Why the "illegal alien" provisions suggested by the GOP for health care reform are a poison pill

[WeDidIt]

It'll cost billions to implement and won't accomplish a damned thing other than put a government bureaucrat between you and your doctor demanding proof of citizenship.

[BlooInBloo]

1. Everybody knows it would be cheaper to cover illegal immigrants as well...

rather than leaving them with the uber-expensive "emergency room option".

Too bad the it's-not-racism racism anti-hispanic thing has been so successful (on both sides of the political spectrum - it's a white-thing, not a party-thing). Americans would rather hurt them, than help ourselves.

[truebrit71]

2. How does one provide proof of citizenship? A passport?

That's about the only way that you could do it with a picture ID unless....unless....EVERYONE HAS TO HAVE A NATIONAL ID CARD...

"Papers please!"

And yes, it is a poison pill...a bitter, cynical pill to be used EXACTLY the way the filthy right-wing bastards are doing now...

[ingac70]

3. All hospitals ask for a social security number.

That IS a national id card.

[truebrit71]

4. No picture though..and SSN numbers can be faked...

...

[ingac70]

5. they verify SS# numbers.

The name and address associated with the number comes up on their computer screens.