Adorable Puppy Explains Health Care Bill

[Tenley Nadine]

In which John offers a summary of the health care reform bill that just passed the U.S. senate, discussing the insurance exchange market, pre-existing condition clauses, medicare taxes, and other fine points of the still-under-debate bill. Here's a good explanation of how the insurance exchanges will look like: http://prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/explaining-the-ex...

About abortion: The senate plan works like this: Policies covering abortion would be available in the exchange market (at least in some states), but those plans would have to collect two separate premiums--one covering everything other than abortion, and one for abortion coverage. The subsidy (available to all families making less than about $88,000 a year depending on number of kids) would only apply to the non-abortion policy.

If this seems like a hilariously stupid distinction, that's because it is. Ultimately, it of course doesn't matter which policy the subsidy goes toward. But then again, every federal program "supports" abortion in some way. For instance, without federally funded highways, it would be impossible for most women to get abortions. All government spending indirectly goes to support all activity in America, but it's ridiculous to say that, for instance, food stamps encourage meth use, even though sometimes people trade meth for food they bought with food stamps. It's equally disingenuous to say that this bill will allow federal funding of abortions, unless you're willing to argue that all government spending funds abortion.

[Mattie Grace]

This is not a question about the health care plan, but rather one that I have wondered for a long time... why do all authors say, "Best Wishes"? I have several books signed by various authors and all of them have signed their books to me, "Best Wishes!" Also, John always ends his videos with "Best Wishes!" Not that I am opposed to this, but... just wondering why.

[Jenna of the Trippywalnut]

I'm a little concerned about the premium costs for those (like me) with preexisting conditions. Not that it's great right now, hence being forced to go unmediated, and chance further outbreaks while I'm looking for work. I guess either way I'll be paying more money that I would like to ($0), but it's still a concern, since Rebif is expensive.

[a Rose by any other name]

Is John in the basement? Love the Nerdfighteria shelf! Also will there still be uninsured people if this bill passes, not just the ones who pay the fine?