But, as ever -- the actual data has put the lie to these assertions. A few minutes ago, the MSM Washington Post ran the following story. In fact, it notes, 2017 (incoming) signups are on a pace to exceed 2016's -- and the exchanges will thus remain solvent -- and stable. That's correct -- the sky is simply not falling. Here's a bit -- but do go read it all:
. . . .More Americans have signed up to have health plans through the Affordable Care Act as of Jan. 1 than in previous years, despite spiking insurance prices and a pledge by President-elect Donald Trump to dismantle the law.
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell announced on Wednesday that 6.4 million people had chosen Affordable Care Act health plans by the deadline this week for coverage starting New Year’s Day — an increase of 400,000 from a year ago, though fewer first-time customers enrolled.
Yet, as Burwell said the figures signify that “doomsday predictions about the marketplace are not bearing out,” Obama administration officials and health policy researchers who support the law have been taking precautions before Trump takes office.
Since shortly after last month’s election, think tank and university researchers have been downloading Affordable Care Act data, reports and regulatory guidance housed online at HHS — in case the new administration removes them as part of its efforts to wipe out the law. . . .
So it goes. It is infinitely sad, that (even if it turns out not to transpire) many responsible researchers are archiving back-ups of free public federal health care data sets -- just in case Mr. Trump decides to try to "disappear" the truth.
Moreover, it is sublimely ironic -- but likely true -- that Mr. Trump's election has (in the near term) spiked sign-ups, as the poor seek a would-be "last refuge" -- before a supposed coming storm. We shall see -- but we must all simply call these Trumpian lies -- just that. Lies. We must govern on data -- not tin-foil hatted conspiracy theories. Now you know. Onward -- into the blowing snows.
नमस्ते
2 comments:
And then you have an elected official saying this:
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) says there’s “definitely” going to be changes in health care delivery after Republicans repeal the Affordable Care Act, and people are going to need to take more responsibility for the cost of their treatment.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bill-huizenga-health-care-reform_us_585b0513e4b0d9a5945716c2
Repeal and don't replace. Wonderful~!
Well, here's hoping the holidays are peaceful and you're surrounded by family and friends.
Cheers~
I do hear you, Anon. --
The "more responsibility" mantra plays to his base, but also repeats a falsehood -- to my eye. It suggests that not buying something one cannot afford (expensive private insurance) is irresponsible. For people of very limited means, of course, the reverse is true: they have no choice to make. They buy food first. And that is... "responsible".
Despite their bluster, I predict Medicaid expansion will continue, and that most people who've signed up will not lose their coverage. In the end, the Trump administration will have been more about empty slogans, than any important policy changes. Excepting of course, more tax give-aways to the ultra-wealthy.
As I close, I hope and trust that you and yours will enjoy some quiet and down-time, as well. My main goal will be to avoid adding too many more pounds!
Smile -- and... Namaste. Do stop back by!
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