Category: Health Care

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Health Care Immigration Reform Mitt Romney Politics Texas

Mitt Romney Weaves A Tangled Web Of Lies And Deceit

Oh Mitt! Why are you so filled with deceit? You criticized Rick Perry in a previous debate for providing “magnets” of “extraordinary government benefits” to undocumented immigrants in this country, but as it turns out, you too Mitty Romney are guilty of doing the very same thing you accused Perry of.

Perry provides the undocumented with education benefits, and you Mr. Romney, provides them with health care.

The Massachusetts healthcare law that then-Gov. Mitt Romney signed in 2006 includes a program known as the Health Safety Net, which allows undocumented immigrants to get needed medical care along with others who lack insurance.

Uninsured, poor immigrants can walk into a health clinic or hospital in the state and get publicly subsidized care at virtually no cost to them, regardless of their immigration status.

The program, widely supported in Massachusetts, drew little attention when Romney signed the trailblazing healthcare law.

What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!

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CNN Health Care Politics

Ron Paul Knew The Man Who Died With No Health Care

The question Wolf Blitzer of CNN asked Republican presidential candidate, Ron Paul seemed hypothetical. But as fate would have it,  Paul knew how real the question was. In 2008 when he ran for president, one of his campaign chairman died at the age of 49, owing $400,000.00 in healthcare cost because he had no insurance when he died.

The question Mr. Blitzer asked Mr. Paul was what should happen to a young man who couldn’t afford health insurance, but finds himself in a hospital needing intensive care. Ron Paul began his answer, “…that’s what freedom is all about: taking your own risks. This whole idea that you have to take care of everybody…” at which point, members of the Teaparty audience began applauding. After Blitzer asked again if “society should just let him die,” members of the audience answered, “yeah!” and “let him die!”

His name was Kent Snyder, and the report was filed by Gawker;

Back in 2008, Kent Snyder — Paul’s former campaign chairman — died of complications from pneumonia. Like the man in Blitzer’s example, the 49-year-old Snyder (pictured) was relatively young and seemingly healthy* when the illness struck. He was also uninsured. When he died on June 26, 2008, two weeks after Paul withdrew his first bid for the presidency, his hospital costs amounted to $400,000. The bill was handed to Snyder’s surviving mother, who was incapable of paying. Friends launched a website to solicit donations.

And Ron Paul has an answer.

According to other answers Paul provided on this issue, he thinks that churches and other charitable organization should pick up the tab for those who cannot afford life saving health care. Although what happened to the Snyder family is unfortunate, maybe Mr. Paul should direct them to some of these churches.

After all, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Mr. Kent Snyder was the driving force behind Paul to run for President in 2008. The least Paul could do, would be to provide the names of the churches and charitable organizations that would handle the $400,000.00 hospital bill.

And while he’s at it, there’s another 45,000 Americans who die each year because they cannot afford health care. Why not provide them and their families with this information? Maybe Paul could publish the names of these churches on his website. That will help!

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Health Care Politics

Republican Audience Applauds Hearing About People Dying

The call themself pro-lifers, you know, for life. But apparently, that belief stops immediately after birth.

That was evident in the Republican’s last debate, where a hypothetical question was asked of the panel. What to do if a healthy person cannot afford healthcare and get’s sick to the point that they need intensive care, these pro-lifers, or conservatives, or Teaparty members think that person should just…die.

I’m not making this up!

Wolf Blitzer of CNN asked the question in the last Republican Presidential debate. It was directed to Ron Paul about what the person needing intensive care should do if they have no health care. But before Ron Paul could get his full answer on the record, the pro-lifers in the audience answered for him, shouting “let him die!”

This is where the Republican party is today, where the revelation that Rick Perry of Texas has executed more people than any other governor in the state’s history was met with applause, and the only solution for the sick who cannot afford the care they need, is to let them die!

Base on these Republican audience reactions, would it be far-fetched to conclude that voting for a Republican is almost as bad as committing suicide?

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Health Care Politics United States

Court Rules In Favor Of Healthcare Reform In Virginia

You can once again breathe a sigh of relief. The 4th circuit panel in Virginia has ruled that President Obama’s healthcare reform, better known as The Affordable Healthcare Act, is legal. To the millions of Americans who will benefit from this healthcare policy, and to the rest of America who would not have to flip the bill for the uninsured getting their care in emergency rooms, this is great news.

The lawsuit was brought to the 4th circuit panel by Virginia’s Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, one of the most vocal opposition to the health care law.

Cuccinelli sued on the grounds that enforcing the mandate would violate Virginia law. As Congress moved closer to passing healthcare reform, Virginia enacted a law that says state residents can’t be forced to purchase insurance.

But the 4th Circuit panel said Virginia does not have standing to sue over the mandate because it lacks a “personal stake” in the issue.

Although this is a temporary victory for America, Republican governors nationwide are determined to take this case all the way to the Supreme Court.

More on this story here.

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Health Care Healthcare Repeal

Man Dies From Toothache. Thanks G.O.P.!

We often brag that we are the most powerful nation on earth. But are we also the most selfish and uncaring when it comes to our own citizens? Why is it apparently acceptable by some if our next door neighbor dies for something as trivial as a lack of healthcare or more specifically as in this case, dental care?

According to NBC affiliate WLWT, Kyle Willis‘ wisdom tooth started hurting two weeks ago. When dentists told him it needed to be pulled, he decided to forgo the procedure, because he was unemployed and had no health insurance.

When his face started swelling and his head began to ache, Willis went to the emergency room, where he received prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medications. Willis couldn’t afford both, so he chose the pain medications.

The tooth infection spread, causing his brain to swell. He died Tuesday.

We must be better than this.

We send our troops overseas to “free” other nations, and to teach these nations how  “civilized” people should live. We want those nations to be able to live like us. We ask international governments to provide for their people by building schools, roads and hospitals among other things, and we expect the leaders of these nations to do these things, because in our minds, these are the basic and necessary needs of any citizenry.

But when it comes to our own there’s obviously a different standard, as our own citizens without healthcare  die because they can’t afford pain medication and antibiotics.

Meanwhile, Republicans are still promising to repeal what they call, “Obamacare” – President Obama’s healthcare reform plan which would offer basic healthcare coverage to over 30 million Americans who presently have none. To congressional Republicans, this is a terrible thing for the leader of our nation to do. What would these Republicans have to say to Kyle Willis’ family? Oh, never-mind that question, Republicans consider Kyle’s death as the natural order of things, you know, eliminating the weak. Only the strong survives!

We must be better than this…

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Health Care Politics Rick Scott

Republican Governor Rick Scott Gets Government Healthcare

This is a perfect case of  “Do what I say, not as I do!”, and it furthers exemplifies the hypocrisy of today’s Republican party and the utter joke they have become.

Case in point? Florida’s Republican Governor, Rick Scott: Scott and the rest of the Republicans, both in Congress and in state government, are on a rampage, trying to deny healthcare to regular everyday middle class Americans. Their dirty little secret is, they are happily enrolled in the very same government health care program they want you to give up.

Gov. Rick Scott, a critic of the federal health care overhaul, is paying less than $400 a year for health insurance for himself and his wife.

While Scott is accepting no salary for his job as governor, the multimillionaire and former hospital chain executive chose to enroll in the taxpayer-subsidized health insurance plan offered by the state of Florida.

Scott is among nearly 32,000 people in state government who pay relatively low health insurance premiums. It’s a perk that is available to high-ranking state officials, including those in top management at all state agencies. Nearly all 160 state legislators are also enrolled in the program that costs just $8.34 a month for individual coverage and $30 a month for family coverage.

Brian Burgess, a spokesman for Scott, confirmed the governor and his wife are enrolled in the state health insurance plan, but refused to discuss why Scott signed up. He called the governor’s health care coverage a private matter.

Apparently, government insurance is good for them, but not for you!

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Health Care Politics Repeal United States

Only In America – Rob A Bank To Get Health Care

Every warm-blooded American – Democrats, Republicans and Independents – should hang our heads in shame when we have fellow Americans, fellow human beings, who are pushed to such limits that they feel that their last resort for getting healthcare is to go to jail.

That is the story of James Richard Verone, a 59-year-old man who worked for the  Coca-Cola Company for 17 years. Verone prided himself for his work and his dedication to the company, but after he lost his job 3 years ago, he  had to take other work to make ends meet. His last job as a convenience store clerk was a strain and magnified the different ailments Verone suffered from. His back hurt and problems with his left foot caused him to limp. He suffered from arthritis in his fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome. He soon lost that job because he was physically unable to perform his duties and then the reality of his situation set in… Verone was unemployed, no savings and no healthcare.

With his options reduced, Verone turned to the government, but all he qualified for was food stamps. The triggering point was when he noticed a growth on his chest. He had a plan, and began implementing it.

As his bank account depleted and the day of execution got closer, Verone sold and donated his furniture. He paid his last month’s rent and gave his notice.

He moved into the Hampton Inn for the last couple of days. Then on June 9 he followed his typical morning routine of getting ready for the day.

He took a cab down New Hope Road and picked a bank at random — RBC Bank.

Verone didn’t want to scare anyone. He executed the robbery the most passive way he knew how. He handed the teller a note demanding one dollar, and medical attention.

“I didn’t have any fears,” said Verone. “I told the teller that I would sit over here and wait for police.”

The teller, however, did have some fears even though Verone never showed a weapon. Her blood pressure shot up and once Verone was handcuffed by police, the teller was taken to Gaston Memorial Hospital to be checked out. Verone said he was sorry for causing the woman any pain.

He has a lot to say on the subject of socialized medical care. He suspects he wouldn’t be talking to a reporter through a metal screen wearing an orange jumpsuit if such an option were available in the U.S.

“If you don’t have your health you don’t have anything,” said Verone.

The man has high hopes with his recent incarceration.

He has seen several nurses and has an appointment with a doctor Friday.

It’s something we say all the time when we want to show America’s exceptionalism – only in America. “Only in America is my story possible,” we would say… or “only in America will you find all these opportunities.” But the ‘only in America’ phrase is also true for Verone’s story, for no other advanced nation on earth would have citizens who have to commit a crime to get health care. Only in America.

Meanwhile, Republicans are promising to repeal health care reform…

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Barack Obama Health Care Politics Repeal Republican United States

Poll Finds Half Of Americans Believe Health Care Was Repealed

In a nation of newspapers, radios, televised media and even the internet including the google, information is still not reaching the masses. Or, maybe the masses don’t want to accept the information that they’re getting. In either case, a new  Kaiser Health poll found that only half of Americans know that Health Care was not repealed.

According to the poll, 48% of Americans either believed the law was repealed or did not know enough about the law to say whether it was still in effect. Just 52% of Americans correctly know that the law is still in effect.

Congressional Republicans can therefore exhale. If half of Americans think the bill has already been repealed, then what’s the fuss? John Boehner should just let this segment of society – probably ardent FOX viewers –  continue believing that Republicans have done what they promised.

The rest of us – the other half who know the repeal bill will never reach the President’s desk and if it does, it will be vetoed – we will play along, wink wink!

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Health Care Medicare Medicare Part D Politics Repeal Sarah Palin United States

While Republicans Promise Repeal, More Health Benefits Go into Effect

Just days before its Republican enemies are officially sworn into office in the House of Representatives and Senate — armed with their zeal and desire to repeal it — major parts of the new Health Care law with a total of 21 provisions, will go into effect in 2011.

The areas of the law scheduled to take effect January 1st 2011, are geared towards consumer protection and as its purpose suggests, it should be very popular with the American people once the measures are fully implemented. Some of the measures scheduled to take effect on January 1st are:

  1. Rebates to Consumers if Insurance providers use less than 80% of premiums for clinical services. Providers would be required to use up to 80% of your premium to provide clinical services and quality of care to you. If they use less than this percentage, a rebate check covering the difference must be sent to you.
  2. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must provide a 50% discount on brand-name prescriptions filled in the Medicare Part D coverage. Also, federal subsidies for generic prescriptions kick in on January 1st.
  3. Eliminate cost-sharing for Medicare covered preventative services. Also, waives the Medicare deductible for colorectal cancer screening tests and authorizes Medicare coverage for a personalized prevention plan, including a comprehensive health risk assessment.
  4. Creates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test new payment and delivery system, with the goal of reducing costs while maintaining or improving quality.
  5. Reduces the Medicare Part D premium subsidy for those with incomes above $85,000/individual and $170,000/couple. Also, freezes income requirements for medicare part B premiums at 2010 levels for the next 8 years.
  6. Creates a new Medicaid state option to permit certain Medicaid enrollees to designate a provider as a health home and provides states taking up the option with 90% federal matching payments for two years for health home-related services.
  7. Provides 3-year grants to states to develop programs to provide Medicaid enrollees with incentives to participate in comprehensive health lifestyle programs.
  8. Establishes a national, voluntary insurance program for purchasing community living assistance services and supports (CLASS program).

Republicans, however, are  promising to stop the progress of these reforms by cutting off all necessary funding. They will take over the agenda in the House of Representatives on January 5th, and will introduce more Republicans to occupy more seats in the Senate on that same day.

Polls suggests that Americans have mixed feelings about the new Health Care reform measures, mainly because they were misled by Republicans and a Conservative media. Some Republicans have even won awards for misleading or lying to the American people, like Sarah Palin’s winning Lie Of The Year Award for claiming the Health Reform contains “Death Panels” to “kill your grandma.”

Democrats claimed that they are up for the coming fight, as they try to keep their signature history-making policy alive. The rumble starts January 5th 2011.

Source: The Kaiser Family Foundation

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