HERE’S THE NEW BILL, SAME AS THE OLD BILL
In simplicity lies clarity. In complexity lie great opportunities for mischief. This is the story of the massive 1900-page House bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, HR3962. Like all the Democrat health care bills it’s huge, complicated and expensive. It hikes taxes, is coercive and is likely to insert bureaucrats into the doctor-patient relationship.
Here are some specifics of the bill. Beginning in 2013, the sale of private health insurance is prohibited, forcing individuals to purchase coverage through the federal government (page 94, section 202c)
Page 111 (section 223) establishes a new board of federal bureaucrats, the Health Benefits Advisory Committee, to determine what insurance plans we must buy.
Page 297 (section 501) imposes a 2.5 percent tax on all individuals who do not buy government-approved insurance. The tax will apply to people making under $250,000, breaking an oft-repeated promise by President Obama and Congressman Massa.
Page 313 (section 512) imposes an 8% tax on businesses that cannot afford to buy bureaucrat-approved insurance.
Page 336 (section 551) imposes an income tax surcharge on individuals making more than $500,000 and couples making more than $1,000,000. This will hit small business owners especially hard, costing more than 5.5 million jobs, according to an analysis done by one of Obama’s economic advisers.
Health care reform is a deadly serious matter which demands an honest and careful approach. So far, the Democrat-controlled Congress and Senate, along with President Obama, have failed this crucial test. We all deserve better.
