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There's about a dozen or so Republican Attorney Generals around the country engaged in political posturing, wasting their taxpayers money in a frivolous lawsuit against the Federal government's enactment of the healthcare insurance reform legislation.
The thrust of their justification is that a federal mandate to purchase health insurance oversteps the constitution as envisioned by our "the founding fathers."
I never found "founding father" arguments to be all the convincing--you can look no further than slavery, limited suffrage, and the sedition acts for ways they got it wrong--and this one is definitely floating on a leaky ship. As P. J. O'Rourke points out, the founding fathers did indeed know a thing or two about health insurance mandates with fines for non-compliance:
In July, 1798, Congress passed, and President John Adams signed into law "An Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen," authorizing the creation of a marine hospital service, and mandating privately employed sailors to purchase healthcare insurance.
This legislation also created America's first payroll tax, as a ship's owner was required to deduct 20 cents from each sailor's monthly pay and forward those receipts to the service, which in turn provided injured sailors hospital care. Failure to pay or account properly was discouraged by requiring a law violating owner or ship's captain to pay a 100 dollar fine.
This historical fact demolishes claims of "unprecedented" and "The Constitution nowhere authorizes the United States to mandate, either directly or under threat of penalty..."
Perhaps these somewhat incompetent attorneys general might wish to amend their lawsuits to conform to the 1798 precedent, and demand that the mandate and fines be linked to implementing a federal single payer healthcare insurance plan.
The other option is to name Presidents John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison et al. in the lawsuits. However, it might be difficult to convince a judge, or the public, that those men didn't know the limits of the Constitution.
Of course, neither history nor logic are the Republican party's strong point these days. I'm just thankful we have a Democratic Attorney General here in West Virginia who can be counted on to not only ignore the wasteful lawsuits of his Republican counterparts, but also to vigorously enforce the new health insurance reforms.
formerly know as Celebrate healthcare by handing over some personal information
CA Berkeley WV--Email lists often ask for zip code and include an option to connect to other third parties through future emails or other electronic platforms. This is true of product catalogues, news portals, non-profits and political organizations. Always read the opt in / opt out information!
From an email sent by the Organizing for America, part of the Democratic National Committee
(From the President):
(My Name Here) --
I'm writing to you on a great day for America.
This morning, I gathered with members of Congress, my administration, and hardworking volunteers from every part of the country to sign comprehensive health care reform into law. Thanks to the immeasurable efforts of so many, the dream of reform is now a reality.
Here is where the part I question comes in. The email closes with the following ask:
So as we celebrate this great day, I want to invite you to add your name where it belongs: alongside mine as a co-signer of this historic legislation. Organizing for America will record the names of co-signers as a permanent commemoration of those who came together to make this moment possible...
So, if you haven't yet, please add your name as a proud health care reform co-signer today:
Glenn Greenwald points out that the GOP's new-found sanctity for the will of the people is no where to be found when the people disagree with their views.
Indeed, even as rightwingers claim the public overwhelming opposes healthcare reform, the reality is much different:
Thus, a majority of Americans either support the plan or believe it should be more liberal (52%), while only a minority (43%) oppose the plan on the ground that it is too liberal.
Noam Chomsky has a good take on the issue of those of us who supported it even though it should have been more liberal
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor added that it's a damning referendum on American democracy that one of the most highly supported components of the effort nationally, the public insurance option, was jettisoned. He partly blamed the media for refusing to stress how favorably it's viewed by the populace.
"It didn't have 'political support,' just the support of the majority of the population," Chomsky quipped, "which apparently is not political support in our dysfunctional democracy."
The provision has consistently polled well, garnering the support of sixty percent of Americans across the nation in a CBS/New York Times poll released in December, days after it was eliminated from the reform package. Democratic leaders deemed it politically untenable.
"There should be headlines explaining why, for decades, what's been called politically impossible is what most of the public has wanted," Chomsky said. "There should be headlines explaining what that means about the political system and the media."
But the "will of the people" can be ignored when the people lean left. When the vast majority oppose war, it's "political courage" to go against public opinion.
Is Spike Monaco trying to line up an all-expense paid vacation to the Riviera, this time paid for by the insurance industry?
Judging from his latest press release, Don Blankenship's former Supreme Court judge and vacation buddy is in favor of making seniors pay more for their Medicare coverage, is in favor of insurance companies denying claims for people who have paid their premiums and is for denying insurance coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.
Spike Monaco also thinks it best that your healthcare decisions should be made by your insurance company instead of your doctor.
I bet a lot of rightwing tea baggers have no clue what they are opposing so loudly and gnashing their teeth about today.
The West Virginia Democratic Party sent out a helpful email:
The health care reform bill that passed the U. S. House of Representatives last night is the most critical legislation to be passed in over 40 years. Listed below are the key components of the bill and what it will do for Americans:
SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS-Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2014, the small business tax credits will cover 50 percent of premiums.)
BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE-Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)
FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE-Eliminates co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program. Effective beginning January 1, 2011.
HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES-Creates a temporary re-insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive premiums for employers and retirees for health benefits for retirees age 55-64. Effective 90 days after enactment.
ENDS RESCISSIONS-Bans insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.
NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS-Prohibits new health plans in all markets plus grandfathered group health plans from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to all persons.)
BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE-Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.
BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE-Tightly restricts the use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care in all new plans and grandfathered group health plans. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, the use of any annual limits would be prohibited for all new plans and grandfathered group health plans.)
FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS-Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co-payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles. Effective 6 months after enactment.
NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS-Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan. Effective 6 months after enactment.
ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS-Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders. Effective on January 1, 2011.
IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL)-Provides immediate access to affordable insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition - through a temporary subsidized high-risk pool. Effective 90 days after enactment.
EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS' INSURANCE - Requires new health plans and certain grandfathered plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents' insurance policy, at the parents' choice. Effective 6 months after enactment.
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS-Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS-Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY-Prohibits group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees. Effective 6 months after enactment.
HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION-Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in FY 2010.
CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM-Creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide home and community-based services to adults who become functionally disabled. Effective on January 1, 2011.
Why someone would be opposed to those mild reforms and call them communism and worse shows the power of the corporations to sway public opinion through its useful tools like Faux News and bought and paid for politicians like Insurance Rep. Shelley Moore Capito.
Yes, this is short notice. Yes, there's some basketball games on tonight. But, hey, that's what TIVO is for, right!
If you're anywhere near Beckley tonight, head on out and remind Rep. Rahall he needs to vote for healthcare reform for West Virginians.
We've come so far, we can't stop now! So please, join Health Care for America Now, West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, WV FREE, Southern Appalachia Labor School and other organizations...
TONIGHT IN BECKELY FOR A VIGIL IN SUPPORT OF HEALTH REFORM.
We need to show Congressman Rahall that we stand in solidarity for this historic piece of legislation that will expand health care for millions.
WHEN: 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. tonight (whenever you can stop in!)
WHERE: 301 Prince Street, which is downtown, next to Rahall's office and across from the Old County Courthouse.
If either Rep. Rahall or Mollohan are still giving serious consideration to a no vote to the healthcare insurance reform bill, here's something that should give them pause.
The folks who might be happy with them voting "no" aren't the folks who are all that likely to vote for them anyway. Voting "no" is the wrong thing to do on the merits and it's the wrong thing to do on the politics, too.
Alabama Democratic Rep. Artur Davis thinks he's earning brownie points back home by voting against the health care reform bill. You see, he's running for governor in a tough state, and so he needs Republican and conservative independents to win.
But he won't get them and will lose by 20 points, minimum.
There is no politician more stupid, than those who think that pretending to be Republicans will earn them points with conservative voters. Given the choice between a fake and the real thing, the real Republican will win every time.
This healthcare reform bill is the largest deficit reduction bill since 1993. This is a bill that has support from a broad range of groups from the Catholic Nuns to AFL-CIO to the AMA.
This is a bill that any lifelong Democrat can be very proud to vote for.
After extensive deliberation the AFL-CIO Executive Council, with my strong support and recommendation, agreed this afternoon to support and fight to pass the president's health care reform bill.
This was not a decision we made casually because we know this bill is not perfect. But it is the best opportunity we have had in decades to begin fixing America's broken health care system.
If you need proof this bill is worth fighting for, look no further than the swarm of insurance company lobbyists all over Capitol Hill trying to stop it!
Today I'm asking you to join us and do everything you can to help pass this bill. Call your representative now: 1-877-3-AFLCIO and tell your representative to support the health care bill before Congress.
Together we have fought to improve this bill every day for more than a year, and our actions made it far better. The president's health care reform bill will:
* Immediately stop the worst greed-driven insurance company abuses-like denying care because of pre-existing conditions;
* Toughen penalties on employers that try to run from their responsibilities;
* Put the burden of paying for health care where it belongs-on the wealthy; and
* Get life-saving health coverage to 30 million more people.
This is our moment. We can't miss this opportunity. The long-term health security that will result from this bill is the most important thing we can do for our future-for our children and their children.
Today I'm asking you to do everything you can to help pass this bill.
Call your representative today: 1-877-3-AFLCIO, and tell your representative: Pass heath care reform.
Join me as the labor movement helps make history again.
In case you're having any problems getting through to DC (using the 877 number above or the handy calling tool advertised in our side bar) here's the numbers for the regional WV offices, too.
Rep. Nick Rahall
Beckley Office
301 Prince St.,
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5000
U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (WV) announced [yesterday] that the Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS) DBA AccesHealth has been awarded $1.8 million in federal funds for operational expenses which will help citizens of Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming counties continue to receive quality accessible healthcare at affordable costs.
"Rural health centers like Community Health Systems extend medical services into isolated areas where the need for medical care is great and resources are often scarce," said Rahall. "This funding will help enhance the range of much-needed healthcare services available to the residents of Raleigh, Fayette and Wyoming Counties where accessibility to good healthcare remains a challenge to many residents."
Community Health Systems, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center and a non-profit organization providing comprehensive primary health care to the citizens of Raleigh, Fayette, and Wyoming Counties and surrounding areas.
Give Rep. Rahall a call and thank him for the good news. While you're at it, be sure and let him know you're counting on his vote in favor of healthcare reform, too:
Beckley Office
301 Prince St.,
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 252-5000
According to this whip count, Rep. Alan Mollohan still needs to hear from all of us that West Virginians support health care reform and he should, too.
As a reminder, here are the many ways you can get in touch with Rep. Mollohan. You can email him at CongressmanMollohan@mail.house.gov or phone or fax (or visit!) at any of his many offices:
Washington DC Office
2302 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
ph: (202) 225-4172
fax: (202) 225-7564
Clarksburg Office
Room 209, Post Office Building
PO Box 1400
Clarksburg, WV 26302-1400
ph: (304) 623-4422
fax: (304) 623-0571
Morgantown Office
Marina Tower, Suite 504
48 Donley Street
Morgantown, WV 26507-0720
ph: (304) 292-3019
fax: (304) 292-3027
Parkersburg Office
Room 2040, Federal Building
425 Juliana Street
Parkersburg, WV 26101
ph: (304) 428-0493
fax: (304) 428-5980
Wheeling Office
Federal Building
Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
ph: (304) 232-5390
fax: (304 )232-5722
Before the bamboozlement gets too far, let's be clear about what the House is considering doing. There are two bills. The senate's original bill and the changes to that bill the House has now negotiated with the Senate. Normally, this is all hashed out in a conference committee. And it's all voted on in a single vote. In this case, that's not possible because of the continuing Republican filibuster in the Senate. So the House is considering taking both bills, consolidating them into a single vote, up or down. The old fashioned way. This isn't 'not having a vote'. And this has been done repeatedly before. Anybody who thinks these two bills shouldn't be passed simultaneously or thinks one or the other shouldn't pass has a simple solution. Vote no. Simple.
This isn't complicated. It's consolidating two votes into one.
One of those odd things about Congress is that Democrats never gained any traction with their process arguments when the Republicans ran the show, yet some of those same Democrats get all nervous as soon as their hear the Republicans offer up even less convincing versions of process arguments.
I just heard today that a member of my extended family had another application for health insurance denied because of a pre-existing condition. This pre-existing condition is something she's had since birth--in fact, the best available scientific evidence suggests she inherited it from a parent, who also has this rare condition.
The denial letter from the insurance company helpfully suggested looking for a state program for coverage. In her case, she's a young adult who is potentially eligible for a state program but only if she goes for at least half a year un-covered by any insurance whatsoever. Meanwhile, she's at risk of major expenses if anything catastrophic happens.
Here's a young adult going to school part time who is falling between the cracks of any available health insurance plan. She's had health insurance her entire life and now that her COBRA coverage has run out she's joining the ranks of the uninsured.
For the conservatives and libertarians reading this who say "the market is the answer"--what we have here is a total market failure--no one will sell her insurance at any price. My relative's story is a hardly exceptional. There are people dying every day for lack of health care coverage.
How can it be that the wealthiest society that has ever existed on this planet is failing so badly to provide for the basic needs of its citizens?
Health care insurance reform can't happen quickly enough.
Keep at it, Sens. Byrd and Rockefeller, Reps. Mollohan and Rahall. We're counting on you to get health care reform passed this month.
Charleston, WV: WV Citizen Action and the WV Health Care for America Now (HCAN) campaign have always been focused on winning a guarantee of quality, affordable health care we all can count on. We will continue to aggressively work to get the best health care reform bill possible to the President's desk for his signature as soon as possible.
Gary Zuckett, Executive Director of WV Citizen Action Group and coordinator for HCAN's WV Coalition had this to say about yesterday's election:
"Tuesday's vote in Massachusetts was not a referendum on health care reform. It was a referendum on a particular candidate in a climate in which people, hard pressed and frustrated by the economic recession, are impatient for change.
When it comes to the need to make good health care affordable, nothing is different today than it was yesterday. Congress must keep going and finish reform right. They must complete the mandate they received from the 2008 election.
We must fix health care now to keep improving our economy. We cannot continue to allow medical expenses to bankrupt our nation's families and businesses. Until we fix spiraling health costs we can't fix the economy since one of every six dollars is spent on health care.
Insurance companies and other special interests have spent millions trying to scare voters against health care reform. However, when voters are asked about key elements - no more denials for pre-existing conditions, access to good, affordable coverage for all, or rules that force insurance companies to spend premiums on health care and not profits, they agree with Congress and the President's plans.
Massachusetts has already achieved a measure of health reform, with 98% of people covered and insurers not allowed to deny people based on pre-existing conditions. For voters in Massachusetts, the issue was about what they are worried about now - jobs and the economy. It wasn't about health care."
Via Open Left: "C-SPAN has now issued a formal request to televise the secret House-Senate health care negotiations."
"President Obama, Senate and House leaders, many of your rank-and-file members, and the nation's editorial pages have all talked about the value of transparent discussions on reforming the nation's health care system," C-SPAN CEO Brian Lamb wrote. "Now that the process moves to the critical stage of reconciliation between the Chambers, we respectfully request that you allow the public full access, through television, to legislation that will affect the lives of every single American."
Via Open Left, here's yet another reminder that candidate Obama's promises for health care reform sounded quite a bit different than what President Obama is now signaling we ought to settle for.
There is still 3 to 6 weeks left for the final version of health care reform to get hammered out. After this morning's expected passage in the Senate, President Obama is preparing to roll up his sleeves:
In an interview today with PBS, President Obama said he plans to begin working on merging the Senate and House health care bills before Congress returns from Christmas recess.
"We hope to have a whole bunch of folks over here in the West Wing, and I'll be rolling up my sleeves and spending some time before the full Congress even gets into session," Obama said, "because the American people need it now."
Obama is expected to work with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to merge the bills.
There's still time for Pres. Obama to remember what candidate Obama had to say. Many of us remember the promise of Barack Obama's campaign, will he?
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