Doesn't Suck

Health Plans Must Provide Some Tests at No Cost :

WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday issued new rules requiring health insurance companies to provide free coverage for dozens of screenings, laboratory tests and other types of preventive care.

The new requirements promise significant benefits for consumers — if they take advantage of the services that should now be more readily available and affordable.

In general, the government said, Americans use preventive services at about half the rate recommended by doctors and public health experts.

The rules will eliminate co-payments, deductibles and other charges for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests; many cancer screenings; routine vaccinations; prenatal care; and regular wellness visits for infants and children.

Other services that must be offered at no charge include counseling to help people stop smoking; screening and counseling for obesity; and tests for infection with the virus that causes AIDS.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/15/health/policy/15health.html

One very, very damned good reason why having Democrats in the White House doesn't suck.
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States Fighting Health-Care Act Don't Have Precedent On Their Side | Crooks and Liars

I do believe that the phrase "hoist on their own petard" comes to mind here:

States Fighting Health-Care Act Don't Have Precedent On Their Side | Crooks and Liars:

Reporting from Washington - Lawsuits from 14 states challenging the constitutionality of the new national healthcare law face an uphill battle, largely due to a far-reaching Supreme Court ruling in 2005 that upheld federal restrictions on home-grown marijuana in California.

But this week, Obama administration lawyers pointed to Scalia's opinion as supporting the constitutionality of broad federal regulation of health insurance, and most legal experts agreed.

I hate the individual mandate without a public option and I want to do everything possible to fix that, but pissing off Republicans just makes me smile. The fact that it's Scalia opinion that burning them on this, is just a gift. Hee.

They're Looking for a Hero...

THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF MOB HARASSMENT.... :

"...It's probably the one angle the corporate interests and their lobbyists haven't considered: the unintended consequences of rallying confused right-wing activists to shout down policymakers who'll improve their health care coverage"

They keep thinking that they can control these right-wing assholes, and they can't.

Very soon, these fools are going to find themselves a demagogue who isn't about lining his own pockets and isn't under somebody else's thumb and then we're off to the races.

"This is not to say all opponents of reform are radical extremists."

Yeah, they are.

"Obviously, those concerned about the reform proposals go beyond fringe, unhinged activists."

No, they dont.
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Medicare for All

Atrios : "...it's quite amazing the degree to which people talk about health care while ignoring the fact that a large percentage of our population - mostly, but not just, seniors - don't already pay for their health care with a government run insurance program."

(From earlier today, not that you noticed, Atrios)

Medicare works so well, that a great many wingers don't even think of it as a government plan, teh morans. So:

Medicare for All: No charge for over 55, under 18, and up to, say 400% of poverty level. Everyone else can buy in, or not, through employers.
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They Simply Won't Do It

Sebelius: Industry will keep promise to cut costs :

WASHINGTON – Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday she's confident health industry leaders will make good on their promise to slow the growth of medical care costs...


No, they won't.

There's no profit in it, they simply won't do it, and there is no reason in the world - NONE - why you should think so.

Any plan that includes the insurance companies will FAIL.

It is time for a public health care plan that covers all Americans. THEN talk to them.
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Universal health care NOW

It's time to seriously discuss universal health care.

From Spocko, one of my heroes:

I need to live in a society where my daughter's access to the insulin she needs every day to live is not subject to the whims of my employer. And I think Obama offers me that option.

I hope.
Adam Hominem

"...The economic crisis is actually the RIGHT time to start thinking about implementing universal health insurance.

The Progressive Shock Doctrine states that when there is an economic crisis it is the best time to look at Progressive solutions."

Sorry, Obama - any solution that allows the insurance companies to operate as they currently do is doomed to FAIL. Hillary can tell you that.

Medicaid for all citizens, and let the incos sell supplemental.