What are YOU expecting?

[bytor2112]

Mail runs at 11:00!! Excitedly, Bytor dashes to the mailbox and retrieves a large official envelope with the Seal of the President of the United States embossed on the front. He carefully opens the envelope with eager anticipation......what will he find inside? Ooh maybe, it will be a couple of paid in full Blue Cross/ Blue Shield cards and a prescription drug card providing medical coverage and prescription drugs to Bytor and his family....forever. Sweet!! Free Doctor visits and mammograms and free dental check-ups and no more annoying costs for drugs.......right? Is that what we should expect? Is that what we are going to get? If we were going to get this.....how much should we be taxed to pay for it? An extra 2% per person? I would pay that...would you?

Seriously, what are you expecting or hoping for and be specific. As I have stated previously, I am all for reform....just want to know what we get...don't you?

[Palerider]

Mail runs at 11:00!! Excitedly, Bytor dashes to the mailbox and retrieves a large official envelope with the Seal of the President of the United States embossed on the front. He carefully opens the envelope with eager anticipation......what will he find inside? Ooh maybe, it will be a couple of paid in full Blue Cross/ Blue Shield cards and a prescription drug card providing medical coverage and prescription drugs to Bytor and his family....forever. Sweet!! Free Doctor visits and mammograms and free dental check-ups and no more annoying costs for drugs.......right? Is that what we should expect? Is that what we are going to get? If we were going to get this.....how much should we be taxed to pay for it? An extra 2% per person? I would pay that...would you?

Seriously, what are you expecting or hoping for and be specific. As I have stated previously, I am all for reform....just want to know what we get...don't you?

its a secret...you won't know what you get untill you get it....if its anything like the IRS good luck trying to understand it...but hey...at least its free....:)

[Just_A_Guy]

I'm expecting to get a lot of pressure to go on whatever low-income program is out there, which I currently avoid as a matter of pride (heaven knows I qualify, with my income).

Once my income raises, I expect to be required to obtain health insurance. I expect to pay a lot more for that health insurance, because the publicly-mandated-privately-administered option will cost at least twice what the private sector currently would charge (I linked to a CBO letter to Senator Reid documenting this earlier; will have to hunt up the link). Private insurers will raise their rates to match the government option, partially because they can and partially because government (as any other big boy in the private sector) will administer consequences to any firm foolish enough to undercut them. And I'll still have to fight tooth and nail to get the plan to cover the health care procedures I actually need.

My insurance won't be qualitatively much better than it was when I was on the low-income option; and if it is it will be deemed a "Cadillac plan" and I'll pay even more for it.

Within fifteen years the system will need a new cash infusion, and as part of that we'll probably wind up with a full-blown public option. And then the feds will seek more openly to manipulate the health insurance market, to the detriment of its competitors.

Oh, and since something like 65% of all consumer bankruptcies are caused by health-care debt, as an attorney I'll see far fewer bankruptcy cases coming my way. (I'm sure work will pick up when the nation itself declares bankruptcy, though. )

Edited January 6, 2010 by Just_A_Guy

[bytor2112]

Oh, and since something like 65% of all consumer bankruptcies are caused by health-care debt, as an attorney I'll see far fewer bankruptcy cases coming my way. (I'm sure work will pick up when the nation itself declares bankruptcy, though. )

On a positive sidenote......well sort of, I read that you do estate planning.....that is about 20% of my practice and will likely be 50% or more after 2010, thanks to the sunset of the Bush tax....more specifically the death tax!

[john doe]

What am I expecting? A lot less than is being promised, with a lot more tax to pay for it.

[Just_A_Guy]

On a positive sidenote......well sort of, I read that you do estate planning.....that is about 20% of my practice and will likely be 50% or more after 2010, thanks to the sunset of the Bush tax....more specifically the death tax!

From what I've read, most of the estate planning bar seems to think Obama's going to revisit this issue in the next year or so. Things won't be as sweet as they were last year (let alone this year!), but it'll be better than it was before EGTRRA passed.

[bytor2112]

From what I've read, most of the estate planning bar seems to think Obama's going to revisit this issue in the next year or so. Things won't be as sweet as they were last year (let alone this year!), but it'll be better than it was before EGTRRA passed.

Seems like a hard sell....unless the Republicans take back the House. It will be interesting to see how much cash the government will miss out on during 2010.

[talisyn]

I expect nothing, because those opposing universal healthcare have discovered that a thousand tiny slices can do as much damage as one huge swipe to a bill. I give credit to President Obama, he said he was going to try to get universal healthcare during the campaign and kept his word. But we live in a mortal world with mortal concerns, and fortunately a mortal lifespan.

[boyando]

Oh, and since something like 65% of all consumer bankruptcies are caused by health-care debt, as an attorney I'll see far fewer bankruptcy cases coming my way. (I'm sure work will pick up when the nation itself declares bankruptcy, though. )

Cheer up Guy. If I could stereotype this latests plan, as I see it, it is very fair. It will increase bankruptcies, but it will increase bankruptcies for everyone. That's fair, isn't it?

[Misshalfway]

What am I expecting?

Congress to keep going round and round and round and round and round........

[bytor2112]

I expect nothing, because those opposing universal healthcare have discovered that a thousand tiny slices can do as much damage as one huge swipe to a bill. I give credit to President Obama, he said he was going to try to get universal healthcare during the campaign and kept his word. But we live in a mortal world with mortal concerns, and fortunately a mortal lifespan.

Perhaps President Obama should have tried to present his own plan.....instead of leaving it up to the likes of Reid and Pelosi. Some promised transparency would be nice too....don't you think?

That being said, I think there will be some type of new law...don't you? After we get through all the political wrangling and backroom payoffs.......I would REALLY like to know specifically what we (all US Citizens) will get and how much it will cost.

[nbblood]

I'm expecting to be informed I don't qualify for any "free" medical care and now I am required to maintain a certain level of coverage at an extremely inflated rate so I can pay for others' medical coverage. In addition I will be informed that if I don't maintain this "coverage" I will be fined and potentially charged with crimes.

Sadly, I think most people that think they're gonna get "free" medical coverage, who have never paid for medical insurance before, are going to find the same thing. And instead of getting "free" care, they're going to get the opportunity to take an additional $500 out of their monthly budget for something they haven't paid in the past.

Hmmm......perhaps I'm a little pessimistic about the whole program.

[Just_A_Guy]

Married Couples Pay More than Unmarried Under Health Care Bill

Wonder if this might have the unintended consequence of deflating some of the gay marriage movement?

[bluedreams]

I'm expecting to be able to leech off my parent's perfectly good health insurance for a few more good years while I'm single. I'm perfectly content mooching off of them and not thinking much about premium rates and health coverage.

I'm also expecting for this issue to come up yet again in my lifetime. We're upgrading health care from a bandaid to gauze and alcohol when really what's needed is some good ol' stiches and antibiotics.

With luv,

BD

[FairChild]

I expect the elderly, sick and disabled people that I care for to start getting less and less of what they need. I love my clients and worry about them all. FC

[talisyn]

Perhaps President Obama should have tried to present his own plan.....instead of leaving it up to the likes of Reid and Pelosi. Some promised transparency would be nice too....don't you think?

That being said, I think there will be some type of new law...don't you? After we get through all the political wrangling and backroom payoffs.......I would REALLY like to know specifically what we (all US Citizens) will get and how much it will cost.

President Obama told people what he wanted done, but then Washington did its magic and *poof* more of the same stuff that's been going on for the past 30 years or so. He even incorporated stuff McCain talked about during the presidential campaign and Romney put into play in Mass. but it still wasn't good enough. I think nothing will happen, just like nothing happened with Clinton's healthcare try. Or if anything does get pased it will be because it directly benefits the companies and lobbyists that are working so much harder than people like me. Heck, after all the work they put in to either kill or mutate any reform they deserve it.

I challenge the people who will blame this poor toxic-waste bill coming out on President Obama to compare it with what was promoted 6 months ago and see where everything went wrong.

P.S. Universal health care never meant free. I can't find any links that said it would be free lol.

Edited January 11, 2010 by talisyn
Forgot a whole sentence lol

[Moksha]

I'm not sure what to expect.

It depends on how many people are going to make a buck on the money between the health care need and the health care. If you cut out all the in between like the Japanese, then we will save a ton of money. It we allow more in between grabbing of the money like Germany, then it will cost more. It we allow a profits run wild scheme into the new health care system then it will be very pricey.

[Palerider]

Perhaps President Obama should have tried to present his own plan.....instead of leaving it up to the likes of Reid and Pelosi. Some promised transparency would be nice too....don't you think?

That being said, I think there will be some type of new law...don't you? After we get through all the political wrangling and backroom payoffs.......I would REALLY like to know specifically what we (all US Citizens) will get and how much it will cost.

Oh come on ...you and I both know it will be free and better.

Hey Bytor, pass that Kool aid over here.....LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bytor2112]

President Obama told people what he wanted done, but then Washington did its magic and *poof* more of the same stuff that's been going on for the past 30 years or so. He even incorporated stuff McCain talked about during the presidential campaign and Romney put into play in Mass. but it still wasn't good enough. I think nothing will happen, just like nothing happened with Clinton's healthcare try. Or if anything does get pased it will be because it directly benefits the companies and lobbyists that are working so much harder than people like me. Heck, after all the work they put in to either kill or mutate any reform they deserve it.

I challenge the people who will blame this poor toxic-waste bill coming out on President Obama to compare it with what was promoted 6 months ago and see where everything went wrong.

P.S. Universal health care never meant free. I can't find any links that said it would be free lol.

Respectfully, President Obama hasn't shown any leadership regarding this issue and frankly he will ultimately get the blame......that is the job he applied for and it comes with the territory. But let's not get sidetracked.....

What are you expecting or hoping for? Be specific. How will health care ultimately be delivered differently to ALL citizens? What will we ALL receive and how will it work? Like Medicare? I mean, I would like to know specifics...wouldn't you? It isn't going to be like Canada....where everyone is covered, so what will it be, exactly? Frankly, I don't have a clue.

[jadams_4040]

Mail runs at 11:00!! Excitedly, Bytor dashes to the mailbox and retrieves a large official envelope with the Seal of the President of the United States embossed on the front. He carefully opens the envelope with eager anticipation......what will he find inside? Ooh maybe, it will be a couple of paid in full Blue Cross/ Blue Shield cards and a prescription drug card providing medical coverage and prescription drugs to Bytor and his family....forever. Sweet!! Free Doctor visits and mammograms and free dental check-ups and no more annoying costs for drugs.......right? Is that what we should expect? Is that what we are going to get? If we were going to get this.....how much should we be taxed to pay for it? An extra 2% per person? I would pay that...would you?

Seriously, what are you expecting or hoping for and be specific. As I have stated previously, I am all for reform....just want to know what we get...don't you?

Nobody knows what it will be as of yet; one thing we do know is that the conservatives have allready made it clear that absolutely no upstanding hardworking american taxpaying law abiding patriotic citizen will get anything for free when they just happen to be down on there luck for a time.:)

[bytor2112]

Nobody knows what it will be as of yet; one thing we do know is that the conservatives have allready made it clear that absolutely no upstanding hardworking american taxpaying law abiding patriotic citizen will get anything for free when they just happen to be down on there luck for a time.:)

Nothing is free. Any service provided by our government is paid for by someone.

I am a conservative and I am all for helping others when they are down on their luck. The disagreement tends to be how and by what means it should occur. Frankly, I think the scope of Government aid should be narrow but provide more comprehensively.

(I promised myself that I wouldn't respond to nonsense......alas, I am a weak man, but, I am trying to be nice.:) )

[Palerider]

Nobody knows what it will be as of yet; one thing we do know is that the conservatives have allready made it clear that absolutely no upstanding hardworking american taxpaying law abiding patriotic citizen will get anything for free when they just happen to be down on there luck for a time.:)

You are just like the rest of us. You have no idea whats its going to cost us and how much tax dollars we will be paying for this. You just keep coming on here telling us how wonderful everything is. Just read his quote on my signature, he will do whatever it takes to pass this. Thats why so many Dems are not planning on running. Just listen to the news, doesn't matter which news channel.

[bytor2112]

Funny, I haven't read a single reply that points to specific hopes or expectations for such a BIG deal. Honestly, I think most people expected and perhaps were hoping for a Canadian like health care scenario, right? Something for everyone?

Any one that was hoping for that type of scenario must feel highly disappointed and for those who wanted some meaningful changes, like lower costs and more access or perhaps just an expansion of Medicaid on the State level or Medicare on the Federal, are equally disappointed and frankly hacked off at the prospect of "none of the above", yet an enormous price tag.

So, My question again is: What do we get? What should we get and how do WE pay for it? Make no mistake, I am for change and not opposed to paying, BUT, the question IS....what do I get and how much will I pay? Isn't that a fair question? If you were purchasing health insurance....you would want to know these things...yes?

(Currently, I pay $366.00 per month for major medical coverage for my family. That is my wife and I and two teen age sons. We have a high deductible, but it is 80-20 up to $10,000 and then 100% up to $2,000,000 per person.)

Edited January 11, 2010 by bytor2112

[Just_A_Guy]

P.S. Universal health care never meant free. I can't find any links that said it would be free lol.

It was, however, supposed to be affordable. But it isn't. Those who can purchase health care will be paying through the nose for it (even the semi-public option).

Those who can't purchase health care, if I read the proposal correctly, will apparently be shunted onto the existing Medicaid system. Which begs the question of why didn't we just expand Medicaid in the first place.

[Moksha]

BUT, the question IS....what do I get and how much will I pay?

That usually is determined by the policy and that policy has not yet been written. If it is like Medicaid, less and less is covered as the years go by.