The volume of articles extolling the virtues of health reform is quite negligible in proportion to the volume of corresponding pieces dispelling the myths of health reform. A recent installment of the former was an attempt to put a positive spin on the measure by invoking the familiar "put lipstick on the pig" metaphor.
One positive outcome of the bill, it was posited, is that 24 percent of Americans will benefit from this legislation. With nearly 330 million citizens, this equates to about 79 million people. Cue: "Imagine" by John Lennon. Imagine all the people … living in harmony … . Sure, 79 million will benefit, at the expense of the remaining 251 million. I was particularly affected by the fact that 11 percent of Massachusetts' residents will be assisted by the measure. Wait! I thought the Bay State already fixed this problem back in 2006!
Another element of the bill extolled by the swine's makeup artist is the supposed gold mine of sales now made possible. Apparently, CDHPs have an advantage because Democrats now support the concept as a lower cost measure. You see, HSAs are now affordable options that consumers will fully embrace. Huh? My plan's family deductible is $5,000. In 2014, the highest family deductible allowed by law on the bronze plan will be $4,000. Like it or not, my family is scheduled for a rate increase as a result. The supporters of this argument need to articulate more clearly why uninsured people (aka, people who admittedly do not handle finances well) will suddenly turn over a new leaf and ride the CDHP wave.
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