Obama’s health care compromise proposal

You can see a PDF here. It looks like a re-worked version of the better-than-nothing Senate plan to me. I like some of the messaging around it, which pushes back on the hysterical scare-mongering.

Some of the early wingnut reactions are encouraging too. For example, here’s Michelle Malkin:

Earlier this month, I flagged the White House jihad against Anthem Blue Cross of California over its rate increases (see Feb. 9, 2010, Will the White House demand that every business “justify” its price increases?).

Yes—please build your objections around protecting insurance companies’ right to continue hosing people. That’s a totally winning strategy because, as everyone knows, insurance companies are universally beloved. Why, Obama might as well be attacking apple pie!

Posted by Betty Cracker on 02/22/10 at 11:50 AM • Permalink

Categories: News • Politics • Health Care •

Share this post:

Will the White House demand that every business “justify” its price increases?

Well a lot of businesses that provide essential services and products do have to justify rate and price increases. Utilities for instance. One reason government supervision is enacted is because businesses behave irresponsibly and bring it on themshelves. OSHA is a classic example of this. ERISA is another. And Anthem’s drastic rate increases appear to be primarily motivated by greed.

The White House website has a Q&A about the President’s proposal up here if you’re just looking for a summary.

Be interesting to see the Repub response as the day progresses.

Comment by marindenver on 02/22/10 at 01:37 PM

Good point, Mar. And in fact the insurance industry itself is already regulated on the state, federal and local level. I know we had a big tussle down here in FL awhile back over home owner insurers’ rate hikes after the hurricanes.

Comment by Betty Cracker on 02/22/10 at 02:07 PM

You know, if they ask for a 3% hike, they’re not gonna blink and say yes. If they ask for a 10% hike, but give good solid reasons, it’s not a struggle. And if they ask for a 30% hike and show it’s because of a 30% rise in charges from medical providers…well, we know where the next round of reform is centered on.