Yes We Can ! ;)

[Rockindeano]

I'm seeing double standards here that do not make sense to me ...TNB is being told to just
pay the fine if he cannot afford insurance and for $30.00 per month he will
have coverage at a really great cheap rate ...BJG claimed the insurance offered
by her company has always been too expensive for her ...shouldn't she be
able to pay the fine and get really great coverage at the same great monthly rate?!?! :?

That's the part I'm not understanding. I read that the fine for not being covered was 2.5% and that health care will eventually be reported on your W2 - so if I didn't have it, the government would know based on it not appearing on the W2, they would hit my tax return for the 2.5% no?? (which will be way more than $300 a year)... so if I'm being fined on my taxes for not being covered, where does that fine go =- I'm assuming it goes to the IRS, so how does paying that fine translate into coverage?

I know I shouldn't be stepping into this discussion this late, but....

If you're young and relatively healthy why wouldn't you just take the fine to IRS (UGH) and than if you get sick get the health insurance since they have to accept you? Let the folks who are paying premiums and the people paying taxes pay for it. Of course, those who support the bill say premiums will be lower under this bill and taxes won't be going up again. I'm still trying to figure out how that will happen. It's just a bad bill and since another 18 states are filing lawsuits against it, it's just the precursor to National Health Insurance. IMO of course.

That's laughable. These states filing lawsuits cannot win. In this case, federal law supersedes any and all state law.

I believe it's in the constitution that this is a state issue. It's going to end up in the Supreme Court. I'd have to do some digging, but I'm betting someone else can fill in the blanks.

Yeah ok. So you are telling me, that all the president's men, no pun intended, spent all this time on a bill, year plus, and they didn't think for a minute if it was constitutional? Come on dude, the president himself is a Constitutional lawyer.

The only issue that maybe has legs as a state issue was the Feds forcing citizens to have to purchase insurance. I believe that has been resolved.

[Everett]

So how soon will i get on my folks insurance?

[RocknRoll]

I'm seeing double standards here that do not make sense to me ...TNB is being told to just
pay the fine if he cannot afford insurance and for $30.00 per month he will
have coverage at a really great cheap rate ...BJG claimed the insurance offered
by her company has always been too expensive for her ...shouldn't she be
able to pay the fine and get really great coverage at the same great monthly rate?!?! :?

That's the part I'm not understanding. I read that the fine for not being covered was 2.5% and that health care will eventually be reported on your W2 - so if I didn't have it, the government would know based on it not appearing on the W2, they would hit my tax return for the 2.5% no?? (which will be way more than $300 a year)... so if I'm being fined on my taxes for not being covered, where does that fine go =- I'm assuming it goes to the IRS, so how does paying that fine translate into coverage?

I know I shouldn't be stepping into this discussion this late, but....

If you're young and relatively healthy why wouldn't you just take the fine to IRS (UGH) and than if you get sick get the health insurance since they have to accept you? Let the folks who are paying premiums and the people paying taxes pay for it. Of course, those who support the bill say premiums will be lower under this bill and taxes won't be going up again. I'm still trying to figure out how that will happen. It's just a bad bill and since another 18 states are filing lawsuits against it, it's just the precursor to National Health Insurance. IMO of course.

That's laughable. These states filing lawsuits cannot win. In this case, federal law supersedes any and all state law.

I believe it's in the constitution that this is a state issue. It's going to end up in the Supreme Court. I'd have to do some digging, but I'm betting someone else can fill in the blanks.

Here's a pretty good article regarding the state issue:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 01470.html

[bluejeangirl76]

What I would like to know, if anyone knows the answer... with the dispensation of being denied for pre-existing conditions, if that includes maternity because presently, that is considered a pre-existing condition.

I was looking at a relatively affordable private plan at one point last year, but it did not cover maternity care, and the cost to add it sent the premiums to more than double. Easy answer - I'm not married, so what do I need that for... just add it later if need be... but if you added it later, you couldn't use it for 12 months to keep people from going "OOPS!! Uh... better add that now!" Well what the shit. Even if you plan to get pregnant, you have to make the decision and then wait another 12 months to do it? So, basically, I wouldn't pay for it because I don't need it, but then later, when I choose to need it, I can't have it for a year? Kiss my ass.

Maternity I think, will be a mandated coverage for every policy, as will substance abuse. It was posted here by someone earlier, I'll go look for it.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SUBSTANCE ABUSER 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE?!?!

LMAO!! There go my plans for a raging bender at MR fest.
If Andrew could provide about 14 months notice for MRFIII, that would be great so that I can obtain some coverage.

[Rockindeano]

BTW, as for the pre-existing conditions....I believe that this year a baby will get coverage at 6 months of age for pre-existing....it will be 4 more years before this clause includes adults. ie....adults with pre-existing problems are SOL until 2014 by which time they may be dead.

You are such a stupid motherfucker. What's your point here? You are steadfast against this thing, but now you are saying it doesn't start fast enough? Make up your mind already, and for the love of God, stop with the "by which time they may be dead" bullshit. Without this bill, we would lose a helluva lot more citizens than with out it. 45,000 people die annually because they cannot afford to pay. Think about that one "pro lifers." You people make me sick.

[Rockindeano]

So how soon will i get on my folks insurance?

Great question.. You can stay on their insurance until you're 26 years old buddy. Still against it now? Didn't think so.

[Everett]

So how soon will i get on my folks insurance?

Great question.. You can stay on their insurance until you're 26 years old buddy. Still against it now? Didn't think so.

I never said i was against it totally just certain parts

[Michigan Girl]

What I would like to know, if anyone knows the answer... with the dispensation of being denied for pre-existing conditions, if that includes maternity because presently, that is considered a pre-existing condition.

I was looking at a relatively affordable private plan at one point last year, but it did not cover maternity care, and the cost to add it sent the premiums to more than double. Easy answer - I'm not married, so what do I need that for... just add it later if need be... but if you added it later, you couldn't use it for 12 months to keep people from going "OOPS!! Uh... better add that now!" Well what the shit. Even if you plan to get pregnant, you have to make the decision and then wait another 12 months to do it? So, basically, I wouldn't pay for it because I don't need it, but then later, when I choose to need it, I can't have it for a year? Kiss my ass.

Maternity I think, will be a mandated coverage for every policy, as will substance abuse. It was posted here by someone earlier, I'll go look for it.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SUBSTANCE ABUSER 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE?!?!

LMAO!! There go my plans for a raging bender at MR fest.
If Andrew could provide about 14 months notice for MRFIII, that would be great so that I can obtain some coverage.

I know right?!?! My thoughts about substance abuse are this ...SA caused by perscription drugs~ covered and some of the
payment/responsibility should lie w/the presciber. SA caused by street drugs ...this should NOT be covered IMO harsh yes, I stand firm on this!!;)

[Lula]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

[Ehwmatt]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

A lot of people are confused about this, so a point of clarification is in order:

Medical debt is UNSECURED. No personal assets are used as collateral on the debt. The only way to transfer it into a secured debt is to say, take a second mortgage out on your home to try and help cover the medical bill itself. No one simply loses his home by falling into medical debt in and of itself. Wage garnishments, lawsuits, and credit score damage can follow on unsecured debt, but seizure of assets, as in the case of a foreclosed home, does not follow from mere medical debt.

I realize people probably do these things (eg pledging collateral for a medical debt) when their backs are up against the wall, but you need some truth here. No hospital or insurance company can simply waltz in and foreclose on your home just because you had a heart surgery you couldn't pay for up front.

[Behshad]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Then do it for the 38 million who need it and don't force all 300+ million of us into something we don't want or need. The stimulus package alone could have provided coverage for the 38 million and left the rest of us out of this mess.

So none for all and all for none?
And where was your attitude when Daddy Bush decided to spend your money on Iraqi freedom ?? So you accept and respect Bush's wishes, cause freeing Iraqi people is more important to you than your fellow citizens who need help?

[lights1961]

What I would like to know, if anyone knows the answer... with the dispensation of being denied for pre-existing conditions, if that includes maternity because presently, that is considered a pre-existing condition.

I was looking at a relatively affordable private plan at one point last year, but it did not cover maternity care, and the cost to add it sent the premiums to more than double. Easy answer - I'm not married, so what do I need that for... just add it later if need be... but if you added it later, you couldn't use it for 12 months to keep people from going "OOPS!! Uh... better add that now!" Well what the shit. Even if you plan to get pregnant, you have to make the decision and then wait another 12 months to do it? So, basically, I wouldn't pay for it because I don't need it, but then later, when I choose to need it, I can't have it for a year? Kiss my ass.

Maternity I think, will be a mandated coverage for every policy, as will substance abuse. It was posted here by someone earlier, I'll go look for it.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A SUBSTANCE ABUSER 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE?!?!

LOVE IT... funny!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


I bet they pay for your rehab too... but probably not cancer.

[RocknRoll]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Most everyone agrees we need health care reform. The big issue is how do you reform health care to make it more affordable for all and than look for additional ways to cover the uninsured realistically and still be financially responsible? The biggest issue is you need more people employed and this bill does nothing for creating jobs. Many economist types think this may actually do more harm to the economy in the long run. (stu's points)

[lights1961]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Most everyone agrees we need health care reform. The big issue is how do you reform health care to make it more affordable for all and than look for additional ways to cover the uninsured realistically and financially responsibly? The biggest issue is you need more people employed and this bill does nothing for creating jobs. Many economist types think this may actually do more harm to the economy in the long run. (stu's points)

the jobs created will be 17.000 IRS employees looking to FINE your ass if you dont pay up... of course it might be 10 years before they find you so what you thought was a 365.00 fine... will end up being about 15,000 becuase of penalties and interest... LOL

[Michigan Girl]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Most everyone agrees we need health care reform. The big issue is how do you reform health care to make it more affordable for all and than look for additional ways to cover the uninsured realistically and financially responsibly? The biggest issue is you need more people employed and this bill does nothing for creating jobs. Many economist types think this may actually do more harm to the economy in the long run. (stu's points)

the jobs created will be 17.000 IRS employees looking to FINE your ass if you dont pay up... of course it might be 10 years before they find you so what you thought was a 365.00 fine... will end up being about 15,000 becuase of penalties and interest... LOL

LingMAO!! THIS ^^^^^ was your brilliant post of the day, pat yourself on the back my good man!!!

[KenTheDude]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Most everyone agrees we need health care reform. The big issue is how do you reform health care to make it more affordable for all and than look for additional ways to cover the uninsured realistically and financially responsibly? The biggest issue is you need more people employed and this bill does nothing for creating jobs. Many economist types think this may actually do more harm to the economy in the long run. (stu's points)

the jobs created will be 17.000 IRS employees looking to FINE your ass if you dont pay up... of course it might be 10 years before they find you so what you thought was a 365.00 fine... will end up being about 15,000 becuase of penalties and interest... LOL

LingMAO!! THIS ^^^^^ was your brilliant post of the day, pat yourself on the back my good man!!!

So we'll have to wait another 5 months for the next one?

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. )

saying that opponents of health care are unpatriotic is as unfair as saying people who oppose the flag burning amendment, or dont support the Iraq war are unpatriotic, etc. There is a simple difference of opinion. You ought to have the right, whether you are a left wing loon or a right wing Kool Aid drinker to express your opinion and not be called unpatriotic.

Frankly I dont want to see lower and middle calls Americans wait in long waitin lists to suffer overcrowded , dirty hospital wards three to a room or with patients sleeping in the hallway, while priveleged well connected people still get the best care. - which is what you will get with this bill and you slip toward a point where the government controls the health care market. Thats what is happening in Britain and much of europe as much as some want to deny that it is happening or hope that it isn't happening. I dont want my two sisters and brother, parents, cousins , and friends back in the US to have to experience that.

Governments can build prosperity, they can't eliminate inequalities, they can only meake them worse

[Michigan Girl]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

A lot of people are confused about this, so a point of clarification is in order:

Medical debt is UNSECURED. No personal assets are used as collateral on the debt. The only way to transfer it into a secured debt is to say, take a second mortgage out on your home to try and help cover the medical bill itself. No one simply loses his home by falling into medical debt in and of itself. Wage garnishments, lawsuits, and credit score damage can follow on unsecured debt, but seizure of assets, as in the case of a foreclosed home, does not follow from mere medical debt.

I realize people probably do these things (eg pledging collateral for a medical debt) when their backs are up against the wall, but you need some truth here. No hospital or insurance company can simply waltz in and foreclose on your home just because you had a heart surgery you couldn't pay for up front.

Matty, good to see you here!! ^^^^so true~good point!!

[steveo777]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Then do it for the 38 million who need it and don't force all 300+ million of us into something we don't want or need. The stimulus package alone could have provided coverage for the 38 million and left the rest of us out of this mess.

So none for all and all for none?
And where was your attitude when Daddy Bush decided to spend your money on Iraqi freedom ?? So you accept and respect Bush's wishes, cause freeing Iraqi people is more important to you than your fellow citizens who need help?

You need reading compehension classes. If they had put forth a bill helping to cover the uninsured I most probably would have supported that. Try again and please try to start living in the present and not the past. It's like a broken fucking record with you, Dean and 7 going B,B,B,Bush, B,B,B,Bush, B,B,B,Bush. Like a little fucking kid tattletaling on his sibling.

B,B,B,Bush to the bone.

[lights1961]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Most everyone agrees we need health care reform. The big issue is how do you reform health care to make it more affordable for all and than look for additional ways to cover the uninsured realistically and financially responsibly? The biggest issue is you need more people employed and this bill does nothing for creating jobs. Many economist types think this may actually do more harm to the economy in the long run. (stu's points)

the jobs created will be 17.000 IRS employees looking to FINE your ass if you dont pay up... of course it might be 10 years before they find you so what you thought was a 365.00 fine... will end up being about 15,000 becuase of penalties and interest... LOL

LingMAO!! THIS ^^^^^ was your brilliant post of the day, pat yourself on the back my good man!!!

oh and the first to apply should be DEANO... He loves GOVERNMENT...

thanks MG...

and KEN... so that means AUGUST for my next brilliant post... ??? OMG...

[Melissa]

Then do it for the 38 million who need it and don't force all 300+ million of us into something we don't want or need. The stimulus package alone could have provided coverage for the 38 million and left the rest of us out of this mess.

BINGO. Why do the 85% in this country who already DO have coverage have to be forced into this bullsh*t for the 15% who don't? Especially when a LOT of that 15% simply CHOOSE not to have coverage because they'd rather have gold teeth, fake nail$, top brand name clothe$/shoe$/purse$/car$, cigarette$, and tons of other luxurie$ and vice$, all while popping out a kid with a different father every other year? Great way to keep rewarding irrresponsibility and dependency. Hope the Obamalamas are happy. If they truly think this "bill" will lower healthcare costs or medication costs in any way, shape, or form, then I would love to know how to post one of those pics of the huge BONG they're all sharing

I've been a nurse for 16 years now, and have fought insurance companies like hell for my patients for YEARS. I know how to get covered for my patients what NEEDS to be covered. Those of you who haven't done that and haven't done what we as healthcare workers have done for years and years really have no clue what you're talking about. I'm not saying there is no reform needed, there IS. But this "bill" is going to tank this country. Kind of funny how all the people I work with (about half) who voted FOR Obama, are also saying his way is NOT the answer. Very interesting.

[steveo777]

Washington (CNN) – For the first time, a CNN poll has found that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Obama's job performance.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Monday, 51 percent of respondents disapprove of Obama's job performance and 46 percent approve of it.

That's still a much higher approval rating than Bush had when he left office.

[Ehwmatt]

Then do it for the 38 million who need it and don't force all 300+ million of us into something we don't want or need. The stimulus package alone could have provided coverage for the 38 million and left the rest of us out of this mess.

BINGO. Why do the 85% in this country who already DO have coverage have to be forced into this bullsh*t for the 15% who don't? Especially when a LOT of that 15% simply CHOOSE not to have coverage because they'd rather have gold teeth, fake nail$, top brand name clothe$/shoe$/purse$/car$, cigarette$, and tons of other luxurie$ and vice$, all while popping out a kid with a different father every other year? Great way to keep rewarding irrresponsibility and dependency. Hope the Obamalamas are happy. If they truly think this "bill" will lower healthcare costs or medication costs in any way, shape, or form, then I would love to know how to post one of those pics of the huge BONG they're all sharing

I've been a nurse for 16 years now, and have fought insurance companies like hell for my patients for YEARS. I know how to get covered for my patients what NEEDS to be covered. Those of you who haven't done that and haven't done what we as healthcare workers have done for years and years really have no clue what you're talking about. I'm not saying there is no reform needed, there IS. But this "bill" is going to tank this country. Kind of funny how all the people I work with (about half) who voted FOR Obama, are also saying his way is NOT the answer. Very interesting.

Well Melissa, as to your first very valid point, I'm sure you will be called a racist, culturalist, whatever else these guys think up.

As to your second point, you're only a health care provider - surely these liberal feel-gooders here and elsewhere know much more about the inner workings and evil machinations of hospitals, health insurance companies, and doctors than a medical professional like you ever will know... right?

[bluejeangirl76]

they'd rather have gold teeth, fake nail$, top brand name clothe$/shoe$/purse$/car$, cigarette$, and tons of other luxurie$ and vice$, all while popping out a kid with a different father every other year? Great way to keep rewarding irrresponsibility and dependency.

Can "Pre-existing multiple baby-daddies" be a reason for denial?

I say run them through the Maury Povich Baby-Daddy Screening Process.
If you've had 5 kids with 7 different guys (because somehow, those Maury freaks pull of stuff like that!), you're OUT.

[lights1961]

when liberals lose the argument they always go back to the playbook of its Bush fault... just saying...

[Lula]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

A lot of people are confused about this, so a point of clarification is in order:

Medical debt is UNSECURED. No personal assets are used as collateral on the debt. The only way to transfer it into a secured debt is to say, take a second mortgage out on your home to try and help cover the medical bill itself. No one simply loses his home by falling into medical debt in and of itself. Wage garnishments, lawsuits, and credit score damage can follow on unsecured debt, but seizure of assets, as in the case of a foreclosed home, does not follow from mere medical debt.

I realize people probably do these things (eg pledging collateral for a medical debt) when their backs are up against the wall, but you need some truth here. No hospital or insurance company can simply waltz in and foreclose on your home just because you had a heart surgery you couldn't pay for up front.

oh, silly me! here i thought the good doctor could waltz in and take my home!
there is no denying folks have lost it all because of a catastrophic illness and that is having health insurance. having your credit rating drop because of medical bills is the beginning of the end for some.

[Behshad]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

Then do it for the 38 million who need it and don't force all 300+ million of us into something we don't want or need. The stimulus package alone could have provided coverage for the 38 million and left the rest of us out of this mess.

So none for all and all for none?
And where was your attitude when Daddy Bush decided to spend your money on Iraqi freedom ?? So you accept and respect Bush's wishes, cause freeing Iraqi people is more important to you than your fellow citizens who need help?

You need reading compehension classes. If they had put forth a bill helping to cover the uninsured I most probably would have supported that. Try again and please try to start living in the present and not the past. It's like a broken fucking record with you, Dean and 7 going B,B,B,Bush, B,B,B,Bush, B,B,B,Bush. Like a little fucking kid tattletaling on his sibling.

So its ok for you to look back and bring up past mistakes of Clinton, but when the truth hurts, then you say dont talk about the past.
And how do you know what this bill is going to do for those uninsured and those who already insured? You just copy & paste without reading and understanding it .
And last I checked you cant create a law that only applies to 15% of the citizens.

This is the answer. All you nay sayers keep saying "this isnt the answer, but I dont have a fucking answer, cause Im happy with what I got and I dont give a damn about anyone else".....

[Ehwmatt]

I submit to you that THIS is investing in America, the American economy, and the American people. I find it repulsive, unAmerican, and unPatriotic that people would say this nation can not afford to invest in its own people. That is so backwards and seems so retarded that we are willing to build nations in the middle-east but are unwilling to build our own. How pathetic the conservative movement has become when it thinks this way, that other countries come before our own.

YES!!!

i agree with this whole heartedly. how can we not afford this reform? to ignore the issues is too costly. most of us probably have health insurance and have been fortunate enough to not be faced with the tough decisions of food or medicine, or the heart breaking reality that losing your home and going bankrupt is the only option to try and get above medical bills- most often with insurance. seriously, how can we not do something for our own fellow americans?

A lot of people are confused about this, so a point of clarification is in order:

Medical debt is UNSECURED. No personal assets are used as collateral on the debt. The only way to transfer it into a secured debt is to say, take a second mortgage out on your home to try and help cover the medical bill itself. No one simply loses his home by falling into medical debt in and of itself. Wage garnishments, lawsuits, and credit score damage can follow on unsecured debt, but seizure of assets, as in the case of a foreclosed home, does not follow from mere medical debt.

I realize people probably do these things (eg pledging collateral for a medical debt) when their backs are up against the wall, but you need some truth here. No hospital or insurance company can simply waltz in and foreclose on your home just because you had a heart surgery you couldn't pay for up front.

oh, silly me! here i thought the good doctor could waltz in and take my home!
there is no denying folks have lost it all because of a catastrophic illness and that is having health insurance. having your credit rating drop because of medical bills is the beginning of the end for some.

There you go again getting defensive. I wasn't even aiming it directly at you. I just think a lot of people think that a medical debt is the same as defaulting on a mortgage or being delinquent on taxes, where it's wham-bam-thank you ma'am, you lose your house, car, and everything else just by virtue of having done so. Not true.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Washington (CNN) – For the first time, a CNN poll has found that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Obama's job performance.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Monday, 51 percent of respondents disapprove of Obama's job performance and 46 percent approve of it.

That's still a much higher approval rating than Bush had when he left office.

B,B,B,Bush to the bone.

C,C,C Carter to the Core

[Melissa]

they'd rather have gold teeth, fake nail$, top brand name clothe$/shoe$/purse$/car$, cigarette$, and tons of other luxurie$ and vice$, all while popping out a kid with a different father every other year? Great way to keep rewarding irrresponsibility and dependency.

Can "Pre-existing multiple baby-daddies" be a reason for denial?

I say run them through the Maury Povich Baby-Daddy Screening Process.
If you've had 5 kids with 7 different guys (because somehow, those Maury freaks pull of stuff like that!), you're OUT.

LOL Kim!! Oh and Matt they can call me whatever they want, but it's not true. I've stayed in Pediatrics all these years after working with adults my first year out, because it's not the KIDS' faults some of them have gold-toothed, fake nailed, irresponsible, dependent, lazy choose-not-to-work idiots for parents.

The "reform" to have insurance for those who don't (again, a lot of which CHOOSE not to, but can very damn well afford it, as well as those who CHOOSE not to work) should be for THEM, NOT for the VAST majority of which in this country already DO have insurance because we WORK and PAY for it ourselves (gee what a concept!)