Worst Ezra Klein Column I’ve Read
- There are four Republican ideas incorporated in the Senate version of ObamaCare, including “end junk lawsuits.” (What? You missed that provision when you read the bill? I did, too.)
- In fact, if you really stretch, you can find six GOP planks in the bill. (Hey, we might as well call it “GOPcare.”)
- So why aren’t Republicans signing on to ObamaCare? Because they don’t want any health reform!
I hope this isn’t a preview of what the upcoming (White House/Congress) health care summit is going to be like.
There are (arguably) several areas of agreement between Democrats and Republicans in the health reform proposals passed by the House and the Senate. But these are eclipsed by about 2,000 pages worth of regulations the GOP cannot accept.
For instance: if there is an individual mandate, why does coverage have to be comprehensive plans rather than affordable HSA-type plans (or limited benefit plans sufficient for most people)?
If new subsidies are needed for moderate-income families (necessary to pay for costly comprehensive plans), why can’t the subsidies be in the form of a uniform tax credit?
If reformers believe new regulations are needed to assist those with pre-existing conditions, why don’t they beef up current regulations allowing guaranteed renewability and guaranteed issue only to those who have maintained continuous coverage?
If reformers want to encourage wellness, why do they disallow most (financial) penalties and rewards in the workplace?
If reformers want to allow interstate competition, why do they propose to over-regulate the market, making regulatory competition impossible?
These are but a few of the examples of why Republicans and Democrats find little common ground in the existing health reform bills.
John, you have a great sense of humor.
I agree with Vicki. This is funny.