By now you’ve heard all the accolades the president has made about the new healthcare law. He said, “So this law means more choice, more competition, lower costs for millions of Americans.” Yeah…right!
Does anyone even know what’s in the new law? I mean, the president has made so many promises. According to the president, “[W]hatever ideas exist in terms of bending the cost curve and starting to reduce costs for families, businesses, and government, those elements are in this bill.” This is Washingtonese for “just trust us.”
And, here’s one of the biggest lies ever in Washington, and that’s saying a lot! “I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits—either now or in the future.” This statement totally contradicts Government Accountability Office scoring that said the law would add trillions of dollars to the national debt.
And, then the president promised, “we’ll lower premiums by up to $2,500 for a typical family per year.” How in the world did Americans elect this man to office? All of his promises about the new healthcare law are patently wrong.
But, two of the president’s promises have turned the world of news into a maelstrom: “[T]hat means that no matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise to the American people: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period.” Wait a minute. That’s sounds vaguely familiar…. Didn’t he also say, “If you like your health care plan, you’ll be able to keep your health care plan, period.” Hmmmmm.
By now, of course, you realize I have been talking about President Obama, and he made all of the promises above. The Democratic House and Senate squeaked the bill through Congress with no Republican votes and forced the law down the throats of the American people with a host of bogus promises.
In March 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that 21 million people would be enrolled in Obamacare exchanges. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, by 2016 between 9.4 million and 11.4 million had signed up.
What about keeping your plan? Alabama used to have 23 health insurers. Now Alabama has 3. Arkansas had 24 health insurers, but now has only 4. Sounds like many families lost their plans.
How about lowering premiums by up to $2,500 for a typical family? The Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust issued a report that found average employers’ family premiums have risen $4,865 since 2008.
After the 2,700-page behemoth was signed, dozens of economists explained why Obamacare not only couldn’t work, but would also make health insurance rates go up and limit health care choices. They were correct. The Democrats are still in denial.
Seven years after the president signed the bill, the shoe is on the other foot and Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. That’s no coincidence. The House passed a new healthcare bill last week and the Senate will begin studying it, changing it, and making amendments. Nothing is set in stone. Nevertheless, Democrats are already claiming if the bill becomes law “thousands will die.” The last time we believed the Democrats we got Obamacare, and now our health insurance and healthcare are in dire straits.