Weekly Address: Health Care Reform as the Key to Our Fiscal Future
By Heather Saturday Jun 13, 2009 6:15pmFrom the White House blog:
The President has long noted that skyrocketing health care costs will be disastrous in terms of our long term national debt unless we pass real reform. In this Weekly Address, the President also explains how he will cover the upfront costs of reform by eliminating overpayments from Medicaid and Medicare and driving down costs contributing to government’s health care expenditures across the board.
Full transcript below the fold.
Last week, I spoke to you about my commitment to work with Congress to pass health care reform this year. Today, I’d like to speak about how that effort is essential to restoring fiscal responsibility.
When it comes to the cost of health care, this much is clear: the status quo is unsustainable for families, businesses, and government. America spends nearly 50 percent more per person on health care than any other country. Health care premiums have doubled over the last decade, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs have skyrocketed, and many with preexisting conditions are denied coverage. More and more, Americans are being priced out of the care they need.
These costs are also hurting business, as some big businesses are at a competitive disadvantage with their foreign counterparts, and some small businesses are forced to cut benefits, drop coverage, or even lay off workers. Meanwhile, Medicare and Medicaid pose one of the greatest threats to our federal deficit, and could leave our children with a mountain of debt that they cannot pay.
We cannot continue down this path. I do not accept a future where Americans forego health care because they can’t pay for it, and more and more families go without coverage at all. And I don’t accept a future where American business is hurt and our government goes broke. We have a responsibility to act, and to act now. That is why I’m working with Congress to pass reform that lowers costs, improves quality and coverage, and protects consumer health care choices.
I know some question whether we can afford to act this year. But the unmistakable truth is that it would be irresponsible to not act. We can’t keep shifting a growing burden to future generations. With each passing year, health care costs consume a larger share of our nation’s spending, and contribute to yawning deficits that we cannot control. So let me be clear: health care reform is not part of the problem when it comes to our fiscal future, it is a fundamental part of the solution.
Real reform will mean reductions in our long term budget. And I have made a firm commitment that health care reform will not add to the federal deficit over the next decade. To keep that commitment, my Administration has already identified how to pay for the historic $635 billion down payment on reform detailed in our budget. This includes over $300 billion that we will save through changes like reducing Medicare overpayments to private insurers, and rooting out waste in Medicare and Medicaid.
However, any honest accounting must prepare for the fact that health care reform will require additional costs in the short term in order to reduce spending in the long-term. So today, I am announcing an additional $313 billion in savings that will rein in unnecessary spending, and increase efficiency and the quality of care – savings that will ensure that we have nearly $950 billion set aside to offset the cost of health care reform over the next ten years.
These savings will come from commonsense changes. For example – if more Americans are insured, we can cut payments that help hospitals treat patients without health insurance. If the drug makers pay their fair share, we can cut government spending on prescription drugs. And if doctors have incentives to provide the best care instead of more care, we can help Americans avoid the unnecessary hospital stays, treatments, and tests that drive up costs. For more details about these and other savings, you can visit our website: www.whitehouse.gov.
These savings underscore the fact that securing quality, affordable health care for the American people is tied directly to insisting upon fiscal responsibility. And these savings are rooted in the same principle that must guide our broader approach to reform: we will fix what’s broken, while building upon what works. If you like your plan and your doctor, you can keep them – the only changes that you’ll see are lower costs and better health care.
For too long, we have stood by while our health care system has frayed at the seams. While there has been excuse after excuse to delay reform, the price of care has gone up for individuals, for business, and for the government. This time must be different. This is the moment when we must reform health care so that we can build a new foundation for our economy to grow; for our people to thrive; and for our country to pursue a responsible and sustainable path. Thank you.
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First kill all the lawyers.
To control health care costs, first kill all the insurers.
I don't think advocating killing people is really the way to win your argument, Demo "Christian." We've had a little too much of that of late.
the wrong people.
Better yet, arrest the Bush's and Cheney's and confiscate the money they made from the wars they propagated and use the money for health care.
Even in states where health insurance isn't allowed to make a profit they make a profit. Even in times like ours...they make a profit.
being so bad in other countries, don't do anything and in five years you'll see a disaster. Even now, bankruptcies because of medical crisis in a family are almost the norm even if the family is insured. Clinics are going broke. Seniors have to choose between drugs and food. Families decide whether to pay the mortgage or pay for insurance. Small businesses close their doors because they can't afford to insure their workers.
Those that complain about the nationalized healthcare in other countries do not address a main concern of mine:
That at least these nations cover everyone. The estimates of the uninsured in America keep going up. The last I heard put the number at near 50 Million people with no coverage at all. And I think they are underestimating.
Its easy to belittle the care that other nation's receive if:
1) you don't care what happens to those with none.
2) you have never experienced another nation's care.
Most Americans have not travelled to another country. And most Republicans automatically assume that all other countries are inferior to America in every way.
I'm not saying Canada's system is perfect, but it's a million times better that what you're stuck with.
Ok, so, my Mom had breast cancer-- treated, cured. She broke a rib, she has osteoperosis, under control and she's fine. She had cataracts, gone, full vision restored with laser surgery. My Dad had a heart attack-- fully recovered, strong as an ox, turns 80 next month. They have mega-prescriptions (pay $2 each as seniors). And they've been off to the doctor for lots of other minor things. They said they would be bankrupt if it was America. My Dad still works and skis every winter. His savings are in the bank so they can support themsleves in a manner they deserve. Out of pocket expenses = $0. Not so bad, is it?
My wife hates her job, but can't leave it as her insurance there keeps us both alive.
My elder daughter has a near crippling social anxiety disorder but can't even see a doctor because her job carries no health insurance.
My younger daughter is covered by military insurance so the doctors only run one test per visit so the can bill more.
Even wth my wife's insurance copays and test costs constantly bust any mirage of a budget we have.
You hear this mantra from everyone trying to keep the status quo for privatized health care.
Well if America does have the best health care in the world then why are we ranked 37th by the World health Organization?
And why aren't other countries clamoring to copy our system in their countries?
Answer: Because it's all propaganda! Truth is our health care system is a joke to rest of the industrialized world.
In fact we are the only industrialized nation with a privatized health care system!
in this country than in some others, if people cannot afford to pay for it? Health care should be a right and not a business. Simple concept, Washington, now just do it. Do not make the mistake of thinking we are asking you to do this, because we are telling you to do this. I know you think you have this all under control with the fixed elections, lip service, boogie men, corporate control of everything, even you politicians, but when real people decide to stop playing the game with you, then what do you have?
with a cheaper public option. Check out how much money states' spend on retiree and employee health care as well as that of their citizens.
State governors could become a major lobbying group for real reform if this idea gets out there.
Great.
But I'm still not hearing him acknowledge something important: a warning regarding the fact the health care industry is lobbying hard to defeat health care reform.
This is important because I keep encountering people opposed to anything like a "public option". And when I ask why, their answer is always something they heard in some Right-wing Talking Point ("socialized medicine", et al.)
To be a lobbyist, one has to be endowed with a special sociopathy.
To listen to and believe what a highly paid corporate lobbyist says, and to do that lobbyist's bidding, one has to be bought and paid for.
Single Payer is buried buy these lobbyist assholes.
And Congress turns a deaf ear to the majority, while at the same time denying us that which they have.
What troubles me most is those who oppose healthcare reform use false premises and outright lies as part of their argument. Then to exacerbate the problem, people too stupid to argue any point much less this one believe every lie they are fed and fuel the fire at every opportunity.
I am tired of the socialism label being attached to each and every issue the administration fights for too. If Obama did what most of these idiots wanted, the country would be in the worst depression we have ever seen and then they would complain about his inaction. No matter what Obama does, it is going to be wrong and heading us towards socialism. Get a damned grip for God's sake!
The same people whining about GM being bailed out see nothing at all wrong with the wall street bailout, and that is just simply convoluted self-serving thinking. Why in God's name would we want to see GM go the way of the dodo bird? Who wants to unemploy that many people, and why. I mean if that is their argument, they should have to explain what they propose to do with all the unemployed people their suggested action would cause, and also explain their plan for all the businesses that would fold like a deck of cards as a result of their lack of action.
In reality, the rabid right is going to constantly try to put a bad spin on anything the administration tries to do, and if lies are required, so much the better. And, if in the process of the deception they can use the word socialism a bazillion times, they will get their rocks off! Any thinking person demands truth as a part of honest debate. The proof of what most right wingers actually are comes to light when you realise that most of their arguments are based upon half-truths or outright lies ... and then, to top it off, they call themselves Christians. What a laugh! They are insane and willing to drag the entire country into a shithole to satisfy their sick, twisted, logic.
Healthcare is broken .... that is a fact. I worked 31 years, covered by UnitedHealthcare. They denied every claim as a business practice and hoped you missed it and ended up having to pay more than you should have had to pay. This resulted in your doctor having to recode and resubmit almost every claim. I got cancer, and was too sick to deal with this, and ended up having to sell my home to pay for thousands of dollars worth of denied claims. Hell, those assholes even denied two ambulance rides when I had heart attacks associated with my cancer, one of which I died on and had to be shocked back to existance. The happiest day of my life was exactly two years after I became 100% disabled, I went on Medicare. I have had NO PROBLEMS at all since I went on Medicare. But to hear the rabid right talk, those on Medicare hate it because it is so poor. What a damned LIE! Medicare is so much better than UnitedHealthcare was it isn't even funny, and I worked for a Fortune 500 company in management, so my health coverage was better than most!
Remember, when profit is an issue, companies don't give a damn about people ..... PERIOD! That is why I wish to God they would put single payer back on the table. But, as always, lobbiests are most likely going to get their way, and we will be DAMN lucky to get a public option. Why? Because half the population would opt out of their cruddy private insurance plans. The insurance industry knows they have treated their customers like shit and that the public is ready to retaliate. Now, if the government will just give us the damn ammunition so we can decide for ourselves which serves us best, a private insurer or a public insurer like Medicare.
We all have to realise it is going to cost us something. But, we need to look at the big picture, and see that we can either pay a slight bit more in taxes, or let the insurance, pharmaceutical, and HMO industry rob us blind. We have a choice now people. And the choice is a simple one if you care about yourselves, your families, and those who currently are without any insurance at all.
I can't believe anyone would even listen to the rabid right on this issue. It is so obvious that they are only thinking of maintaining the status quo for big business and don't give a shit about the average joe on the street.
wish I could express myself as well as you , I have spent the last 43 years building gizmos , had a heart attack had to stand down for two weeks went back to work and was fired ( yea ya want loyalty get a dog ) , have not posted here for a year or two , read every day , forgive my ( lack of )grammer/spelling . just wanted you to know there are some humans under the bridge .
They could not even spell socialism if they could not copy it from someone who can spell it. They absolutely do not know what it means. And as for "convoluted self-serving thinking?" They do not think, they parrot. May I suggest that they each take in a family of unemployed workers and support them until the economy improves. I also think they should be forced to take in the "unaborted" babies whose mothers cannot afford them.
You pay $96.40 per month for Medicare, and you actually get health care. And, if you do not get a yearly cost of living raise, them your Medicare premium cannot be raised. The horror of it all!
Pelosi said everything should be on the table. That includes single-payer. I demand to know who took it off the table.
I like your style.
The top ten senators working on health care reform are in the tank for the Health care industry! These ten people have raked in "donations" totaling over 20 million dollars from health Ins companies. Whose best interests do you think they will have in mind?
To get real health care reform done Obama will have to recuse these people and any others taking money from the industry they are supposed to be reforming. It's a conflict of interest at minimum and most likely bribery............. follow the money!
Here's the list again:
Arlen Specter (R-D- PA- $4,026,933)
Max Baucus (DLC- MT- $2,833,731)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY- $2,758,468)
Ben Nelson (DLC-NE- $1,196,799)
Max Baucus (DLC- MT- $1,184,113)
Joe Lieberman (DLC- CT- $1,036,302)
Arlen Specter (R-D- PA- $1,035,530)
Chuck Schumer (D-NY- $981,400)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY- $929,207)
Chuck Grassley (R-IA- $884,724)
Also, Jackie Clegg Dodd, wife of Connecticut Democrat Chris Dodd, is on the boards of Javelin Pharmaceuticals Inc, Cardiome Pharma Corp, Brookdale Senior Living and Pear Tree Pharmaceuticals.
Dodd is filling in for ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass as chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which is already working on a health care bill.
Members of both parties are connected to the health care industry. The lists includes Democrats Jay Rockefeller and Tom Harkin, in addition to Dodd, and Republicans Tom Coburn, Judd Gregg, John Kyl and Orrin Hatch,
The Health care industry has done it's homework buying favor from both sides of the aisle and rigging the game for corporate America.
Thanks for the link to the Whitehouse Youtube channel.
Incidentally, for all those who support President Obama, I would encourage you to go to the Whitehouse Youtube channel and write your words of support for his policies and speeches. At the moment the Whitehouse youtube channel comments section is being swamped by a hand full of wingnut racist trolls whose childish insulting comments just serve to bring the whole atmosphere down.
Medicare and Medicaid will bankrupt our children?
You lying scumbag, Insurance Company Protectorate.
Funding illegal wars and expanding the Military Industrial Complex and bailing out the banks is what is bankrupting us. Stopping care of our most sick is NOT the answer and any of you Sheople who agree are fools.
America made a huge mistake in November. We are screwed and this man speaking in that video is complicit.
Somehow our government gave up the right to negotiate the best deal they can from the pharmaceutical industry so they get charged whatever big Pharma wants them to pay.
The US pays the highest prices in the world for drugs, that's why people go to Canada to get the same drugs at half or one third of the price. The pharmaceutical industry has been trying to make this practice illegal!
This is another example of what happens when you allow corporations to control the rules.
Is anyone familiar with the coverage gap in Medicare Part D? It's called the "donut hole." Makes it sound innocuous, doesn't it. It means that even though you pay your premium each month, and your co-pays every time you buy a prescription, your drug coverage, which you must purchase from private insurance companies, will only cover your remaining cost up to about $2500 per year until you personally pay several thousand out of your own pocket. And then they will kick in again, but never totally. And if you think they do not deny coverage even when they are responsible for paying at least part of your costs, which is all they ever pay, you would be wrong. Big Pharma. A Substantial Part of the Health Care "Industry." Bringing those of you with chronic illnesses death and disaster every day. You are next, Monsanto.
no offense but i don't believe you have any idea of what you talking/writing about.
check out these easy to read graphs. if something does NOT change there will be more damage.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/natio...
35% of the total money paid into the insurance companies goes for administrative costs due to the complicated billing and payment regulations of the insurance companies themselves. That way, they have humans invested in their companies as clerical employees. Apparently, they are still somewhat subject to the will of voters. Perhaps ALL is not yet lost.
The entire content was "Health care is too expensive we need to get the costs down and reduce the amount the government pays out".
No s**t.
Not one word about single payer, not one word about what he plans on doing about it, not one word that might compromise any future health industry contributions to the party.
In fact his last 2 paragraphs he flat out stated that he was going to fix the existing setup. No real changes, just tweak the already existing profit driven system that denies treatments to it's paying customers based on risk analysis spreadsheets that provide the costs of paying out if sued to the cost of paying for the treatments.
Some change.
The health care industry should be allowed to crash and burn. Its time to dominate is over. Take your money and go.
I have been seeing Psychiatrists since my 18th birthday in 1975. I have been taking medication since 1978. For most of that time I was on just one medication, Prolixin. Prolixin is a type of drug known as an anti-psychotic. It was introduced in the 1950's with a number of others. In late 1995 I was switched to a new anti-psychotic called Risperdal. It is one of the newer ones called atypical. Others include Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon and Abilify. It has been a complete disaster.
In 2004 I began a long series of hospitalizations. I had not been hospitalized since 1978. In late Oct 2004 I ran into a very young girl named Stephanie. She looked 10 or 11 yrs old. She had a very distant gaze in her eyes. It seemed to be permanent. At first I thought she was just overmedicated. There was a childrens ward in the same hospital. I wondered much later why she was on an adult ward.
In Sept 2005 I was at another hospital. There I ran into at least two other people with the distant gaze. Both young men. At one point someone compared me to these people. In 2006 I was hospitalized twice at the another place. I ran into two more people.
I have now stopped seeing Dr's and stopped medication. In 2007 I started trying to find something about these new medications. Almost all have a black box warning from the government about stroke in the elderly. I eventually typed "Risperdal Cerebrovascular" into Google and found a study that say Risperdal Irreversibly Binds to and Inhibits the H5 HT Serotonin Receptor. Around the same time the FDA approved Risperdal for Bi-Polar in children. That diagnosis has exploded over the past few years. No one in the government is interested in this. I believe it's a catastrophe.
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