House Passes Socialized Health Insurance
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a massive overhaul of the American health care system Saturday night by a vote of 220 to 215. One Republican, Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana, crossed the aisle, while 39 Democrats joined the Republicans in opposing the measure.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called passage of the bill "an historic moment for our nation and for America's families," while Republicans warned that the bill will raise taxes, increase insurance premiums and make cuts to Medicare. Pelosi promised it would "not add a dime to the deficit," but critics openly laugh at this claim. The bill is expected to be one of the most expensive programs ever enacted by Congress.
The $1.3 trillion-dollar bill would require individuals to buy health insurance, and would also require medium and large businesses to provide it to their employees. Consumers would be able to buy their insurance on an exchange, including a public insurance option for people who do not have access to insurance through their jobs. Low- and middle-income families would receive government subsidies to purchase insurance, which would be be paid for through tax increases, as well as fees on medical providers. Finally, the bill would prohibits insurance companies from dropping or denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions or cost of care.
The current bill prevents verification of citizenship, essentially allowing illegals to use the tax payer paid plan as well. (Democrats refused to alter the language to prevent this loophole after pressure was applied by Hispanic groups.) They did tighten language to prevent the bill from paying for abortions, but Democrats promise to change that language later as the bill is adopted. It must now pass in the Senate, which will be much more difficult. See Chick's HERE HE COMES.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called passage of the bill "an historic moment for our nation and for America's families," while Republicans warned that the bill will raise taxes, increase insurance premiums and make cuts to Medicare. Pelosi promised it would "not add a dime to the deficit," but critics openly laugh at this claim. The bill is expected to be one of the most expensive programs ever enacted by Congress.
The $1.3 trillion-dollar bill would require individuals to buy health insurance, and would also require medium and large businesses to provide it to their employees. Consumers would be able to buy their insurance on an exchange, including a public insurance option for people who do not have access to insurance through their jobs. Low- and middle-income families would receive government subsidies to purchase insurance, which would be be paid for through tax increases, as well as fees on medical providers. Finally, the bill would prohibits insurance companies from dropping or denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions or cost of care.
The current bill prevents verification of citizenship, essentially allowing illegals to use the tax payer paid plan as well. (Democrats refused to alter the language to prevent this loophole after pressure was applied by Hispanic groups.) They did tighten language to prevent the bill from paying for abortions, but Democrats promise to change that language later as the bill is adopted. It must now pass in the Senate, which will be much more difficult. See Chick's HERE HE COMES.
posted by chickcomics | 8:23 PM
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