Obamacare Stands & Now We Have to Pay Other People's Medical Bills - What do you think of Obamacare?
Obamacare Stands & Now We Have to Pay Other People's Medical Bills
The Supreme Court announced its decision on whether or not to turn over part or all of Obamacare. There have been rumors all week that Chief Justice John Roberts would issue the majority opinion, which led many (myself included) to hope that meant the individual mandate would be repealed.
Liberals have cited the Commerce Clause for the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (such a misnomer), which requires all Americans to purchase health insurance, or pay an annual fine. Because apparently the Commerce Clause isn’t just about regulating commerce, but compelling it. Or something.
Anyway, because Justice Roberts looked to be writing the ruling, and he typically votes Conservative, you can imagine the shock when it broke that he sided with the liberals in a 5-4 vote declaring that Obamacare stands. Say what now? It stands? With the individual mandate? And Roberts voted for it?
Sort of.
The court ruled that Obamacare could stand, but not on the Commerce Clause. It’s now officially a tax. Yup, Obama has levied the largest tax increase on the middle class in American history. Thanks, Mr. President! Even after the ruling was announced, Obama was still peddling the “you can keep your plan” lie.
But, but, but ... Why should I have to pay a tax for someone else’s benefit? I pay for insurance and co-pays, why should I pay for yours too? Well, people pay taxes all the time for other people’s benefits. For example -- taxes pay for the fire and police departments, but if your house never catches fire or you’re never the victim of a crime, that’s tax money you paid for someone else’s benefit. People that don’t have kids or don’t take advantage of the public education system aren’t exempt from paying taxes for schools.
I see now how it’s totally kosher to tax the middle class to pay other people’s medical bills. So now that we’ve established the constitutionality of Congress to force Americans to buy a product, and call it a tax, what else will they tax us with?
Will we have to buy Smart Cars for the ‘collective good’ of the environment? What about juicers, because juicing is so healthy? You don’t have to use your juicer, but you sure as heck have to buy one. Since our health care costs are spiraling out of control, it’s probably wise to make healthy food choices, so let’s impose a steak and arugula tax. Michelle Obama will be all over that one.
These scenarios may sound ridiculous, but where is the line? Whether you label it a fee or a tax, the government is forcing Americans to purchase a product whether they want it or not. When does it end?
I'm going to take a wild guess and say it ends November 6, 2012.
What do you think of Obamacare? What does this ruling mean for you?
This is senseless thinking.
Who are the dignitories? are they the drug lords from Bolivia? Every country has top specialists that people fly into that country to see. In Australia we have some of the worlds top specialists in Oncology. I know doctors from all over the world fly into New Zealand because of their Psychiatric Field is seen as the best in the world. So US citizens and doctors fly into these countries for something they cant get in the US...or they can but want the best.
Joe Average from a Universal Healthcare country....does not fly to the US to get healthcare unless its some rare form of disease defect and the specialists practices in the US.
Quoting ohmybaby:That's great for them. They have universal healthcare and come to the US for the best doctors. Have you ever been to an exceptional hospital and waited 5 hours for an appointment all because some dignatary flew in from another country to get treated like they are more important than you are?
Quoting MorganTho:
For the U.S. maybe but there are other countries that have universal healthcare. MANY other countries.
Quoting ohmybaby:
There will never be universal healthcare... just like there will never be a utopian society. The wealthy will always want better care that what others get and they will always want more than you will ever have.
Quoting MorganTho:
I believe we should have universal healthcare. I don't think this is the answer but Its a step in the right direction.
You pay almost 30G a year for health insurance for a family of 4? I'd shop for a cheaper plan.
"In the Democrats' reconciliation bill - actually an amendment to the Senate-passed health bill - a high-cost health plan is defined as costing more than $10,200 for an individual or $27,500 for a family, including worker and employer contributions to flexible spending or health savings accounts. The cost does not include stand-alone vision or dental benefits. The tax would not be imposed until 2018, giving health plans more time to benefit from possible cost savings from other reform measures. Employers with a preponderance of older or female workers who have higher-than-average health costs would receive a break in the form of higher thresholds." http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/stories/2010/march/18/cadillac-tax-explainer-update.aspx
Oh by the way the tax is on the amount ABOVE the threshold listed above. So your plan can cost you as an individual $10,201 per year, and you will not be assessed on the $10,200 but on the $1 above that.
Quoting yourspecialkid:Our insurance will have a 40% tax on it. I will be raising prices to cover it.
I think I am going to look into adding some insurance stocks to our portfolio, this is going to be a big payday for them.
The uninsured motorist is still financially responsible and if they can't pay for the damages they lose their license until all damages have been paid in full.
I don't know what the answer is for health insurance but Obamas Universal health plan is NOT it. I am terrified what is going to happen to America if he is not voted the hell out of office before he does more damage then he has already done!!!!
You are going to pay for it anyways United Healthcare is not free you just pay for it upfront out of your sky rocketing taxes instead of paying for it privately through your insurance company. You are not going to save any money and you are going to see a whole heap of other problems that arise from this.
Quoting conniecabe:So, in NH, if an insured driver is involved in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist, and it turns out the uninsured driver was at fault, who pays for the damage? Are there safeguards in place for the insured motorist or do they have to pay for the damage to their vehicle because they were responsible and bought insurance?
Should those of us who are responsible and buy health insurance for our families have to continue to see our rates increase to pay the bills of those who don't have insurance? Especially if it's made more affordable than it has been in years past?
Quoting fullxbusymom:New Hampshire
The state of NH is like no other when it comes to auto insurance. while the state of NH recommends that all motorists carry at least the minimum liablility insurance coverage, NH law, in most cases, does not require it.
In the state of NH certain drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance, If you have been convicted of a DWI or accumulated a certain number of DMV demerit points, these violations will activate a auto minimum liability insurance requirement. First offense DWI convictions require liability insurance for 3 years and second offense DWI convictions require liability insurance for 5 years.
Quoting happinessforyou:As far as I know you are not penalized for not having auto insurance. Lots of people drive without insurance and unless they are in an accident there is no penalty for disregarding the law. In fact, I have to buy "uninsured motorist" insurance......
Quoting terpmama:
We already pay the cost of the uninsured... Not only in higher costs to us but also in hospitals closing which means fewer providers, linger waits and less availability of care (that's right costs that aren't monetary)...
This is the same as mandating auto insurance... No one argues with that one
Depends on the state. Here in Cali ins companies report to the DMV so if you have no coverage you can't renew your registration every year or drivers license when it comes due.
Thank God......it's Friday!!!
Quoting PurdueMom:
Quoting toomanypoodles:
I'm not up to this discussion now...a friend from church just died last night of a heart attack. Sorry....just not up to debate right now.
Yes, I believe in personal responsibility and I also don't believe the government should MAKE you do anything against your will.
TTYL, ok?
Of course, Poodles. I'm so sorry about your friend. Take care.
Thanks, Sherri. I'm sure we'll argue another day. ;)
Quoting Friday:
Quoting happinessforyou:
As far as I know you are not penalized for not having auto insurance. Lots of people drive without insurance and unless they are in an accident there is no penalty for disregarding the law. In fact, I have to buy "uninsured motorist" insurance......
Quoting terpmama:
We already pay the cost of the uninsured... Not only in higher costs to us but also in hospitals closing which means fewer providers, linger waits and less availability of care (that's right costs that aren't monetary)...
This is the same as mandating auto insurance... No one argues with that one
Depends on the state. Here in Cali ins companies report to the DMV so if you have no coverage you can't renew your registration every year or drivers license when it comes due.
True, in many states it is like that No Insurance, no license plates or renewal sticker, further in many states if your car does not pass inspection (emissions) you cannot renew you license
lynda
Some of us actually value our Constitution and would like to see it upheld and not trampled all over. I know two Constitutional Law experts and they say the same thing.
Quoting GrannyAA:Quoting cammibear:
I think it's unconstitutional and we have activist judges on our Supreme Court.
Tee hee...I believe I heard a republican house member say the same thing. I almost chocked! This must be a new talking point.
Not fair? really? But it is to the rest of us??
- Cafe Steph
on Jun. 28, 2012 at 5:49 PM