I"m thinking of adding a page to the site for cartoons and jokes (cynical ones)....What do you think?

Note: This is a VERY LONG POST.  I'll give everyone a couple of days to read it! 

The new health care bill has not only sparked debate, but threats, bricks thrown through windows, and white powder went to legislators, among other things.  Open the opinion page of any paper- local or national- and you can read citizen’s fiercely defending both sides.  

But what is going to be the effects of the bill?  Without the rhetoric, without the political bias, what is actually going to happen?  

Starting this year, the following measures are going to take place-
Health insurance can NOT be denied to children with pre-existing conditions.
Health insurance carriers can no longer place a lifetime dollar limit on coverage.
Health insurance carriers can no longer cancel coverage BECAUSE someone gets sick.
Parents will be able to keep children on their policies until their 26.  

Eventual measures include-
Health insurance carriers can no longer deny coverage to anyone because of pre-existing conditions.
Health insurance carriers would be prohibited from charging more for people with health care problems.
Health insurance carriers would be prohibited from charging more for women.


Effect on individual citizens-
When the final parts of the bill take effect in 2014, Americans will be REQUIRED BY LAW to buy health insurance.  There will be special exemptions for low-income (surprise, surprise).  There will be penalties for non-compliance.  First year fine (2014)- $95 or 1% of income, whichever is greater.  Penalty will rise over time to $695 or 2% of income, whichever is greater.  If a person cannot find a policy that cost less than 8% of their income, they would be exempt from the fine- or required to buy the “catastrophic coverage only” policies allowed to people under 30.  

Sick children- there is already debate over whether the “can NOT be denied to children with pre-existing conditions” refers to children already covered by insurance (but not covered for that particular condition) or ones who are trying to apply for insurance.  The White House has already stated that they will release clarifying regulations making it clear that ALL children, currently covered or not, will be protected from being denied coverage.  

Seniors- there is no PROJECTED effect on social security benefits, despite some scare stories to the contrary.  However, there will be cuts in the Medicare Advantage programs (which the government partially subsidizes, and helps some seniors have lower out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs).  The “doughnut hole” in the Part D plan will eventually be closed.   Some preventive care will now be provided.  

Uninsured people with medical problems- immediate implementation of a high-risk pool to provide subsidies and/or coverage to these individuals.  They will gradually be absorbed into the larger health care plan when all the effects of the bill come into effect in 2014.

Increase in Medicare tax for some.  Tax breaks for others.  (Based on income).  Increased tax on investments for higher-income people.  Tax on those who tan (business will be taxed, probably passed onto consumers).  


Effect on states-
Part of the effect of covering more low-income people is that they are going to be put on the Medicaid rolls of the states.  Individuals/families that make less than 133% of the federal poverty level will now qualify for Medicaid.  Medicaid is partially paid by the federal government, and partially funded by the individual states.  The funding varies.  The rules for Medicaid vary from state to state.  13 states (as of this writing) are already in the process of suing the federal government, claiming the health care plan is unconstitutional.  (The suing has nothing to do with Medicaid).  The reconciliation bill states that the FEDERAL government will cover 100% of additional expenses caused by expanded coverage from 2014-2016, and 90% starting in 2020.   (Don’t even ask me how they’re going to determine what is caused by the bill and what is not- expect some serious fights.)  

Medicaid beneficiaries already have trouble finding doctors who accept Medicaid.  The low pay- which is only a percentage of what most insurance companies pay for the same check-ups and procedures- cause many doctors to refuse Medicaid patients.  

There are going to be “state-run insurance exchanges.”  If someone is between 133% and 400% of the federal poverty level, they will be eligible for subsidies.   Individuals who lose coverage can move “seamlessly” into state run insurance exchange.  These state-run insurance exchanges are, obviously, going to vary state by state.  


Effect on businesses-
A tax on tanning is going to be put into effect to help offset the costs of the health care plan.  Tanning businesses will be directly hit by this.  

Tax benefits to companies with less than 25 employees that get and keep coverage for their employees.  

Large companies have already announced that their expenses will be higher this year.  This is due to the fact that the government currently provides a subsidy if they provide their seniors with prescription drug coverage.  This subsidy is going to be cut to a smaller amount.  Companies say they “expect” that they will slowly cut drug coverage, moving more seniors to the Medicare Drug Coverage.  

A fine for not providing coverage or not providing adequate coverage to employees.  Employers with 50 employees or more- for each employee that receives a federal subsidy for insurance (aka- basically means if you don’t provide them insurance), you will be fined $2,000 per year.  Again, for each employee.  Employers who provide “pricier” plans will be- charged a 40% tax on the excess premium over a certain amount- or- pay a different amount, based on state exchange rates, for the employee who chooses to use the state exchange instead of the employer offered coverage.    
If you have less than 50 employees, you’re in the clear (for now), according to the FEDERAL BILL.


Effect on insurance companies-
Give me a break.  Look at it logically.  Government is going to be providing health care for many, many people.  Government can force doctors/hospitals/nurses to take less.  Insurance companies must charge more.  Can’t charge more.  Must close doors.   Bye, bye.  (Written at 3rd grade level for those who are confused about the concept of “capitalism” and “competition”.)    

Effect on doctors/nurses/hospitals-
Proposed pay increases for doctors and other health care providers who provide services to those of Medicare are planned to be cut (but no one knows to what levels or by how much).  

2018- Reduction in Medicare payments to hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, etc.

(Possible future problems- shortage of health care workers.  Can doctors afford medical malpractice insurance with reduced fees?  Will they have to close their doors?)  


Effect on drug companies-
Drug companies, medical device makers, and insurance companies will now be paying fees that projected to help offset the cost of the new health care bill.  


Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/your-money/health-insurance/22consumer.html

http://www.ctemploymentlawblog.com/2010/03/articles/legislative-issues/what-passage-of-the-health-care-bill-means-for-employers/

Various articles on:
CNN.com, including: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/25/health.care.main/index.html, http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/26/health.care.subsidies/index.html.

FoxNews articles, including: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/27/republicans-hatched-idea-obamas-health-insurance-mandate/

MSNBC.com, including: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36050884/ns/politics-health_care_reform/, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36044366/ns/health-health_care/, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35999823/ns/politics-health_care_reform/,

Logic

Saw this pic and couldn't resist.  Such a polite cat "excuse me" before it starts swearing at you! 

WTF is up with restaurants trying to put fish in tacos.  First Long John Silvers was putting a fish fillet between a taco shell.  I let that one go-  they only sell on narrow type of product.  Ridiculous ideas are bound to come up.  But then Taco Bell went to far.  They've now got a Pacific Shrimp Taco.  Here's their description:
"A warm, soft flour tortilla filled with six succulent shrimp marinated in a mix of spices, then topped with crisp shredded lettuce, Fiesta Salsa, and Avocado Ranch Sauce."  Stop, please!   Beef in tacos.  Good.  Chicken in tacos.  Even better.  Just beans.  The best.  BUT FISH!


WTF.  A recession garden.  Okay, people are growing more stuff at home.  Cool.  I wish I could.  But I'm in an apartment with a screened in patio that gets only indirect sunlight.  With a forest out back. 

But on TV they're now hawking a package of seeds and instructions on how to grow your own recession garden!  Uh, go visit the local Lowes and buy either the seeds or the starter plants (I recommend the plants for newbie gardeners) for about 1/2 the price.  


WTF is up with tub pictures of kids.  Look, they're cute kids.  Don't get me wrong.  Eating ice cream pics is cool.  Throwing something at the parents pics are even better.  But when they're naked in the tub-  leave the poor kid alone.  They're going to grow up and hate you for not only taking the picture.  BUT FOR POSTING IT ON THE INTERNET. 


WTF is up with stupid people.  Before you start yakking about current events, try WATCHING THE NEWS.  Then read the stories.  From different reputable media centers. 

The Obamer told Republicans to "bring it on" about repealing health care.  So much for being a bipartisan.  So much for doing what the American people want. 

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As you can tell, I've switched over a regular website.  My old Alexa ranking was in the 150,000's.  And my page rank was one.  I knew I was going to take a hit by moving to a new website, but no one told told me my new Alexa ranking would be 3.5 million!!!!! 

Oh, the health care bill.  I'll be doing a whole post on the bill this weekend.  In the meantime, what is YOUR OPINION ON THE BILL? 

I observed an interesting exchange the other say.  I was at a cellular store (I won't say which one), and the customer service rep, named Carlos, was a serious jerk.  He was unenthusiastic and acted like each person that walked in the door was a bother.  (I was mystery shopping, and you can just imagine what that eval looked like when I filled it out...ha-ha). 

This large woman comes in, carrying her very ugly phone.  It turns out she has "pay as you go" service.  She had come in the day before and paid $20.  Carlos had put the transaction in the computer and given her a receipt.  The $20 never credited, and since she lost her receipt, Carlos basically told her to get lost.

Now, I can't decide who was the idiot in this situation- Carlos, who is bound to get fired soon with his wonderful, friendly attitude.  Who also can't seem to put in a payment correctly- wouldn't the cash drawer at the end of the day show $20 over?  Did he pocket it and not put it in?

Or the lady who pays her cell phone as she goes, pays cash, and then doesn't keep the receipt.

Dear readers, you decide....let me know which one is the bigger idiot?  

WTF is us with Washington!?  75% (according to the latest polls) are against the health care bill!!!!!  And they're "voting" for it...oh, yeah, without a vote.

WTF is up with people who own dogs who bark 24/7.  I like dogs, don't get me wrong.  But these two dogs are about to die.  How do these people sleep?

WTF is up with all the online degrees offered?  Is there a reputable one out there?  Are they all scams?

The Obamer: “I don't spend a lot of time worrying about what the procedure rules are in the House or the Senate.”  Yeah, me neither.  That Constitution thing was just a temporary idea.  As long as they do what he wants, who cares that the rules are being twisted into a pretzel.

It's purple....okay, I like purple.  It has ruffles....that's not so good.  The top and the bottom look like they're from two different outfits....it's getting worse.  Okay, the shoes are the last straw.  Make it stop.  Stick with basic black!

WTF....I finally played Farmville....this totally clashes with my cynical, intelligent image.  Anyway, would love some neighbors.  Or you could just be my facebook friend.....ha-ha.

Jennie's Facebook Profile

As most of you probably know (if you watch the news or access the internet or turn on the radio), the health care debate is reaching a fever pitch. As of this posting time, the vote is expected this weekend.

The Obamer is pushing off an overseas trip to continue to whip up support for the bill.

Last-minute hold-outs are cutting deals.

And the House is trying to get the bill passed without the traditional vote.

I'm disgusted....I can't even thing of anything to comment on. Washington is currently pushing past limits that even my most cynical mind could come up with...

My question for you, dear readers, no matter which side of the debate you're on:

What is one thing they're doing right now dealing with this health care bill that you are disgusted with?

Before any Demolemmings get offended, my next article is going to be on the Republicant's.  So calm down, take a deep breath, and take some constructive criticism.

The Democrats currently remind me a pack of lemmings running over the edge of a cliff  (yes, I am aware that the mass-suicide of lemmings is a myth...however, since popular culture has accepted the image, I find it fits well).

The majority of Americans have made it clear that they DO NOT support the bill in its current form.  Yet, push, push, push...the White House has now gotten into the game of pushing through the bill.  A new deadline has been set.  Yet another perfectly arbitrary deadline self-imposed by the Demolemmings and used to give a sense of urgency to the bill. 

The rationale stated by many (but not all) Demolemmings is that "some bill is better than no bill at all."  Huh?  What happened to: if you're going to bother doing it, do it right.

If the average American doesn't support the current bill, the Republican's don't support the current bill, and some Democrats have had to be bribed into supporting the bill (I don't care what euphemism they're using- when you offer someone money and/or savings or special deals in return for a vote- that's called BRIBERY), should it be taken that maybe the bill should be dropped.  (And on a another note- a person taking the money and/or benefits on behalf of the state in exchange for a vote is a prostitute.)

Since logic has apparently died, and they seem to think they know better than the American people (again, I quote our genius Speaker Pelosi- a lot of bills have been unpopular, but once we implemented them, people liked them fine...a paraphrase), it would be easy to say let them run off the cliff.  But they're running off the cliff with a whole bunch of non-existent money, adding yet another "entitlement" program that our children are going to have to fund, and making the same mistakes made in Europe 50 years ago.