General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "But we couldn't *possibly* have gotten single payer!" [View all]riversedge
(70,239 posts)right direction either. Insurance companies are left deeply entrenched even if only allowed to get 20%. I recall Pelosi had originally had written it for 15% but lost another 5% in the last minutes of negotiations. Big Pharm is still involved--with their massive campaign contributions. Maybe a tiny step with the expanded Medicare but the SC put a bummer on that one when states were allowed to opt out--Leaving behind millions.
In addition the Republican pushback has taken its toll--we have to admit that.
This is starting to look like the NCLB education massive bill--there are so many exceptions that it is almost unrecognizable. The private market --selling technology, books, etc is more involved that ever (Walton, Gates etc families--Jeb Bush) --the Standardized test industry is massive--Pearson, Questar and other Educational testing companies). [The voucher and private school industry is a whole other matter).
I can see it has helped many around me-yet I also see that many are left out--even the lowest package in my area is too much (live in a red state--no Medicaid expansion).