My problems exist in these things:
***Please bear in mind that I am not the best a paraphrasing this kind of lingo, so if I have it horribly wrong please let me know. If I have it right please acknowledge that. Either way, please don't attack, I have had more than my fair share of attacks in the last week. I am sick of it. I want to have an actual conversation about this (which is why I came back to this website).
Here is the link to the full text of the bill.
Text of H.R.3200 as Introduced in House: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress
The following is a partial copy and paste of a full list of summaries that is floating around out there. I don't doubt that some parts of it are wrong, but I can't get a straight answer from an independent source on what part is wrong and right.
Page 42: The "Health Choices Commissioner" will decide health benefits for you.
Page 72: All private health care plans must conform to government rules to participate in a Health care Exchange.
Page 167: Any individual who doesn't have acceptable health care (according to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.
Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors and the poor most affected.
Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for private health care industries.
Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based measures
Page 341: Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advantage Plans, HMOs, etc.
Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL NEEDS individuals.
Let me explain my position a little bit. I currently have health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. I am completely happy with it. It has never refused to pay for anything including a hell of a big bill for one broken leg, several back injuries, nerve damage, etc. They even want me to go back to physical therapy. I don't pay a single dime for this coverage, my employer pays for it out of his pocket (as he does for the rest of his salaried employees). Why would I want to give that up or let the government come in and control it?
Also, my best friend does not have insurance, and that has been the choice of her and her family for three generations. They do not subscribe to modern medicine, and all have ND degrees. So why should they be forced to buy health insurance, or be taxed for something they will never use?
I am fine with reform - it is needed. But I do not support putting the government in control of healthcare. They have not proven to me that they can run so much as a car wash without totaling the car and ending up in a huge deficit. I would appreciate any response, just please understand that I am not trying to be a know it all, I am just trying to get good information.