12/21/16
GOP Rep. Confirms It: Die And Die Quickly | Crooks and Liars
GOP Rep. Confirms It: Die And Die Quickly | Crooks and Liars
"Here's the scary part: Huizenga isn't alone, and these representatives have the best health care money can buy. He really believes what he's saying here, to the point where he'd let his 10-year old son be in pain until the next day instead of going to an Urgent Care facility to have it checked. These people are sadistic, murdering fools. And they're about to unleash their sadism on the rest of us."
"Here's the scary part: Huizenga isn't alone, and these representatives have the best health care money can buy. He really believes what he's saying here, to the point where he'd let his 10-year old son be in pain until the next day instead of going to an Urgent Care facility to have it checked. These people are sadistic, murdering fools. And they're about to unleash their sadism on the rest of us."
12/19/16
Trump Considers FDA Chief Who Says People Should Use Medicines “At Their Own Risk”
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-considers-fda-chief-who-says-people-should-use-medicines-ldquo-at-their-own-risk-rdquo/
"President-elect Donald Trump is weighing naming as Food and Drug Administration commissioner a staunch libertarian who has called for eliminating the agency’s mandate to determine whether new medicines are effective before approving them for sale. “Let people start using them, at their own risk,” the candidate, Jim O’Neill, said in a 2014 speech to a biotech group. O’Neill, has also called for paying organ donors and setting up libertarian societies at sea—and has said he was surprised to discover that FDA regulators actually enjoy science and like working to fight disease. A source close to the Trump transition team told STAT that Peter Thiel, the billionaire Trump donor who is helping shape the new administration, is pushing for the FDA appointment for O’Neill, his managing director at Mithril Capital Management. Trump’s focus on O’Neill was first reported Wednesday morning by Bloomberg. O’Neill would be an unusual choice. He is not a physician, and lacks the strong science background that nearly all former commissioners have had in recent years."
"President-elect Donald Trump is weighing naming as Food and Drug Administration commissioner a staunch libertarian who has called for eliminating the agency’s mandate to determine whether new medicines are effective before approving them for sale. “Let people start using them, at their own risk,” the candidate, Jim O’Neill, said in a 2014 speech to a biotech group. O’Neill, has also called for paying organ donors and setting up libertarian societies at sea—and has said he was surprised to discover that FDA regulators actually enjoy science and like working to fight disease. A source close to the Trump transition team told STAT that Peter Thiel, the billionaire Trump donor who is helping shape the new administration, is pushing for the FDA appointment for O’Neill, his managing director at Mithril Capital Management. Trump’s focus on O’Neill was first reported Wednesday morning by Bloomberg. O’Neill would be an unusual choice. He is not a physician, and lacks the strong science background that nearly all former commissioners have had in recent years."
12/15/16
Gingrich brags that Republicans are coming for everything FDR accomplished
https://thinkprogress.org/gingrich-brags-that-republicans-are-coming-for-everything-fdr-accomplished-28a1b1d46224#.lfz7bxme1
"Early signs suggest that Gingrich’s predictions that Roosevelt’s legacy could be undone should be taken seriously. Republicans in the House hope to cut Social Security benefits by 20–50 percent. Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan to voucherize Medicare would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by about 40 percent. Then he’d cut Medicaid by between a third and a half."
"Early signs suggest that Gingrich’s predictions that Roosevelt’s legacy could be undone should be taken seriously. Republicans in the House hope to cut Social Security benefits by 20–50 percent. Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan to voucherize Medicare would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by about 40 percent. Then he’d cut Medicaid by between a third and a half."
12/13/16
After Darkness Fell, Republicans Unveiled Their Sinister Plan To Dismantle Social Security
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/09/darkness-fell-republicans-unveiled-sinister-plan-dismantle-social-security.html
"There is a reason why this bill was put forward on Thursday night, instead of in the light of day. Republicans are trying to stealthily gut Social Security. They are hoping that the American people won’t notice that the program has been hollowed out until it is too late. The Republican course of action is both sinister and dishonest. If Trump and the Republican Congressional majority want to cut Social Security, they should look the American people in the eyes and own it. Republicans in Congress are setting themselves up to dismantle Social Security, and they are hoping that the American people will be too distracted by Trump’s Twitter account to catch on. Social Security will only be saved if the public is informed and ready to fight."
"There is a reason why this bill was put forward on Thursday night, instead of in the light of day. Republicans are trying to stealthily gut Social Security. They are hoping that the American people won’t notice that the program has been hollowed out until it is too late. The Republican course of action is both sinister and dishonest. If Trump and the Republican Congressional majority want to cut Social Security, they should look the American people in the eyes and own it. Republicans in Congress are setting themselves up to dismantle Social Security, and they are hoping that the American people will be too distracted by Trump’s Twitter account to catch on. Social Security will only be saved if the public is informed and ready to fight."
The Obamacare Economy: More Jobs (+15M), Rising Middle Class Incomes (+$3K), Lower Deficit (-2/3rds)
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/8/1564305/-The-Obamacare-Economy-More-Jobs-15M-Rising-Middle-Class-Incomes-3K-Lower-Deficit-2-3rds
"The Republican Repeal Plan would deliver a massive tax cut to the wealthy at the expense of workers and small businesses, who would lose access to valuable tax credits that help make coverage affordable. All told, the Republican Repeal Plan would cause nearly 30 million people to lose their health coverage by 2019, and it would leave states, cities, and counties with a huge new bill for uncompensated care. Of course, the Republican assault on Obamacare also threatens to eliminate basic protections against insurance company abuses, reopen the Medicare donut hole, and shorten the life of the Medicare trust fund. Each and every one of those points should be highlighted in the weeks ahead."
"The Republican Repeal Plan would deliver a massive tax cut to the wealthy at the expense of workers and small businesses, who would lose access to valuable tax credits that help make coverage affordable. All told, the Republican Repeal Plan would cause nearly 30 million people to lose their health coverage by 2019, and it would leave states, cities, and counties with a huge new bill for uncompensated care. Of course, the Republican assault on Obamacare also threatens to eliminate basic protections against insurance company abuses, reopen the Medicare donut hole, and shorten the life of the Medicare trust fund. Each and every one of those points should be highlighted in the weeks ahead."
12/11/16
Congress Introduces Legislation To Destroy Social Security | Crooks and Liars
Congress Introduces Legislation To Destroy Social Security | Crooks and Liars
"Billionaires like the ones in Trump's cabinet will rejoice, however, because they'll get a nice big fat tax cut as their reward for pushing these cuts."
"Billionaires like the ones in Trump's cabinet will rejoice, however, because they'll get a nice big fat tax cut as their reward for pushing these cuts."
12/10/16
Here’s how many people could die every year if Obamacare is repealed
https://thinkprogress.org/heres-how-many-people-could-die-every-year-if-obamacare-is-repealed-ae4bf3e100a2#.yok06jes0
"Ryan also wants to repeal Medicare and replace it with a voucher program that would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by an estimated 40 percent."
"Ryan also wants to repeal Medicare and replace it with a voucher program that would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by an estimated 40 percent."
12/7/16
Big Pharma Is Getting Ready to Celebrate Gluttony at the Expense of Health
Big Pharma Is Getting Ready to Celebrate Gluttony at the Expense of Health:
"So the lobbyists -- and the campaign cash flowing like milk to the coffers of congressional members and senators -- yielded exorbitant profits for the pharmaceutical industry. Now, they are back (not that they ever really went away) to push another bill that will enrich their bottom line while increasing consumer prices."
"So the lobbyists -- and the campaign cash flowing like milk to the coffers of congressional members and senators -- yielded exorbitant profits for the pharmaceutical industry. Now, they are back (not that they ever really went away) to push another bill that will enrich their bottom line while increasing consumer prices."
"Millions Of Americans Have Been Sucker-Punched. They Just Don't Know It Yet."
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/2/1606333/--Millions-Of-Americans-Have-Been-Sucker-Punched-They-Just-Don-t-Know-It-Yet
"One fact that got lost in this Presidential campaign was that the number of people uninsured in this country has plummeted over the past two years, solely because of Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” Approximately 13 million formerly uninsured were instead receiving health care coverage. Among those, about 8 million were whites without college degrees, who voted for the Orange Swindler by a ratio of two-to-one. Just doing the math (I know, math is very fact-based), Krugman points out: [W]e’re probably looking at more than five million Trump supporters, many of whom have chronic health problems and recently got health insurance for the first time, who just voted to make their lives nastier, more brutish, and shorter."
"One fact that got lost in this Presidential campaign was that the number of people uninsured in this country has plummeted over the past two years, solely because of Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” Approximately 13 million formerly uninsured were instead receiving health care coverage. Among those, about 8 million were whites without college degrees, who voted for the Orange Swindler by a ratio of two-to-one. Just doing the math (I know, math is very fact-based), Krugman points out: [W]e’re probably looking at more than five million Trump supporters, many of whom have chronic health problems and recently got health insurance for the first time, who just voted to make their lives nastier, more brutish, and shorter."
12/5/16
Democratic Senators Bust GOP Scheme To Secretly Confirm Social Security Privatizer
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/01/democratic-senators-bust-gop-scheme-secretly-confirm-social-security-privatizer.html
"Republicans are trying to jam through a confirmation to the Board of Trustees who if his positions were publicly known would spark backlash and outrage."
"Republicans are trying to jam through a confirmation to the Board of Trustees who if his positions were publicly known would spark backlash and outrage."
Democrats Drop A Bombshell Report That Exposes Trump’s Planned Devious War On Seniors
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/05/democrats-drop-bombshell-report-exposes-trump.html
"What it looks like the Trump administration is planning for is a destruction of the social safety net while handing massive tax cuts to millionaires, billionaires, and corporations."
"What it looks like the Trump administration is planning for is a destruction of the social safety net while handing massive tax cuts to millionaires, billionaires, and corporations."
Medicare is a battle for survival
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/4/1600918/-Medicare-is-a-battle-for-survival
"Republicans have been trying to destroy Medicare for 50 years"
"Republicans have been trying to destroy Medicare for 50 years"
Warning: This Trump Hire Is Hazardous to Your Health (And Not Just Your Medicare) @alternet
Warning: This Trump Hire Is Hazardous to Your Health (And Not Just Your Medicare) @alternet:
"Donald Trump’s latest cabinet pick endangers the health and well-being of millions of Americans. From tax cuts to surgeons’ income, Rep. Tom Price of Georgia — Trump’s choice to run the Department of Health and Human Services — has repeatedly fought for the wealthy and privileged at the expense of ordinary Americans. As a trained physician, Price is supposedly bound by the Hippocratic oath: “First, do no harm.” Unfortunately, he’ll soon be in a position to do a great deal of harm — and his widely publicized desire to gut Medicare is only part of the problem."
"Donald Trump’s latest cabinet pick endangers the health and well-being of millions of Americans. From tax cuts to surgeons’ income, Rep. Tom Price of Georgia — Trump’s choice to run the Department of Health and Human Services — has repeatedly fought for the wealthy and privileged at the expense of ordinary Americans. As a trained physician, Price is supposedly bound by the Hippocratic oath: “First, do no harm.” Unfortunately, he’ll soon be in a position to do a great deal of harm — and his widely publicized desire to gut Medicare is only part of the problem."
Obamacare and prochoice policies help reduce abortion rate to pre-Roe levels; lowest in 45 years
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/5/1607432/-Obamacare-and-prochoice-policies-help-reduce-abortion-rate-to-pre-Roe-levels-lowest-in-45-years
"Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that abortion rates in the United States in 2013 were the lowest recorded since 1971, a full two years before Roe v. Wade established a woman’s right to choose."
"Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that abortion rates in the United States in 2013 were the lowest recorded since 1971, a full two years before Roe v. Wade established a woman’s right to choose."
12/4/16
Paul Ryan's Medicare Plan Hinges on American Stupidity. Prove Him Wrong.
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51081/paul-ryan-medicare/
"You may recall that C-Plus Augustus—having been re-elected by a margin of 35 electoral votes in 2004, and I didn't remember that it had been that close—decided that he had accrued enough "political capital" to monkey around with Social Security. That attempt got body-slammed and its defeat started the downward spiral of his approval ratings from which he never recovered fully. This same thing should happen as regards any attempt by Speaker Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver from the state of Wisconsin, to enact his golden dream of demolishing safety-net programs that he believes make old people with Medicare less "free" than old people who slowly waste away in darkened apartments. His idea is to set up a program with criminally inadequate vouchers, slap the name "Medicare" on it, and hope that people are as stupid as he thinks they are. There is every indication that HHS nominee Rep. Tom Price is more than willing to play Johnny Hooker to Ryan's Henry Gondorff."
"You may recall that C-Plus Augustus—having been re-elected by a margin of 35 electoral votes in 2004, and I didn't remember that it had been that close—decided that he had accrued enough "political capital" to monkey around with Social Security. That attempt got body-slammed and its defeat started the downward spiral of his approval ratings from which he never recovered fully. This same thing should happen as regards any attempt by Speaker Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver from the state of Wisconsin, to enact his golden dream of demolishing safety-net programs that he believes make old people with Medicare less "free" than old people who slowly waste away in darkened apartments. His idea is to set up a program with criminally inadequate vouchers, slap the name "Medicare" on it, and hope that people are as stupid as he thinks they are. There is every indication that HHS nominee Rep. Tom Price is more than willing to play Johnny Hooker to Ryan's Henry Gondorff."
12/3/16
Pay more and get less: The Ryan plan to privatize Medicare
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/11/27/1602925/-Pay-more-and-get-less-The-Ryan-plan-to-privatize-Medicare
"It’s another “privatize the profit, socialize the risk” scheme. You will be told: There’s a crisis We have to do something There will be more choice We need to be “patient centered” Our solution is better, stronger, faster The market will produce savings through private sector “magic” and efficiency Don’t buy it. You will pay more and you will get less. This is the only “magic.” And if we sell off Medicare, we will never get it back."
"It’s another “privatize the profit, socialize the risk” scheme. You will be told: There’s a crisis We have to do something There will be more choice We need to be “patient centered” Our solution is better, stronger, faster The market will produce savings through private sector “magic” and efficiency Don’t buy it. You will pay more and you will get less. This is the only “magic.” And if we sell off Medicare, we will never get it back."
11/30/16
Why Trump's Nominee for Health Secretary, Tom Price, Is Completely Terrifying @alternet
Why Trump's Nominee for Health Secretary, Tom Price, Is Completely Terrifying @alternet:
"President-elect Donald Trump’s likely pick to head the Health and Human Services administration in his cabinet—Georgia Rep. Tom Price—is one more indication that not a single word that comes out of Trump’s mouth can be believed. It is also yet another sign that his administration will be an unfolding horror show of the most extremist right-wing hucksters intent on dismantling America’s safety net and moral standing in the world."
"President-elect Donald Trump’s likely pick to head the Health and Human Services administration in his cabinet—Georgia Rep. Tom Price—is one more indication that not a single word that comes out of Trump’s mouth can be believed. It is also yet another sign that his administration will be an unfolding horror show of the most extremist right-wing hucksters intent on dismantling America’s safety net and moral standing in the world."
11/25/16
Reminder: Paul Ryan is lying about Medicare and Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/11/21/1602672/-Reminder-Paul-Ryan-is-lying-about-Medicare-and-Obamacare
"House Speaker Paul Ryan has done nothing to indicate that privatizing Medicare isn't at the very top of his agenda in the new Congress, with a new president. In fact, while everyone in the GOP is a little unsure of what they'll do about Obamacare, they know they want to gut Medicare and do it fast. So it's worth remembering that Ryan's plan isn't just hugely unpopular and dangerous, it's premised on some pretty big lies. "What people don’t realize is, because of Obamacare, Medicare is going broke." — House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), interview with Fox News, Nov. 10 Our eyebrows went up when we saw this quote from Ryan. It has been a bipartisan fallacy to claim that the old-age health program Medicare is going "broke," which is incorrect […]. But what was notable was he specifically blamed the Affordable Care Act for making Medicare go broke. That’s doubly wrong. Let’s explain. The explanations: no, it's not going broke. As of now, the trust fund can maintain everyone who needs it until 2028. After that, without intervention, it would start paying out less benefits. Not "no" benefits. Reduced. That's if there isn't an intervention of some kind to further cut costs, enroll younger, healthier people, increase payroll taxes, or any other of good policy options for keeping it going. One of those policy options? Keeping Obamacare. Because Obamacare isn't making it go broke. Not at all. In fact, Obamacare has saved Medicare money, and extended the program's solvency by twelve years."
"House Speaker Paul Ryan has done nothing to indicate that privatizing Medicare isn't at the very top of his agenda in the new Congress, with a new president. In fact, while everyone in the GOP is a little unsure of what they'll do about Obamacare, they know they want to gut Medicare and do it fast. So it's worth remembering that Ryan's plan isn't just hugely unpopular and dangerous, it's premised on some pretty big lies. "What people don’t realize is, because of Obamacare, Medicare is going broke." — House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), interview with Fox News, Nov. 10 Our eyebrows went up when we saw this quote from Ryan. It has been a bipartisan fallacy to claim that the old-age health program Medicare is going "broke," which is incorrect […]. But what was notable was he specifically blamed the Affordable Care Act for making Medicare go broke. That’s doubly wrong. Let’s explain. The explanations: no, it's not going broke. As of now, the trust fund can maintain everyone who needs it until 2028. After that, without intervention, it would start paying out less benefits. Not "no" benefits. Reduced. That's if there isn't an intervention of some kind to further cut costs, enroll younger, healthier people, increase payroll taxes, or any other of good policy options for keeping it going. One of those policy options? Keeping Obamacare. Because Obamacare isn't making it go broke. Not at all. In fact, Obamacare has saved Medicare money, and extended the program's solvency by twelve years."
Donald Trump promised to leave Social Security alone, but his point man wants privatization
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/11/22/1603103/-Donald-Trump-promised-to-leave-Social-Security-alone-but-his-point-man-wants-privatization
"So much for Donald Trump's campaign promises. He pledged throughout the campaign that he didn't want to touch Social Security and Medicare. As we've already seen on Medicare, that pledge is out the window. Now it's Social Security, too. On Monday, the transition team announced that Tom Leppert, former mayor of Dallas, will be on the "landing team" for the Social Security Administration. Landing teams are charged with interacting with the federal agencies to set up Trump's new government. And Leppert, well, he's a privatizer."
"So much for Donald Trump's campaign promises. He pledged throughout the campaign that he didn't want to touch Social Security and Medicare. As we've already seen on Medicare, that pledge is out the window. Now it's Social Security, too. On Monday, the transition team announced that Tom Leppert, former mayor of Dallas, will be on the "landing team" for the Social Security Administration. Landing teams are charged with interacting with the federal agencies to set up Trump's new government. And Leppert, well, he's a privatizer."
WATCH: Donald Trump Is Considering Gutting Medicare And Giving It To Wall Street
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/11/25/watch-donald-trump-is-considering-gutting-medicare-and-giving-it-to-wall-street/
"If you’re on Medicare or close to qualifying for Medicare and you voted for Donald Trump, you’re a special kind of stupid who just got screwed. House Speaker Paul Ryan can’t wait for rubber stamp puppet Donald Trump to take over the White House. He and his fellow Republicans have waited for years to throw hard-working Americans off a cliff and now they are about to get what they always wanted."
"If you’re on Medicare or close to qualifying for Medicare and you voted for Donald Trump, you’re a special kind of stupid who just got screwed. House Speaker Paul Ryan can’t wait for rubber stamp puppet Donald Trump to take over the White House. He and his fellow Republicans have waited for years to throw hard-working Americans off a cliff and now they are about to get what they always wanted."
11/23/16
Here Comes the Republican Push to Destroy Medicare @alternet
Here Comes the Republican Push to Destroy Medicare @alternet:
"Despite the tension between Ryan and then-candidate Donald Trump, Ryan is now aglow—if not over Trump, himself, at least with the prospect of using his presidency to enact a long-dreamed-of plan to privatize Medicare. There seems to be no concern for the harm it would do to the recipients."
"Despite the tension between Ryan and then-candidate Donald Trump, Ryan is now aglow—if not over Trump, himself, at least with the prospect of using his presidency to enact a long-dreamed-of plan to privatize Medicare. There seems to be no concern for the harm it would do to the recipients."
Inside the GOP’s plans to raid the Treasury to enrich private companies
https://thinkprogress.org/inside-the-gops-plans-to-raid-the-treasury-to-enrich-private-companies-43c17269b839#.wg7fezghl
"President-elect Donald Trump, however, wants to break this link between risk and reward — that is, he wants to make taxpayers pay for roads that, ultimately, will be owned by private companies. And he’s not alone. The Republican Medicare plan jacks up the cost of caring for seniors, while enriching hospitals and insurance companies in the process. The Republican “replacement” for Obamacare, to the extent that such a thing even exists, helps insurance companies maximize their profits while taking away their obligation to cover people with expensive conditions. The Republican Medicaid plan could allow states to shunt Medicaid dollars to private plans that provide less coverage at a higher cost. It’s a great time to be alive — if you happen to run a company that’s positioned to cash in on this bonanza. Sure, it also means less health care for the most vulnerable Americans, less spending for the public good, and less public control over infrastructure such as roads and bridges once the Trump administration is over. But if you want to get rich providing inferior services for a government subsidy, now is the time to cash in!"
"President-elect Donald Trump, however, wants to break this link between risk and reward — that is, he wants to make taxpayers pay for roads that, ultimately, will be owned by private companies. And he’s not alone. The Republican Medicare plan jacks up the cost of caring for seniors, while enriching hospitals and insurance companies in the process. The Republican “replacement” for Obamacare, to the extent that such a thing even exists, helps insurance companies maximize their profits while taking away their obligation to cover people with expensive conditions. The Republican Medicaid plan could allow states to shunt Medicaid dollars to private plans that provide less coverage at a higher cost. It’s a great time to be alive — if you happen to run a company that’s positioned to cash in on this bonanza. Sure, it also means less health care for the most vulnerable Americans, less spending for the public good, and less public control over infrastructure such as roads and bridges once the Trump administration is over. But if you want to get rich providing inferior services for a government subsidy, now is the time to cash in!"
Big Pharma poised to help Trump shape his healthcare agenda
Big Pharma poised to help Trump shape his healthcare agenda
"the drug industry's allies, including lobbyists and senior elected officials who have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in industry money, are taking important roles in the transition and in work on the 2017 agenda."
"the drug industry's allies, including lobbyists and senior elected officials who have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in industry money, are taking important roles in the transition and in work on the 2017 agenda."
11/22/16
Paul Krugman Exposes Trump's Most Blatant Bait-and-Switch Lie @alternet
Paul Krugman Exposes Trump's Most Blatant Bait-and-Switch Lie @alternet:
"the team Trump is assembling is gunning for entitlements. "The transition team’s point man on Social Security is a longtime advocate of privatization," he writes, "and all indications are that the incoming administration is getting ready to kill Medicare, replacing it with vouchers that can be applied to the purchase of private insurance. Oh, and it’s also likely to raise the age of Medicare eligibility"."
"the team Trump is assembling is gunning for entitlements. "The transition team’s point man on Social Security is a longtime advocate of privatization," he writes, "and all indications are that the incoming administration is getting ready to kill Medicare, replacing it with vouchers that can be applied to the purchase of private insurance. Oh, and it’s also likely to raise the age of Medicare eligibility"."
11/18/16
No, Medicare Is Not an 'Entitlement,' and It Is Not Free
No, Medicare Is Not an 'Entitlement,' and It Is Not Free: "House Speaker Paul Ryan wants to raise the Lazarus of privatizing (and phasing out) Medicare from the dead. Paul Waldman of The Washington Post writes of the latest Republican effort to put a dagger through the heart of Medicare: As part of his strategy, Ryan must convince people that Medicare is all but dead already, so we don’t actually lose much by putting it out of its misery. That’s why he says things like, “Because of Obamacare, Medicare is going broke.” This is not just a lie but the precise opposite of the truth, and Ryan knows full well it is; in fact, the ACA extended the solvency of the Medicare trust fund by over a decade. And be warned: Any time you hear Republicans say the phrase “entitlement reform,” understand that phasing out Medicare is what they’re talking about...."
11/15/16
Disability Rights Advocates Are Terrified Of A Donald Trump White House
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/disability-rights-donald-trump_us_582487fae4b0e80b02cefa2f
"People with disabilities and their family members are deeply afraid of what a Donald Trump presidency has in store for them ― and they are already gearing up to resist harmful policy changes."
"People with disabilities and their family members are deeply afraid of what a Donald Trump presidency has in store for them ― and they are already gearing up to resist harmful policy changes."
Paul Ryan has Medicare in the crosshairs: Ryan’s been gunning to kill the program for years — and he senses his moment
Paul Ryan has Medicare in the crosshairs: Ryan’s been gunning to kill the program for years — and he senses his moment
"Today, Ryan finds himself with a surprising opportunity to enact his long-held dream of shredding America’s social safety net like Oliver North going after a filing cabinet full of Iran-contra documents. And first up on his chopping block is Medicare."
"Today, Ryan finds himself with a surprising opportunity to enact his long-held dream of shredding America’s social safety net like Oliver North going after a filing cabinet full of Iran-contra documents. And first up on his chopping block is Medicare."
11/11/16
Paul Ryan Says Medicare Privatization Is On
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/11/paul-ryan-says-medicare-privatization-is-on.html
"in a Fox News interview with Bret Baier, Ryan said Medicare privatization is on."
"in a Fox News interview with Bret Baier, Ryan said Medicare privatization is on."
The Republican Healthcare Plan: Gut Medicare and Blame Obama
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a50589/republicans-paul-ryan-medicare-obama/
"May I introduce you to Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver from the state of Wisconsin? Jonathan Chait in New York would like to explain to you all how you are about to get bamboozled into a worse life than you have right now. "Your solution has always been to put things together, including entitlement reform," says Baier, using Republican code for privatizing Medicare. Ryan replies, "If you're going to repeal and replace Obamacare, you have to address those issues as well. … Medicare has got some serious issues because of Obamacare. So those things are part of our plan to replace Obamacare." Yep. That's what's going to happen to your healthcare, gentlemen. And he's going to blame the black guy for it, and my money's all on you guys buying that wholesale. It is, of course, a blatant lie, because Paul Ryan is the…say it with us now…Biggest. Fake. Ever. The Medicare trust fund has been extended 11 years as a result of the passage of Obamacare, whose cost reforms have helped bring health care inflation to historic lows. It is also untrue that repealing Obamacare requires changing traditional Medicare. But Ryan clearly believes he needs to make this claim in order to sell his plan, or probably even to convince fellow Republicans to support it. One of the few positions on which the President-elect was marginally consistent during the campaign was that he would not touch entitlements. However, his economic plan was so stuffed with vague nonsense that I am fairly sure this is what's going to happen: Ryan will come up with some bullsh*t "stimulus" program that is larded with tax-cuts and other goodies, and he will offer it to the White House in exchange for his life's dream of shredding what's left of the social safety net. He will put together a big pot of offal, slap a label reading "Medicare" on it, and then peddle it to the suckers."
"May I introduce you to Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver from the state of Wisconsin? Jonathan Chait in New York would like to explain to you all how you are about to get bamboozled into a worse life than you have right now. "Your solution has always been to put things together, including entitlement reform," says Baier, using Republican code for privatizing Medicare. Ryan replies, "If you're going to repeal and replace Obamacare, you have to address those issues as well. … Medicare has got some serious issues because of Obamacare. So those things are part of our plan to replace Obamacare." Yep. That's what's going to happen to your healthcare, gentlemen. And he's going to blame the black guy for it, and my money's all on you guys buying that wholesale. It is, of course, a blatant lie, because Paul Ryan is the…say it with us now…Biggest. Fake. Ever. The Medicare trust fund has been extended 11 years as a result of the passage of Obamacare, whose cost reforms have helped bring health care inflation to historic lows. It is also untrue that repealing Obamacare requires changing traditional Medicare. But Ryan clearly believes he needs to make this claim in order to sell his plan, or probably even to convince fellow Republicans to support it. One of the few positions on which the President-elect was marginally consistent during the campaign was that he would not touch entitlements. However, his economic plan was so stuffed with vague nonsense that I am fairly sure this is what's going to happen: Ryan will come up with some bullsh*t "stimulus" program that is larded with tax-cuts and other goodies, and he will offer it to the White House in exchange for his life's dream of shredding what's left of the social safety net. He will put together a big pot of offal, slap a label reading "Medicare" on it, and then peddle it to the suckers."
Donald Trump Ran on Protecting Social Security But Transition Team Includes Privatizers
https://theintercept.com/2016/11/10/donald-trump-ran-on-protecting-social-security-but-transition-team-includes-privatizers/
"The SSA cannot unilaterally privatize the program. That takes legislation that Congress has to pass and the president has to sign. But if these are indeed the people the Trump administration is picking to helm the SSA, it’s a signal that he may be far more open to cutting benefits or privatizing the program than he let on."
"The SSA cannot unilaterally privatize the program. That takes legislation that Congress has to pass and the president has to sign. But if these are indeed the people the Trump administration is picking to helm the SSA, it’s a signal that he may be far more open to cutting benefits or privatizing the program than he let on."
If you have a preexisting health condition, don’t even think about leaving your job
https://thinkprogress.org/if-you-have-a-preexisting-health-condition-dont-even-think-about-leaving-your-job-f7d26493745b#.uew3rjyf7
"The Trump transition team published a brief summary of the incoming president’s health plan on its website, and the news is not good for the elderly, the poor, and millions of Americans with preexisting conditions. Much of the plan is vague. Trump plans to “Modernize Medicare,” for example, an unclear statement that is likely code for Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) plan to repeal Medicare and replace it with a voucher system that imposes much higher out-of-pocket costs on seniors."
"The Trump transition team published a brief summary of the incoming president’s health plan on its website, and the news is not good for the elderly, the poor, and millions of Americans with preexisting conditions. Much of the plan is vague. Trump plans to “Modernize Medicare,” for example, an unclear statement that is likely code for Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) plan to repeal Medicare and replace it with a voucher system that imposes much higher out-of-pocket costs on seniors."
11/9/16
I’m a disabled American. Trump’s policies will be a disaster for people like me.
http://www.vox.com/first-person/2016/11/9/13576712/trump-disability-policy-affordable-care-act
"Trump plans to slash the main source of federal financing for disability and aging services"
"Trump plans to slash the main source of federal financing for disability and aging services"
10/21/16
Trump adviser likens new rule protecting retirees to discrimination against slaves
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-fiduciary-duty-dred-scott-769442c5819#.12ikoxmvb
"Until recently, financial advisers who helped clients decide where to invest their retirement money were legally able to steer them toward products that made themselves money at their clients’ expense. That should soon change, thanks to a new rule from the Department of Labor finalized in April that will require these brokers to adhere to a fiduciary standard and to always put clients’ interests ahead of their own. But an economic adviser to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is already promising to roll that rule back."
"Until recently, financial advisers who helped clients decide where to invest their retirement money were legally able to steer them toward products that made themselves money at their clients’ expense. That should soon change, thanks to a new rule from the Department of Labor finalized in April that will require these brokers to adhere to a fiduciary standard and to always put clients’ interests ahead of their own. But an economic adviser to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is already promising to roll that rule back."
10/14/16
Right-Wing Organization Citizens United Hits New Low in Attempting to Scam Frail Elderly @alternet
Right-Wing Organization Citizens United Hits New Low in Attempting to Scam Frail Elderly @alternet:
"Citizens United—the unintentially ironic name of the conservative non-profit organization best known for the Supreme Court case that decimated the historical definition of personhood—is basically the worst organization to ever take up arms in the righteous battle against our democracy. But according to a new report, the group is even worse than previously realized."
"Citizens United—the unintentially ironic name of the conservative non-profit organization best known for the Supreme Court case that decimated the historical definition of personhood—is basically the worst organization to ever take up arms in the righteous battle against our democracy. But according to a new report, the group is even worse than previously realized."
10/2/16
Study Finds 20M Would Lose Health Coverage Under Trump Health Care Plan
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/study-trump-health-care-plan-20-million?utm_content=bufferd6375&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
"The result would be an estimated 45.1 million uninsured people in 2018 under Trump — an increase of 20.2 million, reversing the coverage gains under Obama."
9/25/16
Behold the GOP’s not-so-secret plan to dismantle government services: Defund, degrade and then privatize
Behold the GOP’s not-so-secret plan to dismantle government services: Defund, degrade and then privatize
"Social Security and Medicare have both been top targets via various schemes over the years, and this budget cycle is no exception, regardless of what noises Donald Trump may make."
"Social Security and Medicare have both been top targets via various schemes over the years, and this budget cycle is no exception, regardless of what noises Donald Trump may make."
8/28/16
Here are the lies about Social Security in Donald Trump's new nationwide ad
http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-hiltzik-social-security-trump-20160822-snap-story.html
"The Trump Presidential campaign rolled out its first major television ad last week, aimed at voters in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. For Social Security experts and advocates, it wasn’t worth waiting for."
"The Trump Presidential campaign rolled out its first major television ad last week, aimed at voters in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. For Social Security experts and advocates, it wasn’t worth waiting for."
Trump's New Ad: Social Security Lies, White Nationalist Sources
Trump's New Ad: Social Security Lies, White Nationalist Sources
"Donald Trump hasn't spent much money on political ads so far, but when he does he makes sure they have as many lies as possible."
"Donald Trump hasn't spent much money on political ads so far, but when he does he makes sure they have as many lies as possible."
8/19/16
Happy Birthday Social Security—Let's Remember That Mike Pence Was A Cheerleader For The Program's Destruction
Happy Birthday Social Security—Let's Remember That Mike Pence Was A Cheerleader For The Program's Destruction:
"On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Eighty-one years later it still represents one of the most successful social programs in our country’s history. Nearly 2 out of every 3 seniors rely on the Social Security for the majority of their income. If it did not exist, 44% of the elderly would live in poverty (added link). Currently only 9% do. As a member of Congress, Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee Mike Pence was one of the biggest cheerleaders for George W. Bush’s privatization plans and other reforms that would have harmed the program."
"On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Eighty-one years later it still represents one of the most successful social programs in our country’s history. Nearly 2 out of every 3 seniors rely on the Social Security for the majority of their income. If it did not exist, 44% of the elderly would live in poverty (added link). Currently only 9% do. As a member of Congress, Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee Mike Pence was one of the biggest cheerleaders for George W. Bush’s privatization plans and other reforms that would have harmed the program."
Meet The Anti-Obamacare Myth-Maker Trump Just Named To His Economic Team
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/betsy-mccaughy-trump-team
"the greatest asset she brings to Team Trump: an ability to serve up distortions and flat-out falsehoods about Democratic legislation that mainstream Republicans and even credible media outlets devoured and regurgitated as conventional wisdom."
"the greatest asset she brings to Team Trump: an ability to serve up distortions and flat-out falsehoods about Democratic legislation that mainstream Republicans and even credible media outlets devoured and regurgitated as conventional wisdom."
Donald Trump's Healthcare Plan Would Lead to Disaster Americans would be paying more for worse coverage
http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/476301/how-realistic-is-donald-trumps-healthcare-plan/?utm_source=atlfb
"In this short video, we explore the hypothetical reality of TrumpCare and what it would mean for Americans—in short, a public health disaster."
"In this short video, we explore the hypothetical reality of TrumpCare and what it would mean for Americans—in short, a public health disaster."
7/27/16
Groundbreaking Study Shows Cannabis Can Counter Alzheimer's Disease @alternet
Groundbreaking Study Shows Cannabis Can Counter Alzheimer's Disease @alternet:
"This promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is yet another way that the miraculous cannabis plant provides medical benefits to a host of human ailments."
"This promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is yet another way that the miraculous cannabis plant provides medical benefits to a host of human ailments."
7/24/16
Mike Pence's 0 percent rating on Social Security, Medicare
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/7/22/1549416/-Mike-Pence-s-0-percent-rating-on-Social-Security-Medicare
"That would be privatizing Social Security, just to be clear. In fact, he thought Bush's plan didn't go far enough or wouldn’t happen fast enough, "calling for an even larger private accounts scheme to be implemented sooner, putting Americans at even greater fiscal risk than the President's doomed plan." This deficit peacock was so serious about privatizing Social Security, he wanted to do it with increased deficit spending. Oh, but that's not all! He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Paul Ryan budget that first proposed making Medicare a voucher program. Raising the retirement age? You betcha. Cutting Medicaid? No problem. "I think everything has to be on the table … I think it's absolutely imperative, whether it's Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid," he said in 2010. "With regard to entitlements we're going to have to take some deep cuts in domestic spending." All of that led the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to score Pence at 0 percent on issues important to seniors during the 2011-2012 Congress. Just one more bad record to add to the Pence pile—and one more group of voters the Republican ticket is going to alienate."
"That would be privatizing Social Security, just to be clear. In fact, he thought Bush's plan didn't go far enough or wouldn’t happen fast enough, "calling for an even larger private accounts scheme to be implemented sooner, putting Americans at even greater fiscal risk than the President's doomed plan." This deficit peacock was so serious about privatizing Social Security, he wanted to do it with increased deficit spending. Oh, but that's not all! He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Paul Ryan budget that first proposed making Medicare a voucher program. Raising the retirement age? You betcha. Cutting Medicaid? No problem. "I think everything has to be on the table … I think it's absolutely imperative, whether it's Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid," he said in 2010. "With regard to entitlements we're going to have to take some deep cuts in domestic spending." All of that led the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to score Pence at 0 percent on issues important to seniors during the 2011-2012 Congress. Just one more bad record to add to the Pence pile—and one more group of voters the Republican ticket is going to alienate."
7/15/16
Conservatives Just Lost Their Battle To Privatize The VA
Conservatives Just Lost Their Battle To Privatize The VA
"a Congress-appointed commission has come out with findings that will disappoint privatization fetishists who want to dismantle the VA hospital system. The outlook for that Commission wasn't great. Congress appointed two Koch Brothers types to the panel, as well as hospital executives who stand to profit from moving veteran's healthcare to the private sector. The problem for conservatives in Congress is that the commission actually talked to veterans, and looked at the real data on how healthcare is delivered within the VA structure. Veterans overwhelmingly like VA hospitals and the care they receive at those facilities. In some cases, yes, wait-times for appointments are too long, and specialists in certain areas of the country are hard to come by. The process for being deemed eligible for care is still onerous, and needs a fix. And of course, VA hospitals deliver care at a lower cost than private hospitals."
"a Congress-appointed commission has come out with findings that will disappoint privatization fetishists who want to dismantle the VA hospital system. The outlook for that Commission wasn't great. Congress appointed two Koch Brothers types to the panel, as well as hospital executives who stand to profit from moving veteran's healthcare to the private sector. The problem for conservatives in Congress is that the commission actually talked to veterans, and looked at the real data on how healthcare is delivered within the VA structure. Veterans overwhelmingly like VA hospitals and the care they receive at those facilities. In some cases, yes, wait-times for appointments are too long, and specialists in certain areas of the country are hard to come by. The process for being deemed eligible for care is still onerous, and needs a fix. And of course, VA hospitals deliver care at a lower cost than private hospitals."
7/6/16
Ron Johnson Says Employers Should Be Allowed To Deny Coverage To Cancer Patients
Ron Johnson Says Employers Should Be Allowed To Deny Coverage To Cancer Patients
"Alan Grayson was right when he said Republicans want everyone to die, and die quickly. Here's a shining example of it for all to see."
"Alan Grayson was right when he said Republicans want everyone to die, and die quickly. Here's a shining example of it for all to see."
7/4/16
BREAKING, Republicans Unveil Plan To Raise Medicare Eligibility Age For Seniors
http://occupydemocrats.com/2016/06/23/breaking-republicans-unveil-plan-raise-medicare-eligibility-age-seniors/
"Ryan thinks that we should strip 20 million Americans of their insurance, cut healthcare subsidies for the poor, give the rich a tax break, and raise the Medicare age of eligibility. Ryan frequently attacks the poor, as we have written about previously, but this assault of senior citizens’ right to healthcare is a new level of appalling. Senior citizens already face many challenges. According to the National Counsel on Aging, more than 25 million senior citizens are economically insecure."
"Ryan thinks that we should strip 20 million Americans of their insurance, cut healthcare subsidies for the poor, give the rich a tax break, and raise the Medicare age of eligibility. Ryan frequently attacks the poor, as we have written about previously, but this assault of senior citizens’ right to healthcare is a new level of appalling. Senior citizens already face many challenges. According to the National Counsel on Aging, more than 25 million senior citizens are economically insecure."
7/1/16
The consequences of an election in Louisiana: 200,000-plus people now have Medicaid
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/6/20/1539922/-The-consequences-of-an-election-in-Louisiana-200-000-plus-people-now-have-Medicaid
"New Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is justifiably taking a victory lap after 204,000 people have signed up for the expanded Medicaid he enacted, since June 1—yes, just this month. He sees an upcoming trend."
"New Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is justifiably taking a victory lap after 204,000 people have signed up for the expanded Medicaid he enacted, since June 1—yes, just this month. He sees an upcoming trend."
5/30/16
Surprise, Surprise. Trump's Been Lying About His Opposition To Cutting Social Security
Surprise, Surprise. Trump's Been Lying About His Opposition To Cutting Social Security
"It should come as a shock to no one that Trump's been saying one thing to his supporters on the campaign trail, while telling the Zombie-Eyed Granny-Starver from Wisconsin something else in private."
"It should come as a shock to no one that Trump's been saying one thing to his supporters on the campaign trail, while telling the Zombie-Eyed Granny-Starver from Wisconsin something else in private."
5/26/16
5/24/16
Warren Incensed at GOP Effort to Gut Financial Protections for Retirees
Warren Incensed at GOP Effort to Gut Financial Protections for Retirees
"The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday to repeal a new Labor Department rule aimed at protecting retirement savers from Wall Street brokers. Yes, you read that right. The Labor Department rule, issued last month, requires financial advisors to adhere to a "fiduciary standard" that places client interests ahead of potential profits for themselves."
"The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on Tuesday to repeal a new Labor Department rule aimed at protecting retirement savers from Wall Street brokers. Yes, you read that right. The Labor Department rule, issued last month, requires financial advisors to adhere to a "fiduciary standard" that places client interests ahead of potential profits for themselves."
5/21/16
26 Preventative Health Care Services Available To Women Under Obamacare
http://samuel-warde.com/2016/05/26-preventative-health-care-services-available-women-obamacare/
"All Marketplace health plans and many other plans must cover the following list of preventive services for women without charging a copayment or coinsurance."
"All Marketplace health plans and many other plans must cover the following list of preventive services for women without charging a copayment or coinsurance."
5/20/16
Health insurance coverage in the US just reached a historic high
Health insurance coverage in the US just reached a historic high
"The number of people without health insurance coverage is now at a record low."
"The number of people without health insurance coverage is now at a record low."
5/12/16
House Republicans Have A Temper Tantrum Over Rule That Bans Financial Advisers From Scamming Retirees
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/04/29/3773960/republicans-fiduciary-rule/
"The Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized rules that require financial advisers who help people make investments for retirement to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own. But House Republicans aren’t letting the rule go into effect without a fight."
"The Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized rules that require financial advisers who help people make investments for retirement to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own. But House Republicans aren’t letting the rule go into effect without a fight."
Paul Ryan Versus The Cancer Patient
Paul Ryan Versus The Cancer Patient
"Because starving grandma isn't enough to get him attention, he now wants to stop the part of Obamacare that allows people with preexisting conditions to also have affordable health care insurance."
"Because starving grandma isn't enough to get him attention, he now wants to stop the part of Obamacare that allows people with preexisting conditions to also have affordable health care insurance."
5/10/16
3 Oligarchs-Turned-GOP Governors Who Are Laying Ruin to Their States @alternet
3 Oligarchs-Turned-GOP Governors Who Are Laying Ruin to Their States @alternet:
"If any state was justified in describing itself as a major Obamacare success story, it was Kentucky; that is, before Republican Matt Bevin was sworn in as governor. Kentucky, under Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, was the home of Kynect, a state-operated Obamacare exchange that resulted in 500,000 Kentucky residents gaining health insurance, including many poor people with preexisting conditions. But Bevin, a rabid Tea Party ideologue who defeated Democrat Jack Conway in Kentucky’s gubernatorial race in 2015, campaigned on dismantling Kynect, and he has been making good on his promise, causing considerable misery to people like Louisville mother Emily Pickett (who, on February 29, found out Medicaid coverage for her two small children had been cut off). Bevin, according to Cara Stewart, a legal aid attorney with the Kentucky Equal Justice Center, has brought about a “dramatic reduction in accessibility” to health care in his state. But the suffering of America’s poor is not a concern to Bevin any more than it is to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner or Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Bevin, Rauner and Scott epitomize a toxic breed of far-right Republican ideologues: greedy, enamored of corporate power and only too happy to attack the poor at every turn while their considerable fortunes continue to grow. Scott, Rauner and Bevin were all worth millions when they took office. But being ultra-rich was not enough for them; like true oligarchs, they craved more money and more power. And while Rauner and Scott’s states have suffered, their own bottom lines certainly haven’t."
"If any state was justified in describing itself as a major Obamacare success story, it was Kentucky; that is, before Republican Matt Bevin was sworn in as governor. Kentucky, under Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, was the home of Kynect, a state-operated Obamacare exchange that resulted in 500,000 Kentucky residents gaining health insurance, including many poor people with preexisting conditions. But Bevin, a rabid Tea Party ideologue who defeated Democrat Jack Conway in Kentucky’s gubernatorial race in 2015, campaigned on dismantling Kynect, and he has been making good on his promise, causing considerable misery to people like Louisville mother Emily Pickett (who, on February 29, found out Medicaid coverage for her two small children had been cut off). Bevin, according to Cara Stewart, a legal aid attorney with the Kentucky Equal Justice Center, has brought about a “dramatic reduction in accessibility” to health care in his state. But the suffering of America’s poor is not a concern to Bevin any more than it is to Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner or Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Bevin, Rauner and Scott epitomize a toxic breed of far-right Republican ideologues: greedy, enamored of corporate power and only too happy to attack the poor at every turn while their considerable fortunes continue to grow. Scott, Rauner and Bevin were all worth millions when they took office. But being ultra-rich was not enough for them; like true oligarchs, they craved more money and more power. And while Rauner and Scott’s states have suffered, their own bottom lines certainly haven’t."
Paul Ryan: Let's Bring Back Pre-Existing Conditions
Paul Ryan: Let's Bring Back Pre-Existing Conditions
"Paul Ryan is not working for his constituents, and neither are many of his cohorts in Congress. They are working to increase the profit margins of health insurance companies, period. Speaker Ryan wants to remove the provision of the president's signature health care legislation that prevents insurance companies from denying care to those with pre-existing conditions."
"Paul Ryan is not working for his constituents, and neither are many of his cohorts in Congress. They are working to increase the profit margins of health insurance companies, period. Speaker Ryan wants to remove the provision of the president's signature health care legislation that prevents insurance companies from denying care to those with pre-existing conditions."
Conservatives Were Stunningly Wrong About Obamacare, New Report Finds
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/04/18/conservatives-were-stunningly-wrong-about-obamacare-new-report-finds/209966
"A New York Times analysis found “historic increases” in those covered by the Affordable Care Act, destroying right-wing media predictions about health care reform including that it would “topple the stock market” and enslave Americans. The Times analysis is just one of many pieces of research that have highlighted the successes of the Affordable Care Act."
"A New York Times analysis found “historic increases” in those covered by the Affordable Care Act, destroying right-wing media predictions about health care reform including that it would “topple the stock market” and enslave Americans. The Times analysis is just one of many pieces of research that have highlighted the successes of the Affordable Care Act."
4/19/16
The Conservative Plan to Fix the VA Has Vets Hopping Mad
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/04/veterans-groups-really-dont-idea-privatized-va-system
"Some members of the commission established by Congress to evaluate the Department of Veterans Health Administration have proposed drastically reducing the size of the VHA by closing its health facilities and transferring the care of the nation's millions of military veterans to the private sector. But in a letter sent to the chair of the Commission on Care, leaders of eight of the country's most prominent veterans' advocacy organizations blasted the proposal."
"Some members of the commission established by Congress to evaluate the Department of Veterans Health Administration have proposed drastically reducing the size of the VHA by closing its health facilities and transferring the care of the nation's millions of military veterans to the private sector. But in a letter sent to the chair of the Commission on Care, leaders of eight of the country's most prominent veterans' advocacy organizations blasted the proposal."
A Secure Retirement Demands Limiting Conflicts of Interest
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2016/04/06/134883/a-secure-retirement-demands-limiting-conflicts-of-interest/
"Can you trust your financial adviser? Many Americans aren’t so sure. Thanks to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor, however, the answer may soon be “yes.” Today, the Department of Labor announced its final rule on conflicts of interest in retirement investment advice, also known as the fiduciary rule. Fiduciary is a five-syllable legal concept, but in practice, the intended effect of the rule is quite simple: All financial professionals selling retirement products will be legally required to act in the best interests of their clients rather than their own. The only reason why financial professionals are not required to do this currently is because of a 40-year-old loophole in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, that the Department of Labor is now closing. This effort has the potential to return at least $17 billion a year to savers and retirees through lower fees, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers."
"Can you trust your financial adviser? Many Americans aren’t so sure. Thanks to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor, however, the answer may soon be “yes.” Today, the Department of Labor announced its final rule on conflicts of interest in retirement investment advice, also known as the fiduciary rule. Fiduciary is a five-syllable legal concept, but in practice, the intended effect of the rule is quite simple: All financial professionals selling retirement products will be legally required to act in the best interests of their clients rather than their own. The only reason why financial professionals are not required to do this currently is because of a 40-year-old loophole in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, that the Department of Labor is now closing. This effort has the potential to return at least $17 billion a year to savers and retirees through lower fees, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers."
4/16/16
Job killing? Obamacare? Bwahahahahah
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/4/4/1509064/-Job-killing-Obamacare-Bwahahahahah
"Hospitals, doctors' offices and other healthcare settings added 36,800 jobs in March, representing roughly 1 out of 6 jobs that were created in the entire U.S. economy last month. That's after an amazing February, with 38,100 new jobs in the sector. So it's creating healthcare jobs, and it's not killing any other jobs. That's pretty cool! And one of the reasons why you just aren't hearing many Republicans uttering that "job-killing" phrase all the time now."
"Hospitals, doctors' offices and other healthcare settings added 36,800 jobs in March, representing roughly 1 out of 6 jobs that were created in the entire U.S. economy last month. That's after an amazing February, with 38,100 new jobs in the sector. So it's creating healthcare jobs, and it's not killing any other jobs. That's pretty cool! And one of the reasons why you just aren't hearing many Republicans uttering that "job-killing" phrase all the time now."
NY Times Report On Employer-Provided Insurance Puts Another Nail In The Coffin Of Conservatives' ACA Fearmongering
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/04/05/ny-times-report-on-employer-provided-insurance/209753
"Right-wing media have relentlessly hyped debunked myths and evidence-free claims about the ACA since its passage"
"Right-wing media have relentlessly hyped debunked myths and evidence-free claims about the ACA since its passage"
Idaho governor on not expanding Medicaid: People with insurance 'still die'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/29/1507746/-Idaho-governor-on-not-expanding-Medicaid-People-with-insurance-still-die
"if you could secretly survey Republicans everywhere on what they think about poor people and health insurance, this is what you'd hear back: They're all going to die anyway—might as well be sooner as later."
"if you could secretly survey Republicans everywhere on what they think about poor people and health insurance, this is what you'd hear back: They're all going to die anyway—might as well be sooner as later."
4/7/16
Wall Street Won’t Be Able To Bilk Retirees Anymore
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2016/04/06/3766942/fiduciary-rule-final/
"Up until now, the financial advisers who help retirees decide where to put their investments could legally steer clients toward decisions that made themselves more money at their clients’ expense. Now that practice will be against the rules."
"Up until now, the financial advisers who help retirees decide where to put their investments could legally steer clients toward decisions that made themselves more money at their clients’ expense. Now that practice will be against the rules."
Republican Lies About Social Security Debunked Again: So Why Does Mainstream Media Keep Repeating Them? @alternet
Republican Lies About Social Security Debunked Again: So Why Does Mainstream Media Keep Repeating Them? @alternet:
"Republicans have been gunning for Social Security for decades. This is understandable, as an ideological matter, because Social Security’s very existence undermines the anti-government mythology on which the modern conservative movement thrives."
"Republicans have been gunning for Social Security for decades. This is understandable, as an ideological matter, because Social Security’s very existence undermines the anti-government mythology on which the modern conservative movement thrives."
Ten Huge Drug Rip-Offs -- and Big Pharma's Massive Price-Gouging Campaign
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/35390-ten-huge-drug-rip-offs-and-big-pharma-s-infuriating-campaign-to-keep-on-price-gouging
"PhRMA, which spent $18.4 million lobbying lawmakers last year and BIO which spent $8.4 million, are among the top lobby groups on the Hill. Until 2010, PhRMA was headed by former Louisiana Rep. Billy Tauzin who resigned from Congress where he chaired the committee which oversees the drug industry only to immediately reappear as the leader of PhRMA where he drew a $2 million salary. Who can say revolving door?"
"PhRMA, which spent $18.4 million lobbying lawmakers last year and BIO which spent $8.4 million, are among the top lobby groups on the Hill. Until 2010, PhRMA was headed by former Louisiana Rep. Billy Tauzin who resigned from Congress where he chaired the committee which oversees the drug industry only to immediately reappear as the leader of PhRMA where he drew a $2 million salary. Who can say revolving door?"
3/19/16
Donald Trump's healthcare 'plan' is objectively awful
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/14/1501128/-Donald-Trump-s-healthcare-plan-is-objectively-awful
"Insurance would be so poorly regulated it would become essentially worthless for many. This, like every Republican proposal so far, wouldn't just take us back to the bad old days pre-Obamacare. It would be much, much worse than those days."
"Insurance would be so poorly regulated it would become essentially worthless for many. This, like every Republican proposal so far, wouldn't just take us back to the bad old days pre-Obamacare. It would be much, much worse than those days."
3/18/16
Elizabeth Warren Pressures Washington For a Vote on Her Sanders-Backed Bill That Would Give Seniors a Raise @alternet
Elizabeth Warren Pressures Washington For a Vote on Her Sanders-Backed Bill That Would Give Seniors a Raise @alternet:
"This week Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a petition of 800,000 signatures to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling on him to hold a vote on her Social Security bill. Warren, who was joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and a group of activists, is trying to get a vote on her SAVE Benefits Act, a piece of legislation that would give 70 million seniors, veterans and disabled people a one-time payment of $581 to compensate for the dormant cost-of-living adjustment in government benefits during 2016. The cost-of-living adjustment went into effect in 1975 and this is only the third time Social Security recipients will not get their annual raise."
"This week Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren delivered a petition of 800,000 signatures to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell calling on him to hold a vote on her Social Security bill. Warren, who was joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Tammy Baldwin and a group of activists, is trying to get a vote on her SAVE Benefits Act, a piece of legislation that would give 70 million seniors, veterans and disabled people a one-time payment of $581 to compensate for the dormant cost-of-living adjustment in government benefits during 2016. The cost-of-living adjustment went into effect in 1975 and this is only the third time Social Security recipients will not get their annual raise."
3/12/16
GOP Debate: Setting The Record Straight On Social Security
GOP Debate: Setting The Record Straight On Social Security
"1) Social Security is not going to "run out of money" and is not "going broke." The Social Security Trust Fund will rise to approx. $2.9 trillion at the end of 2019. Then it begins to draw on this fund and there is a potential funding shortfall in about 20 years. If nothing is changed the program would be forced to pay a bit less out to recipients. There are many proposals for fixing this, most do not involve future cuts in benefits."
"1) Social Security is not going to "run out of money" and is not "going broke." The Social Security Trust Fund will rise to approx. $2.9 trillion at the end of 2019. Then it begins to draw on this fund and there is a potential funding shortfall in about 20 years. If nothing is changed the program would be forced to pay a bit less out to recipients. There are many proposals for fixing this, most do not involve future cuts in benefits."
3/11/16
Why Seniors—Not CEOs—Deserve a Raise
Why Seniors—Not CEOs—Deserve a Raise
"Any conversation about tackling poverty in the United States should include protecting and expanding Social Security. The reason is pretty straightforward: Social Security is the most powerful tool available to lift people out of poverty. Nearly two-thirds of seniors depend on Social Security for the majority of their income, and millions more children and adults depend upon survivors and disability benefits. According to Center for Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of Census data, Social Security kept 21 million Americans out of poverty in the last year alone. All told, that’s more people than any other government program. Social Security works. No one runs out of benefits, and payments don’t rise and fall with the stock market. Despite scare tactics from Republicans in Congress, the facts are clear. Social Security has a $2.8 trillion surplus. If we do nothing, Social Security will be safe for the next 18 years, and after that will continue to pay three-quarters of benefits through the end of the century. Of course, we don’t have to sit by and to do nothing. Since its beginning, Social Security has been adjusted from time to time, and that’s what we need to do now. With some modest adjustments, it is possible to keep the system solvent for decades more, even while increasing benefits."
"Any conversation about tackling poverty in the United States should include protecting and expanding Social Security. The reason is pretty straightforward: Social Security is the most powerful tool available to lift people out of poverty. Nearly two-thirds of seniors depend on Social Security for the majority of their income, and millions more children and adults depend upon survivors and disability benefits. According to Center for Budget and Policy Priorities analysis of Census data, Social Security kept 21 million Americans out of poverty in the last year alone. All told, that’s more people than any other government program. Social Security works. No one runs out of benefits, and payments don’t rise and fall with the stock market. Despite scare tactics from Republicans in Congress, the facts are clear. Social Security has a $2.8 trillion surplus. If we do nothing, Social Security will be safe for the next 18 years, and after that will continue to pay three-quarters of benefits through the end of the century. Of course, we don’t have to sit by and to do nothing. Since its beginning, Social Security has been adjusted from time to time, and that’s what we need to do now. With some modest adjustments, it is possible to keep the system solvent for decades more, even while increasing benefits."
3/7/16
Twenty million newly insured Americans might have a bone to pick with Trump over Obamacare
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/3/4/1495389/-Twenty-million-newly-insured-Americans-might-have-a-bone-to-pick-with-Trump-over-Obamacare
"Try telling that to the 20 million people who have health insurance because of the law, Mr. Trump."
"Try telling that to the 20 million people who have health insurance because of the law, Mr. Trump."
This Letter Written by a Republican to President Obama Should Be Read By All Americans
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/03/this-letter-written-by-a-republican-to-president-obama-should-be-read-by-all-americans/
"Brown, who says he has voted Republican his entire life, was extremely critical of President Obama, and in particular the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That all changed when Brown was able to get treatment for a life threatening autoimmune disease through the ACA."
"Brown, who says he has voted Republican his entire life, was extremely critical of President Obama, and in particular the Affordable Care Act (ACA). That all changed when Brown was able to get treatment for a life threatening autoimmune disease through the ACA."
Young Republican Writes Obama To Thank Him For The ACA
Young Republican Writes Obama To Thank Him For The ACA
"The letter speaks for itself. To My President, I sincerely hope that this reaches you, as far too often praise is hard to come by. Apologies to people who deserve it perhaps even less so. I did not vote for you. Either time. I have voted Republican for the entirety of my life. I proudly wore pins and planted banners displaying my Republican loyalty. I was very vocal in my opposition to you–particularly the ACA. Before I briefly explain my story allow me to first say this: I am so very sorry. I understand written content cannot convey emotions very well–but my level of conviction has me in tears as I write this. I was so very wrong. So very very wrong. You saved my life. I want that to sink into your ears and mind. My President, you saved my life, and I am eternally grateful. I have a ‘pre-existing condition’ and so could never purchase health insurance. Only after the ACA came into being could I be covered. Put simply to not take up too much of your time if you are in fact taking the time to read this: I would not be alive without access to care I received due to your law. So thank you from a dumb young man who thought he knew it all and who said things about you that he now regrets. Thank you for serving me even when I didn’t vote for you. Thank you for being my President. Honored to have lived under your leadership and guidance, Brent Nathan Brown Watch President Obama's speech in Milwaukee below. He is introduced by the writer of the letter, and the intro is as good as the letter."
"The letter speaks for itself. To My President, I sincerely hope that this reaches you, as far too often praise is hard to come by. Apologies to people who deserve it perhaps even less so. I did not vote for you. Either time. I have voted Republican for the entirety of my life. I proudly wore pins and planted banners displaying my Republican loyalty. I was very vocal in my opposition to you–particularly the ACA. Before I briefly explain my story allow me to first say this: I am so very sorry. I understand written content cannot convey emotions very well–but my level of conviction has me in tears as I write this. I was so very wrong. So very very wrong. You saved my life. I want that to sink into your ears and mind. My President, you saved my life, and I am eternally grateful. I have a ‘pre-existing condition’ and so could never purchase health insurance. Only after the ACA came into being could I be covered. Put simply to not take up too much of your time if you are in fact taking the time to read this: I would not be alive without access to care I received due to your law. So thank you from a dumb young man who thought he knew it all and who said things about you that he now regrets. Thank you for serving me even when I didn’t vote for you. Thank you for being my President. Honored to have lived under your leadership and guidance, Brent Nathan Brown Watch President Obama's speech in Milwaukee below. He is introduced by the writer of the letter, and the intro is as good as the letter."
Trump Releases Health Care Plan, Promises To Reinstate Pre-Existing Conditions
Trump Releases Health Care Plan, Promises To Reinstate Pre-Existing Conditions
"Remember all that crap in the last debate/town hall about pre-existing conditions out of Trump's mouth?"
"Remember all that crap in the last debate/town hall about pre-existing conditions out of Trump's mouth?"
2/26/16
How an Army of Pharma Lobbyists in Washington Have Locked in One of the Biggest Corporate Ripoff Schemes in America @alternet
How an Army of Pharma Lobbyists in Washington Have Locked in One of the Biggest Corporate Ripoff Schemes in America @alternet:
"Drug companies have devised elaborate schemes for drug sales to states. The Texas attorney general's office charged Janssen with bribing Texas' mental health officials with trips, perks and kickbacks. Janssen also paid drug company-funded front groups, disguised to look like patients, to "give state mental health officials and lawmakers the perception that the drug had widespread support," reported Bloomberg. Many alleged patient groups agitating for approval of expensive new drugs or fighting so-called "barriers" to treatment and mental illness "stigma" are actually slick drug company marketing creations. Many are entrenched in schools and on college campuses to capture "psychiatric patients" at an early age, often ensuring decades of sales. In Texas, a Medicaid "decision tree" called the Texas Medical Algorithm Project was instituted that mandates doctors prescribe the newest and most expensive psychiatric drugs first. The program was funded, not surprisingly, by the Johnson & Johnson-linked Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Another tactic drug companies use is "helping" states buy their own brand-name drugs. No conflict of interest there! An Eli Lilly-backed company named Comprehensive Neuroscience "helped" 24 states use Zyprexa "properly," reported the New York Times."
"Drug companies have devised elaborate schemes for drug sales to states. The Texas attorney general's office charged Janssen with bribing Texas' mental health officials with trips, perks and kickbacks. Janssen also paid drug company-funded front groups, disguised to look like patients, to "give state mental health officials and lawmakers the perception that the drug had widespread support," reported Bloomberg. Many alleged patient groups agitating for approval of expensive new drugs or fighting so-called "barriers" to treatment and mental illness "stigma" are actually slick drug company marketing creations. Many are entrenched in schools and on college campuses to capture "psychiatric patients" at an early age, often ensuring decades of sales. In Texas, a Medicaid "decision tree" called the Texas Medical Algorithm Project was instituted that mandates doctors prescribe the newest and most expensive psychiatric drugs first. The program was funded, not surprisingly, by the Johnson & Johnson-linked Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Another tactic drug companies use is "helping" states buy their own brand-name drugs. No conflict of interest there! An Eli Lilly-backed company named Comprehensive Neuroscience "helped" 24 states use Zyprexa "properly," reported the New York Times."
Trump Vows To Terminate 22 Million Americans Healthcare In SC Victory Speech
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/02/20/trump-vows-terminate-22-million-americans-healthcare-south-carolina-victory-speech.html
"The election isn’t about a reality television star leading the Republican Party. 2016 is really about the unrelenting Republican quest to harm as many non-wealthy Americans as possible with a destructive agenda. For tens of millions of Americans, the 2016 election could be a matter of life and death."
"The election isn’t about a reality television star leading the Republican Party. 2016 is really about the unrelenting Republican quest to harm as many non-wealthy Americans as possible with a destructive agenda. For tens of millions of Americans, the 2016 election could be a matter of life and death."
2/13/16
Corporations Killed Medicine. Here's How to Take It Back
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/34784-corporations-killed-medicine-here-s-how-to-take-it-back
"Playing the role of modern-day lords of the manor are pharmaceutical corporations, which have taken a good that was once considered off-limits for private profiteering and turned it into an expensive commodity."
"Playing the role of modern-day lords of the manor are pharmaceutical corporations, which have taken a good that was once considered off-limits for private profiteering and turned it into an expensive commodity."
2/10/16
Despicable ‘Pharma Bro’ smirks his way through congressional grilling on drug price gouging
Despicable ‘Pharma Bro’ smirks his way through congressional grilling on drug price gouging
"Shkreli became widely hated when he raised the price of a life-saving drug used to fight infection in cancer and AIDS patients by 5,000 percent. He was arrested in December on federal securities fraud charges."
"Shkreli became widely hated when he raised the price of a life-saving drug used to fight infection in cancer and AIDS patients by 5,000 percent. He was arrested in December on federal securities fraud charges."
2/3/16
GOP Candidate's REAL 'Repeal And Replace' Is With Medicare
GOP Candidate's REAL 'Repeal And Replace' Is With Medicare
"It's clear from the Republican candidates statements and websites that replacing Medicare with a plan that forces senior citizens to buy health insurance continues to be Republican gospel. Please note that every candidate uses the canard that current retirees are unaffected by their proposals. (Unless they have 55 year old kids, who are screwed.) And none of the candidates address the specific impact on seniors of repealing Obamacare - covered wellness visits, closing the donut hole, etc. So yes, we are dealing with patent dishonesty as usual."
"It's clear from the Republican candidates statements and websites that replacing Medicare with a plan that forces senior citizens to buy health insurance continues to be Republican gospel. Please note that every candidate uses the canard that current retirees are unaffected by their proposals. (Unless they have 55 year old kids, who are screwed.) And none of the candidates address the specific impact on seniors of repealing Obamacare - covered wellness visits, closing the donut hole, etc. So yes, we are dealing with patent dishonesty as usual."
2/2/16
Fox News' Chris Wallace Crushes Ted Cruz on His Lies About the Economy Under Obama (Video)
Fox News' Chris Wallace Crushes Ted Cruz on His Lies About the Economy Under Obama (Video)
"Again, this is what Cruz does. He constantly tries to argue that reality isn’t reality and facts aren’t facts. And whenever he’s called out on his lies, he either attacks the person calling him out or the source being used to debunk whatever nonsense he’s trying to push. Ted Cruz is nothing but a propagandist and a con artist who built his entire career on lies, and I’m glad Chris Wallace called him out on one of them directly to his face."
"Again, this is what Cruz does. He constantly tries to argue that reality isn’t reality and facts aren’t facts. And whenever he’s called out on his lies, he either attacks the person calling him out or the source being used to debunk whatever nonsense he’s trying to push. Ted Cruz is nothing but a propagandist and a con artist who built his entire career on lies, and I’m glad Chris Wallace called him out on one of them directly to his face."
2/1/16
Ted Cruz fact checked by Fox News for Obamacare whopper: “There’s certainly no question that more people have jobs and more people have health insurance”
Ted Cruz fact checked by Fox News for Obamacare whopper: “There’s certainly no question that more people have jobs and more people have health insurance”
"The Texas senator and Tea Party hero repeated long debunked falsehoods about President Obama’s signature healthcare law"
"The Texas senator and Tea Party hero repeated long debunked falsehoods about President Obama’s signature healthcare law"
Fox Host Shreds Ted Cruz over Obamacare Falsehoods: 'More People Have Jobs and Health Insurance' @alternet
Fox Host Shreds Ted Cruz over Obamacare Falsehoods: 'More People Have Jobs and Health Insurance' @alternet:
"Cruz, however, argued that the fact checkers were wrong because they were biased."
"Cruz, however, argued that the fact checkers were wrong because they were biased."
1/30/16
Bernie Sanders Vows to Crack Down on Greedy Corporate Tax Dodgers
Bernie Sanders Vows to Crack Down on Greedy Corporate Tax Dodgers
"Singling out what he dubs the "top 10 corporate tax dodgers," Bernie Sanders on Friday pledged to close loopholes that let huge corporations avoid paying their fair share in taxes. The list (pdf) includes General Electric, Boeing, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Merck, and notes that several of the companies' CEOs, even as they sit on massive retirement savings, want to raise the eligibility age for—and make significant cuts to—social safety net programs like Medicare and Social Security."
"Singling out what he dubs the "top 10 corporate tax dodgers," Bernie Sanders on Friday pledged to close loopholes that let huge corporations avoid paying their fair share in taxes. The list (pdf) includes General Electric, Boeing, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Merck, and notes that several of the companies' CEOs, even as they sit on massive retirement savings, want to raise the eligibility age for—and make significant cuts to—social safety net programs like Medicare and Social Security."
1/26/16
1/23/16
Sorry Conservatives, Obamacare Isn’t Killing Jobs; In Fact, The Private Sector Is SOARING
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2016/01/14/sorry-conservatives-obamacare-isnt-killing-jobs-in-fact-the-private-sector-is-soaring/
"As Forbes’ Dan Diamond noted last week, since Obamacare was signed into law in March 2010 (or “Armageddon” as conservatives call it) the private sector hasn’t lost any jobs."
"As Forbes’ Dan Diamond noted last week, since Obamacare was signed into law in March 2010 (or “Armageddon” as conservatives call it) the private sector hasn’t lost any jobs."
1/9/16
Right-Wing Attack on Social Security Tries to Convince Us That Retirees Are Better off Than We Imagine @alternet
Right-Wing Attack on Social Security Tries to Convince Us That Retirees Are Better off Than We Imagine @alternet
"The right-wing war against Social Security has taken a turn into new heights of hyperbole and arrogance."
"The right-wing war against Social Security has taken a turn into new heights of hyperbole and arrogance."
1/8/16
PERRspectives: Bogus GOP 'Repeal' Bill Pockets Obamacare's Medicare Savings
PERRspectives: Bogus GOP 'Repeal' Bill Pockets Obamacare's Medicare Savings
"But the GOP's partial Obamacare repeal scam is even more sinister than it appears at first blush. After all, every GOP budget since 2010 has kept those same Medicare savings and used them to help fund a massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy. All of those Paul Ryan budgets also called for the voucherization of Medicare, de facto rationing that would dramatically shift health costs to future seniors"
"But the GOP's partial Obamacare repeal scam is even more sinister than it appears at first blush. After all, every GOP budget since 2010 has kept those same Medicare savings and used them to help fund a massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy. All of those Paul Ryan budgets also called for the voucherization of Medicare, de facto rationing that would dramatically shift health costs to future seniors"
House Republicans define insanity, vote to repeal Obamacare. Again.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/1/6/1466740/-House-Republicans-define-insanity-vote-to-repeal-Obamacare-Again
"The effort is a promise as to what Republicans would do in 2017 if they keep the Senate and win the White House: throw millions of people off of their health insurance plans."
"The effort is a promise as to what Republicans would do in 2017 if they keep the Senate and win the White House: throw millions of people off of their health insurance plans."
Heartless House Republicans Vote To Take Health Care Away From 22 Million Americans
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/01/06/house-dooms-gop-2016-voting-repeal-obamacare-defund-planned-parenthood.html
"The key takeaway from today’s vote is that Republicans are showing every American what they plan to do if they win the White House and keep control of Congress."
"The key takeaway from today’s vote is that Republicans are showing every American what they plan to do if they win the White House and keep control of Congress."
Big Strides for Health-Care Reform
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/34292-big-strides-for-health-care-reform
"One of the remarkable aspects of the politics of health care reform in America is the way that conservatives - even relatively mild, seemingly informed conservatives - have managed to keep believing that the Affordable Care Act is unraveling, despite the repeated failure of disaster predictions to come true. Part of the way this works is that when it comes to Obamacare, the captive media and the right's pet "experts" hype every bit of bad news about the law, but go silent when the news is good (and, often, when the bad news turns out to be a false alarm). How many people will even hear about the news that enrollments are once again running above expectations, and that the enrollment pool is getting younger? Anyway, it's really helpful to have a new report from the Commonwealth Fund comparing the actual performance of the ACA with pre-implementation predictions. It turns out that premiums came in far below expectations. (The 2016 premium hikes rolled back some of this positive news, but overall costs still look very good.) On enrollments: Fewer people than expected signed up for the exchanges, but an important reason was that fewer employers than expected ended coverage and moved their employees into the individual market. Meanwhile, Medicaid expanded more than projected - and the overall reduction in the number of uninsured Americans was pretty much in line with forecasts. So the program is achieving its goals, albeit with a somewhat different mix of insurance types than was originally predicted, and doing so more cheaply than anticipated. That's a big success story - and remember, the critics scoffed at those expectations and prophesied utter disaster."
"One of the remarkable aspects of the politics of health care reform in America is the way that conservatives - even relatively mild, seemingly informed conservatives - have managed to keep believing that the Affordable Care Act is unraveling, despite the repeated failure of disaster predictions to come true. Part of the way this works is that when it comes to Obamacare, the captive media and the right's pet "experts" hype every bit of bad news about the law, but go silent when the news is good (and, often, when the bad news turns out to be a false alarm). How many people will even hear about the news that enrollments are once again running above expectations, and that the enrollment pool is getting younger? Anyway, it's really helpful to have a new report from the Commonwealth Fund comparing the actual performance of the ACA with pre-implementation predictions. It turns out that premiums came in far below expectations. (The 2016 premium hikes rolled back some of this positive news, but overall costs still look very good.) On enrollments: Fewer people than expected signed up for the exchanges, but an important reason was that fewer employers than expected ended coverage and moved their employees into the individual market. Meanwhile, Medicaid expanded more than projected - and the overall reduction in the number of uninsured Americans was pretty much in line with forecasts. So the program is achieving its goals, albeit with a somewhat different mix of insurance types than was originally predicted, and doing so more cheaply than anticipated. That's a big success story - and remember, the critics scoffed at those expectations and prophesied utter disaster."
Once Again, The Right Wing's ACA Part-Time Myth Falls Apart
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2016/01/05/once-again-the-right-wings-aca-part-time-myth-f/207785
"Despite being repeatedly debunked, right-wing pundits have continued to push the false claim that the Affordable Care Act would negatively effect American employment, claiming its enactment would drive losses in full-time jobs while increasing part-time employment -- though no data has supported this assertion."
"Despite being repeatedly debunked, right-wing pundits have continued to push the false claim that the Affordable Care Act would negatively effect American employment, claiming its enactment would drive losses in full-time jobs while increasing part-time employment -- though no data has supported this assertion."
1/1/16
Lack Of Public Options Is How The Economy Gets Rigged Against Us
Lack Of Public Options Is How The Economy Gets Rigged Against Us
"We are banned by law from buying into Medicare until we are 65 -- and Republicans are trying to get rid of that by turning Medicare into a limited voucher to buy private scam insurance. That rigs the health care game against We the People."
"We are banned by law from buying into Medicare until we are 65 -- and Republicans are trying to get rid of that by turning Medicare into a limited voucher to buy private scam insurance. That rigs the health care game against We the People."
How Marco Rubio’s Scheme To Hurt The Poor Became A Campaign Rallying Cry (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/23/how-marco-rubios-scheme-to-hurt-the-poor-became-a-campaign-rallying-cry-video/
"Even though it is illegal to coordinate with super PACs, the New York Times pointed out that as this new super PAC ad debuted, Rubio’s campaign sent out an email with the subject “Marco: The Only Candidate to Strike a Blow to Obamacare.” Stomping on the face of those simply trying to have insurance coverage to cover their health care costs has now become just another way for a Republican to be elected president."
"Even though it is illegal to coordinate with super PACs, the New York Times pointed out that as this new super PAC ad debuted, Rubio’s campaign sent out an email with the subject “Marco: The Only Candidate to Strike a Blow to Obamacare.” Stomping on the face of those simply trying to have insurance coverage to cover their health care costs has now become just another way for a Republican to be elected president."
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