Paul Krugman: California Death Spiral

[cal04]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/19/opinion/19krugman.html

Health insurance premiums are surging — and conservatives fear that the spectacle will reinvigorate the push for reform. On the Fox Business Network, a host chided a vice president of WellPoint, which has told California customers to expect huge rate increases: “You handed the politicians red meat at a time when health care is being discussed. You gave it to them!”

Indeed. Sky-high rate increases make a powerful case for action. And they show, in particular, that we need comprehensive, guaranteed coverage — which is exactly what Democrats are trying to accomplish.

(snip)
What about claims that these bills would force Americans into the clutches of greedy insurance companies? Well, the main answer is stronger regulation; but it would also be a very good idea, politically as well as substantively, for the Senate to use reconciliation to put the public option back into its bill.

But the main point is this: California’s death spiral is a reminder that our health care system is unraveling, and that inaction isn’t an option. Congress and the president need to make reform happen — now.

[NYC_SKP]

1. Unless we get real federal reform, or Jerry Brown, it's Game Over.

In California, Game Over.

We are so close, yet so far.

Meg Whitman is running slick ads and we've got plenty of stupid in this state, the same who passed prop H8.