.

[Horse with no Name]

2. I agree but that seems to be the term used

Mine is not union and is considered a cadillac plan, but feels more like a Yugo.

[tavalon]

11. Don't let them frame the issue

It doesn't matter if they call it that. We didn't start calling the estate tax the "death tax" just because they did. It is a tax on worker's benefits.

[SoCalDem]

3. Until employer-offered insurance ends, we will NEVER get to real health care reform

$75K a year employees will NOT take to the streets and DEMAND law changes for $7hr part-timers he/she will never meet, BUT the second it's illegal to "give" coverage to higher paid employees, or when massive numbers of companies drop coverage, there WILL be protest.,.and then change will come.

People protest to preserve what they have or fear losing..they do not get all "protest-y" to get a little coverage for a Dairy Queen 20-hr-a-week somewhere in America.

[Horse with no Name]

7. I don't make $75k

and I do care about my coworkers.
With my present health conditions, if I cannot go to the doctor, I will die.
That is why I drag my ass to a shit job when sometimes I can barely walk when I get out of bed and most times I can't walk when I get done. It isn't necessarily for the money, it is for the insurance.
But I do get what you are saying.

[SoCalDem]

12. We were held "hostage" to a job my husband HATED..for years

and moved all over the country...but we had no choice because our son had a serious birth defect that would take 8 years and 29 operations...His company KNEW we had no choice, and we paid dearly..

NO employers should hold that much power over an employee.. Medical care should be a right for EVERYONE...paid through taxes.. like every other civilized country does..

[Horse with no Name]

14. So is THAT the REAL obstacle?

That companies won't have that leverage over employees any more and MIGHT have to actually change their ways so people will work for them?

[SoCalDem]

16. They might havw to start paying real wages, instead of withholding them in exchange

for quasi benefits packages with costs that keep rising (on the employee side)

"Hey John, you got a $50 raise...but your share of insurance went up $60"

Does anyone ever see proof of just how much the boss is really paying?

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

15. Quite a bit of Europe doesn't pay for it through taxes. n/t

[ibegurpard]

4. what's left to give up?

this whole stinking pile needs to go

[flyarm]

5. Thanks Obama..you are assuring yourself 1 term!..eom

[chimpymustgo]

6. KILL THE BILL.

[jtrockville]

8. We'll all get SCAMMED either way.

Employers will be forced to "offer" insurance.
Employees are mandated to purchase what the employer "offers".
Insurance companies can charge whatever they like for being the middle man (MLR aka "the biggest loophole know to mankind" not withstanding).

Taxes on this scam are the least of what we'll be taken for.

[Jackpine Radical]

9. They're going to drop the requirement

that your health insurance actually pay for any health care.

[Horse with no Name]

10. But with the requirement

that you have to pay for the executives to deny it.

[shadesofgray]

13. So how many millions more people will end up being unsinsured after Obama's

"health care reform" is inflicted on the country?

Who knew THAT'S what he meant by "reform"??