Sinking Health Bill Packed With Hidden Costs

Dems scramble to pass bill before true price emerges

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2009 1:43 AM CST

(Newser) – The Democrats are in a race against time to get a health care bill passed before the public realizes the scale of the hidden burdens involved, writes Michael Gerson. The money to provide comprehensive coverage to everyone has to come from somewhere, and young people, seniors and union workers who received "Cadillac" health plans instead of pay hikes will be footing much of the bill, Gerson writes in the Washington Post.

Many people are already realizing that the "health-care free lunch is to be provided at their expense," Gerson writes, noting that support for reform has dropped a full 20% in some polls. Another reason for the falling support is likely to be the "impression that all these deceptive burdens, risky moves, budget tricks, tax increases and new bureaucracies" are being thrown together for political reasons rather than for the good of Americans' health, Gerson concludes.

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The stricken ship MSC Napoli lies at an angle on in England much like the US health care bill seems to be listing. (Getty Images)

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The entire Democratic health reform effort is foundering, as its deep bow enters the shallow channel of fiscal reality. And that splash you hear is the sound of various groups being thrown from the ship to lighten the load. - Michael Gerson

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 17 comments

cornelison

Dec 18, 2009 1:59 AM CST

That's why public health care would be better. Treatments are not rationed but based on needs between you and your doctor. It's transparent, uses standardized forms, less red tape & the ELIMINATION of health insurance companies "hiring" politicians to do their (companies) bidding.

cornelison

Dec 17, 2009 6:13 AM CST

Allowing the free market to run free on it's own hasn't worked since 1980 & we are paying the price. The problem is the massive amount of money at the top and it's ability to hire the politicians to do what it (rich corporations) wants. Because of all the money concentrated in one country makes America to big to succeed.

cornelison

Dec 16, 2009 11:21 AM CST

Americans are going to have their premiums go way up. Americans will pay for all the lobbying costs in 2009. There are probably numerous loopholes. Finally, those insurance companies will probably give all their execs. big fat BONUSES.

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Sinking Health Bill Packed With Hidden Costs