America was promised by Republicans that they would fight the health care reform. With November elections imminent, the GOP believes the public is on their side. It appears nobody can decide on the medical care law. It is getting more opposition now. Americans don’t know what the health care law entails either. Republicans are hoping that they can use this to their advantage. Republicans can’t stop the president from vetoing things, even if they have majority in congress. Plus, the first provisions of health care reform just kicked in Sept. 23. People may realize how nice it truly is to have pre-existing conditions covered and free preventive care.
Pledging in American politics
GOP’s vow is probably just an attack line as it plans to repeal the medical care reform as part of its Pledge to America. Derek Thompson at the Atlantic said it’s doubtful Republicans will take the Senate. Even if they do, Obama will veto anything that weakens health care reform. Thompson writes that even if the GOP succeeded in repealing a part of the bill that bothers them most–requiring every person to have health insurance–it will backfire. People won’t get insurance until they need it, and then they have pre-existing conditions businesses can’t reject them for. Insurance businesses would only have one option then. Rates will have to go even higher. the Medicaid expansion isn’t going to be defunded. If it does, millions will lose health care. If they reverse Medicare cuts, they take away savings intended to pay for millions of Americans’ health care.
Public ignorance fuels opposition to health care reform
Polls have shown up for Republicans. This is where the promise of fight comes in. Rasmussen Report did a survey of United States of America voters. Only 61 percent “somewhat” favor repeal. That is what is called measured opposition. Of measured opposition, it is the highest it has been since late May. Kavita Pavel at CNN explains some things. She claims the public is simply confused about things. Only 14 percent knew the law’s first provisions started on September 23. This is according to a survey she looked at recently by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Less than half knew health care reform allowed them free preventive care. The protections that went into effect Sept. 23 weren’t known. Less than the half from before knew it. Kavita also mentioned an Associated Press poll finding that 25 percent of Americans bought the falsehood that a government panel would make decisions about their health care.
Honest discussion about health care reform unlikely
Numerous republicans don’t like they health care reform. They describe it as something that is fiscally irresponsible. There is going to be a two-thirds increase in health care by 2019, whether or not the health care reform happens. This comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. USA Today reports that while the law in its present form isn’t projected to curb spending, it does end insurance business abuses. Also, 32.5 million people a year will be able to be covered by medical insurance. USA Today said what health care reform needs is more solutions to keep health care costs from increasing at unsustainable rates. An honest discussion would have to be had between Republicans and Democrats. This would be about the health care reform. Don’t hold your breath.
Additional reading
The Atlantic
theatlantic.com/business/archive/2010/09/is-repealing-health-care-reform-the-next-big-debate/63504/
CNN
cnn.com/2010/OPINION/09/24/patel.health.care.repeal/index.html?npt=NP1
USA Today
usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2010-09-13-editorial13_ST_N.htm
