Dems demand free health care for the rich

McQ over at Q and O adroitly points out that the Dems are trying to socialize health care in bits and drabs, using under-the-radar programs and "for the children" arguments:

As usual, that's not the whole truth. In fact, according to Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) the bill includes an provision which would provide health insurance for children of parents at 400% of the poverty threshold.

What does that mean in terms of household income?

$80,000 for a family of four. So this particular bill and those particular taxes are aimed at a completely new demographic which anyone, even some who hang out here, would have difficulty defining as poor (although they'll try ... just sit back and observe).

A program that provides health care for families earning $80k is simply welfare for the rich (and not unlike Social Security, btw).

The median household income in this country is a bit over $40k. A family earning $80k is in (approximately) the top 30% of incomes -- meaning they are wealthier than 70% of US households. So why are Democrats suggesting we need to be transferring money from other taxpayers to them?

Now that the Republicans are in opposition, we are seeing Bush start to act like, well, a Republican. He is making the case clearly and publicly.

"Members of Congress have decided, however, to expand the program to include, in some cases, up to families earning $80,000 a year — which would cause people to drop their private insurance in order to be involved with a government insurance plan," Bush said in a speech in suburban Maryland.

"If Congress continues to insist upon expanding health care through the SCHIP program — which, by the way, would entail a huge tax increase for the American people — I'll veto the bill," he said.

Better late than never. Maybe keeping Republicans in a slim minority is the best way forward...

Comments

[Darren]

I don't mind if the Dems have a slight edge in the House, but I would really like Republicans to run the White House and Senate.

[DirtCrashr]

Why can't they all enjoy the health benefits of Kaiser? ;-)
That might make them think.

[RockyMtn]

With apologies to Janis Joplin, single-payer is just another word for nothin' left to choose.

[moncler outlet]

Government spending is poverty. It is the destruction of wealth. Imagine a world of hungry people.