President Obama can breath a little as the House narrowly passed a Health Care Plan, 220 to 215. While Democrats celebrate, Republicans and other conservative Democrats insist that the Legislation has a long way to go.
So how much does this whole thing cost? Estimates show that the approved plan would cost a staggering $1.1 Trillion over 10 years. The benefit? Relief to Americans who struggle to acquire of hang on to health insurance.
Where is the money coming from? How are we going to pay for something like that? That’s the main question on everyone’s minds, and the Democrats insist that we, the American People, can afford it because it will be paid through by employing new fees and taxes, and supplemented by cuts in Medicare. This would buy us, the Democrats argue, coverage to thirty six million people who, under the current system, have no coverage. At the same time, a government health insurance program will be created. Much maligned practices like not covering pre-existing conditions or unconscionably dropping people when they get sick will be curtailed.
The dissenters condemned the passage and vowed to oppose it as it proceeds on its legislative route. Calling it a “government takeover,” the Republicans note that it has a long way to go before the President gets it. While Democrats cheered like immature children, Republicans sat quietly, no doubt pondering their next best move.
All eyes are now on the Senate, and the majority leader said he would bring a bill to the floor as soon as possible. Let’s see if Harry can do what Nancy just did. So what’s next? The Senate will need to bring its own measure to the floor for debate, and if all goes well, both the House and the Senate will need to negotiate and approve a final bill.
For now, Americans can digest the House legislation, which would require most to obtain health insurance or face penalties. Republicans call this government oppression. Employers too have added responsibility. They would have to provide coverage or pay a tax penalty, up to eight percent of their payroll.
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