Now that the Republicans have gained seats in the House of Representatives, they want to repeal the health care law that Obama passed a year ago. Officials from the GOP said that in the months that are coming up, congressional groups will offer changes to the legislation which exists right now. In the coming months, Republicans will also try to overturn a lot of the changes Democrats made to the Medicare Advantage, which is a classified substitute to the traditional government-run health care program for senior citizens. In order for members of the GOP to accomplish of all these measures, especially the repeal of the bill, it will require the approval of the Senate as well as the signature of President Obama. Debate has soared between the two parties, since lawmakers in both of the parties observed self-imposed vows, especially since the shooting rampage in Arizona. Some Republicans say the law is affecting businesses negatively when it comes to taxing and that Americans are not happy with the takeover the Democrats have gotten on health care.
In the year 2014, millions of Americans will have to have health insurance, whether it's through an employer, a government program, or their own consumption. Starting this year, insurance marketplaces would open in each of the states, allowing citizens and small businesses to pick from private plans that would meet government standards.
I think repealing this bill is not a good idea because since the health care bill has passed a lot of senior citizens have benefitted from it and seem to be pleased with the bill.
What do you guys think of this idea that the Republicans have? Do you think repealing this bill is a good idea or not? How do you think the repeal of this law would affect the citizens of the country?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
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3 comments:
Since I do not know much about the background of this bill, I cannot say that my view of this will be exceptionally strong. In any case, opposition among political parties is not a new thing, and many bills in the past have faced some sort of rejection, whether it is from the Democrats or the Republicans. But in regards to health care, the two political parties are definitely not coming to any close agreements.
The bill Ariana is talking about is called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which seems like an appropriate name enough (and also implies what it covers). As of now, only three Democratic officials have voted with the Republicans. I do not know if that number will change, but if the bill has provided substantial benefits to the elderly and private businesses, I do not see any problem, unless others are being severely hurt by it as a counteract. At any rate, since Republicans are demanding a repeal, but are offering nothing as a replacement, then I do not think that they are doing a very good job of arguing their points. They ought to at least provide some sort of back-up plan to prove that there is a better way to address the issue of health care.
If anyone else is interested in reading more on this, Ezra Klein has provided some good input on the matter:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2011/01/repeal_but_no_replace.html
Personally, I believe that Republicans are trying to repeal the law simply because the Democrats are trying to get it passed, meaning that this is a bit of a political move. A big reason that they want to repeal it (other than the fact that it is being passed by the opposing party) is that Republicans believe their constituants do not want the government to interfer in any aspects of their lives. They fear that America is becoming more and more socialistic. I quite like the idea of having Obama's health care law passed. It offers a whole lot of things that, in my opinion, will mostly benefit everyone.
Some of the benefits of Obama's health care law is that our parents can cover us until the age of 26. That's only a plus for us because we don't have to pay for another 8 or 9 years. Also, health check ups are free, which to me is another plus. Moreover, everybody has to buy insurance. Whether your employer covers you or you buy it yourself. This is beneficial to employers because they can get tax breaks. Also, by making it mandatory to have insurance, it benefits the person buying insurance. Overall, I'm a fan of Obama health care, but it's not like I have a say in Washington D.C.
After doing a little bit of research, I've discovered that repealing the bill will most likely result in the following:
- Health insurance companies will be able to refuse coverage based on pre-existing conditions
- Many young adults will be kicked off of their parents’ insurance
- 32 million Americans will be prevented from receiving health insurance
- The current deficit will increase by $230 billion
- Medicare’s solvency ("the ability of a corporation to meet its long-term fixed expenses and to accomplish long-term expansion and growth" - Investopedia) will decrease by 12 years
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