Dems push for benefits to start by 2010

[joeycola]

I think they should push for what said a few weeks ago. Open Medicare for those 50 and up by next July. Except, I think they should open it all!! Why piddly padder --Let's go big!!



http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28718.html

Dems push for benefits to start by 2010


By CARRIE BUDOFF BROWN | 10/25/09 8:06 PM EDT


Democrats are pushing Senate leaders and the White House to speed up key benefits in the health reform bill to 2010, eager to give the party something to show taxpayers for their $900 billion investment in an election year.

The most significant changes to the health care system wouldn’t kick in until 2013 — two election cycles away. With Republicans expected to make next year a referendum on health care reform, Democrats are quietly lobbying to push up the effective dates on popular programs, so they'll have something to run on in the congressional midterm elections.

Democrats are anxious to mix the good with the bad since some of the pain would be phased in early, including more than $100 billion in industry fees that critics say could be passed on to consumers.

“We want to be able, within the cost framework and the implementation framework, to have as much start as early as possible, even though we know all of it can’t,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), a Finance Committee member who is working with other senators on the effort. “And the White House wants to have as much as possible to start.”

Under the Democratic wish list, senior citizens would receive discounts on brand-name drugs next year. Small businesses that provide insurance would see tax credits. And a $5 billion high-risk pool would cover people with preexisting conditions.

[annabanana]

1. It seems logical, and not JUST politically (which is the tack that

most of this Politico article takes)

The more relief that the more people get sooner rather than later the better.

Who would oppose this? Those who feel they would be threatened politically, that's who.

[ej510]

2. Open it up so the repukes can't take it away.

[Vincardog]

4. Bingo show the people the benefits NOW let the Blue Cross dogs run from it

[uponit7771]

3. This is important, if KKKons get any more wins they'll repeal everything before any progress is note