Now that a single payer system, the public option, and Medicare for those 55-64 have been dropped from the Senate bill on Health Care reform, angering progressives and abandoning the middle class in the process, there is one action that MUST be taken!
That is to drop the mandated health insurance portion of the bill, because effectively it will require all Americans to buy health insurance as demanded by, and rates set by, the health insurance corporations. Effectively, this will force many people into bankruptcy with overly expensive insurance rates, with the threat of a fine or going to prison if one refused to participate. And yet there is no guarantee that a person will actually be covered for his or her health insurance bills when they occur.
This is an outrage, and President Obama MUST make it clear that if such a provision remains in the legislation, and is not eliminated in the Senate or House of Representatives in conference, that he will veto the legislation, no matter how much he wants to see health care legislation passed by Congress!
I agree Dr. Feinman but sadly President Obama does not. I saw him in an interview say that he would support such legislation and that there should be a penalty for those who do not abide and he even gave reasons for penalties. This is such a ridiculous idea and is not democratic in nature.I mean come on, I am a 19 year old guy who -Thank God- am healthy and would not want to buy health insurance on my own because I probably could not afford it. And I do not want the government telling me I have to or otherwise pay the penalty. If I were to get sick then I would have to work out a payment system with the hospital as many others do who have no health coverage and find a way to afford it. But that is my choice and am fine with it. It is not big brother’s job to make me buy a health insurance plan.
Mike,
The argument you make is sound. However, if you were to get sick, the hospital and state would be forced to care for you regardless….eating the bill that you could not afford. This practice has shut down hundreds of hospitals because with – or without insurance….they had to provide care.
I am all for your freedom of choice…….but, I do think you should sign a “no services document” that would eliminate mandatory care for you when you do get sick. Just know the consequences of what you are signing and, as far as I am concerned, you can have it your way.
Otherwise, some form of Gov. intervention (to stop individuals from abusing this system) must be put in place.
Your thoughts?
That seems fair. But where I was getting at was that if I did get sick then the hospital and I should be able to work out a payment plan like so many already do.