Republican hypocrisy: senate bill of ACHA being done in secret

[Billy000]

'We aren't stupid': Senate Republicans are keeping their healthcare bill secret for now

Despite what republicans like to believe, there was a great deal of bipartisan input on Obamacare. There was public exposure to the bill prior to becoming law.

Republicans now are keeping the senate bill of ACHA a secret - no democratic input in committee and no transparency to the public. Republicans want to pass this bill despite its abysmal unpopularity among the public.

23 million people will lose their insurance because congressional republicans only care about the monetary interests of the healthcare industry. Why are people still stupid enough to vote republican?

 

[Harry Dresden]

Why are people still stupid enough to vote republican?
because the alternative apparently is to vote democrat.....my question is....why do people keep voting for either one of these useless parties and the useless pieces of shit that are in the congress?.....

 

[Jackson]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

 

[BULLDOG]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

In secret? So how do you explain 160 hours of debate, 100 hearings, and 171 amendments from the opposing party when there are NONE of those things for Trumpcare?

 

[Jackson]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

In secret? So how do you explain 160 hours of debate, 100 hearings, and 171 amendments from the opposing party when there are NONE of those things for Trumpcare?

If both parties were going to be involved right off the bat, I don't think they could agree on anything. Like Obummer said, Elections have consequences.

 

[Dan Stubbs]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

In secret? So how do you explain 160 hours of debate, 100 hearings, and 171 amendments from the opposing party when there are NONE of those things for Trumpcare?

If both parties were going to be involved right off the bat, I don't think they could agree on anything. Like Obummer said, Elections have consequences.

Polosi was the runner to get it pass and the reason was you have to pass it to findout what was in the bill....someone bought the story. I was not me.

 

[Markle]

Obviously. the far left Progressives here have some sort of memory disorder.

During the time Obamacare was being crammed up our respective throats, Republicans were LOCKED OUT of meetings where Democrats were working on the fiasco.

Then they want us to forget this as well.

The list of payoffs that got Reid his cloture vote

POSTED AT 12:15 PM ON DECEMBER 22, 2009 BY ED MORRISSEY

Recall the moments in 2008 when Democrats like Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barack Obama campaigned on the platform of — must … control … gag … reflex — “Honest Leadership, Open Government”? This picture should jog your memories, and your own gag reflexes, especially that sanctimonious pose by Reid. The trio have managed to make themselves either satirists of the highest order or influence peddlers of the lowest while struggling to pass the second item on their legislative agenda. Politico’s Josh Gerstein reviews the ObamaCare compromise bill that Reid struggled to get past a wee-hours cloture vote in the middle of a blizzard in the Beltway. It’s an amazing list of pork and bribes, even for an old pro like Reid:

The multimillion-dollar deals cut with Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and others to win the 60 votes needed for the historic health care reform bill gave President Barack Obama the margin he needed to fulfill a central campaign promise — but may also have upped the ante for future presidential horse trading.

With the bill hanging in the balance, Nelson won a provision exempting his state from paying the usual share of costs for new Medicaid patients. The deal critics have dubbed the Cornhusker Kickback is expected to cost the federal government $100 million over 10 years.

Before a close vote last month, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) won an even larger break for her state — an estimated $300 million in extra federal spending, in a move opponents derided as the Louisiana Purchase.

Some critics branded the special deals as functionally equivalent to the kind of earmarks Obama crusaded against as a senator — and a quantum leap from eleventh-hour deals Obama’s predecessors have cut.

Let’s take a look at the list itself, which goes far beyond Nelson and Landrieu, the pair that IBD Editorials calls “the Louisiana Purchase and Omaha Stakes”:

Ø The bill contains unfunded mandates to states through the expansion of Medicaid but this time with new special treatment for the states of Nebraska, Vermont, and Massachusetts. These states will receive Federal Matching Assistance Percentages (FMAP) bonuses such that:

1. Nebraska will receive 100% FMAP for newly eligibles indefinitely, making it the only state where the federal government will pay for all new enrollees. CBO estimated the cost to the federal government (additional funds to Nebraska) would be $100 million, which may look small compared to the other deals negotiated, yet over the long-term will cost far more, since funding continues indefinitely.

2. Vermont will receive a 2.2% FMAP increase for 6 years for their entire program, thus receiving an additional $600 million over ten years.

3. Massachusetts will receive a 0.5% FMAP increase for three years for the entire program, thus receiving an additional $500 million over ten years.

§ Despite $120 billion in Medicare Advantage cuts, the Manager’s Amendment found a way for Florida residents, as well as some individuals in Pennsylvania and New York, and potentially Oregon, to be grandfathered out of receiving the cuts.

§ Dorgan and Conrad’s “protections for frontier states” provision would, starting in 2011, establish a 1.0 hospital wage index and geographic practice expense floors for hospitals and physicians located in states where at least 50% of the counties in the state are “frontier”. Not surprisingly, states that qualify and benefit from the provision are Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Of the many problems with these “sweetheart” deals, is the door it leaves wide open for more federal involvement and financing of state-based entitlement programs. Sen. Harkin said it best when he stated “In 2017, as you know, when we have to start phasing back from 100%, and going down to 98%, they are going to say, ’Wait, there is one state that stays at 100?’ And every governor in the country is going to say, ‘Why doesn’t our state stay there?’…When you look at it, I thought well, god, good, it is going to be the impetus for all the states to stay at 100%. So he [Nelson] might have done all of us a favor.”

Changes for Sen. Ben Nelson (Nebraska)

§ Nelson secured more than just 100% federal funding for Nebraska’s Medicaid expansion, the list of “sweeteners” (also called the “Cornhusker kickback” by Senate Republicans) includes:

§ An exemption from the insurance tax for Nebraska non-profit insurers, with language written in a way that only applies to Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans (BCBS) of Nebraska (and Michigan). According to news reports, Nelson’s office states that BCBS “would pay between $15 million and $20 million less in fees under the Senate bill than it would have without a change.”

§ An exemption from taxes for Medicare supplemental (“Medigap”) insurance providers. Specifically, Mutual of Omaha, will not have to pay taxes on Medigap insurance, while reports also indicate that this tax break will be extended to other companies.

§ Some changes requested by Nelson would benefit people across the country, such as the inflation adjustment to the $2,500 cap on tax-exempt contributions to Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs) and exemptions for nearly 55 physician-owned hospitals that have a provider agreement to participate in Medicare by August 1, 2010 (pushed back from February 1, 2010).

Changes for Sen. Levin (Michigan)

§ According to reports, Like Nelson, Levin sought an exemption from the $6 billion annual fee for non-profits, as non-profit insurers make up 76% of industry profits, but drew opposition from liberals. Ultimately, Levin got an exemption from the insurance tax for Michigan non-profit insurers, with language written in a way that applies to Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans (BCBS) of Michigan (and Nebraska).

§ Furthermore, the amendment changes the extension of section 508 hospital provisions so that hospitals in Michigan (as well as Connecticut) have the option to benefit under them if it means higher payments.

Changes for Sen. Landrieu (Louisiana):

§ Landrieu was one of the first Senators to secure a sweetheart deal, aptly nicknamed the “Louisiana Purchase”; she traded her support for bringing the bill to the floor for a $300 million increase in Medicaid funding for Louisiana. The underlying bill was cryptically written to increase federal Medicaid subsidies for “certain states recovering from a major disaster” during the past 7 years that have been declared a “major disaster area” — and is meant to replenish the decrease in federal money resulting from an “abnormally inflated” per capita income in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina. This was due to an influx of insurance dollars, federal grants and increased labor wages.

Changes for Sen. Sanders (Vermont):

§ In addition the Vermont FMAP increase, the amendment includes a provision pushed by Sanders to provide an additional $10 billion in funding for community health centers and the National Health Services Corps which he argues would provide primary care to 25 million more people.

Changes for Sen. Bill Nelson (Florida)

Ø As noted above, Nelson was able to secure a deal to keep Medicare Advantage plans enrollees in Florida grandfathered in. Notably, when McCain tried to offer an amendment to allow all enrollees to be grandfathered in, 57 Democrats voted against it.

Changes for Hawaii: The Manager’s Amendment singles out Hawaii as the only state to receive a Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) extension.

Changes for Sen. Lieberman (Connecticut): It amends the extension of section 508 hospital provisions so that hospitals in Connecticut (as well as Michigan) have the option to benefit under them if it means higher payments.

Changes for Sen. Dodd (Connecticut): It was a mystery until just revealed that Chris Dodd’s state will benefit from a cryptically awarded $100 million for a “Health Care Facility” at a public research university that contains a state’s sole public academic medical and dental school—criteria designed to apply to the University of Connecticut.

Changes for Sen. Baucus (Montana):

Ø Baucus secured a pilot program in the amendment to “provide innovative approaches to furnishing comprehensive, coordinated, and cost-effective care” to certain qualified individuals. A qualified individual “is an environmental exposure affected individual…who resides in or around the geographic area subject to an emergency declaration made as of June 17, 2009.” And who might these select few individuals be? Well, according to EPA, “On June 17, 2009, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson issued a Public Health Emergency (PHE) finding at the Libby Asbestos Superfund site in northwest Montana.” This provision would help residents of Libby by allowing them to sign up for Medicare benefits.

It seems to me that if ObamaCare really reformed the process, we wouldn’t need all of these exceptions to its rules. After all, it’s supposed to “bend the cost curve downward” for everyone. If it does that, then why does Hawaii need a DSH extension? Why does Connecticut need exemptions for its hospitals and a $100 million grant, if we’re leveling the playing field?

This list shows why Congress wants to pass this overhaul. They want the ability to demand these favors not just now, but forever. When government controls the system, then the politicians control the spoils. This list is just the appetizers. They’ll be chowing down on pork banquets for decades if this passes into law, and doing it just as dishonestly as this process has been handled all along.

The list of payoffs that got Reid his cloture vote - Hot Air

 

[Billy000]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

Um Dems will expect coverage of pre existing conditions and to keep premiums for the poor reasonable. That's something republicans won't give a shit about.

 

[BULLDOG]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

In secret? So how do you explain 160 hours of debate, 100 hearings, and 171 amendments from the opposing party when there are NONE of those things for Trumpcare?

If both parties were going to be involved right off the bat, I don't think they could agree on anything. Like Obummer said, Elections have consequences.

So those 171 amendments from republicans didn't happen? Are you saying the congressional record is wrong?

 

[Denechek]

There was public exposure to the bill prior to becoming law? Guess you're choosing to forget Nancy Pelosi stating "you have to pass" Obamacare "before you can find out what's in it"... Hopefully I will be one of those thousands who lose their health care along with anyone else who had it shoved down their throat.

 

[BULLDOG]

There was public exposure to the bill prior to becoming law? Guess you're choosing to forget Nancy Pelosi stating "you have to pass" Obamacare "before you can find out what's in it"... Hopefully I will be one of those thousands who lose their health care along with anyone else who had it shoved down their throat.

Guess you're choosing to forget the complete quote of Nancy Pelosi stating “But we have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of controversy.” As usual the right has lied by removing the pertinent part and taking the rest out of context. I'll bet that after all the times the right has gleefully spouted that line, you don't remember hearing the complete quote, or what it means in context, even once.

 

[jknowgood]

'We aren't stupid': Senate Republicans are keeping their healthcare bill secret for now

Despite what republicans like to believe, there was a great deal of bipartisan input on Obamacare. There was public exposure to the bill prior to becoming law.

Republicans now are keeping the senate bill of ACHA a secret - no democratic input in committee and no transparency to the public. Republicans want to pass this bill despite its abysmal unpopularity among the public.

23 million people will lose their insurance because congressional republicans only care about the monetary interests of the healthcare industry. Why are people still stupid enough to vote republican?

Pelosi, we have to pass it to find out what's in it. Need I say more?

 

[jknowgood]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

Um Dems will expect coverage of pre existing conditions and to keep premiums for the poor reasonable. That's something republicans won't give a shit about.

But, but obamacare is unaffordable now and is imploding.

 

[Denechek]

Your brain chemistry has obviously been affected by all the anxiety you’ve been suffering since we took America back. You might consider forgoing the mental masturbation and seek out Dr. Chopra for that. In the meantime, simply because I did not choose to quote Pelosi’s entire rambling does not mean that I am lying, or taking things out of context as you have done. I remember very well what “fog” of controversy was surrounding the issue, namely the controversy of everyone being handed a ton of legislation without being afforded the time to read it. Living in a fog is something she has grown used to, along with the rest of the libtard left. Regardless, you can cry to your Senators and maybe join your buddies in Antifa… You happen to be addressing someone who gives a rat’s ass about your opinion. Oh, by the way, you’re in the minority, dumbfuck.

 

[BULLDOG]

Your brain chemistry has obviously been affected by all the anxiety you’ve been suffering since we took America back. You might consider forgoing the mental masturbation and seek out Dr. Chopra for that. In the meantime, simply because I did not choose to quote Pelosi’s entire rambling does not mean that I am lying, or taking things out of context as you have done. I remember very well what “fog” of controversy was surrounding the issue, namely the controversy of everyone being handed a ton of legislation without being afforded the time to read it. Living in a fog is something she has grown used to, along with the rest of the libtard left. Regardless, you can cry to your Senators and maybe join your buddies in Antifa… You happen to be addressing someone who gives a rat’s ass about your opinion. Oh, by the way, you’re in the minority, dumbfuck.

Right.Trump's ratings are in the 30s and you think you are the majority.

 

[Denechek]

 

[Darkwind]

I think you have to revisit Obamacare. IT WAS DONE IN SECRET and pet projects given to Senators for their votes.

But that doesn't mean the Republicans should do the same. If nothing else, once the bill is prepared, print it and share it with the Democrats. Have them write up possible changes that would make the Health Care Bill better. Hopefully, the R's would use some of their changes, making it a bipartisan Health Care Bill.

Um Dems will expect coverage of pre existing conditions and to keep premiums for the poor reasonable. That's something republicans won't give a shit about.

It isn't anything the Democrats cared about, that much is certain.

 

[LiberalSnowflake]

At least post the least deceptive picture from that blog post.

 

[HenryBHough]

So all of a sudden it's no longer fashionable to tell people that if they want to know what's in it they first must pass it?

When did THAT change?

 

[whitehall]

Yeah but the republican health care bill isn't even close to a vote. Democrats literally kicked republicans out of hearings and they used intimidation and bribes to pass the close vote. Nobody disputes the fact that Obamacare is imploding and middle class Americans have a deductible the size of a good used car so that unproductive and illegal Aliens can get free health care.