Tuesday Open Thread [4.1.14]
Salon: “Here’s a riddle for anyone who thinks the politics of Obamacare are straightforward, and toxic for Democrats. How is it possible, in defiance of public rebuke, widespread misinformation and other headwinds, that insurance enrollment is surging in just about every state in the country?”
Is it because, when people tried it, they liked it, and told their friends? Is it possible that when they tried it, they realized that everything they heard from the Republicans were lies? For the first time since ABC News and Washington Post started polling on public support for Obamacare, the law is viewed positively. 49 percent support. 48 percent oppose. The shift proves the argument that Democrats and liberals have made: that when the benefits of the law prove all Republicans liars, people will support and approve of the law.
Sally Kohn at CNN lists the benefits of the law, a law that benefits all Americans:
More than 6 million [now 7 million] Americans signed up for Obamacare before the March 31 deadline to get private health insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchanges. This is great news for the Obama administration. But there are millions more reasons to celebrate Obamacare. Actually, at the writing of this essay, there are more than 317 million reasons — because that’s the population of the United States of America and every single one of us can benefit from health care reform. How? Here’s a rundown by the numbers: […]
105 million–That’s how many Americans no longer have lifetime expense caps, whether it’s because they have chronic illnesses or because their insurance company set restrictive policies.
6.1 million–That’s how many Americans with Medicare Part D no longer have to go through the “doughnut hole” coverage gap. This means seniors can save more than $5.7 billion on prescription drugs.
3.2 million–That’s the number of small businesses estimated to be eligible for tax credits for providing health insurance to their 19.3 million employees nationwide, credits worth $15.4 billion in 2011 alone.
4.4 million–That’s how many low-income adults will now have access to health insurance thanks to states implementing the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare; an additional 5.8 million poor adults would be included in this count if 25 mostly Republican-led states weren’t refusing Medicaid expansion.
50 to 129 million–That’s how many people will benefit from the Obamacare provision that eliminates all bars for coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Studies say that anywhere from 19% to 50% of non-elderly Americans have health conditions that could qualify as pre-existing conditions.
49.4 million–That’s how many current Medicare enrollees can feel secure knowing that, under Obamacare, existing Medicare benefits can neither be reduced nor taken away.
317 million
— That’s how many Americans — i.e., all of us — potentially benefit from the requirement that insurance companies provide flu shots, HIV screenings, prostate exams, mammograms and FDA-approved contraception for free, without a co-pay.
— Plus, we all benefit from new requirements that insurance companies must spend at least 80% of our premium dollars on our health care as opposed to marketing or administration.
— We all benefit from the new requirement that insurance companies publicly justify their actions if they want to raise premiums by 10% or more.
— We all benefit from knowing that our insurance can now never be capped or canceled at the whim of insurance companies.
As high quality care is maintained while costs may go down because of improved coverage and access, we all benefit from a more affordable and effective health care system.
Excellent stuff. These two are huge:
– 50 to 129 million people will benefit from the Obamacare provision that eliminates all bars for coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
– we all benefit from new requirements that insurance companies must spend at least 80% of our premium dollars on our health care as opposed to marketing or administration.
Don’t forget the 25-26 year old who can stay on their parents policy.
For me the big one is the end of the hated “pre existing condition” that has victimized thousands who had no insurance when illness struck. On to a lighter note, none of this matters to Obama haters, also known as the Republican party. But the best part is that by November the negative views of Obamacare will have decreased even further. 2014 will not be 2010 by a long shot.
Why is there no mention of medical bankruptcies?
There used to be about 5000 families per year destroyed by this. It can now be a thing of the past.
That’s a big deal.
Indeed. The media is so predictable. From Chris Matthews to the Morning Joe crew to CNN, they are all hot and bothered with the notion that the GOP will make HUGE gains this year, so much so that my dear mother calls concerned. And I just laugh. Yes, the GOP will likely keep the House, and they may gain a few seats. But then again, they are being hurt right now by big retirements (Rogers, Camp) in competitive if not liberal districts. I would not be surprised if the Dems pick up a few seats in the House when all is said and done. In the Senate, the GOP needs everything to go right to win back the majority. That means winning in South Dakota, Montana, West Virginia, Alaska, North Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Iowa, while keeping their seats in Georgia, Kentucky and Mississippi (all of which are endangered (MS if the tea party candidate wins the primary). Right now, in the height of the alleged despair, I see them winning only South Dakota, Montana, Arkansas and West Virginia, while the Dems are ahead in Georgia and Kentucky. If that happens, then the Dems keep their majority at 53-47.
Some more great news. Finally, a lottery winner who has a clue. A northern Cali retiree won a $425 mill Powerball jackpot. Here’s what he plans to do, after doing extensive research:
“Buxton told the lottery he plans to set up a charitable foundation focused on pediatric health, child hunger and education.”
I would do the same…after I bought a hot tub and cornered the world market for French Burgundy (yep, pinot noir).
Money quote:
317 million
– That’s how many Americans — i.e., all of us — potentially benefit from the requirement that insurance companies provide flu shots, HIV screenings, prostate exams, mammograms and FDA-approved contraception for free, without a co-pay.
So, who exactly is going to pay for all of this?
Hint:
Americans. All of us. Well, those that pay taxes and insurance premiums, anyway.
But I heartily encourage all Democrats to campaign on their support for Obamacare in 2014.
Idiots.
So, who exactly is going to pay for all of this? Hint: Americans. All of us
Well, we tried to get the Canadians to pay for it, but they wouldn’t go for it.
You’re the last one who should call anyone an idiot.
Remember how all the Republicans reminded us that anyone can get care in an emergency room? You know who pays for that? Americans — all of us. At least those of us who pay taxes and insurance premiums.
So, according to your math, nothing has changed.
Precisely my point, my friend. Our insurance huckster in chief hasn’t changed a damn thing.
Complete waste of political capital.
Our insurance huckster in chief hasn’t changed a damn thing.
This is said by someone who has insurance, largely paid for by an employer, I’d bet. The big reason your employer provides that insurance has to do with the tax breaks offered to those companies who do offer it.
So, who exactly is going to pay for all of this?
Hint:
Americans. All of us. Well, those that pay taxes and insurance premiums, anyway.
But I heartily encourage all Democrats to campaign on their support for Obamacare in 2014 — because alot of people who didn’t have insurance has a subsidized insurance deal like those with employer provided insurance do.
And while I’m here — have you seen this year’s April Fools prank from NPR? It doesn’t look as though the transcript is up yet, but the audio AND the stunning poster are. When I first saw it, my heart just sank until I got it.
Supreme Court Justice Jacobs is retiring: http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2014/04/01/supreme-court-justice-jack-jacobs-step-july/7158465/
Perhaps this is the source of El Som’s rumors regarding 2016. Will we get Justice Denn?