AFP - Stop the Disastrous Reconciliation Bill!

Dear Friend, We suffered a huge setback in the fight for freedom when the president signed the Democrats' massive health care takeover bill into law.  But we don't have time to rest, because the Senate is poised, perhaps as soon as tomorrow, to add a chaser to that bill that will make things much, much worse.  The so-called reconciliation bill is so bad that in any other year, it would be the worst bill of the year.  I know we're all tired, but we can't let the Senate get away with passing this bill without a public uproar. Please click now to tell your U.S. senators to vote NO on the disastrous reconciliation tax hike bill. This is how bad the Reconciliation Act of 2010 is.  It includes: 1. A disastrous tax hike on capital gains and dividends. That’s the most anti-growth tax hike possible. The Reconciliation Act creates a new 3.8-percent Medicare tax on single filers over $200,000 and married filers over $250,000. The rich? Not quite. This slams business owners and makes it harder for them to raise capital for needed equipment purchases, expansion, and job creation. And there is no inflation indexing, so it will directly hit more and more taxpayers over time. 2. An increase in the health care penalty tax on employers from $750 per uncovered employee to $2,000. 3. A total takeover of the student loan industry, putting tens of thousands out of work in the private sector while building up a big new student loan bureaucracy. 4. A "fix" to the Cadillac tax that actually makes it worse, not better. Under current law the exemption amount is indexed to CPI plus 1 percent. That is not enough to keep up with medical costs. The reconciliation bill delays the start of the tax by five years, from 2013 to 2018, but it cuts the inflation adjustment to plain CPI. The lower inflation adjustment means that once the tax starts it will hit more people faster. 5. A Nebraska "fix" (the only one of the infamous and corrupt deals Obama signed into law yesterday that’s actually revisited in the reconciliation) that is actually a much worse deal for taxpayers. Nebraska no longer gets special treatment, but the new Medicaid funding formula puts federal taxpayers on the hook for 90 percent of the cost of expansion for all states, with special funding increases for 17 states and the District of Columbia. This is welfare reform in reverse; we should be building on the AFDC block-grant model of state control and innovation that worked so well in the 1990s, not federalizing Medicaid. Please click now to tell your U.S. senators to vote NO on the disastrous reconciliation tax hike bill. We lost the first round of the health care fight, which was tragic.  But we can't sit by shell-shocked while the Senate follows it up with this disastrous tax-hiking reconciliation bill. Thanks for all you do, Phil Kerpen Vice President, Policy P.S. Please forward this email to your contacts.  Urge them to send a message to their senators by clicking here.  We may not be able to stop this thing, but we should make as clear as possible that we are paying attention and know just how bad this bill is.

ALG Letter to the Senate Against "ObamaCare" Reconciliation

March 24^th, 2010                                

United States Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510

To the Members of the United States Senate:

As you are well aware, tonight begins an expected series of votes on reconciliation for the final step in President Barack Obama's government takeover of the nation's health care system.  Americans for Limited Government would like to remind you of your duty as elected representatives of your states.

An overwhelming majority of Americans remain opposed to the government takeover of health care.  They still oppose the unconstitutional individual mandate that will eventually force them on to government-run plans.  They continue to be against the rationing of care away from seniors to pay for coverage for the unoccupied.  They understand that the cost of premiums will rise even faster now that ObamaCare is the law of the land, and for the few who do not, they soon will witness it firsthand.  Millions of Americans are rightly fearful of the implications of $2.5 trillion in insurance provisions costs from 2014 to 2023 once the program is fully implemented.

Reconciliation also remains an improper vehicle for enacting such far-reaching changes to the nation's economy.  The sole goal in utilizing the tactic is to block repeated attempts by the minority to work in a bipartisan fashion in crafting meaningful healthcare reform under the normal rules, and instead to ram the remaining "fixes" down the throats of an unwilling American public.

The problems with process notwithstanding, the troubles posed by the legislation itself are legion. For example, subsidizing premiums will not lower the cost of health care, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office.  Instead, it will simply shift the burden of the price of health coverage increasingly to taxpayers.  At the same time, the minimum requirements for insurance coverage are increased, and the price of premiums is artificially pushed up. 

The CBO report states, "the average insurance policy in this market would cover a substantially larger share of enrollees' costs for health care (on average) and a slightly wider range of benefits. Those expansions would reflect both the minimum level of coverage (and related requirements) specified in the proposal and people's decisions to purchase more extensive coverage in response to the structure of subsidies."

It is well understood that government subsidies have become a primary vehicle for artificially-inflated demand for goods and services, which leads to inflation.   This has been the case with housing inflation, education inflation, and other asset bubbles.

Overall, such a tremendous escalation in spending by the federal government, when the nation's Triple-A credit rating is already threatened and the costs of borrowing are about to go through the roof, will assuredly break the backs of taxpayers.  Nonetheless, Mr. Obama has erroneously claimed that his bill would reduce the deficit when the entire entitlement will be operating in the red within less than 15 years, costing over $2.5 trillion from 2014 to 2023. 

You know it's false, the American people know it's false, and even Congressional leadership acknowledges it to be false.  In the lead-up to last Sunday's vote, House Democrat leadership has internally acknowledged that ObamaCare is not deficit-neutral, as reported by Politico. 

Finally, the corrupt process that you have undertaken pass this bill has been unprecedented.  Following through on the use of reconciliation to make good on deals made with House Democrats who were reluctant to vote for your legislation is the straw that breaks the camel's back. 

Instead of upholding the will of the American people, you have instead chosen to abuse Senate rules to achieve the radical, ideological goal of taking over the nation's health care system.  I urge you to reject these shameless tactics, reverse course, and side with the American people by voting against the reconciliation bill.

Sincerely,

William Wilson

President

Americans for Limited Government



Guinta For Congress - Historic Step in the Wrong Direction: Carol Shea-Porter Abandons Her District

Historic Step in the Wrong Direction

Carol Shea-Porter Abandons Her District In Favor of Washington’s Ruling Class

Manchester - In a historic step in the wrong direction, Carol Shea-Porter ignored her constituents and casted a vote for Washington’s ruling class. Today’s passing vote on the government takeover of 1/6 of our economy was taken despite months and months of attempts by New Hampshire residents to change Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s mind. Her vote in favor of this monstrous government takeover of our health care signifies that she agrees with Nancy Pelosi that raising taxes, cutting Medicare, and making the Internal Revenue Service the enforcement arm on your health care decisions is good for New Hampshire families and small businesses.

“This was a misstep of historic proportions. Carol Shea-Porter, Nancy Pelosi, and Washington’s ruling class misplayed their hand on this issue. They chose to give politicians and bureaucrats in Washington more power while ignoring the pleading of families and small business right here in New Hampshire. The voters of New Hampshire have my word that if elected, I will work to repeal it. New Hampshire deserves real and honest reforms; reforms that take into account the rights of the state and the needs of its residents. What we have gotten from Congresswoman Shea-Porter is just another soon to be failed big government program,” said First Congressional District Candidate Frank Guinta.

OFA-New Hampshire Director Tim Arsenault Lauds Passage of Historic Health Insurance Reform

Landmark legislation will end abusive practices by insurance industry, extend coverage to 32 million Americans, reduce cost of care for families and businesses

Organizing for America (OFA)-New Hampshire Director Tim Arsenault released the following statement today regarding the U.S House of Representatives’ passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872): 

“Today, President Obama and Congressional leaders scored a major victory for middle-class families and the small businesses that are the engine of our economy. Thanks to their leadership—and the efforts of millions of citizens who made phone calls and engaged in critical discussions in communities across the country—the U.S. House of Representatives has now passed one of the most significant and sweeping health insurance reform measures in our nation’s history. After decades of effort and a year of substantive debate, the decisive vote made by Members of Congress this afternoon will effectively end the worst and most abusive practices of insurance companies; extend coverage to 32 million more people; guarantee families and businesses have more control over their health care choices; and ensure all Americans see our health care costs fall.

“The impact of this historic bill will be felt immediately by millions of Americans. Insurance companies will no longer be permitted to deny coverage to children and adults due to a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies will no longer be permitted to kick students off of their parent’s health insurance when they reach the age of 26. And insurance companies will no longer be permitted to drop insurance for hard-working people all across the country because they get sick. 

“We have much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to in the coming weeks and months. Health reform will create 4 million jobs and reduce our national deficit by $130 billion dollars over the next decade alone. At the same time, by passing reform—succeeding where so many others before us have failed despite their best efforts—we are keeping this country moving in the right direction and setting ourselves on the path to future prosperity.

“On this historic and momentous day, OFA-NH supporters join Granite Staters in thanking President Obama and Congress for their leadership—and for ensuring quality, affordable health care is a reality for every American.”

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Reconciliation Act of 2010, which are expected to be signed into law by President Obama within days, will offer immediate benefits to millions of Americans through key provisions including:

1.       SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS—Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable.  Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage.  Effective beginning for calendar year 2010.  (Beginning in 2014, the small business tax credits will cover 50 percent of premiums.)

2.       BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE—Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010.  Effective for calendar year 2010.  (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand‐name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)

3.       FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE—Eliminates co‐payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.  Effective beginning January 1, 2011.

4.       HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a temporary re‐insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive premiums for employers and retirees for health benefits for retirees age 55‐64.  Effective 90 days after enactment.

5.       ENDS RESCISSIONS—Bans insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick.  Effective 6 months after enactment.

6.       NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE‐EXISTING CONDITIONS—Prohibits new health plans in all markets plus grandfathered group health plans from denying coverage to children with pre‐existing conditions.  Effective 6 months after enactment.  (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to all persons.)

7.       BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage.  Effective 6 months after enactment.

8.       BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Tightly restricts the use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care in all new plans and grandfathered group health plans.  These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS.  Effective 6 months after enactment.  (Beginning in 2014, the use of any annual limits would be prohibited for all new plans and grandfathered group health plans.)

9.       FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS—Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co‐payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles.  Effective 6 months after enactment.

10.   NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS—Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan.  Effective 6 months after enactment.

11.   ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS—Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent.  Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders.  Effective on January 1, 2011.

12.   IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH‐RISK POOL)—Provides immediate access to affordable insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre‐existing condition ‐ through a temporary subsidized high‐risk pool.  Effective 90 days after enactment.

13.   EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE – Requires new health plans and certain grandfathered plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice.  Effective 6 months after enactment.

14.   COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.  Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

15.   INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS—Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals.  Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

16.   PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY—Prohibits group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees.  Effective 6 months after enactment.

17.   HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION—Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals.  Effective beginning in FY 2010.

18.   CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG‐TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long‐term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide home and community-based services to adults who become functionally disabled.  Effective on January 1, 2011.

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Organizing for America (OFA) is a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee. OFA's network of volunteers and staff is actively working in all 50 states to promote the President's proposals to strengthen America's middle class by creating jobs, passing health insurance reform, building a clean energy economy, improving education, and reining in the excesses of Wall Street.

OFA - NH Director Tim Aresenault on Launch of 'Final March to Reform'

Tim Arsenault, State Director of Organizing for America (OFA)-New Hampshire issued the following statement regarding the organization’s launch of the ‘Final March to Reform’:

“Today, OFA supporters in New Hampshire join health reform advocates from around the country in launching a sustained push to help pass health insurance reform.

“We already know what will happen if we don’t pass health reform. Insurance companies will continue their abusive practices—arbitrarily hiking our premium rates by as much as 39 percent, denying coverage to people with ‘pre-existing conditions,’ and dropping our coverage if we get sick. Meanwhile, the President’s proposals would return control over our health care choices to American families and businesses, create four million jobs over the next ten years, and reduce our budget deficit by $100 billion in the first decade.

“Granite Staters have made clear time and again in the past year we cannot afford to accept the status quo. It’s time to pass health insurance reform now.”