Health Reform Or Insurance Reform?.........

[global1]

has anybody noticed in the last few days the Dems including the President have been saying 'insurance reform' in place of 'health reform'?

I would like to hear others opinions as to this change. I haven't decided whether it is the administration conceding that they're not going to get the 'health reform' they set out to get OR they feel that by changing the name to 'insurance reform' makes it more palatable to sell to the American people - more understandable.

Everybody hates insurance companies - so saying that we are going to reform insurance companies and the way they do business - might sell and the polls might show more favorable results.

Health reform might conjure up drastic changes in a system people are used to and scare them into thinking that either they will not continue to get the care that they've been getting or worse yet - help the Repugs in their quest to divert people into thinking
rationing of care, reduction of care, etc.

So I post this here to have DU'ers weigh in on this subtle change in language - health reform to insurance reform - and get a feel from the group whether this is good or bad.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Looks like it's going to be some mild insurance reform.

[bvar22]

8. We are going to see as much "Insurance" reform....

...as we saw "Bank" reform after the Wall Street Bailouts.

There will be some videobytes of Democrats declaring "Mission Accomplished" while slapping each other on the backs, but it will remain Business as Usual for the Health Insurance Industry, but NOW, Americans will be FORCED to BUY Insurance from them.

I believe the Democrats have seriously underestimated HOW PISSED the 72% of Americans who wanted REAL reform are going to be.

[Hatchling]

2. Hell, yes!

I was just scanning the posts here to see if this subject has been brought up. This is bad, very bad. They are using insurance reform to not-so-subtly brainwash people into forgetting what all of this is supposed to be about.

"Oh, we weren't doing heath care reform, we were just reining in the insurance companies to make health care more affordable." Bullshit!

We go from single payer to public option to slapping the insurance companies on the wrist for being naughty!

I guess we should just be grateful that the insurance companies weren't as naughty as the financial institutions or the bill would be about bailing the poor things out and giving them money.

[Graybeard]

3. Uh-oh.

When President Obama said "health insurance reform" at the AARP townhall it stopped me in my tracks. He had always called for health care reform (which I took to mean a choice for a public option). You are right, this is cause for concern. We should all be saying...uh-oh.

[mdavies013]

4. It has to do with polling...support is shaky because people fell it will change their health plans..

Almost universily...people hate insurance companies...so that is why they are shifting to insurance reform. That's just my 2 cents.

[global1]

5. So You Are Saying This Subtle Change Is Intentional By The WH & ....

the Dems. We still are on track for 'healthcare reform' but it sells better as 'insurance reform'.

[ThomWV]

6. You're dam right I noticed - bait and switch, bait and switch, bait and switch.

[Donnachaidh]

7. insurance reform is another bailout to an industry that has CAUSED the problem.

And I for one, as a parent of a child who is an insurance leper, am thoroughly fucking OUTRAGED at the thought that this will be the end result.

A GIVE AWAY to an industry that has destroyed millions of families (medical bankruptcies), probably has also KILLED millions of Americans over the last few decades by refusing treatment or opting for a cheaper, less likely to do anything form of treatment.

If this does turn out to be INSURANCE reform with a mandate to purchase it -- I'm going to drive my son to the White House and ask Obama HOW I will insure this kid, and what cost for us? I want it from HIS mouth, in person.

Hell, I may get some other moms together and drag our little batch of insurance lepers to the White House. Just to let them see who they will be FAILING.

[global1]

9. I Never Heard The Term "Insurance Leper" Before - Can You......

tell us what you mean and how this effects you?

Also, I'm being very careful not to think of 'insurance reform' as an insurance industry bailout. I'm trying to take its being used in a positive way - as more people might agree that we need to reform (not bailout) the insurance industry - so as they cannot continue to keep ripping us off.

That's why I started this thread - I wanted others opinions as to what is really going on with this subtle name change.

I was just listening to Ed Schultz's Radio Program and he indicated that both Nancy Pelosi and Jay Rockefeller came down real hard on the insurance industry today. I'm thinking that the Dems might be mounting a counterattack during this August Recess.

Boehner is quoted as saying that this recess will make the Dems back off once they hear from their constituents back in their districts. I think Boehner and the Repugs are up for a rude awakening when they hear from their constituents back in their districts just how much the American people are for this health reform and a strong public option if not a single payer system.

As for getting other moms together and dragging them to the WH. I think it would be in all our best interests that we organize and with a show of numbers - converge on Washington D.C. and show those politicians - just what 72% of the American people who want this health reform look like. I think this should be done before they finalize any bills and before they take any votes.

Wouldn't it be neat if we can have the turnout for such a demonstration as big as the turnout for the inauguration?

[Donnachaidh]

10. I coined the term, because of what has been happening in my family

My son has a mild form of hemophilia. Factor 9 deficiency, or Christmas disease. He only needs to be treated with factor if he has surgery, a broken bone, or dental surgery. He's had treatment a total of 5 times in a decade and a half. Hell, my neighbor's have MORE medical bills with their kids - skateboard injuries, sports injuries, etc.

Even with the mild form - we CANNOT find an insurance company that will sell us insurance at ANY rate. One agent I spoke to over the phone literally laughed in my face. Most won't even attempt to find a rate. One very young, and very new insurance agent did do a search, and came up with nothing.

We moved to where we are today because of a great hemophilia group - one with a great track record of really helping the kids, and the adults who have this disorder. That is the ONLY reason we live in this red state.

I'm sure there are thousands out there that have something that tosses them into the Leper category. I have him on schip at the moment, but if this abomination goes through we may not even have that - because of the proposed cuts to other programs to fund the fiasco.

Either way, we feel screwed. My biggest wish is for a portable, affordable health CARE program, that will allow us to MOVE. And I don't think it's going to happen.

I voted for CHANGE - insurance reform is NOT change.

[global1]

12. I'm Sorry To Hear Of Your Plight - Your Situation Is One That Should Be .......

brought to the attention of the President and of the MSM. About two weeks ago I called the White House to put in my vote for a strong public option. I was totally surprised that I actually got to talk with somebody there and held a two way conversation with that person for about 5 minutes. He was really interested in what I had to say. He asked me questions. He indicated that they were taking such calls and forwarding the sentiment on to the President.

I urge you to call the White House and talk tell them of your plight. The number to their comment line is 1-800-456-1111. I'm sure it may be quite busy these days - but don't give up if you don't get through a couple of times - keep calling till you're able to talk to someone there.

[Shagbark Hickory]

11. The president is majorly wussing out. Needs to grow a pair asap & fix healthcare by ending insurace!

[DefenseLawyer]

13. I will try to put it in the best light possible

and say they have to start somewhere.