All of that questioning about 2015 premiums ignores an obvious point. The question is not whether or not premiums are going up, it’s whether or not they are going up as fast as they would have without Obamacare. Premiums rising does not really mean anything - they were already rising.
3 Likes
The ACA has given some people a reason to vote. Republican takeovers in blue states have also been a wake up call.
2010 was a hard lesson. Let’s not repeat it.
1 Like
Anyone else notice how similar Blackburn and Samantha Bee from The Daily Show look? The one difference is one of them does comedy intentionally.
2 Likes
Perhaps if she would stop her mouth for 15 minutes, she might learn something.
Sure, that excludes TeaBirchers or Cliven Bundy from seeing the joke–but moderate independents, minorities and Millennials are seeing clowns in the GOP Rorschach test.
Can’t help but wonder why this was relegate to a sub-committee of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Could it be that Fred Upton want to all of a sudden distance himself from the fight? Hopefully, the ASPCA got after him for continuing to abuse a dead horse.
So a representative of a for profit health insurance company speaking well about a law that requires everyone to buy their product is credible? Ok. Journalism TPM style.
Oh, you noticed that too. She cannot listen to an opposing or contradicting viewpoint without launching into a filibuster.
Gotta love those Republicans. If they are not cheering for bad economic news they’re rooting for health insurance premium hikes. Remind me again how patriotic they’re supposed to be?
2 Likes
Think of it this way: They’re the kid digging through an entire room full of manure because “With all this horses hit, there has to be a pony!”
It’s just hilarious she thought the competitors would divulge competitive trade secrets in front of all of their major competitors.
Marsha: “Please tell us (and all of your competitors sitting next to you) how much you intent to price your insurance during next year’s open enrollment period. I’m sure that’s stuff that you all share with each other anyway, because you’re all such good friends, right? Riiiight?”
1 Like
Just love the photo. Says it all.
I never really understood the impulse on the right to make the side argument that O’care isn’t popular when their original/main argument, that it’s another nanny state giveaway that the “takers” won’t be able to resist and that will result in lifelong suckling at the government teat, is the polar opposite.
Then I remembered it’s the right, we’re talking about.
3 Likes
the gop seems like the party against the middle class. here is an idea for the people who do not want americans to have healthcare - make the health care law stronger. for example, discontinue the gov’t employer contribution for healthcare and instead raise an individuals pay by that amount and allow gov’t employees to get their healthcare thru the exchange. this will be the first step in raising pay and separating healthcare from the employer.
Actually, I think the rates will depend upon how much the insurers think they can jack them up without drawing any government scrutiny, public backlash, or additional exploration of a public option.
BOehNER’s Theme
♪And now, the end is near
The ACA will not be axed soon
Benghazi has my ear
But the chair’s a yellow backed loon!
As Speaker I’m a brick
I’ve blocked each wage increase and highway
But though my skull is thick
I…did…it…
MYYYYYYY WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! ♫
Frank, wherever you are, please don’t have me whacked!
Geezus H. Christmas, if you are having a show hearing to prove your point at least vet your “witnesses:”. Can’t wait for the Benghazi dog and pony show.
Insurance premiums ALWAYS go up. But now, the Republicans will blame future increases on Obamacare even though the premiums have been increasing at a slower pace since the law was passed. You can count on it. For people who are completely insane, they’re strangely predictable.