Uninsured not qualifying for medical assistance = between 13.9 and 8.3 million

In addition to the quoted figures, a number of uninsured do not take advantage of medical assistance for low income workers and their families.

Will you receive the same level of care with public health?

The Obama administration stated government insurance would limit the use of new technology and treatments. The approach is meant to lower health care costs but has the effect of restricting the quality of care for many. The plan could also work against new technology and development making US economic markets for development less attractive.

If you pay less for health care, you will get less. Those of you who have HMO managed care will grasp that truth immediately.

Will you be able to keep your own health care provider and doctor?

President Obama was adamant in his promise to the American people. He said, "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. If you like your health care plan, you'll be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what."

AP later reported White House officials saying "the president's rhetoric shouldn't be taken literally."

Employers provide insurance for about 170 million employees. They shop for the most cost effective insurance and they pay a portion of employee health premiums. Eliminating health care coverage for employees, would cut down overhead costs for employers and would make good sense in any economy but especially in a downturn economy.

Why should employers pay for health insurance if the government will take that cost off their hands? They won't be able to compete with government lower costs.

Some have suggested that instead of adding $1 trillion dollars to a health program, Congress would do well to "fix" the Medicare program. If Medicare is an indication of how the government runs health care, we may be in trouble with government health care. Huge overruns and low estimated costs have plagued the system since Medicare began.

Our country is in deep financial trouble on many fronts. Instead of decreasing costs, the US government will be adding $1.3 trillion dollars to the existing system if the health care bill passes.

Finally, a quote from CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf, Harvard-trained Ph. D. economist, "The available evidence also suggests that a substantial share of spending on health care contributes little if anything to the overall health of the nation..."

The deficit is climbing.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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