Biden: Why the Senate Should Vote Yes on Health Care

[NJmaverick]

I were still a United States senator, I would not only vote yes on the current health care reform bill, I would do so with the sure knowledge that I was casting one of the most historic votes of my 36 years in the Senate. I would vote yes knowing that the bill represents the culmination of a struggle begun by Theodore Roosevelt nearly a century ago to make health care reform a reality. And while it does not contain every measure President Obama and I wanted, I would vote yes for this bill certain that it includes the fundamental, essential change that opponents of reform have resisted for generations.

We have been here before. In the past, as the moment of decision drew nearer, criticism from both the left and the right grew louder. Compromises were derided. The perfect became the enemy of the good.

Most recently, in 1993, Democrats had a chance to forge a compromise with Senator John Chafee, Republican of Rhode Island, on a health care reform bill. Congress’s failure to pass health care reform that year led to 16 years of inaction — and 16 years of exploding health care costs and rising numbers of uninsured Americans.

We can’t let that happen again. While it is not perfect, the bill pending in the Senate today is not just good enough — it is very good. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions or drop coverage when people get sick. Charging exorbitant premiums based on sex, age or health status will be outlawed. Annual and lifetime caps on benefits will be history. Those who already have insurance will be able to keep it, and will gain peace of mind knowing they won’t be priced out of the market by skyrocketing premiums. And more than 30 million uninsured Americans will gain access to affordable health care coverage.

MORE
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/opinion/20biden.html?_r=1&hp

[rasputin1952]

1. From the article, a great line:

Most recently, in 1993, Democrats had a chance to forge a compromise with Senator John Chafee, Republican of Rhode Island, on a health care reform bill. Congress’s failure to pass health care reform that year led to 16 years of inaction — and 16 years of exploding health care costs and rising numbers of uninsured Americans.


There is a great lesson to be learned from that single line. Many more will die that could have been saved, and in a lot less than 16 years, amendments can be made to enhance the law if it is passed; if it goes into the shredder...that 16 years could turn into 25 more, or even worse...:(

[NJmaverick]

3. Very true and you could draw another lesson from the Dems turning down the Nixon healthcare bill

of the 70s (which in many ways is superior to what is being proposed today).

[rasputin1952]

4. Yes...to think of where we would be if we had done either...

Any faults would have been corrected long ago...we cannot wait another generation.

"Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it."

[pnorman]

5. Do you have the vote count on that bill

n/t

[Cha]

8. Thanks Rasputin..does that

mean that if they would have compromised with Chaffee that it would have passed in 1993?

I know that's what it sounds like but I'm just double checking..thanks.

[TheKentuckian]

2. The logic leads to taking literally anything

I know...I know...don't let the cringe worthy be the enemy of the with luck better then oblivion.

[mzmolly]

6. I don't think so.

I think the logic is that the bill does much good and we've allowed progress to be defeated by the desire for perfection, in the past.

[gateley]

10. Well said! nt

[gateley]

7. BIden is pragmatic -- How to make the most of the hand

you've been dealt. He presents a good argument.

[Cha]

9. Yes, VP Biden and Pres Obama

are pragmatic as well as a lot of other pols.

[jillan]

11. Biden is such a good employee, helping to sell his boss' message.

Actually I feel like he is talking to the base in this oped.

[Goldstein1984]

12. I'm through with Obama, Biden and the Dem Congress

Mandating giving business to the insurance industry.

Insurance stocks hit a 52-week high.

What could be more clear?

[Clio the Leo]

13. That is one very SEXY op-ed! NT