The revised bill against the previous

[impik]

1. Cost is $871B over 10 years (was $848B... $23B increase)
2. $132B deficit reduction over 10 years (was $130B)
3. $1.3T deficit reduction next 10 years (was $650B)
4. 94% coverage (was 94%... no change)
5. 15M more in Medicaid/Chip (was 15M)
6. 26M uninsured will access exchange (was 25M)
7. Certain employers could allow all employees to access the exchange (w/o subsidies), 5M expected to do so.
8. Medicare fix is out; will be handled separately.
9. No significant changes in premiums (figures were not updated; were 14-20% reduction or $2500 annually)
10. No caps on annual or lifetime benefits.
11. More regulation of private insurance companies (including 40% penalty if rates are jacked up before the exchange is available)
12. Employer vouchers will be available for "eligible" employees to use at the exchange (100,000 expected to use them)
13. 80-85% of private insurance premiums must go to providing benefits (not overhead or profits)
14. A a high risk pool where people with pre-existing conditions can purchase affordable coverage until the exchange open.


The revise bill is better than the previous one, and it's a pretty good bill overall and a MAJOR, MAJOR social progress. The screaming around here sound more and more ridiculous with every minute.

[Laelth]

1. Add back the Kucinich Amendment and I might agree with you.

Otherwise, this bill is worse than doing nothing.

Kill the bill.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the answer to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Top Cat]

2. I agree with you 100% this is better than what we have currently

and amendments can be added later at least we have something to work with.