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I know, I know, I've just been a blessed ray of sunshine over the health insurance legislation that's been debated for the better part of President Obama's legislation so far.
I've had numerous complaints and concerns about the content of the bill. Some DUers have tried talking me through the process, demonstrating how some of the provisions may not be so bad for the American taxpayer. I appreciate their patience with me, even when I've been at my grumpiest. Someone on DU even told me - unless it got stripped out in the Senate - that there may already be the beginnings of a "public option" in one of the provisions for either the community health clinics or the insurance exchange program itself.
I read. I listened. And yes, I complained anyway, and sided with Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich in the past. But the writing is on the wall. מנא ,מנא, תקל, ופרסין
The days of Republicans and their Tea Party shock troops delaying this legislation outright are coming to an abrupt end, just as Belshazzar's reign in ancient Babylon did.
The arguments by progressives, public-option supporters, and single-payer activists against the current bill have been weighed in the balance by those in control of the process on Capitol Hill - and found wanting.
And just as Belshazzar's domain was split between Persia and Media, those who are currently uninsured will be divided between Anthem, Wellmark, Aetna, United HealthCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.
So while the clock is ticking towards the eventual vote on the House floor, maybe it's time to change strategies. I cannot support the current health insurance bill, but I can insist that what gets passed is not merely appended or revised, but superceded by something better. And the time to start working on overhauling the overhaul is before the ink dries on Obama's signature at the White House ceremony.
The first priority is to establish a real public option that is open to everyone and provides care comparable to that offered by Big Insurance. That may render moot any attempt to challenge the individual mandate in court. And it will also foster healthy competition in the insurance marketplace.
Then we need to strike the language that restricts women's access to healthcare.
After that, we need to enact legislation that allows the taxpayer to choose her own doctor instead of being assigned one by her insurance plan.
As for Medicare Advantage, the reconciliation bill would set a minimum threshold of 85% spent on medical costs and improvements in care. I can get a better minimum payout at a Las Vegas casino. Our seniors deserve better - something in the range of 92% would work.
Given the time, I could probably think of a lot more that could be done. But I know for a fact that too many Democrats will try to sit back after Obama signs the bill into law, and that cannot be allowed to happen. Instead of slapping each other on the back and congratulating themselves for putting Big Insurance in charge of American healthcare, our legislators need to get busy once again, overhauling the overhaul.
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