The healthcare reform plan being pushed by House Speaker Nancy
Pelosi and President Barack Obama and passed by the House on Saturday
illustrates the Democrats' radical agenda, says former New York Lt.
Gov. Betsy McCaughey.
Some of the more alarming aspects of the bill, according to McCaughey:
“Sec. 224 (p. 118) provides that 18 months after the bill
becomes law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will decide
what a "qualified plan" covers and how much you'll be legally required
to pay for it. That's like a banker telling you to sign the loan
agreement now, then filling in the interest rate and repayment terms 18
months later.”
“Sec. 59b (pp. 297-299) says that when you file your
taxes, you must include proof that you are in a qualified plan. If not,
you will be fined thousands of dollars. Illegal immigrants are exempt from this requirement.”
“Sec. 1114 (pp. 391-393) replaces physicians with physician assistants in overseeing care for hospice patients.”
“On Nov. 2, the Congressional Budget Office estimated what the plans will likely cost. An
individual earning $44,000 before taxes who purchases his own insurance
will have to pay a $5,300 premium and an estimated $2,000 in
out-of-pocket expenses, for a total of $7,300 a year, which is 17 percent of his pre-tax income. A
family earning $102,100 a year before taxes will have to pay a $15,000
premium plus an estimated $5,300 out-of-pocket, for a $20,300 total, or 20 percent of its pre-tax income. Individuals and families earning less than these amounts will be eligible for subsidies paid directly to their insurer.”
“Sec. 1161 (pp. 520-545) cuts payments to Medicare
Advantage plans (used by 20 percent of seniors). Advantage plans have
warned this will result in reductions in optional benefits such as
vision and dental care.”
“Sec. 399V (p. 1422) provides for grants to
community 'entities' with no required qualifications except having
'documented community activity and experience with community healthcare
workers' to 'educate, guide, and provide experiential learning
opportunities' aimed at drug abuse, poor nutrition, smoking and
obesity.”
“Secs.
2521 and 2533 (pp. 1379 and 1437) establishes racial and ethnic
preferences in awarding grants for training nurses and creating
secondary-school health science programs.” |
