I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

How strange that the entire law was ruled unconstitutional.  I wonder what grounds the judge used to support his ruling.  The requirement that people buy health insurance may be unconstitutional, or may not be, but the other aspects of the bill fall clearly under the power of the Congress to pass regulations.  Very strange.  Since Federal courts in two other states have found the law to be Constitutional, the next step should be the SCOTUS.

My husband who is a disabled Veteran just received this email from the VFW.  It appears the Veterans of our nations wars are a bit upset with Congresswoman Bachmann.

VFW Will Defeat Bachmann Plan

WASHINGTON (January 28, 2011) - America's oldest and largest major combat veterans' organization announced it will do everything within its power to defeat a plan introduced by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to cut $4.5 billion from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"No way, no how, will we let this proposal get any traction in Congress," said Richard L. Eubank, the national commander of the 2.1 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. and its Auxiliaries.

On her website, the three-term congresswoman lists more than $400 billion in suggestions to cut federal spending. The VA suggestion would cap increases to VA healthcare spending, and reduce disability compensation to account for Social Security Disability Insurance payments - in other words, an offset. She says her plan is intended to generate discussion.

"The only discussion the VFW wants is to tell the congresswoman that her plan is totally out of step with America's commitment to our veterans," said Eubank, a retired Marine and Vietnam combat veteran from Eugene, Ore.

"There are certain things you do not do when our nation is at war, and at the top of that list is not caring for our wounded and disabled servicemen and women when they return home," he said. "I want the congresswoman to join us in a tour of the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and Poly Trauma Center the next time she's in her home district to witness firsthand the great work the VA does every day to heal their wounds and ease their pain. Then I want her to look those disabled veterans in the eye and tell them their service and sacrifice is too expensive for the nation to bear.

"The day this nation can't afford to take care of her veterans is the day this nation should quit creating them," said Eubank.

Because this way the insurance companies can start collecting larger premiums now to cover that pre-existing coverage in the future.  That is part of the slight of hand for making the bill not appear to cost as much as it will.  Collect money for years before the coverage kicks in and you make it look like costs are much lower than they actually are. 

Also do not forget that INSURANCE companies supported this bill. They saw the HUGE profits to be made, knowing how Washington works, and knew our government could never administer it. Duh!

Folks, as for the latest on the Healthcare Bill, it's just what I feared.   I wrote several letters to my rep McConnell and to the Republicans because I feared they would mess everything up now.  I really fear it's not going to be good for us unless someone takes control of it and make sure we get to keep the good and badly needed parts.  We'll see!

Barbara~

Great photos!

Gosh, all I did for my "I DON'T HAVE CANCER ANYMORE" was go to Disney...

It was done by voting but 4 kids out rule mom/dad.

lewing is correct about the waivers.

The waivers bypass new rules that phase out annual limits on coverage for limited-benefit plans, also known as "mini-meds."

Applicants said their premiums would increase significantly, in some cases doubling or more.

Above from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5886312/waivers_point_to_flaws_in_health_reform.html

Thanks, BarbaraA.  Also, Tupelo - I did go to your link, and it stated that *a total* of 2.1 million individuals were covered by plans that received waivers.  So as you can see, even the total is far, far less than 40% of union members. 

Could you please correct your misstatement now?

Edited to add: Melissa, I wasn't aware of this policy but will edit my post to remove the reference.

L

But, IJBCA, what about the fact that the insurance companies supported it? My heeby-jeeby antennae went on full alert when that happened. I think we need a total rework. If the insurance companies like it, it can't be good for the country or us.

I think it is a waste of time and major tax dollars to repeal this bill just so the Republicans can grandstand.  There are many components that are agreed upon, keep the good, tweak to improve the rest.  I do not trust for one second that Mitch McConnell has any plan that is going to bode well for me.  I wish we could have had single payer or a public option, but the Republican party and the "Republican in Sheeps clothin" Bluedogs made it clear they would not stand for either.  I am willing to compromise on some things, but nothing that I have heard the Republican party discuss is going to be of benefit for most cancer survivors or anyone else with a pre-existing condition.

Not sure if you caught Eric Cantor stating that in regards to reducing the deficit, everything was on the table, including cancer research and survivor support funds.

They want us to repeal the bill and trust them that they have a better plan.  Make a bet they have a bridge in London to sell also.

Thanks, Blue!! The photos are blurry which helps! We had soooo much fun. That was DH under the palm tree getting a massage...his first ever. Now he'll want one every week.

I'm just skimming the posts today. Our furnace died on Fri. Today it's being repaired. It's currently a balmy 50 degrees in my house. All this by way of saying that I may be repeating someone else's point, but I'm too cold to sit still for long. 

I'm no fan of insurance companies, but it's my understanding that the Health Care Bill requirement that everyone purchase insurance prevents us from buying insurance when we're sick, and then opting out when we have recovered. It also prevents those of us that have insurance from subsidizing those who don't which is how it operates currently.

To those of you support eliminating the pre-existing condition clause of the HCB, what do you suggest for those of us who do have a pre-exiting condition and don't have access to health care. We have always had insurance through my husband's employer. In a one-two whammy, his company went out of business (bye-bye insurance) and I got too sick to work. I really never thought either of those things would happen. I am grateful to live in a state that has a high risk pool, but it is very expensive and has many problems. I really don't think it is a viable - or fair - solution. 

So, I'm looking for positive solutions here. There is a great deal of opposition to this part of the the reform bill in particular. To those of you who do oppose it, what would you suggest instead for people who don't qualify for insurance, have too many assets for medicaid and are too young for Medicare?

Bren - how is your hubby?

Sandy 

Med - once it was out, I decided I was cancer free. Just sayin'.

I fully support the pre-existing conditions clause in the health care bill because tomorrow, I could be without health care and I know what that means. I just have a big issue with much of the rest of it. If the government could run Medicare, fine, but so far, after so many years, they are doing a terrible job and adding double digit millions of insurees will not make them do a better a job.

Sandy, my god, you must have frozen today!! But since tomorrow's high will be -2, I'd say the furnace guys came in the nick of time. Please holler if you need anything, okay?

I, too, am interested in other solutions. Especially to your particular issue. I have not heard of any concrete solutions from the other side, but in all fairness, maybe I missed a post or an article?

Amen, Shirley: we need a cure.

L

Exactly how did the US Supreme Court "SELL THE ELECTIONS" for the Corporations???????

Very interesting statement.  What proof do you have of that?  Which corporations?  Do you have any articles, links??  I would be very interested

THANKS

E