Deal’s Medicaid decision denies health insurance to 600,000
So far, six Republican governors have decided to buck their party and accept federal expansion of Medicaid coverage, concluding that the best interests of their state and its citizens outweigh the interests of their political party.
Gov. Nathan Deal of Georgia has made the opposite choice, and the damage inflicted on Georgia by his decision will be considerable.
Here’s the deal:
Under the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, the federal government has offered to cover 100 percent of the costs of health insurance for an additional 620,000 Georgians. The deal is good for three years, from 2014 through 2016. In 2017, the federal government will still pay 95 percent of the cost, and the percentage will slide to 90 percent by 2020.
For every year thereafter, the federal government will cover 90 percent of the cost.
That would amount to an influx of $40 billion into the Georgia economy from 2014 to 2023, according to Bill Custer, a health economist at Georgia State University. That will boost the state’s economic output by an average of $8.2 billion a year. That in turn will create more than 70,000 new jobs in a state with the nation’s ninth-highest unemployment rate, Hudson estimates. That in turn will generate an additional $267 million a year in state and local taxes.
Many of those newly created jobs will be in the well-paying medical industry, which is particularly important in a state where the median household income had been dropping even before the recession hit. According to Custer’s analysis, 46,000 of those jobs will be created outside metro Atlanta, in areas where the health-care industry is barely hanging on because so many local residents do not have health insurance.
With the influx of federal money, rural hospitals that will otherwise be forced to close their doors would remain open. Those facilities will remain important economic generators for their communities, and they will also help to attract outside industry. Employers have little interest in locating in communities with no nearby hospital.
In addition, it should help lower health-insurance costs in general, because the rest of us won’t be paying for health care for the uninsured through our health-care premiums.
Most important, there’s the impact on those 620,000 Georgians. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, some 22 percent of Georgians are without health insurance, the seventh highest rate in the nation. Ideology won’t cover their medical bills. Partisan politics won’t pay their surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Deal explains his refusal in a couple of ways. His administration estimates that it will cost the state some $4.5 billion to participate in the program from 2014 to 2023. That’s more than twice as much as other estimates, but let’s accept it as valid. Using Deal’s numbers, Georgia is turning down an offer to match each state dollar with 10 dollars in federal funding. That 10-1 match is far more generous than other federal programs that Georgia scrambles to tap. Turning it down means that billions of tax dollars will be flowing out of Georgia to support health care in other states; none of it will be flowing back in.
You can also think of it purely in investment terms: Every year, Georgia gives away hundreds of millions of dollars through economic development efforts that have far more risk and considerably less return than this program.
According to Deal, he also fears that the federal government doesn’t have the resources to sustain the expanded program. But it’s curious how that logic isn’t applied to, say, the deepening of Savannah Harbor, where Deal and others are pleading for hundreds of millions of dollars from that very same federal government. Or to the billions of dollars in federal loan guarantees to build new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Perhaps we should also discourage the location of the Army’s new CyberCommand to Fort Gordon near Augusta, where it iswould likely bring thousands of jobs.
ObamaCare isn’t going away. The Republicans have fought it all the way up to the Supreme Court, and they lost. They made its repeal a central part of their 2012 campaign, and they lost the presidential race, they lost Senate seats and they lost House seats. At some point, it’s time to accept reality.
– Jay Bookman
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
338 comments Add your comment
Granny Godzilla
February 20th, 2013
1:40 pm
Bro!
Congratulations on your daughter! What a blessing.
And the lovely Mrs. Bro, is she feeling well?
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
February 20th, 2013
1:42 pm
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
1:38 pm
BRO’!
Congrats! As a father of three girls,. all I can say is love them now…when they become teens…as USinUK would say…Oy, to the Vey!
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
1:42 pm
The biggest reality is that the federal government is bankrupt.
Is that the same federal gov’t that prints money?
PoliticsNation States with highest uninsured numbers pushing back on healthcare
February 20th, 2013
1:42 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv6D3tGw880
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
February 20th, 2013
1:43 pm
Bro,
When my girls were teens, I had pet names for them, Migraine, Ulcer, and Gray Hair…just sayin’
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
1:43 pm
Congrats Bro….get your sleep while you can
Logical Dude
February 20th, 2013
1:43 pm
Bro,
Congrats and may you catch sleep at any opportune moment!
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
1:43 pm
I LOVE you Keep!!! While i was writing my original post i was being attacked by angry republicans in drag and i had to fight my way through their throngs in thongs! there’s nothing more scary than angry republicans in drag dressed to look like Phyllis Diller!!!
Please forgive me!!
It’s not my fault….
Kam made me do it!!
Jam helped him to make me do it!!
they’re just jealous of our special friendship!!
====================
@td – You do realize don’t you that I was taking the quote that RB posted and gave it in its entire context?
I mean that was so obvious right? Right? TD? Yooo Hooooooo!!!! TTTTT DEEEEEE!!
Yeah, just like I thought — all indignation, no common sense…………
Logical Dude
February 20th, 2013
1:44 pm
Erwin’ cat @ 1:43. (vs. Logical Dude @ 1:43)
Quit doing that!
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
1:46 pm
Logical Dude @ 1:44 – Jay gave me a heads up on what you were gonna post
Jefferson
February 20th, 2013
1:46 pm
Why do people care if someone has a cell phone ? Its easy to mind others business isn’t it ?
getalife
February 20th, 2013
1:47 pm
Mayors are trying new and different ways to govern.
Red States are doing nothing as usual.
“Bob Beckel: Rape On College Campuses Doesn’t Really Happen ” HP
The war on women is still raging.
The gop civil war is still raging.
Change is fun.
Thomas Heyward Jr
February 20th, 2013
1:48 pm
“In addition, it should help lower health-insurance costs in general, because the rest of us won’t be paying for health care for the uninsured through our health-care premiums.”
.
Delusional.
.
And Obamacare WILL go away….one way or another.
Doggone/GA
February 20th, 2013
1:49 pm
“When my girls were teens, I had pet names for them, Migraine, Ulcer, and Gray Hair…just sayin’”
Insanity is inherited…you get it from your children
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
1:49 pm
No tiger, you have uninformed opinions, I have the facts.
http://tinyurl.com/bgb7j3o
But carry on.
And I sure do wish I could switch places with you!
So I could drive to Dr, Dickemover’s office, pay huge money on the spot, after already having paid huge money for my premiums and then go to the pharmacy where I could shell out some more huge money.
Then fight for weeks and months on end with thousands of paper shuffling, bungling bureaucrats at some giant HMO to try and get some of it reimbursed.
Yeah, baby.
The best healthcare in the world!!
Steve
February 20th, 2013
1:49 pm
My guess is that if Medicare was introduced today, the same anti anything to do with Federal goverment (unless its the bloated military industrial complex) would be wailling about socialism taking over our lives. But you same people, now, truly will or do depend on Medicare after age 65. I know my republican elderly relatives do.
Steve
February 20th, 2013
1:50 pm
Wow, did I just write that in such horrible English? Good grief.
td
February 20th, 2013
1:50 pm
deegee
February 20th, 2013
1:39 pm
This morning I had a conversation with my 87 year old, Fox News loving mother over the abysmal level of service that she gets from her internist’s administrative staff. She let me know that it’s all because of Obamacare and that things are only going to get worse because of it. I let her know that I get very good service from the administrative staff of my primary care provider and specialist. I wasn’t attempting to be argumentative. I was merely suggesting that she might want to consider going to another internist. She wasn’t having it. Fox News told her so and there’s nothing anyone can do or say to convince her otherwise.
Your mother is a very wise woman. She must have spared the rod on you for the blatant disrespect you show her by becoming a progressive.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
February 20th, 2013
1:50 pm
“…And Obamacare WILL go away….one way or another.”
Yeah, just like Medicare did.
Uh Huh.......How many CONS does it take to make 600,000?
February 20th, 2013
1:50 pm
@deegee
February 20th, 2013
1:39 pm
This morning I had a conversation with my 87 year old, Fox News loving mother over the abysmal level of service that she gets from her internist’s administrative staff. She let me know that it’s all because of Obamacare and that things are only going to get worse because of it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“the abysmal level of service that she gets from her internist’s administrative staff. She let me know that it’s all because of Obamacare”
Because of Obamacare?
Are YOU KIDDING ME?
How IGNORANT of her to say that.
That is as ignorant as some of my 80 and 90 year old neighbors
who still call black people COLORED.
Hey Libs, how is your paychecks looking now
February 20th, 2013
1:51 pm
How pays for this 600,000 users of Medicaid services?
That’s the question Repubs are able to ask and the Dems say, just add more taxes to pay for it!
600,000 more raised to live off the government!
Steve
February 20th, 2013
1:52 pm
The 600,000 are living off the government now by going to the emergency room for sniffles and you and I pay for that with ever increasing health insurance costs. Which do you prefer? Streamlining the process to save money or keeping the failed old way because you fear change?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 20th, 2013
1:54 pm
Dangit Debbie, I can’t stay mad at you. Perhaps a rousing round of “I’m a Lumberjack” will help all our spirits.
That Kam is just evil I tell you. He’s mad because Holly Sonders asked me to meet her in a Holiday Inn Express.
Here’s my newest plan if you want in on it. I am going to call Donald Trump a few names and start a petition. He’ll threaten to sue me. I’ll ask for donations to fight him for being so anti-American that he ignores well-established 1st Amendment rights. I know I can win the lawsuit, but I am not sure Donald really has the money to pay a large judgment. I may just have settle for “you’re fired”. http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=791623&affid=100055
Jefferson
February 20th, 2013
1:54 pm
No matter what if insurance company profits are high and health care workers pay is high it will be expensive. If the cost are not spread out it will not be affordable. Deal is crapping in his flat hat.
Doggone/GA
February 20th, 2013
1:55 pm
“600,000 more raised to live off the government!”
Yeah, just let ‘em die. We don’t need ‘em anyway
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
1:56 pm
Granny: I was pretty tough on that dog raper yesterday.
Sigh. Granny, you told the guy to have a nice day!! That’s not being tough Granny, that’s being polite!
GG: Love ya’ too DDR.
You’re breaking my heart GG!! You’re breaking my heart!! Ever since you’ve turned to Granny G from Mrs. G; you’ve become sooooo………..likeable……..Sigh. Love you too GG….You too GG…. You too…….[DDR crying softly in the background…….]
=======
Bro – TWO GIRLS!!! YEAH!! Now you’re gonna be like ME when I was growing up!! Surrounded by people who love you, but don’t understand what the hell you’re talking about!! Estrogen RULES!!!! Hey Bro – think Pink, lots and lots of pink AND get to know things like “Barbie’s first boyfriend’s Name” and “Whether Barbie is better than the Bratz”. This is gonna be good!!! [DDR laughing WITH you hee hee]
====
RB: Debbie, I’m not seeing the connection you’re trying to make from the first half of the speech. He spent a bunch of time bashing Republicans with the same old rhetoric. So what? He made the comment and it’s 180 degrees different from the rhetoric he’s spewing today.
Well, color me surprised!!!
You have a tendency to only see what you wish to see. I call it, RB Syndrome OR Blind Man Walking.
bman.
February 20th, 2013
1:57 pm
do emergency rooms not have some sort of policy in place as to what is considered an emergency?
td
February 20th, 2013
1:58 pm
Steve
February 20th, 2013
1:52 pm
The 600,000 are living off the government now by going to the emergency room for sniffles and you and I pay for that with ever increasing health insurance costs. Which do you prefer? Streamlining the process to save money or keeping the failed old way because you fear change?
All these 600,000 are not going to emergency rooms and not paying their bills because they would all have horrible credit and could not get a loan for anything. I would say the vast majority of them are finding a way to pay their bills. Hospitals only have to serve people IF it is in a life saving emergency. If they come into the ER with the sniffles then they are going to make the person pay something before they are seen. If the Hospital is not doing this then they are making up the money somewhere else.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
1:58 pm
You have a tendency to only see what you wish to see.
a hammer see’s a world of nails
Steve
February 20th, 2013
1:58 pm
Again, I blame the Democrats with poor messaging about Obamacare. The right wing media sends out more misinformation than the Democrats can send out actual facts. People actually supporting the use of the emergency room for free over streamlining costs via insuring everyone and providing health care at lower costs blows my mind. It’s no different than saying that the EArth is 4000 years old because you never took a science class or made it past the 10th grade.-
deegee
February 20th, 2013
1:59 pm
What is so bad about health insurance? Do those of you that are getting health insurance through your employer think that it’s free? You are paying a portion of it, but your employer is paying the rest of the tab. The older you get, the more your employer has to pay to keep you insured. You might say that everyone that works for the company is paying the employer’s tab in the form of lower wages, but it’s better for you to have health insurance coverage than another $1,000.00 or so in your paycheck every year. It’s better for your employer because they have a healthier work force.
barking frog
February 20th, 2013
1:59 pm
Keep Up
I know I can win the lawsuit, but I am not sure Donald really has the money to pay a large judgment.
………………………………………………………………………..
Donald can sell his hair for millions but if you can’t levy
against it you are out of luck as it cannot be attached.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
February 20th, 2013
2:00 pm
Well, I’m hurt bad, is what I am. Debbie Do Everybody overlooked me like I was her dirty dishes in the sink.
Harummph!
Policy Watch
February 20th, 2013
2:02 pm
The 2010 Legislative Session ended on Thursday, April 29. Unfortunately, lawmakers did not extend the sales tax exemption for free clinics, which will end on June 30. GFCN will continue its efforts to call attention to the effect the loss of this exemption will have on the clinics and their ability to provide patient care.
SB 344, is related to the “‘Health Share’ Volunteers in Medicine Act,” and provides for sovereign immunity protection for compensated physician assistants in safety net clinics who participate in the program. Governor Perdue signed the bill on May 20. It goes into effect on July 1.
Other health legislation that passed and may be of interest:
The FY 2011 budget was adopted on the last day of the session. Health department grants and efforts targeting maternal and child health, strokes and hypertension sustained deep cuts. The Area Health Education Centers were also affected.
HB 307 imposes a 1.45% bed tax on hospitals, which will generate $300 million for the state. The funds be deposited into the Indigent Care Trust Fund where they will be used to draw down more federal dollars to pay providers treating Medicaid and PeachCare patients.
HB 317 states that Georgians cannot be compelled to “participate in any health care system,” and that the purchase or sale of health insurance products and/or direct healthcare services could not be prohibited. But, because federal law predominates, HB 317 is not expected to have much impact. Of note and related to this legislation, Georgia has officially joined a federal lawsuit against the new health reform law. The complaint is based on the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution which provides that powers not granted to the national government and not prohibited to the states are reserved to the states.
Road safety legislation includes: SB 360 and HB 23 and are related to the use of cellular phones while driving. The Senate bill bans texting by all drivers, and the House bill bans drivers under 18 from talking on their cell phones while on the road. SB 458 now requires pickup truck drivers to wear seat belts.
SB 367 authorizes extended family or friends to make medical decisions on behalf of another when there are no immediate family members.
GFCN will continue to keep you informed on the issues affecting charitable clinics. You may also visit http://www.legis.state.ga.us for information from the Capitol.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
2:02 pm
Convert – Well, I’m hurt bad, is what I am. Debbie Do Everybody overlooked me like I was her dirty dishes in the sink.
I know how ya feel…but, at least I got a shout out from indigo
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
2:02 pm
GG
Thanks!! Mrs. Bro is the truth!!! She’s great considering this one was a natural birth because lil mama was being impatient and was in a hurry to express her independence.
——————
Corbin
Thanks, and I’ll keep those names in mind. I have a feeling that I’m gonna have my hands full.
——————
Erwin’s Cat & Logical Dude
What’s sleep???
I’m getting used to those power naps all over again.
td
February 20th, 2013
2:02 pm
Doggone/GA
February 20th, 2013
1:55 pm
“600,000 more raised to live off the government!”
Yeah, just let ‘em die. We don’t need ‘em anyway
How about they sacrifice that I-phone, monthly cable bill, new car to be able to pay a healthcare premium? What is wrong with that plan? People take risk everyday. If a person chooses to risk their health for the luxury’s in life then should they not have to suffer the consequences for their choices?
Georgia's Free Clinics
February 20th, 2013
2:04 pm
• The Georgia Free Clinic Network connects non-profit medical and dental clinics across Georgia serving the over 1.7 million uninsured. According to the Georgia State Auditor, these clinics provide $200 to $400 million of care while only reaching 10 percent of the uninsured population. Charitable clinics are the unseen fabric of the health care safety net in communities, especially in rural areas, serving homeless individuals and those with chronic and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Many uninsured individuals are limited to accessing health care through local hospital emergency rooms. A study in one community revealed that a typical ER visit to diagnose and treat a sore throat is $270. A patient visit at a GFCN clinic is $29, including medication. Not only are the free clinics a tremendous saving to taxpayers and hospitals, they also provide a primary care base and a place where patients can return for routine care.
• Georgia’s charitable clinics delivered health care services to approximately 175,000 low-income, uninsured Georgians in 2008. This year, clinics are experiencing increases of 25 to 75 percent over 2008. Despite the growth of patients served, clinics are forced to turn away an estimated 50,000 Georgians due to lack of capacity.
• 80% of free clinic patients have one or more chronic illnesses, requiring extensive and ongoing medical care, care coordination and patient education.
• 65% of the clinics in Georgia have a religious affiliation.
• The top sources of funding for the clinics are individuals, churches, civic groups and corporations.
• The average number of hours per week a clinic is open is 9.5.
• 57% of the patients seen in Georgia clinics are female.
• 85% of the patients treated are between the ages of 18 & 64 years.
• At an average clinic, the percentage of patients who are:
White-40%; African-American-41%; Latino-16%
• The percentage of patients who are 200% FPL-4%
• 95% of the clinics have an on-site pharmaceutical facility.
• The average number of volunteer hours per clinic per year is 2000.
deegee
February 20th, 2013
2:05 pm
td, when you get to be 87 years old and in poor health, you better hope you have a progressive somewhere in your immediate family because the cons come around only at Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
February 20th, 2013
2:06 pm
frog, I was planning on donating that to a zoo or science for study.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
2:07 pm
That Kam is just evil I tell you. He’s mad because Holly Sonders asked me to meet her in a Holiday Inn Express.
Yep – he’s a hater.
Here’s my newest plan if you want in on it. I am going to call Donald Trump a few names and start a petition.
Ha! I heard about that! Donald should be glad that no one has started a betting pool on how soon his hot young wife will get bored with him (and his “hair”); and leave him for his pool boy, “Studly Man In Tight Swimsuit”.
This is why I love Capitalism………….in spite of everything I really LOVE capitalism…… When an old, ugly, fat, man with a poodle on his head can buy himself some hot young chick, it gives everyone hope!
People like RB, td, MP, and mama says never have to be alone again! All they need is money and maybe a bath and some mouthwash, and they no longer have to be lonely!
“As The Dollar Bill As My Witness — I NEVAH Will Be Alone Again!!!”
— RB From GW in GA talking some BS.
Proud Voter
February 20th, 2013
2:08 pm
Continue to follow the money after Deal leaves office. My guess is his area of the state and his supporters will have everything the rest of the state does not have.
getalife
February 20th, 2013
2:10 pm
“If there was ever one thing that would compel Republican state leaders to set aside their political and ideological opposition to President Barack Obama’s health care reform law, it was going to be lobbying by powerful health care interests in their backyards.
That may be playing in right now in Republican Gov. Rick Scott’s Florida.
Representatives of the Sunshine States’s hospital industry pleaded with state lawmakers at a hearing Monday for Florida to buy into Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion to more poor people, a move GOP legislators have resisted and about which Scott recently has been mum. ”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-young/florida-medicaid-lobbying_b_2725853.html
AmericaShrugged
February 20th, 2013
2:10 pm
Another patently dishonest spin article from the socialist. Jay implies those 620,000 will be left without insurance and Georgia will be left without the jobs created by the 620,000 getting health care.
What he doesn’t write is that every last one of those 620,000 will be covered by Obamacare through the exchanges instead. If we expand Medicaid, they are trapped in Medicaid, a poor provider of health care services, and can’t get Obamacare.
He declining Deal is allowing hundreds of thousands of Gerogians access to better health care insurance and. presumably, better health care.
barking frog
February 20th, 2013
2:11 pm
Keep Up
frog, I was planning on donating that to a zoo or science for study.
…………………………………………………………………………………..
a worthy purpose, perhaps future generations can avoid the affliction…
AmericaShrugged
February 20th, 2013
2:11 pm
should be By declining
Bobby Cooper
February 20th, 2013
2:12 pm
Just Brilliant!! I would say “our” Governor is not the brightest light bulb in the pack. Look at his own personal finances when came into office….. Can’t wait until the elections!!! bye bye bubba!!
Matti
February 20th, 2013
2:12 pm
Brosephus,
CONGRATS!!! Girls rock! And… they can be rough-tough varsity athletes, and STILL look sweet as pie in a (super-expensive) prom dress. Best of both worlds!
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
2:12 pm
She must have spared the rod on you for the blatant disrespect you show her by becoming a progressive.
I LOVE progressives. That is why I am one!
I’m following in the greatest of American traditions and in the footsteps of American heroes like George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Eleanor Roosevelt, W.E.B. Du Bois, Eugene Debs, Theodore Roosevelt, MLK Jr, Louis Brandies, Woody Guthrie, Earl Warren, Thurgood Marshall and Ralph Nader, among many others
And if not for us progressives the non-progressives would still be burning witches in Salem, buying and selling Africans, having their McCarthy witch hunts and having children work in sweat shops.
And just as we always have, we are going to keep growing in numbers and power in our constant struggle to make this a more perfect union…
Granny Godzilla
February 20th, 2013
2:12 pm
DDR
I guess for some having a dog bite their narglies can be a nice day….
St Simons - he-ne-ha
February 20th, 2013
2:12 pm
oh, its all unraveling for the cons.
if this ACA fails by their sabotage, we get Medicare for All
heheh – Change, and skidmarks heheh
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
2:14 pm
St Simons – I’d take a single payer in a heart beat and get the ins co’s out of health care
getalife
February 20th, 2013
2:15 pm
It is totally bizarre the gop are fighting against big business but they just have to get Obama.
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
2:17 pm
DDR
Don’t forget the tea parties that I will be invited to attend.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
2:19 pm
Bro – Don’t forget the tea parties that I will be invited to attend.
what?…you’re old angry and white now?
barking frog
February 20th, 2013
2:19 pm
This healthcare insurance thing was so simple.
Medicare for all. Subsidies for those that couldn’t
afford it.
bookman parrot
February 20th, 2013
2:20 pm
love your final statement about Obamacare not going away. i.e. all you care about is your beloved lib big-gov’t crap got pushed onto the country and you don’t care about the possible fallout… just that you got your way… i hope you get to eat your words … but you won’t anyhow .. because it will be someone else’s fault in typical lib fashion…
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
2:20 pm
Well, I’m hurt bad, is what I am. Debbie Do Everybody overlooked me like I was her dirty dishes in the sink.
I’m sorry I forgot about you RC!! You bring such joy into my life!! If it wasn’t for you driving that beer truck, where would half of Georgia be? You do such a valuable service and I am so sorry that I forgot to mention you!!
A Beer Truck Driving Man is a REAL MAN!
PS: EC drinks Merlot!! (smile – hiya E.C.!)
Jefferson
February 20th, 2013
2:21 pm
GA would be better off with the money, bad deal.
Uh Huh.......How many CONS does it take to make 600,000?
February 20th, 2013
2:21 pm
@Hey Libs, how is your paychecks looking now
February 20th, 2013
1:51 pm
How pays for this 600,000 users of Medicaid services?
That’s the question Repubs are able to ask and the Dems say, just add more taxes to pay for it!
600,000 more raised to live off the government!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
HOW MANY CONS ON THIS BLOG HAVE SOMEONE
ALREADY ON MEDICAID?
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
2:21 pm
Matti
Thanks. Big sister already does swimming and soccer. Last fall she asked about playing football. I have a feeling that lil sister will be the same.
Uh Huh.......How many CONS does it take to make 600,000?
February 20th, 2013
2:23 pm
HOW MANY CONS ON THIS BLOG HAVE OR KNOW SOMEONE
ALREADY ON MEDICAID?
Doggone/GA
February 20th, 2013
2:23 pm
“How about they sacrifice ”
How about you go interview all of them and verify they actually have those things you think they don’t need?
Bernie
February 20th, 2013
2:25 pm
correction:
Jay, what is even more outrageous and offensive than the Governor’s decision. Is the SILENCE from Mayor REED and his office and including the Atlanta City Council. Being that ALL of them are supposedly, such ardent OBAMA suppporters. The MAYORS own personal political ambition is in direct conflict with the Real needs of Atlanta’s most neediest citizens.
Dr.King and his associates would be greatly saddened and disturbed to know that an African American elected Mayor of Atlanta in 2013, has more concern and care about a FOOTBALL Stadium than he does for its most poorest citizens Black & White.
It Should quite obvious to ALL Atlanta’s citzens and VOTERS that this MAYOR and City Council is more concerned about increasing the Profits and the Pocketbook of Arthur Blank and the Falcon Organization with the constant CHEERLEADING for Mr.Blanks new STADIUM. The number of 600,000 uninsured is not an accurate number, as stated in your article.
The actual statistic is more in the millions statewide.
Atlanta is the home of the largest group of uninsured and underinsured residents statewide.
The number of Atlanta’s uninsured and underinsured residents, whom the majority are children,women,seniors,disabled and handicapped alone dwarfs that 600,000 number by (3) times
the count, if you really want to know the Truth.
Mayor REED and the Atlanca City Council should ALL be replaced and voted out of office, not only for this reason but in the continual ongoing MISMANAGEMENT of the City of Atlanta Government.
barking frog
February 20th, 2013
2:27 pm
Uh Huh…….How many CONS does it take to make 600,000?
………………………………………………………………………..
1,200,000 because they are so half a$$ed
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
2:27 pm
DDR – PS: EC drinks Merlot!! (smile – hiya E.C.!)
actually I prefer a good cab or pinot noir…..but they all make for a good vinegar after 3 mos
too little time
February 20th, 2013
2:27 pm
This means that they are wrong, often by orders of magnitude of error, MOST of the time.
Completely fallacious.
Really? How about those CBO estimates for the Medicare doughnut hole program, CBO estimates for Obamacare (which have ALREADY been proven to be grossly incorrect… and Obamacare hasn’t even been in full affect yet).
Or maybe you would like a paper written by the fed:
http://research.stlouisfed.org/publications/review/12/01/21-40Kliesen.pdf
Sorry, but when the CBO estimates for a budget or for a new Federal program, they get it wrong MOST of the time.
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
2:28 pm
Bro – regarding tea parties………….. the image that your words created….. man I can’t WAIT!!!
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1b1bzfTmP1qzb7vjo1_1280.jpg
Tap Out
February 20th, 2013
2:28 pm
We got a bad Deal.
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
2:29 pm
EC
These are the REAL tea parties, complete with cookies or some other snack. Bro doesn’t turn down sharing a snack with the lil one.
Give me a few more years, and I’ll probably become one of those old grumpy White men. Seems like that’s what happens when you get closer to retirement age.
St Simons - he-ne-ha
February 20th, 2013
2:33 pm
EC – “I’d take a single payer in a heart beat and get the ins co’s
out of health care.”
Please talk to your pahhty, then. You make sense. They don’t.
You (like mrsstsimons) must have work/ed in healthcare…
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
2:34 pm
Dr.King and his associates would be greatly saddened and disturbed to know that an African American elected Mayor of Atlanta in 2013
OMG I’m amazed! I’m simply amazed! Is there NO SHAME anymore?
Hey, why stop with Dr. King? I mean if we’re channeling dead people, why not go all the way?
**Elivs Pressley and his associates would be greatly saddened ..
**Eleanor Roosevelt and her associates would be greatly saddened …..
**Shaka Zulu and his associates would be greatly saddened …..
**Robert E. Lee and his associates would be greatly saddened ….
Dude, if you’re gonna go there, don’t stop……..go ALL THE WAY!
==================
E.C. — that’s why I like Beer or Tequilia. As far as I can tell, neither of them go bad after a couple of months.
**John Lennon and his associates would be greatly saddened …
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
2:34 pm
Redneck Convert (R–and proud of it)
February 20th, 2013
2:00 pm
Well, I’m hurt bad, is what I am. Debbie Do Everybody overlooked me like I was her dirty dishes in the sink.
Harummph!
+++++++++++++++++++++
I’m here for you Redneck Convert. Us Rednecks have to look out for each other. Here ya go, let me play you a song…….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmMwP5bELE
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
2:35 pm
DDR
That image is cool. I actually need to put down some rubber mulch around the playhouse while I’m off work. I can’t fit inside there or else we would probably be sleeping there every night.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
2:36 pm
E.C. — that’s why I like Beer or Tequilia. As far as I can tell, neither of them go bad after a couple of months.
You better cross beer off that list. Take six pack, put it in the fridge. Take it out. Let it get warm. Put it back in. Take it out. Put it back in. Drink it…… or try……
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
2:37 pm
Yo Brocephus: You need some help with a construction project while your off give me a holler. I’ll come help. I’ll even bring the tools and the brains. You can be the strong back……..
Feds announce biggest-ever Medicare fraud, totaling $450 million
February 20th, 2013
2:38 pm
Federal prosecutors have charged 107 people, including doctors and nurses, in seven U.S. cities, accusing them of taking part in schemes to cheat the Medicare system out of $452 million through phony billing. Authorities are calling this the largest one-day takedown ever by the government’s Medicare fraud task force.
TaxPayer
February 20th, 2013
2:38 pm
Republicans don’t do math or science and now Erwin professes that he also doesn’t do astrology. The stars have aligned.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
2:40 pm
People like RB, td, MP, and mama says never have to be alone again! All they need is money and maybe a bath and some mouthwash, and they no longer have to be lonely!
Actually the bath and mouthwash are optional as long as you have enough money.
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
2:42 pm
I don’t normally enjoy or pass along “fat” jokes, but this one is pretty clever and damn funny:
I was at the bar the other night and overheard three very hefty women talking at the bar.
Their accent appeared to be Scottish, so I approached and asked, “Hello, are you three lassies from Scotland ?”
One of them angrily screeched, “It’s Wales you bloody idiot!”
So I replied, “I am so sorry. Are you three whales from Scotland?”
And that’s the last thing I remember.
Peadawg
February 20th, 2013
2:43 pm
“Medicare for all. Subsidies for those that couldn’t afford it.”
And just how in the world do you plan to pay for that?
Redcoat
February 20th, 2013
2:43 pm
Obamascare…….part time workers…….perfect match………”there ought to be a law”…”and another”…..”and another”
Oscar
February 20th, 2013
2:44 pm
The state is broke. So is the federal government. Deal made the right choice.
Class of '98
February 20th, 2013
2:44 pm
“Many of those newly created jobs will be in the well-paying medical industry”
Jay, are you sure we will even have enough qualified/educated workers to fill these positions? After all, under Obama, our unemployment rate has plummeted and hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people have been hired into the booming green energy sector.
Then you woke up.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
2:45 pm
DDR: There is one thing you CAN’T tell me or Bro, and that is the value of butterfly kisses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmC3rJR7E98
That Black Guy
February 20th, 2013
2:45 pm
BILL
February 20th, 2013
11:16 am
Just keep it up Bubba Governor. Your decision will help lift GA to a purple state within 4 years or so, and maybe a blue state within 8-10 years.
______________________________________
Why is it that people like you (red state vs blue state) NEVER call for a “Red, White, and Blue” state.
Party over country sucks no matter WHICH side does it.
Doggone/GA
February 20th, 2013
2:48 pm
“Sorry, but when the CBO estimates for a budget or for a new Federal program, they get it wrong MOST of the time”
The CBO can only work with the numbers they are given. If the numbers are wrong, then yes, their projections will be wrong. For an example, check out the projections on the drug bill and how they changed it later when they got better numbers.
Union
February 20th, 2013
2:48 pm
I thought obamacare had all of this covered….
DebbieDoRight - Minister Of Propaganda
February 20th, 2013
2:49 pm
Actually the bath and mouthwash are optional as long as you have enough money.
Man, you’d have to be really committed to Gold Digging if you can completely ignore the funky mouth and body.
JamVet
February 20th, 2013
2:50 pm
And just how in the world do you plan to pay for that?
Under the current system, hundreds of billions of dollars a year go into insurance company overhead, unnecessary and fraudulent billing and administrative costs for health-care providers, and huge profits and high salaries at large HMOs and other health-care companies. ~Ralph Nader
Single Payer Now. Everybody in, nobody out.
That Black Guy
February 20th, 2013
2:53 pm
TaxPayer
February 20th, 2013
11:41 am
Republicans don’t do math or science so how could they know
___________________________________________
Even the ones who are math teachers and scientists?
Steve
February 20th, 2013
2:53 pm
I don’t get it. You look at Canada, and they made their single payer system work. For premium/Cadillac care, employers supplement health insurance to fill the 20% gap that their Medicare doesn’t cover (similar to as if we had Medicare for all here, not just those over 65). Yes they pay more in taxes but in the long run it’s cheaper for everyone. It’s streamlined. no middleman costs and less waste. They sometimes wait longer for some procedures and specialists but so do most of us here now, unless you are in the top 10% of earners. We happen to have some of the best doctors in the world her but most can’t even afford to utilize them. We also over pay our specialists compared to other countries.
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
2:57 pm
Man, you’d have to be really committed to Gold Digging if you can completely ignore the funky mouth and body.
You don’t know my sister in law……..
Redcoat
February 20th, 2013
2:57 pm
if spending isn’t solving anything, someone must not be doing their job properly…..when your jobs depends on victims…..who ya gonna call?
Brosephus™
February 20th, 2013
2:58 pm
Fred
I’ll keep that in mind.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
2:59 pm
St Simons – Please talk to your pahhty, then. You make sense. They don’t.
You (like mrsstsimons) must have work/ed in healthcare…
not me but some family are in healthcare
That Black Guy
February 20th, 2013
3:01 pm
Jay
February 20th, 2013
11:38 am
No, it would not. Tax increases, fees and spending reductions already built into the ACA make the program revenue neutral, according to the CBO.
________________________________________________
Jay, what is the CBO’s record on accuracy in projections?
Heavyhitter
February 20th, 2013
3:02 pm
The worst part of Deal’s decision is that since there will be no coverage, the uninsured will flock to the emergency rooms as they do now thus making them almost inoperable.
Erwin's cat
February 20th, 2013
3:03 pm
Fred – You don’t know my sister in law……..
So, is she single?
Fred ™
February 20th, 2013
3:05 pm
Hey Jay, got your hankie handy? you too Bro, but Jay’s is older………..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KHAaRxyuQk&list=PL282D3875EE9CD403