Ruin Your Health With the Obama Stimulus Plan: Betsy McCaughey
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Commentary by Betsy McCaughey
Feb. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Republican Senators are questioning whether President Barack Obama’s stimulus bill contains the right mix of tax breaks and cash infusions to jump-start the economy.
Tragically, no one from either party is objecting to the health provisions slipped in without discussion. These provisions reflect the handiwork of Tom Daschle, until recently the nominee to head the Health and Human Services Department.
Senators should read these provisions and vote against them because they are dangerous to your health. (Page numbers refer to H.R. 1 EH, pdf version).
The bill’s health rules will affect “every individual in the United States” (445, 454, 479). Your medical treatments will be tracked electronically by a federal system. Having electronic medical records at your fingertips, easily transferred to a hospital, is beneficial. It will help avoid duplicate tests and errors.
But the bill goes further. One new bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, will monitor treatments to make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions (442, 446). These provisions in the stimulus bill are virtually identical to what Daschle prescribed in his 2008 book, “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” According to Daschle, doctors have to give up autonomy and “learn to operate less like solo practitioners.”
Keeping doctors informed of the newest medical findings is important, but enforcing uniformity goes too far.
New Penalties
Hospitals and doctors that are not “meaningful users” of the new system will face penalties. “Meaningful user” isn’t defined in the bill. That will be left to the HHS secretary, who will be empowered to impose “more stringent measures of meaningful use over time” (511, 518, 540-541)
What penalties will deter your doctor from going beyond the electronically delivered protocols when your condition is atypical or you need an experimental treatment? The vagueness is intentional. In his book, Daschle proposed an appointed body with vast powers to make the “tough” decisions elected politicians won’t make.
The stimulus bill does that, and calls it the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research (190-192). The goal, Daschle’s book explained, is to slow the development and use of new medications and technologies because they are driving up costs. He praises Europeans for being more willing to accept “hopeless diagnoses” and “forgo experimental treatments,” and he chastises Americans for expecting too much from the health-care system.
Elderly Hardest Hit
Daschle says health-care reform “will not be pain free.” Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them. That means the elderly will bear the brunt.
Medicare now pays for treatments deemed safe and effective. The stimulus bill would change that and apply a cost- effectiveness standard set by the Federal Council (464).
The Federal Council is modeled after a U.K. board discussed in Daschle’s book. This board approves or rejects treatments using a formula that divides the cost of the treatment by the number of years the patient is likely to benefit. Treatments for younger patients are more often approved than treatments for diseases that affect the elderly, such as osteoporosis.
In 2006, a U.K. health board decreed that elderly patients with macular degeneration had to wait until they went blind in one eye before they could get a costly new drug to save the other eye. It took almost three years of public protests before the board reversed its decision.
Hidden Provisions
If the Obama administration’s economic stimulus bill passes the Senate in its current form, seniors in the U.S. will face similar rationing. Defenders of the system say that individuals benefit in younger years and sacrifice later.
The stimulus bill will affect every part of health care, from medical and nursing education, to how patients are treated and how much hospitals get paid. The bill allocates more funding for this bureaucracy than for the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force combined (90-92, 174-177, 181).
Hiding health legislation in a stimulus bill is intentional. Daschle supported the Clinton administration’s health-care overhaul in 1994, and attributed its failure to debate and delay. A year ago, Daschle wrote that the next president should act quickly before critics mount an opposition. “If that means attaching a health-care plan to the federal budget, so be it,” he said. “The issue is too important to be stalled by Senate protocol.”
More Scrutiny Needed
On Friday, President Obama called it “inexcusable and irresponsible” for senators to delay passing the stimulus bill. In truth, this bill needs more scrutiny.
The health-care industry is the largest employer in the U.S. It produces almost 17 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Yet the bill treats health care the way European governments do: as a cost problem instead of a growth industry. Imagine limiting growth and innovation in the electronics or auto industry during this downturn. This stimulus is dangerous to your health and the economy.
(Betsy McCaughey is former lieutenant governor of New York and is an adjunct senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. The opinions expressed are her own.)
To contact the writer of this column: Betsy McCaughey at Betsymross@aol.com
Last Updated: February 9, 2009 00:01 EST
"Women should not have children after 35. Thirty-five children are enough." - anonymous (Only 28 to GO!) 1|1|and it's CRAP like this...............|pussecat|pu55ecat@aol.com|11:57:57|02/10/2009|
that is making me fearful for my family, AND YOURS! we HAD decided to pay off all of our CC debt this year BUT we are holding back, we are saving our money JIC something tragic happens to our family. (make no mistakes about it, we are paying more than the minimum monthly payments and currently, most of our debt (90%) is sitting at 0% interest so that is not an issue for us right now.) there are SO many things wrong with this stimulous bill it isn't even funny! i PRAY some of these sentators step up to the plate and get their say, the say you and i BOTH need! JMHO
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2|2|I totally hear what u r saying|scr62_1|kerreoot@hotmail.com|15:02:36|02/10/2009|
I have plenty to say on this subject but don't want to get into politics for fear of a lash back!
Job Description:
Domestic diva
3|1|Another way our govt is making decisions for us and watching us....Big Brother is watching!|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|15:47:23|02/10/2009|
"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy." 4|2|ok call me strange, yes i know I am|angNC|memawang@embarqmail.com|16:10:59|02/10/2009|
But I went to military schools then to a Free Will Baptist school. The FWB school would tell us signs of the end and the anti Christ.
To me this is sounding like a lot of it.Go ahead and bash me. But this is to much Government. I don't want every nurse,x-ray tech,lab tech
to know all my business. I truly believe we are living in the end times.
5|3|i agree with ang........also.....i knew all the BS obama was|couponsnsamples|cpsnsamples@aol.com|16:15:31|02/10/2009|
dishing out...sounded tooo good.......like the old saying ........he has tooo many irons in the fire....... 6|3|i don't think it's the "end of times" but i do believe|pussecat|pu55ecat@aol.com|16:19:14|02/10/2009|
things are NEVER going to be the same again. at least not from what i've known in my short, 36 year life thus far.
JMHO
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8|3|Angie, that isnt the first time I've seen that opinion expressed....I saw a documentary type show that compared all this 'information sharing' as the mark of the beast.....there is a book out called "Spy Chips" which goes into detail on the ways the govt is watching us and our choices...from chipping items in the grocery stores, to chipping our driver's licenses and now our medical records being tracked.....it is a good book to read if this type of thing concerns you....it is called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and if the govt had their way, they'd chip us like we implant chips in our pets.|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|16:39:46|02/10/2009|
"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy." 7|1|Think he'll let the ones who blew up the Cole go oh yeah he already did|tollman62|thebossatnight@yahoo.com|16:37:32|02/10/2009|
I am looking for offers in concealed cash ayor ppef or make an offer in????
I mail all my trades from the post office and get a receipt.
you always hear noises in the dark when you work at night 9|2| chips as saint referred too in pets....i think it will eventually be|couponsnsamples|cpsnsamples@aol.com|17:05:18|02/10/2009|
to the point for those who depend on government assistants....will have to have something similiar
to those chips
10|1|All of this is what you call....|Sharon|s_forshee@hotmail.com|19:44:53|02/10/2009|
Socialism!! And the people who voted for this by electing BHO, with the many promises he has made, many not understanding or realizing the consequences when you rely on big govt., this is the end result and it's all not good. We need to go back to the principles of our Founding Fathers and the laws/amendments pertaining to The Constitution/Bill of Rights. The bigger our govt. gets, the more we lose our freedoms everyday, sadly to say. However, once the threat comes when our govt. completely "bans" all of our guns, we are finished!! Then Tyranny has taken over. Everyone should learn about History, Philosophy and people would understand more how democracy, liberty and freedom works. God help us all. 11|2|hey Joy, do you remember the name of the documentary or the channel it was on?|Beaglesfly|lmllr77@aol.com|09:32:31|02/11/2009|
I'd be very interested in seeing that.
lauren 20|3|No, I dont....I'll ask my DH if he remembers......|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|16:16:07|02/11/2009|
"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy." 22|3|Lauren, if you want to borrow the book I have (Spy Chips) lmk....I'll mail it to you and you can send it back when youre done :)|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|16:48:04|02/11/2009|
"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy." 12|1|Ted Strickland of Ohio is pushing this bill|ladywcats|neal2856@sbcglobal.net|11:39:18|02/11/2009|
Here is what he has about the bill
A Message from Governor Ted Strickland
Welcome to Ohio's virtual headquarters for information regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act — also known as the federal stimulus bill.
President Barack Obama is currently working with Congress to pass legislation that will kick-start the national economy through investments in areas such as:
Producing Clean and Efficient Energy in Ohio
Investing in Science and Technology to Advance Ohio's Economy
Modernizing our Roads, Bridges, Transit and Waterways
Developing a 21st Century Education System
Implementing Tax Cuts that Make Work Pay and Create Jobs
Lowering Healthcare Costs
Providing Assistance to Ohio Workers Hurt by the Economic Downturn
Saving Public Sector Jobs and Protecting Vital Services for Ohioans
We must act strategically and boldly to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to make lasting investments in our state. And we must do so in a way that is accountable and transparent and meets the critical economic development priorities of our communities across the state.
This website is an interactive portal for entities to submit expressions of interest in federal stimulus dollars and to view general information about the federal stimulus. Although the bill will not be finalized until signed into law by the president, it is expected that all stimulus grant and loan funds will ultimately be distributed to governments, business and other organizations and not directly to individuals. We will provide additional information on the stimulus as it becomes available.
Thank you for your interest and for your support in continuing to build Ohio's economy. Working together, we will invest the federal stimulus resources wisely to ensure Ohio's continued economic growth.
Sincerely,
Ted Strickland
let the governor of your state how you feel email them to stop this bill from passing. What happened to privatcey? I feel if this passes many seniors will stop going to doctors or fine a doctor not part of this. The docotrs are no supose to share your information. I for one was not born in a hospital and did not have kids shots and have not been in a hospital and I currently to not go to doctors and when I become 65 in July I am letting SS know not to take medcare payments out of my check as I do not want to pay the $100.00 monthly and I feel no need for it. It is just another way for the big wigs in the white house to take our rights away.
Gloria 13|1|call today and tell them to do not pass bill|ladywcats|neal2856@sbcglobal.net|11:41:41|02/11/2009|
To leave a telephone message for a Representative, call 1-800-282-0253. Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Name Party District
John Adams Republican 78
Richard Adams Republican 79
Ron Amstutz Republican 3
Kevin Bacon Republican 21
Nan Baker Republican 16
Troy Balderson Republican 94
William G. Batchelder Republican 69
Terry Blair Republican 38
Louis W. Blessing, Jr. Republican 29
Linda S. Bolon Democrat 1
T. Todd Book Democrat 89
Terry Boose Republican 58
Barbara Boyd Democrat 9
Edna Brown Democrat 48
Danny R. Bubp Republican 88
Armond Budish Democrat 8
Dave Burke Republican 83
John Patrick Carney Democrat 22
Ted Celeste Democrat 24
Kathleen Chandler Democrat 68
William P. Coley, II Republican 55
Courtney Eric Combs Republican 54
David T. Daniels Republican 86
Michael DeBose Democrat 12
Timothy J. DeGeeter Democrat 15
Timothy Derickson Republican 53
Dan Dodd Democrat 91
Matthew J. Dolan Republican 98
John Domenick Democrat 95
Denise Driehaus Democrat 31
Stephen Dyer Democrat 43
Clyde Evans Republican 87
Lorraine M. Fende Democrat 62
Mike Foley Democrat 14
Randy Gardner Republican 6
Nancy Garland Democrat 20
Jennifer Garrison Democrat 93
Ronald V. Gerberry Democrat 59
Bruce W. Goodwin Republican 74
Jay P. Goyal Democrat 73
Cheryl Grossman Republican 23
Robert Hackett Republican 84
Robert F. Hagan Democrat 60
Dave Hall Republican 97
Marian Harris Democrat 19
Sandra Stabile Harwood Democrat 65
Tracy Maxwell Heard Democrat 26
Cliff Hite Republican 76
Jay Hottinger Republican 71
Matt Huffman Republican 4
Shannon Jones Republican 67
Kris Jordan Republican 2
Joseph Koziura Democrat 56
Peggy Lehner Republican 37
Tom Letson Democrat 64
Clayton R. Luckie Democrat 39
Matt Lundy Democrat 57
Ron Maag Republican 35
Dale Mallory Democrat 32
Josh Mandel Republican 17
Jarrod Martin Republican 70
Jeffrey McClain Republican 82
Ross McGregor Republican 72
Robert Mecklenborg Republican 30
Eugene R. Miller Democrat 10
Mike Moran Democrat 42
Seth Morgan Republican 36
Dennis Murray Democrat 80
Deborah Newcomb Democrat 99
W. Scott Oelslager Republican 51
Mark D. Okey Democrat 61
John R. Otterman Democrat 45
Matt Patten Democrat 18
Debbie Phillips Democrat 92
Connie Pillich Democrat 28
Raymond Pryor Democrat 85
Margaret Ruhl Republican 90
Allan R. Sayre Democrat 96
Mark Schneider Democrat 63
Barbara R. Sears Republican 46
Michael Skindell Democrat 13
Stephen Slesnick Democrat 52
Todd Snitchler Republican 50
Peter Stautberg Republican 34
Gerald L. Stebelton Republican 5
Dan Stewart Democrat 25
Vernon Sykes Democrat 44
Matt Szollosi Democrat 49
Joe Uecker Republican 66
Peter S. Ujvagi Democrat 47
Lynn R. Wachtmann Republican 75
Jeff Wagner Republican 81
W. Carlton Weddington Democrat 27
Brian G. Williams Democrat 41
Sandra Williams Democrat 11
Roland Winburn Democrat 40
Tyrone K. Yates Democrat 33
Kenny Yuko Democrat 7
James J. Zehringer Republican 77
14|1|I fear by the time people really OPEN their eyes to all this it will be too late....As far as the chips go,|freebiejunkie|joelpoole@msn.com|12:39:40|02/11/2009|
I do not beleive it will be long when they implant them in newborn babies, saying that is to help keep them from being stolen from the hospitals. I know almost 4 yrs ago when my son was born I freaked out about the little monitor thing that they attached around his ankle....they never told me what it was until I asked....where do ours rights really begin or END shall I say????
I, personally believe in the rapture and just pray that God takes His people out of here before all the things to come happen.....
"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
- Robert Louis Stevenson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed." ~Robert H. Schuller
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will
come to know God because they know you"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
~Ronald Reagan
15|2|a funny I heard....|freebiejunkie|joelpoole@msn.com|12:43:21|02/11/2009|
I heard the other day someone say...
"I know all the oil is in Texas, but the dipsticks are in Washington..."....LOL
Just a funny, not meaning to offend anyone....either political side.... 16|1|House rejects forced microchip implants for violent criminals|Beaglesfly|lmllr77@aol.com|13:24:49|02/11/2009|
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kosu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1087265§ionID=1
17|1|less than 4 years until change Yes we will|tollman62|thebossatnight@yahoo.com|13:58:39|02/11/2009|
A new president in less than 4 years in the meantime vote out anyone who has been in office for at least the last 2 years.
I am looking for offers in concealed cash ayor ppef or make an offer in????
I mail all my trades from the post office and get a receipt.
you always hear noises in the dark when you work at night 18|2|Well, they sneak it into other bills and even Arlen Specter (don't get me started...) didn't realize it was slid in there.|Sara_s_Mom|IClipCoupons@gmail.com|14:11:44|02/11/2009|
Posted on Feb-11-09 at 02:11 PM (Eastern) by 72.82.111.55
This is the problem. No one wants to pick a point of legislation and just stick to it. No, they have to stuff a bill full of other junk that they think is for the good of the people or will get them re-elected.
This is disturbing to say the least. Having worked for an atty that did Social Security, you have to meet a grid to even get benefits. It is basically how old you are, what kind of education you have, etc. and you just if/then your way to a yes or no answer pretty much. I think this is where health care is heading. Can patient X have radiation treatments? Well, let's see... he's 30. Yes! Can patient Y have radiation treatments? He's 70. Well, he's a bit past his prime so NO. Don't think I am kidding when I put it that way. Doctors who KNOW YOU won't be able to treat you because some bureaucrat who DOESN'T gets to decide whether your own doctor's treatment is cost effective.
And, for those who missed this part of Kristy's posted article: "Daschle says health-care reform “will not be pain free.” Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them." --- so basically you're just screwed cuz you're old. Have a bad ticker? Well crap, you should just give up and not medicate it and let nature take its course. What's next? Burn victims with little chance of survival? Will they be asked to forego ICU and pain meds because they probably won't live anyway? This is just SICK! Just wait people, we're in for a whole new era here and I don't think it is going to be pretty.
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23|3|VERY well said! |saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|16:49:19|02/11/2009|
"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy." 19|1|Schumer says Americans don't care about the pork in the stimulus|tollman62|thebossatnight@yahoo.com|16:14:17|02/11/2009|
I am looking for offers in concealed cash ayor ppef or make an offer in????
I mail all my trades from the post office and get a receipt.
you always hear noises in the dark when you work at night 21|2|Obama said there was no pork in it ROFL|Kristy|mi3zons1@yahoo.com|16:24:47|02/11/2009|
"Women should not have children after 35. Thirty-five children are enough." - anonymous (Only 28 to GO!) 24|2|Hmmm, I wonder who he's asked lately!!???|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|16:49:48|02/11/2009|
"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy." 25|1|I knew things were heading in this direction for the elderly.....|Quietwaters|Quietwaters39@hotmail.com|12:27:25|02/13/2009|
if you have ever fought for treatment for one of your parents, you know the quality of life issue. It is all about money, if you have money, then your life is worth putting in some rehab time, if you don't have money, then rehab is not for you, ect, ect, ect.
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