Sen Kennedy's Health Bill Unveiled, Sees GOP Criticism

[Old Coot]

Source: Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., officially unveiled Tuesday his health-care legislation, which was largely silent on two controversial proposals: a public health-insurance option and mandating employers to provide health insurance or face a penalty.

The bill will be considered next Tuesday in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which already appears deeply divided.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., who has led discussions on the bill in the absence of the ailing Kennedy, said the bill would "strengthen what works and fix what doesn't" in U.S. health care.

The bill, as released, doesn't offer language on a public health insurance option, which is generally opposed by Republicans, or an employer mandate. Dodd said committee Democrats "are looking forward to working with our colleagues on a bipartisan basis to resolve the remaining issues."

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090609-716057.html

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This bill would have a mandate requiring everyone to purchase insurance. Medicaid would be expanded to cover everyone within 150% of poverty level. State run "gateways" would exist for people within 500% of poverty level.

I am very disappointed in the final bill. We are screwed. Baucus is even more insurance company friendly. Now all we need is to be forced to pay taxes on employer provided insurance.

[sandnsea]

1. This is not the final bill

http://www.obama-mamas.com/blog/?p=263

This was introduced to meet Senate rules so that final mark-up can be next week, which still won't be the final, final bill.

"Senator Harkin has stated that on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11, Democrats and Republicans on the Committee will meet to discuss outstanding legislative options such as the public option and employer mandate. "

[Thrill]

2. Looks like Dodd has fucked up Kennedy's bill

Unreal

[ramapo]

3. Everybody is required to purchase?

How about insurance companies are required to insure????

[Abq_Sarah]

6. A mandate on "the little people"

Without a complete congressional overhaul on the insurance industry isn't worth jack shit.

[ramapo]

10. Off to a good start

I'm reading the bill...I love the start of it. There is a mandate to cover all who apply. Go Teddy!

[dflprincess]

9. Technically, they're required to insure

the question is, will they be required to actually pay claims or can they just collect the premiums we'll be force to pay them. I'm sure their Congress people will make sure their profits will be protected.

[Name removed]

11. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sandnsea]

13. Yes they will

There is a defined percentage of premiums that they will be required to pay out. This bill has been out there four days now. If you don't know the basics of it by now, it's only because you do not seriously care. That being the case, what is your real agenda?

[dflprincess]

17. My agenda is universal access to health care, not access to health insurance

what happens if your claim comes in after they have paid out "a defined perecentage of premiums".

I worked for a profit health insurer - they don't give a damn about your well being and will use every delaying tactic and loop hole (and I'm sure their stooges in Congress will give them plenty of wiggle room) possible to avoid paying legitimate claims. They do this because they know most people won't fight them on it and will pay out of their own pockets.

[Ms. Toad]

14. They are.

‘(a) ISSUANCE OF COVERAGE IN THE INDIVIDUAL
AND GROUP MARKET.—Subject to subsections (b)through (e), each health insurance issuer that offers health insurance coverage in the individual or group market in a State must accept every employer and individual in the State that applies for such coverage.

‘‘A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage, may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan or coverage based on any of the following health status-related factors in relation to the individual or a dependent of the individual:
‘‘(1) Health status.
‘‘(2) Medical condition (including both physical and mental illnesses).
‘‘(3) Claims experience.
‘‘(4) Receipt of health care.
‘‘(6) Genetic information.
‘‘(7) Evidence of insurability (including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence).
‘‘(8) Disability.
‘(9) Any other health status-related factor determined appropriate by the Secretary.

[zbdent]

4. Jesus comes down from Heaven, heals the sick ... sees GOP criticism

is stoned and then re-crucified as a socialist commie hippie ...

[AlinPA]

5. Sounds like a weak start.

[Flora]

7. I'm confused and worried..

I have a small business (flower shop) and if I'm required to provide insurance for my employees.. I won't make it.

Oh well, the small flower shop business has been dying for years with all the grocery store and WalMart type competition. I hope everyone is ready for the non-personal service that used to be provided on the hometown corner.. ;(

[dflprincess]

12. I believe there is an exemption for small businesses

I don't know the details of that part though.

[Ms. Toad]

15. Follow the .pdf link in the article

( http://help.senate.gov/BAI09A84_xml.pdf )and look at sections 3112 and 163

[defendandprotect]

8. It was always Ted Kennedy's idea to extend MEDICARE TO ALL ...

Did he change or did intimidation of him change ?

And, Dodd -- is he also bribed by insurance/health care industry or is he

clean?

[No Elephants]

16. Oh, great. Watered down before being made public. We elected Democrats so we can still

be ruled by Republicans.