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LIVE Blog: Landmark health care bill heads to Obama's desk
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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/22/health.care.congress.art.gi.jpg caption="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a night news conference on health care reform on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 22, 2010."]
(CNN) - A sweeping bill overhauling the U.S. medical system goes to President Obama's desk on Monday to be signed into law.
The House of Representatives passed the measure late Sunday, delivering a historic victory to Obama, who had made it his No. 1 domestic priority.
The bill passed in a 219-212 vote after more than a year of bitter partisan debate. All 178 Republicans opposed it, along with 34 Democrats.
The measure, which cleared the Senate in December, constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees since Medicare and Medicaid were enacted more than four decades ago. FULL STORY
Sound off: How do you think this reform will impact you? Share your stories with us. Join the LIVE blog below and chat with us during the show.
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Citizens want to be everything but good caring citizens. The Republicans and selfish Democrats have created an atmosphere of fear as it relates to correcting an outdated health care policy here in the United States. The subject bill will not be a cure all but it will slow and eventually stop the fleecing of Americans already paying for health care insurance. We have template that will allow our law makers and the citizens to shape a more perfect citizen's bill of good health.
Give all the "law" makers on capitol hill a copy of "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" to remind them, they are their to speak on behalf of the poor, tired,homeless,sick,etc.
Do what's right for AMERICA uninsured not for your selfish personal gain.
Big goverment taking over health care? Wow! Big, Corrupt goverment, with all the money management skills they have shown us, taking care of our health care, now I am impressed.
media part of the problem. Never asked the tought questions to the right people. Why nobody knows whats in this fiasco. Just like the Iraq war. Media loves this guy. Can't be critcal. Now we have to be educated about the bill? How about before. What a joke
The U.S has finally taken the first step toward universal health care...putting people first–catching up with a value other parts of the world have been living for decades.
How ridiculous the U.S. must appear to the world watching democrats battle their way toward the obvious... putting "people first' ahead of profits! And watching republicans' solid obstruction toward what should be taken for granted....the right to life (health) not a privliege, but indeed a right.
That arduous work puts the excesses of the capitalist system into sharp relief. Only in the U.S. has greed and profit become an art form triumphing over a high quality of life for all people.. Puts the republican party into sharp focus as supporters of the corpocracy at the expense of the lives of U.S. citizens. The world has watched President Obama be villified for wanting health acess for all and appreciated what he is up against...including an often scurilous corporate owned media.
I wish I could say we should be proud of ourselves in taking this first step toward becoming more civilized,–the way one applauds a baby's first step. Except this "exceptionalist" nation is exceptional only for its profound support of ignorance, stupidity, racism, corporate profit and greed ahead of care for the quality of life for all of its people. A "caring nation"? Not this one. In terms of that kind of intelligence, it has a very long way to go.
The corporate owned media doesn't take a stand about quality of life, it has to protect "its viewership who also may enjoy slop print, sp put out what is most scurilous, elevating ignorance and stupidity to new levels of acceptance as it cloaks itself in "free speech."..
The current republican party courts ku-klux-klan mentality–encouraging hateful behavior, pushes to achieve power through rallying people around hate, ignorance, manipulating the "no think" crowd, who can only be stirred up by hateful rhetoric. The Party of No
has them in its hip pocket, and the media as well. .
I breathe sigh of relief to know that lives will be saved through the hard work of President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and also those good democrats who may have risked a great deal politically to put the nation ahead of their own job concerns. I applaud their hard work and their courage in face of horrific, hateful opposition.
over the battle of heath care reform a statement arose a number of times "THE AMERICAN PEOPLE" used by the GOP, The Tea Party and Others against health care reform. I thought WE ARE ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS FOR AMERICA AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR. AM I MISSING SOMETHING. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE .
I am one that is fighting cancer who's insurance was dropped. This bill literally has given me a new lease on life. I will now be able to get health insurance and start my treatments again. If the Republicans have their way, I'm dead. I consider them murderers because many would die or get worse due to inaction on their part. I see the Dems as heros for risking their carreers to save people like me who couldn,t wait another generation.
Now that we have greater access, let’s focus on cost reduction. This is something the Republicans say they know a lot about. Do you think we will see a cost reduction bill from the Republicans soon? Maybe they can focus on getting something done rather than only trying to stop Democrats from doing anything for a change.
what i want too know is all this savings i don't see doctors fixes 16000 new employees and 156 new agent ices how this going too save money and then these cuts have to go on till 2024 too save this trillion dollars, your 14 years projection. look what obama did spend 4 times the amount then bush did in his 8 years. so now when some else comes in and what he has to stick to that budget or the over runs don't go too obama, i don't think so. they did that with bush when clinton left office, the dem said clinton left a surpluses but that was future money in saving and now obama doing it too spend all you can in office then before you leave tighten up and tie the hands of the next guy.
Also who is going to pay for the coverage of more people??? We are, there is no freee lunch. We all will be paying higher taxes one way or the other. We are going to be paying for more bureaucracy. If we really want to employ people and generate wealth in our contry, trust me, this is not goint to help.
And by the way...if the universal health insurance in canada is so great, why was their prime minister having heart surgery in Florida last month?? dont they have good surgeons and the best health care there??
What amazes me is how republican leaders can say how discusted they are at the name calling and that they denounce it, then turn right around and show the country ,and the entire world that they encourage the behavior that we witnessed this weekend. (Racial name calling, gay bashing)etc.. How do you defend your position when you call one of your colleagues, who has been at the front of the anti abortion debate a "baby killer " just because he voted to give 32B more Americans access to health and still vote to protect the sanctity of life. You are no better then they are. Really dissapointing and I no longer blame the tea party protestors for the ugly actions they have shown. I blame their leaders. All Republicans should be ashamed of themselves.
For YEARS, blacks have voted and supported white politicians and presidents.
For ONCE a black man wins the presidency and yet so many white people still fight against him. This means that they are fighting us blacks!
Many refuse to acknowledge it but they are giving him such a hard time because he is B**L**A**C**K but face it, he has already made history and that you cannot take back. Even if he fails, he will make history again so take that white party PUBLICANS!
AMERICA NEEDED HC REFORM!!
Everyone on both sides of the isle understand the need for health care reform. My wife just left health care after years as a trauma nurse & ER manager. As a proud nurse, her passion was helping others. However, her job became one filled with untold paperwork thank to government/insurance mandates. Did we really address those issues?
Patient care has taken a back seat to legal requirements. This new legislation will not solve the problem and will create another set of rules to follow. This was rushed for political reasons. My opinion about our government institutions is at an all time low. There are temporary fixes which are welcome for all but I feel all we have created is another government mess like the VA system.... my wife worked there too. This bill could have been much better.
What irks me about this whole mess, is that Obama has continued to use the terms Health Care Reform, and Health Insurance Reform interchangeably. This bill does NOTHING to cut the cost of actual health care. As a health care professional, I cringe at the thought of all the implications of more bureaucracy. Who is going to be able to untangle all the new mandates, rules, regulations, forms,taxes, fines...??? We already get frustrated spending too much time doing this when all we want to do is take care of our patients. I am all for covering any and ALL children, and covering pre existing conditions. This could easily have been paid for ,with probably some left over, if congress had done something about waste, fraud and abuse of the current systems. This would have accomplished two things I'm sure both parities would have agreed to right off the bat. Instead, we have 2700 pages of madness, Government take over of student loans! in this bill (what is that?!), and new IRS positions created to monitor everyone's monthly paycheck to make sure they are abiding by the rules – if not, slapped with a fine! And I am so angry that my tax dollars will be used to fund elective abortions, as I am a pro life If people want abortions, fine, but don't make me pay for it! The whole process was gross and disgusting!!!
Dear CNN,
I am a close follower of all of your news. It seems the time has come to add to yur bevy of pundits. I used to admire David Gergen, but his thinking is tied to the "old"
Major shifts have taken place in the American society, indeed many experts predict a continuing decline in our welth and infuence as a nation.
Today's society is dramatically different from the days of Ronald R amd even George Bush.
How about finding someone who can explain what happened in the House of Representatives last night?
You say you are the leader of objective news.
Do your best to begin to understand the sociological changes happeneing now.
In hopes the United States can learn and develop rather than continue its downward spiral inro hate nad conflict.
Joan T. Sessions, Ph. D.
I am a single parent of three kids working two jobs one with sever brain damage. I have never asked anyone to give me anything and have worked since I was 16. I have fought with the healthcare system for all my sons life 16 years. At one point it took me 4 years to get a wheel chair for my son after the back fell off his first one. Last year my son got sick and no longer could eat by mouth wthout choking because his food would go into his windpipe and lungs. At the time he had medicaid and he is my only child that has medicaid. I was told by the doctors that he could no longer take anything by mouth would need a G-tube in order to eat and another surgery to stop the reflux from going into his lungs . A week before his Surgery I was told that he no longer had medical insurance and was told by the hospital that I would have to pay for the sugery up front. During this time he had a NG tube and was on pedisure 6 to 7 cans a day. I am glad that bill was passed. I will help families and children like mine to get medical coverage without having to prove that your child is disable and can be institutionalized but it is cheaper for the state to grant you medical coverage and allow your child to remain at home. After almost a 5 month fight for my sons life we finally got his coverage back and he got his surgery. I'm willing to pay the taxes needed if it helps kids like mind. I was willing to pay a permium if someone would have covered him.
I am new to Medicare. My experience demonstrated that doctors are "circling the wagons" by not taking new (repeat, new) Medicare patients. My second issue is the $538B cut in the Medicare program while adding millions of baby-boomers over the next couple of years.
I am very conserned about this bill sending me to jail when I do not pay the fine assesed to me because I do not participate. This bill sounds grate untill the word manditory show up in a suposidly free society. Requiring car insurance is still a choice because I can chose to sell my car. I can chose not to use western medicin but, this bill will make me pay or get a fine and if I don't pay the fine I go to jail. I feel like an endentured servant (finatual slavery)
To Quote John Stewart: "I would rather die penniless, homeless, from a curable disease than to have to live with socialized medicine"
I have negative and positive feelings concerning HCR. First, those with pre exisiting conditions have coverage, is positive, although many with these pre exisiting conditions are dependent on Medicare for coverage and I am still negative on what Medicare will do now, to help those on fixed incomes, depending on Medicare for their care, medications, doctors, tests, etc. Doctors turn patients away, medication too expensive to buy, testing not included to seniors. Imagine, seniors have no coverage for hearings tests or hearing aids. No coverage for glasses? What about dental insurance? I can't see any change for Seniors, only increased cost for health care. Yes, insuring 32 million people now, today, is positive. What about cost to those on their choice of health care, can the government place a cap? The cost of health care breaks many a family. We all know, big business in America is not going to lose. I do feel good about change over all, giving those who are sick, the ability to see doctors, get proper treatment, but will they afford it, can government do this too? We celebrated Medicare in the thirties, we celebrated Public Health in 1919, I am hoping this celebration is positive too. Sincerely Nancy.
I don't see great changes in health care with this bill. With the public option gone, and little done to curb costs, we are not doing much to break new ground. I continue to wonder how my mother, traveling in Italy on her own at 92, who fell ill to a gallbladder infection and landed in an Italian hospital, walked away with a bill of "0". When follow up care took place in the US in preparation for an operation, the bill was over 8,000 dollars without the operation which came later. Italy is rated number 2 by the World Health Care Organization under France which is first. We are 37th. How do they do that? Italy is a Republic with elected officials like the US. Why haven't we paid more attention to these countries who provide health care for free?
How are we sure that each Senator's vote for or against the Healthcare Plan is what his/her State really wants. Why can't we just let the people vote and stop all the fighting.
Why is it that 95% of the people opposed to this bill cannot give a clear reason why they oppose it. I watched the people interviewed yesterday and it was sad. They really didn't have a reason except that it was President Obama (a black president) who was pushing it forward. You hear that it costs too much, we are still paying for the war in Iraq. You hear that it will raise taxes, It will only raise the taxes on people earning over $250,000. Is that who they are protecting. I bet that most of the tea party members do not make even close to that so what is their worry. I wish these people would think and actually stand for something other than other persons ideas. Maybe many of them do not think and just want to protest just to protest so they can say they are part of something. It gives them a sense of being.
Good morning,
The power is still with the people,. We have the choice of not working to pay all the new taxes from Health, immigration,climate bill, financial regulation and so on.
Pay off your debts, take retirement, get on the government health care and all benefits the government will dole out. Leave it to the Democrats to pay for it.
FOr all you folks who have no health ins and don't want any, and don't want to be fined, consider this , if you have a accident and are taken to a trama center and run up a million in medical bills, who has to pay the BILLS, the rest of us do. So yes, if you can get ins and don't you need to pay a penalty so the rest of us don't have to pay for your care as we all do now for the uninsured in America. Jane
is anyone surprised no republicans voted for the bill? they won't vote in favor of any bill that doesn't benefit the well to do nor will they vote for anything that a democrat sponsored. they claim the american people don't want this, but if your an american with a serious illness you need this. the tea baggers don't speak for everyone and i invite them to do a little research. i saw one bagger with a sign reading " don't mess with my medicare." i guess they don't know democrats passed medicare and they needed reconciliation to do it.
I have 2 comments
1) if my 9 year old son acted like some of our law makers has through this year long debate, he would would have been grounded every weekend. At what point did we lose respect for one another and the for the offices they hold. At times it looked and sounded like romper room. The world is watching and we look like bratty children that need a good swift in the pants, I'm actually embarrassed for that kind of showing to be put on displaty for the whole world to see.
My second comment is, I pray that the fund raiser lunch I am attending tomorrow for someone to be able to purchase an expensive shot for their child will over soon.
I am a surgeon and last year, over 15% of my patients were unfunded> We call them "private payors" to make it sound nice. For those who don't understand what that means: I worked for free for those cases. Actually, I in fact lost money due to time and resources not to mention I still incur a liability (ie. even though I didn't get paid I can still get sued). Does anyone else in this forum work for free and like it? I will have to see how this reform pans out but I suspect that like all other legistalation proposed by this administration, it will screw over those who work hard. I will support the intent of Obama and no longer treat those without insurance because that will drive up health care costs as Pelosi so eloquently put.
(the bill will cover 32 million...but not everyone). I will also have to lay off staff. Congratulations BO, you "succeeded"...?
November cometh.
After all that's been said & done I'm thrilled to see the majority of peeps posting here are glad & supportive of this healthcare bill passing! It is difficult to say how many of the "opposed" are actually based on fact versus (in my opinion) believing the false propaganda that has been spread by many in the Republican party! Death Panels = that DON'T exist! Socialism = that DOESN'T exist! Etc, Etc, Etc! This bill is not perfect nor does it do all the President had hoped for but it is a start. I implore all that support this monumental step forward be as vocal & active as those that oppose for our voices are not as loud as theirs! Please take the time to call and/or write your representatives so they know this bold move is supported so our voices can drown out the haters!
Finally, a first step to health reform in America. No bill is perfect, there will never be a bill in the house that all americans support 100%. Ted Kennedy devoted a lifetime to healthcare reform, the republicans has said "NO" to everything...........they did nothing to change healthcare in this country for years, the vote on this bill was totally partisen, what does that tell you? Republicans are not willing to meet halfway on anything to do with health reform.........why? Because they put their political future and gains before you & I, they forgot why we put them there in the first place, they get big campaign money from these big private health insurance companies......I know, I used to work for one of these giants!!! I can tell you first hand that they are all about making profits and not for helping people, my premiums as an employee went up every year with insurance caps, high deductibles and copays.
I have a daughter in college and I was very concerned about her coverage beyond 21.
This will also hopefully reduce the number of people without coverage going into ER at hospitals, remember, folks, you and I, the taxpayers, pay for all this cost, so by everyone getting health insurance now will hopefully reduce this cost in the long run and save hospitals like Miami Jackson Memorial from going into debt.
Wake up and "smell the coffee" people!! Let's put our political preferences aside and give healthcare reform a chance to work........remember it will not take effect until 2014!
We seniors who built this country with blood, sweat and
tears are outraged at this socialistic takeover and giveaways
to people who did not earn their benefits..next will be
illegal aliens who have NO rights in this country and are
getting benefits they do not deserve.
This health care bill will be the death of the democratic
party – just hope they know we are mad as hell and will
not take it anymore!!!!
Congratulations to President Obama and those law makers who had the guts to stand up for Health Care Reform. All of the ugliness, the name calling and idiotic behavior was not a demonstration of opposition to Health Care Reform, but a true reflection of the true skim of ugly, hate, and bigotry that still exists in our country. When we continue to show this kind of hatred and disrespect for fellow Americans, we only give the international community more reason to hate us. Wake up America, we have an opportunity to make things right for all Americans, but name calling, callous disrespect, and hate mongering is not the way!
Republicans call themselves Christians? I didn't see any love, charity or Christians in the House Republicans yesterday. Jesus would not have behaved the way they did. So stop giving Christians everywhere a bad name and just admit you all are just looking out for your selves and nothing else.
This health care bill is not going to help recover the country. It only includes the preexisting condition clause, what about the other as important things such as tort reform, insurance across state lines, etc?? This is just a political move and does not really address the most important issues we as citizens have. I am a small business owner and this mandate to have to pay insurance by law to all my employees is going to force me to fire some people. I cannot afford it. Does that really help them? Doesn't that add up to the already high unemployment?? As usual politicians only care about their own pockets and under the table deals............
So some call this a goverment takeover. Well lets do away with SSI, Medicare, and Medicade. Would we be safe on the highways without rules and standards for what we drive and how we drive. Such as seat belts, air bags, crash test standards, speed limits, and on and on. How about building codes? What would our streets be like without gun control? What if there was no FAA? Some want to be protected and safe but at no cost. Can't happen.
Finally!!!! How glorious!!! Now country can now begin anew! The insurance companies have had their chance and Republicans have had theirs to fix this... How inmature of the Republicans to act like babies and still say that the American people do not want this....is that all they have....and showing the Tea party with their signs and obvious obscene jestures, those able to scream on DC's lawn does not represent all of the American people. We live in a Great Country, stand up and be proud!
It appears that American voters have long concluded that Congress does not represent those it was intended to, but nothing happens to change that. Perhaps we can come up with something to demand of and hold all elected officials responsible for as part of the election process. I will require people I vote for to agree to something like the following. This seems to be widely held expectations of candidates particularly those up for reelection. Adapt it your're own way but print out what you come up with to send/hand to candidates and send it on to your address list:
1. Plan to apply common sense, not politics.
2. Plan to improve the lot of all citizens, not just the rich.
3. Plan to sponsor public financing for national political cammpaigning.
4. Plan for 3 month pre-election campaign or shorter.
5. Plan to prohibit dishonest advertisements.
6. Put in term limits.
7. Take no expreme positions, need common ground.
8. Provide that Congress has the same Health Plan as the "people".
9. Congress must have the same pension plan as citizens with strict consideration and pay for length of service like most every else.
10. That transparency applies to everything.
11. Use Commercial Airlines for travel.
12. No personal attachments (Earmarks) to legislation, but put through the regular budget system.
Perhaps these need to be Guiding Principles. We need to communicate to candidates and hold them accountable. We need to start somewhere even if it seems too fleecy.....................Dan Knott
Hello every one i am so glad that health care reform pass. I am very please that President Obama did what he said he was going to do and come next term he will have my vote . i am speaking for all of us middle class. I believe that every one should be created equaul . For so long we have been down in the dumps but know we or happy happy happy. So Thank you President Obama from the bottom of the middle class heart .
lala
I am ecstatic about the health care bill. I am retired and have supplemental coverage through my former employer. I don't know if I will be affected with a higher premium or co-pay, but I am sick to death of people being so selfish. Now, finally, millions of people who are cut out of jobs with benefits will be able to buy health insurance. Our competitive culture has taught us to step on whoever gets in the way and we have stopped caring that our sisters and brothers, our neighbors and those who are disadvantaged are relegated to a second-class status.
Also, who is included in these polls which show that the majority of Americans are opposed to this bill? I have never been polled.
On Jan 26, 2009 I collapsed from a dissecting aneurysm of my ascending aorta. It's the same thing that killed John Ritter. Mine was caused by a congenital defect I was born with called a bicuspid aortic valve. Let me make clear that I did not know that I was born with a defective heart valve until I collapsed from my aortic aneurysm. I was rushed to the hospital and into emergency open heart surgery where they replaced my aortic valve with a mechanical valve, replaced my entire ascending aortic arch with gortex, rebuilt the root to my aorta, took a vein from my leg to do a bypass and 4 days later implanted a pacemaker. It took the Doctors 3 hours just to stop my internal bleeding. It then took them another 8 hours for the rest of my open heart surgery. I almost lost my right leg as well due to it not having any circulation for about 8 hours. I also have another dissection (tear) in my aorta near my spine that will have to be operated on some time within the next 10 years. My pacemaker will also have to be replaced every 7-10 years. I am uninsured and now owe $300,00 in medical bills. Without health insurance, I will die. This country went to war because 5,000 people were killed on 9/11, yet tens of thousands of Americans die every year from lack of access to free quality health care. This Health Care Bill does nothing for someone in my situation. The lack of health care in this country is criminal. If Congress really cared about the US citizens and health care reform, they would pass a bill that provides every American citizen with the same free government provided health insurance that they themselves receive. Why are my tax dollars good enough to provide Congress with the best health care, but not myself, or my friends and family?
Companies are better off paying the $750 per employee fine, than paying for healthcare.
People with pre existing illness with not be turned down, but will be charged double premiums, therefore not being able to afford it anyway.
So who will pay to subsidize them, we the people.
Thank God Washington has developed compassion. However, how can every member of any political party totally support or totally oppose any piece of legislation. Instead of engaging and making the Healthcare Bill a better bill that they could support, one party stood on the sidelines and tried to create divisiveness among voters. Instead of trying to negotiate and balance the bill to make it better, they acted like children who refused to play a game they did not chose.
Thank you! As a 35 year old college student supporting a family of four without insurance, I wasn't left with many options for healthcare. We make too much for Medicaid and Chip, but not enough to pay a $450.00 premium. I have been going through the process of joining the National Guard for health insurance. Although I may still do this, it's amazing the feeling of hope, I'm sure many uninsured Americans are feeling.
The people of this country has lost their values; of love, respect, caring, building together, communing, helping, moarning together, understanding, and praying for one another. All the things that this country was founded upon. That's why the name calling, hatred, and withdrawing comes from. But GOD is sending HIS rage down on us and the surrounding areas. Both parties better watch the signs of the time.
I loved the sausage comment made. My question is how Americans never saw it until now? My hope is that every piece of legislature will be watched this close from now on and the American citizens will take back our government and refuse to allow democrats and republicans to just sit there and get fat off of back door last minute deals to buy a vote.
Thanks for the opportunity to respond:
Regarding the disfunctional nature of the year long discussion of health care reform – much of the blame lies at the feet of Nancy Pelosi who orchestrated a congressional steamroller of arm twisting and buyoffs of reluctant lawmakers, in addtion to an arrogant attitude of "I'm right on this – just let me have my way".
I'm appalled that the little boys and girls on the hill can't grow up and act like adults. All the anger, screaming and name calling; what every happened to civil conversation and why all the scare tactics? Both sides are so dysfunctional and we have become an of big business, by big business and for big business nation. Every congressman's back pockets bulge with cash to the point they get blisters on their busts when they sit down. Our founding fathers would be appalled.
For all the people complaining about how bad this health care reform process may be, those shouting "kill the bill" I'm sure are enjoying or will enjoy their Social Security benefits. As a younger person, I'd much rather pay taxes towards health care knowing I'll have choices, unlike paying taxes for Social Security which will probably become insolvent in my lifetime. If you think health care is messy, wait until that happens.
a no vote last night was a vote to allow more americans to die because they don't have good health care coverage
I think its about time Americans speak out on what they like and don't like...we have become lemmings and that needed to change...look at the English...their debates are not exactly nice either...when the French don't like something the government tries to push, the people speak out...we need to use not only the vote but our voices...we did it during the 60's we need to do it now..I say if you cant stand the heat get out of the kitchen..
This bill will put most americans in jail for not having healthcare reform. Washington is taking our rights away a little at a time. That is why Pennsylvania is moving to leaving the union and starting our own country. All Americans should drop there health care . that will briing down the cost . We the people of Pennsylvania will win . We will not be silenced . We will not have this law in our state no matter what Washington says wehave the right to be free and we will be .
I oppose the bill because it is another unfunded mandate. But the real short-term cost is that this ugly process has divided the nation, making focus on the economy and deficit even more difficult. The good news? Citizens are more aware and active in shaping our government's future.
I do not have health care. This bill forces me to have something I do not want. When does this tax and or fine start if you do not have health care policy? When do I have to get a policy because of this bill? Also I have heard that a person has to have car insurance but it is not enforced in many states. Where does the government get the right to send IRS agents to hunt you down if you do not have health insurance?
The passage of this bill was a big win for ALL Americans. The level of hate that the Republicans have brought to the table is repugnant. Can’t they just concede a loss with grace and move on.
CNN and other media is partly to blam for the current political environment. The townhall episodes were few and far between, but it makes for good video entertainment.
The Democrats currently in Congress now remind me of how the entire Congress used to behave prior to the election of President Clinton – differences that caused debate, but sane and truthful debates – when things could actually get done.
The Republicans have become nothing more than the party of no. That they did not condemn one of their own for shouting you lie to our President, stirred up the crowds outside and inside the halls of Congress and did not stop the racial and sexual slurs being hurled at their fellow legislators is unacceptable. The Party of No Must Go.
The whole politcal system in this country is broken.
We, as voters, need to REMOVE ALL the trash starting at the local leve and all the way to the top.
The mess I have watched over the last few months is disgusting and they should ALL be so proud of themselves. NOT!!!
From the Presidient on down this country has had no input as to our wants and needs and the entitled few have lined their pockets and helped the big business folks to more of our money. I for one, have NO more to give and they all need to go away and with any luck someone might be able to figure out how to pull all the perks these jerk get so they really FEEL OUR PAIN
I am very happy to see that at least something is done for Americans. We have spent $Trillions in not needed wars. We are building road in IRAQ and Afghanistan. We are providing health care to the world. We need to fix American problems first before running for the world's problem.
the GOP are a bunch of babies, sore losers, and should all be voted out of office for NOT doing their jobs, or impeached. They aren't responsible , they are just resisting anything the president and Democrats want, not what is right for America.
Finally I can travel to Europe and be proud that I am an American with universal health care coverage!
Perhaps some people will retire now that they do not fear insurance problems.
Start investigating how/when/if insurance rates will go down.
Not sure, may, or may not cost a little more, but I, and many other people will have access to some health care. If we can waste money paying for a ridiculous war , then surely we can pay for health care. Makes no sense to me how people can protest so vigorously against health care for many, and not against spending on war that is nothing, but a total waste of our resources, and has brought this country to its knees.
First black president and First woman house speaker keep their promise
Thanks
Poor man
This debate has been the most disgraceful display of partisian politics and corruption I have ever seen. Obama said he would change Washington? Well, he has. He has made it a more corrupt, more self-centered, power grabbing place than ever before. How dare the democrates pass such a bill using the corrupt pork belly and pandering techniques they have used and without even a single vote from the opposing party? They will pay for their arrogance in November. This fight isn't over yet.
I want to know when I can SAFELY stop paying for COBRA insurance? My wife has Crohns Disease and our COBRA insurance max's out at $2500 per person each year. My wife's coverage maxed out in just two months. My wife had to go to the ER a month ago and we got a bill for over $15,000 that is 100% our responsibility to pay. We now pay $600 a month JUST so we don't let our insurance lapse and thus put her into a situation where she can longer get coverage because of her pre-existing condition. Since our insurance is now completely useless for another 10 months, I would like to cancel our insurance but how can I trust that between now and 90 days republicans won’t find a way to circumvent the new changes? If that happens and we have stopped paying COBRA it will leave us in the exact situation we have been paying to avoid.
Ever since Obama was elected the republicans have done NOTHING but whined ! They are VERY poor losers. Yes, they are a party of NO. So tired of hearing their whining............. the republicans act like children.
I think the representatives who know who shouted out "Baby Killer" at Stupak should tell the American people. As a teacher for 29 years, I would have sent the culprit to the office for consequences. This miscreant should have consequences. And the Reps who are covering for him are just as bad as those who won't snitch on a criminal. It is ludicrous that Michelle Bachman would automatically blame someone in the balcony. Fess up!
When can all the uninsured expect medical care for free? Next month?
Where are all the extra doctors going to come from to provide the care?
When is my insurance premium going to go down?
In September 1998, as a small businessman, I had a choice to either pay my employees or pay my very high health insurance premium. I chose to pay my employees. The next weekend, I was diagnosed with acute leukemia. I had religiously paid my share of taxes, but was still relegated to the county hospital system where I was dehumanized and treated with little respect. I was lumped into the category of a "welfare" recipient. I eventually had to file bankruptcy with over $200,000 worth of medical bills and a failing business due to my illness. I'm glad something has been done so that no one will hopefully have to go through what my family has gone through.
Well in Illinois this morning, the sun is shining the birds are singing, and hopefully Rush Limbaugh has left the country!!!!
I am a pro life, support the military, have voted Republican in past kind of guy. These Republicans, that can not respect, that all families are equal, and deserve equal rights without regard to income or status are disgusting. I will never vote Republican ever again. I feel shame for the way they acted. The Democrats know it is not popularity but equality we seek in America.
Here is my opinion about it. As the American government is becoming more and more of a socialism start investing. Not in stocks and bonds, but in guns and ammunition. With exploding deficit and increasing non-action in congress it is only a matter of time before the government collapses in on itself.
I am very pleased the congress finally had the courage to step up and do something for the American people with little or no regard for how the decision would play out in the polls and elections. Finally we have representatives thinking about more than how to get re-elected.
Sustainable??? Congress admonishes business on this point; however, they instigate legislation that merits a measure of the same admonishment. Like war, politics is all illusion.
If the uninsured was driving up the cost of health insurance, why has no one discussed the illegal immigrants impact on health care costs? Is the new bill going to cover their impact? Has anyone even discussed this "doughnut hole." Furthermore, if some of the fixes the Republicans had in mind were so important, why didn't they bring them up in separate bills years ago? Why does the Senate have those who are only interested in their states and not in the United States.( i.e. Nebraska, Florida, Louisiana) Unfortunately, those who contribute so little to the United States and only their States will probably get re-elected. Why can't you report the ones who had to have their special deals, make it loud and clear. At least then we can clearly understand who is contributing to our broken government.
Yes I was wondering since this health care bill is passed that I currently have tricare from a service connected disability, would I still have to get new insurance because I heard that this was not a form of insurance due to the new bill being signed?
I don't believe that i am going to be forced to buy health insurance. This bill is so bad. I voted for Obama. I am glad that i still have my vote. Guess what,it is not going to Obama!!
I am retired and live mainly off of interest income, which is unearned income that is now going to be taxed another 3.5%. As everyone knows the interest you can earn today is far from what it used to be and now to have this burden on those of us who are not working is just unfair. I know that I will never vote for another dem as long as I live.
Does this healthcare bill affect the U.S territories? Like the Virgin Islands.
there is so much misinformation in the blogs , we just have to go slow and learn the real facts and be less scared of changes. I even hear misinformation on the tv news media, . they don't even know and you hear conflicting information. It will have to be a improvement over todays healthcare which is non existant for many. Its a exciting time in history. Changes will be made too. so WHY worry abt 2016 and what may never happen. Jane
I believe we need term limits for congress members. If the president only gets two terms, we should make it the same for congress, or make their terms for eight years only so they don't have to seek re-election. Not enough time to get in trouble and become fat cats.
As you see by the right wing protestors, Americans now despise each other. Just ugly.
Major Problem – we need term limits to minimize career politicians.
Specific problem – many people do not like Congress, but most feel their own congressman is ok. Thus, you get little change.
I'm so happy the bill passed. Health Care for everyone should be a right of the people.
To all the nieve and misinformed – this healthcare bill will benefit you even though you don't realize it. You will eventually pick-up on this if you would just stop being being angry and only listening only to the negative sound bites.
It will help our country move forward, help our states and towns grow there business because people will have more available money to spend. For everything we (all) buy and pay taxes on it will help our schools, emergency and protective services.
Also let me remind those that are nieve and misinformed that there are over 200 republican ammendments in this healthcare bill that passed.
i feel this is important because how can we as a country try to aid every other country economically, socially, and medically but we can not even help our own that are in need.....THIS IS A NECESSARY THING TO SUPPORT OUR OWN BELIEFS AS A NATION.
I was so excited when this bill passed. I've basically been following this since Clinton tried to overhaul the system in the early 90s. This is the best thing that could have ever happened to America. The inequities that existed before this went into affect; millions of Americans without health insurance, the potential for death let alone not being able to afford necessary treatment and the bankrupting of normal families simply because they had no insurance to pay for catastrophic illness now brings America into the modern world. Only America, of all the modern industrialized countries exposed so many of its people unfairly and yes one could say inhumanely to the suffering all other industrialized countries protects their citizens from. Its a great day for America.
Mr. Brian Thompson- I'm not sure I understand your argument. From what I understand, The mandatory coverage applies to small businesses with 50 or more employees and with at least one employee receiving/ or eligible for federal subsidies. If I'm misunderstanding, I'm sorry, but with only 32 employees I don't see what your complaint is.
I am retired military. Will this new bill impact my coverage? Currently I use Tricare standard I'm not required to pay a monthly premium. When I need access to primary care, under the current Tricare standard when I encounter the health care system, I visit a doctor of my choice (who accepts Tricare) I'm required to pay 20 percent of my cost and Tricare pays 80. Will I now be required to pay a monthly premium? Can you tell me how this is going to affect my access as retired military to health care?
WE don't have the best healthcare in the WORLD, we are rated abt 37th by the WORLD healthcare organization, FRANCE IS number one. how could we have the best if 45, 000 people a yr are dying from lack of healthcare. We have higher infant mortality rates compared to other industrialized countries, Like England, France, Canada etc. We also have younger age death rates. We get charged for drugs that cost 4 dollars to make , over 100 dollars at the pharmacy, we also have higher abortion rates than countries that offer medical coverage and abortions for anyone. this is a fact. Jane
FINALLY! I am a U.S. Navy veteran and receive healthcare benefits through the Veterans Administration. My wife and I both lost our jobs and are currently unemployed. Although I'm covered through the VA, my wife is not. She suffers from more than one illness and requires medication. We are both in our 50's.
Now at least, we have the OPTION of going shopping for healthcare insurance for my wife so she can receive the healthcare attention she so desperately needs.
Also, thank you Mr. President for the extensions on Unemployment Insurance. That is how we are surviving, and yes Mr. Republican, We are the" AMERICAN PEOPLE!" We don't know what "American People" you've been listening to. Those of us who are NOT rich or have IRA's or pension plans or own a home or have investments and savings just begging to be spent - WE NEED THIS BILL!!! After one hundred years...somebody finally heard the REAL American People. THANK GOD!
Everyone I know is planning on voting out all supporters of this "reform". Time for new leadership.
….not uncharacteristic of Americans, people are afraid of the unknown. Like me, the American people have all had access to the same information via the Internet, newspapers, TV., and etc, yet some have refused to gather information for themselves, rather they have propelled their fears by second hand information and they are now terrified by the unknown or by misinformation and/or blatant lies.
The bill awaiting our president’s signature into law is public; I encourage as I have from the onset EVERYONE to read and understand for you! Learn how this affects you personally then if you like, voice your opinion in intelligence, not ignorance.
No longer can insurance companies deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. If my wife leaves her job she will still be able to get coverage. I sell insurance and I meet a lot of people who can't afford health insurance. So this bill will help them. I urge everyone to go online and read the bill for themselves and not allow others to tell you what is in the bill. The Repubicans did not think of health reform when they had control of congress and now they just want to point out faults of the bill. Also, note that some of their suggestions are in the bill and they still did not vote for it. They are truly the party of obstruction.
Cost of the Health Care Reform Bill is estimated at $940 Billion over ten years which averages out to $94 Billion a year. Our Defense Budget for 2010 alone is $670 Billion – a $250 Billion increase (59%) from 2001 (before the Wars). If we can successfully get out of Iraq and Afghanistan and reduce our annual Defense Budget over the next 10 years by just 10%; that would cover 70% of the cost.
It will impact me because I am a tax payer and will probably end up paying for all of this mess. I have friends and family who have been laid off how will they pay for insurance? What about the people in prison and jails? What about people on Social Security who won't get a raise until 2012 (if they get one)? What about their premiums? You all should of thought about all of these questions before you passed this bill. As for the abortion part THANKS because there are other ways to get rid of a child besides killing it..you know there are people out there they can't have children that would love to adopt a child..you all want to judge the people in prison but how can you judge when you are just as bad as they are by killing human beings?
I just watched John Z interview several small business owners in Fl. Each of these owners had fewer than 50 employees. Under the new plan companies with 50 or fewer employees would be exempt. Businesses are NOT required to provide coverage, instead they would pay a $2000 per employee fee if the government subsidizes their coverage. But the point is, businesses with 50 or fewer employees are exempt. The reporter should have relayed this information to the small business owners. Please clarify.
We've worked very hard our entire lives and now, due to my husband's profession (ER doc) and a lot of saving over the years, we'll probably see our taxes rise with this bill. Are we happy it passed. YOU BET WE ARE!!! It's absolutely the right thing to do, for our country, for our citizens and for our children and future grandchildren. When, exactly, did we become a country that stopped caring for the more vulnerable among us - the elderly, the sick and the needy? BRAVO to the president and the brave members of Congress who showed that they weren't beholden to special interests but to the people they're supposed to serve. (And Republicans, who explicitly said they cared more about destroying the current administration than about passing health care reform, should be ashamed of themselves. As for their repeated protestations that they, themselves cared about health care and had good ideas - if they were so full of concern, why the heck did they do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for the past 8 years! I find their hypocrosy truly stunning. History will show this to have been the right thing to do, ethically and economically both.
I think that Obama just wanted to pass any healthcare plan, just to say that he could get it done. As a former employer this bill would have killed my business.
When you start fining people because they do not have insurance, I feel you have stepped way over the line. The fact that I will have to show my insurance on my tax return, that just screams big brother in my business to much. Most employers would love to have health insurance that they could offer to their employees, but the simple fact is that we just can't afford it.
I think that this whole thing will bring our great country to it knees with
the amount of money it is going to cost.
I think that Obama didn't care or listen to what the man on the street was saying. The people want healthcare reform, but this was not reform, this was Obama agenda.
As a proud Canadian, I welcome you to universal health care. When my family and I need to make health care decisions, cost has nothing to do with it. I have all kinds of choices that I am free to make about my health care – much more choice than most Americans have, who are wither limited by having no choice because they aren't covered or because of their insurance limitation. It has amazed me how a few powerful Americans protecting businesses have misinformed the American people about our system. Sure, anecdotally there will always be a few Canadians that have less than ideal care, but most of us would fight tooth and nail to keep our system. Socialized? I think not. That's fear mongering. I challenge journalists to find out what truly the socialized part of our system is.
Too sad that Ted Kennedy didn't live to see this day.