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Washington - Obama Open to Plan Requiring Everyone to Get Insurance |
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Mr. Obama set forth his views in a letter to the chairmen of the two Senate committees writing 
health legislation, Max Baucus of Montana and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, both Democrats.
He did not use the terms “individual mandate” or “employer mandate,” which suggest a degree of coercion that Democrats try to avoid. Still, the letter is the first time that Mr. Obama, as president, has opened the door to an individual mandate or amplified his views on health care overhaul.
In the presidential primaries last year, Hillary Rodham Clinton called for an individual mandate, while Mr. Obama said the requirement for coverage should at first apply only to children. But that proposal has not found any significant support in Congress, where Democrats favor an individual mandate, with federal subsidies or tax credits to help defray the cost of insurance for people with low or moderate income.
In the letter made public on Wednesday, Mr. Obama wrote, “If we are going to make people responsible for owning health insurance, we must make health care affordable.”
He added, “If we do end up with a system where people are responsible for their own insurance, we need to provide a hardship waiver to exempt Americans who cannot afford it.”
Moreover, the president said, “while I believe that employers have a responsibility to support health insurance for their employees, small businesses face a number of special challenges in affording health benefits and should be exempted.”
Mr. Obama also confirmed his strong support for a public health insurance option as part of any reform package “to keep insurance companies honest.”
To help pay for coverage of the uninsured, Mr. Obama called for additional cutbacks in the growth of Medicare and Medicaid, beyond the savings he proposed in February as “a down payment on health care reform.”
In his earlier request, Mr. Obama proposed savings of $316 billion in the two programs over 10 years. On Wednesday he said he wanted to work with Congress to reduce projected spending on Medicare and Medicaid by an additional $200 billion to $300 billion over the next 10 years.
Such proposals are sure to face stiff resistance from health care providers, who were already alarmed at the president’s initial proposals to cut payments to hospitals, drug companies, H.M.O.’s and home care agencies, among others.
Mr. Obama said he was “committed to working with the Congress to fully offset the cost of health care reform,” by curbing the growth of Medicare and Medicaid and “by enacting appropriate proposals to generate additional revenues.”
The president did not comment on proposals to tax some employer-provided health benefits, an idea favored by Senator Baucus but strongly opposed by labor unions and many employers.
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Read Comments (35) — Post Yours »
1
Jun 03, 2009 at 06:13 PM Charles Hall Says:
48 states mandate car insurance. Are our values so out of kilter that our cars are worth more than our lives?
2
Jun 03, 2009 at 06:01 PM Loshon Hora Says:
OK Obama watch the lay-offs & Bankrupcies.
How could business deal with more taxes& health insurance.
You said you would create a NHS, now you put the burden on strugelling businesses.
Watch how big Corporate America migrates overseas.
You Dumbo resign.
3
Jun 03, 2009 at 06:54 PM Anonymous Says:
Is he all there? My husband is unemployed and so am I!! There is very little coming into this house but we still do not qualify for state aid and he wants us to pay $$$$$$$ for health insurance???? What has he been drinking?? smoking??
4
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:21 PM Anonymous Says:
Massachusetts -- under Mitt Romney when he was governer -- adopted a law requiring everyone to purchase health insurance. Those who truly cannot afford it, get free insurance. For people who can't get insurance through work, there are a variety of policies to chose from (the insurers can't turn you down because of prior health problems) and the cost is on a a sliding scale depending on household income.
For all of you Obama haters saying this is a crazy, liberal, anti-business, socialist plot, remember that in Massachusetts, it was spearheaded by Mitt Romney.
5
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:21 PM Babishka Says:
“ Is he all there? My husband is unemployed and so am I!! There is very little coming into this house but we still do not qualify for state aid and he wants us to pay $$$$$$$ for health insurance???? What has he been drinking?? smoking?? ”
Didn't you hear the message that Obama gave to the people of Detroit who can look forward to unemployment and destitution? "Be proud of the great sacrifice you are making for your country!" That's right, it's PATRIOTIC to be unemployed.
6
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:09 PM liepa Says:
“ 48 states mandate car insurance. Are our values so out of kilter that our cars are worth more than our lives? ”
You can't compare because automobile insurance is only required if one owns a car. But you aren't forced to own a car.
7
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:01 PM Anonymous Says:
“ 48 states mandate car insurance. Are our values so out of kilter that our cars are worth more than our lives? ”
That's in case you damage someone else he has a way of getting reimbursed.
8
Jun 03, 2009 at 06:54 PM The Shadow Says:
“ 48 states mandate car insurance. Are our values so out of kilter that our cars are worth more than our lives? ”
Nope. You are not required to have *collision* insurance on your car, just *liability* insurance. That is for the protection of OTHER PEOPLE who may become the innocent victims of your erroneous driving. As far as you yourself are concerned, you can total it, and are not required to have the kind of insurance that will protect you from yourself. (To use lomdishe terms, you are required to have insurance where it would be "chav l'acheirim", or damaging to others).
This health insurance proposal, however, is about requiring people to insure their OWN health. This is similar to the seatbelt law, where we are forcing to protect yourself from yourself.
Capische?
9
Jun 03, 2009 at 06:44 PM yidel Says:
“ 48 states mandate car insurance. Are our values so out of kilter that our cars are worth more than our lives? ”
cars are insured just in case a lefty looney hits me while passing a light when he's high on pot/dope or any other junk "I" can fix my car....it insures that people you hit get paid
10
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:29 PM Anonymous Says:
This idea is long overdue. There is no free lunch and society pays more when people go without insurance. American Jews in particular should applaud this common sense approach to assure that everyone has equal access to quality health care just like they do in EY.
11
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:25 PM Anonymous Says:
what an idiot we have for a president!!!
he makes bush look like a genius dosent he realize that someone has to pay the bill ?
not evreyone is living in a government subsidized house on pennsylvania avenue.
12
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:59 PM PMO Says:
“ what an idiot we have for a president!!!
he makes bush look like a genius dosent he realize that someone has to pay the bill ?
not evreyone is living in a government subsidized house on pennsylvania avenue. ”
And only an idiot would make such a comment. YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR IT. Doctors and hospitals are forcing YOU AND I to pay more to cover these freeloaders! Its about time they start paying their fair share out of their paychecks! All these pathetic people who live off of my hard work by collecting welfare, foodstamps and medicaid need to start paying for themselves. Their employers will pay SOME of it, but they will have to pay the rest. ONE DOLLAR is more than they pay now!
13
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:55 PM PMO Says:
“ Massachusetts -- under Mitt Romney when he was governer -- adopted a law requiring everyone to purchase health insurance. Those who truly cannot afford it, get free insurance. For people who can't get insurance through work, there are a variety of policies to chose from (the insurers can't turn you down because of prior health problems) and the cost is on a a sliding scale depending on household income.
For all of you Obama haters saying this is a crazy, liberal, anti-business, socialist plot, remember that in Massachusetts, it was spearheaded by Mitt Romney. ”
Great point. The system in Massachusetts works very well. Personally, I am against all socialist programs, and the government telling people what to do. However, the majority of the system that Romney put in place is paid for with PRIVATE funds, and reduced healthcare costs for everyone in the state. If it can save me money in the long run by not having to foot the bill for all the freeloading leeches who just take and take and take from the rest of us, I won't love it... but I won't fight it.
14
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:52 PM Anonymous Says:
“ This idea is long overdue. There is no free lunch and society pays more when people go without insurance. American Jews in particular should applaud this common sense approach to assure that everyone has equal access to quality health care just like they do in EY. ”
But remember you will get the same care as in EY. When was the last time you heard anyone travel to EY for treatment for cancer they all come here because the NYC HHC hospitals are better than the best hospitals in EY
15
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:52 PM PMO Says:
“ Is he all there? My husband is unemployed and so am I!! There is very little coming into this house but we still do not qualify for state aid and he wants us to pay $$$$$$$ for health insurance???? What has he been drinking?? smoking?? ”
Whatever he is smoking can't be half as good as what you are smoking. Did you read the points about "hardships"? Secondly, why are you both unemployed? There are plenty of jobs out there. Are you too good to work a blue-collar job? Why does the government have to take care of you? GO GET A JOB! .... then you won't have to worry about it.
16
Jun 03, 2009 at 07:41 PM good american Says:
as the article reads "proposals that would require every American to have health insurance and that would force employers to offer health insurance to their employees. But he said there should be exemptions". unless i'm crazy, there's the biggest contradiction in the first paragraph of his proposal. most people who don't have insurance can't afford it. i don't need the government to decide whether i can or can't afford something. that is my individual responsibility and priority.
soon the federal government will decide that we should pay for health insurance before we pay for our children's tuition, after all, public schools are free, you can't afford health insurance then send your child to public school.
the government is a spider's web, once you come in contact with them, it's almost impossible to get rid of them. you find it mushed into every aspect of your life.
so beware supporters of "free rides" - nothing is free, and if you're a beggar, remember, you can't be too choosey!!!! what they'll give you is what you'll get!!! what they'll think is important, will have to be priority.
THIS IS DANGEROUS!!!!!!!
17
Jun 03, 2009 at 08:04 PM Anonymous Says:
“ But remember you will get the same care as in EY. When was the last time you heard anyone travel to EY for treatment for cancer they all come here because the NYC HHC hospitals are better than the best hospitals in EY ”
There are thousands of americans and europeans who travel to EY for treatments using therapies and drugs not available elsewhere. Why do you malign the great doctors and researchers in EY.
18
Jun 03, 2009 at 10:15 PM Anonymous Says:
looks like Obama is trying to have more businesses file for chapter 11
19
Jun 03, 2009 at 08:49 PM Anonymous Says:
“ But remember you will get the same care as in EY. When was the last time you heard anyone travel to EY for treatment for cancer they all come here because the NYC HHC hospitals are better than the best hospitals in EY ”
my father received the most amazing cancer treatment in EY -- new prostate treatment at Hadassah using targeted radiation -- all on his schedule with caring, consistent treatment -- and for the few dollars monthly kupat holim fee. If only we had that kind of coverage and standard of care here.
20
Jun 03, 2009 at 08:46 PM Anonymous Says:
“ There are thousands of americans and europeans who travel to EY for treatments using therapies and drugs not available elsewhere. Why do you malign the great doctors and researchers in EY. ”
Can you name the treatments & name the research on meds that is produced in EY
21
Jun 03, 2009 at 08:43 PM Anonymous Says:
To #15 I did exactly what you wrote I sent my child to public school, am teaching him myself, at home, and am paying for my own health insurance and there are NO JOBS OU THERRE!!! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?? People have beeen coming from other states to NY to look for jobs. You have about 1,000 people for every 1 job.!!! It's a battle out there!!
22
Jun 03, 2009 at 08:42 PM Charlie Hall Says:
“ There are thousands of americans and europeans who travel to EY for treatments using therapies and drugs not available elsewhere. Why do you malign the great doctors and researchers in EY. ”
Indeed Israelis live longer and are healthier than Americans. Perhaps we should adopt Israel's health insurance system.
23
Jun 04, 2009 at 12:04 AM Elections Have Consequences Says:
“ Indeed Israelis live longer and are healthier than Americans. Perhaps we should adopt Israel's health insurance system. ”
as lipa said.... diet diet diet!
a lot of that is diet and of course siyata dishmaya.
We should leave the healthcare the way it is ... IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR!
24
Jun 04, 2009 at 12:03 AM Elections Have Consequences Says:
“ There are thousands of americans and europeans who travel to EY for treatments using therapies and drugs not available elsewhere. Why do you malign the great doctors and researchers in EY. ”
thousands? did you count them?
the truth is that people are coming HERE for the best drs etc!!
25
Jun 04, 2009 at 12:02 AM Elections Have Consequences Says:
“ This idea is long overdue. There is no free lunch and society pays more when people go without insurance. American Jews in particular should applaud this common sense approach to assure that everyone has equal access to quality health care just like they do in EY. ”
You are incorrect! We can all have insurance IF we want it and if we could afford it. You are falling for the liberal trash about not being able to get treated without insurance and that is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT WRONG!! Just show up to any hospital and they are not allowed to turn you away.
What has socialized medice done in EY anyway? They cant afford it just like we cant. Someone pays for it and it is EVERYONE! I like my money and I want to spend it the way I feel like spending it. If I dont want to pay for insurance I should not be FORCED to get it.
This idiot is so good with yenems gelt it sickens me to no end.
26
Jun 04, 2009 at 12:00 AM Anonymous Says:
health insurence in the u.s. has gotten out of hand the cost is very high and the insurence companies find every way not to cover u. why can't we have a national health insurence plan. the british started their free health care plan after ww2 when they were down in the dumps.. we r not in as bad shape as they were but we r not doing to good. obama didn't stop mentioning "change" for the past 1-2years mayb this is the way to go
27
Jun 04, 2009 at 06:49 AM Anonymous Says:
“ You are incorrect! We can all have insurance IF we want it and if we could afford it. You are falling for the liberal trash about not being able to get treated without insurance and that is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT WRONG!! Just show up to any hospital and they are not allowed to turn you away.
What has socialized medice done in EY anyway? They cant afford it just like we cant. Someone pays for it and it is EVERYONE! I like my money and I want to spend it the way I feel like spending it. If I dont want to pay for insurance I should not be FORCED to get it.
This idiot is so good with yenems gelt it sickens me to no end. ”
I always find it very interesting how so many religious people who purport to be pro life are often so adverse to measures that try to improve health and prolong life, like making sure everyone has health insurance, that people wear seatbelts and that restaurants post information about the salt and fat content of food.
28
Jun 04, 2009 at 06:46 AM Anonymous Says:
“ You are incorrect! We can all have insurance IF we want it and if we could afford it. You are falling for the liberal trash about not being able to get treated without insurance and that is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT WRONG!! Just show up to any hospital and they are not allowed to turn you away.
What has socialized medice done in EY anyway? They cant afford it just like we cant. Someone pays for it and it is EVERYONE! I like my money and I want to spend it the way I feel like spending it. If I dont want to pay for insurance I should not be FORCED to get it.
This idiot is so good with yenems gelt it sickens me to no end. ”
You are wrong. Hospitals can turn you away if it's not an emergency. And, they can bill you for the care.
29
Jun 04, 2009 at 07:14 AM AuthenticSatmar Says:
“ I always find it very interesting how so many religious people who purport to be pro life are often so adverse to measures that try to improve health and prolong life, like making sure everyone has health insurance, that people wear seatbelts and that restaurants post information about the salt and fat content of food. ”
It's not about pro-life its about anti-abortion, but our country has become too socially conscience to say it the way it is.
As for pro-life, its not the gov't job to protect me from me. If I want to make stupid decisions for myself, this country was started based on the assumption that I may. The govt has gotten too deeply involved in peoples personal lives.
30
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:12 AM Elections Have Consequences Says:
“ You are wrong. Hospitals can turn you away if it's not an emergency. And, they can bill you for the care. ”
sorry YOU ARE WRONG! ! I have seen it with my own eyes.
Why would you go to a hospital if you didnt need care? You aint too smart!!
31
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:11 AM Elections Have Consequences Says:
“ health insurence in the u.s. has gotten out of hand the cost is very high and the insurence companies find every way not to cover u. why can't we have a national health insurence plan. the british started their free health care plan after ww2 when they were down in the dumps.. we r not in as bad shape as they were but we r not doing to good. obama didn't stop mentioning "change" for the past 1-2years mayb this is the way to go ”
we cant because it DOESNT work and it costs too much money. People from the UK, from Canada are dying because the govt refuses to pay for procedures... ITS CALLED RATIONING!!! They come to the USA for treatment when they can.
Stop thinking its greener on the other side because it IS NOT!!
32
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:25 AM Milhouse Says:
“ I always find it very interesting how so many religious people who purport to be pro life are often so adverse to measures that try to improve health and prolong life, like making sure everyone has health insurance, that people wear seatbelts and that restaurants post information about the salt and fat content of food. ”
What has one thing got to do with the other? Every decent person is against murder. The whole point of having a government in the first place is to protect people against murderers, so it should do its job. But it is NOT the government's job to take money away from one person and give it to another, or to meddle into how people run their OWN lives.
33
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:28 AM Anonymous Says:
The cost of insurance could go down if the cost of malpractice and the number of lawsuits, the duration of time for medical lawsuits to be settled, the way they are settled (through juries instead of judges who know about health),the amount warded for settlements, etc. were revised.
34
Jun 04, 2009 at 08:44 AM Milhouse Says:
“ You are wrong. Hospitals can turn you away if it's not an emergency. And, they can bill you for the care. ”
They can't determine that it's not an emergency until after they've worked you up.
35
Jun 04, 2009 at 12:18 PM good citizen Says:
“ They can't determine that it's not an emergency until after they've worked you up. ”
and then if they refuse care, they can be sued under the "abandonment" law!!! so whichever way you put it, they must provide care.