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House votes to fund gov't, delay Obamacare

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Obamacare has been passed, signed into law, and upheld by the Supreme Court. But TeaRepublicans are still doing everything they can to fight the law, and we need to match them step for step.

The TeaPublican is throwing a ball back to Obama's court and is now trying to blame Obama for the government shut down.

They think American public is stupid. Hey, we ain't.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

They think American public is stupid. Hey, we ain't.

@globalwatcher--Enough are that these Republicans have public support for the stated and official reasons for all this.

As an independent I am happy to let them have as much rope as they need to hang themselves. As an anti-war person and person strongly against the police state the U.S. government has created and also against U.S. government international meddling, the though of the U.S. government shutting down is very appealing. But it won't happen.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Just delay it for a year. Obama has delayed half of it already so what's the big deal. I don't see why individuals should not be given the same consideration as Obama unilaterally gave to big business.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Obamacare has been passed, signed into law, and upheld by the Supreme Court. But Republicans are still doing everything they can to fight the law, and we need to match them step for step.

And this president was elected TWICE. The last poll shows 45% Americans still support Obamacare.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Any proof it will be cheaper Farmboy? Their is no evidence either way but if history repeats itself it won't be. Has ANY federal program been efficient?

As for uninsured, the poor have health insurance. The middle class has health insurance. The working struggling are the ones without and now they will be financially penalized if the elect not to purchase health insurance. Simply because they can't afford it.

The nation needs to generate good jobs and employ US consumers. Not at double digit realized unemployment can we initiate this "mystery" Obama care healthcare.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Obamacare will be a cheaper option for most people.

Cheaper than what ?

I have good employer coverage and my premiums have doubled in the last year but that is still 3x less than what I would be paying for the same plan on an open exchange. 40+ million may not have insurance and only 11 million or less are expected to sign up, most of the probably old or already sick.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

most of the probably old or already sick.

American senior citizens age 65 and older are on Medicare. For Americans with disability age 65 and younger in low income can still sign up for Medicaid.

40 million Americans who are not insured in this category can still sign up to get on Obamacare on Oct 1. You can go to your state online website to do that.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

American senior citizens age 65 and older are on Medicare. For Americans with disability age 65 and younger in low income can still sign up for Medicaid.

Yeah, but Medicare is cutting back on a lot of chronic disease coverage because the funds have been raided to pay for Obamacare so I'll be interested to see what happens to folks like those I know whose kidney dialysis will be cut off, free market coverage completely unattainable and who can't even go a few days without life sustaining support.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Yeah, but Medicare is cutting back on a lot of chronic disease coverage because the funds have been raided to pay for Obamacare so I'll be interested to see what happens to folks like those I know whose kidney dialysis will be cut off, free market coverage completely unattainable and who can't even go a few days without life sustaining support

No Lizz, you are not correctly informed. I have just checked your question with 2014 Annual Notice of Changes, I do not see Kidney dialysis is not in "coverage NOT covered" list. So it will continue the coverage as it has been. You can tell this to your friend to look for Chapter: Evidence of Coverage Section 3-1 in the middle of booklet. If she/he has question for this, she/he can check with local Medicare Representatives in her/his area. There are no significant changes, yes there are few minor changes, for 2014 Medicare. If she/he is not fully comfortable with this, then she can upgrade it with a madigap. Actually, my medicare coverage has been improved. I live in cost effective, high medical quality/friendly state.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Well at least two ladies I know have already received letters informing them Medicare payments were being cut effective 10/1. Maybe that was only for 75 and older policyholders or there was a misunderstanding and I will follow up on that very helpful information. Private insurance has been essentially subsidizing govt coverage for dialysis under the present system by paying out so much more than Medicare anyway but if they have to pick up even more there is no doubt it will be passed on to the consumer, especially in the later stages of the disease. And of course doctors and other providers will be reimbursed less under O-care so fewer doctors + many more patients + tons of free routine 'wellness' tests means people like me cam afford to operate on a cash basis for expedited care in the event of a serious illness but most less fortunate patients are going to be languishing weeks for the proper case.

On a more positive note, one sort of interesting silver linings that will come out of this will be the largest ever natural experiment in the effectiveness of insurance marketplaces ever launched. By comparing all these different plans once they have been running for a while we can learn what conditions (size, design, level of public outreach etc) have any impact and hopefully improve cost controls going forward.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

politics in the states is ridiculous.. and thats all i'm going to say

3 ( +6 / -3 )

politics in the states is ridiculous..

One good thing is I seriously doubt most Americans will notice if the government is partially 'shut down', never mind blame a party; unless there is a disease outbreak or something that couldn't be spotted or investigated immediately which hopefully won't happen.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

globalwatcher: And this president was elected TWICE. The last poll shows 45% Americans still support Obamacare.

Which is an absolutely amazing statistic considering you have a good portion of the public who won't support anything from the radical Muslim liberal President, plus you have others being bombarded by misinformation from the Right. Polls are also showing that the public does not want the government to shut down or the debt ceiling to be made into a crisis over the ACA.

MarkG: Has ANY federal program been efficient?

The federal government manages the exchange programs and set minimum standards on insurance companies. The companies themselves will now go head to head for customers in areas where they didn't compete before. ObamaCare increases competition amongst companies who will be providing the actual insurance.

The working struggling are the ones without and now they will be financially penalized if the elect not to purchase health insurance. Simply because they can't afford it.

If you you a single person making less than $50,000 a year you will be offered subsidies for purchasing insurance. The less you make, the more the subsidy is, all the way to the point where you can go on Medicare. The penalty is a way to make people actually go out and get insurance, especially younger, healthy people who will now be paying into the system where they didn't before.

Lizz: I'll be interested to see what happens to folks like those I know whose kidney dialysis will be cut off, free market coverage completely unattainable and who can't even go a few days without life sustaining support.

That sounds like Michelle Bachmann....

3 more days..... Go to HealthCare.gov to see the new system.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

And the Republican plan to improve health care and lower costs is what? All we hear from them is defund, delay, or repeal the ACA.

Medicare is by far the most popular health care coverage in the United States. It is not perfect, but it works well, as does the government-run system in Canada and other countries. The GOP is worried that people will actually like Obamacare, and they have said as much. And as has been pointed out by other posters, the majority of Americans decided twice to follow Obama's leadership as president. Live with it, or negotiate to have your own constructive plans added.

The Republicans are busy whipping up negative hysteria for their own congressional reelection (that means you, Cruz), but they are not concerned about the future of the nation.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Just checked rough costs from the Obama ACA website. If I were poor, I can get affordable healthcare. I am not poor and it looks like the promice of redistribution is also through ACA! I work hard for others to benefit. Sounds fair to me.

Oh wait! I choose not to drink the coolaid.

I have upper their healthcare currently that is affordable. I may want to downgrade and pay more.

Then again, nobody knows. I could be wrong but I'll bet I am right.

As for all you Obocrats, you don't know either!

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

LizzSep. 29, 2013 - 09:28AM JST

Medicare payments were being cut effective 10/1.

This is absolutely untrue. All Medicare change can only change effective 1/1. It does not change in middle of year.

Maybe that was only for 75 and older policyholders or there was a misunderstanding and I will follow up on that very helpful information.

Yes, you may. The Medicare cannot discriminate. This is available for every American who is over age 65 and older. Maybe you possibly be confused with a medigap to Medicare Advantage (Complete) plan? You may need a special help in this area.

Private insurance has been essentially subsidizing govt coverage for dialysis under the present system by paying out so much more than Medicare anyway but if they have to pick up even more there is no doubt it will be passed on to the consumer

All situation are different, but there is an absolute basic rule here for seniors age 65 and older with private insurance such as insurance coverage from employer (not medigap)., In this case, the primary insurance is a Medicare and private insurance becomes a secondary insurance. See Section 1-2 for Basic Rules for Medical coverage

And of course doctors and other providers will be reimbursed less under O-care so fewer doctors + many more patients + tons of free routine 'wellness' tests means people like me cam afford to operate on a cash basis for expedited care in the event of a serious illness but most less fortunate patients are going to be languishing weeks for the proper case.

You need to go online for healthcare coverage available for you. There are 4 different choices you can choose from: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum. If you know you are having a medical surgery in advance, then you need to choose one that will cover the most for you.

Good luck, Lizz.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

How does "Obamacare" compare to to the national health care systems of Canada, Australia or New Zealand? For those opposed to it, what should be done in the US ? I have some problems with Obamacare myself, but the US has a big problem with people going to the emergency room for any type of medical service.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Politics in the US is starting to prove that Democracy does not really work. Unfortunately there are no good alternatives.

The party of 'no' has to stop being cry-babies when policies they don't like are to be implemented for the better of the nation. "We want to be in charge, so NO!" doesn't work for the betterment of the people or society, especially when elements of the so-called Obama-care were introduced by Republicans in the past. If the shoe is on the other foot after the next election, which isn't looking likely given the in-fighting with the tea-bag party, they'll suddenly introduce some health care package, and the Dems will then fight it. The system is broken, but it's much more obvious when it's the Republicans whining.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Sorry for my sloppy posts above. My computer is acting out, it went out accidentally. Hope you understand what I am trying to say. My bad.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

MarkG: Just checked rough costs from the Obama ACA website. If I were poor, I can get affordable healthcare. I am not poor and it looks like the promice of redistribution is also through ACA! I work hard for others to benefit. Sounds fair to me.

HealthCare.gov gave you a price?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

House has just passed the bill to the Senate. The senate does not come back until Monday afternoon, therefore, I guess it is more than likely the government will shut down on Tuesday morning 1201 am.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Just delay it for a year. Obama has delayed half of it already so what's the big deal. I don't see why individuals should not be given the same consideration as Obama unilaterally gave to big business.

There are 20 million uninsured Americans that will become eligible for coverage on October 1. That is why.

Every year 25,000 Americans dies prematurely due to lack of healthcare now. That is why.

Because Obamacare is law as the SCOTUS decided. That is why.

The republicans lost the Senate, seats in the House and the Presidency on this issue. Yet they are such sore losers they want US soldiers to go without pay so they can essentially pretend to be anarchists and shut down the US government. They are traitors to their country. This will cost them the House in 2014. The republican party will need Obamacare after this attempted suicide.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

zurcroniumSep. 29, 2013 - 01:54PM JST

Very well said, thanks.

All soldiers in combat will not get paid.

Many kids in poverty will go hungry without food.

Many seniors depending on health sustaining equipment and Oxygen will not be delivered. Their equipment will be disconnected. Those COPD cannot breath without oxygen. These with ventilators, their lungs will collapse

And yet, all of these who want against Obamacare are shouting, "shut the fk the government, shut the fk the government and defund Obamacare, I am doing this for my principal!". Well, they do not realize the consequences that involve many innocent people who are in need. If Jesus were alive today, he would shed tears to see this mess. Forgive and bless those who know nothing. I am sure you feel good.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Let's be honest: It's not Obamacare per say, it is anarchy created by a certain group of extreme right-wing politicians who have justly earned the infamy of the anarchist. The proof is in the laundry list of their demands; some involve Obamacare; others are related to Obamacare, like their demand to allow companies to refuse contraception coverage on "moral" grounds; still more (primarily attached to the upcoming debt ceiling fight) have nothing to do with Obamacare - and in many, many cases, even nothing to do with the budget. "Anarchy" is the deliberate overthrow of established rules. These people are anarchists, pure and simple.

I'm afraid things will get worse before they get better. While Obama could simply ignore GOP efforts to refuse an increase in the debt limit (after all, that law is in direct conflict with the law that the chief executive must execute the budget passed by Congress), his steps would lead to a court battle and calls for his impeachment. He'd prevail in both, of course, but the damage to the Union would be great and long-lasting - and all of this is the fault of the Tea Party.

Seen. Tom Harkin, a veteran and centrist from Iowa, has some startling comments on the situation. < http://mobile.nationaljournal.com/congress/senator-says-politics-have-reached-civil-war-levels-20130927>

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I will keep my Japanese national health any day. America is outragious with med costs. Best deal in America is Aspirin. That is theonly thing we pay a heck of a lot for for some reason.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

LagunaSep. 29, 2013 - 03:10PM JST

Agree, that's why Tea Party gangs want one year extension. That's why.

Let me bring myself down to an ignorant peasant again if you allow me.. God created us in his image, and every piece of our hair is numbered. God hears everything what we say and sees everything what we do. These who are against Obamacare actually do not care about any of us. They are doing this as they just hate Obama from day one because he is Black. I am afraid they will try to crucify Obama on the Cross (impeachment).Bless those who know nothing. A broken tree can still bear fruits in the Garden of Grace.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I heard about the contraception issue but it's hard for me to believe at this point.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Super lib, even your worst fears of this cabal are likely too restrained. Their strategy to postpone the insurance enrollment requirement is too clever by half: it would destroy the ACA, and they are well aware of it. A large pool of young, healthy participants is required to maintain reasonable rates for all participants. The GOP suggestion for the youth of America is to avoid the ACA and pay the fine instead.

That is all fine and good for America's healthy youth until they are either no longer healthy or young - and an unfortunate inevitability of life is that this is the fate of us all. What then? - Well, the apparent GOP answer is to avail yourself of the emergency room because, by that point, you will have priced yourself out of affordable insurance.

Good luck with that, kids! Plus, you can stick it to grandma and that poor girl with leukemia at the same time!

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The thing is that I don't think Boehner is insane.... He might pretend to be, but I don't buy it. He's the one having to manage this war within the Republican Party.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

You need to go online for healthcare coverage available for you. There are 4 different choices you can choose from: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum. If you know you are having a medical surgery in advance, then you need to choose one that will cover the most for you.

Good luck, Lizz.

Like I made clear earlier I have excellent employer coverage that would be costing me 3 x as much on an exchange, at least and that isn't taking into account deductibles or out of pocket costs. I would also gladly pay 1-2 thousand for concierge care in the case of a serious illness to guarantee 24/7 access to my clinic and testing in addition to catastrophic coverage without going through bean counters, insurance and the government. Like it or not, the shortage of doctors and corresponding increase in patients means we will very quickly evolve into a two-tiered health-care system, with those who can afford it getting more care and better care.

All situation are different, but there is an absolute basic rule here for seniors age 65 and older with private insurance such as insurance coverage from employer (not medigap)., In this case, the primary insurance is a Medicare and private insurance becomes a secondary insurance. See Section 1-2 for Basic Rules for Medical coverage

I think what happened here is that under Obamacare the budget cuts and Medicare changes will effectively close down the smaller dialysis center in our area and indigent patients will be forced to discontinue therapy..

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Apart from McCain and a token few other Republicans, they're all insane if you ask me.

It looks like the GOP are really taking us all over the cliff they constructed this time. After alQaida, they're public enemy number 2.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Well, there is talk that Boehner would rather default on the budget than on the debt, as the former would simply be a crisis, while the latter would be a catastrophe. The idea is that, once bitten, twice shy; still, I have grave doubts that he's underestimating the rashness of his caucus.

Still, ironic enough, this whole brouhaha seems to be accomplishing an object give the GOP had sought to smother: it is raising awareness of the ACA and its provisions.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Mr plastic monkey, in your comment,

"It is not perfect, but it works well, as does the government-run system in Canada…"

there's a mighty big error right there. You've obviously never tried to get an appointment with a specialist in Kanaduh. Good luck with your stuffed up system about to be imposed on the good people of US of A. It'll sting at first, and then the pain will really set in.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Well, the ball is in Reid's court now.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Anyone see the opening skit from Saturday Night Live ? A total send off of the president and other leftist garbage. Hilarious. And great news for young people. Obamacare makes you buy the insurance you didn't want even when you had the job Obamacare just cost you.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/obamacare-cold-open/n41321/

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@Stan

You've obviously never tried to get an appointment with a specialist in Kanaduh.

That's right, but I have met people in the US who have gone broke for being seriously ill. Just remember that well over half of Canadians are satisfied with their healthcare system, compared to one quarter of Americans.

@Lizz

A total send off of the president and other leftist garbage. Hilarious.

Yeah, that sounds really funny. And relevant to an adult conversation about an important issue.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

"Obamacare makes you buy the insurance you didn't want even when you had the job Obamacare just cost you"

Cripes!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Laguna: Well, there is talk that Boehner would rather default on the budget than on the debt, as the former would simply be a crisis, while the latter would be a catastrophe. The idea is that, once bitten, twice shy; still, I have grave doubts that he's underestimating the rashness of his caucus.

Republican tactics are eclipsing their message. The media is openly calling Cruz an opportunist who created a media stunt to get donations and position himself as a candidate in 2016. People are going to see the contraception issue for what is it, which is trying to tack on their party platform while they know delays will cause Americans to not get paid. There's more of a focus on the GOP's war with each other than any message they can say about ObamaCare.

And we haven't even gotten to the battle over the debt ceiling yet, all because Republicans refuse to stop slamming their heads into the wall over the government funding issue that the public can clearly see cannot be won and will just hurt innocent bystanders. They're going to look like a party is is doing more of the same during round 2 and I have no idea how they plan to get out of this cycle of self-destruction.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

LizzSep. 29, 2013 - 04:35PM JST

As president stated, you can keep your employer's insurance.

Speaking about your friend on Medicare, she needs to select the best possible plan by November 6th to suit her needs that will be effective 1/1/14. If none is done she may lose her coverage. All American seniors have received a 100 page Medicare Annual Book on 9/15/13 if there is no address change. If not, she needs to contact with local Medicare Representatives. If she has a question, do not ask around to create more confusions. All local Medicare reps are licensed and well prepared to direct her questions to the right places.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Lizz: "One good thing is I seriously doubt most Americans will notice if the government is partially 'shut down', never mind blame a party;"

So being aloof or too self-complacent to care is a GOOD quality in your books? No wonder the US is sinking.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I'm surprised at how cordial the ACA comments are turning out. Nobody has reminded anyone to take their meds. Alas, Lizzz had to break the streak of cordiality, but learning from her comments that her clique is the medicare crowd, it must be a generational thing. Too bad there are no adult diapers that catch diarrhea of the mouth.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

TorafusuTorasanSep. 30, 2013 - 02:43AM JST

They are playing a gamble and are taking risks. I have a lady friend who has lost everything she owned as she was not on a right medical health care coverage. She lost a house worth over $300,000 asset to a legal subrogation ten years ago. It is absolutely essential to have a good health care coverage. But what can we tell them? Just in my state alone, we still deal with uninsured/under insured motorists. And believe or not, more than a 50% of them is in this category. They all believe they never get involved in auto accidents. Wala.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"And you can keep your Employers Healthcare plan!" Well that's AFTER They Cut Out the Wife & Kids who are now at the mercy of our "Beloved" Government! i worked Hard to get what a have now so to me this whole idea (ACA) is just another Freebee to those who are raised to believe they are Entitled to whatever they can grab so long as Joe Working Stiff will go along. Well, No Thanks!
0 ( +0 / -0 )

No interesting response to my question. Just a hit and run thumbs down. Well here's still hoping...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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