Republicans: Do You Call This a Better Idea?

Question

http://www.tnr.com/blog/the-treatment/better-idea-not
From the article:
Although President Obama's primary health reform message in his State of the Union was "do not walk away from reform,” “finish the job” and “let’s get it done,” he also said, “But if anyone from either party has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop insurance company abuses, let me know.” At this invitation, congressional Republicans rose to their feet with John Boehner waving his hand, as Newsweek reports, “appearing to almost expect being called upon.”

So what are the Republican’s “better ideas”?

So what is the verdict on HR 4038? Would the Republican reforms “bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and stop insurance company abuses”? The CBO scored the Republican bill in a letter dated November 4, 2009, which addresses these questions.

The CBO found that the bill would result in 3 million Americans gaining health insurance by 2019, leaving 52 million Americans uninsured, 17 percent of the population excluding unauthorized immigrants. By contrast, the Senate bill would reduce the number of uninsured by 31 million, leaving only 6 percent uninsured. The Republican bill would, according to the CBO, reduce the deficit by $68 billion over the 2010 to 2019 period. The Senate bill would reduce the federal deficit by $132 billion.

The CBO projected that the Republican bill would, by 2016, decrease premiums in the small group market by 7 to 10 percent and by 5 to 8 percent in the individual market. But these reductions would largely be the result of a decay in health benefits--the plans would have lower "actuarial value," which means fewer benefits and higher cost-sharing. And the mix of the insured would change, too: The market might become more accessible to people with lower medical risks, but only because it was becoming less accessible for people with higher medical risks.

By contrast, the CBO examination of the Senate bill determined that it would actually raise actuarial values in the individual market--that is, it would lead to policies that offer more protection rather than less. And while that would ultimately increase the sticker cost of insurance, subsidies would more than offset the effect for the majority of people, effectively reducing what they pay in premiums.

Notwithstanding the GOP's boasts, the Republican bill would do nothing to strengthen Medicare--because it doesn't touch the program. Nor would it "stop insurance company abuses." If anything, it would have the opposite effect, by freeing insurers from state regulation.

Having read the bill, all one can say is, John Boehner, put that hand down.


In other words,......SIT DOWN, AND SHUT UP!
(Enough of the 'grandstanding')

Answer 1

I am neither Democrat nor Republican. That being said, there is much more to this debate than can be expressed in a question on Yahoo Answers. Your talking points are good, however there are equally strong and viable arguments on the other side. This is a serious issue that is going to cost this country a lot of money. I don't feel that rushing this through without honest and bi-partisan debate is the best course of action. For once I would like Washington to stop behaving like children and converse like civilized adults. I am so sick of both parties pointing fingers at the other side. In all reality, we are the ones that will suffer for any mistakes made. My opinion on the matter is that this shouldn't be the biggest issue right now. Despite what our leaders are telling us, this economy is in trouble and that should be receiving the majority of attention in our nation's capitol.

Answer 2

Are you aware that 30 million people (not citizens, but people) in the United States are without health insurance right now and if Obamacare passes, ONLY 30 million UNITED STATES CITIZENS will be without health insurance?



Do you honestly think it's possible to insure 30 million more people without spending more money? Really?



Obama's plan cuts Medicare funding. Don't you think it would be better left untouched than to cut it?



Check out Bobby Jindal's proposal...

Answer 3

Have you ever heard of the "Constitution " or the words "free market " and "capitalism " . Or are you just one of those that actually believes that what FDR said in his "Second Bill of Rights " speech was true ? You know the speech where FDR said everyone was guaranteed a house , food and a job. You know the speech where he FDR just kinda made stuff up so he could get re elected . I think you fall into the latter category personally i do .

Answer 4

Actually you are wrong, the CBO found the senate bill would INCREASE the deficit, there was no reduction in the deficit, that where the whole outrage began was with the CBO reporting an increased deficit

Answer 5

So you believe that the only option is government growth, additional spending, less care, and giving amnesty to illegals? You need to shut up and sit down. You are the ones that are inflexible and a danger to my freedom and my country.

Answer 6

Yes! it is better idea!!



Everything Government Touches, it turns to shiiiit. Don't believe me? Have you checked GM and Chrysler lately?

Answer 7

funny obama refused to read the other 850 bills proposed by the republicans.do you really buy into this crap.

Answer 8

Obamacare is socialism

People have fought and died to prevent this from happening...