Obama "Absolutely Confident" Health Reform Will Be Done

[BlackpeopleLOL]

let's give Joe Biden a chance to be LBJ

[pluto4847]

@BlackpeopleLOL

What do you mean by that? Why do you connect LBJ with Joe Biden? Is there a hidden meaning you are not telling us.

[TrainsforGTA]

yeh, ironically he stated that health care reform might die out again..

[rahowr]

Time to purge this nation of all obama supporters !

Kill the snakes body,,,And the snakes head will Die !

[imaginepeace63]

LBJ didn't have the blue dog democrats to deal with

[Mj18Jam]

The insurace company are liers they would not be fighting this bill if they think it would cost million of dallors more they are worried they are going to have to work for the money. This talk by the Republicans that this is going to cost jobs is crap how covering more people is going to cost job are we fools this bill is a big job creator.

The republican tell us our chilodren will have to pay well let them pay to be healthy instead of for more wars and one more suit in Mich Maconley closet.

[wvbkball]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people in the U.S. without health insurance coverage at some time during 2007 totaled 15.3% of the population, or 45.7 million people. However, 9.7 million of uninsured people in the United States are not American citizens.According to the Census Bureau, this number decreased slightly from 47 million in 2006 due to increased publicly sponsored coverage

[wvbkball]

Why fix the problems in our health care system in a way that creates more of an economic crisis? Like i said. Why burn money just to add more to the fire?

[wvbkball]

Here is somthing interesting.

"Subsidies can be regarded as a form of protectionism or trade barrier by making domestic goods and services artificially competitive against imports. [Subsidies may distort markets, and can impose large economic costs]".

[wvbkball]

Maintaining the fragile coalition of health care advocates, businesses and insurers that supported the Massachusetts health care reform will be important as well. This coalition is being severely tested with Governor Patricks administration issuance of proposed changes to the fair share contribution regulations that, if adopted, would raise about $45 million.

[wvbkball]

The proposed changes would require an employer with 10 or more employees to pay 33% of full-time employees premiums and ensure that at least 25% of FTEs are covered by an employer plan. The business community and trade groups are up in arms over the proposal.

[wvbkball]

State and national policymakers are closely monitoring the Massachusetts reform. At this point, its greatest success is reducing the states uninsured rate by half. Thousands of previously uninsured people have greater access to health insurance and medical care, which is a good thing. But there is no free lunch.

[wvbkball]

Health care remains expensive, and so does health insurance. And managing costs is essential for the health care reform to succeed. If the Commonwealth cannot devise a plan to combat health care inflation, the reform will collapse under its own weight.

[balanceseeker]

The fact that health care remains expensive is that the state could only go so far. Mandating insurance and providing money for the poor so they can afford the mandate on addresses the insurance aspect of it, and not even completely. That is why I have said the government needs to address the fee-for-service system that drives up costs, along with administration costs which is an ever increasing portion of our medical bills.

[wvbkball]

And yet this isn't even the main issue to me. Please tell me what is the unimployment rate here in the USA. And how are this good american people to pay for this "healthcare". Why that is a good question. Jobs are the icing for the cake. Is he gonna force them to work minime wage jobs too? Hey isn't that a good idea?? :/

I dont think Obama realizes what day it is.

we are still being told job losses could even get worse. He has bad timing. But who would have known him 2 years ago?

[balanceseeker]

Yes, we all know how bad it is out there in the job market. At least 10% of Americans do. It is a problem. That doesn't mean we should do nothing on this front. It needs to be addressed. It is a huge problem that in both good and bad times has been kicked down the road for this reason or that repeatedly. At some point, we have to hunker down and get it done. Might as well be now while there is a will to do it.

That doesn't mean we should ignore employment. Quite the opposite.

[wvbkball]

Massachusetts was the first state to mandate that individuals possess health insurance coverage. As of January 1, 2008, nearly all Massachusetts residents were required to possess health insurance.

Of those Massachusetts residents filing income taxes for 2007, 168,000 self-identified as uninsured.

» 97,000 will be subject to penalties.

» 62,000 low-income individuals were exempted.

» 9,000 claimed a religious exemption.

[wvbkball]

Key points:

» Of the Massachusetts residents filing 2007 income taxes, 168,000 are uninsured.

» About 340,000 people are enrolled in expanded government programs or have purchased health insurance.

» Private health insurance sales through the Connector have been minimal.

» The state underestimated the number of uninsured.

» Cost containment and sustainability are problems that will have to be addressed.

» Insurance producers maintain their critical roles in the marketplace.

[JusticePetitioner]

Funny how CNN posted what Obama was gonna say " in quotes"

before the question was even finished being asked. 1:37

Hmmm some psychic people over at CNN.

[loupgarou5z3w]

I guess it's true Axelrod has those pictures of Lieberman & McCain I've heard about.

[wvbkball]

The fact is we do not have a free market in health care in the U.S. Ask yourself: How many markets in the U.S. do you get a tax break for buying a product, but only if you buy it through your employer, as we do with health insurance? In how many markets are you prohibited from purchasing a product out of state, as we are with health insurance? I

[wvbkball]

What has failed in the U.S. is government micromanagement of the health care system. Over the past 40 years government's role in the health care system has continually expanded, from programs like Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP, to regulations like HIPPA and COBRA. Like most government interventions, it has only made the problem worse.

[freix138]

Could please somebody tell me where can I find the transcript of this video? I've looked up ("looked up" or "looked it up"?) at:

transcripts . cnn . com / TRANSCRIPTS / sitroom.html

but I didn't find it.

If there is any error in my comment, please, don't hesitate to correct me (english is not my mother tongue)

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

[out2gtme]

Frickin Moron !

[HomleandSecurity]

I'm absolutely confident that the foreigner Obama will be impeached after real Americans take back the government in 2010.

[Luinreg]

It is amazing when people complain about the lack of jobs they forget one of the most important things that why people are fighting for health care reform.

Jobs and good healthcare plans are 100% linked. By ending this cycle more people even when they are unemployed are able to still have a basic level of health insurance or better allowing the individual to look for work or take better employment.

Also it is good for business because they can invest more into their company instead of benefit

[PlanetMother]

GOD

BLESS

BARACK

OBAMA !!!

[Verified1]

So many short-term thinkers forget what a terrible government President Obama inherited. And I suspect a lot of these whiners likely voted for Bush twice. They finally realized they were burned and wanted someone to fix it and so they voted for Obama.. Now they aren't willing to accept the consequences of those previous votes. This very serious and far-reaching mess took eight years to create. Arguably it started under Reagan. It ain't gonna be fixed in one year.

[singlespeak]

They keep saying that a complete meltdown would have been worse. We are still going to have the complete meltdown and it will be worse than if the government would have stayed out and let the big banks fail last year.

[dustinrorie]

------> from Arkansas. Not conservative at all.

Obama 2012 Baby!

[TheBeepBeepBeep]

Obama rocks! OBAMA '12!!!!!

[ronniestuff08]

I bet he is confident that healthcare will pass since he pushed it through despite 84% of the american population not wanting it.

[balanceseeker]

Got a reference for that 84% figure, Ronnie? I ask because that number stands in conflict with respectable polling companies like Rasmussen and others showing 50/50 split on the current bill in congress and a clear majority in support of the public option.

[ronniestuff08]

Yeah, you are right. It does conflict with the news and so dos many other things. The unemployment rate for instance. If I rember correctly his disapproval rating was 64%, and that was 2 months ago. That was from yahoo news and Russia today. I will try to find a reference for it the 84% figure, but I think it was from the same which is associated with the New York TImes.

[ronniestuff08]

btw that public option doesn't mean much if it taxes competitor's 40% who try to compete with the government out of business, but again, just another conflicting number.

[balanceseeker]

I only mind conflicting numbers that are pulled out of thin air.

I googled your 64% number and found the "poll," by the way. It was conducted purely online. Hardly a good sample to pull from as it can be skewed very easily by one side or the other rallying people to race to the site and vote on the poll. In addition, the current tally, as it continues on, is much less than that.

And the only 84% and health care number I can find is the rise in premiums in Ohio while incomes rose only 12%.

[ronniestuff08]

oh ok, you mean those people that were bused to the polls to vote for him couldn't vote online then? Damn that sucks. That means that people who pay taxes and give a damn about politics are voting.

[balanceseeker]

I was trying to have a real discussion here, and you had to go and jump off the deep end, Ronnie. Obviously people who were "bused to the polls" are not at the polls now, a year after the fact. So, that is immaterial. Furthermore, each side of the line does their own Get Out the Vote efforts on election day. There is nothing wrong or immoral about driving people to polls who can't make it otherwise. In fact, it is patriotic.

Certainly there are better arguments you can make that this, okay?

[ronniestuff08]

I welcome the real conversation. Forgive me. Alot of people that were pro Obama before have done a 360.

[Verified1]

Ronnie. You mean a 180. Read your math book.

[ronniestuff08]

A 360 is a complete turn around, a total change of mind, 180 is not, and this ain't math it's politics. I meant 360 asshole. Thank you and have a nice day.

[balanceseeker]

Verified is right, buddy. If you do a 360, then you end up facing the same way as when you started. So, if someone does a political 360, they spin around and come back to the same point of view they had beforehand.

[0906peter]

No... Verified is right. 360 is all the way around, that doesn't change anything, you end up in the same position. A complete change of mind like you are talking about is 180. He is not the asshole, you are the asshole. Douche

[Verified1]

Ronnie. 180 is a half circle which means you are turned around and going in the other direction. 360 takes you right back to where you were. No need to use insulting names. It doesn't make your case and only makes you look childish.

[balanceseeker]

If you welcome the real discussion, then avoid the BS that you gave about those "polls" and find good solid points to make. There are certainly some good strong arguments to make from a conservative's point of view, and one does not need to be bombastic or hyperbolic, nor stretch the truth to make them.

I know the trend in YouTube is to go for the Talk Radio style slams, but in America, we should be able to rise above such pettiness and discuss things fairly and constructively.

[balanceseeker]

And as far as the number of pro-Obama people who have turned against him goes, if his approval ratings are any indication of that support, he is still within a few points of the margin by which he won the election. Even Fox News shows that to be true - latest poll at 51.3% approval and he won with 53% of the vote.

So, I guess that depends on how you wish to define "alot," Ronnie.

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

do you know anything about mythology? clearly you are very ignorant.

[balanceseeker]

Quite a bit, actually. What mythology are you referring to specifically? The myth that everyone who disagrees with you is "clearly...very ignorant?" And for someone who apparently is "ignorant," I seem able to refute your unsubstantiated claims with facts backed up with research. What does that say about you?

Instead of calling me "ignorant," why don't you actually put forth a point? A point with some actual facts would be ideal. It certainly would be better than trying to sling mud.

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

you can go to DC and look at the architecture yourself. welcome to Pagan Rome under Cesar you blind man.

[balanceseeker]

Interesting. And all this architecture sprung up in support of (your words) "the green religion with obama as lord and savior."

I guess those architects work really fast in DC, huh? All those monuments built in a less than a year, right? Or are you saying that the people who built those buildings were worshiping Obama before he was even born??

Oh, and need I remind you that Roman reference will do you in, as this country's government was founded on Roman principles?

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

paganism has been around since the beginning of civilization. you make no sense. i have no problem with it. i understand how the world works. so believe what you want and remain in denial while i am living like a king and you are stuck here still having faith trying to change things in the paradigm of "left right" politics.

[Verified1]

Very well said balanceseeker.

[balanceseeker]

Thank you, Verified.

[stoicsquirrel]

You used Rasmussen as a source so I'll use them, too. You said that his 51.3 % approve of Obama. According to Rasmussen only 46% approve. And only 27% "strongly" approve. I'm not sure what poll you used.

[balanceseeker]

My 51.3% comes from Fox News, as I stated before.

[stoicsquirrel]

Oops. I missed that. Sorry.

[hereandnow6002]

blame the jews

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

he also neglects to mention the procedural hurdle of it being a historically bad idea and completely unpopular.

[callouschristian]

I am so grateful to once again have a President that I can be proud of. To celebrate rather than cringe when I hear him speak. Pride in watching him rather than wondering what he will say to embarrass me as it was with bush.

[j03y2fly]

America has the best health care system in the World...no damn need to change it.

[balanceseeker]

The best health care?

On what criteria do you base that claim?

Costs? We pay vastly more per person than any other country. - World Health Organization (WHO)

Outcomes? Canada and the UK, countries who pay less per person, have high life expectancies. We are not even in the top ten on that front.

As a matter of fact, the best health care, according to the WHO, is in France. They provide the best health care for its people.

So, in what way are we best???

[imbubba56]

Here is what I base it on...I have had three heart surgeries on my schedule...not some DMV employee. When I have needed an MRI I was sent downstairs in a professional building without an appointment...not a hospital. I see my doctor on my terms...not the governments.

Fuck off and leave me alone. I don't need a nanny state to take care of me.

[balanceseeker]

So, you would rather pay more and get less health care all for the convenience of "going downstairs" instead to a hospital?

It isn't about a nanny state. It is about what makes the most sense. I don't like paying more money than other people and getting less return for that money, but that is exactly what we are doing.

[imbubba56]

You are truly a libtesticle piece of fecal matter that needs someone to tend to you. That's not the job of society. Take care of yourself loser.

[balanceseeker]

"Libtestical piece of fecal matter?" That's a new one. Points for being colorful, but they all get wiped away with the penalty for lack of reason with the attack. Personal attacks are empty and worthless. They only serve to make you feel better about your own position by demonizing the other side.

Back on point, however... If society's job is not to take care of its public, then should we not have police & military to take care of the public's general welfare? Remember your constitution.

[imbubba56]

That whistled way past stupid. Do you not have any personal responsibility? Is it your RIGHT you have me pay your way in life?

Is it your RIGHT to have a plasma TV? Is it your right to have a nice house? Where does the responsibility for society end for you loser?

Do you actually think GOVERNMENT will make anything cheaper for you? Can you name a time when it has? Can you name something the government has run efficiently?

Earn your own way. The free market will take care of the rest.

[getthepoooffmybum]

Right on man! People need to be more independent! I understand that no matter how hard they try, some people just can't afford health care, but Universal Health care is not the answer. And what's so universal about it? It doesn't even guarantee that everyone will be covered!

[balanceseeker]

The health care bill in Congress right now is not Universal Health Care. It just isn't. To get universal, guaranteed to cover everyone health care, you are talking about a single-payer system. Everyone is in; no one is out. Then you have everyone covered.

[getthepoooffmybum]

Yeah I guess you're right about that. But I still don't think the public option is going to cover everyone who is uninsured. And that totally eliminates the point of a public option.

[balanceseeker]

That is not the point of the public option.

The point of the public option is provide competition to the private sector such that it would drive down costs for everyone. Huge sections of the country are dominated by one insurance provider, and they are allowed to monopolize because of a law passed in 1945 - an exemption only shared with baseball, which is another thing that needs to be fixed in this bill.

[balanceseeker]

So, you would equate the ability to get health care with the ability to have a plasma TV? That's a bit out there. You are talking about a luxury item as being in the same ballpark as life-and-death. Cute and fallacious.

[callouschristian]

easy, teabag deficit. Did you run out of viagra or something?

[imbubba56]

Just run out of patience of shitbirds like you. Go fuck yourself.

[usualsuspect54]

just to let you know; the the american life expectancy is inclusive of automobile deaths, crime and gang violence deaths, suicides etc.; that are higher in the US than other countries. Not to be taking sides in your spirited argument. just an observation

[balanceseeker]

The WHO numbers that ranked France's health care the best were in relation to the quality of health care delivered, not the life expectancy numbers. As a matter of fact, the healthiest people in the world are not the French, but the Japanese, according to those same WHO numbers. What I am trying to say, I guess, is that the WHO took into consideration those factors and focused on health outcomes and costs of health care itself.

[imbubba56]

The WHO is part of the UN. The same folks that brought us oil for food in Iraq and sucked off billions in corruption.

If you focus on "costs" you will get crap. Profit drives innovation and service. If you like waiting lines and bad attitudes just let the government take care of it.

Studies show both the French and the Japanese live longer due to diet. Eat and drink like them and extend your life.

It appears just being American shortens your life.

On a lighter note just go to hell turd.

[balanceseeker]

If you can't fight the numbers, take a swipe at the parent organization instead as a viable method of rebutting? Yeah, that makes about as much sense as calling me a turd. Oh, you did that too. *sigh*

Furthermore, I already said the WHO took into consideration all other factors. 2 people go to the hospital, 1 in France, 1 in US, for the same thing. The one in France will get better treatment for less. That is the finding.

[imbubba56]

You should move there. I'm sure they will take good care of your worthless ass.

[stoicsquirrel]

"Costs?"

If you want the best, expect to pay for it.

"Outcomes?"

The U.S. has the highest survival rates for prostrate and breast cancer. As for life expectancy, there is only a 3 year difference between Canada(81 yrs.) and the U.S.(79 yrs.). That's not a huge gap. Why didn't you mention Greenland? Their health care system is payed for through taxes, just like Canada, yet their life expectancy is only 69 years.

[wvbkball]

They just want whatever their lord and savior [obama] will hand them.

[balanceseeker]

"If you want the best, expect to pay for it." - Stoicsquirrel

So, as America pays the most per person on health care, we should have the best outcomes, right? Wrong. As a matter of fact, there is some convincing evidence that some people are getting too much health care, to the detriment of their own health. After all, each health care procedure comes with risks. There was an article in the news on this that became required reading in the administration on that very issue.

[stoicsquirrel]

The whole reason people want national health care here is because not enough people get health care. So, as evidence, you point out that some people get too much health care. So, which is? Too mush, or not enough?

[balanceseeker]

And why don't I mention Greenland? Because not all health care systems are the same. If Greenland is getting worse results, than I don't want to emulate that system. I would prefer to emulate the things in other countries that do work and not the things that don't. Hence, based on the WHO's studies, we should look to countries like France and Italy for what they are doing right, and to places like the Mayo Clinic in the US - which has some of the cheapest health care and best results in the US.

[stoicsquirrel]

Greenland has nationalized health care, which is what you are advocating. The Mayo Clinic is a non profit, NON-government run hospital. France has a mix of private and government run places.(the private ones are the best, by the way). I don't know about Italy, admittedly.

Personally I think we just need to give people more choice by opening the state borders. Tort reform would help out a great deal, too. People are too sue happy in this country.

[balanceseeker]

Stoic,

What is being debated in the congress is a mix of private and government. While I believe that a single-player system would be better than the current plan in congress, it is not the issue and not what is being advocated for currently.

That said, yes, the Mayo Clinic is not run by the government. The point I am making is that we need to take the best of all practices and not dismiss anything because it doesn't fit one's ideology - France, Japan, Italy, Mayo Clinic, whatever...

[wvbkball]

Single-player system? I think u meen single-payer system. Did u know that once u have too many wrecks that the insurance company will drop u. Why wouldnt it happen to this ignorant reform??? I really must question your Negligence.

Single-payer healthcare just sounds Like a failing misfortune. It would go bankrupt in four years i bet..

[balanceseeker]

My apologies for the typo, wvbkball. You are correct. I meant single-payer. However, my negligence with that typo pales to yours regarding reform.

Under this bill, it will be illegal for companies to drop you because you get sick - which is legal right now. Furthermore, if single-payer would go bankrupt in four years, one would think that no country on Earth would have such a plan - or at least not be doing well with it if it. This is not the case however. Canada and the UK are doing fine.

[wvbkball]

Are we this canada or UK u speak of? Because they have it and it works for them we must have it to? Dont get me wrong I like having things that work for other people too, but that doesn't mean it would work for us. U have to consider some issues here.

First, did u know that they are trying to add abortion in this reform to be funded???? That is just ridiculous.

Second. A larger percentage Don't want it. Most being the ones who would pay the most.

Third. U must consider the

[wvbkball]

illegals. Obama said everyone would be cover including them. He wants to talk about fairness. Where is the fairness for the real americans from his stand point?

fourth. Everyone has to be cover and must pay. What about the young and healthy? There are many college students who are healthy that put themselves in a tight budget just to get into college.

Whats next? borrowing money to pay for it???? I see your logic. Please someone get this person a ice pack for his head.

[balanceseeker]

Care to quote Obama saying that he wants to cover illegals? Quite the opposite is true. He even is quoted as calling it a "myth." Remember the speech to congress on health reform?

Finally, people who are in financial distress are going to be given help to afford insurance by the government. Hence, your analogy with college students is wrong.

Is it the best that could be done in that regard? No, but it is a step in the right direction, and as much of a step as possible.

[balanceseeker]

1st, no one is trying to "add abortion in this reform." The status quo of the Hyde amendment will still stand. Hence, no federal dollars will be spend on abortions.

And to get off on a tangent for a minute, however. Why do abortion opponents get a special exemption? Peace activists pay taxes that go to fund wars they don't support. Every taxpayer pays taxes that pay for something they don't approve.

That isn't what is being argued in congress right now, of course, but it still is confusing.

[balanceseeker]

Second, the percentage of people who are opposed to the current bill includes people who think it doesn't go far enough. If one goes point by point down the legislation, it has overwhelming support for things like the Public Option. It takes the Kucinich people added with the Limbaugh people to get the slight majority opposed to the bill. Hell, I don't even like it completely, but it is the best bill that has any chance of getting through congress.

[stoicsquirrel]

"it will be illegal for companies to drop you because you get sick"

I know about that and I think that's a horrible idea. If they are losing money on someone, of course they're going to drop them. Lose to much money and you need a bail out. Didn't we learn our lesson with the bank bailouts? They lost money because people couldn't pay back the loans. Now we're going to do that with insurance companies!

[stoicsquirrel]

"if single-payer would go bankrupt in four years, one would think? that no country on Earth would have such a plan"

Different countries have different people. That sounds a bit vague but, let me explain. People in America love to sue for medical malpractice. That is a major cause for the prices we pay. If we have a government run system, Americans will still want to sue, but with a SPS, the government would have to pay. What works in other countries won't work in the U.S.

[balanceseeker]

Stoic, medical malpractice suits account less than one percent in the rise of health care costs. That said, should we reform the system to curve those costs? I think so. I certainly understand the cost of defensive medicine, but there is more that that going on. There is also the whole fee-for-service system that adds to the encouragement for doctors to over-prescribe.

There is a lot wrong in this health care system, and it will take more than tort reform to fix it.

[stoicsquirrel]

"medical malpractice suits account less than one percent in the rise of health care costs"

You misunderstood me. I'm talking about the medical malpractice insurance premiums that physicians pay. And they "over-prescribe" because they have to cover every angle so they don't get sued for malpractice. If they get sued, their premiums go up.

[balanceseeker]

Oh, and a single-payer system would not have the government paying for suits. The government would be the sole health insurance organization in the country, under that plan. When someone sues a doctor, the insurance company doesn't foot the bill.

I think you are mixing up a single-payer system with a real takeover of health care where the doctors and nurses would be government employees.

[stoicsquirrel]

"the insurance company doesn't foot the bill."

Doctors also have to pay for malpractice insurance. Because there is no cap on claims, it can be very expensive. Some practitioners pay over 100k a year for malpractice insurance. That's one reason health care cost is so high here. When doctors' premiums go up, their prices change to make up the difference. If the government is paying our bills, then, yes, they WILL be paying for it.

[balanceseeker]

Under a single-payer system, you would not have the government insuring doctors. Hence, the only "paying" the government would do for malpractice insurance is increases in prices - which is less than one percent of that increase.

Again though, I continue to say that tort reform is a solid idea. I am only saying that you are being disingenuous with the statement that the government would pick up the tab for these lawsuits and that it is because of those lawsuits that it would fail.

[stoicsquirrel]

"which is less than one percent of that increase."

I'm not sure what increase you're talking about. The amount doctors pay for MPI? That's gone up something like 37% in the past few years(I read it and can't remember the exact number). Or is it the price WE pay to the doctor? Some specialists pay over a quarter million dollars a year for MPI. That's why our costs are so high. I'm sure they raise their prices in order to keep up with the MPI they pay for.

[balanceseeker]

This is where conjecture meets reality.

The total costs of malpractice lawsuits, including legal fees and settlements, was 6.5 Billion. That was only .46% of the total amount of money spent on health care. So clearly, even if they are passing all those costs onto their clients in one way or another, it still accounts for less than 1% of health care costs. In fact, Texas has the strongest tort reform in the country and their health care cost are soaring compared to the rest of the country.

[stoicsquirrel]

"Texas has the strongest tort reform in the country and their health care cost are soaring compared? to the rest of the country."

the reform act was passed in 2003 and premiums have gone DOWN 30% in Texas since then.

"The total costs of malpractice lawsuits, including legal fees and settlements, was 6.5 Billion"

It's not the payout that I'm talking about. It's the amount doctors have to pay in premiums every year. That's a lot more than 6.5 billion.

[balanceseeker]

Yes, the premiums for malpractice insurance has gone down in Texas by 30% after passing tort reform. However, those are not the costs I am worried about. The costs to the consumer for health care have gone up by 24% in Texas while the nation as a whole has "only" seen an 18% rise during the same period.

Hence, so savings in doctor premiums do not result in savings for the consumers, even after you consider a reduced incentive for defensive medicine.

[wvbkball]

Lets check a state that does have this "healthcare" ur speak of shall we...

[stoicsquirrel]

"The costs to the consumer for health care have gone up by 24% in Texas while the nation as a whole? has "only" seen an 18% rise during the same period."

I just got an online quote for Texas(where I'm from) and Wisconsin(where I live now). I can get a plan in Texas for $109. For the same coverage from the same company, in Wisconsin, it will cost me $297 a month. Even if they did increase more than the rest of the country, I would still spend less in Texas.

[balanceseeker]

All that tells you is that the costs in Texas were lower before Tort reform, NOT that Tort reform made them lower.

In reverse terms, if I had $100 and you had $1, and you made and investment that got you 500% return and I made an investment that got me 1% return, I would still have more money at the end, BUT it is your investment everyone will be looking to replicate for obvious reasons.

[stoicsquirrel]

It sounds like you're saying that tort reform CAUSED the increase. Texas has a LOT of illegals that take advantage of our system here. You can walk into a hospital without ID and you will be treated. When they don't pay their bills( I know it's not JUST illegals but, it is a major problem. I know because I worked with at least 40-50 people that were there illegally) somebody else has to. So you should also be pushing against that, too. Are you?

[balanceseeker]

That is not to say that court reform is a bad idea. By itself, however, it is not a solution. There are larger issues that need working on that will have a greater impact first.

[stoicsquirrel]

"There are larger issues that need working on that will have a greater impact first."

I think we both agree on that. We just disagree on the main issue. It seems like you think health care is a right and I think it is a personal responsibility.

[wvbkball]

As i also agree that. America doesn't want to take responsibility [for anything of this matter].

Its seems mcdonalds is filled with plenty of customers. Ofcourse all fast food restaurants are. Bad eating habbits. Not excercising. Addiction to pills and drugs- lets make it a little cheaper for them to have thier drugs. JEZZZ mr balanceseeker. Them drugs must be wearing off. They better hurry that bill for your sake.

[wvbkball]

Single-payer advocates often claim that the U.S. private sector health care system is wasteful, spending far more on administrative costs than do government-run single-payer systems. According to single-payer advocates David Himmelstein and Steffie Woolhandler, "Streamlining administrative overhead to Canadian levels would save approximately $286.0 billion in 2003, $6,940 for each of the 41.2 million Americans who were uninsured as of 2001."

[wvbkball]

Yet comparisons of private sector administrative costs with those of government are misleading. Many government administrative expenses are excluded in such comparisons, such as what it costs employers and government to collect the taxes needed to fund the single-payer system, and the salaries of politicians and their staff members who set government health-care policy

[wvbkball]

(the salary costs of executives and boards of directors who set company policy are included in private sector administrative costs).

But even if the U.S. would save money on administrative costs by switching to a single-payer system, the savings would prove temporary. The main cause of rising health care costs is not administrative costs, but over-use of health care. A single-payer system would not solve that problem. Indeed, it would make it worse.

[balanceseeker]

If that were the case, you would see Canada and the UK with huge problems of over-use in the health care system. However, you do not. The reason is not that they have a single-payer system. It is how they reimburse their doctors. What drives the overuse of health care, in large part, is the fee-for-service system of paying doctors.

What's worse is that overuse of the system does not lead to healthier outcomes; it leads to worse outcomes. So, I agree, that is a problem - a big problem.

[balanceseeker]

What you say is true: we do spend a lot more on administration costs than other countries, even those without a single-payer system. Doctors hire people to do nothing but fill out insurance claim forms, of which there is no set industry standard, so people have to learn each individual company's forms and rules. It is a nightmare. One good fix that would save money right away would be to mandate that insurance companies accept some standard form for all their claims to streamline the process.

[Bobortunity]

"you know" turns into "yo" so easily

GOBAMA!!

[PlanetMother]

He's doing a hell of a job, and he's still awesome and brilliant.Kudo's to mr. President.

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

you make me sick. brainwashed pagan earth worshiper. keep your beliefs to your self please.

[balanceseeker]

In a country with the first amendment that promises freedom of both expression and religion, your comments are the ones that make others sick. That said, you are free to express them, but just know how they stand in the face of traditional American values.

Oh, and in addition, you are making a huge leap to the conclusion that PlanetMother is a "pagan." It is seemingly based solely on the individuals login name - a weak basis.

Try to avoid personal attacks. They will just make you look bad. Ok?

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

your right to be you come with my right to be free from you. sorry. thats just how freedom works. deal with it.

[balanceseeker]

Nice circular logic, Demon, but it doesn't change the fact that you attacked someone based on his or her religion - which is not even a known fact or not, but a "fact" you forced upon the individual. Furthermore, that attack stands in conflict with the centuries of religious freedom in America.

And yes, you can be free of me. You could run and hide under a rock and be free of me. However, if you stick your head out with more of that nonsense, expect to be called out on it. It is my freedom.

[RoyalDemonforChrist]

get a grip on reality. some religions want to live under a one world system. the green religion with obama as lord and savior for all times. i guess you dont believe in separation of church and state. well thats ok because neither does america as can clearly be seen with DC littered with pagan idols from different mythology.

[balanceseeker]

ROFL. Being told to get a grip on reality from someone who equates the paganism with one world government is downright funny. Even funnier when you equate it as "the green religion with obama as lord and savior."

Please, try to stick to some facts and on topic instead of trying to change the issue with nonsense. You attacked someone, and now that you are called out on it, you are trying to jump ship off the point because you know you are in the wrong. Sadly, you can't even do that well.

[imbubba56]

There is some shit dribbling down your chin.

[imbubba56]

You fucking retard! Your stupidity eclipses the sun.

[youbestbequiet]

Who actually believes this jackass? Healthcare reform isn't going anywhere and that makes me damn happy. Why not fix YOUR 10+% unemployment rate before it hits 15 you fool.

[midevalcheese]

What else is he going to say?

"Oh, I hope that we can get this bull sh*t passed."