The Republican Study Committee, chaired by AAPS member Congressman Tom Price, MD, released their “Legislative Bulletin” of November 7, 2009, which outlines the key conservative concerns about H.R. 3962.
Constitutionality: The U.S. Constitution and the principle of limited government are tested as never before by forcing Americans to purchase “acceptable” health care coverage or face a tax of 2.5% of modified adjusted gross income. The definition provided in the bill for “acceptable” coverage will surely force some Americans to purchase plans that include coverage they cannot afford, or don’t want or need.
Illegal Immigrants: The bill fails to adequately address citizen verification for individuals applying for low-income affordability subsidies, or enrolling in Medicaid/CHIP, or enrolling in high risk pools.
Funds Abortions: The permits federal funds to be spent on abortion services
Lack of Medical Liability Reform: Trial lawyers get off scot-free as Democrats pay lip service to real medical malpractice reform, opting to hand over money for lawyer-friendly “alternatives” instead of limiting attorneys’ fees or capping damages.
Forced out of Current Plans: Government-run plan will force tens of millions out of the coverage they currently have while Members of Congress are not subject to the same health care system Americans will have to live by.
Increases Premiums: The Democrats’ health care plan will increase premiums. As JCT, CBO and six other studies have shown, imposing new taxes on insurance policies, health care products, and various new insurance regulations will be drive up the cost for patients of all ages in the form of higher premiums. Industry reports found that the youngest 30% of the population will see a 69% increase under the 2:1 age band included in the Pelosi Government Healthcare Takeover Bill.
Increases Personal Health Expenditures: CMS Actuaries predicts overall national health expenditures under the bill due to various regulations will jump by 2.1 percent, or $750.3 billion.
Bends the Curve in the Wrong Direction: According to CBO “On balance, during the decade following the 10-year budget window, the bill would increase both federal outlays for health care and the federal budgetary commitment to health care, relative to the amounts under current law.”
Raises Taxes: The bill increases taxes by $766.6 billion over ten years. The bill also includes billions in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, cutting benefits and raising premiums on seniors. Theses cuts are not used to reduce the deficit, but instead to create new entitlement programs.
Costs: The total cost of is nearly $1.3 trillion (not including the $210 billion “Doc Fix”) when including the cost to states for mandated Medicaid expansion ($34 billion) and authorized discretionary spending for grants, public programs, changes and funding for a variety of agencies that would be responsible for implementing H.R. 3962.
Government Takeover: Many conservatives may believe that the bill is a step away from personal, private coverage and choice, to a Washington-controlled healthcare system that rations care, limits choice, and reduces quality, innovation and competition.
