Ace of Spades HQ

December 18, 2013

— Ace

Gabe earlier recommended the read-the-whole-thing treatment for this article. Andy did, and pulled this quote:

"It's still unclear how much cooperation HHS will get from insurers, who have been asked to extend payment deadlines into January, cover people's drugs and medical treatment if they are between plans and allow people to sign up later than Dec. 23 to get insurance Jan. 1. Health industry consultant Kip Piper said HHS doesn't have the authority to enforce what he calls these "political requests." But HHS said it will consider insurers' cooperation now when it decides which ones can participate on the insurance exchanges next year.
"They are simultaneously asking insurers to assume the cost and risk of non-payment, taking public credit for it, and threatening insurers with loss of business if they don't comply," said Piper, a former government and insurance industry official."

So, either insure people who aren't really insured (as they haven't paid yet) or be excluded from selling insurance entirely.

Obama made them an offer they couldn't refuse. So they didn't.

Insurers have agreed to extend the deadline for individuals to pay for insurance policies they choose through President Obama's health care program, industry group America's Health Insurance Plans announced Wednesday, about a week after the Department of Health and Human Services "strongly encouraged" it to do so.
As a result of the change, individuals who pick plans by Dec. 23 will be considered covered as of Jan. 1 as long as they pay their first month's premiums by Jan. 10. Previously, payment had been required by Dec. 31.
"The short time period in which to complete these steps, particularly around the holidays, combined with the ongoing technical issues with healthcare.gov have raised concerns that some consumersÂ’ coverage may not be able to begin on January 1," AHIP wrote in a statement.

AHIP has not yet said if they'll undertake the other money-losing actions they were "strongly encouraged" to take, such as treating doctors not in the health care network as being in the network. That is, paying certain doctors for health care despite having no actual contract with them.

Obama ordered this -- I mean, strongly encouraged this -- so that people wouldn't realize, at least for a few months, that they were now unable to "keep [their] doctor," as repeatedly promised.

Posted by: Ace at 01:08 PM | Comments (204)
Post contains 392 words, total size 3 kb.

1 if only there were a governmental body to deal with things like this

Posted by: oc joe at December 18, 2013 01:09 PM (5fkya)

2 Don't make me come over there, insurance companies!

Posted by: Pajama Boy at December 18, 2013 01:10 PM (ebmsN)

3 Bravo, amigo.

May I shake your hand, again?

Posted by: Raul Castro at December 18, 2013 01:12 PM (LDsJ6)

4 Also, Best Buy's big-screen TV prices are looking a little high these days. Just sayin.'

Posted by: Eric Holder at December 18, 2013 01:12 PM (8ZskC)

5 What is this unicorn head doing in my bed?

Posted by: wooga at December 18, 2013 01:12 PM (6UXQc)

6 Obama made them an offer they couldn't refuse. So they didn't. Laws? What laws?

Posted by: rickb223 at December 18, 2013 01:12 PM (qc7at)

7 He reminds me more and more of Mussolini every day... especially when I see the pic of him with his chin out. Fucking fascist.

I would love to see him hanged upside down from the portico of the White House, then beheaded and his head on a pike.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at December 18, 2013 01:12 PM (f9c2L)

8 Nice insurance company you've got there.

It'd be a shame if something were to happen to it.

Posted by: Splunge at December 18, 2013 01:12 PM (bKA83)

9 Emperor Breezy can blow me

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:13 PM (zOTsN)

10 It's the Chicago Way boys....

Iron Ballet Dancer probably told SCOAMF to play the cut me in or cut it out game.

Posted by: sven10077 at December 18, 2013 01:13 PM (9jfyN)

11 as long as they pay their first month's premiums by Jan. 10.

Yeah, that'll happen.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs a beer at December 18, 2013 01:13 PM (ZKzrr)

12 If I cooperate the alligator will eat me last!

Posted by: Health Insurance Co. at December 18, 2013 01:13 PM (ruxvM)

13 Isn't there one, just one head of a major insurance company who is near retirement and has the stones to tell these people to piss up a rope? Are they all cocoa-swilling, footie PJ wearing eunuchs?

Posted by: pep at December 18, 2013 01:13 PM (6TB1Z)

14 Whatever, its not like anyones going to do a damned thing about. The GOP is too busy trying to figure out how to cram 30 million mexicans down our throats to worry about what the king does.

Posted by: Kreplach at December 18, 2013 01:13 PM (qad38)

15 Ever since I took Urkel's lunch money, he's been trying to pretend he's me.

Posted by: Vladimir Putin at December 18, 2013 01:14 PM (bKA83)

16 "AHIP has not yet said if they'll undertake the other money-losing actions they were 'strongly encouraged' to take"

Dear health insurers:

A fucking river. Cry me one.

Seriously, these Big Insurance numbnuts were right there at the table in the locked smoke-filled back rooms in the middle of the night when the original Obamacare bill was being hashed out.

And the insurance execs thought it was GREAT STUFF. Hey, having customers _mandated by penalty of federal law_ to buy the product? Damn, what an arrangement!

Now they're finding out they're in bed with the devil. Boo hoo.

Posted by: torquewrench at December 18, 2013 01:14 PM (gqT4g)

17 The fourth branch of the federal government: The Mafia Branch.

Posted by: dogfish at December 18, 2013 01:14 PM (nsOJa)

18 I will gladly pay you Friday for insurance coverage I can use on Wednesday. WimpyCare!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars [/i] [/b] [/s] at December 18, 2013 01:14 PM (HsTG8)

19
"Because...... I'll owe you."

Posted by: Don Obama Corlione at December 18, 2013 01:15 PM (nELVU)

20 So? That's how we do it in Chicago!

Posted by: Rat-faced Jarrett and her coven of Commie fucks at December 18, 2013 01:15 PM (6fSty)

21 Don't make me send "icepick" Holder over to have to splain this to you.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/s] at December 18, 2013 01:15 PM (70Unk)

22 Obama is not concerned about the cost to cover the massive losses of the insurance companies. He has the power of the press; intaglio printing press, that is.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at December 18, 2013 01:15 PM (6Nqkf)

23 14 Kreplach at December 18, 2013 05:13 PM (qad3

Maybe Mexopolis should get 70 million Americans in return ese?

Posted by: sven10077 at December 18, 2013 01:15 PM (9jfyN)

24 ACA isn't insurance reform, it's a takeover of the whole industry. SEE!

Posted by: Comrade Arthur at December 18, 2013 01:16 PM (h53OH)

25 They got into bed with the bastard, they can enjoy the clap.

Posted by: --- at December 18, 2013 01:16 PM (MMC8r)

26 Whatever, its not like anyone's going to do a damned thing about it. What's the problem? Do GOP reps only respond to things they hear about on the CNN? Is it like investing where they don't want to be the first movers, they want to follow the trend?

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b] at December 18, 2013 01:16 PM (o4Xc4)

27 Silly people A bailout is already baked in the law to cover their losses More debt for you and me!

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:16 PM (zOTsN)

28 The health insurance companies need to buy some life insurance.

Posted by: dantesed at December 18, 2013 01:16 PM (88xKn)

29 Pay to play. It's Obamanomics in this Obamanation. And no one in the what's supposed to be the opposition party is likely to complain.

Posted by: My Name is Nobody at December 18, 2013 01:16 PM (RjFj7)

30 progs think it's reasonable to insure something that has already happened. why wouldn't they think it's reasonable to insure someone who hasn't paid? it's the same thinking.

Posted by: X at December 18, 2013 01:17 PM (KHo8t)

31 As some asked in the Pelosi thread, when you disregard laws you don't like (say, immigration laws), then are any laws still valid?

Obama: No. The only law is my will.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 18, 2013 01:17 PM (ruxvM)

32 15 Vladimir Putin(USSR1)

and that's why I love it here....we get visits from Grizzly Adams, John Denver's Ghost, and Vlad the Impaler

Posted by: sven10077 at December 18, 2013 01:17 PM (9jfyN)

33 Don't make me send "icepick" Holder over to have to splain this to you.
Posted by: Purp

Clearly you mean iceaxe.

Posted by: pep at December 18, 2013 01:17 PM (6TB1Z)

34 ...and then, as the frog swam across the river, he felt the sting of the scorpion on his back, and knew they were both doomed. "Why?" croaked the frog, as he began to sink. "It's my nature" answered the scorpion.

Not shedding too many tears for insurance companies that went along with this crap. Yes, they have been abused and ill-treated. But they should have raised the alarm.

Posted by: Splunge at December 18, 2013 01:18 PM (bKA83)

35 Obama: No. The only law is my will.

One might even say this represents a Triumph of the Will.

Posted by: pep at December 18, 2013 01:18 PM (6TB1Z)

36 We are going to bail out the insurance industry. It's in the law

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:19 PM (zOTsN)

37 @23 The mexican government vigerously enforces their borders both northern and southern and they enforce their immigration laws to the letter down to the commas and periods. Plus mexico is a shithole. Why our politcal class would want to import that disfunction is beyond my feable mind to comprehend

Posted by: Kreplach at December 18, 2013 01:19 PM (IS2o0)

38 But don't you dare call Obama a fascist!!!

Posted by: Midol Medved [/i] [/b] at December 18, 2013 01:19 PM (B0gqn)

"But HHS said it will consider insurers' cooperation now when it decides which ones can participate on the insurance exchanges next year."

I have zero sympathy for the insurance companies. They helped write this abomination and they helped elect these dems.

Posted by: Havildar-Major at December 18, 2013 01:19 PM (kduZC)

40 I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.

Posted by: Bark Vader at December 18, 2013 01:19 PM (LDsJ6)

41
Im altering our agreement. Pray I dont alter it further.

--- shit Darth Obama Sith Lord said.

Posted by: fixerupper at December 18, 2013 01:20 PM (nELVU)

42 Can we impeach him NOW?!? Just how many laws does this administration get to break before we can waylay their asses?

Posted by: © Sponge at December 18, 2013 01:20 PM (xmcEQ)

43 Can I assume shareholders still have standing? How is this not a breach of fiduciary responsibility?

Posted by: Jean at December 18, 2013 01:20 PM (4JkHl)

44 Regarding the authority of laws... what's good for the goose is good for the gander. These so called "leaders" better get their shit in order.

Posted by: dogfish at December 18, 2013 01:20 PM (nsOJa)

45 Tyranny, straight up. Of course, the insurance companies did make a deal with the Devil.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 18, 2013 01:20 PM (UAMVq)

46
Help Wanted: food tasters and car starters, for major insurance company executive staff. No experience necessary.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/s] at December 18, 2013 01:20 PM (70Unk)

47 In the good old days, one had to show up with weapons in order to force people to do what they did not want to do.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (O3C36)

48 They won't fail, it's a head fake. The law provides for a bailout

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (zOTsN)

49 Oh, and remember: I'm the only thing between you and the pitchforks.

Posted by: Barack the Magnificent at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (ruxvM)

50 Three letters would strike fear into any insurer reluctant to go along with this scheme: IRS. Because, like I WON!!11!!

Posted by: runningrn at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (PLOz8)

51 Insurance companies: If you sit down to a game of "Fuck That Chicken" and you don't know who the chicken is, well...

Posted by: Harrison Bergeron at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (JQuNB)

52 But don't you dare call Obama a fascist!!!

Posted by: Midol Medved at December 18, 2013 05:19 PM (B0gqn)

----

Dont worry about that ...... Adolph, Mussolinin, Mao, and Castro all loved their countries.

Posted by: fixerupper at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (nELVU)

53 >>> Don't make me send "icepick" Holder over to have to splain this to you. At first glance I saw "lipstick"

Posted by: fluffy at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (ebmsN)

Why would any of these insurance companies want to offer insurance on the exchanges in the first place? It's a bad deal all around.

Better to get out of the government's auspices altogether and just offer insurance through the private market.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, TX (@Teresa_Koch) at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (PZ6/M)

55 It's a shame we don't have a multi-pronged government of checks and balances to keep this kind of stuff in check.p

Posted by: DangerGirl at December 18, 2013 01:21 PM (GrtrJ)

56 Diamond in the back...sunroof top...diggin' the scene with a gangstah lean.

Posted by: Prez'nit Superfly at December 18, 2013 01:22 PM (Dwehj)

57 Hmmm... and what about the Stock Holders??? Does not the Board of Directors have a legal obligation NOT to take ILLEGAL actions which hurt the bottom line of the company?

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 18, 2013 01:22 PM (lZBBB)

58 so would an insurance company have standing at this point?

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:22 PM (nqBYe)

59 Can I assume shareholders still have standing? How is this not a breach of fiduciary responsibility?

Posted by: Jean at December 18, 2013 05:20 PM (4JkHl)

-----

No you may NOT assume......

Posted by: GM Bondholders at December 18, 2013 01:22 PM (nELVU)

If the GOP spent a little less time raising money to prevent the tea party from winning seats, they might be able to look into this.

Frankly, if there is no impeachment, there is not much point in voting anymore.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at December 18, 2013 01:22 PM (O3C36)

61 55 It's a shame we don't have a multi-pronged government of checks and balances to keep this kind of stuff in check.

Good idea. We should write that down on some sort of document, and make it binding.

Posted by: Splunge at December 18, 2013 01:23 PM (bKA83)

62 If you are going to govern and be considered a "leader", then you must lead by example ...if not then I call that a dictator. What I'm seeing are a bunch of lawbreakers.

Posted by: dogfish at December 18, 2013 01:23 PM (nsOJa)

63 48 They won't fail, it's a head fake. The law provides for a bailout I read that the insurance companies insisted that a 2Billion dollar fund be created to "insure" that they didnt lose any $ on o'care. Hell, the insurance companies helped write the law. You know they are going to get their piece of the action no matter, right?

Posted by: Havildar-Major at December 18, 2013 01:23 PM (kduZC)

64 "The road to Socialism lies through a period of the highest possible intensification of the principle of the State ... Just as a lamp, before going out, shoots up in a brilliant flame, so the state, before disappearing, assumes the form of the Dictatorship of the Proletariat, i.e., the most ruthless form of State, which embraces the life of the citizens authoritatively in every direction." -- Trotsky, who also said some other interesting things

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:23 PM (gnLTi)

65 Well now seems to be the time to pass new amnesty legislation as we have Nothing to do .

Posted by: G.O.P at December 18, 2013 01:23 PM (nqBYe)

66 We pay more, and we cost-shift a lot of the increase into taxation for bailouts and subsidies. Not only has the insurance cost increased, now we're paying into it through multiple pipelines. Brilliant move, Barack.

Posted by: --- at December 18, 2013 01:24 PM (MMC8r)

67 Townhall reported, Â“A Â‘risk corridorÂ’ provision in Obamacare allows the federal government to give health insurers a taxpayer bailout if the cost of providing care for those insured through Obamacare is higher than insurers originally estimated when they first set premium prices.Â”

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:24 PM (zOTsN)

68 I'm gonna make my fortune, by and by.

Posted by: Prez'nit Superfly at December 18, 2013 01:24 PM (Dwehj)

69 Once again letting the larger companies squeeze out the smaller.

Posted by: irright at December 18, 2013 01:24 PM (Ze8oh)

70 Such as "In not more than a month’s time terror will assume very violent forms, after the example of the great French Revolution; the guillotine ... will be ready for our enemies ... that remarkable invention of the French Revolution which makes man shorter by a head."

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (gnLTi)

71 correct me if i'm wrong but didn't insurance people from insurance groups like Kaiser help write this bill?

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (nqBYe)

72

Gosh, how were we to know that the guy who used all that socialist iconography in his "campaign" would actually be a true fascist?

So surprising!

Posted by: Rev Dr E Buzz Bunnies at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (xggaJ)

73 Riding the tiger is great fun, until you want to get off.

Posted by: toby928© Texan by birth, Moron by the grace of Ace at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (QupBk)

74 What we're discovering is that outsourcing wealth redistribution to industry is complicated.

Posted by: Barack Obama at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (bKA83)

75 I read that the insurance companies insisted that a 2Billion dollar fund be created to "insure" that they didnt lose any $ on o'care. Hell, the insurance companies helped write the law. You know they are going to get their piece of the action no matter, right?

Posted by: Havildar-Major at December 18, 2013 05:23 PM (kduZC)

----

Yeah.... but I think the rub is that Obamacare has cratered so spectacularly that 2 Billion aint going to be enough.

Posted by: fixerupper at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (nELVU)

76 Good idea. We should write that down on some sort of document, and make it binding. Supreme Law of the Land ... until we get hold of it.

Posted by: Lawyers[/i][/b][/i][/b] at December 18, 2013 01:25 PM (o4Xc4)

77 Once again letting the ~~larger~~ compliant companies squeeze out the ~~smaller~~ troublemakers. Fixed for Fascism.

Posted by: --- at December 18, 2013 01:26 PM (MMC8r)

78 I have zero sympathy for the insurance companies. They helped write this abomination and they helped elect these dems. Ditto for the hospitals. Drudge had a link up this morning about how hospital admissions are down ~5%. In 'trickle down' theory that means Drs are about to get the shaft. Note to self; time to learn how to describe 'sore penis' in Pakistani.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at December 18, 2013 01:26 PM (6Nqkf)

79 And, of course "We must rid ourselves once and for all of the Quaker-Papist babble about the sanctity of human life." Gay marriage, on the other hand...

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:26 PM (gnLTi)

80 67# thunderb, yes i remember reading about their never can fail em legislation.
Funny how premiums started going higher and highe after the legislation was written back in 2009-10

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:26 PM (nqBYe)

81 Affirmative Action has consequences.

Posted by: garrett at December 18, 2013 01:27 PM (15Mpe)

82
I have zero sympathy for the insurance companies. They helped write this abomination and they helped elect these dems.
Posted by: Havildar-Major

"You knew I was a ssssssnake, before you let me in."

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at December 18, 2013 01:27 PM (kdS6q)

83
Wow. When you are on the wrong end of blackmail or extortion, it never ends. You would think these insurers would grasp that.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 18, 2013 01:27 PM (MaP11)

84 Obama is despotic. He governs in a despotic manner. His entire Administration is despotic. The Dictatorship of the Proletariat would have to be despotic. Because Altruism.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:28 PM (gnLTi)

85 We will pay the insurance companies much higher premiums. We will pay in the form of taxes to pay for the bail out provided in the "risk corridor" provisions of Obamacare. We will pay higher state taxes for Medicaid. And we will pay out of pocket if we want decent care The insurance companies will survive. The taxpayer, maybe not

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:28 PM (zOTsN)

86 Wow. When you are on the wrong end of blackmail or extortion, it never ends. You would think these insurers would grasp that. We agreed to the 1985 NFA because we wanted to get the very best deal we could.

Posted by: NRA[/i][/b][/i][/b] at December 18, 2013 01:29 PM (o4Xc4)

87 Why shouldn't these SOBs bow down to extortion. The who law was written by their lobbyists. And as long as they and congress allow him to extort shit from them w/o protest or court action he will continue to operate the US Government like the people are peons and they are the Chicago mob running the city.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at December 18, 2013 01:29 PM (T2V/1)

88 As Levin has stated, we are in a post Constitutional age.

Posted by: Captain Hate at December 18, 2013 01:30 PM (NDwST)

Posted by: Zombie Benito Mussolini at December 18, 2013 01:30 PM (FcR7P)

90 And this is pretty standard Leftist operating procedure. They take something which works. Then they fuck it up in a despotic and authoritarian manner. Now even more despotism and authoritarianism are necessary in order to "fix" that which has been fucked up. And it's not always the case that they lacked the foresight to predict such an unpredictable predicament.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:31 PM (gnLTi)

91
..... a Junta, if you can keep it, maam.

Posted by: Obama Franklin at December 18, 2013 01:31 PM (nELVU)

92 so.

who are the winners of this legislation anyway?
those 30-20 or 5 million that weren't insured could walk in any hospital in duress and get treated.
medicaid purportedly took up the healthcare of the poor.
millions that had insurance were dropped or costs rose for them prohibitively.

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:31 PM (nqBYe)

93 On the other hand, it's good to be King. So there's that.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:31 PM (gnLTi)

94 Gangster Gooberment. Headed by the thug-in-Chief...
Duh!1....

Dunces, idjits, and Maroons. And that's merely the clowns in DC....

Posted by: backhoe at December 18, 2013 01:31 PM (ULH4o)

95 when I write my congresscritter, and I hope you do too, I tell him I don't care about his votes. what I care about is his refusal to stand up for the seperation of powers and the complete absense of fight in the house over the naked power grab by the executive branch. That, I tell him, is why I will vote you out.

Posted by: oc joe at December 18, 2013 01:32 PM (5fkya)

96 Good idea. We should write that down on some sort of document, and make it binding. Don't write the document in cursive though, because Common Cores doesn't think learning how to read or write the words of dead white people is necessary.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at December 18, 2013 01:32 PM (6Nqkf)

97 So can I stop paying my premiums till I get sick?

Posted by: kansas at December 18, 2013 01:32 PM (mka2b)

98 They're still just kicking the can down the road on this. People might not realize how screwed they are in January, but they'll notice by, say... September. And nice of obama to let insurers continue to conduct business, as long as they bow down and kiss his ring. Completely off topic: I'm currently making a chocolate scotch cake with chocolate drambuie frosting for my hubby to take to work tomorrow for their Christmas dinner. Yeah, I'm nice like that.

Posted by: elaine at December 18, 2013 01:32 PM (GNZ0/)

99 The words of a Chicago cop, talking about the local Outfit, from the book What Cops Know:

"They put the squeeze on you. The juice can be any amount, 50, 75, even 100 percent...You keep paying. Obviously they don't have any written contract; this isn't like the General Motors Acceptance Corporation. So even if you've paid it all back, they can come to you, and they do, and say "You still owe." The guy isn't going to argue if he's afraid of getting killed. He's gonna keep on paying it. They extend it as long as they want to extend it. So it gets to the point where it's an extortion more than a repayment of a loan."

Sound familiar?

Posted by: Splunge at December 18, 2013 01:32 PM (bKA83)

100 President Head Fake has been punking the Republicans for five years. What makes you think the fucking lobbyists sucking his balls are any different?

Posted by: Fritz at December 18, 2013 01:33 PM (UzPAd)

101 So Big Insurance has a choice to make: Take the Feds to court or play ball. Play ball for now, I guess.

Posted by: mrp at December 18, 2013 01:33 PM (HjPtV)

102 88 Captain Hate at December 18, 2013 05:30 PM (NDwST)

That realization and the moral clarity it provided are why I am fully prepared for a Post Patriotism of my own CH.

I own no loyalty to the Obamanation.

Posted by: sven10077 at December 18, 2013 01:33 PM (9jfyN)

103 so will he then threaten Employers when the employer mandate hits to not drop coverage or else (until a nice date past the next needed election)?

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:34 PM (nqBYe)

104 Why shouldn't these SOBs bow down to extortion. The who law was written by their lobbyists. Is this about Baccus' healthcare council Liz Fowler writing the white paper? She was only a former VP of WellPoint right? Does that really mean the Health Care Industry Lobbyists wrote the law? Or is there more?

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b] at December 18, 2013 01:34 PM (o4Xc4)

105 i wonder who the sucker is in this scam?

oh.

wait...

Posted by: redc1c4 at December 18, 2013 01:34 PM (q+fqH)

106 The insurance companies are no different than the industries that got in bed with the Nazis. Same relationship. They will be dictated to. They will become very very rich. Eventually when the government collapses they may be punished. But they will survive. Because they will still be rich Ever notice how many BMWs and Mercedes Benz are on the road? They will survive. Like cockroaches

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:35 PM (zOTsN)

107 "96 Good idea. We should write that down on some sort of document, and make it binding. Don't write the document in cursive though, because Common Cores doesn't think learning how to read or write the words of dead white people is necessary. Posted by: Regular Moron at December 18, 2013 05:32 PM (6Nqkf)" At the moment, laws are written such that only lawyers can really "comprehend and appreciate" them "to the fullest." In the future, only lawyers will be taught how to read. It's only "natural."

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:35 PM (gnLTi)

108 But HHS said it will consider insurers' cooperation now when it decides which ones can participate on the insurance exchanges next year

I'm wondering how long insurers will want to continue.

Posted by: jwb7605 [/i][/u][/s][/b] at December 18, 2013 01:35 PM (3Tv+N)

109

8 Nice insurance company you've got there.

It'd be a shame if something were to happen to it.

Obama = Putin = Mussolini

Posted by: The Regular Guy at December 18, 2013 01:36 PM (qHCyt)

110 103 so will he then threaten Employers when the employer mandate hits to not drop coverage or else (until a nice date past the next needed election)? Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 05:34 PM (nqBYe) ---------------------------- Yes. He will put the dates forward by royal decree. Then he will "suggest" that businesses not tell their employees what will happen....until after the election.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at December 18, 2013 01:37 PM (dfYL9)

111 >>Don't write the document in cursive though, because Common Cores doesn't think learning how to read or write the words of dead white people is necessary.

Making sure the next generation can't read our founding documents. Sigh.

Posted by: Lizzy at December 18, 2013 01:38 PM (ruxvM)

112 Thunderb, i dunno, i imagine the money set aside in insurance industries at this point might be confiscated in the future for the good of govt. health /wealth
or g.m

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:38 PM (nqBYe)

113 "103 so will he then threaten Employers when the employer mandate hits to not drop coverage or else (until a nice date past the next needed election)? Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 05:34 PM (nqBYe)" Yep. It's what Care Bears do. Which is to say, Obama is Gay.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:38 PM (gnLTi)

114 Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 05:24 PM (zOTsN) It was written to ONLY cover those companies actually in the Exchanges... Now Obama is saying that EVERY insurance company will be made good...

Posted by: Romeo13 at December 18, 2013 01:38 PM (lZBBB)

115 It would be really nice if the insurance replacement reforms pushed by Republicans made it easier for competitors to start up in the health insurance industry. Hah.

Posted by: Paid for by Citizens for Clyde the Orangutan at December 18, 2013 01:38 PM (QF8uk)

116 Margarita, yes, i can see that .

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:39 PM (nqBYe)

117 Will Time Magazine have a cover that says, "We're All Fascists Now"?

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:39 PM (zOTsN)

118 Insurance Cos collapse until there's only one left. Then, gummint takeover, a la GM. Instant single payer.

Posted by: --- at December 18, 2013 01:39 PM (MMC8r)

119 Fascism is fascism.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at December 18, 2013 01:39 PM (ZPrif)

120
Everyday it just slips away a little bit more doesn't it? By the time Hillashrew is done with her 8 years, this country won't even be a ghost of itself.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 18, 2013 01:39 PM (MaP11)

121 so will he then threaten Employers when the employer mandate hits to not drop coverage or else (until a nice date past the next needed election)? Talked to someone yesterday that works for a company that has already informed its part time employees that this is the final year of them getting partially subsidized insurance from the employer. NO employer insurance, NO payroll deduction, NO nothing. I expect they are getting ahead of the pack to do this, but it's coming for another ~twenty million Americans. When 40% of Americans work for 20k or less per year, just how much leverage do they have? Somewhere between zero and ziltch.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at December 18, 2013 01:40 PM (6Nqkf)

122 But HHS said it will consider insurers' cooperation now when it decides which ones can participate on the insurance exchanges next year.

----

Wow.... the da BALLZ on dees guys.....

Posted by: Tony Soprano at December 18, 2013 01:40 PM (nELVU)

123 insurance industries. corporations. Doctors .. energy
You Didn't build that!

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:40 PM (nqBYe)

124

It's a thugocracy now.

But the media don't care. All this is helping Hero Obama to get the MacGuffin.

Posted by: rockmom at December 18, 2013 01:40 PM (Q4elb)

125 Not seeing any problem here that couldn't be solved if we only had more power given to the Executive Branch.

Posted by: David Brooks at December 18, 2013 01:41 PM (bKA83)

126 Ya gotta be careful who you get in bed with. These insurance execs should be old enough to have learned that lesson.

Posted by: pendejo grande at December 18, 2013 01:41 PM (OZW5B)

127 "108 But HHS said it will consider insurers' cooperation now when it decides which ones can participate on the insurance exchanges next year I'm wondering how long insurers will want to continue. Posted by: jwb7605 at December 18, 2013 05:35 PM (3Tv+N)" As long as it's profitable.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:41 PM (gnLTi)

128

Yah fookin poosies!!!!

We'd be shootin by now.

Posted by: The Founding Fathers at December 18, 2013 01:41 PM (nELVU)

129 If I had employees, I would have already told them that next year, everyone gets a raise and nobody gets insurance.

Posted by: toby928© Texan by birth, Moron by the grace of Ace at December 18, 2013 01:41 PM (QupBk)

130 104 Is this about Baccus' healthcare council Liz Fowler writing the white paper? She was only a former VP of WellPoint right? Does that really mean the Health Care Industry Lobbyists wrote the law?

Or is there more?

Posted by: bonhomme at December 18, 2013 05:34 PM (o4Xc4)

When Nancy and company were supposedly writing this POS there were widespread reports that the insurance industry was actually doing the writing.

And they supported Obama from the start.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at December 18, 2013 01:42 PM (T2V/1)

131 damn it, i keep thinking when i go to bed i'm imagining a coup.
then i wake up.

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:42 PM (nqBYe)

132

who are the winners of this legislation anyway?
those 30-20 or 5 million that weren't insured could walk in any hospital in duress and get treated.
medicaid purportedly took up the healthcare of the poor.
millions that had insurance were dropped or costs rose for them prohibitively.

The winners are those who decide who gets the money. In the 'good old days' people got treated, but it was a deficit number that states and the feds had to pick up somewhere. Now, with 80 million people facing drastically higher premiums this year or next, the money they pay in will be used to cover these same indigents, but only based on the recommendation of a government overseer. And I use the term overseer in complete understanding of its historical meaning.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at December 18, 2013 01:43 PM (O3C36)

133 There's no longer any doubt that the US Constitution is not the law of the land. We are being governed by tyrants, on both sides of the aisle.

Posted by: Soona at December 18, 2013 01:43 PM (LVAyz)

134 The insurance industry already established they were his whore Right now, they are just haggling over price

Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 01:43 PM (zOTsN)

135 "110 103 so will he then threaten Employers when the employer mandate hits to not drop coverage or else (until a nice date past the next needed election)? Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 05:34 PM (nqBYe) ---------------------------- Yes. He will put the dates forward by royal decree. Then he will "suggest" that businesses not tell their employees what will happen....until after the election. Posted by: Margarita DeVille at December 18, 2013 05:37 PM (dfYL9)" There's more than enough "precedent."

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:43 PM (gnLTi)

136 Hmm. Willow is here , so there must be a new thread...

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 18, 2013 01:44 PM (aDwsi)

137 Or recidivism.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:44 PM (gnLTi)

138 tackles Mike, tickles em
no there isn't
no no no NO

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:45 PM (nqBYe)

139 If I had employees, I would have already told them that next year, everyone gets a raise and nobody gets insurance. Tree bark soup for everyone!

Posted by: rickb223 at December 18, 2013 01:45 PM (qc7at)

140 Way OT Here... Any morons want to try to help me out please? Can someone identify what year this Isuzu truck is? Maybe even guess a value? 152k miles. http://tinyurl.com/na2laku Thanks in advance for any help

Posted by: shredded chi at December 18, 2013 01:46 PM (V6E6P)

141 "111 >>Don't write the document in cursive though, because Common Cores doesn't think learning how to read or write the words of dead white people is necessary. Making sure the next generation can't read our founding documents. Sigh. Posted by: Lizzy at December 18, 2013 05:38 PM (ruxvM)" People are already incapable of reading unexpurgated versions of the Gospels and Acts. It's merely a "natural Progression."

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:46 PM (gnLTi)

142 Get in bed with Government, wake up with sore asshole.

Posted by: kefka at December 18, 2013 01:47 PM (ykVxc)

143 Ya know....I'm thinking, maybe - just spit-balling here - OK, just that with this, uh, less than optimal Obamacare roll-out, Barack may be just a bit, well, not quite up to the job?

No, wait, forget that, I keep forgetting what a cool customer he is. I'm sure he has something already in the works.

Phew, we really dodged a bullet with that idiot Palin chick, huh?

Posted by: Peggy Noonan at December 18, 2013 01:47 PM (ruxvM)

144 srsly i do go to bed thinking we actually might have leaders that have had enough of the bull and Do something about stopping the momentum .

but no.
of course after General Ham and Petraeus, the atf guy being squashed i suspected we .are.on.our.own.

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:47 PM (nqBYe)

145 139 Tree bark soup for everyone! Posted by: rickb223 at December 18, 2013 05:45 PM (qc7at) Lap of luxury! We didn't have trees. We had a patch of industrial solvent and every morning at 4, we'd have to get up and lick the patch clean with tongue!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 18, 2013 01:47 PM (olDqf)

146 Phew, we really dodged a bullet with that idiot Palin chick, huh? Absolutely. In these trying times, it's comforting to know a sure hand is on the tiller.

Posted by: Goofy Footy Pajama Dude[/i][/b][/i][/b] at December 18, 2013 01:48 PM (9PrpA)

147 The mafia has been in the burbs of Chicago as long as I was able to know. I've always thought it was funny people who thought they weren't a real thing, let alone in the city. In my mind they were a major reason bronko is based here and if anyone doesn't think the mob isn't deep into what used to be our government I'll eat my fucking hat.

Posted by: dumbartist at December 18, 2013 01:49 PM (ahBY0)

148 "115 It would be really nice if the insurance replacement reforms pushed by Republicans made it easier for competitors to start up in the health insurance industry. Hah. Posted by: Paid for by Citizens for Clyde the Orangutan at December 18, 2013 05:38 PM (QF8uk)" Harnessing constructive competition? That's Uncommunist!

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:49 PM (gnLTi)

149 I'm ready for a coup. Unfortunately the Pentagon has been staffed with fags in footie PJ's.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at December 18, 2013 01:49 PM (olDqf)

150
For extra fun, Obama can promise insurers one level of compensation now, then just unilaterally cram it down to less later -- ala GM bondholders.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at December 18, 2013 01:49 PM (kdS6q)

151 yeah i cannot imagine the horror if that chillbilly Palin were President .

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:49 PM (nqBYe)

152 This is the same tactics that HHS will use to force insurers and health care providers to comply with the "recommendations" of the Independent Payment Advisory Board. If they don't comply with the recommendations in all their plans--not just exchange plans--then they can't compete in the exchanges.

Posted by: Oddlysaid at December 18, 2013 01:50 PM (pZH0w)

153 Try to get union work in the city without connections...shit

Posted by: dumbartist at December 18, 2013 01:50 PM (ahBY0)

154 Who could have predicted that our first "black" president would end up governing more like Robert Mugabe than Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Oh, that's right, everyone with two fucking brain cells to rub together, since we knew that any time we opposed anything he did, even killing and eating little kids on the Resolute Desk in a Prime Time broadcast on all the networks, we'd be accused of cult-like evil racism as our only reason for opposing this fucking retarded communist dickhead.

Posted by: Sharkman at December 18, 2013 01:51 PM (TM1p8)

155 So the shareholders in these insurance companies are just going to bite the bullet on this? When the administration decides to just willy hilly spend more of the insurance companies money beyond the blackmail they have used up until now, are the shareholders just going to sit there and take it? Hell, forget about any death spiral, the companies can be closed out if they raise their rates as they normally would do after inccuring losses. Is this corporate fascism at its finest or what? I hate the fact that these companies are setting this precedent, it's insane and doesn't bode well down the line.

Posted by: Drider at December 18, 2013 01:51 PM (jrpuQ)

156 "120 Everyday it just slips away a little bit more doesn't it? By the time Hillashrew is done with her 8 years, this country won't even be a ghost of itself. Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 18, 2013 05:39 PM (MaP11)" There are still people alive who remember what it was like before FDR.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:51 PM (gnLTi)

157 In my mind they were a major reason bronko is based here and if anyone doesn't think the mob isn't deep into what used to be our government I'll eat my fucking hat. It's made of foil! I am not sure your spray bottle of vinegar will help you choke that down, though.

Posted by: garrett at December 18, 2013 01:52 PM (15Mpe)

158 Black Santa pulled the same stunt on the elves until they organized into a labor union. True story.

Posted by: Fritz at December 18, 2013 01:53 PM (UzPAd)

159 i dunno i could remember when i didn't have a gut wrenching fear of fbi, cia, police, because i'd always assumed they went after bad guys not average joe the plumber, or cancer guy!

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:53 PM (nqBYe)

160 Bronko "Meyer Lansky" Bama...

Posted by: dumbartist at December 18, 2013 01:54 PM (ahBY0)

161 Yeah. This got far too many nervous chuckles around the water cooler today. I think folks are really starting to realize that this cake is baked and the fix is in...and has been for quite some time.

Posted by: akula51[/b][/i][/s] at December 18, 2013 01:55 PM (jr7h8)

162 Any morons want to try to help me out please? Can someone identify what year this Isuzu truck is? Maybe even guess a value? 152k miles. ----------- I'm guessing that it is '93. It is that or earlier. Value is *highly* relative to condition. I wouldn't even care to guess..., and yet..., $1000

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 18, 2013 01:55 PM (aDwsi)

163 Posted by: shredded chi at December 18, 2013 05:46 PM

http://tinyurl.com/khheasa

You need the VIN

Posted by: LC LaWedgie at December 18, 2013 01:55 PM (KQp38)

164 "131 damn it, i keep thinking when i go to bed i'm imagining a coup. then i wake up. Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 05:42 PM (nqBYe)" All revolutions are coups. So, too, the "Obama Revolution." Forward!

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:55 PM (gnLTi)

165 The miles are mostly highway miles...mostly.

Posted by: Joe Isuzu at December 18, 2013 01:56 PM (15Mpe)

166 do You really need all those rooms in your house?
we'll find you a nice comfy cot where you can plant gardens all day long.

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 01:56 PM (nqBYe)

167 You wouldn't want anything to go with your insurance company, right,

Posted by: luigi vercotti at December 18, 2013 01:58 PM (Jsiw/)

168 And right on cue I see a fatherhood.gov ad here. Look daddy govt. you wanted to rule every aspect of our lives so much. Now one huge govt. fuck up and suddenly they are my kids?!?!

Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at December 18, 2013 01:58 PM (WdbF7)

169 156 "120
Everyday it just slips away a little bit more doesn't it? By the time Hillashrew is done with her 8 years, this country won't even be a ghost of itself.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at December 18, 2013 05:39 PM (MaP11)"

There are still people alive who remember what it was like before FDR.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 05:51 PM (gnLTi) It's beyond slipping away, it's gone. And in regards to some commenter upthread who said that nobody is going to do anything about it, well there's nothing we can do about it. The country is disintegrating.

Posted by: tubal at December 18, 2013 01:58 PM (YEQ2h)

170 Just think, the mistakes have gotten so bad and He looks so incompetent that Valerie Jarrett is doing interviews swearing that she's not the power behind the throne.

That's bad when your handler denies you.

You can see them trying to move him over to the trap door in the floor.

*just a little more to the left sir*

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Unexpurgated Edition) at December 18, 2013 01:58 PM (LSDdO)

171 The miles are mostly highway miles...mostly. Posted by: Joe Isuzu -------------- Go to Kelly Bluebook page. That will at least give you an idea.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 18, 2013 01:59 PM (aDwsi)

172 "142 Get in bed with Government, wake up with sore asshole. Posted by: kefka at December 18, 2013 05:47 PM (ykVxc)" Yes. But you get a free condom. And, if you have a vagina, all the babies you can murder.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 01:59 PM (gnLTi)

173 117 Will Time Magazine have a cover that says, "We're All Fascists Now"? Posted by: Thunderb at December 18, 2013 05:39 PM (zOTsN) ========= http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19390102,00.html

Posted by: whoever at December 18, 2013 01:59 PM (zu9Ee)

174 Remember during the govt. shutdown fight over ObamaCare that 'the law was the law' and it HAD to be funded because 'it's the law'? Pepperridge Farms remembers. Apparently, now Barry can just delay, nullify, and suspend all sorts of sh*& he doesn't like and it's all good because, 'it's only the law'.

Posted by: Snow at December 18, 2013 02:00 PM (qyjnV)

175 Maybe Mexopolis should get 70 million Americans in return ese? - Can we start a list of those we want to go? I'll start. Harry Reid.

Posted by: WalrusRex at December 18, 2013 02:00 PM (E+uky)

176 Somebody important needs to stand up to these goons and just say: "Hey, you fucking fucks, fuck you! What country do you think this is, anyway?!?! We're not going to take this shit from you!!!!!!!!!!"

Oh, damnit, is this microphone on?

[runs away like his ass, hair, and balls are on fire].

Posted by: Sharkman at December 18, 2013 02:01 PM (TM1p8)

177 #157...it goes deeper than we know, I think...why does everything run thru Chicago?

Posted by: dumbartist at December 18, 2013 02:02 PM (ahBY0)

178 It's beyond slipping away, it's gone. And in regards to some commenter upthread who said that nobody is going to do anything about it, well there's nothing we can do about it. The country is disintegrating. As it has been predicted, "It's gonna burn". Because it can't be stopped.

Posted by: rickb223 at December 18, 2013 02:03 PM (qc7at)

179 Isn't that extortion? Isn't extortion like, illegal? What is the statute of limitations on extortion? Could Sebillious be prosecuted in 2017? Could all of the rest of HHS admin workers also be individually charged as well? One final question: what would be the median prison term Ms Sebellious and all her admin assistants be looking at for each charge?

Posted by: Inspector Cussword at December 18, 2013 02:03 PM (NBdS0)

180 "144 srsly i do go to bed thinking we actually might have leaders that have had enough of the bull and Do something about stopping the momentum . but no. of course after General Ham and Petraeus, the atf guy being squashed i suspected we .are.on.our.own. Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 05:47 PM (nqBYe)" That's the way it's been throughout most of human history. The upper classes tend to develop a class consciousness and "conspire" against the lower classes. But, in their defense, a lot of Top Republicans are merely Gay. Later, all. God bless. :-)

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at December 18, 2013 02:03 PM (gnLTi)

181 Ich will dass ihr mir vetraut, Ich will dass ihr mir glaubt, Ich will eure Blicke spÃ¼ren, Ich will jeden Herzschlah kontrollieren!

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo says, free toby at December 18, 2013 02:03 PM (iQxYV)

182 The only people complaining about this adjustment to the iron fist/velvet glove ratio are members of a crazy cult who think you ought to work for your money, pay your own bills, and take personal responsibility.

Posted by: WalrusRex at December 18, 2013 02:04 PM (E+uky)

183 Hey, insurance companies, how does it feel, bitches?

Posted by: Lando Calrissian at December 18, 2013 02:05 PM (T0NGe)

184 In 1933, we send Max Baer to fight German 'Superman' Max Schmeling. Baer pummels Schmeling into the canvas: ------ "In June 1933, Baer fought and defeated (by a technical knockout) the German heavyweight Max Schmeling at Yankee Stadium. Baer's trunks displayed an embroidered Star of David,[13] which Baer swore to wear in every bout thereafter. He dominated the rugged fighter from Germany into the tenth round when the referee stopped the match." ------- Obama, in act of assertiveness, dispatches a couple of gheys to Russia. Facepalm.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 18, 2013 02:06 PM (aDwsi)

185 ugh, 3 more fkn years.

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 02:06 PM (nqBYe)

186 179 Isn't that extortion? Isn't extortion like, illegal? But they are Constitutional law scholars, graduates of the ever-so difficult and challenging law schools, rulers of men and conquerers of women (in some cases). Nothing they do is illegal if none of their judge buddies object.

Posted by: AmishDude at December 18, 2013 02:07 PM (T0NGe)

187 Were I at a WH press event, I would ask, "Is the Democratic Party deliberately destroying the middle class, or is it just an accident?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at December 18, 2013 02:08 PM (aDwsi)

188 Just like a child behaving badly, nothing changes if there are no consequences. The fact that the gov. is telling insurance companies that they must comply with this week's new business plan or face being shut out of the exchanges is not a problem if there is no one standing on the other side to not allow it, whether through court action, plain ol defiance, etc.The insurance companies know that they have a 25,000 page bill that has so many regulations that they will always be out of compliance, and if the gov. wants to take them to their packed courts , they will. So they have no choice now but to please their masters, knowing that all they have to do is promise to funnel money back to the Dem's campaigns if they end up needing to be bailed out, and all will be well.

Posted by: Jen at December 18, 2013 02:08 PM (ufYbZ)

189 179 Isn't that extortion? Isn't extortion like, illegal? What is the statute of limitations on extortion? Could Sebillious be prosecuted in 2017? Could all of the rest of HHS admin workers also be individually charged as well? Posted by: Inspector Cussword Like the democrats will actually allow the republicans to win in 2016.

Posted by: elaine at December 18, 2013 02:09 PM (GNZ0/)

190 Were I at a WH press event, I would ask, "Is the Democratic Party deliberately destroying the middle class, or is it just an accident? Yes.

Posted by: rickb223 at December 18, 2013 02:09 PM (qc7at)

191 new post

Posted by: willow at December 18, 2013 02:09 PM (nqBYe)

192 I'm guessing that it is '93. It is that or earlier _____________ Wow. Really? That old, huh?

Posted by: shredded chi at December 18, 2013 02:09 PM (V6E6P)

193 Can we get a list of names of these Crony Crapitalists in bed with the Lyin kINg? A little push back by freedom loving Americans and against the Political Industrial Complex is in order and long past due, maybe we could rally the youts to get off the couches and Occupy the Whitehut!

Posted by: ConcealedKerry or SubMitt at December 18, 2013 02:10 PM (uUXp6)

194

My nom-de-ER will be Don Rodrigo DÃaz de Vivar.

I wonder if anyone will catch that that is El Cid's real name.

Posted by: Ook? at December 18, 2013 02:14 PM (FBkKA)

195 186...sure extortion is illegal, but not if the judge you pick is in your pocket...it's silly bullshit to debate. What power can stop that if they're all in it?

Posted by: dumbartist at December 18, 2013 02:14 PM (ahBY0)

196 That's the rationale they used when they sent all us employees a "voluntary" questionnaire on our ethnicity. It's purely voluntary, but we're asking you to do it because you get money from us. No threat, though!

Posted by: PJ at December 18, 2013 02:28 PM (ZWaLo)

197 Do the insurance CEO's have a fiduciary duty to their shareholders or not?

Posted by: Rdohd at December 18, 2013 03:36 PM (OPKdd)

198 Could the SEC bring suit against the insurance companies that fail to protect their investors interests?

Posted by: Rdohd at December 18, 2013 03:40 PM (OPKdd)

199 Say President Clinton needs some fast cash and decides that a shakedown ala Goldman-Sachs is the easiest way to get a few billion dollars.

Posted by: Rdohd at December 18, 2013 03:43 PM (OPKdd)

200 So, basically, the insurance companies just became Obama's bitches, right?

Posted by: Socratease at December 18, 2013 03:44 PM (3V4IJ)

201 Translation: "If you guys don't protect me from the consequences of my legislative folly I'll get you."

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Don't Wait to the Last Minute to Purchase that Special Someone a Squabble Set! at December 18, 2013 03:50 PM (gmoEG)

202 We have a gangster government. We might as well have Somali pirates for the Executive Branch.

Posted by: Baldy at December 18, 2013 05:16 PM (2bql3)

203 A dictator in the White House, but who do the Purity Police accuse of being a "traitor?"

This stuff is too important to be constantly distracted by a bunch of whiny, loudmouthed nuts on every detail.

Posted by: Adjoran at December 18, 2013 05:46 PM (473jB)

204 The O-Plan is still one target.

Many (if not all) of the O-Care carriers are also processing claims for the vastly and rapidly expanding O-Medicaid population. It's like gravy to these carriers -- they process the claim, but the taxpayers end up paying the claim and the carrier's processing fee.   Screw the notion of processing claims and paying for the claim from an insurance pool -- that's so old school.

The profit incentive on managing health care insurance is significantly and purposefully regulated by O-Care, and probably can be straight-jacketed more at any time by some faceless nameless O-Care burrOcrat. Plus, O-Care insurance is a train wreck, purposeful or otherwise. The message is clear -- Health Insurance is SO old school.

Under 'new school' O-Care, the carriers will get more and more of their income from processing of O-Medicaid claims, and they happily pump a portion of that back into lobbying for a never ending expansion of O-Medicaid, including, but not limited to lobbying for higher taxes to pay for more O-Medicaid expansion -- all pointing directly towards promoting single payer.

Never mind that enormous amounts of positive main street economic growth are promoted by pooling of insurance payments to pay for current and future claims. Economic growth is SO old school.   New school is cronyist financed centralized planning...

And there will be a standing room only crowd of Ocrats and RINO Mudfarmers willing to have their campaign wallets stuffed by carrier cronies to paying to see that everything moves forward according to the new school plan...

Basically, nothing really important to see here, so just quietly move along...

Posted by: Seipherd at December 18, 2013 08:55 PM (AortR)

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