House health plan boosts taxes on rich
House Democrats have unveiled sweeping legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system. The proposal would require health insurance companies to sell policies to individuals regardless of any pre-existing conditions. The plan would also require employers to provide health insurance and it would require individuals to purchase it. A new, government-run health insurance program would be created to compete with private coverage. Financing would come from a federal surtax of up to 5.4 percent on taxpayers making more than $1 million a year. Not all House members support the plan, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed confidence that the bill would be passed before the August recess. Larry Mantle and guests look at the proposals and what services they would provide.
Also on this episode
Xavier Becerra, Democratic Congressman from the 31st District
John Campbell, Republican Congressman from the 48th district
Theodore Marmor, Professor Emeritus of Public Management and Political Science at Yale University. His most recent book is "Fads, Fallacies and Foolishness in Medical Care Management and Policy"
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Eric Johnson
Tender Greens
Tender Greens is like your favorite rock band where you want to keep it a secret but also hope for tremendous success. And successful it is. Healthy and tasty salads and veggies, lean cuts of steak, chicken and tuna all served up in a 'fast food' style and price tag - but in a much better environment and quality. The flatiron angus steak with Yukon Gold potatoes top out my list. I also love to get the line caught ahi tuna with a baby spinach and goat cheese salad - quite tasty when I'm shooting for lighter fare. Makes for a nice and not-too-expensive dinner, and an excellent lunch as well.
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4 months, 1 week ago
My experience having been in the "have" as well as the "have not" segment of our economy, at age 57, clearly this Country is dealing with a medical care system that has always slanted toward the "provider".
It seems that many doctors, rather then be required to maintain reasonable fees,when dealing (contracted) with medicare, would rather charge what ever the traffic will bare. I believe we must follow President Obama's lead toward "medical care for every American". Yes, the wealthy individuals have countless opportunities to clain all manner of "deductions". Of course Corporations are in a class of their own, and Insurance Companies are amoung the richest of the rich..so be it. However, it is time that we all share the responsibility to care for our own. That includes our Seniors, our children and our infirm. Surly it's a more ethical goal then maintaining this huge muliti billion dollar defense complex. Looking after all our citizens needs in preventitive care, regular check ups would perhaps in itself cover much of the unessessary "over testing" that our hospitals and M.D.'s now call for. So, yes, let's all vote for our leaders that represent change, improvements and progressive ideals, write them, call or email them. More of the same,is simply unacceptable to one tax payer, me.Let' all reach out to "others", this affects us "all", that's the truth.
Remain well.
4 months, 1 week ago
Private insurers are fighting to maintain their pofitable business. If there is no public plan they will continue their devious ways. I was charged premium plus 1/2 for a private plan because I take Lipitor. I was paying $780 per month premium with a $5,000 deductible. I now have Medicare....what a relief!