Health care redux: Phil Gingrey targets the AARP
This Monday, or perhaps the next one, the U.S. Supreme Court will render its judgment on President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul legislation, narrowly passed by Congress two years ago.
As a prelude, House Republicans are re-constructing the behind-the-scenes conversations that took place in 2009 and 2010. From the New York Times, as the weekend broke:
U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta. AJC file
WASHINGTON — After weeks of talks, drug industry lobbyists were growing nervous. To cut a deal with the White House on overhauling health care, they needed to be sure that President Obama would stop a proposal intended to bring down medicine prices.
On June 3, 2009, one of the lobbyists e-mailed Nancy-Ann DeParle, the president’s health care adviser. Ms. DeParle reassured the lobbyist. Although Mr. Obama was overseas, she wrote, she and other top officials had “made decision, based on how constructive you guys have been, to oppose importation” on a different proposal.
Just like that, Mr. Obama’s staff signaled a willingness to put aside support for the reimportation of prescription medicines at lower prices and by doing so solidified a compact with an industry the president had vilified on the campaign trail. Central to Mr. Obama’s drive to remake the nation’s health care system was an unlikely collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry that forced unappealing trade-offs.
The e-mail exchange three years ago was among a cache of messages obtained from the industry and released in recent weeks by House Republicans — including a new batch put out Friday detailing the industry’s advertising campaign supporting Mr. Obama’s health care overhaul. The broad contours of his dealings with the industry were known in 2009, but the newly public e-mails open a window into the compromises underlying a health care law now awaiting the judgment of the Supreme Court.
A memo released Friday by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce focused on the relationship between the White House and the pharmaceutical industry. U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta, a member of that committee and an obstetrician, is concentrating on another portion of the tale – he’s taking on the AARP.
From the Energy and Commerce memo:
Another powerful interest group, the AARP, was also a key player in White House efforts to direct advocacy campaigns and push legislation over the finish line. In December 2009, when health care legislation was one vote short in the Senate, Messina communicated with the AARP:
From: Messina, Jim
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 12:49 PM (GMT)
To: LeaMond, Nancy
Subject: Hey
We need barry rand to go meet with ben nelson personally and just lay it on the line. “We will be with you, we will protect you. But if you kill this bill, seniors will not forget.”
We are at 59, we have to have him
Messina did not just want a meeting; he wanted phone calls, and lots of them. Messina asked the AARP: “Can we get immediate robo calls into Nebraska urging nelson to vote for cloture?” Messina also forwarded the AARP a list of “top 25 targets list from house leadership” that were “to get thanked with ads after the vote.” Yet, during the push for health care legislation, AARP was overwhelmed with calls opposing the health care legislation: “Our calls against reform are coming in 14 to 1.”
Phone calls were not the only thing letting AARP know that embracing the White House push for any health care law might not be publicly supported.
When the White House Office of Public Engagement approached AARP to provide an official for a roundtable, a representative replied: “…I think we will try to keep a little space between us and the White House on the issue. Our polling shows we are more influential when we are seen as independent, so we want to reinforce that positioning.” Ten days later an AARP representative forwarded Messina and DeParle a press release announcing “Survey Finds AARP Members Back Critical Provisions of Health Care Reform Legislation.” Messina replied: “Excellent.”
The AARP endorsed both the House health care bill and the Senate health care bill.
Said Gingrey, through spokeswoman Jen Talaber:
”Our Medicare program is going bankrupt, and our seniors need solutions. They don’t need political organizations selling them out to the White House. Obamacare cut more than $500 billion out of the Medicare program, and the AARP supports that….
“Now I know why they made a deal with the White House. As a physician I believe my former patients deserve answers from AARP on why they’re taking orders from the White House. This deserves closer public scrutiny.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook.
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
65 comments Add your comment
Rockerbabe0
June 9th, 2012
3:40 pm
There goes those republicans, selling out the American consumer in favor of the filthy rich drug companies. As a working 60 year old, who is a licensed healthcare provider, I see daily the misery caused by meds that are too expensive for many seniors to afford with their little pensions and SS. Often, it is a matter of eating or taking their meds and half doses of meds are not uncommon as they struggle to make ends meet! If it were not for their adult kids helping out, many would be worse off than they are now.
Medicare should be given the option, like the VAMC does, of negiotating with the drug companies over price and quantity and availabilty of meds. Until then, let senior and anyone else who needs a break, let them get their meds abroad. Most Europeans are healthier and have lower medical care cost than we do. . .
Gingrich is on the wrong side of this issue and needs to be told by his constitutents that he needs to start supporting them and let the drug companies fend for themselves.
Centrist
June 9th, 2012
3:41 pm
Obamacare will get radically revised or completely replaced. It is too early to speculate what healthcare will look like when it will be overhauled mostly next year – regardless how the Supreme Court rules. Too many waivers, wrong cost projections, etc. have happened to this partisan plan for it to stand even on the oft chance SCOTUS lets it stand.
If the SCOTUS likely rules partially or completely against Obamacare – both parties will scramble to do some patchwork for the rest of this election year, and kick that issue along with taxes, spending cuts, sequestration, and anything else of consequence until after the election. Of course, both sides will harrumph their party lines until then. This has been an ongoing, disgusting, political issue dealing with special interests without logical solutions or regard to public consumers who pay for it.
RGB
June 9th, 2012
3:45 pm
I applaud Dr. Gingrey for exposing AARP for the sham political organization it is. There is nothing transparent, honest, or selfless about AARP. And remember there are conservative alternatives to AARP such as AMAC.
And shame on the drug companies who sold their souls for a few pieces of silver from the Obama administration.
Phil Gingrey is spot-on with this one. Keep it up!
RGB
June 9th, 2012
3:49 pm
Rockerbabe0,
You obviously didn’t use an appropriate standard of care when reading the article. It’s Gingrey not Gingrich (who is no longer an elected official). And it is AARP and the Obama Administration (did you know he’s a Democrat) who were cited for opposing drug importation.
Perhaps this “working 60 year old, who is a licensed healthcare provider” should surrender her license and no longer put the health of the public at risk. BTW, what does your age have to do with anything? All you libs focus on is people’s age, sex, race, etc. Stop it.
The Snark
June 9th, 2012
4:10 pm
What is it about politics that seems to bring out the snarling, angry hate in people like RGB? Dude, have a beer or something.
And by the way — even if the drug companies had souls, they would not need to sell them for a few pieces of silver from the Obama adminstration. They got billions from the Bush Administration in the Medicaid Part D bill. (With, it must be said, the willing assistance of Congressional Democrats and the AARP.) Big Government Republicans using our tax money in the hopes of securing Karl Rove’s “permanent majority.”
Going Right
June 9th, 2012
4:41 pm
The Snark @ 4:10pm; “…What is it about politics that seems to bring out the snarling, angry hate in people like RGB?”
I believe you’re on the wrong blog and are reading something else. The few of us on this blog apparently might agree with RGB and see no “angry hate” in anything he said. You, DUDE might give your meds a second look and have the dosages increased.
Going Right
June 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
I might add that it was the AARP who enthusiastically jumped on the ObamaScare program when it was passed. Why? Guess who sells a ton of “Supplemental Insurance policies? Well, yes, they are behind the “shovel-ready” program four-square. That dear fellow, is not being angry; that is fact.
Rockerbabe0
June 9th, 2012
4:47 pm
RGB: and what is your justification for stating I should surrender my license. . .I haven’t done any harm to my patients and I haven’t broken any laws.
Just because I differ with you on the drug issue, is no reason to hold such a nasty attitude. I work hard and do the best I can for my patients, but our healthcare industry is not easy to navigate for anyone and the cost is way out of proportion to the benefits. My age has everything to do with skill set, knowledge, wisdom and compassion. While I do not intend to retire for another 7-10 years, one never know what the future will bring and having a healthcare system that has reasonable cost for meds, is not asking too much.
AARP member Kris
June 9th, 2012
5:08 pm
Dirty low down give me kick back money republicans. Recall Gingrey and all the stinking crooked GOP.
Go AARP
Obama 2012
Going Right
June 9th, 2012
5:53 pm
AARP member Kris @ 5:08pm;
Seems I made a mistake with the Snark. I should have waited for your post and advised you to re-check your meds. How insightful you are nailing those “dirty, low-down, give me kick back money republicans.” Boy are you brilliant…you are magnificent! I wish I could get you to give me some good advice on some stocks to buy!
Amazing
June 9th, 2012
6:03 pm
It is amazing that Republicans are going after AARP because of their lobbying for the Healthcare law. Once again, Republicans demonstrate their hypocrisy nows no limits. The Super PACs funded by the Koch brothers, Rove, Edelman and others are doing the same exact thing that the high and mighty Gingrey is accusing the AARP. I would sincerely advise Gingrey to realize he too lives in a glass house and to be careful where he throws his stones.
This is Mrs. Norman Maine
June 9th, 2012
6:10 pm
Doctor Gingrey should be ashamed of himself. He long ago sold out the promise he made when he took the Hippocratic oath to his personal right-wing beliefs and uses his status as a physician to legitimize his loopy views.
I’m not even a senior and I belong to the AARP. As a healthcare professional who works with the elderly, I have been nothing with impressed with the committment the AARP shows to its members as well as all seniors. I canNOT say the same for the charlatan Gingrey.
Jim-dawg
June 9th, 2012
6:35 pm
Great to hear Dr. Gingrey stand up to AARP. For an organization that claims to have seniors’ best interests at heart, it was quick to push for Obamacare, which guts Medicare without making the kind of healthcare reforms that will decrease costs for seniors (and younger Americans as well).
Not to mention that Obamacare unconstitutionally forces people to buy a product under threat of fine. Shame on AARP for supporting Obamacare, and thanks Dr. Gingrey for pointing out the hypocrisy of this leftist organization.
yuzeyurbrane
June 9th, 2012
6:57 pm
The AARP supported the Healthcare Reform Act after obtaining significant benefits for its members like a closure of the “doughnut hole” on prescription drugs and a proviso that any Medicare savings would come from enhanced efficiencies from providers rather than cuts in benefits. So what is new and what is to be ashamed of? Gingrey does care about pay for his peers in medicine but has no demonstrable track record of giving a hoot about seniors. He would turn Medicare into a voucher system that would cost his senior patients thousands of dollars more out of pocket. Besides being a doctor, he is a member of the world’s oldest profession.
Health care redux: Phil Gingrey targets the AARP – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Online Pharmacy Toll FREE (877) 341-5552
June 9th, 2012
6:59 pm
[...] site: Health care redux: Phil Gingrey targets the AARP – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) Share this:Facebook Posted in Health News, Uncategorized | Tagged classifieds, education, [...]
Health care redux: Phil Gingrey targets the AARP – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | International Health Tribune
June 9th, 2012
7:01 pm
[...] rest is here: Health care redux: Phil Gingrey targets the AARP – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) Tags aarp, care-overhaul, gingrey, its-judgment, journal, monday, president, supreme, [...]
yuzeyurbrane
June 9th, 2012
7:03 pm
P.S.–The AARP by its support of the Health Care Reform Act also assured health insurance for its millions of members who are between 50 and 65 years of age, a group that has been hard hit by layoffs since 2007.
Buckhead Boy
June 9th, 2012
7:23 pm
Yes, the Obama Adminstration did endeavor to develop a consensus among the competing interests in the health care debate. As a consequence, the outcome is hardly ideal. I would be delighted to consider an alternative vision from the Republicans for addressing the spiraling costs and the growing number of uninsured, but I despair of ever hearing one.
Centrist
June 9th, 2012
7:32 pm
I often point out left wing bias by jgalloway (and a majority of his followers here), but must give credit today for his pointing out gross pharmaceutical industry and AARP special interest lobbying that got included in the partisan Obamacare law. Most of the posters here today ignored that, and went on with their partisan bashing as if it was the Republicans’ fault.
Buckhead Boy posted ” I would be delighted to consider an alternative vision from the Republicans for addressing the spiraling costs and the growing number of uninsured, but I despair of ever hearing one.” He never listened or looked. http://www.gop.gov/indepth/pledge/healthcare
double
June 9th, 2012
7:47 pm
I have never understood why medicines cost more in the USA.Mexico/Canada are cheaper I’m told.Do they subsidise their peoples med cost or do we?
double
June 9th, 2012
7:49 pm
Z Z Z
Weetamoe
June 9th, 2012
8:07 pm
Nancy Ann Min deParle was a Clinton appointee who was responsible for late and confusing messages about Medicare regulations.. The Obama administration brought her back. Talk about republicans living in the past! The Obama administration is Clinton redux with all the former shiftless appointees but with none of the smart bipartisan governing that made the economy work. Many of the comments here blame republicans for the quid pro quos of Obamacare even though republicans were totally shut out of negotiations and told they would have to read the bill (after it was passed by a solidly democrat house and senate) to see what was in it.
yuzeyurbrane
June 9th, 2012
8:15 pm
Centrist–I read your link but apparently you did not because it makes no meaningful proposals to reign in skyrocketing medical costs or to provide anywhere near the 32 million additional people who will be covered by Obamacare. It is very similar, and perhaps identical, to the proposal by our Congressman Dr. Tom Price which by his own admission would only insure an additional 3 million persons. Quite frankly, your protestations of being a “centrist” and your usually inaccurate link documentation are beginning to become tiresome.
Just A Grunt
June 9th, 2012
8:17 pm
While Mr Gingrey is looking into AARP he might want to ask some questions about how was it possible the the Healthcare legislation effectively killed off a type of insurance called Medicare Advantage for all except the company which underwrites the policies for AARP. It is very apparent to all but the most uninformed that this healthcare legislation was just another Pay for Play scheme on steroids. Hopefully SCOTUS will strike it down and then Congress can quickly draft a bill which includes the portions that are most beneficial such as the pre existing conditions and coverage of children and in about 5 pages accomplish what Nancy Pelosi tried to do in 2800.
Krin (no meds needed)
June 9th, 2012
8:21 pm
Going Right
June 9th, 2012
5:53 pm
Since you sound like a card toting GOP member I would suggest
you steel some pork bellies from he old and poor……………..nuff said
PS: TAKE YOUR MEDS
Kris (no meds needed)
June 9th, 2012
8:23 pm
By the way I just donated to AARP too help fight Gingrey and his kind.
Kris (no meds needed)
June 9th, 2012
9:06 pm
Is gingry so hard up to get his name in the news media (clown GOP circus) By taking on the AARP. He must be failing on his reelection bid ….Gee I wonder WHY. Perhaps he is not a good doctor that’s why most of them go in to politics, To get the Gov’t pension…And yes when he leaves office he will be first in line to get gov’t $$$ share. I suggest he check out this web site. http://waronwomen.com Don’t forget the handouts’ from lobbyist.
TO Gingrey and his GOP clown circus
I will work to ensure you and your fellow Republicans reap unprecedented losses in November.
Going Right
June 9th, 2012
10:40 pm
Krin (no meds needed) @8:21pm
Since you sound like a card toting GOP member I would suggest
you steel some pork bellies from he old and poor……………..nuff said
PS: TAKE YOUR MEDS
(A) – Not a card-carrying GOP member – they are too far to the left;
(B) – I don’t “steel” (sic), particularly from the poor – only those on blogs with poor grammar;
(C) – Pork bellies? What century have you re-entered?
(D) – But, thanx for reminding me to take my meds.
Centrist
June 9th, 2012
10:41 pm
@ Kris – Incumbent Representative Phil Gingrey will face challengers Michael Opitz of Marietta and William Llop of Sandy Springs in the Republican primary July 31. (Real question) Which one of these (or a November Democrat) is going to knock him off?
Other than Obama likely getting re-elected, I don’t think you will see “unprecedented losses” for Republicans in the House and Senate in November. We either get more gridlock, or maybe some statesmen will step up and find some common middle (centrist) ground on health care, spending, taxes, debt, and sequestration. (Rhetorical questions) Does an Obama legacy go further left into gridlock, or toward the center after facing the voters for a last time? Do Republicans adopt a Buffet rule to address “fairness” and drop social/religious legislative demands to possibly meet in the center? Hope springs eternal.
Kris (in some year)
June 9th, 2012
11:07 pm
Centrist, Going Right.
First of all Thank you!
I will leave you with this thought.
Silence can be good at times, but then again it is best to just say what you need to and let whatever happen just happen…..
Obama 2012
S
June 9th, 2012
11:13 pm
Remember it is divide and conquer, its the Republican way. Republicans know that of all the voters, it’s Seniors who vote most consistently. The Republicans want to take the AARP group to task so as to divide the seniors so they will vote against their own self interest, by saying that AARP does not work for the Seniors..don’t believe it! Republicans want to do away with Medicare and Social Security and they need the Senior votes to do this, don’t fall for these Republican lies. The Republican Plan the “Paul Ryan Plan” which I’m sure Gingrey has signed on to, will destroy Medicare as we know it. Gingrey is full of Beans and is sure not a friend to Seniors.
Kris
June 9th, 2012
11:35 pm
S
Amen. Your so right!
For others https://aarp.com To read more.
Ol' Timer
June 9th, 2012
11:36 pm
In a word, Gingrey is a joke. He’s an embarrassment and a caricature of what a legislator should be. The only thing worse than Gingrey is the folks who voted to put this clown in Congress.
Kris
June 9th, 2012
11:45 pm
Mistake: Fake doctors and politicians.
• Cause: Con artists pretend to be doctors and politicians.
• Consequences: Medical treatments backfire. Instead of getting better, {voters get screwed} and the sick get sicker. God bless the poor they work harder and get poorer.
• Prevention: Confirm online that your physician is licensed. Too bad politicians’ don’t need a license (never mind they would sign a petition that they have one.
• Example case: American people. That work hard to make a living.
I will work to ensure the clown party (GOP) reap unprecedented losses in November.
Obama (November 2012)
PCGOPExaminer
June 10th, 2012
12:12 am
Gingrey is a friend to all, including Seniors. AARP is a liberal organization and I will not in a short few years use them. I will use the conservative senior citizen groups, NOT AARP, who by the way, lost a lot of members after the socialist Obamacare was passed. There you have it. SO stop whining liberals and get with the program.
Attack Dog
June 10th, 2012
5:54 am
1. I”m still waiting for Dixiecrats to explain why they are against the portions of the Affordable Heathcare Act that they originally introduced! 2. AARP has been offering supplemental insurance, long before the AHA. 3. If Dixiecrats have the great alternative to AHA, why haven’t they introduced a comprehensive plan?
Father A. Long
June 10th, 2012
6:36 am
Always Against Retired People.AARP!
dcb
June 10th, 2012
7:06 am
The AARP public statement that seniors support Obama’s health care reform proposal was exactly the reason I dropped my membership. The survey that was answered in no way even suggested support or opposition to what was in the health care bill. Rather it simply asked seniors whether they were concerned about health care and the cost as currently available. Then AARP transformed the results into an Obamacare testimonial. Disgusting. What is now coming out as backroom deals between AARP, the drug industry, Ben Nelson’s vote, and I’m sure others is what should have been suspected all along. But of course as Harry Reid said then and while smart enough to stuff the comment now, still thinks – “hey, what’s all the fuss? It’s only politics!”
Jackie
June 10th, 2012
7:23 am
The AARP sold out the interests of its members for the ideology of it’s leadership. Obama and the democrats were condemning the drug companies publically but were secretly getting big money from them and giving them what they wanted. There are a few liberals so blinded with hate that they don’t understand what a bad idea Obamacare is and how hypocritical Obama is. But they are fewer every day.
Jack
June 10th, 2012
7:26 am
If you are an empoyer and support Obamacare, you’d best read through the entire plan. It’s simply another Obama plan to enforce “fairness”; fairness meaning insurance to cover parasites paid for by productive people. And IRS is supposed to police this nightmare of rules and regulations. Good luck when you have to prove you have insuance when you file your return.
carlosgvv
June 10th, 2012
7:58 am
In the 1940’s, President Truman tried to get a national health insurance plan with prepaid medical and dental services financed by a payroll tax. The American Medical Asslociation called the plan “socialized medicine” and raised $3 million to oppose it. They were successful. Greed ruled then. Greed rules now.
catlady
June 10th, 2012
10:38 am
One thing I don’t understand: HOW is the GOP so good at getting the common people to vote against their own self-interest? Is it hypnotism?
CJ
June 10th, 2012
10:41 am
Once again, the Republicans can find fault, but can NEVER innovate an original solution of their own.
Capitol Idea
June 10th, 2012
10:42 am
Gingrey claims that Medicare is going bust and seniors need a solution and then states that Obama’s health insurance legislation reduces Medicare cost by $500 billion. President Obama should issue a thank yo to one Republican that finally gets it. Gingrey does get what he said, doesn’t he?
Centrist
June 10th, 2012
10:55 am
The self-interest of productive Republicans have limits as to how much they are willing to support the non-productive. Liberals have no limits; and don’t understand how corrosive such policies, outstripping supply with increased demand, and adding debt are.
DannyX
June 10th, 2012
10:59 am
Centrist @ 7:32pm…”Most of the posters here today ignored that, and went on with their partisan bashing as if it was the Republicans’ fault.”
Just like Republican partisans like “Centrist” continue to ignore the fact that the thing they most hate about Obamacare, the insurance mandate, is a complete ripoff of the Massachusetts law that was signed into law by their REPUBLICAN governor and now REPUBLICAN candidate for president Mitt Romney.
Does Romneycare go down with Obamacare if the Supreme Court rules against it?
DannyX
June 10th, 2012
11:04 am
“The self-interest of productive Republicans have limits as to how much they are willing to support the non-productive. Liberals have no limits; and don’t understand how corrosive such policies, outstripping supply with increased demand, and adding debt are.”
LOL! conservative Republicans gave us the unfunded socialist Medicare Part D drug program. You know, the socialist program that benefits mainly unproductive senior citizens.
Rafe Hollister
June 10th, 2012
11:19 am
CJ
Once again, the Republicans can find fault, but can NEVER innovate an original solution of their own.
Not true. Look at welfare reform, one of the few pieces of legislation passed in the last 25 years that is successful and has not added to the deficit. Can’t say that about the Dem programs, including Oblamercare. Yes, Clinton signed the legislation, but he vetoed it twice, before being dragged kicking and screaming by the American people back to the desk to sign it. Now, he claims credit for it.
Only true partisan hacks can read the article above and not be repulsed by the actions of the AARP, the drug companies, and Oblamer. Good job Mr. Galloway.
DannyX
June 10th, 2012
11:21 am
“Yes, Clinton signed the legislation,”
LOL!
“Only true partisan hacks…”
Rafe, you don’t deny being a “partisan hack” do you?
Rafe Hollister
June 10th, 2012
11:29 am
DannyX
LOL! conservative Republicans gave us the unfunded socialist Medicare Part D drug program.
_________
I agree, they should be beat repeatedly about the head and shoulders about it at every opportunity. Another stupid entitlement program we couldn’t afford, then nor now. But, as you read above, Oblamer doubled down on this program by closing the donut hole, when we were even deeper in debt.
So, we have one socialist program that is not affordable pushed by W and the GOP, and how many have the Dems pushed through? We need to vote against those Reps in the primaries that voted for the Medicare Part D program and against all Dems in the general election, that voted for Oblamacare, Obama-phones, cash for clunkers, the stimulus, green energy, etc.
Right
June 10th, 2012
11:30 am
Support the AARP. Stop the anti-healthcare, anti-everything GOP now.
Rafe Hollister
June 10th, 2012
11:31 am
DannyX
A truth partisan, Danny!
Centrist
June 10th, 2012
11:38 am
Liberal attempts within Massachusetts Democrat legislature were about to take over the healthcare system with the imposition of a payroll tax of up to $1,700 per employee on all businesses who did not offer health insurance to their employees. Romney’s plan that was overwhelming accepted in its stead had many different features. Romney vetoed significant sections of the bill including the employer penalty for not providing health insurance, favoring an “opt out” provision from the mandate – which States are authorized to impose. The Massachusetts plan:
-No federal gov. insurance option
-Intended as a market driven solution to healthcare
-No increased taxes and balanced the State budget.
Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on Obamacare, Romneycare will remain constitutional.
Partisans trying to discredit Romney for substituting a less liberal plan his veto may have been overturned is not going to help Obama like it was meant to help Santorum and Gingrich.
Pizzaman
June 10th, 2012
11:45 am
Drugs in Mexico are so cheap its ludicrous. Not sure about Canada. It may be cheaper than the US but every customs/immigration line I’ve stood in coming back from Mexico has had more Canadians, with bigger bags, than it did Americans.
Every President since Wilson has proposed universal health care of some sort. Only Bush, Jr with Medicare C & D and The President have had any success.
And yes Virginia, the Republicans are hypocrites also. The so called Obama care is almost exactly the same as Gingrich proposed in ‘96 just before his downfall. Additionally, they complain about the $500 million cut from Medicare. They complain because a lot of that $500 mil targets Medicare C & D.
Medicare C, which deals with supplemental insurance that covers the 20% Medicare doesn’t pay and Medicare D, the prescription drug portion are big cash cows for insurance and pharmaceutical companies. It just shows insurance and pharmaceutical companies will pay anybody to get what they want even if it’s not in our best interests..
DannyX
June 10th, 2012
12:14 pm
From the Western Republican Leadership Conference Debate,
ROMNEY: Actually, Newt, we got the idea of an individual mandate from you.
GINGRICH: That’s not true. You got it from the Heritage Foundation.
ROMNEY: Yes, we got it from you, and you got it from the Heritage Foundation and from you.
Only partisan Republican hacks like “Centrist” pretend that Republicans didn’t come up with the individual insurance mandate idea.
Moderateone
June 10th, 2012
12:18 pm
Weetamoe: Wrong! The republicans in Congress WERE consulted, but because they were against anything a democrat might propose (no matter who it was – it could have been George Washington and they’d oppose it) they threw up roadblocks at everyturn. It was their idea and the health care industry to throw in the insurance mandate. Obama was against it but wanted to work in a bipartisan manner, which this current crop of GOPers – including Mr. “how dare you soldiers in Iraq complain about lack of protective armour and shielding of trucks to Mr. Rumsfield” Gingrey, who always follows the leader and never has been able to give good advice unless it’s approved by his corporate masters couldn’t care less about. Do you see him complaining about all of the corporate money and policy insistance going on now? NO! He’s just another hypocrite who should be thrown out of office.
Toby Cash
June 10th, 2012
12:42 pm
Why are we not surprised to find out that Democrats and AARP brass are Bedfellows?
FriendofBillCrane
June 10th, 2012
1:48 pm
Wish I had the date and time (less than two years ago) of Gingrey’s speech on the floor, praising the AARP….he was oozing…..serves him right.
BIg Hat
June 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
Die, poor people, die, die, die! Die, black people, die, die, die! Die, brown people, die, die, die! Die, sluts, die, die, die! Die, old people, die, die, die! Die, handicapped, die, die, die! Die, middle-class, die, die, die! Die, workers, die, die, die! Die, Medicare, die, die, die! Die, Medicaid, die, die, die! Die, all non-rich, non-corporate people, die, die, die! *Actual lyrics from the rap song “Cop Killer” by the famous white rapper “Very White.”
Going Right
June 10th, 2012
3:52 pm
The bin Obama “HealthScare” bill as passed by the bin Obama Congress without any input or discussion from the Republican Party is a potential economic disaster as it will (would?) within a couple of years double insurance premiums due to the provisions it has. For example: It is reported by reliable sources on both the right and left that one who has serious health problems has to be covered and cannot be denied insurance. No qualms about this from me as I am a believer in a comprehensive program that will offer – not give – insurance to all at a decent price. Problem with bin ObamaScare is that those who sign up for severe illnesses or immediate heretofore un-insurable reasons MUST BE offered insurance and cannot be denied. OK so far? Well, the bin ObamaScare program doesn’t say one cannot DROP the insurance once healed or no longer needed but at any other time he/she (or it) may apply an be granted insurance again – which may be dropped – again.
I would suggest those of you socialist lefties on this blog take some time t read about the negatives of the “Scare” program. If the SCOTUS agrees with the bin Obama administration and hold that the mandate to have insurance or be penalized, etc. is upheld, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet as they say. I believe the operative words will be “skyrocketing costs.”
If it doesn’t affect you then you can cheer but those of us who have insurance and have to pay for contraceptives and free health for others may not like it.
Jackie
June 10th, 2012
3:59 pm
Nonsense, the Democrats passed THE MOST LIBERAL bill they could shove beg and bribe through a lame duck congress. It was a choice to forget about being bi partisan and to forget about consensus. part of the reason OBamacare is so unpopular is that the liberals went it alone by choice.
obama4ever
June 10th, 2012
4:22 pm
THe same supreme court that annointed W, is going to go full Scarsdale on the healthcare plan, and keel it dead.
James
June 10th, 2012
4:29 pm
To hell with the AARP and all their mindless idiot followers
Tiffany
June 10th, 2012
5:37 pm
Republicans have been taking a lot of steps to take down the ACA, even though it would provide inexpensive health care to Americans that is way better than the one we have in place now (Sam Ennis, a health care lawyer, has a good column on this here: http://www.constructionlitmag.com/additions/appeal-of-the-affordable-care-act). Hopefully the Supreme Court won’t repeal it, but the outlook isn’t good.
Going Right
June 10th, 2012
6:44 pm
Tiffany @ 5.37p; “…Hopefully the Supreme Court won’t repeal it, but the outlook isn’t good.”
Who says us Republicans can’t agree with you Dimocrats? I, too, pray that the outlook “isn’t good!”