So Isakson wanted MANDATORY end-of-life directive?
Note: The above headline has been corrected.
In my AJC column today, a revised version of an earlier blog post, I walk through the role played by Sen. Johnny Isakson in the whole “death panel” dispute, including his discomfort at being cited by President Obama as one of the original backers of end-of-life planning.
The piece also reflects Isakson’s insistence that the amendment he proposed in the Senate health-care bill — language now stripped from the bill as a result of the controversy — was considerably different than that in the House bill.
“My Senate amendment simply puts health care choices back in the hands of the individual and allows them to consider if they so choose a living will or durable power of attorney,” Isakson said in a statement. “The House provision is merely another ill-advised attempt at more government mandates, more government intrusion, and more government involvement in what should be an individual choice.”
This morning, however, comes news that casts a new, more awkward light on the story. Jonathan Cohn at the New Republic points out that the Senate amendment originally proposed by Isakson was quite a bit different, and quite a bit more harsh, than that adopted in committee.
“Under its terms,” Cohn points out, “filling out an advanced directive would have been mandatory for all senior citizens. So if you turned 65 and failed (or refused) to file a living will, you simply wouldn’t be able to use Medicare.”
In the House language that has drawn such criticism, including from Isakson, the counseling would be entirely voluntary. But according to Cohn, Isakson wanted to make it mandatory, refusing to allow people to enroll in Medicare without an advanced directive.
Indeed, that is exactly what Isakson’s original language proposed:
“…an individual shall not be entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A or enrolled under part B unless the individual has, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, provided proof to the Secretary that the individual has in effect an advance directive recognized under State law…the term ‘advance directive’ means a living will, medical directive, health care power of attorney, advance directive, or other written statement by a competent individual that is recognized under State law and indicates the individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment in the event of future incompetence. Such term includes an advance health care directive and a health care directive recognized under State law….”
Cohn reports that the language was watered down in committee only at the insistence of Sen. Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Democrat. If that version of events holds up, it’s surprising and a little disappointing as well. Isakson’s complaints about the House approach imposing “more government mandates, more government intrusion, and more government involvement in what should be an individual choice” take on a whole new meaning.
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268 comments Add your comment
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
10:25 am
huzzah! oneth
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
10:30 am
as for Johnny … all I can say is WOW … maybe the same person who authored the amendment also authored Palin’s facebook post …
jconservative
August 14th, 2009
10:31 am
Wow! If this version of that Senate bill is correct, and Isakson did in fact co-sponsor that bill, then that makes Isakson on of this nations top 10 Socialist. Period.
Barbara Mikulski watered it down? Barbara Mikulski??? Wow!
Taxpayer
August 14th, 2009
10:34 am
Maybe Johnny should cop a plea — senility. Doesn’t he read his own work. Newt should make a GOP excuse bumper sticker out of this — Don’t blame the GOP, They’re Senile.
TnGelding
August 14th, 2009
10:36 am
Say it ain’t so, Johnny!
It is a good idea though. Some people have to be forced to take care of business. I haven’t even done it yet, and I know better.
Kamchak
August 14th, 2009
10:40 am
So when Isakson talks about the government rationing health care and government death panels, he really does know what he is talking about.
Shawny
August 14th, 2009
10:40 am
Get a will or don’t get govt medicare. What is the big deal about that? That is a good idea. All seniors should have a will.
What does this have to do with the govt deciding care late in life? apples and oranges. This way the individual decides what they want. Isn’t choice good? Isn’t keeping the govt out of our lives, making decisions for us good?
What am I missing?
Turd Ferguson
August 14th, 2009
10:43 am
Oh johnny johnny johnny…just another of the govt intrusion crowd. Perhaps libertarian party is the way to go.
Taxpayer
August 14th, 2009
10:45 am
“I was for government mandates before I got outed.” Well, that’s what Johnny should have said instead of lodging his foot so deep down that even his most excellent taxpayer-funded health insurance plan will question the voracity of a claim for re-imbursement — assuming a successfull operation, of course.
George American
August 14th, 2009
10:46 am
ISAKSON – A SOCIALIST IN LIBERAL’S CLOTHING!!!
lovelyliz
August 14th, 2009
10:49 am
Evidently you are allowed to lie & create your own facts if you are a member of the GOP and do so in tehe name of Jesus Christ, Ronald Reagan and the corporate wallet.
booger
August 14th, 2009
10:54 am
Nowhere in Johnny’s version does it indicate a person must have counseling. It simply says they must have a directive. This is usually accomplished by the individual alone if they are competant, or with family if they are not. That is a far cry from counseling.
I had to do this with my parents in the past couple of years in order for them to enter a nursing home. It was a family issue, not a govt. program.
Brad Steel
August 14th, 2009
10:54 am
Yeah yeah yeah “government intrusion in to your freedoms” blah blah blah “consumer choice” flammidy flamm flamm “let the market decide”. Oh plu-leez
Just like car insurance, drivers licenses and other common sense requirements, a will should be required to reap the benefits all the social safety nets that our civilized society provides.
stands for decibels
August 14th, 2009
10:54 am
Holy crap. It’s got his signature and everything.
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
10:57 am
dB –
“Holy crap. It’s got his signature and everything.”
he was drunk!
it wasn’t him!
the sun was in his eyes!
he thought he was signing the bill requiring a birth certificate for all presidential candidates whose name starts with O and ends in bama!
Cynthia McKinney made him do it!
Turd Ferguson
August 14th, 2009
10:58 am
Dow Jones down 141 points…ouch.
LARRY FLYNT FOR PRESIDENT!
getalife
August 14th, 2009
10:59 am
cons stole Isakson’s cause on this issue and turned it into something they can yell about at town halls.
They are the same cons that stopped Clinton’s reform.
Meanwhile:
“Blue Cross Blue Shield has received a state’s approval to increase its rates an average 22 percent for its individual and group conversion product lines. ”
cons want to pay more .
Geez.
Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
August 14th, 2009
11:04 am
Johnny probably owns an interest in a company that does that sort of death panel counselling, either that or a casket company. You shouldn’t write to much into anything Johnny does, we’re not talking about a man of integrity here.
And, you know, Ol’ Wyld Byll knows that about which he is speaking.
Taxpayer
August 14th, 2009
11:10 am
Nowhere in Johnny’s version does it indicate a person must have counseling. It simply says they must have a directive. This is usually accomplished by the individual alone if they are competant, or with family if they are not. That is a far cry from counseling
Do my eyes deceive me. Someone commenting onthe actual words in a bill. That is just so un-Patriotic. So un-American. So unlike a Republican. You must be an Independent, too.
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
11:11 am
more good economic news:
U.S. industrial production rose for the first time in nine months in July as a federal “cash-for- clunkers” program spurred demand for cars and automakers completed mid-year overhauls of their factories.
The 0.5 percent increase in output at manufacturers, mines and utilities was more than forecast and followed a 0.4 percent drop in June, Federal Reserve data showed today in Washington. Capacity utilization, the proportion of factory volume in use, rose from its lowest level since record-keeping began in 1967.
General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC opened plants shut during their terms in bankruptcy, boosting car production in July, when they also benefited from cash incentives for fuel- efficient cars. A record drawdown in inventories in the first half of 2009 has set the stage for an increase in output that may help pull the U.S. from the worst recession since the 1930s.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601068&sid=arVtM_B3Mp5c
Ray
August 14th, 2009
11:11 am
Surely were not trying to hang the ‘hypocrisy’ label on the GOP.
No way!
jconservative
August 14th, 2009
11:13 am
booger – “It was a family issue, not a govt. program”
The alledged Isakson bill makes it a government program. Your only option is to refuse Medicare Part A & B. How many people do you know who refused Medicare? I know 2, both with net worths in excess of $100
million. I am sure there are others.
“…an individual shall not be entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A…”
————-
Jay – the bill did not include Part D? just A & B?
———–
I still say, if true, this makes Isakson a card carrying Socialist.
Nerlman
August 14th, 2009
11:16 am
Johnny is a liar? Who’da thunk it?
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
11:17 am
“Socialist” … I do not think this word means what you think it means ..
this has been yet another edition of Inigo Montoya for Republicans.
Taxpayer
August 14th, 2009
11:18 am
To update, Jay, here we have the GOP on its deathbed and no mandatory requirement for end-of-life counseling at the taxpayer’s expense. What is the world coming to.
To add insult to this this newfound injury, if they [GOP] ever try to rise from the ashes, they’ll most surely be left with equal despair for I fully expect to see any mandatory “beginning of life” family counseling (and, we know what family counseling really is) removed from this legislation before all is said and done.
Taxpayer
August 14th, 2009
11:21 am
Rush, Hannity, et al, need to do the right thing and throw Johhny under the bus. Do it for the cause. Do it now.
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
11:23 am
“Rush, Hannity, et al, need to do the right thing and throw Johhny under the bus. Do it for the cause. Do it now.”
“BURN HIM!! HE’S A WITCH!! HE TURNED ME INTO A NEWT!! (I got better)”
there. fixed your typo.
TnGelding
August 14th, 2009
11:26 am
Turd Ferguson
August 14th, 2009
10:58 am
At least you could enjoy a little porn without fear of being arrested.
It’s mostly consumer sentiment and Boeing:
“The S&P 500 is still up about 47.5 percent from its closing-low set on March 9.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/usMktRpt/idUSN1429256120090814
Mrs. Godzilla
August 14th, 2009
11:33 am
end of life issues…..
been there done that.
not being a doctor, nor playing one on the teevee machine….we were grateful for the help of a wonderful doc who explained to us all about intubation, ventilation and the like.
i can’t imagine putting together plans for life’s end without the knowledge and input of a Doctor…..kinda’ like building a house without
somebody with contractors experience.
to each his own.
rcs
August 14th, 2009
11:34 am
“The S&P 500 is still up about 47.5 percent from its closing-low set on March 9.”
I think that’s something positive we can all agree on.
jconservative
August 14th, 2009
11:38 am
Only 29 comments in over an hour? Strange
I have heard of “speechless” but this…….well you know.
rcs
August 14th, 2009
11:42 am
jconservative,
I think the issue has worn itself out.
Bosch
August 14th, 2009
11:42 am
Well Isakson has obviously stepped in his own doodoo, but I think it’s a great idea for living wills to be mandatory for Medicare/Medicaid.
And if you don’t have a living will, then I think in an crisis situation the default should be DNR.
I Report/ I Am The Mob :-) You Whine :-(
August 14th, 2009
11:43 am
What the hell difference does this make?
Are we supposed to swallow the health care bill full because hacks from both sides want to euthanize us?
Slow news day?
RW-(the original)
August 14th, 2009
11:43 am
So Isakson wanted MANDATORY end-of-life counseling?
Where is the word counseling in the Isakson amendment? Unless you’re using the question mark to pretend the screaming headline is intended as a true question in which case the answer appears to be no.
Bosch
August 14th, 2009
11:44 am
Paul,
Have we discussed this before? THERE IS GONNA BE A BATTLESTAR GALACTICA MOVIE!!!
RW-(the original)
August 14th, 2009
11:45 am
Only 29 comments in over an hour?
Not counting the 2 thousand or so comments on the exact same topic over the last couple of days.
Paul
August 14th, 2009
11:47 am
When I first heard Ikakson’s rebuttal I thought “he’s dissembling.”
Looks like I was correct.
Guy’s got no (fill in the blank for words meaning “male fortitude” or ‘courage’).
‘Tis a shame, too. ‘Twas a good idea.
Paul
August 14th, 2009
11:48 am
BOSCH!!!
THERE IS?!!?? REALLY????? WHEN?!!?? OMG THERE REALLY IS A GOD!!!!
Finally. We can have some sane, meaningful discussions on this board. Hey! And it’s Friday…. the tradition renews!
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
11:50 am
RW –
meh.
I’m ready to start the Friday traveling music early …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iGXP_UBog4
this was my contribution first thing this morning …
Bosch
August 14th, 2009
11:52 am
Paul,
Here’s a link:
http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0928486/
Looks like it’s in the “we’re gonna do it, but haven’t really gotten around to doing anything yet” stage.
But, YIPPEEE!!!!!! There really is a God (or Gods).
SO SAY WE ALL!!
Doggone/GA
August 14th, 2009
11:53 am
“What am I missing?”
Well, to use the logic of the conned: if the government can mandate that you HAVE TO HAVE
Paul
August 14th, 2009
11:53 am
Bosch
From down below:
Yesssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your 11:31 – the lead is correct. This is self-evident proof of the existence of God!
Updated info:
http://screenrant.com/bryan-singer-battlestar-galactica-movie-rob-21510/
One downer… appears it’ll take place too early for Caprica Six…
Doggone/GA
August 14th, 2009
11:54 am
Sorry!
“What am I missing?”
Well, to use the logic of the conned: if the government can mandate that you HAVE TO HAVE an “advance directive” (sounds like the Prime Directive, doesn’t it?) then it’s oonly ONE STEP away from the government FORCING you to say what THEY want you to say in that directive.
Get it?
david wayne osedach
August 14th, 2009
11:55 am
Everyone should have a living will. To deny them Medicare if they don’t is criminal!
Paul
August 14th, 2009
11:56 am
Bosch
SO SAY WE ALL!!!
I love the sound of the Blog cringing!
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
11:56 am
Paul –
don’t get too excited about the movie:
“What is apparently coming to the big screen, however, is a Battlestar Galactica movie based on the original 1978 series instead!”
http://www.filmjunk.com/2009/02/22/universal-developing-battlestar-galactica-movie/
so lame, it’s lam-AY!
Mrs. Godzilla
August 14th, 2009
11:58 am
Missing From The Health Care Reform Debate: Medical Tourism
http://crooksandliars.com/logan-murphy/missing-health-care-reform-debate-med
TnGelding
August 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
USinUK
August 14th, 2009
11:50 am
Back at you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6geIf6z-Xw&feature=related
RW-(the original)
August 14th, 2009
12:00 pm
USinUK,
That’s because for you it IS time to start the traveling music.
As for me I’m heading back to the forest for a while.