Remember that news about forcing insurers to use 90% of profits on medical care?

[mcablue]

We were ecstatic when the news broke last week. Many recs.

"That's change I can believe in!" One happy person said. "And I was told Obamacare just wants to keep friends. ~sigh~ Why do some DUers lie to me?!" Another sarcastically mocked opponents of the bill.

Only one person seemed skeptical. "Baucus, Lieberman et. all will probably scrap that option," said mcablue (who happens to be me).

Well, today we learn that the CBO has called this proposal a government take-over.

Thinkprogress' Wonk Room http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/12/14/cbo-90-mlr/">says, "a new directive from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) may force Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to abandon the provision and could further undermine the now defunct compromise."

My prophecy is looking good, although miracles have happened. I highly doubt that centrist or moderate Republicans will vote for this measure. Several liberal blogs are criticizing the CBO for saying that 90% is a government takeover but 85% isn't. At any rate, we're being looted. France spends half as much as we do on health care and this is the best we can do? Unbelievable.

Another question: Will those who saw this provision as awesome finally express disappointment if it is scrapped?

UPDATE:Megan McCardle at The Atlantic says today, "In other words, I think the CBO just took away the last shred of Jay Rockefeller's legacy." http://meganmcardle.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/12/the_cbo_warns_on_too-high_medi.php

[emulatorloo]

1. Not "wonkette" -- thinkprogress

[mcablue]

2. Thanks. Got confused by the "wonk" part n/t

[emulatorloo]

5. It is odd that the CBO would get involved in that, but the whole thing is odd

I thought CBO was supposed to be evaluating the cost of the bill to the Fed govt?!?!?!?

[TwilightGardener]

8. I agree--I don't know why the CBO would use that language, or care.

[emulatorloo]

9. I knew it wasn't "wonkette" because the article didn't mention Penises

[chimpymustgo]

3. This is CHESS, you dummy. We got 'em right where we want 'em now...

:puke:

[stray cat]

4. Those of us who liked it are more likely to be unhappy if its gone

unlike those who did not give a damn anyway

[emulatorloo]

6. +1

[TwilightGardener]

7. I would be disappointed--I thought that was a good way to keep premiums (and profits)

from becoming a runaway train once the mandates and subsidies are in place.

[Blasphemer]

10. Now why would someone unrec this? People's agendas around here are frightening... nt

[LatteLibertine]

11. The "reform"

is going to end up mostly being forcing folks to buy private insurance or have them take a fine, or possibly jail time.

Honestly, I think they just want to be able to state they reformed health care. The details don't seem to matter.

[Armstead]

12. Recommended.....Unfortunately

[Schema Thing]

13. wtf is CBO doing voicing an opinion?

Seriously? I thought their job was to do financial "budget" scoring?