The Most Ethical and Transparent Congress ever

[DiamondDave]

boedicca... bfgrn, the idiot winger, will ignore and keep using his bullshit medical bankruptcy slogan

 

[The Rabbi]

The american people also voted for the USA to not be the police force of the world and to not be into nation building.

Remember only fools believe political promises. They are specifically exempt from the truth in advertising laws for a good reason.
Politicians lie!

What ballot was this on?

For the record, Americans have always wanted a strong defense and increasing influence in the world. What they dont want is piddling police actions like Somalia that are ill defined and will always end in disaster.

really? this commie bastard disagrees with you:

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.

Newsflash: Ron Paul bombed in the primaries.

 

[del]

What ballot was this on?

For the record, Americans have always wanted a strong defense and increasing influence in the world. What they dont want is piddling police actions like Somalia that are ill defined and will always end in disaster.

really? this commie bastard disagrees with you:

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.

Newsflash: Ron Paul bombed in the primaries.

newsflash, it's not ron paul, nor rupaul for that matter.

thanks for playing

Avalon Project - Washington's Farewell Address 1796

 

[The Rabbi]

Yea del...we are fucked. Ironic your definition of sad...

THIS is fucked and THIS is sad...

Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies

Fri June 5, 2009

This year, an estimated 1.5 million Americans will declare bankruptcy. Many people may chalk up that misfortune to overspending or a lavish lifestyle, but a new study suggests that more than 60 percent of people who go bankrupt are actually capsized by medical bills.

Bankruptcies due to medical bills increased by nearly 50 percent in a six-year period, from 46 percent in 2001 to 62 percent in 2007, and most of those who filed for bankruptcy were middle-class, well-educated homeowners, according to a report that will be published in the August issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

Overall, three-quarters of the people with a medically-related bankruptcy had health insurance, they say.

"That was actually the predominant problem in patients in our study -- 78 percent of them had health insurance, but many of them were bankrupted anyway because there were gaps in their coverage like co-payments and deductibles and uncovered services," says Woolhandler. "Other people had private insurance but got so sick that they lost their job and lost their insurance."

Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies - CNN.com

This is absolute crap.

Reputable studies (including one from the Department of Justice), show that medical bills contribute to 17% or less of bankruptcies. The DOJ one was 12-13%.

The biggest proximate cause of bankruptcy is lack of income to service debt. It's not surprising given the "Everyone has a right to a house" Federal Policy that there is an increase in BK filings. Combine this with excessive credit card bills and the spike in unemployment - those are the real problems.

Yes, some people file bankruptcy because they are ill - the bigger reason is that they cannot work and have lost their income. These unfortunate people are being exploited by cynical politicians. ObamaCare will not restore their income (nor should it). Their bankruptcies could only have been avoided with sufficient rainy day savings. It's too bad our tax code makes accumulating savings increasingly difficult.

Reputable studies? Where are your links?

Why is it you right wing pea brains always site studies to refute the carnage being perpetrated on the middle class and they always lead back to the same right wing think tanks...you know, the same ones that provided 'Reputable studies' that cigarette smoking had no link to lung cancer?

Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Edmund Burke

This from the guy who can't provide evidence that Moody's screws up its ratings of sovereign debt.
What irony. Doctor, heal thyself.

 

[Bfgrn]

Here you go:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS,

Washington, DC.

Hon. CHARLES E. GRASSLEY,
U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC.

DEAR SENATOR GRASSLEY:

This responds to your letter, dated February 5, 2005,
requesting information from the Executive Office for United States Trustees (EOUST)
concerning medical debts of those who file for bankruptcy protection and the recently published
study in the Health Affairs journal (“Market Watch: Illness and Injury As Contributors to
Bankruptcy”).

It is the practice of the U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) not to comment on data collected and
analyses performed by outside researchers for reasons that include difficulties in verifying their
data and research methodologies. It is noted in the cited study of 1,771 filers that very broad
definitions of “medical bankruptcies” are used. The authors considered a “Major Medical
Bankruptcy” to include cases in which debtor reported any of the following: illness or injury as a
reason for filing bankruptcy, uncovered medical bills exceeding $1,000 in the past two years, loss
of two weeks of work-related income due to illness or injury, or mortgage of home to pay medical
bills. The authors considered “Any Medical Bankruptcy” to include cases containing any of the
factors above or birth or death in the debtor's family or birth or death in the debtor's family or
addiction or uncontrolled gambling.

Enclosed in a description of related USTP data and a summary of findings from analysis of a
similar but larger sample of bankruptcy cases (5,203) utilizing data from official records during
approximately the same time period as the study cited above. It should be noted that reported
credit card debt also may reflect medical-related debts, but are not shown in these findings.
In general, the data describing medical-related expenses contained in official documents filed
by chapter 7 debtors reveal that slightly more than 5 percent of their general unsecured debt is
medical-related. The conclusion that almost 50 percent of consumer bankruptcies are “medical
related” requires a broad definition and generally is not substantiated by the official documents
filed by debtors.

We hope this information is responsive to your inquiry. If we can be of further assistance,
please do not hesitate to contact this office.

Sincerely,

William E. Moschella,
Assistant Attorney General.


USTP DATA (from DOJ records)

The USTP database contains 5,203 no asset chapter 7 cases that were closed between 2000 and 2002. The database includes cases filed in 48 States, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico proportionate to chapter 7 filings in each location. The database contains no cases from North Carolina and Alabama, because those States are served by Bankruptcy Administrators. Nearly all of these cases had been filed about 4 months prior to closing.
On each petition we reviewed Schedule F of the petition to see if any medical debts were listed. This would include where the creditor was a doctor, hospital or other treatment facility, medical collection agency, or if the debt was in any way identifiable as being medical in origin. This accounting would not have identified medical debts charged on credit cards, placed with certain collection agencies, or paid prior to the bankruptcy filings.

FINDINGS
All Debtors (N = 5,203):

54 percent listed no medical debt.

Medical debt accounted for 5.5 percent of the total general unsecured debt.

90.1 percent reported medical debts less than $5,000.

1 percent of cases accounted for 36.5 percent of medical debt.

Less than 10 percent of all cases represent 80 percent of all reported medical debt.

Cases Reporting Medical Debts (N = 2,391):

Among the debtors reporting medical debt, the average medical debt was $4,978 per case.

78.4 percent reported medical debts below $5,000 (average of $1,212 for this group).

21.6 percent reported 80.9 percent of the total medical debt.

Medical debts accounted for 13.0 percent of the total general unsecured debt for those reporting medical debt.

abiworld.net/bankbill/eoustdata.pdf

More info:

The Medical Bankruptcy Myth — The American, A Magazine of Ideas

Medical Bankruptcy: Myth Versus Fact -- Dranove and Millenson 25 (2): w74 -- Health Affairs

You can also download the pdf of Aparna Mathur's white paper.

RealClearMarkets - The Healthcare Bankruptcy Myth

Thank you for providing the links...now, I strongly suggest you do some research into the organizations being represented...it is not we the people, it is we the corporations...

The Mathur paper disputes both study's findings...
-Nearly 27 percent of filings are a consequence of primarily medical debt.
-In approximately 36 percent of cases, medical debts co-exist with primarily credit card debts.

If you really want to find out how the insurance cartels operate, and learn about their lack of ethics, this guy would know...he worked for one of the largest insurance corporations. He will enlighen you on how Wall Street controls the industry, how medical loss ratio is the driving force and how insurance corporations are dumping more and more of the cost on consumers...

Bill Moyers Journal . Wendell Potter on Profits Before Patients | PBS

Here is an interesting analysis of my study and yours...

PERSPECTIVE
Bankruptcy Is The Tip Of A Medical-Debt Iceberg

Robert W. Seifert and Mark Rukavina

Abstract

Medical bankruptcy, whatever its actual frequency, is an extreme example of a much broader phenomenon. Medical debt is surprisingly common, affecting about twenty-nine million non-elderly adult Americans, with and without health insurance. The presence of medical debt, even for the insured, appears to create health care access barriers akin to those faced by the uninsured. Policymakers, researchers, and medical providers should consider medical debt a risk factor for reduced health access and poorer health status. Simply reducing the number of uninsured Americans would be a hollow policy victory if the problems arising from medical debt persist.

DAVID DRANOVE AND Michael Millenson agree with David Himmelstein and his colleagues on one essential point: that illness and bankruptcy are a "genuine human tragedy."1 They differ on the degree to which the financial burden of illness contributes to bankruptcy and, therefore, on policy remedies to alleviate the problem. Their debate also illuminates an intersection between personal finances and the health care system that has much broader implications. Our contention is that pervasive medical debt hinders access to health care for millions of Americans and should be considered a risk factor, akin to lacking health insurance, when one is designing policies to improve access.

Bankruptcy is the extreme example of financial over-extension, as medical bankruptcy is at the extreme end of the spectrum of medical debt. Whatever the level of medical bankruptcy, the actual problem is much greater because medical debt, as is becoming increasingly apparent, is pervasive and damaging not only to personal finances but to health care access as well.

While health care is an important part of the U.S. economy and a vital service, access to care is by no means universal. For many Americans, health insurance coverage is elusive, making it difficult to access health care services. Between 2000 and 2004, the number of Americans without health insurance increased by six million, reaching 45.8 million in 2004.2

Given health care cost trends, it is likely that the ranks of the uninsured will continue to grow. Health insurance premiums increased 73 percent between 2000 and 2005, while workers’ wages increased 15 percent and the general rate of inflation was approximately 14 percent.3 For Americans with health insurance, the vast majority have employment-based coverage, although the proportion of workers receiving coverage through their employment is falling. Approximately 60 percent of Americans received coverage through the workplace in 2004, a decrease from 64 percent in 2000.4

The average worker with employment-based coverage paid premiums of $2,713 for family coverage in 2005, an increase of $1,094 since 2000. As premiums are rising, employees face additional cost burdens from deductibles and copayments for hospitalization, office visits, and prescription drugs.5

Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs capture only part of the true cost of health care for many U.S. families, however. The full financial burden of health care must also take into account medical debt or money owed for medical products or services.

---

Financial consequences of medical debt. The consequences of medical debt ripple far beyond health care access. Medical debt undermines families’ economic security in various ways. Often, families exhaust savings trying to pay off medical debt. One national survey found that 44 percent of those with medical debt used all or most of their savings to pay outstanding medical bills. Families also trade medical debt off for other types of debt. In the same survey, one in five medical debtors took on large credit card debt or a loan against their home to pay medical bills.19 These debts can also be contagious. About two in five people with medical debt in an Access Project study in Kansas borrowed money from friends or family to pay their medical bills.20

People with medical debt are often subject to legal judgments, wage garnishment, attachment of assets including bank accounts, or liens on their homes, which can lead to foreclosure.21 It is typical for people with medical debt to be contacted by collection agencies, experience employment problems, and have difficulties accessing loans or credit.22 It is clear that even before it pushes some families to the crisis of bankruptcy, medical debt destabilizes the finances of a sizable number of Americans and thus creates strong incentives not to seek needed medical care.

Bankruptcy Is The Tip Of A Medical-Debt Iceberg -- Seifert and Rukavina 25 (2): w89 -- Health Affairs

 

[uscitizen]

This is absolute crap.

Reputable studies (including one from the Department of Justice), show that medical bills contribute to 17% or less of bankruptcies. The DOJ one was 12-13%.

The biggest proximate cause of bankruptcy is lack of income to service debt. It's not surprising given the "Everyone has a right to a house" Federal Policy that there is an increase in BK filings. Combine this with excessive credit card bills and the spike in unemployment - those are the real problems.

Yes, some people file bankruptcy because they are ill - the bigger reason is that they cannot work and have lost their income. These unfortunate people are being exploited by cynical politicians. ObamaCare will not restore their income (nor should it). Their bankruptcies could only have been avoided with sufficient rainy day savings. It's too bad our tax code makes accumulating savings increasingly difficult.

Reputable studies? Where are your links?

Why is it you right wing pea brains always site studies to refute the carnage being perpetrated on the middle class and they always lead back to the same right wing think tanks...you know, the same ones that provided 'Reputable studies' that cigarette smoking had no link to lung cancer?

Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Edmund Burke

This from the guy who can't provide evidence that Moody's screws up its ratings of sovereign debt.
What irony. Doctor, heal thyself.

Umm I think you got the wrong guy

 

[Bfgrn]

This is absolute crap.

Reputable studies (including one from the Department of Justice), show that medical bills contribute to 17% or less of bankruptcies. The DOJ one was 12-13%.

The biggest proximate cause of bankruptcy is lack of income to service debt. It's not surprising given the "Everyone has a right to a house" Federal Policy that there is an increase in BK filings. Combine this with excessive credit card bills and the spike in unemployment - those are the real problems.

Yes, some people file bankruptcy because they are ill - the bigger reason is that they cannot work and have lost their income. These unfortunate people are being exploited by cynical politicians. ObamaCare will not restore their income (nor should it). Their bankruptcies could only have been avoided with sufficient rainy day savings. It's too bad our tax code makes accumulating savings increasingly difficult.

Reputable studies? Where are your links?

Why is it you right wing pea brains always site studies to refute the carnage being perpetrated on the middle class and they always lead back to the same right wing think tanks...you know, the same ones that provided 'Reputable studies' that cigarette smoking had no link to lung cancer?

Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.
Edmund Burke

This from the guy who can't provide evidence that Moody's screws up its ratings of sovereign debt.
What irony. Doctor, heal thyself.

What irony...you have the WRONG person...

 

[boedicca]

boedicca... bfgrn, the idiot winger, will ignore and keep using his bullshit medical bankruptcy slogan

I know - but rational people might appreciate actual info.

 

[boedicca]

Thank you for providing the links...now, I strongly suggest you do some research into the organizations being represented...it is not we the people, it is we the corporations...

Nobody has claimed that people who are unfortunate enough to become seriously ill and lose their income don't have big medical bills which contribute to their financial distress.

The remedy for such misfortune, however, is not to destroy our health care system.

 

[Bfgrn]

boedicca... bfgrn, the idiot winger, will ignore and keep using his bullshit medical bankruptcy slogan

I know - but rational people might appreciate actual info.

Hey little mermaid...I worked in the corporate world for years...back in 2004, the company I represented had both an excellent accident record and low claims, yet Blue Cross/Blue Shield was going to raise their health insurance premiums by 25%+... the owner was forced to explore all his options and had to go the self insured route...then, unfortunately in 2006, one of his branches had a mechanic crushed to death by a piece of equipment's counterweight. It created a situation that almost sank the company...

So it not just individuals and families that are being destroyed by these immoral cartels

 

[Meister]

So let's talk about ethics.....

1) A bill has passed Congress.....barely

2) The bill went to the Senate, and was blended with the Senate bill, and passed along party lines.

3) The Senate version of the bill could pass if Congress accepts it to the letter of the bill, but they don't have the votes to pass the Senate's version.

4) Now they want to implement a little used, "Deemed Pass", so they can vote on a reconcilliation bill without voting the Senate bill. Nan' likes this, because the politicians can say they didn't vote for the Senate bill. Reality is that they are getting two bills with one vote, so it's disengenous to say they didn't vote on the Senate bill.

5) Then it would go back to the Senate with just an up or down vote


This bill is so bad that they have to use these kind of unethical tactics to ram 1/6 of our economy through the back door, that more than 50% Americans don't approve.
(use your imagination on the back door, I'm sure most are going to feel like this just happened to them)

 

[Bfgrn]

So let's talk about ethics.....

1) A bill has passed Congress.....barely

2) The bill went to the Senate, and was blended with the Senate bill, and passed along party lines.

3) The Senate version of the bill could pass if Congress accepts it to the letter of the bill, but they don't have the votes to pass the Senate's version.



4) Now they want to implement a little used, "Deemed Pass", so they can vote on a reconcilliation bill without voting the Senate bill. Nan' likes this, because the politicians can say they didn't vote for the Senate bill. Reality is that they are getting two bills with one vote, so it's disengenous to say they didn't vote on the Senate bill.


This bill is so bad that they have to use these kind of unethical tactics to ram 1/6 of our economy through the back door, that more than 50% Americans don't approve.
(use your imagination on the back door, I'm sure most are going to feel like this just happened to them)

You want really get into ethics... almost EVERY SINGLE component in the bill was previously proposed by Republicans... but the party of NO only cares that our President fails, and the lives and well being of the citizens they represent is not even on their radar screen ...

 

[Meister]

So let's talk about ethics.....

1) A bill has passed Congress.....barely

2) The bill went to the Senate, and was blended with the Senate bill, and passed along party lines.

3) The Senate version of the bill could pass if Congress accepts it to the letter of the bill, but they don't have the votes to pass the Senate's version.



4) Now they want to implement a little used, "Deemed Pass", so they can vote on a reconcilliation bill without voting the Senate bill. Nan' likes this, because the politicians can say they didn't vote for the Senate bill. Reality is that they are getting two bills with one vote, so it's disengenous to say they didn't vote on the Senate bill.


This bill is so bad that they have to use these kind of unethical tactics to ram 1/6 of our economy through the back door, that more than 50% Americans don't approve.
(use your imagination on the back door, I'm sure most are going to feel like this just happened to them)

You want really get into ethics... almost EVERY SINGLE component in the bill was previously proposed by Republicans... but the party of NO only cares that our President fails, and the lives and well being of the citizens they represent is not even on their radar screen ...

"Almost Every Single Component" was previously proposed by republicans? Really?
Was the language trickery in funding this debacle of a bill proposed by the republicans too? Like the double spending of the money from Medicare? (even the CBO admits to that one) Bet you won't answer that one.
Let's not forget that 53% of Americans don't want obamacare.....that includes a lot of democrats. Not to mention that over 80% of Americans are happey with the insurance that they have. That includes a lot of democrats.

keep blathering your talking points bfrgn...I'm sure Chris, and rinata are listening.

 

[Bfgrn]

So let's talk about ethics.....

1) A bill has passed Congress.....barely

2) The bill went to the Senate, and was blended with the Senate bill, and passed along party lines.

3) The Senate version of the bill could pass if Congress accepts it to the letter of the bill, but they don't have the votes to pass the Senate's version.



4) Now they want to implement a little used, "Deemed Pass", so they can vote on a reconcilliation bill without voting the Senate bill. Nan' likes this, because the politicians can say they didn't vote for the Senate bill. Reality is that they are getting two bills with one vote, so it's disengenous to say they didn't vote on the Senate bill.


This bill is so bad that they have to use these kind of unethical tactics to ram 1/6 of our economy through the back door, that more than 50% Americans don't approve.
(use your imagination on the back door, I'm sure most are going to feel like this just happened to them)

You want really get into ethics... almost EVERY SINGLE component in the bill was previously proposed by Republicans... but the party of NO only cares that our President fails, and the lives and well being of the citizens they represent is not even on their radar screen ...

"Almost Every Single Component" was previously proposed by republicans? Really?
Was the language trickery in funding this debacle of a bill proposed by the republicans too? Like the double spending of the money from Medicare? (even the CBO admits to that one) Bet you won't answer that one.
Let's not forget that 53% of Americans don't want obamacare.....that includes a lot of democrats. Not to mention that over 80% of Americans are happey with the insurance that they have. That includes a lot of democrats.

keep blathering your talking points bfrgn...I'm sure Chris, and rinata are listening.

We face a health care crisis in America...it is not a new development. The Republicans are well aware of it, but they have chosen to put their party ahead you and me. They have resorted to a well worn right wing strategy of FEARmongering tactics laid out by Frank Luntz...and the fucked up right wing garbage you watch and listen to pushes their propaganda 24/7.

They are domestic terrorists...and you are so stupid you would arm the bombs for them.

 

[del]

You want really get into ethics... almost EVERY SINGLE component in the bill was previously proposed by Republicans... but the party of NO only cares that our President fails, and the lives and well being of the citizens they represent is not even on their radar screen ...

"Almost Every Single Component" was previously proposed by republicans? Really?
Was the language trickery in funding this debacle of a bill proposed by the republicans too? Like the double spending of the money from Medicare? (even the CBO admits to that one) Bet you won't answer that one.
Let's not forget that 53% of Americans don't want obamacare.....that includes a lot of democrats. Not to mention that over 80% of Americans are happey with the insurance that they have. That includes a lot of democrats.

keep blathering your talking points bfrgn...I'm sure Chris, and rinata are listening.

We face a health care crisis in America...it is not a new development. The Republicans are well aware of it, but they have chosen to put their party ahead you and me. They have resorted to a well worn right wing strategy of FEARmongering tactics laid out by Frank Luntz...and the fucked up right wing garbage you watch and listen to pushes their propaganda 24/7.

They are domestic terrorists...and you are so stupid you would arm the bombs for them.

if it's a *crisis*, why don't the provisions of the bill become effective for four years?

 

[Meister]

You want really get into ethics... almost EVERY SINGLE component in the bill was previously proposed by Republicans... but the party of NO only cares that our President fails, and the lives and well being of the citizens they represent is not even on their radar screen ...

"Almost Every Single Component" was previously proposed by republicans? Really?
Was the language trickery in funding this debacle of a bill proposed by the republicans too? Like the double spending of the money from Medicare? (even the CBO admits to that one) Bet you won't answer that one.
Let's not forget that 53% of Americans don't want obamacare.....that includes a lot of democrats. Not to mention that over 80% of Americans are happey with the insurance that they have. That includes a lot of democrats.

keep blathering your talking points bfrgn...I'm sure Chris, and rinata are listening.

We face a health care crisis in America...it is not a new development. The Republicans are well aware of it, but they have chosen to put their party ahead you and me. They have resorted to a well worn right wing strategy of FEARmongering tactics laid out by Frank Luntz...and the fucked up right wing garbage you watch and listen to pushes their propaganda 24/7.

They are domestic terrorists...and you are so stupid you would arm the bombs for them.

Fearmongering????? Sounds like the dems to me on this matter.
The republicans want healthcare reform.....but not this healthcare bill, bfgrn. It's too expensive and you and I both know it's not deficit neutral.
I believe in trying mandates for coverage, mandates for pre-existing conditions, and mandates for cancelling coverage. The government screws up everything it touches, and couldn't keep something this big at, or under budget....no way....no how.

Speaking of stupidity bfgrn.....you just need to look in the mirror to see the epitomy of stupidity...it'll be that mug staring back at you.

 

[Bfgrn]

Summary Of The 1993 Republicans' Health Reform Plan

Feb 23, 2010

In November, 1993, Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., introduced what was considered to be the main Republican health overhaul proposal: "A bill to provide comprehensive reform of the health care system of the United States."

Titled the "Health Equity and Access Reform Today Act of 1993," it had 21 co-sponsors, including two Democrats (Sens. Boren and Kerrey). The bill, which was not debated or voted upon, was an alternative to President Bill Clinton's plan. It bears similarity to the Democratic bill passed by the Senate Dec. 24, 2009, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Here is a summary of the 1993 bill:

Title I: Basic Reforms to Expand Access to Health Insurance Coverage and to Ensure Universal Coverage - Subtitle A: Universal Access - Provides access to health insurance coverage under a qualified health plan for every citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States.

(Sec. 1003) Establishes a program under which persons with low incomes (and who are not eligible for Medicaid) will receive vouchers to buy insurance through purchasing groups.

(Sec. 1004) Requires each employer to make available, either directly, through a purchasing group, or otherwise, enrollment in a qualified health plan to each eligible employee.

Subtitle B: Qualified General Access Plan in the Small Employer and Individual Marketplace- Requires the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to develop specific standards to implement requirements concerning: (1) guaranteed eligibility, availability, and renewability of health insurance coverage; (2) nondiscrimination based on health status; (3) benefits offered; (4) insurer financial solvency; (5) enrollment process; (6) premium rating limitations; (7) risk adjustment; and (8) consumer protection.

(Sec. 1119) Requires each qualified general access plan to: (1) establish and maintain a quality assurance program and a mediation procedures program; and (2) contain assurances of service to designated underserved areas.

(Sec. 1141) Provides for the formation of purchasing groups by individuals and small employers.

(Sec. 1161) Requires brokers or insurers to provide specified information to prospective enrollees.

(Sec. 1162) Prohibits insurers from creating improper financial incentives and from selling duplicate coverage.

Subtitle C: Qualified Health Plans in the Large Employer Marketplace - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to establish standards for large employer plans similar to requirements applicable to small employer plans.

(Sec. 1203) Requires large employers to offer to employees at least a standard package and a catastrophic package.

(Sec. 1205) Allows two or more large employers to form purchasing groups, but not through an individual or small employer purchasing group.

(Sec. 1206) Requires a semi-annual review of each large employer plan to determine whether requirements are being met and what corrective actions need to be taken.

(Sec. 1221) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions to conform to this Act.

Subtitle D: Benefits; Benefits Commission - Requires each qualified health plan to provide a standard package and a catastrophic package. Specifies items and services to be covered.

(Sec. 1311) Establishes the Benefits Commission to develop and propose legislation that provides a clarification of covered items and services and includes specifications for cost sharing.

(Sec. 1314) Provides for congressional consideration and implementation of such legislation.

Subtitle E: State and Federal Responsibilities in Relation to Qualified Health Plans - Requires each State to establish a program to: (1) certify insured health plans; (2) disseminate information on health care coverage areas; (3) establish procedures for purchasing groups; (4) prepare information concerning plans and purchasing groups; (5) provide for a risk adjustment program, including an adjustment for differences in nonpayments among qualified insured health plans; (6) develop a binding arbitration process; and (7) specify an annual general enrollment period.

(Sec. 1421) Allows the waiver of specified requirements.

(Sec. 1431) Provides preemptions of certain State laws.

(Sec. 1441) Specifies the Federal responsibilities with respect to multi-State employer plans and in case of State defaults.

Subtitle F: Universal Coverage - Requires each citizen or lawful permanent resident to be covered under a qualified health plan or equivalent health care program by January 1, 2005. Provides an exception for any individual who is opposed for religious reasons to health plan coverage, including those who rely on healing using spiritual means through prayer alone.

Subtitle G: Definitions - Defines terms used in this Act.

Title II: Tax and Enforcement Provisions - Subtitle A: General Tax Provisions - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an employee's gross income employer-provided coverage under a qualified health plan or employer-provided contributions to the employee's medical savings account. Includes excess employer contributions in such gross income.

(Sec. 2002) Allows a business expense deduction for employer costs of qualified health plans or contributions to an employee's medical savings account.

Increases the allowable deduction (from 25 percent to 100 percent) for the qualified health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. Makes such deduction permanent.

(Sec. 2003) Allows individuals a tax deduction for contributions made to a medical care savings account established for the benefit of an eligible individual.

Allows such deduction whether or not an individual itemizes deductions.

Disallows distributions from such accounts as medical expense deductions.

Excludes employer contributions to such accounts from employment taxes.

Establishes an excise tax for excess contributions to medical care savings accounts.

(Sec. 2004) Eliminates the commonality of interest and geographic location requirements with respect to group purchasing by large tax-exempt organizations.

(Sec. 2005) Revises and repeals provisions concerning continuation coverage requirements of group health plans upon implementation of this Act.

Subtitle B: Provisions Relating to Acceleration of Death Benefits - Requires payment under a life insurance contract on the life of an insured who is terminally ill to be treated as a death benefit, making such payment eligible for tax exclusion from gross income.

(Sec. 2102) Provides that any reference to life insurance shall be treated as referring to a qualified terminal illness rider.

Subtitle C: Long-Term Care Tax Provisions - Treats qualified long-term care services as medical care for purposes of the medical expense deduction.

(Sec. 2202) Provides for the treatment of long-term care insurance as accident and health insurance.

(Sec. 2301) Sets forth consumer protection provisions to be satisfied by qualified long-term care insurance contracts, including the model regulation and Act promulgated by National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Requires NAIC to promulgate standards for the use of uniform language and definitions in such policies, with certain variations permitted.

Subtitle D: Enforcement Provisions - Amends part A (General Provisions) of Social Security Act title XI to establish the Health Insurance Coverage Data Bank to: (1) further the purposes of coverage requirements under this Act; and (2) collect certain information reported by employers about individual employee group health plan coverage for purposes of identifying and collecting from responsible third parties any amounts owed to reimburse Medicare or Medicaid for health care items and services furnished to their beneficiaries. (Replaces the Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Data Bank.)

(Sec. 2402) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose excise taxes on failures by employers and insurers to comply with provisions of this Act.

(Sec. 2411) Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to make conforming changes regarding enforcement of employer failures.

Title III: Quality Assurance and Simplification - Subtitle A: Quality Assurance - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with relevant agencies, to develop and publish standards for quality assurance programs and ensure that appropriate performance measures are established. Requires the standards to contain provider risk programs to prevent or provide early warning of practices that may result in injury.

(Sec. 3002) Provides for the standardization of information through a national health data system.

(Sec. 3003) Requires the Secretary to establish measures to determine quality of care in specialized centers of care.

(Sec. 3004) Authorizes appropriations to examine the feasibility of creating an Agency for Clinical Evaluations by consolidating the responsibilities of specified other offices.

(Sec. 3005) Requires the Secretary to report annually to the Congress on factors affecting universal coverage and make recommendations for increasing such coverage.

(Sec. 3006) Requires the Secretary to monitor the reinsurance market for qualified health plans and periodically report to the Congress on the financial implications.

(Sec. 3101) Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research a clearinghouse for information and research data concerning clinical trials. Requires the appointment of a fund investigator for the Agency.

(Sec. 3201) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish the National Fund for Medical Research and provide for the designation of tax overpayments to such fund.

Subtitle B: Administrative Simplification - Establishes a health care data interchange system to make data available on a uniform basis to all participants in the health care system.

(Sec. 3302) Requires the Health Care Data Panel to develop regulations for the operation of an integrated electronic health care data interchange system.

(Sec. 3304) Sets forth requirements for such system including: data and transaction standards, uniform working files, code sets, unique identifiers, standards for confidentiality, rules for the transfer of information, and periodic reviews.

(Sec. 3313) Establishes the Health Care Data Panel and a National Health Informatics Commission to advise the Panel on its activities.

Title IV: Judicial Reforms - Subtitle A: Medical Liability Reform - Requires a qualified health plan to provide effective mediation procedures for hearing and resolving health care malpractice claims.

(Sec. 4013) Requires each State to adopt an alternative dispute resolution method for the resolution of health care malpractice claims and consumer grievances.

(Sec. 4021) Establishes provisions with respect to liability under health care malpractice actions brought in State or Federal courts.

(Sec. 4022) Limits attorney contingency fees and award amounts for noneconomic damages.

(Sec. 4024) Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for health care malpractice claims, except in the case of minors.

(Sec. 4025) Requires each State to establish a set of specialty clinical guidelines. Allows the use of such guidelines as a rebuttable presumption in a claim or action, if the service provided was the appropriate standard of medical care.

(Sec. 4026) Prohibits the award of punitive damages against the producer of a drug or device that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

(Sec. 4027) Requires a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the operation of this subtitle.

Subtitle B: Anti-Fraud and Abuse Control Program - Requires the Secretary to establish in the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services a program to control fraud and abuse under the universal health care plan. Establishes the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Trust Fund.

(Sec. 4102) Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for the application of the penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud to all health care programs.

(Sec. 4103) Requires the Secretary to establish a program through which Medicare-eligible individuals may report instances of suspected fraud under Medicare.

(Sec. 4111) Revises current SSA title XI sanctions for fraud and abuse involving Medicare and State health care programs, with changes providing for: (1) program exclusion for individuals convicted of a felony relating to fraud or the unlawful manufacture or dispensing of a controlled substance; (2) new offenses under civil monetary penalty provisions, such as the offering of inducements to program-eligible individuals; (3) establishment of a minimum period of exclusion for practitioners and persons who fail to meet statutory obligations; (4) intermediate sanctions on eligible health maintenance organizations for program violations; and (5) procedures for imposing such sanctions.

(Sec. 4121) Directs the Secretary to establish a national health care fraud and abuse data collection program for the reporting by each government agency and health care plan of final adverse actions against health care providers, suppliers, and practitioners. Requires program information to be made available to the public for a reasonable fee.

(Sec. 4122) Amends SSA title XI to require the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a listing of all final adverse actions taken during the quarter.

(Sec. 4131) Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties for knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to: (1) defraud any health care plan in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits, items, or services (benefits); and (2) obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any health care plan or person in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, health care benefits.

(Sec. 4132) Directs the court, upon a finding that a Federal health care offense is of a type that poses a serious threat to the health of any individual or has a significant detrimental impact on the health care system, to order a person convicted of that offense to forfeit property that was used in the commission of the offense or that constitutes or was derived from proceeds traceable to the offense that is of a value proportionate to the seriousness of the offense.

(Sec. 4133) Authorizes the Attorney General to commence a civil action in Federal court to enjoin a violation constituting a Federal health care offense.

(Sec. 4134) Makes commission of a Federal health care offense a predicate to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

(Sec. 4141) Makes provisions of the Civil False Claims Act applicable to the use of false records or statements made to a health care plan. Includes within the definition of "claim" for purposes of such Act any request or demand for money or property which is made or presented to a health care plan.

Subtitle C: Treatment of Certain Activities Under the Antitrust Laws - Exempts from the antitrust laws specified "safe harbor" activities related to the provision of health care services. Sets forth provisions regarding the award of attorney fees and costs of suit to the prevailing party in an action based on a claim involving activity found to be exempt.

(Sec. 4202) Lists as safe harbors specified: (1) activities relating to health care services of combinations of health care providers with market share below a specified threshold; (2) activities of medical self-regulatory entities relating to standard setting or enforcement activities not conducted for purposes of financial gain; (3) participation of a health care provider in a written survey of the prices of services, reimbursement levels, or the compensation and benefits of employees and personnel; (4) activities relating to health care joint ventures for high technology and costly equipment and services; (5) activities relating to hospital mergers; (6) joint purchasing arrangements; and (7) negotiations.

(Sec. 4203) Directs the Attorney General to publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting proposals for additional safe harbors and to review and report to the Congress on proposed safe harbors. Sets forth criteria in establishing safe harbors, including: (1) the extent to which a competitive or collaborative activity will accomplish an increase in health care access and quality, the establishment of cost efficiencies, and increased ability of health care facilities to provide services in medically underserved areas or to underserved populations; and (2) whether designation as a safe harbor will result in specified desirable outcomes.

(Sec. 4204) Directs the Attorney General to issue certificates of review for providers of health care services and assist persons in applying for such certificates. Sets forth provisions regarding applications for, revocation of, and review of determinations regarding such certificates. Limits the disclosure of information.

(Sec. 4205) Sets forth provisions regarding notifications providing for a reduction in certain penalties under the antitrust laws for health care cooperative ventures.

(Sec. 4206) Directs the Attorney General to: (1) review the safe harbors and certificates of review periodically; and (2) promulgate such rules, regulations, and guidelines as necessary to carry out provisions of this subtitle.

(Sec. 4208) Establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services an Office of Health Care Competition Policy.

Title V: Special Assistance for Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Subtitle A: Frontier, Rural, and Urban Underserved Areas - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a program of allotments to States for grants for community-based primary health services to low-income or medically underserved populations regarding infant mortality and referrals for the health management of infants and pregnant women. Earmarks for the allotments specified percentages of appropriations under certain provisions added by this Act.

(Sec. 5002) Mandates grants to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other entities for providing access to services for medically underserved populations or in high impact areas not currently being served by a FQHC. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the relationship and interaction between community health centers and hospitals in providing services to such populations.

(Sec. 5003) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a nonrefundable credit for certain primary health services providers for mandatory service periods in health professional shortage areas; (2) exclude from gross income qualified loan repayments to the National Health Service Corps; (3) increase the dollar limitation allowed for expensing medical equipment used in rural health shortage areas; and (4) allow a deduction for student loan payments by medical professionals practicing in rural areas.

(Sec. 5004) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for: (1) establishment of rural emergency access care hospitals under Medicare; and (2) coverage of and payment for rural emergency access care hospital services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).

(Sec. 5005) Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary to make grants to States to assist in the creation or enhancement of air medical transport systems that provide victims of medical emergencies in rural areas with access to treatments. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application and State plan requirements; (2) considerations in awarding grants; (3) State administration and use of grants; (4) the number of grants; and (5) reporting requirements. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 5006) Authorizes the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project and grant program to encourage the development and operation of rural health networks. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 5007) Requires the Secretary to report to the Congress on improving access to benefits under qualified health plans for individuals residing in rural areas.

Subtitle B: Primary Care Provider Education - Requires the Secretary to provide for the establishment of demonstration projects to evaluate mechanisms to increase the number and percentage of medical students entering primary care practice through funds otherwise available for direct graduate medical education costs under the Medicare program.

(Sec. 5102) Allows funding under Medicare for training in nonhospital-owned facilities.

(Sec. 5103) Increases authorized funding for the National Health Service Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs. Authorizes funding through FY 1998.

(Sec. 5104) Increases and extends through FY 1997 authorized funding for training for certain health service providers.

Subtitle C: Programs Relating to Primary and Preventive Care Services - Authorizes appropriations for a grant program to improve coordination of maternal and infant care.

(Sec. 5202) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations to carry out a comprehensive school health education and prevention program for elementary and secondary school students.

(Sec. 5203) Allows frontier States (including Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana) to implement proposals and participate in demonstration projects which give special consideration to their diverse needs.

Title VI: Treatment of Existing Federal Programs - Subtitle A: Medicaid Program - Gives States the option of allowing the enrollment of Medicaid-eligible individuals (including a limited number of AFDC- and SSI-eligible individuals) in the standard benefit package under a qualified health plan, instead of enrollment in the State's Medicaid program.

(Sec. 6001) Sets forth requirements for States exercising such option. Places a cap on Federal payments for acute medical services furnished under a State's Medicaid programs.

(Sec. 6011) Discontinues reimbursement standards for inpatient hospital services.

Revises the Federal medical assistance percentage for certain States.

Modifies Federal requirements to allow States more flexibility in contracting for coordinated care services under Medicaid.

(Sec. 6021) Provides for waivers from requirements on coordinated care programs.

Gives States the option to guarantee the continued Medicaid eligibility of individuals enrolled with risk contracting and other managed care entities.

(Sec. 6031) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicaid hospital disproportionate share adjustment payments.

Subtitle B: Medicare - Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit to the Congress a proposal for legislation which provides for the enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries in qualified health plans; and (2) provide for a monthly payment to a qualified health plan on behalf of enrolled Medicare beneficiaries.

(Sec. 6111) Amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OMBRA '90) to revise provisions for a modified payment methodology for risk contractors.

(Sec. 6112) Requires the Secretary to provide for adjustment in Medicare capitation payments to take into account secondary payer status.

Authorizes the Secretary to make additional payments to eligible organizations with risk-sharing contracts.

(Sec. 6121) Amends OMBRA '90 to: (1) make permanent the Medicare select policy program; and (2) allow access to Medicare select policies in all States.

Amends Medicare to revise the Medicare select policy program and provide for a civil penalty for misrepresentations made in connection with such a policy.

(Sec. 6131) Makes specified changes with regard to monthly Medicare part B premium determinations for part B enrollees.

(Sec. 6132) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for an increase in the Medicare part B premium for individuals with high income.

(Sec. 6133) Makes permanent certain payment reductions relating to outpatient hospital services furnished under Medicare.

(Sec. 6135) Imposes copayments for laboratory services and certain home health visits provided under Medicare.

(Sec. 6137) Provides for phased-in elimination of Medicare disproportionate share hospital payments.

(Sec. 6138) Directs the Secretary to discontinue hospital reimbursements for costs relating to the recovery of bad debts.

(Sec. 6139) Makes specified changes with regard to Medicare as a secondary payer.

Title VII: Patient's Right to Self-Determination Regarding Health Care - Provides for the treatment of advance directives and other measures, including a study by the Secretary on issues relating to health care decisions by the patient, in addressing the patient's right to self-determination regarding health care.



COSPONSORS(20), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:

Sen Bennett, Robert F. [UT] - 11/22/1993

Sen Bond, Christopher S. [MO] - 11/22/1993

Sen Boren, David L. [OK] - 5/17/1994

Sen Cohen, William S. [ME] - 11/22/1993

Sen Danforth, John C. [MO] - 11/22/1993

Sen Dole, Robert J. [KS] - 11/22/1993

Sen Domenici, Pete V. [NM] - 11/22/1993

Sen Durenberger, Dave [MN] - 11/22/1993

Sen Faircloth, Lauch [NC] - 11/22/1993

Sen Gorton, Slade [WA] - 11/22/1993

Sen Grassley, Chuck [IA] - 11/22/1993

Sen Hatch, Orrin G. [UT] - 11/22/1993

Sen Hatfield, Mark O. [OR] - 11/22/1993

Sen Kassebaum, Nancy Landon [KS] - 11/22/1993

Sen Kerrey, J. Robert [NE] - 5/17/1994

Sen Lugar, Richard G. [IN] - 11/22/1993

Sen Simpson, Alan K. [WY] - 11/22/1993

Sen Specter, Arlen [PA] - 11/22/1993

Sen Stevens, Ted [AK] - 11/22/1993

Sen Warner, John [VA] - 11/22/1993

Sen Brown, Hank [CO] - 11/22/1993 (withdrawn - 10/4/1994)

source: The Library of Congress

 

[Gatekeeper]

The topic: The Most Ethical and Transparent Congress ever

First WTF they calling "Ethical"? A new buzz word for, slight -of-hand, night votes, conniving devious, manipulative, authoritarian..........any more?

Next Transparent:
YES, the Dem are Transparent alright, most of us can SEE THROUGH their bullcrap. But their still opaque if not totally camoflauged by their own greed for power and self-righteous 'bafoonary' (my word).

Nuff said..............

 

[Bfgrn]

"Almost Every Single Component" was previously proposed by republicans? Really?
Was the language trickery in funding this debacle of a bill proposed by the republicans too? Like the double spending of the money from Medicare? (even the CBO admits to that one) Bet you won't answer that one.
Let's not forget that 53% of Americans don't want obamacare.....that includes a lot of democrats. Not to mention that over 80% of Americans are happey with the insurance that they have. That includes a lot of democrats.

keep blathering your talking points bfrgn...I'm sure Chris, and rinata are listening.

We face a health care crisis in America...it is not a new development. The Republicans are well aware of it, but they have chosen to put their party ahead you and me. They have resorted to a well worn right wing strategy of FEARmongering tactics laid out by Frank Luntz...and the fucked up right wing garbage you watch and listen to pushes their propaganda 24/7.

They are domestic terrorists...and you are so stupid you would arm the bombs for them.

Fearmongering????? Sounds like the dems to me on this matter.
The republicans want healthcare reform.....but not this healthcare bill, bfgrn. It's too expensive and you and I both know it's not deficit neutral.
I believe in trying mandates for coverage, mandates for pre-existing conditions, and mandates for cancelling coverage. The government screws up everything it touches, and couldn't keep something this big at, or under budget....no way....no how.

Speaking of stupidity bfgrn.....you just need to look in the mirror to see the epitomy of stupidity...it'll be that mug staring back at you.

Bullshit...the only thing Republicans did after killing Clinton's health care plan was TO DO NOTHING...they though they dodged the bullet...well here we are again, and Republicans are pulling the SAME scare tactics and fear-mongering...

I take that back...they did something...they fucked the taxpayers royally to subsidize big pharma so granny gets stuck up the ass trying to figure out the fiasco called Medicare D...

 

[The Rabbi]

boedicca... bfgrn, the idiot winger, will ignore and keep using his bullshit medical bankruptcy slogan

I know - but rational people might appreciate actual info.

Hey little mermaid...I worked in the corporate world for years...back in 2004, the company I represented had both an excellent accident record and low claims, yet Blue Cross/Blue Shield was going to raise their health insurance premiums by 25%+... the owner was forced to explore all his options and had to go the self insured route...then, unfortunately in 2006, one of his branches had a mechanic crushed to death by a piece of equipment's counterweight. It created a situation that almost sank the company...

So it not just individuals and families that are being destroyed by these immoral cartels

Does it possibly occur to you that if the company were insured the insurance company would have had to pay out the same claim? And this is probably why premiums rose, because the probability of an event like what you described was higher.
In retrospect the company would have been better off paying the higher premium. But only in retrospect.
Now, under obama, they won't have that choice.