Healthcare overhaul debate in a nutshell
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As Congress worked its way through the maze of healthcare reform, it was easy to lose sight of the cheese. To help keep the eyes on the prize, here is the gist of the arguments as put forward this afternoon:
Democrats are pushing the bill arguing it expands insurance coverage to almost all of the country, excluding undocumented workers.
Choice is expanded by creating a government-funded insurance option and exchanges to increase consumer awareness in buying insurance.
It reforms insurance company practices so that no one is denied coverage because of previous conditions.
This is especially important for women who have been victims of domestic violence or have had cancer.
It ends the doughnut hole in Medicare drug coverage.
It strengthens Medicare by making it more solvent.
It brings preventive services, such as screening and testing, to many who do not have it now.
It has been endorsed by groups such as AARP, which represents senior citizens, and those of nurses and doctors.
It helps women by eliminating gender ratings.
All 177 Republicans, joined by some Democrats, are expected to vote against the House bill. Their arguments include:
The bill is too expensive, more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years. And given the current recession, it is unaffordable and would place an undue burden on future generations.
The bill takes resources from where it is needed: the creation of more jobs at a time when unemployment is in double digits.
It gives too much power to government.
Tort reform is a better way to go because it will lower costs long-term by freeing doctors to practice medicine without fear of being wiped out.
The bill should be opposed because it contains civil penalties for violations and taxes that will hit businesses especially hard.
The bill hurts seniors by cutting benefits and spending for Medicare.
--Michael Muskal
twitter.com/LATimesmuskal
