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Pelosi Presents $900B Health Care Bill

It could go to the floor as early as next week

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 29, 2009 10:27 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Nancy Pelosi showed off the House’s sweeping health care reform bill today, boasting that it was a historic step toward providing quality health care for nearly all Americans. The bill, which officials say will cost roughly $900 billion over 10 years, would cover 96% of the country, requiring nearly everyone to buy health insurance by 2013. Individuals could do this on a regulated exchange, where private insurers would compete with a new public option.

Until then, temporary government programs will provide help for people who’ve been turned away from private insurance companies, reports AP. The plan will also significantly expand Medicaid. No Republicans are expected to vote for the bill, complaining that it would raise taxes on upper-income earners, and cut Medicare payments to insurers. "Americans' health care is too important to risk on one gigantic bill that was negotiated behind closed doors," says one Michigan Rep.

President Barack Obama, accompanied by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., waves as he leaves the Rotunda on Capitol Hill, Oct. 28, 2009.
President Barack Obama, accompanied by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., waves as he leaves the Rotunda on Capitol Hill, Oct. 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Nancy Pelosi discusses health care during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 23, 2009.
Nancy Pelosi discusses health care during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Friday, Oct. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 74 comments
USAHomeofthebrave
Oct 30, 2009 12:02 PM CDT
From people who work 40+ hrs a week. From the producers. From people who work hard. Anyone who supports plastic-face pelosi and her believes is a evil,sub-human, piece of crap!!!!!!!!!!!!
chas_m
Oct 30, 2009 1:14 AM CDT
Meanwhile, the rest of the industrialised world, with our higher average lifespan, better physical condition, lower infant mortality rates, etc etc ... are laughing.
Fondue
Oct 29, 2009 10:21 AM CDT
You don't seem to understand what the PO is. It is an insurance policy. Tell me, can an undocumented alien use your private policy? Your Medicare? The PO is a policy that qualified individuals have to apply for. Might I suggest, since you don't understand, go to the link and begin reading on page 211. http://health.burgess.house.go...

 
Nancy Pelosi • House of Representatives • health care reform • public option

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