Pelosi considering proposal to tax good health insurance plans in order to cut surtax on wealthy!

[Better Believe It]

House Weighs 'Cadillac-Plan' Tax
By GREG HITT
September 26, 2009

WASHINGTON -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that House Democrats are weighing a proposal to tax generous health-insurance plans, a step that risks conflict with unions but would help pay for the House's version of health-overhaul legislation.

Ms. Pelosi is stepping up action to bring a health bill to the floor quickly, despite divisions in her party on how much to spend and what kind of taxes to levy.

Taxing generous plans would allow the House to pare back the surtax, which has come under strong criticism, especially from Democratic moderates.

House Democratic leaders met Friday to discuss responding to a range of objections about the bill, while also bringing the 10-year cost of the package down to the $900 billion level set by President Barack Obama. "We'll just have to see how much money we need for what," Mrs. Pelosi said, cautioning that no decisions have been made on the tax issues.

Supporters say the tax is needed to help rein in the rapid growth of health-care costs. Organized labor is largely opposed because some union members have plans that would be taxed.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125389502716441353.html

[Egalitariat]

1. I bet you'll find that only the wealthy have the "good health plans" that get taxed so, in the end,

it just becomes a political game of hide the peanut.

[Better Believe It]

4. It depends upon what they decide the premiums of a 'cadillac" plan are.

And that is a wide open question right now.

I suspect it will include millions of ordinary middle class and working class people who have a decent health care plan.

[joeglow3]

2. A friend of mine works for a local CPA firm that pays 100% of health premiums

Their employees make between $40,000 & (roughly) $150,000.

[WinkyDink]

6. That's actually a pretty major salary gap.

[joeglow3]

10. Pretty standard

Someone straight out of college makes entry level (about $40,000 now), but you move up pretty quickly. It probably takes 10-15 years to become a Director making 6 figures. Those that build the largest portfolio will make partner (owner) and makes about $250,000.

The also offer a nice benefit in that you get 10% of all fees received from any client you bring to the company so long as you are an employee. Thus, in 10 years, you could be making a solid "bonus" each year just for work you brought in the door.

[ProSense]

3. A tax on the wealthy and on insurance companies.

Insurance companies shouldn't get away scot-free.

[Aramchek]

5. it is clear that you would rather have them do nothing

[WinkyDink]

7. One problem is that many unions have given up pay raises in order to GET good insurance.

[Better Believe It]

8. And it's good insurance that they want to tax. They won't touch the Model T crap!

[Autumn]

9. I would rather they do nothing

with health care reform than some of the idiot ideas they have floated. Fancy Nancy and crew really need to think this through.

[Thrill]

11. 2 things. Taxing Healthcare plans or Mandates without a strong public option

Are the end of the Democratic Party. Thats all I have to say about Healthcare Reform

[Inuca]

12. Where in the article

does it say that taxing some insurance plans is an alternative to a "surtax on the wealthy"???? Why do you have to rephrase everything in a negative and destructive way??

Also, the idea is not to tax "good" insurance plans, but EXCESSIVE plans. I agree that the current details in the Baucus proposal are unfair to those who have negotiated and gave up raises for improved health care. The details have to be changed, maybe the idea should be thrown away altogether, I don't know. But whatever is going on, it most definitely IS NOT what you subject line says.

You really a piece of work, sorry to have to say...

[Better Believe It]

13. In this part of the article. Perhaps you should read posts before commenting on them.

"Taxing generous plans would allow the House to pare back the surtax, which has come under strong criticism, especially from Democratic moderates."

And this in turn led to the 100% accurate caption: "Pelosi considering proposal to tax good health insurance plans in order to cut surtax on wealthy!"

Now how would you like to put a very positive and creative spin on this bull shit?

I'm listening and I'm putting my boots on!

[TheBigotBasher]

18. What on earth is an excessive plan?

Something that gives you decent coverage without rejecting your claim?

[Thrill]

14. Are Democrats trying to be in a permanent minority?

Where are these wacky ideas coming from. You tax the rich and pay for healthcare, stop this bullshit that will eventually effect the middle class

[brightertomorrow]

15. And if the over 50 group have to pay 4 or 5 times as much

for health insurance will that mean our rates are so high that we will also qualify for this "cadillac plan" tax? Honestly between mandates, charging more for the over 50 group and now this I don't know what to make of it all anymore. I was one of the biggest supporters for health care reform but now I am waiting to see what they are going to do before I can say I support it. They are making this way too complicated and I am beginning to wonder if any of them even understand it. The more I hear the more I wish for single payer. Just seems like everything is to protect the insurance companies and the wealthy and not the reform we were so hoping for.

[Better Believe It]

16. You nailed it.

[Mimosa]

17. There are better ways to fund health insurance for all

Taxing good health insurance plans is regressive and will bring down the standard of coverage. BAD IDEA!