Post by gski on Jun 23, 2009 17:27:58 GMT -5
Reuters
WASHINGTON--President Barack Obama said Tuesday he firmly believed that a government-run health insurance plan "made sense" in a broader overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, and that private insurers should find ways to compete for clients.
But Obama declined to answer a direct question on whether he would veto any healthcare legislation that did not include a public plan option, saying it was too early in the process to "draw lines in the sand."
"A public plan is in an important tool to discipline insurance companies," Obama told a news conference. "I think there is going to be some healthy debate about the shape that this takes."
Republicans and private insurance companies have raised concerns over a public health plan, arguing that it would lead to a government takeover of the entire U.S. healthcare system and drive private insurance companies out of business.
Democrats, who are developing healthcare reform legislation in Congress, hope to keep a public option in the bill but have also suggested that non-profit medical cooperatives could be formed to compete with insurers.
Obama said a government-run plan could help to drive efficiencies throughout the system.
"If it turns out that the public plan, for example, is able to reduce administrative costs significantly, then I'd like the insurance companies to take note," he said. "That's good for everybody in the system."
He added that he did not accept insurers' arguments that they would be unable to compete with a government-run plan.
"If what the insurance companies are saying is true, that they are doing their best to serve their customers ... they should be able to compete," he said.
Obama opened his news conference saying he was confident over the progress being made on healthcare reform in Congress, which he hopes will send him a bill by the end of the year.
He repeated his vow not to allow healthcare reform -- which early estimates could cost in excess of $1.6 trillion -- would not add to the record deficits the United States already faces.
"It will not add to our deficits over the next decade. We will find the money through savings and efficiencies within the health care system, some of which we've already announced," Obama said in prepared remarks.
"When it comes to health care, the status quo is unsustainable. Reform is not a luxury, it is a necessity. And so I hope that Congress will continue to make significant progress on this issue in the weeks ahead," he said
I only have one question that I haven’t seen one politician asked, nor could they answer it.
How does an Insurance company, which is supposed to make a profit, compete, against a government run insurance company that doesn’t have to make a profit and essentially has endless pockets?
The answer? They can’t.
Many people would jump to a less expensive program, with the hope of paying less while having the ability to have the same or better coverage. Who will pay for it? WE WILL.
What happens when what is paid to Dr’s and hospital’s is an amount similar to what is paid by Medicare & Medicaid? The answer…Dr’s will no longer practice…they won’t be able to afford to practice and continue to pay for staff and their overhead, including Malpractice insurance. Hospitals will not be able to stay in business. Who do you thing will come to the rescue? I'll bet you can guess...
That’s one area that the President will not touch, the legal side, lawsuits and limits. I wonder why?
For those that are buying what's being sold and believe it's not going to cost us anything...let me know. I've got a real nice piece of land with a small bridge on it!
No, maybe I'll just wait for the next stimulus, that'll be coming soon.
WASHINGTON--President Barack Obama said Tuesday he firmly believed that a government-run health insurance plan "made sense" in a broader overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system, and that private insurers should find ways to compete for clients.
But Obama declined to answer a direct question on whether he would veto any healthcare legislation that did not include a public plan option, saying it was too early in the process to "draw lines in the sand."
"A public plan is in an important tool to discipline insurance companies," Obama told a news conference. "I think there is going to be some healthy debate about the shape that this takes."
Republicans and private insurance companies have raised concerns over a public health plan, arguing that it would lead to a government takeover of the entire U.S. healthcare system and drive private insurance companies out of business.
Democrats, who are developing healthcare reform legislation in Congress, hope to keep a public option in the bill but have also suggested that non-profit medical cooperatives could be formed to compete with insurers.
Obama said a government-run plan could help to drive efficiencies throughout the system.
"If it turns out that the public plan, for example, is able to reduce administrative costs significantly, then I'd like the insurance companies to take note," he said. "That's good for everybody in the system."
He added that he did not accept insurers' arguments that they would be unable to compete with a government-run plan.
"If what the insurance companies are saying is true, that they are doing their best to serve their customers ... they should be able to compete," he said.
Obama opened his news conference saying he was confident over the progress being made on healthcare reform in Congress, which he hopes will send him a bill by the end of the year.
He repeated his vow not to allow healthcare reform -- which early estimates could cost in excess of $1.6 trillion -- would not add to the record deficits the United States already faces.
"It will not add to our deficits over the next decade. We will find the money through savings and efficiencies within the health care system, some of which we've already announced," Obama said in prepared remarks.
"When it comes to health care, the status quo is unsustainable. Reform is not a luxury, it is a necessity. And so I hope that Congress will continue to make significant progress on this issue in the weeks ahead," he said
I only have one question that I haven’t seen one politician asked, nor could they answer it.
How does an Insurance company, which is supposed to make a profit, compete, against a government run insurance company that doesn’t have to make a profit and essentially has endless pockets?
The answer? They can’t.
Many people would jump to a less expensive program, with the hope of paying less while having the ability to have the same or better coverage. Who will pay for it? WE WILL.
What happens when what is paid to Dr’s and hospital’s is an amount similar to what is paid by Medicare & Medicaid? The answer…Dr’s will no longer practice…they won’t be able to afford to practice and continue to pay for staff and their overhead, including Malpractice insurance. Hospitals will not be able to stay in business. Who do you thing will come to the rescue? I'll bet you can guess...
That’s one area that the President will not touch, the legal side, lawsuits and limits. I wonder why?
For those that are buying what's being sold and believe it's not going to cost us anything...let me know. I've got a real nice piece of land with a small bridge on it!
No, maybe I'll just wait for the next stimulus, that'll be coming soon.