The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
12/31/13
12/30/13
Sen. Bernie Sanders On 2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
Elizabeth Warren: Every American Has the Right to Retire with Dignity—Why We Must Expand Social Security
www.alternet.org/economy/elizabeth-warren-its-right-every-american-retire-dignity-why-we-must-expand-social-security
"Social Security works; no one runs out of benefits and the guaranteed payments don't rise and fall with the stock market. Two-thirds of seniors rely on it for the majority of their income in retirement, and for 14 million seniors, this is the safety net that keeps them out of poverty. And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
"Social Security works; no one runs out of benefits and the guaranteed payments don't rise and fall with the stock market. Two-thirds of seniors rely on it for the majority of their income in retirement, and for 14 million seniors, this is the safety net that keeps them out of poverty. And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
12/29/13
Federal Obamacare Enrollments Soar Past One Million Mark Through Christmas Eve
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/29/3106501/obamacare-enrollments-soar-past-million-mark/
"Some states — including California, New York, and Washington — have reported enrollment spikes similar to the federal marketplace in the last month."
"Some states — including California, New York, and Washington — have reported enrollment spikes similar to the federal marketplace in the last month."
Living in a red state is hazardous to your health
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/26/1256778/-Living-in-a-red-state-is-hazardous-to-your-nbsp-health
"Of the 25 states above the national average, 19 are blue and just six are red. Of the 25 states below the national average, 17 are red and just eight are blue.
Environmental policies, access to health insurance, workplace safety regulations ... these things matter. They are literally a matter of life and death. And it's clear that conservatism is hazardous to your health."
"Of the 25 states above the national average, 19 are blue and just six are red. Of the 25 states below the national average, 17 are red and just eight are blue.
Environmental policies, access to health insurance, workplace safety regulations ... these things matter. They are literally a matter of life and death. And it's clear that conservatism is hazardous to your health."
12/27/13
Investigation Reveals Rampant Fraud by Privatized Hospice Groups | Common Dreams
Investigation Reveals Rampant Fraud by Privatized Hospice Groups | Common Dreams
"A Washington Post investigation into the world of hospice care published Thursday found that what was initially intended to be a peaceful end-of-life alternative led by religious and community organizations, has now evolved into a $17 billion for-profit industry ripe with scams and abuse.
Hospice care, which focuses on providing comfort to the terminally ill rather than finding a cure, is funded primarily by Medicare—which makes an estimated 85 to 90 percent of all payments to hospices."
"A Washington Post investigation into the world of hospice care published Thursday found that what was initially intended to be a peaceful end-of-life alternative led by religious and community organizations, has now evolved into a $17 billion for-profit industry ripe with scams and abuse.
Hospice care, which focuses on providing comfort to the terminally ill rather than finding a cure, is funded primarily by Medicare—which makes an estimated 85 to 90 percent of all payments to hospices."
12/21/13
Mitch McConnell Wants To Repeal Heath Care Of Over 92,000 Kentuckians
Mitch McConnell Wants To Repeal Heath Care Of Over 92,000 Kentuckians
"And when any Republican talks about repealing Obamacare, what they're really calling for is repealing health care insurance for every single person who has gotten their coverage on a health care exchange, and the number of people in that group is growing with each and every passing day."
"And when any Republican talks about repealing Obamacare, what they're really calling for is repealing health care insurance for every single person who has gotten their coverage on a health care exchange, and the number of people in that group is growing with each and every passing day."
12/20/13
Fox's Steve Doocy Hides Extensive ACA Wellness Programs
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/18/foxs-steve-doocy-hides-extensive-aca-wellness-p/197332
"Fox News' Steve Doocy falsely claimed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes wellness programs "illegal" when, in fact, the law expands them."
"Fox News' Steve Doocy falsely claimed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) makes wellness programs "illegal" when, in fact, the law expands them."
12/19/13
PERRspectives: House GOP Report Silent on Medicare's Use of Navigators for Over 20 Years
PERRspectives: House GOP Report Silent on Medicare's Use of Navigators for Over 20 Years
"Like GOP leaders in other states, Rick Perry has made the navigators' jobs virtually impossible. Georgia Insurance Commission Ralph Hudgens could have been speaking for Darrell Issa and the entire Republican Party when he described how his state was blocking access to navigators for Obamacare that the Medicare program had been using for over 20 years"
"Like GOP leaders in other states, Rick Perry has made the navigators' jobs virtually impossible. Georgia Insurance Commission Ralph Hudgens could have been speaking for Darrell Issa and the entire Republican Party when he described how his state was blocking access to navigators for Obamacare that the Medicare program had been using for over 20 years"
12/17/13
Dean Baker | The End of the Assault on Social Security and Medicare
Dean Baker | The End of the Assault on Social Security and Medicare
"When Senator Elizabeth Warren came out for increasing Social Security last month it set in motion a remarkable turn of events."
"When Senator Elizabeth Warren came out for increasing Social Security last month it set in motion a remarkable turn of events."
12/10/13
HealthCare.gov is working well, and the good news stories are flowing
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/10/1255871/-HealthCare-gov-is-working-well-and-the-good-news-stories-are-flowing
"It's going to take a while to sink in with the uninsured who are able to get coverage that there won't be a trick and that they will get coverage. It's also going to sink in with the people in red states who are being denied coverage through expanded Medicaid that they are being unfairly punished so that their governors and legislatures can make a political point. Obamacare could be a real political issue in 2014, but not the one Republicans were counting on."
"It's going to take a while to sink in with the uninsured who are able to get coverage that there won't be a trick and that they will get coverage. It's also going to sink in with the people in red states who are being denied coverage through expanded Medicaid that they are being unfairly punished so that their governors and legislatures can make a political point. Obamacare could be a real political issue in 2014, but not the one Republicans were counting on."
Republican nightmare begins: Obamacare is 'a godsend' for people getting coverage
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/09/1256519/-Republican-nightmare-begins-Obamacare-is-a-godsend-for-people-getting-coverage
"That's precisely what Republicans have been fighting against so desperately for the past four years; people's lives being made fundamentally better. People realizing that government can be a direct force for good in their personal lives. It's every Republican's nightmare, and it's going to play out in every state until next November."
"That's precisely what Republicans have been fighting against so desperately for the past four years; people's lives being made fundamentally better. People realizing that government can be a direct force for good in their personal lives. It's every Republican's nightmare, and it's going to play out in every state until next November."
12/9/13
GOP Governors Who Refused Medicaid Expansion Are Screwing Over Their Constituents While Not Saving Money | Alternet
GOP Governors Who Refused Medicaid Expansion Are Screwing Over Their Constituents While Not Saving Money | Alternet
"No state, the study concluded, that is rejecting Medicaid will actually save money in the next decade, even after the federal reimbursement rate drops from 100 to 90 percent. That's because they're still on the hook for a lot of uncompensated care: paying for the health care of all those people who still aren't covered. The study also points out that the citizens of those states will be paying federal taxes that go, in part, to the expansion of Medicaid that they won't see the benefits from.
Between that, and the fact that hospitals are closing in these red states because they can't keep affording to provide uncompensated care, Medicaid refusal is going to become a potent political issue."
"No state, the study concluded, that is rejecting Medicaid will actually save money in the next decade, even after the federal reimbursement rate drops from 100 to 90 percent. That's because they're still on the hook for a lot of uncompensated care: paying for the health care of all those people who still aren't covered. The study also points out that the citizens of those states will be paying federal taxes that go, in part, to the expansion of Medicaid that they won't see the benefits from.
Between that, and the fact that hospitals are closing in these red states because they can't keep affording to provide uncompensated care, Medicaid refusal is going to become a potent political issue."
12/7/13
PERRspectives: Red States Face Triple Whammy from GOP Medicaid Rejection
PERRspectives: Red States Face Triple Whammy from GOP Medicaid Rejection
"In Ohio, Governor John Kasich's decision to take Washington's money will actually produce a $400 million surplus for the Buckeye State (one which Republican legislators want to give away in the form of more tax cuts). The simple math-and simpler consideration in insuring millions of indigent patients as the DSH funding is reduced over time is precisely why hospital associations in Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and every other state pleaded with Republican governors and legislatures to take Obamacare's money for Medicaid expansion."
"In Ohio, Governor John Kasich's decision to take Washington's money will actually produce a $400 million surplus for the Buckeye State (one which Republican legislators want to give away in the form of more tax cuts). The simple math-and simpler consideration in insuring millions of indigent patients as the DSH funding is reduced over time is precisely why hospital associations in Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and every other state pleaded with Republican governors and legislatures to take Obamacare's money for Medicaid expansion."
Latest Phony Obamacare ‘Horror Story’ Destroyed By Chris Hayes
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/05/cornelius-kelly-fox-obamacare-baby/
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
"The Capital New York story brings up two points that the Fox News coverage managed to leave out. First, they point out that Cornelius Kelly’s original application only listed three of his four children. The second gap in the Fox coverage may be the most important: Cornelius Kelly is a failed Conservative Party candidate for the Suffolk County legislature. So he’s not exactly the unbiased American citizen that Fox News wants you to think he is."
Rick Santorum Compares Obamacare To Apartheid, Himself To Nelson Mandela (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/06/santorum-obamacare-mandela-apartheid/
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
"They are so obsessed with destroying the signature legislative achievement of America’s first African-American President, that they are willing to say and do anything to topple it. To date, Republicans have compared Obamacare to Hitler, Stalin, Nazism, communism, slavery, the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Holocaust, just to name a few. And now, Rick Santorum has added apartheid to the big list. Republicans oppose Americans having health care so much that they are literally picking any terrible thing throughout history to compare it to in an effort to scare people from supporting it. That’s a true injustice that Nelson Mandela would be disgusted by and so should most Americans."
12/4/13
Remember All Those Obamacare Horror Stories? Not Looking So Bad Now | Alternet
Remember All Those Obamacare Horror Stories? Not Looking So Bad Now | Alternet
"In the absence of facts, conservative media just made things up to fit their narrative."
"In the absence of facts, conservative media just made things up to fit their narrative."
California Republicans Create Fake Healthcare Website To Mislead Constituents
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/03/california-republicans-create-fake-healthcare-website-mislead-constituents/
"Republicans have tried everything in their power to keep the ACA from taking effect. After more than 40 attempts to repeal the law, a failed Supreme Court challenge and a full blown shut down of the US government, they did not succeed. They tried to sabotage the law in every way possible, up to and including a “Destroy Obamacare” program, which was supposed to bring down the national ACA website.
What’s left for them now, except to create a fake healthcare website? They’ll try whatever they can to try to keep people from getting to the truth and then signing up for the ACA.
Misleading voters, billing taxpayers for right wing propaganda, using every kind of deceptive tactic they can think of… there’s really nothing new here. It’s habitual for the party that has no other options left. They can’t stand on the truth. Voters would never accept GOP policies if they were offered at face value. They can only hope that their low information base doesn’t catch on before the next election.
Since statistics show that more and more Republicans are signing up for the ACA every day, the odds of that happening are getting smaller and smaller."
"Republicans have tried everything in their power to keep the ACA from taking effect. After more than 40 attempts to repeal the law, a failed Supreme Court challenge and a full blown shut down of the US government, they did not succeed. They tried to sabotage the law in every way possible, up to and including a “Destroy Obamacare” program, which was supposed to bring down the national ACA website.
What’s left for them now, except to create a fake healthcare website? They’ll try whatever they can to try to keep people from getting to the truth and then signing up for the ACA.
Misleading voters, billing taxpayers for right wing propaganda, using every kind of deceptive tactic they can think of… there’s really nothing new here. It’s habitual for the party that has no other options left. They can’t stand on the truth. Voters would never accept GOP policies if they were offered at face value. They can only hope that their low information base doesn’t catch on before the next election.
Since statistics show that more and more Republicans are signing up for the ACA every day, the odds of that happening are getting smaller and smaller."
Insurance Commissioner Compares Pre-Existing Conditions To Car Wrecks: ‘It’s Your Fault’
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/04/3020831/georgia-insurance-commissioner-pre-existing-fault/
"Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens (R) has a message for the estimated 57.2 million Americans suffering from diabetes, asthma, cancer, genetic disorders, and other pre-existing medical conditions: it’s your fault."
"Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens (R) has a message for the estimated 57.2 million Americans suffering from diabetes, asthma, cancer, genetic disorders, and other pre-existing medical conditions: it’s your fault."
12/3/13
CA Assembly GOP Puts Up Fake California Health Exchange Site
CA Assembly GOP Puts Up Fake California Health Exchange Site
"What we have here are elected officials intentionally trying to make California's health exchange fail, and using taxpayer dollars to misinform taxpayers, using the standard fear and loathing tactics as their linchpin."
"What we have here are elected officials intentionally trying to make California's health exchange fail, and using taxpayer dollars to misinform taxpayers, using the standard fear and loathing tactics as their linchpin."
The Fake Obamacare Site That Is Trying To Trick Californians
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/12/03/3012281/california-republicans-trick-voters-fake-obamacare-site/
"Despite the GOP’s effort to dissuade Californians from purchasing coverage, however, nearly 80,000 people signed up for health insurance in the state’s new exchange as of late November, with approximately 2,7000 people enrolling daily.
A disclaimer on the site — which is situated next to a link to the Assembly Republican Caucus — notes that “The California State Assembly does not warrant or make any representations as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links and other items contained on this server or any other server.” Indeed."
"Despite the GOP’s effort to dissuade Californians from purchasing coverage, however, nearly 80,000 people signed up for health insurance in the state’s new exchange as of late November, with approximately 2,7000 people enrolling daily.
A disclaimer on the site — which is situated next to a link to the Assembly Republican Caucus — notes that “The California State Assembly does not warrant or make any representations as to the quality, content, accuracy, or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links and other items contained on this server or any other server.” Indeed."
Republicans Freak Out as Healthcare.gov Gets Nearly a Million Hits on Monday
www.politicususa.com/2013/12/03/republicans-freak-healthcare-gov-million-hits-monday.html
"At this point, the GOP has no idea what to do. For the past three years, they have been in ‘repeal Obamacare’ mode. While they couldn’t be bothered to do any actual policy making or passing bills in the House, they found time to hold repeal votes nearly four dozen times. However, as they head back into session, they do not have another repeal vote on the calender. The fact is, they know they can’t do it anymore. Before, when enrollment had not begun, they could go on their rhetorical exercise of holding repeal votes that would never get through the Senate or past the White House. Now, they realize that hundred of thousands of people have already obtained health insurance, and millions more will once they come back in January."
"At this point, the GOP has no idea what to do. For the past three years, they have been in ‘repeal Obamacare’ mode. While they couldn’t be bothered to do any actual policy making or passing bills in the House, they found time to hold repeal votes nearly four dozen times. However, as they head back into session, they do not have another repeal vote on the calender. The fact is, they know they can’t do it anymore. Before, when enrollment had not begun, they could go on their rhetorical exercise of holding repeal votes that would never get through the Senate or past the White House. Now, they realize that hundred of thousands of people have already obtained health insurance, and millions more will once they come back in January."
12/2/13
Republicans’ self-hatred swells: The GOP vs. its own base
Republicans’ self-hatred swells: The GOP vs. its own base
"Rick Santorum is unhappy that older people, who tend to vote Republican, are getting insurance via the ACA"
"Rick Santorum is unhappy that older people, who tend to vote Republican, are getting insurance via the ACA"
Ted Cruz Begins Sad Backtrack on the Importance of ACA Website as Site’s Issues Fade
www.forwardprogressives.com/ted-cruz-begins-sad-backtrack-on-the-importance-of-aca-website-as-sites-issues-fade/
"You had to know that this was coming. After weeks and weeks of right-wing propaganda pointing to the failures of the Affordable Care Act website as the proof that “Obamacare” is a failure, now that it’s pretty much fixed and working, we’re going to start seeing Republicans minimize the importance of the functionality of the website. Which is exactly what Ted Cruz’s sentiments were with his tweet where he said that a “Faulty website is but 1 symptom of Obamacare. In other words, “Damn, now that the website is working I won’t be able to use it to attack “Obamacare” so I need to downplay the importance of it.”
It’s just sad."
"You had to know that this was coming. After weeks and weeks of right-wing propaganda pointing to the failures of the Affordable Care Act website as the proof that “Obamacare” is a failure, now that it’s pretty much fixed and working, we’re going to start seeing Republicans minimize the importance of the functionality of the website. Which is exactly what Ted Cruz’s sentiments were with his tweet where he said that a “Faulty website is but 1 symptom of Obamacare. In other words, “Damn, now that the website is working I won’t be able to use it to attack “Obamacare” so I need to downplay the importance of it.”
It’s just sad."
12/1/13
Santorum Complains That 'Sicker, Older' People are Getting Insurance
Santorum Complains That 'Sicker, Older' People are Getting Insurance
"I don't know who Rick Santorum is trying to appeal to with this fearmongering on CNN's State of the Union this Saturday, but it seems to me he's taking aim straight at the GOP's base with his complaints about people over sixty now being able to get health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act."
"I don't know who Rick Santorum is trying to appeal to with this fearmongering on CNN's State of the Union this Saturday, but it seems to me he's taking aim straight at the GOP's base with his complaints about people over sixty now being able to get health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act."
11/27/13
11/26/13
You Probably Didn’t Hear About The Most Important Health Care News This Week
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/22/2983481/media-historic-slowdown-health-spending/
"U.S. health care spending since 2010 has increased by just 1.3 percent — the smallest cost growth over a three-year period in American history — while prices in the health care sector rose by 50-year lows, thanks in part to structural changes made by the Affordable Care Act."
"U.S. health care spending since 2010 has increased by just 1.3 percent — the smallest cost growth over a three-year period in American history — while prices in the health care sector rose by 50-year lows, thanks in part to structural changes made by the Affordable Care Act."
The Obamacare news in the states is pretty good, and Politico hates that
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/26/1258505/-The-Obamacare-news-in-the-states-is-pretty-good-and-Politico-hates-that
"For example, in Kentucky: "Kentucky's program, Kynect, has enrolled 56,422 Kentuckians as of Nov. 22 [...] [A]n additional 22,000 have entered personal information through the website and have found they are eligible for subsidized insurance but have yet to pick a plan."
From Indiana: "There are exciting changes ahead for a local health center that for years has been providing health services to the poor in the Wabash Valley. A recent infusion of federal dollars will allow The Wabash Valley Health Center, commonly known as St. Ann Medical and Dental Services, to continue to provide health care, expand its services and reach more people in the Valley"."
"For example, in Kentucky: "Kentucky's program, Kynect, has enrolled 56,422 Kentuckians as of Nov. 22 [...] [A]n additional 22,000 have entered personal information through the website and have found they are eligible for subsidized insurance but have yet to pick a plan."
From Indiana: "There are exciting changes ahead for a local health center that for years has been providing health services to the poor in the Wabash Valley. A recent infusion of federal dollars will allow The Wabash Valley Health Center, commonly known as St. Ann Medical and Dental Services, to continue to provide health care, expand its services and reach more people in the Valley"."
11/23/13
Obamacare Is a Great Deal for Stressed Out 64-Year Old Smoker John Boehner, Who's Leading the Sabotage Campaign Against It | Alternet
Obamacare Is a Great Deal for Stressed Out 64-Year Old Smoker John Boehner, Who's Leading the Sabotage Campaign Against It | Alternet
"As a 64-year-old heavy smoker, it’s a marvel Boehner will be able to purchase individual market coverage at all. I wonder what crazy law guarantees that he can?"
"As a 64-year-old heavy smoker, it’s a marvel Boehner will be able to purchase individual market coverage at all. I wonder what crazy law guarantees that he can?"
Grayson: GOP Solution For Health Care is Still to 'Die Quickly'
Grayson: GOP Solution For Health Care is Still to 'Die Quickly'
"Rep. Alan Grayson joined Ed Schultz this Friday to discuss Rep. Darrell Issa's latest stunt, where he's traveling around the country looking to generate more negative press for the Affordable Care Act, but as Grayson reminded Schultz during the interview, the Republicans' supposed "solutions" for Americans to have access to health care are the same as they've always been. Don't get sick and if you get sick, die quickly."
"Rep. Alan Grayson joined Ed Schultz this Friday to discuss Rep. Darrell Issa's latest stunt, where he's traveling around the country looking to generate more negative press for the Affordable Care Act, but as Grayson reminded Schultz during the interview, the Republicans' supposed "solutions" for Americans to have access to health care are the same as they've always been. Don't get sick and if you get sick, die quickly."
11/22/13
Surprise! GOP Following Scripted Plan To Attack Obamacare
Surprise! GOP Following Scripted Plan To Attack Obamacare
"I know you are shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that all the Obamacare noise over the last month is the product of a very carefully orchestrated public relations campaign."
"I know you are shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that all the Obamacare noise over the last month is the product of a very carefully orchestrated public relations campaign."
11/21/13
How the GOP Is Literally Killing Its Voters | Alternet
How the GOP Is Literally Killing Its Voters | Alternet
"In the past, there were many Republicans who saw the value of having a social safety net. Today’s Tea Party Republicans, however, believe in assaulting the poor and the middle class at every turn—and the older whites who vote for them are not exempt. Between butchering the food stamp program, opposing healthcare reform, trying to turn Social Security over to the whims of Wall Street, and going out of their way to eliminate what’s left of the New Deal, modern-day Republicans are no friends of older Americans—including their older white male rural base."
"In the past, there were many Republicans who saw the value of having a social safety net. Today’s Tea Party Republicans, however, believe in assaulting the poor and the middle class at every turn—and the older whites who vote for them are not exempt. Between butchering the food stamp program, opposing healthcare reform, trying to turn Social Security over to the whims of Wall Street, and going out of their way to eliminate what’s left of the New Deal, modern-day Republicans are no friends of older Americans—including their older white male rural base."
I Watched My Patients Die of Treatable Diseases Because They Were Poor | Alternet
I Watched My Patients Die of Treatable Diseases Because They Were Poor | Alternet
"A Galveston medical student describes life and death in the non-existent Texas safety net."
"A Galveston medical student describes life and death in the non-existent Texas safety net."
11/20/13
Growing Movement: Expand Social Security or 'Pay a Price' | Common Dreams
Growing Movement: Expand Social Security or 'Pay a Price' | Common Dreams
"With Social Security cuts once again on the table in closed-door congressional budget negotiations, a growing movement has taken the offensive, demanding that lawmakers strengthen, rather than stranglehold, our social safety net."
"With Social Security cuts once again on the table in closed-door congressional budget negotiations, a growing movement has taken the offensive, demanding that lawmakers strengthen, rather than stranglehold, our social safety net."
CEOs With Massive Retirement Fortunes Push Social Security Cuts | The Nation
CEOs With Massive Retirement Fortunes Push Social Security Cuts | The Nation
"These CEOs aren’t just trying to short the average American retiree; they’re throwing their own under the bus. While raising alarm about the federal debt, Business Roundtable CEOs have run up massive deficits in their employees’ pension funds."
"These CEOs aren’t just trying to short the average American retiree; they’re throwing their own under the bus. While raising alarm about the federal debt, Business Roundtable CEOs have run up massive deficits in their employees’ pension funds."
Fact Check: Social Security Does Not Increase the Deficit | Alternet
Fact Check: Social Security Does Not Increase the Deficit | Alternet
"There are basically two categories of people who want to see Social Security cut: 1) financiers who wish to move us toward privatized retirement accounts so that they can charge us fees; and 2) rich people who do not like to pay taxes. Their main champions are conservatives at the Heritage Foundation, libertarians at the Cato Institute and Wall Street financier Pete Peterson."
"There are basically two categories of people who want to see Social Security cut: 1) financiers who wish to move us toward privatized retirement accounts so that they can charge us fees; and 2) rich people who do not like to pay taxes. Their main champions are conservatives at the Heritage Foundation, libertarians at the Cato Institute and Wall Street financier Pete Peterson."
11/19/13
Republicans love Batkid, but they don't want him to have health care coverage
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/19/1256738/-Republicans-love-Batkid-but-want-to-let-insurers-refuse-to-provide-him-health-coverage
"Before insurers were prohibited from denying coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions, it was common for them to do just that. Not only that, treatment for a disease like leukemia could have taken a child to a lifetime insurance cap—caps that have now been lifted by Obamacare."
"Before insurers were prohibited from denying coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions, it was common for them to do just that. Not only that, treatment for a disease like leukemia could have taken a child to a lifetime insurance cap—caps that have now been lifted by Obamacare."
CEOs with Platinum Plated Pensions Want to Raise Social Security Eligibility to 70
CEOs with Platinum Plated Pensions Want to Raise Social Security Eligibility to 70
"According to a new report, CEOs at the forefront of the drive to “fix the debt” by slashing Social Security and Medicare, possess personal retirement funds worth an average of $14.5 million, and three have retirement nest eggs worth more than $100 million. The average Social Security check is $1,308 per month."
"According to a new report, CEOs at the forefront of the drive to “fix the debt” by slashing Social Security and Medicare, possess personal retirement funds worth an average of $14.5 million, and three have retirement nest eggs worth more than $100 million. The average Social Security check is $1,308 per month."
CEOs Against Grandmas | Common Dreams
CEOs Against Grandmas | Common Dreams
"David Cote, the CEO of Honeywell, has more than $134 million in his personal retirement fund. If I were sitting on a nest egg that big, I might feel a bit sheepish about telling ordinary grandmas and grandpas to take a cut in their Social Security payments. But Cote — and leaders of many other large corporations — don’t see it that way. In fact, as Congress prepares for yet another budget showdown at the end of the year, the loudest calls for Social Security cuts are coming from CEOs who will never have to worry about their own retirement security.
Two lobby groups have organized CEOs into an austerity army."
"David Cote, the CEO of Honeywell, has more than $134 million in his personal retirement fund. If I were sitting on a nest egg that big, I might feel a bit sheepish about telling ordinary grandmas and grandpas to take a cut in their Social Security payments. But Cote — and leaders of many other large corporations — don’t see it that way. In fact, as Congress prepares for yet another budget showdown at the end of the year, the loudest calls for Social Security cuts are coming from CEOs who will never have to worry about their own retirement security.
Two lobby groups have organized CEOs into an austerity army."
On Social Security: “It’s Values, Not Math” | Common Dreams
On Social Security: “It’s Values, Not Math” | Common Dreams
"The fight to provide retirement security for all Americans has an eloquent advocate in Sen. Elizabeth Warren, as the following speech demonstrates."
"The fight to provide retirement security for all Americans has an eloquent advocate in Sen. Elizabeth Warren, as the following speech demonstrates."
11/18/13
PERRspectives: GOP Commits Double Fraud with Obamacare Navigator Smear Campaign
PERRspectives: GOP Commits Double Fraud with Obamacare Navigator Smear Campaign
"To put it another way, Bush's Medicare drug plan navigators helped the government "reach people where they live, work, pray and play." But with the White House currently occupied by a Democrat and the nation's first African-American president, Republicans now pretend, those navigators aren't partners but the equivalent of Nigerian identity thieves."
"To put it another way, Bush's Medicare drug plan navigators helped the government "reach people where they live, work, pray and play." But with the White House currently occupied by a Democrat and the nation's first African-American president, Republicans now pretend, those navigators aren't partners but the equivalent of Nigerian identity thieves."
Elizabeth Warren Stands Up For Expansion Of Social Security
Elizabeth Warren Stands Up For Expansion Of Social Security
"Elizabeth Warren is taking the bull by the horns, becoming a true leader of the progressive movement in the Democratic Party. It's refreshing to hear a sitting senator discuss the problems of working-class Americans as if she truly wants to help them. Today, she delivered a powerful speech on the floor of the Senate in which she believes that the push to expand Social Security instead of cutting it will be a defining moment in the Democratic Party as we move forward."
"Elizabeth Warren is taking the bull by the horns, becoming a true leader of the progressive movement in the Democratic Party. It's refreshing to hear a sitting senator discuss the problems of working-class Americans as if she truly wants to help them. Today, she delivered a powerful speech on the floor of the Senate in which she believes that the push to expand Social Security instead of cutting it will be a defining moment in the Democratic Party as we move forward."
Huckabee Conflates Medical Insurance With 'Obamaburgers'
Huckabee Conflates Medical Insurance With 'Obamaburgers'
"It's more of the same we always see on Fox, where their favorite sport is bashing the poor. Not very Christ-like of the former governor, is it? Sadly, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more segments like this from Fox in the coming months and beyond."
"It's more of the same we always see on Fox, where their favorite sport is bashing the poor. Not very Christ-like of the former governor, is it? Sadly, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more segments like this from Fox in the coming months and beyond."
11/14/13
CHART: Americans Pay Way More For Health Care Than People In Any Other Affluent Nation
CHART: Americans Pay Way More For Health Care Than People In Any Other Affluent Nation: About 37 percent of Americans didn't see a doctor or fill a prescription because it was too expensive in 2013 -- a significantly higher number than for other well-to-do countries.
Paul Ryan Gets 700,000 ‘No’ Votes on Social Security Cuts | Common Dreams
Paul Ryan Gets 700,000 ‘No’ Votes on Social Security Cuts | Common Dreams
"Rep. Paul Ryan now has a clear, unmistakable message about where the American Majority stands on his ideas for cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits – no, no, 700,000 times no."
"Rep. Paul Ryan now has a clear, unmistakable message about where the American Majority stands on his ideas for cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits – no, no, 700,000 times no."
No, Obama Didn't Lie to You About Your Health Care Plans | Alternet
No, Obama Didn't Lie to You About Your Health Care Plans | Alternet
"First, it is important to note that the ACA grand-fathered all the individual policies that were in place at the time the law was enacted. This means that the plans in effect at the time that President Obama was pushing the bill could still be offered even if they did not meet all the standards laid out in the ACA.
"First, it is important to note that the ACA grand-fathered all the individual policies that were in place at the time the law was enacted. This means that the plans in effect at the time that President Obama was pushing the bill could still be offered even if they did not meet all the standards laid out in the ACA.
The plans being terminated because they don't meet the minimal standards were all plans that insurers introduced after the passage of the ACA."
11/12/13
GOP’s newest demented crusade: War on mothers
GOP’s newest demented crusade: War on mothers
"Conservatives continue to be outraged by the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that basic insurance policies cover maternity and newborn care."
"Conservatives continue to be outraged by the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that basic insurance policies cover maternity and newborn care."
GOP Did Contribute To Obamacare, Study Finds – Turns Out They Wrote A Large Portion
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/10/obamacare-study-republican-contribution/
"For the final bill, over 10% came from House Republicans, and almost 30% came from Senate Republicans. That brings the total GOP contribution to Obamacare to 38.5%, meaning that over a third of Obamacare was written by the Republican party."
"For the final bill, over 10% came from House Republicans, and almost 30% came from Senate Republicans. That brings the total GOP contribution to Obamacare to 38.5%, meaning that over a third of Obamacare was written by the Republican party."
6 Reasons Why Obamacare Enrollment Is Going Better Than You Think
6 Reasons Why Obamacare Enrollment Is Going Better Than You Think: An estimated 50,000 enrolled in the federal exchanges, but that's not the whole story.
11/11/13
Koch Group Throws Boozy Anti-Obamacare Tailgate Party At College Football Game
Koch Group Throws Boozy Anti-Obamacare Tailgate Party At College Football Game: The game day bash included a "fleet of Hummers," according to a Generation Opportunity spokesperson, in addition to beer pong, models, and anti-Obamacare rhetoric.
11/9/13
New Rules Mandate Mental Health Coverage
New Rules Mandate Mental Health Coverage
"The final rule issued today implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and ensures that health plans features like co-pays, deductibles and visit limits are generally not more restrictive for mental health/substance abuse disorders benefits than they are for medical/surgical benefits."
"The final rule issued today implements the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and ensures that health plans features like co-pays, deductibles and visit limits are generally not more restrictive for mental health/substance abuse disorders benefits than they are for medical/surgical benefits."
PERRspectives: Republicans Put Red State Hospitals at Risk
PERRspectives: Republicans Put Red State Hospitals at Risk
"Among the myriadtactics Republicans are using to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, the "coverage gap" is perhaps the most visible. Because 26 GOP-led states have refused to accept the federally-funded expansion of Medicaid to their residents earning up to 138% of the poverty level, at least five million Americans will needlessly be left without health insurance in 2014. As it turns out, that Republican rejection will deal a second body blow to the red state health care systems that need help most by draining funds from hospitals that currently serve the uninsured."
"Among the myriadtactics Republicans are using to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, the "coverage gap" is perhaps the most visible. Because 26 GOP-led states have refused to accept the federally-funded expansion of Medicaid to their residents earning up to 138% of the poverty level, at least five million Americans will needlessly be left without health insurance in 2014. As it turns out, that Republican rejection will deal a second body blow to the red state health care systems that need help most by draining funds from hospitals that currently serve the uninsured."
Chuck Todd Equates Opposition to Privatizing Social Security to GOP Obstruction of 'Obamacare'
Chuck Todd Equates Opposition to Privatizing Social Security to GOP Obstruction of 'Obamacare'
"There are so many things wrong with this very short clip from this Friday's Morning Joe on MSNBC, it's hard to know where to begin, but let's start with the fact that there is no equivalence whatsoever between George W. Bush wanting to privatize Social Security and the Democrats who were against that policy, and the type of obstruction we've seen from Republicans against the Affordable Care Act."
"There are so many things wrong with this very short clip from this Friday's Morning Joe on MSNBC, it's hard to know where to begin, but let's start with the fact that there is no equivalence whatsoever between George W. Bush wanting to privatize Social Security and the Democrats who were against that policy, and the type of obstruction we've seen from Republicans against the Affordable Care Act."
11/7/13
From Kentucky, a reminder of the bigger health insurance picture
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/05/1253247/-From-Kentucky-a-reminder-of-the-bigger-health-insurance-nbsp-picture
"Kentucky has become an early success story in the roll-out of Obamacare, with a Democratic governor, Steve Beshear, whose administration has tackled getting their program—Kynect—up and running efficiently. Just as important, Kentucky has committed to an extensive outreach program to get people educated, informed and signed up."
"Kentucky has become an early success story in the roll-out of Obamacare, with a Democratic governor, Steve Beshear, whose administration has tackled getting their program—Kynect—up and running efficiently. Just as important, Kentucky has committed to an extensive outreach program to get people educated, informed and signed up."
The Cancer Patient From The Wall Street Journal Will Likely Save Thousands Under Obamacare
The Cancer Patient From The Wall Street Journal Will Likely Save Thousands Under Obamacare: Edie Sundby could pay less and benefit from a whole host of new consumer protections.
11/6/13
The Biggest Winner From Last Night’s Election? Obamacare
The Biggest Winner From Last Night’s Election? Obamacare: Not only did the nation's loudest critic of Obamacare go down in defeat, but the so-called bellwether for national politics is now on its way to expanding Medicaid under the law.
Behind the Right’s Crazy Crusade to Make Women Pay More for Health Insurance | Alternet
Behind the Right’s Crazy Crusade to Make Women Pay More for Health Insurance | Alternet
"Republicans can’t win women because they’re still fighting a culture war to restore men to their “rightful” place as the head of the family and society. They’re profoundly uncomfortable with women’s autonomy – and that makes women voters increasingly uncomfortable voting Republican."
"Republicans can’t win women because they’re still fighting a culture war to restore men to their “rightful” place as the head of the family and society. They’re profoundly uncomfortable with women’s autonomy – and that makes women voters increasingly uncomfortable voting Republican."
Do The Right Thing: Expand Social Security Benefits
Do The Right Thing: Expand Social Security Benefits
"we as a country should be expanding benefits and not cutting them to appease the angryPete Peterson deficit hawk mob or the vacuous conservatives, who need their pound of flesh."
"we as a country should be expanding benefits and not cutting them to appease the angryPete Peterson deficit hawk mob or the vacuous conservatives, who need their pound of flesh."
11/4/13
Don't Be Fooled! Health Insurance Companies' Latest Scam to Scare Off Customers from Obamacare | Alternet
Don't Be Fooled! Health Insurance Companies' Latest Scam to Scare Off Customers from Obamacare | Alternet
"The letters from health insurance companies don’t mention the health care exchanges they could look into to get cheaper plans."
"The letters from health insurance companies don’t mention the health care exchanges they could look into to get cheaper plans."
10/31/13
10/29/13
Obama Administration: Half Of Young Adults Can Get Marketplace Coverage For $50 Or Less A Month
Obama Administration: Half Of Young Adults Can Get Marketplace Coverage For $50 Or Less A Month: A new government report finds good news for 40 percent of the 7.2 million young, uninsured adults living in states with a federal Obamacare marketplace.
10/28/13
The Great Medicaid Transfer From Red States to Blue States
www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2013/10/great-medicaid-transfer-red-states-blue-states
"According to an analysis I have done using Kaiser Family Foundation data—in 2016 alone—the 24 expanding states will receive $30.3 Billion additional federal dollars, while those not expanding will forego an additional $35.0 Billion they could have had."
"According to an analysis I have done using Kaiser Family Foundation data—in 2016 alone—the 24 expanding states will receive $30.3 Billion additional federal dollars, while those not expanding will forego an additional $35.0 Billion they could have had."
5 Reasons Why Cutting Social Security Would Be Irrational | Alternet
5 Reasons Why Cutting Social Security Would Be Irrational | Alternet
"Cutting this popular and well-run and life-sustaining program would be irrational."
"Cutting this popular and well-run and life-sustaining program would be irrational."
Meet 3 Master Manipulators of America’s Oligarchy | Alternet
Meet 3 Master Manipulators of America’s Oligarchy | Alternet
"Whether they’re ginning up deficit hysteria to cut Social Security or blaming teachers and firefighters for state budget crises, these 1 percenters pose as defenders of your interests while arranging things so that they can plunder America and leave hard-working people with scraps."
"Whether they’re ginning up deficit hysteria to cut Social Security or blaming teachers and firefighters for state budget crises, these 1 percenters pose as defenders of your interests while arranging things so that they can plunder America and leave hard-working people with scraps."
10/25/13
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan's Secret Love Affair with Obamacare
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan's Secret Love Affair with Obamacare
"The Affordable Care Act, Republicans and their right-wing water carriers warn, is the worst thing to happen to America since slavery and theFugitive Slave Act. But for Congressional Republicans in general and Paul Ryan in particular, Obamacare also happens to be the love that dare not speak its name. After all, Ryan's dangerous and unpopular voucher scheme to privatize Medicare not only depends on the success of the very kind of health insurance exchanges he now decries, but also requires the ACA to cover the 65 and 66 year-old beneficiaries he would drop from the program covering 49 million seniors. And as it turns out, the same Paul Ryan who would defund, delay or repeal Obamacare nevertheless wants to keep every penny in new revenue it generates in order to fund his massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy."
"The Affordable Care Act, Republicans and their right-wing water carriers warn, is the worst thing to happen to America since slavery and theFugitive Slave Act. But for Congressional Republicans in general and Paul Ryan in particular, Obamacare also happens to be the love that dare not speak its name. After all, Ryan's dangerous and unpopular voucher scheme to privatize Medicare not only depends on the success of the very kind of health insurance exchanges he now decries, but also requires the ACA to cover the 65 and 66 year-old beneficiaries he would drop from the program covering 49 million seniors. And as it turns out, the same Paul Ryan who would defund, delay or repeal Obamacare nevertheless wants to keep every penny in new revenue it generates in order to fund his massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy."
Republicans Demand Social Security And Medicare Cuts, Is It Reported? | Common Dreams
Republicans Demand Social Security And Medicare Cuts, Is It Reported? | Common Dreams
"Republicans are demanding cuts in Social Security and Medicare if Democrats want to change the terms of the “sequester.” I’m sure their Tea Party “base” would be shocked if they understood this. So would most Americans. So is the media giving Americans the information they need in order to make informed decisions?"
"Republicans are demanding cuts in Social Security and Medicare if Democrats want to change the terms of the “sequester.” I’m sure their Tea Party “base” would be shocked if they understood this. So would most Americans. So is the media giving Americans the information they need in order to make informed decisions?"
10/24/13
The Affordable Care Act’s Lower-Than-Projected Premiums Will Save $190 Billion
www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/report/2013/10/23/77537/the-affordable-care-acts-lower-than-projected-premiums-will-save-190-billion/
"These savings will boost the health law’s amount of deficit reduction by 174 percent and represent about 40 percent of the health care savings proposed by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform—commonly known as the Simpson-Bowles commission—in 2010.
Moreover, we estimate that lower premiums will lower the number of uninsured even further, by an additional 700,000 people, even as the number of individuals who receive tax credits will decline because insurance is more affordable."
"These savings will boost the health law’s amount of deficit reduction by 174 percent and represent about 40 percent of the health care savings proposed by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform—commonly known as the Simpson-Bowles commission—in 2010.
Moreover, we estimate that lower premiums will lower the number of uninsured even further, by an additional 700,000 people, even as the number of individuals who receive tax credits will decline because insurance is more affordable."
6 Most Brazen Right-Wing Lies About Obamacare | Alternet
6 Most Brazen Right-Wing Lies About Obamacare | Alternet
"These are not the hackneyed GOP talking points about death panels, job killers and government bureaucrats coming between patients and doctors. These are far more fanciful efforts that stretch the limits of credulity and appear to have more in common with satire than actual news reporting. But this is what it has come to as Obamacare has finally reached the consumer stage and conservatives are desperate to keep people from discovering its benefits."
"These are not the hackneyed GOP talking points about death panels, job killers and government bureaucrats coming between patients and doctors. These are far more fanciful efforts that stretch the limits of credulity and appear to have more in common with satire than actual news reporting. But this is what it has come to as Obamacare has finally reached the consumer stage and conservatives are desperate to keep people from discovering its benefits."
10/23/13
How Obamacare Will Save The Federal Government $190 Billion
How Obamacare Will Save The Federal Government $190 Billion: The emergence of new insurers and increased competition within the law's marketplaces has lowered premiums, leading to big savings for consumers and the federal government.
Obamacare off to great start in Kentucky, Washington, Oregon
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/22/1249670/-Obamacare-off-to-great-start-in-Kentucky-Washington-nbsp-Oregon
"What do all these states have in common? Democratic governors who actually want everyone in their state to have access to health care."
"What do all these states have in common? Democratic governors who actually want everyone in their state to have access to health care."
10/22/13
Social Security Pumps $2 Into US Economy for Every Benefit Dollar Spent
Social Security Pumps $2 Into US Economy for Every Benefit Dollar Spent
"Just as Food Stamps stimulate the economy by creating about $1.80 of economic activity for every dollar of Food Stamps spent, Social Secuity pumps up job-generating and business activity by about $2 for every dollar recipients spend. This is according to a new study by the AARP"
"Just as Food Stamps stimulate the economy by creating about $1.80 of economic activity for every dollar of Food Stamps spent, Social Secuity pumps up job-generating and business activity by about $2 for every dollar recipients spend. This is according to a new study by the AARP"
10/21/13
Ohio Will Expand Medicaid Under Obamacare, Extending Health Coverage To Nearly 300,000 Residents
Ohio Will Expand Medicaid Under Obamacare, Extending Health Coverage To Nearly 300,000 Residents: Ohio joins the growing number of GOP-led states agreeing to accept Obamacare's Medicaid expansion.
South Dakota Doctors Urge Their Governor To Expand Medicaid Under Obamacare
South Dakota Doctors Urge Their Governor To Expand Medicaid Under Obamacare: If the state agreed to Obamacare's optional Medicaid expansion, its uninsurance rate would be cut in half.
6 Reasons Privatization Often Ends in Disaster | Alternet
6 Reasons Privatization Often Ends in Disaster | Alternet
"But the privatizers keep encroaching on the public sector. Our government reimburses the CEOs of private contractors at a rate approximately double what we pay the President. Overall, we pay the corporate bosses over $7 billion a year.
"But the privatizers keep encroaching on the public sector. Our government reimburses the CEOs of private contractors at a rate approximately double what we pay the President. Overall, we pay the corporate bosses over $7 billion a year.
Many Americans don't realize that the privatization of Social Security and Medicare would transfer much of our money to yet another group of CEOs."
McDowell County, USA Has Close to Haiti's Life Expectancy: Welcome to Third World America | Alternet
McDowell County, USA Has Close to Haiti's Life Expectancy: Welcome to Third World America | Alternet
"The Affordable Care Act is merely a small step in the direction of universal healthcare. One need only look at the data on life expectancy among Americans to realize how badly health care reform is needed in the United States. People in much of Europe are, on the whole, outliving residents of the U.S., which in some places, is looking more and more like a Third World country when it comes to life expectancy.
"The Affordable Care Act is merely a small step in the direction of universal healthcare. One need only look at the data on life expectancy among Americans to realize how badly health care reform is needed in the United States. People in much of Europe are, on the whole, outliving residents of the U.S., which in some places, is looking more and more like a Third World country when it comes to life expectancy.
There is a considerable amount of data on life expectancy among Americans, much of it disturbing."
10/20/13
I Would Be Dead Without Health Insurance -- GOPers Trying to Kill Obamacare Are Also Killing People | Alternet
I Would Be Dead Without Health Insurance -- GOPers Trying to Kill Obamacare Are Also Killing People | Alternet
"Obamacare requires insurance companies for the first time to cover everyone, regardless of any preexisting conditions. There's no more disqualifying condition than cancer; without Obamacare, I would now almost certainly be uninsurable if someday in the future I try to get insurance on the individual market. And we know what happens to people without health insurance in the United States: they die."
"Obamacare requires insurance companies for the first time to cover everyone, regardless of any preexisting conditions. There's no more disqualifying condition than cancer; without Obamacare, I would now almost certainly be uninsurable if someday in the future I try to get insurance on the individual market. And we know what happens to people without health insurance in the United States: they die."
10/19/13
Billionaire Koch Brothers Spending Millions To Deny Health Coverage To Low-Income Americans
Billionaire Koch Brothers Spending Millions To Deny Health Coverage To Low-Income Americans: Volunteers with the conservative organization are distributing misleading flyers, attending committee hearings, and intimidating constituents.
10 Reasons Why the Tea Party is So Unpopular | Alternet
10 Reasons Why the Tea Party is So Unpopular | Alternet
"They’d gut Social Security and Medicare. Pew found that 73 percent of Tea Partiers would cut funds to these retirement programs to pay down the federal debt, which, again, is consistent with their “I’ve got mine; go get yours” mentality."
"They’d gut Social Security and Medicare. Pew found that 73 percent of Tea Partiers would cut funds to these retirement programs to pay down the federal debt, which, again, is consistent with their “I’ve got mine; go get yours” mentality."
10/18/13
Ted Cruz vs. Twitter: Does Obamacare Hurt Americans?
www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/10/obamacare-working-benefits-stories-twitter
"Americans across the country telling tales of how Obamacare has lowered premiums for them or provided better insurance at similar rates."
"Americans across the country telling tales of how Obamacare has lowered premiums for them or provided better insurance at similar rates."
Paul Ryan’s Worst Nightmare Comes True as Bernie Sanders Is On The Budget Committee
www.politicususa.com/2013/10/18/paul-ryans-worst-nightmare-true-bernie-sanders-budget-committee.html
"Majority Leader Harry Reid has shattered Paul Ryan’s dreams of killing Social Security and Medicare by putting Sen. Bernie Sanders on the budget conference committee."
"Majority Leader Harry Reid has shattered Paul Ryan’s dreams of killing Social Security and Medicare by putting Sen. Bernie Sanders on the budget conference committee."
Fox's Obamacare Victims Aren't Victims At All
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/10/18/foxs-obamacare-victims-arent-victims-at-all/196498
"none of host Sean Hannity's guests had even attempted to shop on the exchange. When he shopped on the exchange with the information he was given for two of the three couples Hannity hosted, he found that both families could save thousands annually by enrolling in an ACA-compliant policy."
"none of host Sean Hannity's guests had even attempted to shop on the exchange. When he shopped on the exchange with the information he was given for two of the three couples Hannity hosted, he found that both families could save thousands annually by enrolling in an ACA-compliant policy."
10/17/13
Beer Offensive: The Koch Brothers Try to Bribe College Students Not to Sign Up for Obamacare with Brewskies | Alternet
Beer Offensive: The Koch Brothers Try to Bribe College Students Not to Sign Up for Obamacare with Brewskies | Alternet
"What's a family values conservative to do when every effort to protect millions of Americans from the scourge of affordable healthcare fails?
"What's a family values conservative to do when every effort to protect millions of Americans from the scourge of affordable healthcare fails?
Break out the beer, of course. The latest campaign to kill off Obamacare in its infancy is now playing out on college campuses where a conservative group known as Generation Opportunity (GO), who are funded in part by the billionaire Koch brothers, is using the lure of free beer and "opt out" beer koozies to persuade young students not to buy health insurance – or, at least, not to buy it from the Obamacare exchanges."
Thanks To Obamacare, Oregon Cut Its Unsinsured Population By 10 Percent Over The Past Two Weeks
Thanks To Obamacare, Oregon Cut Its Unsinsured Population By 10 Percent Over The Past Two Weeks: 56,000 new people have signed up for Oregon's Medicaid program so far this month. Most of them wouldn't be eligible for coverage without Obamacare.
The Shutdown May Be Over, But It’s Still Hurting Public Health
The Shutdown May Be Over, But It’s Still Hurting Public Health:
"The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will need to start up their influenza monitoring program again, and they’ll need to scramble to make up for lost time as flu season intensifies. The CDC is also behind when it comes to monitoring and analyzing a recent outbreak of salmonella that’s started to display signs of antibiotic resistance."
"The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will need to start up their influenza monitoring program again, and they’ll need to scramble to make up for lost time as flu season intensifies. The CDC is also behind when it comes to monitoring and analyzing a recent outbreak of salmonella that’s started to display signs of antibiotic resistance."
Rick Perry Is Actually Encouraging Texans To Enroll In Obamacare
Rick Perry Is Actually Encouraging Texans To Enroll In Obamacare: Texas is shuttering a state-based health care program and pushing Texans to sign-up for coverage in Obamacare's health care exchange.
Health Care Hypocrisy | Common Dreams
Health Care Hypocrisy | Common Dreams
"While going to extremes to keep millions of Americans from getting vitally needed health coverage, Cruz repeatedly refused to answer whether taxpayers covered his health care. Finally, he piously responded that he was eligible for taxpayer coverage, but had nobly declined.
Such slapstick! It turns out that Ted was fibbing, for he’s covered by his wife’s policy. As a millionaire top executive at Goldman Sachs, she and her family are given gold-plated Cadillac coverage by the Wall Street giant. Goldman pays some $40,000 a year for her and Ted’s policy — a benefit-cost that the firm passes on to us taxpayers by deducting it from its corporate tax bill. Hilarious, huh?"
"While going to extremes to keep millions of Americans from getting vitally needed health coverage, Cruz repeatedly refused to answer whether taxpayers covered his health care. Finally, he piously responded that he was eligible for taxpayer coverage, but had nobly declined.
Such slapstick! It turns out that Ted was fibbing, for he’s covered by his wife’s policy. As a millionaire top executive at Goldman Sachs, she and her family are given gold-plated Cadillac coverage by the Wall Street giant. Goldman pays some $40,000 a year for her and Ted’s policy — a benefit-cost that the firm passes on to us taxpayers by deducting it from its corporate tax bill. Hilarious, huh?"
A Simple Reform Could Save America From Wall Street and Boost the Economy: What’s Washington Waiting For? | Alternet
A Simple Reform Could Save America From Wall Street and Boost the Economy: What’s Washington Waiting For? | Alternet
"Financiers have been getting a free ride for too long. Let's make them pay their share instead of robbing seniors."
"Financiers have been getting a free ride for too long. Let's make them pay their share instead of robbing seniors."
Backfire! GOP Hostage-Taking Boosts Obamacare's Popularity | Alternet
Backfire! GOP Hostage-Taking Boosts Obamacare's Popularity | Alternet
'The GOP-led federal government shutdown over Obamacare has dramatically backfired on Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of active voters, the largest share yet, support the health insurance reform law and want it to work, new nationwide polling has found."
'The GOP-led federal government shutdown over Obamacare has dramatically backfired on Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of active voters, the largest share yet, support the health insurance reform law and want it to work, new nationwide polling has found."
10/16/13
The Government Shutdown Has Cost The Economy $24 Billion
The Government Shutdown Has Cost The Economy $24 Billion:
"Standard & Poor’s calculates that the shutdown that has so far lasted just over two weeks has taken $24 billion out of the economy, shaving at least 0.6 percent off of GDP in the fourth quarter."
"Standard & Poor’s calculates that the shutdown that has so far lasted just over two weeks has taken $24 billion out of the economy, shaving at least 0.6 percent off of GDP in the fourth quarter."
Misunderestimating Who They Are: They Like To Destroy Things
Misunderestimating Who They Are: They Like To Destroy Things
"If you listen to right-wing radio, watch FOX News and read their online media and take it seriously (because they do) then you would know that many on the right don’t want to live in a country that has Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, the minimum wage, Food Stamps, immigration, public schools, infant nutrition programs and the rest of the things government does to make our lives better. Andthey don't want anyone else to live in a country that has those things, either.
"If you listen to right-wing radio, watch FOX News and read their online media and take it seriously (because they do) then you would know that many on the right don’t want to live in a country that has Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, the minimum wage, Food Stamps, immigration, public schools, infant nutrition programs and the rest of the things government does to make our lives better. Andthey don't want anyone else to live in a country that has those things, either.
They are willing to destroy the village to keep the village from having those things. If you don't "get that" before entering into negotiations, you're at risk of making a terrible mistake -- like the sequester."
Paul Ryan's Peddling a 'Shock Doctrine' Cure | Common Dreams
Paul Ryan's Peddling a 'Shock Doctrine' Cure | Common Dreams
"If you are looking for certainties in American politics, count on this one: If a crisis of governing develops, the advocates for cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will arrive with a plan to resolve the standoff by balancing budgets on the backs of America’s most vulnerable citizens.
Cue Paul Ryan.
The House Budget Committee chairman, a Republican from Janesville, has for the better part of a decade been the most determined advocate on Capitol Hill for the Wall Street agenda that says earned-benefit programs should be reshaped as investment vehicles and voucher schemes that will benefit brokers and the health insurance industry."
"If you are looking for certainties in American politics, count on this one: If a crisis of governing develops, the advocates for cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will arrive with a plan to resolve the standoff by balancing budgets on the backs of America’s most vulnerable citizens.
Cue Paul Ryan.
The House Budget Committee chairman, a Republican from Janesville, has for the better part of a decade been the most determined advocate on Capitol Hill for the Wall Street agenda that says earned-benefit programs should be reshaped as investment vehicles and voucher schemes that will benefit brokers and the health insurance industry."
STUDY: Steadfast GOP Refusal To Expand Medicaid Leaves 5 Million Poor Americans Without Health Care
STUDY: Steadfast GOP Refusal To Expand Medicaid Leaves 5 Million Poor Americans Without Health Care: Without Medicaid expansion, many Americans earning less than $11,500 per year won't get any assistance to purchase health care.
What Obamacare Means to Me: The Difference Between Bankruptcy and Having a Life Again | Alternet
What Obamacare Means to Me: The Difference Between Bankruptcy and Having a Life Again | Alternet
"We lived under the illusion that we were adequately covered by our health insurance plan ... until my wife got sick."
"We lived under the illusion that we were adequately covered by our health insurance plan ... until my wife got sick."
10/14/13
Fox Would Prefer Millennials Go Without Health Insurance To Sabotage Obamacare (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/10/14/obamacare-fox-millennials/
"Proof that Fox doesn’t just promote misinformation about Obamacare but is willing to put its viewers well-being in jeopardy in order to destroy it."
"Proof that Fox doesn’t just promote misinformation about Obamacare but is willing to put its viewers well-being in jeopardy in order to destroy it."
10/11/13
A Mom's Message To John Boehner And Ted Cruz
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10/10/13
Republicans: While we're at it, let's just throw Social Security into the ransom note
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/10/1246063/-Republicans-While-we-re-at-it-lets-just-throw-Social-Security-into-the-ransom-note
"Republicans seem intent on alienating the last group of voters that is hanging with them: old white people. First consider Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI) adding Medicare to their shutdown and debt ceiling ransom note. Then add to that the demand of 50 House Republicans in a letter written by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) that House Speaker John Boehner include slashing Social Security in the hostage taking."
"Republicans seem intent on alienating the last group of voters that is hanging with them: old white people. First consider Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI) adding Medicare to their shutdown and debt ceiling ransom note. Then add to that the demand of 50 House Republicans in a letter written by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) that House Speaker John Boehner include slashing Social Security in the hostage taking."
GOP Governor May Expand Medicaid By Executive Order After Facing Opposition From His Own Party
GOP Governor May Expand Medicaid By Executive Order After Facing Opposition From His Own Party: “We continue to explore all our options and just want to get this done," said a spokesman for Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R).
GOP Governor To Congressional Republicans: Stop Trying To Defund Obamacare
GOP Governor To Congressional Republicans: Stop Trying To Defund Obamacare: Gov. Jan Brewer (R-AZ) says Arizona stands to lose money as a result of the GOP's demands.
91-year old WWII vet schools Republicans on the difference between their shutdown and 'epic battles'
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/10/1245927/-91-year-old-WWII-vet-schools-Republicans-on-the-difference-between-their-shutdown-and-epic-battles
"The ad, brought to you by VoteVets.org, will be running on national cable stations starting today."
"The ad, brought to you by VoteVets.org, will be running on national cable stations starting today."
Paul Ryan adds Medicare and Medicaid to the ransom note
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/10/09/1245723/-Paul-Ryan-adds-Medicare-and-Medicaid-to-the-ransom-note
"So far from taking Obamacare off the table, Ryan says he was expanding the playing field to include Medicare and Medicaid as well"
"So far from taking Obamacare off the table, Ryan says he was expanding the playing field to include Medicare and Medicaid as well"
The GOP's Entitlement Reform Bait And Switch
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10/9/13
GOP Sticks To Obamacare Scare Tactics
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Ginni Thomas and Her Groundswell Gang Planned ACA Hostage Scenario
Ginni Thomas and Her Groundswell Gang Planned ACA Hostage Scenario
"This post is revealing in so many ways. It's not just about the Affordable Care Act anymore, but about Medicare and Social Security, which are the real targets of their hostage-taking."
"This post is revealing in so many ways. It's not just about the Affordable Care Act anymore, but about Medicare and Social Security, which are the real targets of their hostage-taking."
MAP: How GOP Governors Resisting Obamacare Are Denying Coverage To The Poorest Americans
MAP: How GOP Governors Resisting Obamacare Are Denying Coverage To The Poorest Americans: In states that aren't expanding Medicaid under Obamacare, the vast majority of the uninsured won't receive any public assistance to help them get covered.
Dear WWII Vets, Forget About the Monument, They Are Gunning for Your Social Security
Dear WWII Vets, Forget About the Monument, They Are Gunning for Your Social Security
"As the government shutdown marches on and the dangerously real deadline of the federal debt limit approaches, it is increasingly clear that the fight over "Obamacare" is merely an opening salvo. The real goal of the hostage takers is a "Grand Bargain" on the budget that would include cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
"As the government shutdown marches on and the dangerously real deadline of the federal debt limit approaches, it is increasingly clear that the fight over "Obamacare" is merely an opening salvo. The real goal of the hostage takers is a "Grand Bargain" on the budget that would include cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
This has been the long-term agenda for debt crisis-monger Pete Peterson and government haters David and Charles Koch for many decades."
Starting Today, Maine Residents Can Officially Import Cheaper Prescription Drugs From Other Countries
Starting Today, Maine Residents Can Officially Import Cheaper Prescription Drugs From Other Countries: The first-of-its-kind law is drawing criticism from the pharmaceutical industry, which will challenge it in court.
10/8/13
Support For Obamacare Seen In High Demand
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10/7/13
Obamacare Is Right-Wing Proxy For Social Security and Medicare
Obamacare Is Right-Wing Proxy For Social Security and Medicare
"Despite all the sound and fury about Obamacare, here's the truth: It's not the prime target of the right. The real targets are Medicare and Social Security, as Rep. Barton admits in the video above when he says he wants "real reforms in entitlements"."
"Despite all the sound and fury about Obamacare, here's the truth: It's not the prime target of the right. The real targets are Medicare and Social Security, as Rep. Barton admits in the video above when he says he wants "real reforms in entitlements"."
10/4/13
15 Myths The Media Should Ignore During Obamacare Implementation
www.mediamatters.org/research/2013/10/01/15-myths-the-media-should-ignore-during-obamaca/196181
"Right-wing media have consistently hyped several myths about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during the lead up to open enrollment for state-based exchanges. As media outlets report on implementation of the health care law, they should be aware of these false claims, including zombie myths that the law includes "death panels" and that Congress is "exempt" from the law."
"Right-wing media have consistently hyped several myths about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during the lead up to open enrollment for state-based exchanges. As media outlets report on implementation of the health care law, they should be aware of these false claims, including zombie myths that the law includes "death panels" and that Congress is "exempt" from the law."
Republicans Continue Obamacare Assault
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Nevada Residents Are Calling Their Obamacare Hotline In Tears, Desperate For Health Coverage
Nevada Residents Are Calling Their Obamacare Hotline In Tears, Desperate For Health Coverage: The employees helping Nevada residents sign up for Obamacare say that uninsured people are calling them in tears, asking if they can get their coverage today and see a doctor this afternoon.
How A Rand Paul Republican From Alabama Learned To Love Obamacare
How A Rand Paul Republican From Alabama Learned To Love Obamacare: Joshua Pittman doesn't believe that Obamacare is perfect, but says Republicans in Congress should stop trying to repeal the law and give it a chance to work.
10/3/13
Despite Website Glitches, These People Have Successfully Enrolled In Obamacare Coverage
Despite Website Glitches, These People Have Successfully Enrolled In Obamacare Coverage: Technological issues didn't prevent everyone from signing up for Obamacare so far this week.
PERRspectives: Kentucky's Success Makes a Mockery of GOP Obamacare Foes
PERRspectives: Kentucky's Success Makes a Mockery of GOP Obamacare Foes
Meanwhile in Republican-dominated states like Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and more, the GOP has manufactured a "coverage gap" ensuring that millions of their residents will needlessly be left without health insurance next year. But as Governor Steve Beshear shows, it doesn't need to be this way. As Mark A. Rothstein, a professor of law and medicine at the University of Louisville put it:
Meanwhile in Republican-dominated states like Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia and more, the GOP has manufactured a "coverage gap" ensuring that millions of their residents will needlessly be left without health insurance next year. But as Governor Steve Beshear shows, it doesn't need to be this way. As Mark A. Rothstein, a professor of law and medicine at the University of Louisville put it:
"If the law can go in Kentucky, it can go anywhere."
10/2/13
Meet Butch Matthews, A Republican Who Came To Love Obamacare After Realizing It Will Save Him $13,000
Meet Butch Matthews, A Republican Who Came To Love Obamacare After Realizing It Will Save Him $13,000: But after doing a little research, Matthews eventually realized how much the law could help him. And on Tuesday, his local Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provider confirmed that he would be able to buy a far better plan than his current policy while saving at least $13,000 per year through Arkansas’ Obamacare marketplace.
Market Place Exchanges Roll Out
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Health Insurance Marketplace, Affordable Care Act
www.healthcare.gov/
No matter what state you live in, you'll be able to use the Marketplace to apply for coverage, compare your options, and enroll. Now Open
No matter what state you live in, you'll be able to use the Marketplace to apply for coverage, compare your options, and enroll. Now Open
Affordable Health Care's Long Time Coming
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Obamacare Rolls Out-Gliches And All
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