Tuesday, November 17, 2009

More Deceptive Talk

Yes our illustrious president continues to make false claims on this healthcare legislation.

On November 7th, President Obama made the following statement about the Pelosi plan. “The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and our government, while strengthening the financial health of Medicare.”

But once again, his claims are being challenged and disputed. This time it is by the non-partisan and independent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which is the agency in charge of running Medicare and Medicaid. They basically refute every claim he has made. The summary is as follows:

Health Care Costs Increase: “In aggregate, we estimate that for calendar years 2010 through 2019 [national health expenditures (NHE)] would increase by $289 billion, or 0.8 percent, over the updates baseline projection that was released on June 29, 2009.” In summary, Obamacare will cost more; not less

Millions Lose Existing Private Coverage: “However, a number of workers who currently have employer coverage would likely become enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program or receive subsidized coverage through the Exchange. For example, some smaller employers would be inclined to terminate their existing coverage, and companies with low average salaries might find it to their - and their employees’ - advantage to end their plans … We estimate that such actions would collectively reduce the number of people with employer-sponsored health coverage by about 12 million.” In summary and as we have continually stated, Obamacare will cause millions of Americans to lose their existing private coverage.

Millions Pay Fines Yet Remain Uncovered: “18 million are estimated to choose not to be insured and to pay the penalty associated with the individual mandate. For the most part, these would be individuals with relatively low health care expenses for whom the individual or family insurance premium would be significantly in excess of the penalty and their anticipated health benefit value.” In summary, 18 million Americans will either face jail time or be forced to pay a new tax they will receive no benefit from.

Millions Lose Medicare Advantage: “Section 1161 of Division B of H.R. 3962 would set Medicare Advantage capitation benchmarks. We estimate that in 2014 when the MA provisions would be fully phased in, enrollment in MA plans would decreased by 64 percent (from its projected level of 13.2 million under current law to 4.7 million under the proposal).” In summary, 8.5 million seniors who currently get such services as coor­dinated care for chronic conditions, routine eye and hearing examinations, and preventive-care services would lose their existing private coverage.

Millions Placed on Welfare: “Of the additional 34 million who are estimated to be insured in 2019 as a result of H.R. 3962, about three-fifths (21 million) would receive Medicaid coverage due to the expansion of eligibility to those adults under 150 percent of the FPL.” In summary; more than half the people who gain health insurance will receive it through the welfare program Medicaid which is already broke in most states, has limited physicians who accept it and it will add millions of dollars to State’s expenses which will ultimately lead to more state taxes.

Seniors Access to Care Jeopardized: “H.R. 3962 would introduce permanent annual productivity adjustments to price updates for institutional providers… Over time, a sustained reduction in payment updates, based on productivity expectations that are difficult to attain, would cause Medicare payment rates to grow more slowly than and in a way that was unrelated to, the providers’ costs of furnishing services to beneficiaries. Thus, providers for whom Medicare constitutes a substantive portion of their business could find it difficult to remain profitable and might end their participation in the program (possibly jeopardizing access to care for beneficiaries).” In summary; the Medicare cuts in the House bill are so out of touch with reality that hospitals currently serving Medicare patients might be forced to stop doing so. Thus making it much more difficult for seniors to get health care.

Poor’s Access Problems Exacerbated: “In practice, supply constraints might interfere with providing the services by the additional 34 million insured persons. …providers might tend to accept more patients who have private insurance (with relatively attractive payment rates) and fewer Medicaid patients, exacerbating existing access problems for the latter group.” In summary; those 21 million people who are gaining health insurance through Medicaid are going to have a very tough time finding a doctor who will treat them. This is especially true here in Indiana.

So the questions remains; Is Obama and his staff engaging in outright lies, are they just incompetent or are they trying to deceive the public for other reasons.

The blatant contradictions between what they say and what is truthful cannot be overlooked any longer.

**see www.Heritage.org

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4 Comments:

Blogger Slim said...

I think the answer to you question is both are true. It is obvious the Obama administration lies thru its teeth. While the 220 representatives that voted for Pelosi care are incompetent. Heading that list of incompetents is the Indiana 9th district rep - BDDINO - (blue dog democrat in name only) Baron Hill. Now that Baron is voted for the stimulus, tax and cap and now Pelosi Care, he is a very big target for removal from his job.

11/17/2009 08:00:00 AM  
Blogger Jeff Gillenwater said...

If the plan covers an additional 34 million Americans (about 11 percent of the population) and overall nationwide health expenditures increase by less than one percent over 10 years as reported here, doesn't it suggest that the cost per person will have been reduced? If cost per person remained the same or went up, wouldn't we be looking at an overall expenditure increase of 11 percent or more?

And didn't the CBO, who's analysis, unlike the CMS', calculated the impact on the federal budget, also find that the plan would cover an additional 34 million while reducing the federal deficit by $129 billion? That is, of course, in comparison to the Republican plan that would leave roughly the same number of people with no coverage but would reduce the deficit by much less ($68 billion).

While you're pondering that, consider this: $289 billion represents only 32 percent of what we've already spent in Iraq and Afghanistan.

11/17/2009 09:59:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Protecting the country is the governments job. Providing health insurance is not, never has been.

11/17/2009 01:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

only a looney liberal can make up the fuzzy math like bluegill is attempting to do.

the government cannot even maintain accuracy on its website

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/jobs-saved-created-congressional-districts-exist/story?id=9097853

How in the world can they run healthcare

11/17/2009 02:55:00 PM  

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