NYTimes: Republican distortions and lies about healthcare

[pnwmom]

Sadly, I've read some of these same "Republican" distortions right here.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/opinion/24sun1.html?hpw


Republican candidates and deep-pocketed special interests are spreading so many distortions and outright lies about health care reform that it is little wonder if voters are anxious and confused.

Here are a few basic facts that Americans need to keep in mind before they go to the polls, and afterward. First, most aspects of the reform do not go into effect until 2014. Second, things are indeed bad out there: The costs of medical care and insurance premiums are (still) rising, and some employers are (still) dropping coverage. But for that, you should blame the long-standing health care crisis and the current bad economy. Health reform is supposed to help with these problems.

SNIP

WHAT ABOUT MY PREMIUMS? Some Republicans are also claiming that health reform is driving up premiums. There have been sharp increases in some states, primarily in response to soaring medical costs. Some insurers may also be trying to increase their profits before the reform law holds them in check. A few very welcome provisions that take effect early, like requiring insurers to cover preventive care without cost-sharing, will play a minor role in premium increases for next year.

Reform has also energized federal officials and many state regulators to challenge and force down big increases sought by insurers. The Justice Department just filed suit against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan for allegedly using its market power to drive up costs for its competitors and its own subscribers.

MEDICARE SCARE TACTICS: Republican candidates routinely and cynically charge that the reform law will “cut” $500 billion from Medicare — leaving the clear implication that benefits will be reduced. In reality, the law will slow the rate of increase in payments to health care providers over the next decade, and benefits for most beneficiaries will be as good or better than they are now.

The only beneficiaries apt to see a change are those enrolled in private Medicare Advantage plans that will lose their unjustified subsides. Many of these beneficiaries, roughly a quarter of the Medicare population, may have to pay more for their plans or may lose the extra benefits, like gym memberships or dental care, that the subsidies pay for. Some inefficient plans will die out, but the efficient private plans will compete successfully with traditional Medicare — on an even playing field.

SNIP

The major benefits start in 2014, when tens of millions of the uninsured will gain coverage through Medicaid or by buying private coverage — with government help for low- and middle-income Americans — on the new competitive exchanges. If you lose your job, you will no longer lose access to insurance. And with government help the coverage should be affordable.

Far too few Democrats are explaining this on the campaign trail. The barrage of attack ads are hard to push back against. But the voters need to know that health care reform will give all Americans real security.

[Historic NY]

1. K&R

[iamjoy]

2. YAWN

Seriously, that's the problem. the Republican mantra is "health care reform is driving up costs, and causing some employers to drop plans all together." "health care reform is causing insurers to not write policies." "health care reform slashes $500 billion from Medicare."

Now, give the rebuttal in five sentences or fewer, at a level a fifth grader can understand.

Perhaps most of the electorate is smarter than a fifth grader, but their attention span is no longer.

[pnwmom]

3. You're right, that is a big problem. n/t

[Mimosa]

4. The health insurance companies are doing what they were allowed to get away with.

I am a victim of 'health care reform'. There's no affordable health care available for many adults with pre-existing conditions. We're supposed to wait until 2014. MAYBE we'll be lucky then.

For now we can be turned down. I was turned down because of a pre-existing condition 2 weeks ago. The only alternative in GA where I live \is a high deductible -$2,500 a person- high premium plans with high co-pays available for $688 a person for those who are over age 55. The insurance doesn't kick in until a subscriber has actually paid the $2,500 deductible.

That's what is available for those who are not at dirt poor poverty Medicaid level. :(

[pnwmom]

5. You're not a victim of reform. You're a victim of the current system,

most of which will remain in place over the next 2+ years when the new law takes full effect.

I'm very sorry you were turned down. In six months, when you are eligible to apply to the new federal pool, I hope there will be a better alternative for you.