American Morning
LIVE Blog: Sources: Obama to sign health care bill into law today
Editor's Note: Welcome to American Morning's LIVE Blog where you can discuss the "most news in the morning" with us each and every day. Join the live chat during the program by adding your comments below. It's your chance to share your thoughts on the day's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules: 1) Keep it brief 2) No writing in ALL CAPS 3) Use your real name (first name only is fine) 4) No links 5) Watch your language (that includes $#&*).
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/23/obama.applauds.hcr.gi.art.jpg caption="In this White House handout, President Obama applauds as the House of Representatives passed health care reform legislation March 21, 2010."]
(CNN) - President Obama will sign sweeping health care reform legislation into law at the White House on Tuesday, according to two Democratic officials familiar with the planning.
Obama also will hit the road to sell the measure to a still-skeptical public, giving a speech Thursday in Iowa City, Iowa, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. Obama launched his grass-roots drive for health care reform in Iowa City in May 2007, according to Gibbs.
The bill, which constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees in more than four decades, passed the House of Representatives late Sunday night with no Republican support. It was approved by the Senate in December. FULL STORY
Sound off: Share your personal stories with us. How will this bill affect you? Join the LIVE blog below and chat with us during the show.
Also this morning: CNN's Drew Griffin has obtained a document, a clear warning sign from August 2002, nearly 8 years ago, that Toyota had a sudden acceleration problem, and that according to Toyota's own service bulletin, the problem was electronic. If you own a Toyota weigh in with your thoughts.
About this Show
Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
On Twitter
As a Republican, I'm displeased with the passage of the bill. However, Now that it's about to become law I think it's time to work together in a bi partisan spirit to make the best of what we have. Ongoing disagreement and bickering with the Democrats won't help anyone. It's time to move forward.
Have the Republicans no shame.
After 13 months of lying and fear mongering, they are showing their true colors by continuing to generate more lies and fears to serve their real masters, for profit insurance companies.
This latest tactic of trying to repeal health care reform will back-fire. The heartless SOB's don't get it. I don't think the Dems went far enough. They should be pursuring a single payer system that puts the for profit insurance companies out of business.
My husband and I have a small business nad we spent every penny we had saved on our health care premiums after they shot up and our business sales dropped. Finally we had to drop pur health care coverage. I have diabetes. I can breath so much easier now that I will live without terrible pain or crippling physical problems. Thank you Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, President Obama and the millions who worked toward this goal.
Now let's get the coverage made better, cheaper, more widespread and more competitive. If the states prevail with the challenges against manadted purchase of health insurance then Congress must immediately follow-up by enacting single-payer coverage. Otherwise everyone will go broke except the financial and health insurance industries.
My 16 year old daughter, Jenna Brown, will now have life-saving coverage. Jenna was born with a heart defect, and Blue Cross Blue Shield spent over 1.5 million dollars to heal her. Remedial care and checkups for her pacemaker are required the rest of her life. In effect, my daughter was under a death warrant under current policy, for this pre-existing condition meant she would have no health coverage once she graduated from college. Blue Cross raised our insurance for her and our family from $!2,000 to $22,000 annual premiums, and tacked on a $12,000 deductible for Jenna and a$12,000 deductible for the rest of the family. If our home were not paid for and we had no debt, we would now be among the medically bankrupt.
Now, there is hope for Jenna. Perhaps she can have quality care for the heart valve replacement that is certain in the next 10-15 years. Perhaps she can marry and have children.
Republicans and much of the press maintain that the healthcare bill does not represent the will of the people. However,a recent poll indicated that 46% of Americans favored passing the bill vs 45% against. How can Republicans continue this outright distortion of the facts?
I didn't think CNN would post my comment.
Now that I am required to buy health insurance and I am paying for other peoples' health care, I am empowered to share my feelings that obese people should stop eating, alcoholics should stop drinking, drug addicts should be stopped, and smokers should not light up anywhere. Congress and all Government officials should be required to stop smoking, keep their weight in check and stop drinking. This information should be transparent and the results posted on the white house web page and monitored. I am paying I want results; no, I demand results.
Sometimes change for the better is the most difficult to accomplish. I wholeheartedly believe that in the long run this is what we needed to do. The GOP needs to stop acting like sore losers and move on.
Tired of the 2 second news bites with John McCain "stamping his foot" that he didn't get his way. How about giving us some indepth analysis on how this bill will affect health care costs. Not long ago, NPR did a piece on how costs for a procedure varied greatly from one facility to another. John Hopkins medical facility – well known, prestigious - costs came in way under another medical facility just across town. Why is that? Why aren't you reporting on things like this that will help Americans to understand what the issues surrounding healthcare reform is really all about?
I make 40K a year. My health premiums are 9K. That's nearly 25% of my income. If the wealthy in this country were paying 25% of their income on premiums, they would have been screaming for change along time ago. 3 cheers for passing this bill.
I bet they won't read my comments above – cause they are too conservative for them and my points are correct – bring it – does anyone care to argue the bill? it is full of takeover garbage, billion dollar fees on private industry, healthcare boards that will dictate care, control by govt., 16K more IRS agents(wonder what they are for), backroom deals for some states – LA, Fl, PA, and NE. It is a crime against America and we will not stand for it.
Thank you President Obama for the courage to bring health care reform to millions of Americans who are uninsured, under-insured or at risk from unfair insurance practices! A great day!
Republicans are running scared. I have heard all their Rhertoric and they cannot seem to make any strong cases to go back to what we were.
The health care bill, while not as much as I'd hoped for, is the achievement of a generation. For me and my family, it means my youngest son won't lose health insurance following college graduation and that my middle son will be able to come back onto our health insurance (I hope?) while he continues to look for a job – not a great time to be a liberal arts grad! It means my brother with his own business may find cheaper insurance, and my sister-in-law with cancer won't have lifetime limits on her coverage.
I am so glad to see health care reform pass. I have been unemployed (for the first time in my life) since June of 2009. I am 54 and self-insured. I have been collecting $1200 each month and unemployment and paying $452 monthly in health insurance. Just this month my insurer raised my monthly rate to $580 starting April 1st. How am I supposed to live on what is left? Health insurance reform is badly needed. Opponents do not realize how little stands between them and financial ruin.
Gary Walborn, Youngstown, OH
MY wife and I will gladly pay the 3.8% tax. One son will have no effect on him economically while a second son needs the healthcare reform because he has no medical insurance. I was once a Republican but after seeing how they acted, I will not vote for them again. They just don't care for the little guy.
I think the passing of health care reform is a step in the right direction. It is not perfect! I don't like the special deals made in the original passage of the Senate version (blackmail plain and simple)! That said, it is embarrassing that the greatest country in the world has millions of people without access to health care and thousands each year go into financial ruin because of being sick.
What is more embarrassing is that now that the year long battle is over and the bill has passed, the Republicans will now mount national and state actions to challenge or repeal the law, spending millions more dollars. The current Republican leadership is the worst example of our political system and cares nothing for the average American. Clearly the party of the Elite!
The states are now complaining that mandating Health Insurance is illegal. The only difference with states mandating car insurance is that people don't have to drive. However, since most Americans need to drive to get to work, etc., the mandate is the same. Now that mandated car insurance has been in place for years, nobody talks about it anymore. What is the annual cost of treating those who have no insurance and need hospital care? That is a cost that touches everyone, since the hospitals just raise prices to everyone to provide those medical services to those that walk in the door and need emergency care or more serious care.
It is time to accept the "Law of the Land" and move on with the business of governing the country.
@BUD...you and your kind are not the only ones with the POWER at the POLLS....I predict the outcome is not what you will get in November.
I retired from JHH 10/09, the hospital does not offer health care to retired hospital employees but does for the University employees.My husband is self-employed as was covered under my old policy. We shopped around the first policy did not cover any wellness care including papsmear, mamograms, yearly physical, prostate screening. The policy was in place for 1 month, we were dropped because I had a trip to the ER for head ct after a fall from a horse. This plan was a $2000/per individual deductible, cost $700/month. Second plan was similar, but would not cover any accidents for any reason for 5 yrs. We ended up forming a group, the cost is high, $1200 a month with an individual deductible of $1200 including perscriptions, who can afford this??
False reporting from CNN again, as usual. The CNN reporter said that it's the republicans that want the changes in the reconciliation bill. It's not. It's the democraps that want the changes, they alone prepared it, and it contains some of the bribes and promises made to their representatives to get their vote.
The healthcare bill for me means ( I don't have to worry about my 27 year old son who has Crohns) being dropped for a pre-existing condition, no lifetime caps. We are becoming a nation of the "haves" and "have nots". Maybe if the insurance lobbyists would put the money back into insurance companies instead of the congress' pockets we could all afford insurance. My private owned healthcare policy is going up 25% on April 1st and I only go to the doctor twice a year. As a small business owner I am hoping this bill will help me also. Wake up republicans this people will help many people not just the democrats.
Kieran, good to see you again. I left the other guys too.
I feel that Pres. Obama should have gone for broke with a single payer system. Those crying about the Constitutionality of this have a point but we as a wealthy nation have a MORAL obligation to care for it's citizens.
I am a tax payer and don't mind paying more taxes for the health care bill. The democrats had no choice but to do some thing. The republicans are not honest and only want the status quo. Negotiating means to give and take.The republicans want no democratic ideas in the bill for them to vote for it. That is why they wanted to start over because they want it to be a 100% republican bill. I wonder why they did not do their reform during the Bush years?
@Bud,Darrel, Siobahn: ALERT: Constituents have been listened to. I wanted public option it's not in the bill but it is a step in the right direction. When people like you to stop listening to the Republican scare tactics and see for yourselves that this is a good idea whose time has come I pray that you will change your positions. I'm curious if your situations are so good tell the secret because my premiums have soared through the roof. BTW, Transparency I'm tired of the rhetoric-if you go to to Whitehouse.gov everything you want to know is on that site. I actually read the bill...not listen to talking points. Get over it! I'm not sure what polls are being reflected or shown that people do not support this bill. GET THIS MEDIA...ME and Thousands others WANT THIS BILL. My state (GA)is trying to block it so how is my Republican Governor and Republican leadership speaking for me. People wake up; follow the money.
You only talk nice about the insurance. My granddaughter stopped by yesterday and told me their insurance was doubled from $400 to $800 per month last week. She called the insurance co and was told by the insurance co. this was done before ithe bill was passed as after Obamacare passed the insurance co would not be able to adjust costs. She told them they would have to drop their insurance as they cannot afford $800 per month. I told her that wont work as they risk being fined by the government for not having insurance. One cannot win with this crazy medical bill which was passed without the public wanting it. Dr.T.
Good morning! I live in the State of New York. I would like to know how the Health Care Bill will help people like me who is unemployed and can't get Medicaid.
Now that I am required to buy health insurance and I am paying for other peoples' health care, I am empowered to share my feelings that obese people should stop eating, alcoholics should stop drinking, drug addicts should be stopped, and smokers should not light up anywhere. Congress and all Government officials should be required to stop smoking, keep their weight in check and stop drinking. This information should be transparent and the results posted on the white house web page and monitored. I am paying I want results; no, I demand results.
Obama has done a great job at misleading and lying to the public about healthcare. This bill takes federal government expense and transfers it to the public. There will be no cost savings to anyone but the federal government. Individual states, wage earners, and the rich bear the brunt of the expense this bill.
If this bill is so bad why not let the demo.hang themselves
I meant 1+ million per sentor and congress member per year not just 1+m per year. Follow the money 🙂
nate – you have been smoking the same funky weed that must have come in from cuba or iran – do you think that a 3% profit is a lot. do you want the govt dictating to private industry? Controlling everthing about your life. Govt is not the solution to the problem, govt is the problem.
Let us take a look at what is "on the table"; Health Care Reform, Financial Reform, and Education Reform. What's the problem? The answer is MONEY and the worry is, who's going to pay short term and long term for all these reforms. Now everybody, wrap your mind around this one. What is this thing called money? The best answer I can come up with is as follows: Money is whatever ever the Government says it is, just as simple as that. Who defines this thing called money? In the United States it is Congress, at least that is what the constitution says the last time I checked. Now, I know, money is something that everyone needs and wants to buy stuff, pay bills and debts, accumalate, and in some cases roll in with deep satisfaction. As an exercise, poll among yourselves at CNN, ask Ali Velshi, Sanjay Gupta, Josh, EVERYONE. I'll bet you get a whole bunch of answers and little consistancy in reply. Then, go ask every member of Congress and The President the Simple Question: What is this "thing" here called Money? I would be interested in hearing and seeing their answers. (I bet you can't get a straight up answer).
I am shocked about how "what about me?" this whole conversation is becoming!
Doesn't anybody in this country do the math? Do we realize how much it costs to continue with this mismash we call a health care system?
Everyone that is working right now knows they are one decision (employer can't afford it, termination, layoff, reduction in hours, etc.) aware from having no care. Most people with employer based healthcare ought to go to their HR or benefits department and find out how much it will cost to get COBRA. I think they would be shocked.
Funny how Americans always think something is a priviledge for the other guy but a right for them (everyone wants to sue, be protected from bad products, have clean water) but doesn't want to either pay for the service or believe others are entitled.
Please stop reporting on the politics and start doing what the 4th estate is supposed to do: report the facts. Everytime you talk about this bill you don't need a republican or democrat you need to read the bill.
im married with a 2 year old and my employer pays for my helth insurance. i have not been able to afford to add my wife and child because the cost was too high. this year the deductable went up another 1500 dollars along with a higher premium. but now that the gov health plan has passed my employer has talked about droping our health coverage. what dose this mean for me and my family. should i be worried. im just confused about this whole thing. please some one explain this.
I am a student at the University of Pittsburgh and I think about it this way...You go to school and get a loan through who? The government. Graduate and want to buy a home, who do you get a mortgage from? The government. Your personal health care is controlled by the government; and then when you go to retire, the government is there again with social security. I don't know how everyone else feels, but that scares me for sure. Think about what it's like at the DMV when you want to get something done.
How will HC affect our Veterans from WWII to Afghanistan who receive their health care from the VA? Will they now have to buy insurance and will the VA give necessary paperwork for the new IRS Dept.
When we signed on the dotted line we were told free medical care the rest of our lives. They gave us $80 a month and sent us on our way. I just have to wonder if we are still a greatfull nation or is that a thing of the past?
Ed
As a medical student, I am thrilled to see this bill passed. Our current system of rationing care by monetary resources is not the best way to care for our country. Expanded insurance coverage will get medical care to the people who need it most, when it will be most effective. You don't keep people healthy only through trips to the emergency room, you keep people healthy by having the right care, at the right time for the right patient.
The lowering of the limit of the Flexible Spending Account is upsetting to me. I depend on my FSA to cover my co-pays which are significant. I don't understand the reasoning for that – to eliminate a tax "break" for individuals that can contribute to a FSA ?
Finally America joins the rest of the right thinking world by actually protecting our citizens with a right of healthcare not the old way of being privelege to get coverage. This was not of hard question it was between living or dying. This bill could have go much further and it will. only when the for profit insurance companies go down in dust will we truly be a free nation. Next step America let come together.
As a white guy making over $100,000 I really thank God some of our 'Representatives' have the guts to really try and solve some of our country's most challenging issues. We voted for them to move our country forward not their political ambitions. Thank you President Obama.
The host just mentioned that social security has a religious exception, but the health care bill has that also. That kinda makes it a great comparison.
Greg – You have been reading the press and believing it. That is so funny...... insurers cannot drop you from coverage bc of a claim. that is just another Obama and Dem lie
What type of insurance are we discussing? Major Medical or the band aid type I can afford? What about a single person making about $50K, will I be able to take advantage of any of the plans? Trying to find answers is frustrating. The answers are, "we don't know yet." I was in favor of the Bill but I was hoping they would have figured out some details before passing.
To Greg, Troy and Chris – What is the fallacy here? If you assume that the legislation does what it is intended to do, and it can survive you might be for it if you like government control. However, these two false assertions are misleading cause it will not get more people insured, it will not lower healthcare cost one iota, and it will not be able to pay for itself. Not to mention the constituional arguments of extorting money from people and business by our govt. It is time for a new govt and the people to take this country back! And, we will – wait till Nov elections. you will see
I can't stand it that Republicans are such hypocritics and that the anti-Obama camps so clueless and vocal. The Bush Admin and the Republicians are the ones who did all of the dirty tricks that ruined America's economy and entrenced us in the Iraq war in the first place. Now Obama is fixing that and his Democratics are risking everything to help us bring real change. Yet America is deaf to the reality of the bill and the Democrats actions and instead are believing the outright lies of the GOP's talking points. Considering Health Insurance spends 1m+ per year lobbying and buying off sentors and congress and that the democratic's bill is really only affects the insurance companies and their republican drones, who do you think is trying to stop this bill for real? Who is feeding the American people the talking points and who reallly is behind the republician agenda? Insurance money. Wake up America!
@Tracy, Dennis and Fritz – John and Kiran just read your comments on the air. It's almost 8am and our Dr. Sanjay Gupta is breaking down what the health care reform bill could mean for you.
After Pres. Obama signs the bill today, we will put an end to death panels in America! Insurance companies will no longer have the power to deny coverage to their dying customers. It's about time.
So, let me understand – extort 20 Billion dollars from private industry(pharma, med device companies, and health insurers), tell them who much they can charge, tell them what coverage to have on their policies, force americans to purchase one of these, have weak penalities for the bums who don't take it, have a healthcare board to dictate what treatments people get at certain stages of life.
Oh – this will lower healthcare costs? NOT – this will destroy America. What a bunch of ignorant socialists!!!!!!!
SO WHY IS CONGRESS AND THE PRES EXEMPT ? ? ?
Most of the people I have heard complaining about Health care Reform...have insurance....either through work, or "earned" through military service...whatever. As a part-time worker, married to someone who is self-employed, I can tell you insurance coverage for us has always been a nightmare. It is expensive, many things are not covered and we are really just going along and hoping for the best.
An example of the "coverage" I have...the company just NOW reimbursed us for the mammogram I had inDec. 2008. Originally they denied the claim...we paid the cost .... approximately $170.00...and out of the blue received a check yesterday (March 2010). How many women have made the decision NOT to have a mammogram (colonoscopy, ____________, etc)screening...because they can't afford
the money out of pocket if their insurance company denies the claim.
I am not foolish enough to believe this new Health Care Reform is perfect...but at least we are FINALLY trying to change a system that is not working!
It amazes me how many Americans make a choice and then complain about the outcome.
You own your decisions. Stop the whining and take action and change something BUT don't tell me I now have to pay for your decision.
I gave up lots to insure my families security and private education and would do it all again. Bought my very first new car at the age of 56 .... A Ford because I want nothing to do with Government Motors.
In the past, the people opposing reform have made claims about all the terrible things that will happen if the proposed changes became law. Statements about how employers would stopping coverage, or that it would result in "death panels", or that the government would stand between you and your doctor were frequently repeated.
We shouldn't forget all the things that these doom and gloom predictors said would happen – and when they DON'T happen, those people need to be asked to explain.
Those that say this health care is illegal because is a federally mandated program which has never been done before are wrong. Social security is a federally mandated retirement program. You do not have an choice to opt out.
The bill has passed, enough already. If the GOP truly believes that America does not want this Healthcare reform then let America take careof the repeal through a national referendum and let the voice of America really be heard. Does the GOP trust the American public enough to give them that responsibility? The GOP needs to focus now on other pressing matters in America and go back to Congress to work on them and see if this time they can support legislations without such an overwhelming partisanship.
It is about time we as a nation did something for the people as a whole, rather than for special interest. May the party of NOeat their words of NO.
Despite what the far right-wing critics have said, this bill is VERY similar to ideas the Republicans had in the 1990s. But don't take it from me. Over the last several days, David Frum, who was a speechwriter for George W. Bush, has been saying the same thing.
After all the posturing that happened Sunday night and for the last year, I'm sure many Republicans were pleasantly surprised to see the sun still rose. They've started believing their own fearmongering, apparently. That and some of the vile protests on Saturday shows why that fearmongering is such a dangerous approach.
Dan misses the point of the bill. His healthcare isn't going to change, unless of course he decides to change. He certainly deserves excellent healthcare. But the point is that everyone deserves at least decent health care. And treating uninsured folks in the ER is the most expensive way to do that.
So, I'm quite confident that the President, Vice President, his family, and all politicians that supported it will "sign up" for it, which is easy because there is NO government plan to sign up for.
Alcee Hastings -does the name ring a bell ?
Alcee is an impeached federal judge. Impeached for taking bribes. No wonder he thinks there are no rules and he makes them up ( dumb me I thought we had a Constitution ).
This is a great country wherean impeached judge can be elected to congress and Nancy puts you in charge of the Rules committee. You know what they say " it takes one to know one ".
In my humble opinion, this health care bill will only take care of 1/4 of the over-all problem. First, our fearless leaders ass-u-me this bill will lower the cost of healthcare. However, the opposite is what we'll see in America. History has shown that greed is the norm. In this economy just because we're throwing money at these healthcare insurers, doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, do you think the costs will be lower to the general public? I think not. We the people keep getting fleeced because our legislators let it happen.
My .02
Hey John, what's the cost of immigrating to Canada?
It's true that people are only mandated to buy car insurance if they make the choice to own a car. No car, no need for insurance.
BUT, you can't choose not to have a body. A body that can, and often will, become sick or injured. And, when that happens, the medical care needed is not affordable without health insurance.
When someone who doesn't have insurance goes to an Emergency Room, and they can't pay for it, the costs are passed on, in the form of higher fees, to the rest of us who do pay for insurance, and that's not fair to us.
We need to keep the big picture in mind...Everyone deserves access to health insurance. This bill will help those who didn't have access before. I am , however, quite disappointed in the appalling behavior of some politicians and protestors. This is unacceptable behavior for adults.
I was there Saturday and Sunday. Show me the video of the supposed racial slurs etc because I saw nothing but a passionate but polite crowd.
But the politicians decided to parade through the crowd carrying the big gavel instead of using the tunnel -now why was that. Jesse Jackson surrounded by Capitol police stopped to jeer the crowd ( watch the vid ). Why does Jesse get special treatment he is notin congress. WAKE UP folksthese people are great at creating animate that does not match reality.
This bill was rammed down the throats of Americans. If this bill is such a "Big Win" for the country........why , then does it not apply to the people who passed it? Those who fought so hard for this should be made to truly stand behind it and have it apply to them as well. Why do we hear nothing about this little tid-bit in the news? November cant get here soon enough!
Jeff, I have great healthcare because I served this nation for 20 years in the military.
My question to you is, since you are ecstatic about this bill.
Tell me where in the US Constitution does it say the Government has the power to FORCE a private citizen to buy goods and/or services.
As far as I can tell, insurance is a service, and they are FORCING all to buy it, or they will fine you.
I will be anticipating your answer.
Consider other big government programs. How well is the Post Office running? How well is the government enforcing the tax laws? How well is the government enforcing immigration laws? How well is the government monitoring the border with Mexico? We all know that Medicare and Medicaid are full of waste, fraud and abuse. The welfare program is full of abuse. What makes us think that the government can monitor and enforce rules and laws associated with a health care program infinitely more complicated than any of those mentioned above?
it is so funny how the republicans squirm, after all we democrats have achieved something they could never achieve, oh let me correct my self "health care was never important to them since low income americans in their eyes are just mere animals" . i voted for change and i got it "yeah"
Talk about bang for your lobby buck. BIG INSURANCE just got handed 35 million new customers !!
I am glad that America is no longer the only advanced nation that doesn't provide basic health care to all of its workers. Thank you President Obama.
Opposition & Negative thinkers those who SCARE americans time to time on everything for their own political & monetary benefit say the Tactics obama used is not fair to pass this bill hey when you are in battle ground you dont see whats fair & whats not you just go their to Win. HCare in our country for those who doesnt have money or cant afford is a battle ground of life & death doesnt matter how they got the votes, politics is dirty game & Obama is no god he has to work in cooperation with others Bottom line is we won HCare bill is passed malpracticies of Ins. Comp. & those who dying of no insurance or cant afford it now their lives will be saved coz. of this bill they are our fellow americans. Support obama Encourage him he is leading us in right direction I will coz. after working 2 full time jobs still I cant afford private Insurance. GOD BLESS AMERICA
Drug wars. The deaths of the us government emplyee and her/his spouse is tragic. it is not the first time that american citizens have been killed in Juuarez, MX. It is sad that the us government and the local el paso city government have been in denial about the violence because they did not want to bring negative attention. we even lost a active duty service member and no one bothered to make such a big deal about it or all the other americans killed in juares over the y\past few years
I am so glad the health care bill passed! I like the phrase "The perfect is the enemy of the good". Although the bill not perfect, as it would be if there were universal coverage included, it is a huge step in the right direction. We couldn't wait for everything in it to be perfect before passing it–so we didn't
There will be more positive change to come in this arena, I am sure!
It was heartbreaking, when I worked in a hospital, to see people who didn't have insurance come in extremely sick because they were uninsured and waited to come in for care in the ER until they were practically at death's door! Now they will have afforable coverage!
We'll remember come November !
King Obama, Queen Nancy, Sir Harry shoved this down our throats.
Something to ponder.
As mentioned above, insurance companies MUST insure people with pre-existing conditions; however, from what the media is reporting there is NOTHING in the bill that says insurance companies have to pay claims for pre-existing conditions. As far as I can tell, claims can be denied.
So, not only will you now be paying for your insurance premiums, but you will still be stuck with the bills.
Any comments on this?
I am a bit angry. My mother is 63,works for a department store and has no health insurance. She collects $800.00 a month in social security and trys to make the maximum at work before Social Security takes back money. She is in horrible pain every day,but can't see the doc,because the store provides no insurance and she makes too little to buy her own. By the time this goes into effect she'll be on Medicare, correct? So how does this help her?
I am so tired or people whining about the mandate on having to purchase health insurance and that it is unconstitutional. Whats the diffrence between this and when you own a car you are mandated to purchase car insurance, and when you step into the car and drive your are mandated to buckel up in a seat belt, if you dont do either you are subject to fines and penalties. Stop trying to derail something that is good for the country and all of the people. If you cant afford health insurance you are going to get money from the governmaent to pay for it, stop listening to all the people who do not want to keep you down and out. Give this a chance before you slam it. and further more GROW UP PEOPLE!!!!
Millions of americans will be saved with this HCare reform & millions yet to born will be saved by this bill but few people not appreciating that fact just coz. negative people brain washing their minds How many of you have read the bill line by line you just listening & following those negative people who themselves havent read the bill yet but talking big about the same & also those opposing HCARE or their family member has not dealth with it I hope they face the harsh reality soon so they will get a clear picture how good is HCare in our country if you dont have money. Now HCare is just not for rich americans everybody can afford it once President sign this bill. republicans opposing coz. they wont get the credit for it coz. they did nothing where were fox & other opposing this HC when Bush was president & millions of americans were dying coz. of poor helathcare & insurance companies(Mafia) malpracticies in america now OBAMA who promised to bring the change is trying to change the lives of millions & millions of americans across america all these negative people who love to SCARE americans out of everything for their own political & monetary benefits opposing this bill.republicans wasted so much of american taxpayers money for over so many years now obama trying to spend money on americans to save their lives & opposition doesnt like it & handfull of their followers going the same path its not about HCare its about Race thats why they dont like this bill what bush presidency has done 0% for americans nothing. so much unpaid these guys have done which increased the deficit creating a mess out of which we got recession now obama is trying to fix it but coz. of race & special interests negative people opposing this HC coz their name is not on this bill thats politics. When so many presidents & others wanted to accomplosh but couldn't for american people for over 100 years Obama has done it under his presidency & leadership congratulation to Team Obama. GOD BLESS AMERICA
I am happy that we have a health bill. Even though it was long time coming and it's passage was rocky. But a healthy nation is a strong & happy nation
So, if this is such a great healthcare bill, I think the President, his family, the Vice President, his family ALL politicians that supported it should be the first to sign up.
I am retired military, and EARNED my great healthcare, and now they are going to mess with MY healthcare that I EARNED.
The congress sent a message to the american people (you are getting this like it or not) I say lets (lets return to sender) in the fall elections
It seems that many who are keen to spot government pork are blind to business pork. The private sector is just as full of pork as any government program– just look at Wall Street! The current healthcare system is bloated with pork and I am tired of paying for it. Hooray for reform!
Well, he finally did it! It is reprehensible what our elected officials have done to America. Candidates say they "get it", but once elected, they don't listen to the people who put them in office to begin with! President Obama shoved this "reform" down our throats and now it's going to be law. How much money is that man going to spend? Hmmm...I see Taxation Without Representation. Isn't that how America's first war started? Just saying!
I am so happy the bill is going to be signed by President Obama. It may be not be perfect, but it will work in time. Thank God, so many people will have a chance for the Health Insurance for themselves and their children.
a note to Angela because so much confusion has arisen. Small Business is defined in the bill as businesses with 50 employees and more. Those with less have no obligations although can opt in if desired. If they do opt in, those businesses as well as businesses with more then 50 employees will receive tax credits to help cover health care expenses,
Don't get me wrong I am an uninsured american who busts my butt everyday to take care of my family. I don't take any goverment help. So I think this is a wonderfull thing I just don't no how I can afford to pay for it and a one time tax credit. I either need more money in my pocket or a cheaper plan
This is the first step toward universal coverage, but we must add the non-profit public option that 60% of the American people wanted. It is very important that Americans realize we are the only country that allows for-profit insurance.
Every western industrialized country requires health coverage to be non-profit whether public and/or private. We have more people dying from treatable diseases every year than any of those countries.They spend less per person because they do not allow profits to be pit against patients. The Big Lie is "the wait lists" – this is only for elective care, not emergency care.
I took a brief look at the bill realeased by congress and only thing i think should be clearer. Is how much is the average american worker going to be taxed .I am standing behind Obama on this bill. I just hope he is making the best choice and not just rushing into a bill that won't fix America. He walked into a wasp nest when he took power and so far i believe he has made great desicions. To all Americans i say trust your president!!!
Why are so many shocked that the president the majority of America voted or did what he campaigned he was going to do? The propaganda that is flying out of the opponents taking root today is riddled with lies and hatred. I do not believe the welfare of Americans health or budget is the concern. I believe the insurance companies campaign contributions are the concern.
I feel blessed that our government has finally put the entire population first, rather then just a few privileged individuals.
Voters will learn soon that the bill is much more beneficial then it is a detriment.
I agree with Mark P. If this plan is so good, why doesn't Congress and the Executive branch change their plan to this plan. As Whoopi Goldberg said "Just give us your plan and everyone will be happy."
What I want to see is a "transparent", Cliff Notes version of what is included in the bill and the accommodations given to secure the needed votes...'leaving nothing out'. Let's be honest for once. You want to know why Americans don't believe or trust in our government, it's because Washington never tells the truth...it is the original "Spin City". You have a long way to go to earn our trust. You forget who's country this is...it is ours.
Ok this healthcare thing is confusing. My question is they say as small business I'm required to preovide health ins but it doesn't say I have to pay for it. Then they say all of us have to sifn up or face a penalty if we can't afford it now why wqould they think we could afdford it then just because they tell us we have to.
I am so excited about the signing of this bill. I think it shows the end of the GOP fear-mongering tactics that have worked so well for years. I think the Democrats have finally found a spine in President Obama. I think once the Health Care initiatives are put into place, people will see that there will be economic growth due to less people being sick. Preventative care is the key to this bill. Kudos for the Democrats for finally fighting back!!!!
I am a working american with no health care coverage. I am primary caregiver to two children and a disabled husband. Buying my own healthcare policy has been out of the question because of the costs. I have lived in fear of becomming ill myself and not being able to take care of my family. I applaud the democrates who stood up for those of us without! This plan may not be what every Amercan dreamed of for healthcare reform but it will mean that millions of American will able to sleep a bit better knowing that some help is on the way. For that reason I commend those in congress and the senate who stood up for the little guy and resistede the push of the giant healthcare industry.
My fellow Americans: The Real Issue is this Health Care Reform Bill will allow for Americans to obtain insurance with preexisting illnesses, keep insurance when they transfer employers, keep cost down, allow small business to obtain employee insurance without huge costs, create jobs within the health service industry, etc.
90 to 95% of the Democrats will keep their seats by touting how this Health Bill is great for the average American and by bringing forth those who benefit from this bill. When Democratic Congressman let ordinary Americans pitch the ball for them, they will see strikeouts in their favor. The GOP does not have a chance to win very many seats because they are the party of "NO". Great Defense with enough offense always beats the opponent. This is definitely A win win for the American people and that's the Real Issue.
Dear CNN,
Is there any provision for a PT employee getting Health Insurance from their employer under the new Health Care Bill.? I haven't heard anything and was curious.
Thank You,
Gloria
@Chris and @Darrell – John and Kiran just read your comments on the air.
I am very happy the bill is about to be signed by President Obama. I want the Republicans and Democrats to work together for all Americans and I hope Republicans will understand, now is time to work together or be left behind.
like myself, many others that support this bill don't bother to do the poll. but we will sertainly vote on next election to show our support of this bill. As simple as car has to have insurance in case of accident, why not human that have complicated sickness
My husband and I are loyal Toyota buyers. We own our second Toyota Sequoia. We believe the excellent design and quality construction of our first SUV saved my husband's life when a large tree fell on him while he was sitting in the parked car. The roof flattened and the sun roof shattered and his head was literally outside the car sun roof when the ambulance and police arrived. The ER doctor commented that my husband was lucky to be sitting in that car because he could have been killed if not for the strength of the SUV body. We promptly when out and bought the exact same Toyota model!
Everyone knows Health Care needs to have some reform, but I am totally discusted with our Congress and Senate on the way they have totally disregarded the American People's voice. The majority of our elected officials needs to be removed from office. The people need to put into office "Honest" law bidding people who will speak for it's constituants.
Thank You
I have driven Toyata's for the past 20 years and have just purchased a Corolla. Sudden acceleration does concern me, but I think all modern cars have this potential. In fact, the local car wash made me put my hazzard lights on every time I took my Jeep Cherokee through the car wash because they said those have a tendency to accelerate. In fact they have been handing out public service notices to all of their customers that reference Jeeps and Toyotas.
Based on the figure i saw a few days ago, 45K people per year have died because of lack of health care. That means over the past 40 years we are talking about 1.8 million that have died unnecessarily. That is a shameful record for Washington. This health care bill is a huge win for all of us.
This Health Care bill is wrong for America. Every Government entitlement program has failed and is on the verge of bankruptcy. This one will be no different. People that don't learn from their mistakes will continue to repeat them and the federal government continues to repeat is mistakes. A clear concise bill that address the critical problems with the current health care system is what is needed, not a pork laden, bloated, entitlement program.
After the small business where I work had to drop health insurance because of high costs our family had to get insurance on our own. For my wife and me premiums are over $1000/month which we kept low (!) by raising our deductible to $5000/each per year. The premiums have been going up at about 10% a year. At this rate we will soon be unable to afford. We will be forced into the ranks of the uninsured. This reform was long overdue.
My impression is the opponents of reform don't care about the uninsured.
I was a Massachusetts resident and used their state required health care and its all worth it. Even if this plan isn't exactly perfect its a step in the right direction!
Good morning everyone! Two Democratic officials say Pres. Obama will sign the health care reform legislation into law today. Share your stories with us here on the LIVE blog. How do you think this bill will affect you? We'll be reading your comments on the air this morning, so please join the conversation!