Have You Actually READ House Bill HR676?

[tucsonlib]

I just did. Doesn't take long - It's concise, to-the-point and written in easily understood language. It addresses pretty much every pertinent issue. Hell, even the insurance company employees who would face potential job loss are taken into consideration.

http://www.hr676.org/


Read it, and then tell me, please - with the exception of a few
corporate executives...

Why would ANY American, left or right, oppose this bill? What could ANY RATIONAL, DECENT HUMAN BEING FIND OBJECTIONABLE IN THIS BILL? Too simple? Too ethical? WHAT??





:argh:

[Dawgs]

1. It has nothing to do with opposing this bill. n/t

[tucsonlib]

2. "It"? n/t

[grahamhgreen]

71. It?

[drm604]

3. It's opposed because it would kill the profits made by the insurance companies.

That's not a good reason, but it's the reason.

[tucsonlib]

6. But Who, Besides The Insurance Companies Themselves, Would Give A Shit? n/t

[drm604]

7. People who are swayed by the ins. cos lying propaganda. n/t

[tucsonlib]

11. Here's My Idea:

We raise enough money to send a copy of the bill to EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN AMERICA. The corporate scumbags and their political and media shills would be exposed as the liars and fear-mongers they are.

Don't you think the American people, if they read this bill, would DEMAND it be passed and signed into law? If not, why not?

[ejpoeta]

16. People are brainwashed into thinking that we have the best system in the world

and that anything other than the system we have is socialism and therefore bad. To them, it wouldn't matter if their costs would be cut in half. The crazy thing is that NO ONE likes their insurance. Well, almost no one does. It costs too much and they keep changing the rules and the doctors. ANd it's a pain in the ass. Everyone complains about it. Yet, they will insist this is the BEST system in the world and everyone is jealous of us. No matter how much better a single payer system is. No matter how much easier it would be to get medical care. For some reason, they can't see past the brainwashing to see that the people feeding them that crap are doing it for a reason.... they like things the way they are because they can maximize profits and minimize coverage. And until these people can start believing what they already know from their own experiences instead of what faux news and the monied interests are telling them, then they will not support anything that would actually benefit them.

[tucsonlib]

19. That's Why They Need To Read This Bill

Would even those people deny their families dental coverage and long term care?

[CLANG]

37. Most of the people that would oppose the bill

are brainwashed and probably don't have the intellectual capacity to understand what they are reading.

[Dorian Gray]

127. Like my mother in law...

last night, she was ranting and ranting about this bill, saying how she would have to pay $5000 per year more in taxes so that "bums" (her words) could get healthcare. Rant rant rant rant for 20 minutes at dinner.

Two things about the rant: a) My sister in law is one of those people who have no insurance (and she was sitting there). She has had drinking related medical problems, gone to the ER 8 times for two week stays in the hospital in the last 6 years (pancreatitis), and I don't see my in-laws doing anything to help her pay for those bills.

and

b) MIL is one of the most bigotted, hateful, uneducated people I know. Truly a vile human being. Hate having meals with her.

[tucsonlib]

131. She Wasn't "ranting and ranting" About THIS Bill

THIS bill isn't the one currently being debated in Congress. THIS bill isn't 1000 pages long. (More like 11 pages.)

READ THIS BILL TO YOUR MIL!

http://johnconyers.com/hr676text

Of course, there are some people who are incapable of listening to reason. Your MIL sounds like she may be one of them. If that's the case, pin these two quotations to her backside:


"The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness."

-- James Kenneth Galbraith


"Although it is not true that all conservatives are stupid people... it is true that most stupid people are conservative."

— John Stuart Mill

[Dorian Gray]

138. She's clueless and doesn't care

Though I should make clear that my usage of ranting is probably incorrect. She doesn't know what the hell she is talking about, so it was more incoherent babble.

[tucsonlib]

139. I Truly Sympathize

Best simply to avoid people like that. They are, someone once said, "vexations to the soul".

Of course, it's not worth jeopardizing your marriage, so everything hinges on how your wife feels about the whole thing. The ideal solution (if it were me, and if my wife was on my side) would be to attend one more meal with your MIL. Tell her you won't be breaking bread with her ever again, and when she asks why tell her exactly what you wrote in your comment, "Because you are one of the most bigoted, hateful, uneducated people I know. (You have my permission to add, "And you are a vexation to the soul.")

:fistbump:

[ejpoeta]

128. yes they would. i try to impres upon my family every time they go off on

'those people' who are on welfare or public assistance that they are talking about me. They will say that is different, but I assure them that it is not. I want them to know every time they disparage people on public assistance, medicaid or food stamps, that they are disparaging me. Because while i am not on these things right now, I have been in the past. I have received cash assistance. I have been on food stamps. And I have definitely been on medicaid. And my youngest daughter was on medicaid because I was on it while I was pregnant with her. And I got pregnant intentionally, too. So when they talk about all those lazy black people down in NYC who apparently they think just sit around and live off welfare, I insist that I am no different than any of those people. Though there is one difference..... I don't live in the inner city and I have more options then many of them do. Public assistance is a trap in many ways. You basically have to be living in a cardboard box to qualify, and if you make any amount of money, they cut you off. So they are setting people up to fail. Because most people don't want to be on public assistance. But a family with three kids could make too much if both parents are working, even minimum wage is involved. and then there is daycare. It's a hard place to be, and even harder to get out of that hole.

But if people like my family can't see it, then I am afraid no one will. They have theirs, even if they don't realize how fragile that 'have' is. Except Theresa and John who work for the IRS and get the federal plan. My sister was telling me that it sucks that there is only one place in town that will take their insurance. But their insurance apparently covers the reflective coating and the lenses that get dark and light for a 5 year old.... I laugh, because my kids get child health plus and they wouldn't even pay for the polycarbonate lenses.... did you know that if my daughter wants to play sports she is required to have polycarbonate lenses?? I paid the $25 cost of the special lenses, which I guess is ok considering they paid the rest... but if I was living on welfare and food stamps I wonder if that would be too much. And we want our kids to be more active. uggh.

[angstlessk]

30. find a national republican mailing list, the blue dogs mailing lists,

and it would be forced into law by the masses!

[tucsonlib]

34. Oh, You Dreamer, You....

Still, ya really think?...........:fistbump:

[Doremus]

60. I'm in. In the meantime we can print off the main points and pass them out in our neighborhoods.

Our town is having a street dance next week and I'm going to hand out fliers.

There is a reason for the leadership vacuum (follow the $$$) so it is up to us to do it ourselves!

[grahamhgreen]

73. Americans are demanding single-payer, what they're getting is Obama giving excuses why they can't.

[Hutzpa]

84. .

:wtf:

[Hutzpa]

85. WTF! Moment

:wtf:

[truedelphi]

97. Sadly, some in America have been brainwashed that

Being given health insurance by the government amounts to welfare.

And they don't wanna take government handouts. And they don't want the poor people to benefit. (Never mind that they are just a paycheck away from being poor themselves.)

[bkkyosemite]

105. And we put a note in there with quotes from Wendell Potter the former CEO of Cigna on what he has

said about what insurance companies are doing to our citizens. With both of these papers together what a GREAT IDEA that would be!!!

[JHB]

129. Potter was not CEO...

...he was a senior executive and head of corporate communications. Up high in the corporate heirarchy, but not the guy at the top.

Not disagreeing with you about his comments and testomony to Congress, just noting it for accuracy. While I know the true believers on the other side don't concern themselves with accuracy, mistakes on our part only hand them a "see? THEY're exaggerating (too)" tool.

[earcandle]

122. I have it posted to my website and have sent it out to my mailing list.

[OwnedByFerrets]

69. IE: stupid

[drm604]

81. I think that's a bit unfair.

Marketing is a well developed field. They are very clever in their propaganda and they saturate the media and internet with it. People who don't know the facts, and don't know how to separate fact from propaganda, can be defenseless against that.

[Hutzpa]

86. Then we use their channel to saturate our facts n/t

[drm604]

92. That's been happening to some extent,

but it is difficult. One thing I try to do is understand the latest talking points and what exactly is misleading about them. Then, when I hear a friend or relative repeating them I point out that they've been receiving incorrect information and explain the facts. It's important not to place the blame on them, or make them look or feel stupid. Make it clear that someone else, the source of their information, is at fault, not them. "I hear what you're saying, but someone's been giving you bad information..."

[Hutzpa]

98. I was thinking on the level of......

how they (republicans) can use these channels so well, how do they get their talking point
out so fast and quicker than our side, how do they set up appearances on TV stations?

We either need to block this route or saturate the route with democratic talking point, no
time to show any sympathy in this regards. Maybe Democrats know this route but are lazy...
who knows? :shrug:

[drm604]

102. It's difficult, but I think we have co-opted part of that route.

One hopeful sign is the MSNBC nightly lineup, with Ed, Keith, and Rachel. It appears that they've discovered that there is money to be made in showing another viewpoint. So, by showing that a different viewpoint can be profitable we've actually gotten the support of people who's goals are more mercenary than political. We're using the system against itself, in a way.

[Hutzpa]

106. We can also provide our talking point

by putting progressives constantly on shows, we make sure every time there is a republican
on TV a progressive should also be made available to counter their BS talking point, one
of the major obstacle I see though, is centrist democrats that have always cajole to republican
talking point consistently, that does not help our course.

It's time to stop looking for common ground, it has not help the democrats and will continue
to hamper any progress. It is a well known facts that the progress of a nation is based on
progressive ideals, my point is this, democrats that have ran to the center to appease the
republicans have always failed, the evidence are out there for all to see.

With that in mind, it would be pointless to continue using the same folks who have been there
before and expect a different result. We need to instill a new sets of democrats that understands
whats at stake and are well prepared with statistical facts.

Sorry to have gone off a bit, but I'm sure you get my point.....

[drm604]

113. Yes, of course

but we've probably gotten off track on this thread.

[handmade34]

87. you are correct

marketing is key

[Aragorn]

100. brand name

Generic meds don't market. Brand name meds give lots of free samples out (and goodies). My favorite example is lithium - which is LiCO3 - much more effective than anything else used for bipolar but no profit and no marketing budget.

Marketing is only needed when the product is expensive and/or unneeded.

Private insurance? Yup, same thing.

[Auggie]

94. Republicans

Any setback for the Democrats or President Obama is a victory for them

[tucsonlib]

132. You Mean The Republican LEADERSHIP, Don't You?

Even rank-and-file Republicans would support HR676.....

if only they would take the time to READ IT.

[glinda]

104. Big Pharma for one.

[tucsonlib]

133. Screw 'em. We Outnumber Them A Million To One. n/t

[glinda]

134. Ya well, we outnumber NRA members and look how that goes.

[dflprincess]

109. The politicians who stand to lose millions in campaign "contributions"

if the private insurance companies go away. It will also cut back on potential (and lucrative) lobbying jobs waiting for them when they leave Congress.

It's not right and every last representative or senator who opposes this bill (or a senate version of it) should be defeated either in a their next primary or general election. They should also have their finances investigated because it's pretty clear they are putting their own financial gain being ahead of the people's well being.

[cabluedem]

4. Follow the money. nt

[cabluedem]

5. Follow the money. nt

[ipaint]

23. Exactly

The list of members who have personal investments in the corporations that will be affected by the legislation — which President Obama has called this year’s highest domestic priority — includes Congress’s most powerful leaders and a bipartisan collection of lawmakers in key committee posts. Their total health-care holdings could be worth $27 million, because congressional financial disclosure forms released yesterday require reporting of only broad ranges of holdings rather than precise values of assets.
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), for instance, has at least $50,000 invested in a health-care index, and Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), a senior member of the health committee, has between $254,000 and $560,000 worth of stock holdings in major health-care companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck.
The family of Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee drafting that chamber’s legislation, held at least $3.2 million in more than 20 health-care companies at the end of last year.

http://www.healthcare-now.org/lawmakers-reveal-health-care-investments/

2/3 rds of americans want either a canadian style system or medicare for all.

Lack of progressive leadership from the president on down is the problem.

[tucsonlib]

28. No Argument. But Then Again...

if HR676 landed on Obama's desk I believe he'd sign it in a heartbeat.

[ipaint]

41. I don't.

The majority of people want a single payer type system. There is no leadership from the top down in washington to do what's best for the country.

They can't even be bothered to educate people.

Why not a series of hour long programs on how other countries around the world solved the problem of covering everyone. Where is the website outlining the CBO estimates of all options including single payer. Where is the info on just what a strong public option should be in the current legislation and why it is so important.
He was great at marketing and educating folks about himself when he wanted the job. Where is that skill when it comes to doing what is best for the country.

[Greyhound]

64. Both of your relies are exactly right.

What amazes me is that so few of "us" care that we are, once again, being sold out by "our" representatives for their gain.

[grahamhgreen]

74. Then why doesn't he push it - that's what we hired him to do!

[SleeplessInAlabama]

118. I'm torn.

He made the comment during the presser that the only way to cover everyone is single payer - but I seriously have my doubts that he'd sign the bill when he's been coming out against single-payer for some time now.

The President is no less of a politician than anyone else on the Hill.

[tucsonlib]

120. re: The President is no less of a politician than anyone else on the Hill.

Which is only one of the reasons he would sign the bill. He's savvy enough to know that that single act alone would guarantee his legacy as one of America's
greatest Presidents.

[Hutzpa]

90. Jane Harman with $3.2 million

and the saga gets deeper....my goodness, a daunting task none the less.

[amyrose2712]

8. Thanks. I actually had not read the whole thing...

I think just the mental health benefits alone could make a huge dent in homelessness.

[tucsonlib]

12. Whatdja Think? n/t

[lexanman]

9. it's not being opposed

except for the "few" people you just stated in your OP. That is why it is currently being watered down and opposed by "blue dog" democrats. as well as almost every republican. What is your point?

[mmonk]

10. The OP was about HR 676, not what they are trying to give us in its place.

[lexanman]

14. oh...sorry about that.

[mmonk]

17. No problem.

[tucsonlib]

15. Please, Read The Bill. n/t

[Selatius]

13. Most Americans probably don't even know the bill exists. I've known about it for about 2 or 3 years.

Then again, I post here at DU and read information here. Most Americans don't do that.

[mmonk]

21. When I told my Republican father in law of it, he said he would be

for that (he currently is on medicare). That pretty much sums up why people don't know about it. It will remain largely hidden by the press just like the articles of impeachment introduced by Kucinich was.

[tucsonlib]

22. Agreed. Any Thoughts On Comment #11? n/t

[mmonk]

35. I agree with the premise that Americans are unaware

of what their options are. Polling suggests they would be for HR 676. See here:

http://www.wpasinglepayer.org/PollResults.html

[dipsydoodle]

18. Insurance company employees who would face potential job loss ?

If you had single payer then it would need appropriate staffing so they'd hardly be likely to be out of a job.

For comparison 2% of the UK's working population work for our NHS and you have a much larger population to care for.

Some details here : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article1050197.ece

[tucsonlib]

20. Please, Read The Bill.

That problem is addressed.

[dipsydoodle]

36. The Bill also makes it clear

that's its not socialised medicine unlike the plans most of you envy over here in the UK and many other European countries too. Your government should be reponsible for the health of its population.

[mmonk]

38. They have not worried about the employed in other sectors

and the outsourcing which makes any complaints by them concerning job loss in the insurance industry hypocrisy.

[Patchuli]

111. I think it is more the loss of

the "Golden Parachutes" those bastards at the top of the health conglomerates get that is slowing things down, along with stockholders who shouldn't really be voting on issues that affect their own pocket.

[SleeplessInAlabama]

24. This is quite possibly the single best, and one of the easiest to read bills

that I've ever read.

The problem is, does it really even have a chance in Congress?

What can we do, what can be done to mobilize support for this thing?

[tucsonlib]

27. I Couldn't Agree More

As for your other questions, the bill currently has 83 co-sponsors in the House. I really do think that the problem is - not enough people have actually READ the thing.

Is my idea as stated in comment #11 just wishful thinking? Any other thoughts?

[SleeplessInAlabama]

29. I have no idea how much that much postage costs....

But it's $132 million for 44 cent stamps for 300 million households. I know if you bulk mail like that you're probably looking at a lower cost, but that's some sho'nuff lobbying money.

Seems like regional mailings would be the largest realistically possible choice.

[tucsonlib]

32. Wouldn't It Be More Like A Third Of That?

Unless every man, woman and child in the US lives alone. ;)

Still, a lot of pocket change. But let's see - The other side is spending 1.4 million per day......

[SleeplessInAlabama]

33. I'm an idiot. Thank you.

80 or 100 million households seems a lot more realistic.

But then the question become, who does have the funds on hand to do it now? Or will it need fundraising?

[tucsonlib]

39. I Wonder If The Bill's Sponsors Have Even Considered The Idea

I mean, nobody wants to read 1000 pages of gibberish, but this bill grabs you and sucks you in. It has more thrills than a Stephen King novel.

[BattyDem]

83. I totally agree

No double-talk, no "legalese", no getting lost in a maze of sections and sub-sections ... it's very simple and easy to read. It addresses every issue in a clear and concise manner.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[mmonk]

25. Elizabeth Kucinich on HR 676 and Weiner on the importance

of a real public option vs. a watered down one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=allQtB3sHVA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RADPnKE2Uak

(Elizabeth Kucinich explains HR 676 and Weiner discusses that a government run option would be cost effective and would be what people would choose)

[newfie11]

26. Money, corruption, lack of integrity, and lobbyists n/t

[fasttense]

31. Thanks for posting this.

What a comprehensive and easily understood document, obviously the lobbyist didn't write it.

I like this part but it is missing one word:

SEC. 403. Reduction in health disparities.

"It is the intent of this Act to reduce health disparities by race, ethnicity, income and geographic region, and to provide high quality, cost-effective, culturally appropriate care to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or language."

or wealth!!!!

[babylonsister]

40. Why? Because there are people who want it all and they want it all

now, dammit!

I haven't read the whole thing, but have read parts, and have read people I consider more knowledgeable give it a thumbs up, or lots of it.

No, it's not perfect, but it would help millions of people.

Guess that's not good enough for some.

[Greyhound]

67. Those people are not the ones fighting/hiding this legislation. n/t

[tomp]

126. h.r 676? not perfect? nt

[dgibby]

42. The republican's want to defeat the bill

because they believe it will break Obama and the Dems, and they can make a comeback in 2010, at least according to DeMint and Inholf.

[tucsonlib]

43. They Wouldn't Have A Leg To Stand On

Especially if more of their constituents read the contents of this bill.

[dgibby]

55. I agree.

They're just grasping at straws. There's a very large component of TEH CRAZY in that party.

[ipaint]

44. Some folks commenting haven't bothered to read the bill.

Maybe they should.

[SleeplessInAlabama]

46. Ding Ding Ding!

This is where it starts.

It's such light reading. You can polish it off in no time.

READ THE BILL. As they say, "Just do it."

You will understand it inside and out after one read, it's not 1017 pages long, and IT WOULD WORK.

But it starts with reading the bill.

[tucsonlib]

47. They Don't Know What They're Missing.

I Certainly Didn't.

[tucsonlib]

48. Can I Get Away With This?

Gotcha! Now start reading, Dag Nabbit!

Text of H.R. 676

* Universal Health Care

H. R. 676


To provide for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all United States residents, and for other purposes.

A BILL


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title; table of contents.

(a) Short title.—This Act may be cited as the “United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act)”.

(b) Table of contents.—The table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents

Sec. 2. Definitions and terms.

TITLE I—ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS

Sec. 101. Eligibility and registration.
Sec. 102. Benefits and portability.
Sec. 103. Qualification of participating providers.
Sec. 104. Prohibition against duplicating coverage.

TITLE II—FINANCES

Subtitle A—Budgeting and Payments

Sec. 201. Budgeting process.
Sec. 202. Payment of providers and health care clinicians.
Sec. 203. Payment for long-term care.
Sec. 204. Mental health services.
Sec. 205. Payment for prescription medications, medical supplies, and medically necessary assistive equipment.
Sec. 206. Consultation in establishing reimbursement levels.

Subtitle B—Funding

Sec. 211. Overview: funding the USNHI Program.
Sec. 212. Appropriations for existing programs for uninsured and indigent.

TITLE III—ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 301. Public administration; appointment of Director.
Sec. 302. Office of Quality Control.
Sec. 303. Regional and State administration; employment of displaced clerical workers.
Sec. 304. Confidential Electronic Patient Record System.
Sec. 305. National Board of Universal Quality and Access.

TITLE IV—ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 401. Treatment of VA and IHS health programs.
Sec. 402. Public health and prevention.
Sec. 403. Reduction in health disparities.

TITLE V—EFFECTIVE DATE

Sec. 501. Effective date.

SEC. 2. Definitions and terms.

In this Act:

(1) USNHI Program; Program.—The terms “USNHI Program” and “Program” mean the program of benefits provided under this Act and, unless the context otherwise requires, the Secretary with respect to functions relating to carrying out such program.

(2) National Board of Universal Quality and Access.—The term “National Board of Universal Quality and Access” means such Board established under section 305.

(3) Regional office.—The term “regional office” means a regional office established under section 303.

(4) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

(5) Director.—The term “Director” means, in relation to the Program, the Director appointed under section 301.

TITLE I—Eligibility and Benefits


SEC. 101. Eligibility and registration.

(a) In general.—All individuals residing in the United States (including any territory of the United States) are covered under the USNHI Program entitling them to a universal, best quality standard of care. Each such individual shall receive a card with a unique number in the mail. An individual’s social security number shall not be used for purposes of registration under this section.

(b) Registration.—Individuals and families shall receive a United States National Health Insurance Card in the mail, after filling out a United States National Health Insurance application form at a health care provider. Such application form shall be no more than 2 pages long.

(c) Presumption.—Individuals who present themselves for covered services from a participating provider shall be presumed to be eligible for benefits under this Act, but shall complete an application for benefits in order to receive a United States National Health Insurance Card and have payment made for such benefits.

SEC. 102. Benefits and portability.

(a) In general.—The health insurance benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

(1) Primary care and prevention.

(2) Inpatient care.

(3) Outpatient care.

(4) Emergency care.

(5) Prescription drugs.

(6) Durable medical equipment.

(7) Long term care.

(8) Mental health services.

(9) The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).

(10) Substance abuse treatment services.

(11) Chiropractic services.

(12) Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).

(13) Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.

(b) Portability.—Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in the United States that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.

(c) No cost-sharing.—No deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits.

SEC. 103. Qualification of participating providers.

(a) Requirement To be public or non-profit.—

(1) In general.—No institution may be a participating provider unless it is a public or not-for-profit institution.

(2) Conversion of investor-owned providers.—Investor-owned providers of care opting to participate shall be required to convert to not-for-profit status.

(3) Compensation for conversion.—The owners of such investor-owned providers shall be compensated for the actual appraised value of converted facilities used in the delivery of care.

(4) Funding.—There are authorized to be appropriated from the Treasury such sums as are necessary to compensate investor-owned providers as provided for under paragraph (3).

(5) Requirements.—The conversion to a not-for-profit health care system shall take place over a 15-year period, through the sale of U.S. Treasury Bonds. Payment for conversions under paragraph (3) shall not be made for loss of business profits, but may be made only for costs associated with the conversion of real property and equipment.

(b) Quality standards.—

(1) In general.—Health care delivery facilities must meet regional and State quality and licensing guidelines as a condition of participation under such program, including guidelines regarding safe staffing and quality of care.

(2) Licensure requirements.—Participating clinicians must be licensed in their State of practice and meet the quality standards for their area of care. No clinician whose license is under suspension or who is under disciplinary action in any State may be a participating provider.

(c) Participation of health maintenance organizations.—

(1) In general.—Non-profit health maintenance organizations that actually deliver care in their own facilities and employ clinicians on a salaried basis may participate in the program and receive global budgets or capitation payments as specified in section 202.

(2) Exclusion of certain health maintenance organizations.—Other health maintenance organizations, including those which principally contract to pay for services delivered by non-employees, shall be classified as insurance plans. Such organizations shall not be participating providers, and are subject to the regulations promulgated by reason of section 104(a) (relating to prohibition against duplicating coverage).

(d) Freedom of choice.—Patients shall have free choice of participating physicians and other clinicians, hospitals, and inpatient care facilities.

SEC. 104. Prohibition against duplicating coverage.

(a) In general.—It is unlawful for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act.

(b) Construction.—Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting the sale of health insurance coverage for any additional benefits not covered by this Act, such as for cosmetic surgery or other services and items that are not medically necessary.

TITLE II—Finances


subtitle A—Budgeting and Payments

SEC. 201. Budgeting process.

(a) Establishment of operating budget and capital expenditures budget.—

(1) In general.—To carry out this Act there are established on an annual basis consistent with this title—

(A) an operating budget;

(B) a capital expenditures budget;

(C) reimbursement levels for providers consistent with subtitle B; and

(D) a health professional education budget, including amounts for the continued funding of resident physician training programs.

(2) Regional allocation.—After Congress appropriates amounts for the annual budget for the USNHI Program, the Director shall provide the regional offices with an annual funding allotment to cover the costs of each region’s expenditures. Such allotment shall cover global budgets, reimbursements to clinicians, and capital expenditures. Regional offices may receive additional funds from the national program at the discretion of the Director.

(b) Operating budget.—The operating budget shall be used for—

(1) payment for services rendered by physicians and other clinicians;

(2) global budgets for institutional providers;

(3) capitation payments for capitated groups; and

(4) administration of the Program.

(c) Capital expenditures budget.—The capital expenditures budget shall be used for funds needed for—

(1) the construction or renovation of health facilities; and

(2) for major equipment purchases.

(d) Prohibition against co-mingling operations and capital improvement funds.—It is prohibited to use funds under this Act that are earmarked—

(1) for operations for capital expenditures; or

(2) for capital expenditures for operations.

SEC. 202. Payment of providers and health care clinicians.

(a) Establishing global budgets; monthly lump sum.—

(1) In general.—The USNHI Program, through its regional offices, shall pay each hospital, nursing home, community or migrant health center, home care agencies, or other institutional provider or pre-paid group practice a monthly lump sum to cover all operating expenses under a global budget.

(2) Establishment of global budgets.—The global budget of a provider shall be set through negotiations between providers and regional directors, but are subject to the approval of the Director. The budget shall be negotiated annually, based on past expenditures, projected changes in levels of services, wages and input, costs, and proposed new and innovative programs.

(b) Three payment options for physicians and certain other health professionals.—

(1) In general.—The Program shall pay physicians, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, psychologists, chiropractors, doctors of optometry, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, physicians’ assistants, and other advanced practice clinicians as licensed and regulated by the States by the following payment methods:

(A) Fee for service payment under paragraph (2).

(B) Salaried positions in institutions receiving global budgets under paragraph (3).

(C) Salaried positions within group practices or non-profit health maintenance organizations receiving capitation payments under paragraph (4).

(2) Fee for service.—

(A) In general.—The Program shall negotiate a simplified fee schedule that is fair with representatives of physicians and other clinicians, after close consultation with the National Board of Universal Quality and Access and regional and State directors. Initially, the current prevailing fees or reimbursement would be the basis for the fee negotiation for all professional services covered under this Act.

(B) Considerations.—In establishing such schedule, the Director shall take into consideration regional differences in reimbursement, but strive for a uniform national standard.

(C) State physician practice review boards.— The State director for each State, in consultation with representatives of the physician community of that State, shall establish and appoint a physician practice review board to assure quality, cost effectiveness, and fair reimbursements for physician delivered services.

(D) Final guidelines.—The regional directors shall be responsible for promulgating final guidelines to all providers.

(E) Billing.—Under this Act physicians shall submit bills to the regional director on a simple form, or via computer. Interest shall be paid to providers whose bills are not paid within 30 days of submission.

(F) No balance billing.—Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the USNHI Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.

(G) Uniform computer electronic billing system.—The Director shall create a uniform computerized electronic billing system, including those areas of the United States where electronic billing is not yet established.

(3) Salaries within institutions receiving global budgets.—

(A) In general.—In the case of an institution, such as a hospital, health center, group practice, community and migrant health center, or a home care agency that elects to be paid a monthly global budget for the delivery of health care as well as for education and prevention programs, physicians employed by such institutions shall be reimbursed through a salary included as part of such a budget.

(B) Salary ranges.—Salary ranges for health care providers shall be determined in the same way as fee schedules under paragraph (2).

(4) Salaries within capitated groups.—

(A) In general.—Health maintenance organizations, group practices, and other institutions may elect to be paid capitation premiums to cover all outpatient, physician, and medical home care provided to individuals enrolled to receive benefits through the organization or entity.

(B) Scope.—Such capitation may include the costs of services of licensed physicians and other licensed, independent practitioners provided to inpatients. Other costs of inpatient and institutional care shall be excluded from capitation payments, and shall be covered under institutions’ global budgets.

(C) Prohibition of selective enrollment.—Selective enrollment policies are prohibited, and patients shall be permitted to enroll or disenroll from such organizations or entities with appropriate notice.

(D) Health maintenance organizations.—Under this Act—

(i) health maintenance organizations shall be required to reimburse physicians based on a salary; and

(ii) financial incentives between such organizations and physicians based on utilization are prohibited.

SEC. 203. Payment for long-term care.

(a) Allotment for regions.—The Program shall provide for each region a single budgetary allotment to cover a full array of long-term care services under this Act.

(b) Regional budgets.—Each region shall provide a global budget to local long-term care providers for the full range of needed services, including in-home, nursing home, and community based care.

(c) Basis for budgets.—Budgets for long-term care services under this section shall be based on past expenditures, financial and clinical performance, utilization, and projected changes in service, wages, and other related factors.

(d) Favoring non-institutional care.—All efforts shall be made under this Act to provide long-term care in a home- or community-based setting, as opposed to institutional care.

SEC. 204. Mental health services.

(a) In general.—The Program shall provide coverage for all medically necessary mental health care on the same basis as the coverage for other conditions. Licensed mental health clinicians shall be paid in the same manner as specified for other health professionals, as provided for in section 202(b).

(b) Favoring community-based care.—The USNHI Program shall cover supportive residences, occupational therapy, and ongoing mental health and counseling services outside the hospital for patients with serious mental illness. In all cases the highest quality and most effective care shall be delivered, and, for some individuals, this may mean institutional care.

SEC. 205. Payment for prescription medications, medical supplies, and medically necessary assistive equipment.

(a) Negotiated prices.—The prices to be paid each year under this Act for covered pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medically necessary assistive equipment shall be negotiated annually by the Program.

(b) Prescription drug formulary.—

(1) In general.—The Program shall establish a prescription drug formulary system, which shall encourage best-practices in prescribing and discourage the use of ineffective, dangerous, or excessively costly medications when better alternatives are available.

(2) Promotion of use of generics.—The formulary shall promote the use of generic medications but allow the use of brand-name and off-formulary medications when indicated for a specific patient or condition.

(3) Formulary updates and petition rights.—The formulary shall be updated frequently and clinicians and patients may petition their region or the Director to add new pharmaceuticals or to remove ineffective or dangerous medications from the formulary.

SEC. 206. Consultation in establishing reimbursement levels.

Reimbursement levels under this subtitle shall be set after close consultation with regional and State Directors and after the annual meeting of National Board of Universal Quality and Access.

subtitle B—Funding

SEC. 211. Overview: funding the USNHI Program.

(a) In general.—The USNHI Program is to be funded as provided in subsection (c)(1).

(b) USNHI Trust Fund.—There shall be established a USNHI Trust Fund in which funds provided under this section are deposited and from which expenditures under this Act are made.

(c) Funding.—

(1) In general.—There are appropriated to the USNHI Trust Fund amounts sufficient to carry out this Act from the following sources:

(A) Existing sources of Federal government revenues for health care.

(B) Increasing personal income taxes on the top 5 percent income earners.

(C) Instituting a modest and progressive excise tax on payroll and self-employment income.

(D) Instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.

(2) System savings as a source of financing.—Funding otherwise required for the Program is reduced as a result of—

(A) vastly reducing paperwork; and

(B) requiring a rational bulk procurement of medications under section 205(a).

(3) Additional annual appropriations to USNHI program.—Additional sums are authorized to be appropriated annually as needed to maintain maximum quality, efficiency, and access under the Program.

SEC. 212. Appropriations for existing programs for uninsured and indigent.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there are hereby transferred and appropriated to carry out this Act, amounts equivalent to the amounts the Secretary estimates would have been appropriated and expended for Federal public health care programs for the uninsured and indigent, including funds appropriated under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, under the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act, and under the Children’s Health Insurance Program under title XXI of such Act.

TITLE III—Administration


SEC. 301. Public administration; appointment of Director.

(a) In general.—Except as otherwise specifically provided, this Act shall be administered by the Secretary through a Director appointed by the Secretary.

(b) Long-term care.—The Director shall appoint a director for long-term care who shall be responsible for administration of this Act and ensuring the availability and accessibility of high quality long-term care services.

(c) Mental health.—The Director shall appoint a director for mental health who shall be responsible for administration of this Act and ensuring the availability and accessibility of high quality mental health services.

SEC. 302. Office of Quality Control.

The Director shall appoint a director for an Office of Quality Control. Such director shall, after consultation with state and regional directors, provide annual recommendations to Congress, the President, the Secretary, and other Program officials on how to ensure the highest quality health care service delivery. The director of the Office of Quality Control shall conduct an annual review on the adequacy of medically necessary services, and shall make recommendations of any proposed changes to the Congress, the President, the Secretary, and other USNHI program officials.

SEC. 303. Regional and State administration; employment of displaced clerical workers.

(a) Use of regional offices.—The Program shall establish and maintain regional offices. Such regional offices shall replace all regional Medicare offices.

(b) Appointment of Regional and State directors.—In each such regional office there shall be—

(1) one regional director appointed by the Director; and

(2) for each State in the region, a deputy director (in this Act referred to as a “State Director”) appointed by the governor of that State.

(c) Regional office duties.—

(1) In general.—Regional offices of the Program shall be responsible for—

(A) coordinating funding to health care providers and physicians; and

(B) coordinating billing and reimbursements with physicians and health care providers through a State-based reimbursement system.

(d) State director’s duties.—Each State Director shall be responsible for the following duties:

(1) Providing an annual state health care needs assessment report to the National Board of Universal Quality and Access, and the regional board, after a thorough examination of health needs, in consultation with public health officials, clinicians, patients and patient advocates.

(2) Health planning, including oversight of the placement of new hospitals, clinics, and other health care delivery facilities.

(3) Health planning, including oversight of the purchase and placement of new health equipment to ensure timely access to care and to avoid duplication.

(4) Submitting global budgets to the regional director.

(5) Recommending changes in provider reimbursement or payment for delivery of health services in the State.

(6) Establishing a quality assurance mechanism in the State in order to minimize both under utilization and over utilization and to assure that all providers meet high quality standards.

(7) Reviewing program disbursements on a quarterly basis and recommending needed adjustments in fee schedules needed to achieve budgetary targets and assure adequate access to needed care.

(e) First priority in retraining and job placement; 2 years of unemployment benefits.—The Program shall provide that clerical, administrative, and billing personnel in insurance companies, doctors offices, hospitals, nursing facilities, and other facilities whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration—

(1) should have first priority in retraining and job placement in the new system; and

(2) shall be eligible to receive 2 years of unemployment benefits.

SEC. 304. Confidential Electronic Patient Record System.

(a) In general.—The Secretary shall create a standardized, confidential electronic patient record system in accordance with laws and regulations to maintain accurate patient records and to simplify the billing process, thereby reducing medical errors and bureaucracy.

(b) Patient option.—Notwithstanding that all billing shall be preformed electronically, patients shall have the option of keeping any portion of their medical records separate from their electronic medical record.

SEC. 305. National Board of Universal Quality and Access.

(a) Establishment.—

(1) In general.—There is established a National Board of Universal Quality and Access (in this section referred to as the “Board”) consisting of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(2) Qualifications.—The appointed members of the Board shall include at least one of each of the following:

(A) Health care professionals.

(B) Representatives of institutional providers of health care.

(C) Representatives of health care advocacy groups.

(D) Representatives of labor unions.

(E) Citizen patient advocates.

(3) Terms.—Each member shall be appointed for a term of 6 years, except that the President shall stagger the terms of members initially appointed so that the term of no more than 3 members expires in any year.

(4) Prohibition on conflicts of interest.—No member of the Board shall have a financial conflict of interest with the duties before the Board.

(b) Duties.—

(1) In general.—The Board shall meet at least twice per year and shall advise the Secretary and the Director on a regular basis to ensure quality, access, and affordability.

(2) Specific issues.—The Board shall specifically address the following issues:

(A) Access to care.

(B) Quality improvement.

(C) Efficiency of administration.

(D) Adequacy of budget and funding.

(E) Appropriateness of reimbursement levels of physicians and other providers.

(F) Capital expenditure needs.

(G) Long-term care.

(H) Mental health and substance abuse services.

(I) Staffing levels and working conditions in health care delivery facilities.

(3) Establishment of universal, best quality standard of care.—The Board shall specifically establish a universal, best quality of standard of care with respect to—

(A) appropriate staffing levels;

(B) appropriate medical technology;

(C) design and scope of work in the health workplace; and

(D) best practices.

(4) Twice-a-year report.—The Board shall report its recommendations twice each year to the Secretary, the Director, Congress, and the President.

(c) Compensation, etc.—The following provisions of section 1805 of the Social Security Act shall apply to the Board in the same manner as they apply to the Medicare Payment Assessment Commission (except that any reference to the Commission or the Comptroller General shall be treated as references to the Board and the Secretary, respectively):

(1) Subsection (c)(4) (relating to compensation of Board members).

(2) Subsection (c)(5) (relating to chairman and vice chairman)

(3) Subsection (c)(6) (relating to meetings).

(4) Subsection (d) (relating to director and staff; experts and consultants).

(5) Subsection (e) (relating to powers).

TITLE IV—Additional Provisions


SEC. 401. Treatment of VA and IHS health programs.

(a) VA health programs.—This Act provides for health programs of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to initially remain independent for the 10-year period that begins on the date of the establishment of the USNHI program. After such 10-year period, the Congress shall reevaluate whether such programs shall remain independent or be integrated into the USNHI program.

(b) Indian Health Service programs.—This Act provides for health programs of the Indian Health Service to initially remain independent for the 5-year period that begins on the date of the establishment of the USNHI program, after which such programs shall be integrated into the USNHI program.

SEC. 402. Public health and prevention.

It is the intent of this Act that the Program at all times stress the importance of good public health through the prevention of diseases.

SEC. 403. Reduction in health disparities.


It is the intent of this Act to reduce health disparities by race, ethnicity, income and geographic region, and to provide high quality, cost-effective, culturally appropriate care to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or language.

TITLE V—Effective Date


SEC. 501. Effective date.

Except as otherwise specifically provided, this Act shall take effect on the first day of the first year that begins more than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply to items and services furnished on or after such date.

[ipaint]

50. I was hoping someone would do that. n/t.

[timeforpeace]

51. Easy! Like reading chapter titles and saying you read the whole book!

[drm604]

61. Thank you.

To be honest, I'm not sure if I would have bothered clicking and reading, but because of your post I've now read the entire thing.

Of course it's preaching to the choir since I already supported it, but it was a pleasure to read. What a great bill! It's short and to the point, and it appears to address everything.

Why can't our representatives get behind this? It should be the easiest thing in the world to support this. :banghead:

[tucsonlib]

63. Re: Why can't our representatives get behind this?

My guess is that in many cases, they never bothered to read it!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

45. Heck, even my DOCTOR loves this bill n/t

[mmonk]

49. Many do.

[Autumn]

52. The main problem I see with this bill

is that we would not be forced to pay insurance companies money .:sarcasm:

[drm604]

62. OHMIGOD!

We can't have that. I would miss writing that lovely big check every month. :cry:

[spanone]

53. mitch mcconnel and the like are not rational decent human beings

[tucsonlib]

54. Sad, But True....

But it's also true that they comprise a rapidly shrinking minority.

[harun]

56. I have read it and think it is the best bill Congress has written in the last 100 years.

[SleeplessInAlabama]

57. Now it must be made into the best bill Congress has passed in the last 100 years. n/t

[tucsonlib]

59. In The Immortal Words Of John Belushi....

"Let's.......... DO IT!!!"

[harun]

93. If we had a Congress that represented the people they would. But our

Congress represents the Corporations. So I am not hopeful. I am a bit more hopeful on them getting something in the bill that lets states do this however.

[tucsonlib]

58. At Least. n/t

[Greyhound]

65. K&R. Yes.

:kick: & R

[DemReadingDU]

66. Ever hear Republicans turn down medicare, social security, military healthcare?

Ever hear of Republicans turn down these programs? Not that I can remember. Usually they are the first in line to receive them, and fight like hell when something is disallowed.

Why not health care for all? I'm willing to bet that Republicans will be the first in line to switch from their expensive private insurer to the single-payer (assuming it is passed).

[drm604]

68. Tomorrow I'll be calling some people.

Casey and (sigh) Specter and Gerlach.

[mmonk]

70. A useful brochure to hand out.

http://www.healthcare-now.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/SmallBusiness.pdf

[and-justice-for-all]

137. Thanks for that...nt

[grahamhgreen]

72. Obama should get behing and PUSH SINGLE PAYER! There will be no Repubs voting for

the health care bill, unless it is a complete give-away to big insurance.

Even now the bill DOES NOT end rescission, does not start until 2013, and includes increasing taxes on the middle-class and not giving them health care.

By the time the bill looks like something we might get a Repub vote for - it will not be in the best interests of the American people. Basically, it will most likely be a bill that mandates you go out and buy the most inexpensive and crappy private insurance you can find, so that you don't have to pay a huge fine - that is not health care!

So, why bother?

Please call the White house and ask Obama to get on the stump and pass real reform - HR676! We need him to rally the people behind single-payer - that's his job!!!

Call - 202-456-1414

visit hr676.org, and pnhp.org

[Cleita]

77. He should. He's the person who can make it happen just like LBJ made

Medicare happen. If he's afraid of the Republicans and corporations, he should be, but it's the right thing to do and I believe it will increase his popularity over all when it becomes fact.

[lumberjack_jeff]

75. Too politically impossible. Isn't that enough? n/t

[tucsonlib]

135. No.

"Politically Impossible" is just a meme for the discouraged and the defeated. Nonsense syllables. Like responding to the question, "Why?" with the answer, "Because".

[Cleita]

76. I have read it and it's the health plan or at least public option that we should have.

Yet, it consistently gets shoved aside, not mentioned and ignored. If people were presented with the choice of their insurance or this plan I can't imagine anyone except the most stupid Freeper wanting anything else.

[truedelphi]

78. One problem - never underestimate America's working class

As they denigrate themselves and those a bit worse off.

M. went to the barber shop yesterday. The entire time he was there, the other barber and his customer were discussing how disgusting it is that welfare mothers and the mentally ill have free health care.

A lot of people in this country have been taught that if the nation provides health care, it is providing "welfare" and they don't want no stinkin' welfare.

[Cleita]

79. This actually is a symptom of why people resent paying taxes. If everyone was

getting health care in exchange for some of their tax dollars, they wouldn't resent the poor getting some benefits to survive because everyone would be getting the same thing. True, if taxation were progressive, the rich would be paying a lot more, but at least they too would be getting some of their tax money back in health care benefits. The trouble with our Congress and our government is that they don't even want to try this out to see how it would work.

[truedelphi]

80. In California, because of illegal immigration, a large percentage of people

Do not have car insurance.

So people really dread getting in an accident only to have the police find that the driver in that accident did not carry insurance.

A very sensible proposal came out of Sacramento (FOR ONCE!) - Simply figure how much it would cost to insure every one on the roads. Divide by estimated number of drivers in California and affix a small surcharge at the gas pump.

People went livid! just livid.

Here you are explaining to the public a huge benefit - that of never having to worry about out of pocket expenses for being in an accident. Not losing your home for medical bills etc. And this benefit is not limited to the injury one suffers when in an accident with an uninsured. Right now I don't carry much insurance - so If I hit you, and your expenses
are more than $ 35 K, you are in trouble.

The benefit compared to the loss (a fraction of a dime at the pump each time you filled up) was enormous. But people saw it as being unfair. They felt that they were "rewarding" people who were not carrying insurance. Et Cetera.

The proposal ended up in the scrap heap.

[Cleita]

82. It's too bad. It would be a good solution but it's looked upon as

socialism. That word has to be made over into something desirable I think. However, we don't have the press to do the job of educating the public like we used to. It's only the RW that controls the media and the press right now.

[leftstreet]

88. Are you trying to imply that Congress wants to pass this bill?

:shrug:

[tucsonlib]

136. No, I'm Trying To Imply That 99.9% Of Americans Would Want....

..this bill to pass. (If only they knew about it and read it, that is.) In fact, they would demand it.

[BattyDem]

89. Why isn't Obama pushing this?

He's wasting his political capital to "reform" health care by keeping the failed, for-profit system in place. Hasn't he seen the polls? Most Americans are ready for single-payer. Imagine if he used that press conference to present this bill to the people? It's easy to understand and every major point is addressed. He would have had all the answers. Instead, he tried to sell the current system with a public option added to it, yet it was quite obvious that even he didn't know what the final bill would end up being.

Get the PEOPLE behind the bill and THEY will force Congress to take action! He won an election by inspiring people, giving them hope and making them feel like they could actually make a difference if they just took the time to get involved. Why isn't he doing that now? :shrug:

[Mithreal]

96. Because he isn't running for election now and no chance in the Senate? nt

[Kermitt Gribble]

91. But, but...

this bill doesn't have a chance of being passed, so why support it at all? We need to compromise to please the blue dogs and republicans or we won't get any type of reform. Blah, blah, blah. I'm so sick of people trying to make these arguments. The majority of our population is behind a health care bill like this, yet our representation in congress is not - the centrists who make these arguments conveniently ignore this fact for reasons beyond me.

Thanks for this post!

[RaleighNCDUer]

95. Why would ANY American, left or right, oppose this bill?

Because is isn't a thousand pages long, immersed in details and protective of corporate America.

[johnaries]

99. And yet, it's dying in committee. Endless referrals.

Thank you for bringing more awareness of this bill. This is truly the REAL health care reform we need. However, even with 93 co-sponsors, it seems it will just die.

Which is what many special interest groups want.

[Laelth]

101. Single payer is the way.

Forcing people to buy insurance is no more the solution to a failed health care system than forcing people to buy houses is the solution to homelessness.


:dem:

-Laelth

[RufusTFirefly]

103. Voters of all political persuasions would be very angry...

... if they learned that their health and wealth are being put at risk by politicians who are serving the selfish interests of a group of powerful corporations instead of the interests of the American people.

But most voters don't know this -- and maybe never will -- because the same corporations control almost all of our sources of information.

[Lifelong Protester]

107. phenomenal! What a wonderful world this COULD be if this

was passed. Thank you for posting the link, because even those of us fighting for single payer universal don't have all the facts, and these are some great facts.

I agree with all of those who posted "THIS NEEDS TO GET OUT!!"

[GinaMaria]

108. read HR 676 here

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h109-676

Some highlights below

HR 676
Sec 303 (e) First Priority in Retraining and Job Placement- The Program shall provide that clerical and administrative workers in insurance companies, doctors offices, hospitals, nursing facilities and other facilities whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration, should have first priority in retraining and job placement in the new system.

SEC. 102. BENEFITS AND PORTABILITY.

(a) In General- The health insurance benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including--

(1) primary care and prevention;

(2) inpatient care;

(3) outpatient care;

(4) emergency care;

(5) prescription drugs;

(6) durable medical equipment;

(7) long term care;

(8) mental health services;

(9) the full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry);

(10) substance abuse treatment services;

(11) chiropractic services; and

(12) basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).

(b) Portability- Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in the United States that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.

(c) No Cost-sharing- No deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits.


SEC. 104. PROHIBITION AGAINST DUPLICATING COVERAGE.

(a) In General- It is unlawful for a private health insurer to sell health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act.

(b) Construction- Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting the sale of health insurance coverage for any additional benefits not covered by this Act, such as for cosmetic surgery or other services and items that are not medically necessary.

[dflprincess]

110. I know this is a House bill, but this is what I expected Ted Kennedy to come up with

I fear the Senate is going to put out some God awful version of HR3200 and ram it through claiming it has to be passed to "honor Teddy" and I'm going to wonder how much Senator Kennedy actually had to do with it.

[valerief]

112. Rich people would lose (not gain) extraordinary sums of money. That's like air to the rest of us. nt

[Naturyl]

114. Your second question answers all the others.

"What could ANY RATIONAL, DECENT HUMAN BEING FIND OBJECTIONABLE IN THIS BILL?"

Nothing. But the rest of the American finds plenty that is objectionable - namely the fact that it might cost them something.

"Rational, decent human beings" aren't the ones opposing this.

[tucsonlib]

115. Then It's Up To Us To Educate Them...

How can they find "plenty that is objectionable" when they haven't actually read the bill themselves?

[Naturyl]

119. Because O'Reilly and Rush told them so.

Not that they read the bill, either...

[Cronus Protagonist]

116. I do wish the link went to the bill

That web page is saturated with stuff and appears to have no logical sequence to it, nor does it have a clear link to the text of the bill.

[tucsonlib]

117. An Oversight On My Part. Here's The Link:

http://johnconyers.com/hr676text

Or, you can just go to comment #48.

:hi:

[Cronus Protagonist]

123. Thanks!

I got far enough into it to know that Dennis is behind it. That's all I need to know. DK has the most credibility in all US politics, IMHO.

[midnight]

121. If people could realise these benefits:

Check out some of the tremendous benefits that the new Medicare will bring and see what you think:











Every resident of the US will be covered from birth to death.
No more pre-existing conditions to be excluded from coverage.
No more expensive deductibles or co-pays.
All prescription medications will be covered.
All dental and eye care will be included.

Mental health and substance abuse care will be fully covered.(1)
Long term and nursing home services will be included.
You will always choose your own doctors and hospitals.
Costs of coverage will be assessed on a sliding scale basis.
Tremendously simplified system of medical administration.
Total portability – your coverage not tied to any job or location.
Existing Medicare benefits for those over 65 will be vastly improved.

No corporate bureaucrat will ever come between you and your Doctor to deny your care.

[orleans]

124. thanks for the link. k&r n/t

[tomm2thumbs]

125. thanks for posting & quick question

As social security numbers are required to get a health card. For lack of a better term, do 'illegal' aliens/non residents get care using a different card or how are they taken care of in the system?

The only mention I think I saw was:

SEC. 212. Appropriations for existing programs for uninsured and indigent.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there are hereby transferred and appropriated to carry out this Act, amounts equivalent to the amounts the Secretary estimates would have been appropriated and expended for Federal public health care programs for the uninsured and indigent, including funds appropriated under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act, under the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act, and under the Children’s Health Insurance Program under title XXI of such Act.

Is this where it is covered? And would they not need to go to an emergency room any longer to get general care?

[tucsonlib]

130. As Far As I Can Tell -

S.S. cards are NOT required under the Act. Only residency in the U.S. -


SEC. 101. Eligibility and registration.

(a) In general.—All individuals residing in the United States (including any territory of the United States) are covered under the USNHI Program entitling them to a universal, best quality standard of care. Each such individual shall receive a card with a unique number in the mail. An individual’s social security number shall not be used for purposes of registration under this section.(My emphasis)

(b) Registration.—Individuals and families shall receive a United States National Health Insurance Card in the mail, after filling out a United States National Health Insurance application form at a health care provider. Such application form shall be no more than 2 pages long.

(c) Presumption.—Individuals who present themselves for covered services from a participating provider shall be presumed to be eligible for benefits under this Act, but shall complete an application for benefits in order to receive a United States National Health Insurance Card and have payment made for such benefits.