Not so many "to-do's" everywhere - states like Oregon are already setting up their healthcare exchanges. Some move forward, some cling to the past.

I've just never understood why anyone would want to cling to our old, non-working healthcare system.

If the GOP wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, they need to tell us what they'll replace it with. There's no going back - and doing so would be foolhardy.

The mandated healthcare provision of the law is the key to every citizen being allowed to have affordable healthcare and keeping my costs as low as possible. How many unpaid $200,000+ Emergency Bills, from someone who can’t afford insurance, do I want to help pay by MY medical insurance costs rising?

How exactly do you think creating a huge demand for health insurance is going to lower your costs? Stop eating the BS obama feeds you, this is going to cost americans a ton more, and it is going to chnage (in a negative way) how businesses carry insurance.

I think the healthcare law is just the start of a long-term effort towards getting universal healthcare. Like it or not, this is going to come to a crossroad in less than ten years. Our system is simply not sustainable. My hope is that we end up with a hybrid system of universal/private healthcare that rivals other industrialized nations. It's been done in other nations, so hopefully we can find that middle ground that will work here.

I'm concerned about two things. The tax exempt status of churches, as this ruling is tied to the power of Congress to levy taxes. Does this mean that those who qualify for religious reasons not to pay property taxes, now no longer have to pay for health insurance as well, as the IRS could not levy a penalty if they didn't buy health insurance.

The second concern is unreported income, such as that from committing a crime. Take a kid drug dealer for instance in Chicago, who's chances of getting shot in a gang related drug deal, puts him at a health risk far higher that other occupations. First, I wouldn't suspect that the individual would be reporting his income, nor would I even assume that the individual had a literacy rate to choose the best health care policy for his age, sex, and occupational health hazards. If he's on his parents policy, and he doesn't know his parents, or maybe one, who themselves isn't much more than a juvenile,,, the question is here, how does the hospital emergency room access his insurance policy, how does the IRS verify his income... and how does this impact the cost of everyone else's health insurance benefits and out of pocket costs? These URBAN HEALTH ISSUES are distinct from rural health issues.

Is there to be a cap on health insurance executive's salaries once 2014 rolls around, so the tax payer is getting health coverage, instead of applying their tax money toward lavish lifestyles of those who make the rules?

There are lots of questions of how this ruling effects broader economic and social policy. It's still easier to get sick at the beginning of the fiscal year.

People sill have their heads in the sand or up their you know where, it's better to do something than nothing Oh, but the Republicans way is to do nothing I forgot. See the GOP have never said how they would fix the problem so Guess what, that's where they are at NOWHERE as usual. At least Obama trys can't think of anything those good for sh_t GOP sheep did but try to destroy America.

I have maintained all along that there's a better idea:

So, 30 million are without insurance or are uninsurable. Suck those 30 million into Medicaid, and tell all of the countries that we give hundreds of billions to that their account will be reduced by 10%, from now on...

Problem solved.

Next issue.

RICO

The new law may not be perfect but it can be a step in the right direction to a single payor system! Do not let any of the lies of the GOP lead you like sheep to the slaughter! Read the law for yourself people!!! Dont blindly follow someone with an axe to grind!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!

I would think that the conservatives would now do what they promised to do when the democrats took out the public options and replaced it with the conservativess own private pay mandate and actually sit down and start bipartisanship towards working out the flaws in the mandate and actually giving the people what they asked for. A workable healthcare solution that will benefit everyone.

Most likely they will just get nastier and drum up even more lies and simply do what they have done for the past 3 1/2 years, turn their backs on even their own parties lower and middle calls sectors and make new pledges to destroy middle class america after their perceived november landslide win.

The U.S. of A. is about to become the next Greece and Spain. Everyone thinks they will get a freebe. Ain't gonna happen. We will all get less for a whole lot more and Uncle Sugar will just keep on borrowing to pay the bills that we won't be able to afford. The ship of state just hit an iceburg and there are no lifeboats.

The only way to start to fix the problem is to get rid of what is causing the problem the GOP, then everything will workout but as long as there are GOP within our government they will always try to serve their masters and that is not the American people! Remember their moto Money talks and the poor take a walk.

You mean like we have been doing all along Wayne? I pay more than 600$ a month now and get much less than I was when I was paying 200$ a month so take your rhetoric and choke on it. Had your party actually wanted to help, they would have during their 8 year reign instead of driving this nation over a cliff and doing absolutely nothing to help the people. Well, the people of this nation anyways.

Lots left to do.... gee ya think? Repeal is step #1.

U.S. will pay for half of all health care costs by 2020 - July 28, 2011

"By 2020, nearly 30 million additional people are expected to have health insurance because of reform.

Over the 10-year period, the report showed that the biggest annual jump in health care spending will happen in 2014 when health reform is fully implemented.

CMS estimates that in 2014 about 23 million uninsured consumers will gain access to health insurance, mainly through government programs such as Medicaid and through the creation of federal and state-funded health insurance exchanges.

As a result, the government expects Medicaid spending to surge 20% in 2014 and private health insurance spending to increase 9.4%.

Norwalk said the estimated sharp surge in Medicaid spending just in one year, is very concerning given that states are already struggling with their budgets.

As millions more gain access to health insurance, the government expects spending on prescription drugs, physician and hospital services to increase as well.

CMS expects prescription drug spending to jump by 10.7% in 2014 and to account for 11% of national health spending by 2020. Spending on physician and clinical services is forecast to rise by 8.9% by 2014, representing 19% of overall health care spending."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/healthcare_spending_forecast/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=hp_bn3

P.S. Keep in mind these are even the government released numbers, the reality will be much worse.

Spending = Total amount spent. Add 30 million people, cut the current rate per person some, and you can still come out with more spending but less cost per person. It may work that way, it may not, but do not equate total spending with cost per person. They are not the same.

The bottom line is the Republicans have pledged to not raise taxes and are incapable of performing their jobs and should be removed from office and that is what Obama needs to look at, they have a responsibility to our country and if they are not capable of honoring what We Americans put them in office for then they should be removed from office. That in its self goes against their pledge to our government. You can't serve two masters.

Yeah Sam. Like when the Dem congress shoved the health insurance reform bill down our throats even though, at the time, the polls showed a majority of people said they didn't want it.

What really needed to be done was to reform HEALTH CARE. Not HEALTH INSURANCE. Now that even more people will be covered the Health Don't Care industry will raise health care costs even higher then the astronomical heights they have already reached.

We pay 30% to 50% MORE in health care costs per every man, woman and child in this country than in any nation in Europe yet they enjoy longer life spans and lower infant mortality. Its the BIG MONEY health care industry that will profit in this country of fools.

The next thing government is going to is tell everyone. If you driving a car that gets 14 miles to the gallon you have to get a new car to meet new EPA standards for new cars. If not you will have to pay a big tax to get your new tag or sticker each year or till you get a new car. I just don't see how the government can make someone purchase a commercial product. I thought we are supposed to be free in the USA to make our own decisions. I just think that that the government should work on helping the cities of this great country get back on their feet. If they would worry about the country as a whole and stop paying other countries with your tax dollars to like us. All Americans would have good health care and it wouldn't cost anyone a single dime. GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA but we are sinking under the weight of BIG GOVERNMENT.

I'm having to learn a whole new vernacular, and this is confusing me...Is the "Penalty" for having a Job, mean that you have to give a portion of your income to the Government??

Who the hell do you think has paid for the uninsured people in this country up until now ?

Let's see now;

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office now says that Obamacare, which was supposed to be 'revenue neutral', will likely cost $1.7 Trillion, so who's going to pay for it?

The 'rich'? No, because they already have health insurance, so they don't have to pay the fine/tax.

The 'poor'? No, because they get free health insurance from the government thru Medicaid.

Let's see now, who's left to pay for it? Oh yes - the Middle Class. This could be the biggest tax increase in history on the Middle Class.

When they find they've been 'snookered' by Obama, I doubt that they will be very happy.

Remember how Obama said "I pledge that any families making less than $250,000 per year will not have to pay any increased taxes - not one dime"? Well guess what - the Supreme Court says Obamacare is OK because it's a TAX.

Remember this in November.

Last year the republicans had the insurance company force me to pay an extra 100$ a month because I smoke. The insurance company claimed it was mandatory and necessary to help keep the non smokers premiums lower. My premiums will be 30% lower once the mandate kicks in. Add in the fact I no longer smoke, there comes back another 100$ per month next year. I'm all for it.

President Obama is genuinely a decent guy with goals for the average American. Given the chance, and certainly with a democratic congress and senate, I believe he will continue to prove such. Get out and vote come November and let's turn this country around. It's high time we got away from the "trickle down economics" and the other loads of crap the GOP has brainwashed folks into believing!

Obama/Biden 2012

Welcome to the new split-tier form of healthcare.

Where your doctors office will now be worse than the DMV office, and rations will be limited. Pathetic!

Awesome ruling for Conservatives. Let me help you mathematically challenged libs. Additional health care burden on businesses = less hiring + additional layoffs = higher employment + slower growth = continued recession = no Obama in 2012

And Republicans, from presidential hopeful Mitt Romney through to members of Congress and governors of close to half the states, renewed their promised on Thursday to fight tooth and nail to either repeal the law or at least chip away at it.

If our citizens do not vote the Republicans back into office, these reactionaries will be unable to vote out our Health Care...from their panoramic-view offices.

Move America forward

Vote a Straight Democratic Ticket!

Yes Roy,

I will remember it in November when I write in Mickey Mouse Americas number one write in!

When will we realize we must stop party affiliation on ballots? We are voting for a representative not a corporate party.

I don't care about what gang you belong to, I don't care what religious cult you belong to, I don't care about what hole you like to put it in.
I care about how your going to run My (OUR) country.
Which flavor of fascism do you like. Msnbc or Fox?
Pick a party!
Vote for your neighbor! Put an end to favors and flavors of fascism.
"it's a republic if you can keep it" was not a linear comment it was a spherical one.

Someone on tv was talking about faith healers and wondered if they would be covered under the health plan...Not sure....My mom bought an Oral Roberts faith healing record back in 50's. Record came with out a hole in it. Every time we made a hole in it to play it on the record player, the hole healed up before we could play iit.

Mikela...

so under what law did the republicans force the insurance companies to charge a higher premium to smokers?

Sounds like you think that obamacare will make everyones health insurance premiums the same regardless of risk factors. Keep dreaming!

How exactly do you think creating a huge demand for health insurance is going to lower your costs? Stop eating the BS obama feeds you, this is going to cost americans a ton more, and it is going to chnage (in a negative way) how businesses carry insurance.

Fear, fear fear, be very afraid.

Knowledge and intelligence can beat fear. The facts can also beat right-wing fear mongering. I suggest you tune out Fox news in favor of reality and truth. You're being deceived by lobbyists and special interests, the owners of the Republican party.

Daddy was right! Always vote straight democrat ticket. They are the ones who will give you everything. One of his buddies told me never to buy a house, car or anything else expensive, that if you wait a while someone will give it to you. They were right. Happy days are here, no more worries. Free housing, food, health care. What a great country!

Actually I'm courious as to how this will affect people in my position as I'm under the VA and have my own things going. I'm just thinking something will change somewhere.

i recall years ago when seatblet laws began to pop up. People were so upset that the government was trying to tell them what to do. many said it is my business not the governments if I wear a seatbelt or not. So many things have eroded our person freedoms of choice over the last several decades. This is yet another of those erosions. The government says ( whether you can reall afford it or not ) you must have health insurance. I don't have insurance. My employer does not make any available. I don't have much extra money at the end of a pay period. Certainly not enough to pay $1000 a month for healthcare insurance. When i am forced to buy it I will need assistance just to put food on my table. You know that thing we need to live. But by God I will have health insurance. I wonder will my health insurance fix staved to death ?

I hate when my government tells me I must do something I really don't want to or cant do. This law will further cost us jobs and cause many wages to be frozen or reduced to help offset the fines a small emplyer like mine will face. You see as I read the law. In 2014 I must have health insurance. Since my employer does not supply it because he can't afford it , I must buy it. Since i can't really afford it i will most likely apply for the vouchers for the government to help offsett the cost. When I do that my employer will be fined $2000 which won't make him any too happy. His solution since he will be looking at about $20,000 in fines will be to eliminate most of us and simply take only enough work to keep himself busy. Great plan right ? Oh and the mis belief that premiums will drop is a joke too. If you were forced to cover EVERYONR regardless of risk and cover everyone prescription costs at reduced costs to them would you lower the rates..? Not gonna happen we will see higher rates to offset higher submitted expenses.

@mikela You're blaming Republicans because you smoke? Oh, brother.

The is my problem with the liberal mindset - ABSOLUTELY ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY. It's always blame someone else.

Do the Republicans also force you to chain smoke on a daily basis by shoving cigarettes into your mouth?

One of the absolute biggest burdens to our current healthcare system is lifestyle choices - smoking, unhealthy foods, inactivity, etc. People suck the system dry with medical problems they could have avoided years ago, if they made conscientious health decisions.

How is it fair that I have to foot the bill for someone who makes a conscious decision to destroy their own health, and then come crawling back to seek medical help when it finally catches up with them? Does that even seem fair?

And in all seriousness, please try to stop smoking.

Great! Now not only am I paying for my families health care but all of America's now!

I HOPE and pray for spare CHANGE now!

The title of this article is hysterical....more work to do on Health care reform..... yup, like actually creating some health care reform. Obamacare is not reform.

“And by this August, nearly 13 million of you will receive a rebate from your insurance company because it spent too much on things like administrative costs and CEO bonuses, and not enough on your health care.” The Health and Human Services Department checks insurance plans to make sure they spend at least 80 percent of premiums on direct health care.

I want to see the facts on this after August, I don't believe it will be anywhere near estimates. Let alone, what will the actual dollar figure be? We've alredy been told there will not be rebates in our market, (small employer) because the companies are already playing it "close to the mat." No estimates, I want to see the actual figures.

Small businesses will still get tax credits to help pay for health insurance for workers

Yes, that credit that has averaged $1200, yea, that's a real big help, won't even pay for one employee......until they use criteria that reflects what's really going on in the small business market, this credit really doesn't help.

Need some real help for small business, we are sitting at 2009 staffing levels, and need lots more work before we can even consider hiring full time employees. And even then, if they can be part time, that will be preferred, since our cost of health care is now out of control.

Folks, we pay for others already. They can go to the emergency room and not pay their bill. This way there will be some money coming in to help pay.

I know of a woman with $14,000 outstanding hospital bill that remains unpaid. This woman is affluent. She and her husband are afraid of losing everything. This way she will be able to get insurance with her pre-existing conditions.

I love this and i will tell you a story that many people that can afford healthcare do. It is not only the ones that can not afford it. I am a retired nurse and have seen this many times including my own family member. My family member became very ill, as a business owner she kept her 2 sets of books, worked another job singing for cash and had plenty of money and a very lucrative business. When it came time to pay all her hosp bills her money was all hidden, she claimed a hardship and we the ppl payed for this. 2 months later she had a face lift for 17,000 dollars and had the money for that instead. People with money also are ripping off the heath care system everyday and now maybe they will choose to get healthcare if they will be taxed.

Willowbrook i do not feel sorry for small bus owner most never claim what they really are making they show a loss and write everything off for there bus. Sorry but i feel maybe 1% are actually honest. I have been screwed by all bus small and large over and over again.

and one more thing while i am at it, how can the rep make a statement about gov control when they are trying to control womens decisions every day what a joke

Kim Heitz - obviously you have a right to your opinion, but most small businesses are not crooked. They have to hire professional Accountants who TELL them what they can and cannot do. I will admit, if there is a govt. program that will reduce our taxes, we absolutely are going to take advantage of it, if it does not cost the business more money. (There have been more of those type of programs recently, not sure why the govt. thinks we want to spend extra money to "save" money? Probably from the same people who think the cost of insurance will go down when they add the magical 30 million. [There really aren't 30 million, but the kool-aid drinkers can't give it up.] Not going to happen.) And believe me, we need those Accountants to keep up with the moving target that is IRS rules for businesses. The tax code is way too complex and should be redone.

Worked nights and weekends to make my way through college. GOT A JOB! BOUGHT INSURANCE! Nobody told me I had to...

Here is what I want....The same Damn Insurance Package at the SAME Price AS Congress and Supreme Court. Give me that plan and I won't complain.

OOOPs, then I would have better health care than wounded soldiers, and have to ask the PUBLIC to aid wounded veterans for their health care..

Those of you who support this TAX are going to find out that rising costs are going to cost more jobs, raise prices on EVERYYHING, and then put a big bite in your pocketbook.

Yes, there is a lot to do. Now that the bill has passed for sure, we now have to read it and find out what's really in it. Better get busy Pelosi.

25walker..."Move America forward. Vote a Straight Democratic Ticket!"

I think it was Hitler that said, "How fortunate for those of us in power that people do not think."

Indeed, vote a straight ticket.

Single payer would cut costs more.

The US spends 18% of GDP on healthcare. Canada, where outcomes are better, there's much less malpractice, spends 10% of GDP.

In the US the increase in clerical staff for medical purposes has grown 6 times faster than the increase in Doctors since Nixon.

Insurance companies are the biggest waste of health care dollars.

If this is a discussion forum then someone tell me why juanita dominguezs' comment was collapsed by the community? Her stated position was that the "president" lied to the American people about his not taxing them. But it now turn out that this legislation IS a TAX. How many of you indignant commenters know that this legislation contains 21 TAXES; 12 of which will impact people earning BELOW $200,000?

Seems to me that her position is a legimate one and collapsing it was a response by those who care not to admit the truth or admit that their side (democrats) lied. Are they so naive as to actually think politicians don't LIE?

The first political ad for obama I saw yesterday stated this: "I am rebuilding the middle class." Oh, HELL yes he's rebuilding the middle class. Rebuilding it to NOTHING.

After the ruling:Lots left to do on health care reform Which is what I've been saying for quite some time and would have been true regardless of the ruling. The Health Care Reform that passed in 2010 is a flawed piece of legislation because our elected "representatives" did not have the courage to address the majority of issues behind skyrocketing individual health care costs.

Health care in the U.S. has been on a down hill slide since health care companies became health care corporations over a generation ago. The stupidity of corporate America means that those health care "providers" not only came up with mountains of ridiculous red tape between patients and their care but would in many cases rather pay FIVE suits to avoid a pay out on a health care claim than pay for the one CUSTOMER'S health care needs.

Instead of working on the removal of that private sector red tape, both Hill-care and Obama-care think the way to "reform" health care is to add a Govco. layer to it. That's a plain and simple wrong answer.

I have to respectfully disagree with the legislation that passed and I have to respectfully disagree with the health care mandate that was validated with yesterday's ruling as long as special interest influence prevents interstate competition for health care policies. I'd like to still think we can still fix our broken private health care system but I am for now deeply skeptical and hope that the right wing talking points that Obama / Pelosi-care is about destroying the private health care system so a shiny new Govco. socialized system can take its' place are just that, right wing talking points.

You know, I can’t figure out if some of you are unrealistic pipe dreamers or just uninformed about how business works. This bill will place a tremendous pressure on employers that will be rolled down to employees, consumers and job seekers. The Cadillac tax alone is going to cause everyone a problem. According to the PPACA, if an employer offers a policy with a premium of more than $10,200 for an individual or $27,500 for a family, they have to pay an 8% tax on the amount over the threshold because it’s now considered a “luxury” policy. The average cost of premiums for singles in 2012 is $10, 347 and prices have been increasing by 6-7% each year for quite a few years now. So if that trend holds, the average policy will exceed $14,000 by 2018. That money has to come from somewhere and employers will have only a few choices. Don’t offer insurance and force employees into the public pool, cut benefits to keep the cost below the threshold or reduce their workforce to the point where they can make room for most of it and find other ways to recoup the remaining amount which will mean hiring freezes, lower pay to employees and/or higher prices on their goods and services. If that doesn’t sound so bad, think about it this way – I work for an employer with over 50,000 employees. If they are forced to pay a tax of $230 per employee, that will amount to over $11 M per year. That’s a lot of money to come up with. As to cutting benefits, the bill requires that if they cut one portion of a coverage, they must cut all of it. Let’s say they decide to cut diagnostics for cystic fibrosis. Once they do, they won’t be allowed to pay for any part of the care – no diagnostics, no treatments. That’s all good and fine if you don’t have the illness and will never suffer from it, not so fine if you do or will.

And yes, if you’re employer doesn’t offer insurance, you’ll get a tax credit to purchase your own but understand that a tax credit for most people isn’t worth anything as you still have to take the money out of your budget to start with and for most people that’s just not possible. When you’re barely managing to pay your bills and buy groceries, etc, who has an extra $14,000 a year to payout on the promise of a tax credit at the end of the year? The fact is that for most Americans, that won’t help.

This is just wonderful for the Obamas and Romneys and Gates of this world because they can afford that “luxury” policy or even a slimmed down one because the out of pocket expenses will be nothing to them. And to those of you who believe that this is going to lower your insurance costs – they have a captive audience now and they’ve been told they can’t put limits on anyone. Why would they lower your rates?

they will get a 50% tax credit on the health Ins and with the employee contributing i don't see how this can be such a bad thing.

For those that say Health Care was shoved down their throat, what was Obama's platform that he campaigned on, Health Care and he got elected on that, so who shoved it down your throat, because we're cheap and thought your were doing to get health care for free is your problem, it's a fact that not everyone voted for Obama but in this free country of ours We go by Majority Win's, but you cry babies can't accept that, maybe after Obama's next term you may have better luck but I really doubt that if Clinton runs. Better hope she retires because it will be a slam dunk if she runs. The spin may work with you sheep but us Democrats are a lot smarter than that.

He got elected because of Iraq, He got elected because of the Economy, He got elected because of Guantanamo Bay, He got Elected by promising amnesty to Illegal immigrants, He got elected because McCain chose Sarah Palin, He got elected by promising to cut the deficits in half in his First Term, He got elected because he was the first African American, He got elected because he wasn't Bush...He even got elected because he was promising "Hope and Cange"

But Not 1 single voter, elected Barak Obama, because he campaigned on Government run Healthcare...Seriously??

There are Zero far left. So that leaves only the far right to get rid of.

Julea, can't see the trees through the forest huh?

I think that it would be easier for some people to pick a winner if they were tagged more than R or D. With a party direction example Far left Republican could RL or extreme right Democrat would be DR. It would save me a lot of time not have to hear what they are lying about.

Welcome to the USSA comrades! Welfare nation is here!

Because the government is not a corporation, TomHen. It's us.

That's what representative government is all about.

When was the last time you elected a corporate CEO?

you and I can't vote a corporate executive out of office...but we can an elected official...that's not 'ignorant as hell', that's reality

Ignorant as hell?

Ignorance is the problem.
By the people for the people.
You can put your name on the ballot!!!

Maybe you need to man up.

Your government your destiny it is and always has been up to you.
Man up!

Hey, that's what Roberts said. We elected them so we need to suck it up when they screw us.

When was the last time a CEO spent $50,000,000 to get the job? Dumb question, obvious answer.

If we vote for Romney, who is vowing to repeal Americans access to Health Care - that is ignorance.

Thank President Obama for his historic achievement!

@25walker

I have health care and don't require the government to provide it to me. It is available to Americans if they want to work for it.

Real americans first, how funny...

Because the government is not a corporation, TomHen. It's us.

That's what representative government is all about.

When was the last time you elected a corporate CEO?

What a strawman type argument...

Why not answer toms question? How is this good for the individual?

So real, sounds like you think government can do no wrong, as long as they do what you want.

BTW - best rethink what the government is, just a really, really big corporation regardless of how the CEO and upper management gains their positions. The operations are the same, but the private sector is just more efficient.

PhieNeaques, NOOOOO, the "penalty" is for folks who can afford health insurance, but choose instead to let the rest of us pay for their health care when they go to the emergency room because they chose not to buy it!!! The rest of us just go on as usual, but without the penalty on OUR premiums for THESE leeches! Oddly, the idea of the "individual mandate" originated in conservative think tanks. Republicans just don't like that Obama "stole" their idea and actually got it put into law.

So is my income tax is not also a penalty? as the mandate penalty is a tax?

See that Crap, That is why I don't want to support Romney, but In defense of America I might have to...Yes, the Mandate came from a Republican Think tank, while "Hillary" was writting her plan...It was not a Conservative Think tank...being a Republican doesn't make you a Conservative, just as being a Democrat dosen't make you a Liberal (but yes it helps in both examples)...There is no way on Earth or our Solar System or Galaxy, that a Federal Government Mandate originated in a Conservative's Mind, unless it was part of a Yellow Fever induced Nightmare...

I have a plan

I Believe It would reduce Federal Healthcare Costs by 90%, over all helathcare cost by 60%, it would cover all Americans, it would cover pre existing conditions, it would not limit anyones health-care choices, you would not be paying for mine and I would not be paying for yours, but it would cover anyone you wanted it to (26 -60 year old son, sister-inlaw, you name it)...it would eliminate being Job Locked Healthcare...and noone would be "Required to participate"...It would save Medicare and Medicaid, and get politicians and political appointees out of the health care business...and it might even make a profit for itself...this is a Conservative's Plan that intentionally adds the good parts of a Liberals plan

There is nothing About Romney that is Conservative, please stop implying he is, it gives me a headache

@Bud, If it was that easy to get elected officals out of office the Senate and Congress building would be equipted with revolving doors. I do agree that some really need to go.

I have an idea! Let's all quit our jobs and leach off the government now and see how long that lasts!

RealAmerican..."That's what representative government is all about."

ROTFLMAO!!! What universe do you live in?

Here, we elect our representatives and then they go to DC and represent special interest who promise them lots of campaign funds and votes.

Say, you wouldn't be interested in buying a bridge would you? I have a real nice one in the Sahara Desert you might be interested in.

But Bud - It is "as ignorant as hell" when people keep re-electing extremist idiots into office. They totally ignore the damage these people have done and vote for them anyway.

To those of you who trust the govt. over a corporation, you people scare me. At least we know what the goal of a corporation is. Can't say that with the govt. Time and again they say one thing and do another. Less govt. is the only way to go to strengthen our economy. Go back to giving perks for offering employer sponsored care, and perks for those who join the employer plan. Stop using Obamacare to destroy the employer plan market. Cost sharing with an employer is much more intelligent and more cost effective than cost sharing with the govt.

mdb123,

"By the people for the people." Really?!!!! That would put it into the "cute, ignorant but cute comment" category.

If you or anyone else believes that one ask yourself one question: When was the last time you personally got the ear of your local, state or national politician (other then them coming around begging for your vote)? I am willing to bet that unless you're wealthy with a little power behind you or a PAC member or a normal lobbyist - you ain't even gotten close! Psychiatrists would call "of the people by the people" delusional thinking in terms of today's political world.

Getting a politician's ear? If you can get close enough and grab it, that is the only way to get their 'ear.' Otherwise, as #3.16 stated, they are all bought and paid for by the big money interests. Look at Obamacare. Big insurance, big Pharma, GE, SEIU, et al. benefit mightily from that little scam, the rest of us, bupkiss. Think not? Just wait and see.

We deserve our government, we voted the crooks into office, over and over again. Agendas and ideology trumps common sense. Then, let us not forget all the freebies given away to garner votes. People will complain and moan and do absolutely nada to change things and only a concerted and unified grassroots effort will work. Two polarized ideologies are at war with one another and so long as that persists the politicians will make hay.

angry mad

@25walker

I have health care and don't require the government to provide it to me. It is available to Americans if they want to work for it.

angry mad,

Your post is myopic.

It is because of your specific employer, that you have health insurance.

Fifty million American people do not have health insurance.

Are you naïve enough to believe that it is because the above 50 million people "do not work" that that is the reason why they do not have health care coverage? Our citizens are working. However, not every employer offers health care insurance. Notably, it is the GOP's heartless economic, political and social policies that have significantly contributed to the staggering number of our citizens that do not have access to health care.

You do not like the Supreme Court's decision upholding Obama's Affordable Care Act

You will just have to learn to live with it.

Health care is a Human Right...not a privilege.

Obama/Biden 2012!

By imposing this tax, and thus encouraging lots of people to get insurance instead of paying tax for nothing

^^ This. A thousand times this. Ok Republicans - whatever happened to your sense of personal responsibility? Isn't that what you preach?

Now that you're being made to put your money where your mouth is, you don't like it?

How typical.

Get our your checkbooks! You have just signed up for the largest tax increase in history.

If you don't like it, elect Romney and Senate and House Republicans and Teapartiers, and get those bums out of office so we can overturn and put in place real reform.

Today is the worst day of your life, more employers will be laying off people, more unemployment and less money in your pocket.

Doctor Crispy, your comment is spot on! Ironically, the insurance industry ( or at least a large portion of it) was actually hoping this law would be overturned because the penalty( now tax) is so small...they believe a percentage of potential customers will just pay the tax, and the insurance companies will not be able to collect premiums from these people....hypocritical, being that these are the terms the insurance industry agreed to when this law was being written....

Bud, if you now have insurance through you employer that employer can drop your insurance and pay a $2,000 penalty. This will save your employer thousands and will shift the responsibility for purchasing insurance to you. What a deal!

Just remember liberals and Democrats, you asked for this against the American taxpayers, they will remember for a long time.

U.S. will pay for half of all health care costs by 2020 - July 28, 2011

"By 2020, nearly 30 million additional people are expected to have health insurance because of reform.

Over the 10-year period, the report showed that the biggest annual jump in health care spending will happen in 2014 when health reform is fully implemented.

CMS estimates that in 2014 about 23 million uninsured consumers will gain access to health insurance, mainly through government programs such as Medicaid and through the creation of federal and state-funded health insurance exchanges.

As a result, the government expects Medicaid spending to surge 20% in 2014 and private health insurance spending to increase 9.4%.

Norwalk said the estimated sharp surge in Medicaid spending just in one year, is very concerning given that states are already struggling with their budgets.

As millions more gain access to health insurance, the government expects spending on prescription drugs, physician and hospital services to increase as well.

CMS expects prescription drug spending to jump by 10.7% in 2014 and to account for 11% of national health spending by 2020. Spending on physician and clinical services is forecast to rise by 8.9% by 2014, representing 19% of overall health care spending."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/healthcare_spending_forecast/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=hp_bn3

P.S. Keep in mind these are even the government released numbers, the reality will be much worse.

People are complaining about a "tax increase?" If you already have insurance you don't pay a dime in "tax increases" from this. If you don't have insurance you are just being asked to pay your fair share and not stick those that do with the bill.

This is what republicans have been screaming for. It was the republican's own idea after all. Why are so many complaining when they got exactly what they wanted?

Hey moron this changes nothing. A credit if you can't afford it? We will all still be paying for those "unfortunates" that don't have it now. And if you think that this changes a thing other than making people feel good because they have it, you are mistaken. The only thing that this is good for is giving people the impression that they have everlasting life because they have insurance to cover it. Lifestyle will not change because no matter what I do to myself, I have healthcare and they HAVE TO take care of me. It is the same as workmens comp insurance. "Protect me, from me, in spite of me."

And BTW, it is a tax increase. Just wait and see. Long after Obamanator is gone, the effects of this are going to drive us to a 70% tax rate across the board. You know, like European countries to pay for all of their social programs.

Talk, it is only a tax increase for people who do not have and refuse to get health insurance. It is not a general tax increase on everyone no matter how much anyone wants to say it is.

Now, the rate you pay for insurance is another matter. The question really is this ... will the natural increase in rates from insuring people who are very ill and also mandating no lifetime limit be offset entirely by the addition of millions of healthy people who will now be paying for insurance? Time will tell, but the provision that mandates at least 80% of premiums must go to heath care and not CEO bonuses or administrative costs will help.

I find it amusing that if you ask people if they approve of the health care law the majority say no, but if you ask those same people about the components of the law, what it actually does, an even larger majority do approve of the specific components.

you have all kinds of guarantees and prophesies and all that other BS that Fox News spews don't ya Harley? You're probably as much of a nurse as you are a politico expert

Yawn, "fox" or blame "Bush" is all you ever have for a rebuttal...which proves you have no merit :-)

BTW roperdoper, what are you, besides a message board troll?

.

Harley, my husband is a nurse and he is all for this. It is unethical to use one's profession (healthcare) to create fear.

@PF

I have a plan, if you or your husband have time to review it, I am hoping for feed back...it is on my "Newsvine Column"

I believe, It would reduce Federal Healthcare Costs by 90%, over all helathcare cost by 60%, it would cover all Americans, it would cover pre existing conditions, it would not limit anyones health-care choices, you would not be paying for mine and I would not be paying for yours, but it would cover anyone you wanted it to (26 -60 year old son, sister-inlaw, you name it)...it would eliminate being Job Locked Healthcare...and noone would be "Required to participate"...It would save Medicare and Medicaid, and get politicians and political appointees out of the health care business...and it might even make a profit for itself

Doctor Crispy

Small tax? You have a surprise coming. You are okay with your freedom being taken away. What will they tell you that you have to buy next or pay a tax? It won't stop with the healthcare.

LMAO...

From what was reported by the nbcpolitical arm on thursday about these so called penalties, I doubt that they will provide much incentive for individuals to rush out and buy insurance costing many times the penalty. Given the reports that the government is also unlikely to pursue collecting such a small penalty. It makes me wonder why obama even included an individual mandate unless he was looking for the insurers and big pharma to support it.

Another interesting aspect of obamacare is requiring employers to seperate out what they pay out in employee health care and list it on the employees W-3 form, box 12 starting 2013. Seems like obamacare is setting up the scenario that whatthe IRS will now consider this as earned income subject to tax. Guess the devil will be in the details of the IRS instruction sheets for how box 12 will be applied.

Mr pheniques, interesting idea of a creating a "central hub" for commonality. The challenge will be in how to maintain a small efficient size for each hub and satelite, something not known for politicians to do. As time permits I will look more into what you propose.

In many of my past newsvine posts I have advocated doing much the same for education. ie downsize significantly the federal dept of education to one of only providing common national goals for the states to achieve.

peoplefirst...

Create fear? Or to be able to look far enough down the road to see the pitfalls? Do you really think that we can ramp up the number of doctors and PA's to meet the expected demand obama creates starting in 2014? Heck , unless it is a true emergency, most of my doctors appointments have to be scheduled out month's in advance. Not a real stretch to see the potential for longer wait times.



@ American

Thanks...In my Mind I drop that central Hub, somewhere into southern Kansas, maybe northern OK...one of my priorities, was to get the system (national and state) out of the hands of politicians, and into the hands of healthcare professionals...there will of course be an oversight function (national and state) through the Boards of Governors

One of the things I tried to incorporate into my model was the ability to upsize, in a future world where our National Hub might be part of an International system, while maintaining ultimate control at state level

@SHAM, you just got real reform and you don't like it? I guess you won't like the reform to the reform either.

Congrats Comrades! Now the government is forcing you to pay for all of America's Insurance!

Do you think it will end there? How many freedoms will Americans lose before they decide it is too much?

How many freedoms will Americans lose? We have lost almost all of the Bill of Rights already and the spin machine is pretending that we are doing so to 'protect' us from evil terrorists. Been to the airport lately? So sorry, but we, as a people are a nation of sheep and the butchers sharpened their knives a long time ago.

Bud, if you now have insurance through you employer that employer can drop your insurance and pay a $2,000 penalty. This will save your employer thousands and will shift the responsibility for purchasing insurance to you. What a deal!

I honestly don't think my employer will - my company employs over 200,000 people, so the penalty for them would be $399,940,000 - almost $400 Million a year, and the shareholders aren't going to put up with that. The latest public statement shows that the employer-sponsored healthcare costs are only a fraction of that.

You would thing that they could

Same thing that happened to your spelling.

Their are no spelling errors in post 7... just an error in definition.

Jay your post does not deserve a comment.

But you just commented on it.

Ahhhhhhh didn't we just do this? I believe it was the WI recall and the talking heads were gleefully crowing about Scott Walker and telling everyone else to "get over it". Well folks ........ guess what? "GET OVER IT" !! The SCOTUS did not have to take any thing from the White House as has been suggested. All of the flack and grief that they have given this POTUS is evident of that. But you are going to have the GOP having a fit for a few more days. I'm sorry, but it sure was fun to watch their heads explode and I'm not even a supporter of the POTUS, I just hate when people tell half truths and out right lies.

I love how the supreme court justices said it was Constitutional to tax people like this. The Use the Constitution as a way of acceptance here but ignore it when it says you have to be a us born citizen to be president. I think the military should take the white house back and throw Obama in jail along with any one they can tie to his deception. Anything that has happened as a result of obama's presidency should be repealed, yet this country has lost it's will to fight for fear of retaliation.

We have a set of guidelines in our Constitution to run this great country that so many have fought and died for. This president is doing his best to remove God from everything he can because of his hatred of Family values and the moral compass the Bible provided when our founding fathers started this country . The Bible was true then and it is true now. If you don't like the United States of America ( ONE NATION UNDER GOD) than find another place , maybe Canada,France your options are nearly endless. I promise you if I moved to England and hated the Queen and the notion of a royal family they would not change for me. no offense England just making a point,

@JAY, I don't think the judge was saying tax em, but judges can express their findings, that is what he was doing. He probably could have worded it differently so as not to be misunderstood.

Fines and penalties due the government, State as example, can be collected through income taxes. Example: don't pay child support and you can loose your income tax return til the amount is collected.

Read the bottom of your income tax form above where you sign about being truthful. If you are not truthful you can loose your income tax return for a long time or go to prison.

Since they want to classify it as a penility, they can collect it through taxes. These are just my thoughts on the topic.

You meant "a-i-s-l-e", yes?

An isle is where Jimmy Buffet hangs out...

RICO

Also, "accept" not "except" and "versus" not "verses".

Look guys I am just a old country boy not a collage grad but i see both of you read and understood my meaning so that's all that counts to me. thanks for input I will try to do better.

@ Joe

It does seem that a lot of un-employed grammar teachers end up as viners,

Your wallet will be confiscated, not just opened.

U.S. will pay for half of all health care costs by 2020 - July 28, 2011

"By 2020, nearly 30 million additional people are expected to have health insurance because of reform.

Over the 10-year period, the report showed that the biggest annual jump in health care spending will happen in 2014 when health reform is fully implemented.

CMS estimates that in 2014 about 23 million uninsured consumers will gain access to health insurance, mainly through government programs such as Medicaid and through the creation of federal and state-funded health insurance exchanges.

As a result, the government expects Medicaid spending to surge 20% in 2014 and private health insurance spending to increase 9.4%.

Norwalk said the estimated sharp surge in Medicaid spending just in one year, is very concerning given that states are already struggling with their budgets.

As millions more gain access to health insurance, the government expects spending on prescription drugs, physician and hospital services to increase as well.

CMS expects prescription drug spending to jump by 10.7% in 2014 and to account for 11% of national health spending by 2020. Spending on physician and clinical services is forecast to rise by 8.9% by 2014, representing 19% of overall health care spending."

http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/28/news/economy/healthcare_spending_forecast/index.htm?source=cnn_bin&hpt=hp_bn3

P.S. Keep in mind these are even the government released numbers, the reality will be much worse.

David what you will hear in the next few years is screaming after the true costs and lack of medical care for those on medicare come about. All of these people cheering this farce of a law will soon find out that the taxes required to pretend to support it will bankrupt more families or make them go without many things that they think they can't do without. Employers will quit offering coverage because they will save bundles of money just paying the fines. Our small business alone will save 50,000 a year by not offering coverage. Believe me there are many in our industry that are going to do that.

I have seen socialized medicine and can't wait until the liberal progressive supporters can't get into their doctor for months, can't get tests run due to shortages and find that many drugs will not be available due to high consumption.

Many people just don't get it sandiego. ACA, conceptually, is the same thing as Medicare, except for the entire nation, not just seniors. When Medicare was introduced, they said it would be paid for. In no time at all it was in debt and currently has over $20 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities. They said ACA would be paid for and then after it was passes said, "WHOOPS! no it won't!" In no time, it will be just another big feral (not misspelled grammar police) government money pit, burying future generations in a mountain of debt.

Cat your right that healthy people generally make more money but that is only if they can find a job. What this plan does do is to add costs to some employers. While many employers do provide health insurance there are those out there who do not because of the added costs of it. This is not going to help those who are presently going looking for jobs.

I am also not sure that this is going to help as much as many might think. As I have said before we have a finite number of doctor offices out there and many of those are running at full capacity now. What happens when more people try to go to these offices. Many are going to be forced to go to emergency rooms because the doctor simply is not going to have time to treat them. This may very well include those who have insurance now. In this country we have a shortage of primary care doctors. While there are lots of specialists out there your average family doctor is disappearing. Regardless of what happens with health care insurance somehow we are going to need to address this problem.

No offense Cat, but you're goofy.

RICO

Gotta love Liberals. Tax is their middle name. You know why, they don'y pay any fuggin tax.

Just another in a long line of freebies passed their way.

Wake up Cat. There is no profit in a cure, that is why the industry is built around "treatment". You just continue to be as healthy as the pills make you. Good luck with that.

To all you people that are complaining about liberals and such and getting anything free. You will be trying to cash in on it all you can. So quite lying to me, others and most of all youself. You know as well as I do, If you can get a freebie out of it your going to do it.

It's been my experience through out life they person who will take something for nothing first is the person with a lot of money. Don't even think about calling me a lyier on this subject. I've been around a long time.

No 6dogs, there are those of us that want nothing but what we earn, we are called conservatives. then there are those that will take advantage of every opportunity to get something for nothing they are called liberals. by your post you prove my point. Congrats on your win, gloat in it while you can. Over 50% of our GDP was spent on social programs. It will now jump to 60%. What happens when you spend more than you make? Liberal answer........you borrow. What happens when you can't pay back what you borrow? Liberal answer.....you blame conservatives.

Great idea! Simply bludgeon smokers and fat people on the street!

Imagine the savings!

Geez...

RICO

No they will say "WTF were these people thinking raising the tax rate to the same rate as the socialist Europeans. Why did they plan to change the American way of life by stealing from those that do to give to those that wouldn't".

Its not socialist medicine, the private insurance companies are still doing all the billing. The Govt is asking them to be accountable and to stop cherry picking the healthy.

That is the best the USA could come up with in 2012. The 50 million soon to be enrolled healthy people will help to cover the higher risk insurance pools - pre-existing conditions of which I hope no one ever suffers, for example.

No more expensive visits to the emergency rooms for the uninsured - go to an Emergency in Anytown USA on a Friday night, and you will see your neighbors, I guarantee it.

Kasey you will not be seen in ER's as there will be walk in clinics for non emergencies just like Canada. Of course with the lack of Doctors accepting medicade there will be a LONG wait for those people:)

Cheers!!

As long as the GOP keeps trying to kick the teeth out of the program.

Yeh, but if you don't pay fine or penilities due the government they can and will garnish your income taxes.

Am I correct? They can inprison one for tax evasion. I would venture a guess that a fine has to be collected but not a prisonable offence. On that I'll comment ther is not enough jail space in the entire country to hold them all. The expense would be far worse than collecting the fines.

when the dealings are put out it is always The United States Government vs John Doe, That's an emprissive heading on a law suite.

You talk about doing things, taking personal accountability yourself, but turn around and want someone to purchase what is your responsibility. Nice reasoning.

Guess how many folks now will file file bankruptcy because the IRS come after every asset they have because they can't pay these new levied taxes. And that is folks that were never in trouble with a medical bill before. Yeah, this is high intelligence at it's finest.

If every asset you have is worth the $4-600 'tax', you have bigger problems than the IRS.

I have insurance through work and last year I had to be admitted to the hospital. I knew what the bill was going to be and I started lobbying to go home almost as soon as I was admitted. I knew that I could not afford to be there!!! And I was right, I was only there for 3 days and the bill I got was over 6000.00. So please tell me how the current system is helping me? Because it's not!!! Had I not had insurance I would never have been admitted, but because I did they were more than happy to stick me into a bed and start the tab running. When I looked at the bill I had to go back and have them take several items off because they were either procedures that were not done or medications that were not given to me. I was being billed for my care and someone else's and so was my insurance company!!!

My granddaughter can now get coverage for a condition she was born with. Wish coverage could've come sooner. My son is in so much debt, it will be years if not decades before he can finally pay off huge medical bills for her preexisting condition. The sad part is that goodwill doctors donate their time and services to do the same procedures in underdeveloped countries for less than $1,000.00 per patient. Because this is the actual cost. Our health care companies in the U.S. gouge us, why? Because they can. I'm happy about health care reform. Still there is much more to be done. Repeal it - NOT. Increase it - you bet!

Steve how are you accountable when your neighbor is going to pay your premium by supplementing you with tax dollars?

So sorry to hear about your grand-daughter...please have your son investigative the many service organizations that contribute millions of dollars every year to helping to pay for the costs of healthcare for children...there are many state run programs as wel specifically for children's healthcarel...also, there are many doctors in our own country who provide care for free ...best wishes to you and your family.

The ACA will not lower cots....it is impossible. Add 50,000,000 people who are presently uninsured or underinsured to the the healthcare system, provide additional care services to everyone now paid for by the taxpayer, add in the huge bureaucracy it will take to administer such a program, add in the huge potential for fraud and abuse and voila!...cost will go through the roof and the national debt will double to $30 trillion by 2016. Lower Costs? LMFAO Get real people....you cannot provide additional services to millions and lower costs...impossible.

The only ones I know calling it a "punishiment" are the Republicans from Washington all the way down to my next door neighbor, as far as I hear truthfully is it's a Penalty, in fact Obama called it a penality upon announcing it yesterday.

Don't be to quick on condeming it on the surface. One must go inside the pages and read provision by provision that gets a lot of negative people doing the old Huuuum, and Aaaaah routeen. You have got to find what applies to you. Take me for instance I'm under the VA, retired and Medicare. I now have to reassess my position, what I have and make an adjustment, It might cost me a few dollars more or I could get a surprise the other direction.

All I can say is everybody is a different situation married, with family, single, young or old. It might be more worth someones situation to pay the govt penality as to get insurance ( I feel that ins cos fear this). But like I say read the provisions as they apply to you. You have options here and can change from one direction to the other and back again if you want. Your dicission is not carved in stone that I can tell. The only thing I perceive here is that Ins Cos will want a time deal like cell phone services.

This has no resemblance AT ALL to Canada or the UK health system.

Seems like the most ignorant posts are all against the bill,lol.

I disagree, Freemannogod...the English have had their system in place since the second World War...it seems logical that the British would have abolished or replaced it with something else if they were not content with its performance...the same can be said about the Canadians, and, frankly, all of the other countries currently employing some form of universal health care...I mean no disrespect to you, I am basing my opinion on the fact that these countries are not abandoning what they have, when obviously they could...

FreeMan; Did you see how the stock market rebounded after the ruling?

Another thing the Re bubs in congress, have had over two years to work on jobs! how many have they created so far?

Rebounded? Are you Shilling me? LMAO

yep Hank and made by the most ignorant posters like Freeman

who says it failing, certainly not the people who do not have to worry about health insurance ever, scare tactics will not work , people who have brains have checked out other countries health care and we know it is working.

Obama 2012

Too bad there is no basis in fact for almost anything you say.

Doesn't matter, right ?

From the ruling today:

Of course, individuals do not have a lawful choice not to pay a tax due, and may sometimes face prosecution for failing to do so (although not for declining to make the shared responsibility payment, see 26 U. S. C. §5000A(g)(2)). But that does not show that the tax restricts the lawful choice whether to undertake or forgo the activity on which the tax is predicated. Those subject to the individual mandate may lawfully forgo health insurance and pay higher taxes, or buy health insurance and pay lower taxes. The only thing they may not lawfully do is not buy health insurance and not pay the resulting tax.

The point is, there is no penalty. What are they going to do to you? On one hand you have insurance if you choose to buy it, on the other you pay the tax. If you dont do either, you dont have insurance and you dont pay the tax. The IRS is not going to come get you because its not defined in the statutue. True legislative genius! Maybe if they had read the bill before they passed it they might have caught it....

The Supreme Court didnt do any favors for Obama today, all they did was gut this thing (medicare expansion), make it more difficult to implement and give it a name: "tax hike".

Take that Mr President,

Yours truly,

CJ Roberts :)

@JON, come on now, It's a Penality that Is collected through Taxes. I saw a estamate number of $795 penality charge for a singel person on the news last night. I believe that was an estamated figure and don't know where it came from. My guess is if you have any health Insurance and it cost much more than $800 a year, I would consider paying the Penality, but if your paying $700 a year, I'd keep it. Round $795 to $800 devide by 50 weeks ( I know 52 weeks a yr ths is to keep it simple) you get $16 weekly. If you paying more than that weekly by $2 your spending $204 a year you don't need to. I say Pay the Penality.

If you don't understand it, stop commenting on it until you do. You pay taxes for everything anyway, so this being one of the few taxes that's easy to understand and totally justified seems like the one people WOULDN'T complain about.

EVERYONE is in the healthcare system from before birth until death. So what if you have to pay for services you may not be getting now? For argument's sake, let's just suppose you do pay into the system and for 20 years nothing happens. Then, you get colon cancer or need to have knee or shoulder surgery. Your 20 years in premiums has more than paid for itself just going through treatment for 1 ailment. And, if time and history has taught us anything, you will have many more interactions with the healthcare system before you die even if you do make it through the 20-40yr mark with little going wrong. Overall this helps everyone, but more importantly - if you work your whole life, do you want to bankrupt your family if you should get sick? This bill will prevent that from happening to people anymore.

It will keep people from suffering needlessly rather than seeking necessary treatment or living with a condition that ends their life prematurely - like those with undiagnosed diabetes or hypertension. It's the first step to a healthier, stronger nation.

So you idjuts think this precedent just passed doesn't open up the Federal Government to now decide on ANYTHING they want you to buy by just taxing you into it is a good thing. Wow... I knew the population of you morons was expanding, but this is amazing how many of you there really are.

Well Romney was already going to win by a landslide, but you are correct, knowing that Obamacare will be implemented if B.O. remains in office will drive millions more to the polls to oust him.

And let's just say that you are right. You cannot repeal anything unless you control the House, the White House and have at least 60 Republican Senators. Now how realistic is that?

God, let us pray this not be so!

PJam,

Romney winning by a landslide? Where in the world did you get that impression. Support Romney or not, the truth remains that this is a very close race, and it looks like it may be one right up until the very end. You know, just saying something doesn't make it true, no matter how much you want to believe it.

texas guy,

It would have been a close race except not now. Not when this reversal president did it AGAIN. Deny that he said he would NOT tax Americans. Well, passage of his "healthcare" tax package (21 new taxes with the bill, 12 of which will impact most Americans) is certainly not going to sit well with Americans in November.

Your scenario will occur...