Axelrod: Reality Will Trump Poll Numbers on Health Care

Mr. Stephanopoulis:
With all due respect, I believe Mr. Axelrod is incorrect in his statement that when the health bill passes children will be automatically covered and pre-existing conditions will not prevent them from being covered on their parents family plan.
That is already the law. Imagine if a child was born with spina bifida or some other catastrophic problem and they had to “apply” for coverage. Pre-existing condition, no coverage. Ridiculous.
In 1990 my third child came to us – adopted – and Blue Cross Alaska required her to apply for coverage, even though they had covered the previous two. When I called and asked why, they said they were “interpreting the language of the policy differently and she would have to apply.” “Children born of the marriage were covered automatically, but adopted children “often required expensive care when first adopted” so Grace would have to apply for coverage. Of course, if she has to apply, she could be declined coverage. I flew to Juneau, AK and for two weeks I lobbied the 20 senators and 40 representatives to fill that insurance hole. My representative, senator, and the insurance commissioner were right behind me. So were two insurance lobbyists. My bill to fill that gap to ensure ALL children were covered automatically when born OR
brought to the family by adoption passeed unanimously. I can’t believe that other states don’t do it the same. What good would a “Family Insurance Policy” be if new kids had to apply?
Sincerely,
Fred M. G
Cheney, WA

Seems as though Nebraska is being represented by their senator they will get medicaid for free forever and the rest of us get to pay for it.

Why the big rush? Is there something they don’t want the taxpayers to know? I hope they know taxpayers will vote them out if they vote in a bill that we don’t want. Our politicians should advocate real reform: tort reform, open statelines for insurance companies, anti-fraud enhancement, tax relief for purchasers etc. not this huge government expansion and mandates for the benefit of insurance companies. What happened to our president’s promises. He was dishonest during his campaign by making promises he is not keeping and he should be ashamed. I voted for him and REGRET it in a HUGE way. I am changing my party if this passes. Those that support this health care bill need to do some research. You would learn about the new taxes you will have…if not directly to you they will be passed on to you. Like taxing medical devices – knee replacements, hip replacements, wheel chairs….yes, you will get the tax passed on to you. We need to vote all the Republican and Democrats out of office since they listen to special interest and put in earmarks that hurt taxpayers. WAKE up America. You will be sorry if you don’t. The BIG RUSH TO pass it is a joke, you won’t see benefits until 2012, but you start being taxed in January.

Neither of these two players deserves our respect. Their credibility is eroding and one would think that Mr. Axelrod, as senior political advisor would know better. George is a joke, he posits questions, Mr. Axelrod responds with rehearsed talking points and avoids the answers, George smiles and moves on. Sadly, both players they are fooling us. The bottom line is elected officials and their advisors are dismissing the concerns of the electorate and the once professional media facilitates the process. This is shortsighted for both institutions. Politics 101– dismiss the concerns of your electorate expect to be dismissed. Media 101– insult your audience, lose your audience.

Sorry, no “preview” or “edit” function here.

When the Congress actually get home after Christmas I hope their constituents let them know that the poll numbers reflected their feelings and all the purchased votes are not appreciated. Particularly when there will not be immediate benefits from this legislation. 2014 is a long time to wait for “immediate” coverage.

That’s right David. Forget all us bloggers in pajamas. You have the corporate interests to serve.
We’ll just turn out in 2012 for Obama.
NOT!

I am truely impressed at Mr. Axelrod’s superior intelligence. It is so comforting knowing that their are so many people in the government who really know what is good for me. I know that if I were left to my own devices I would probably just squander my earnings instead of giving them to the government to “redistribute”.

The arrogance of Obama, Axelrod, Pelosi, Reid and almost all democrats is mind boggling. The citizens of this country are saying loud and clear that they hate this so-called reform. How dare they make drastic changes to 17% of out GDP purely on partisan basis? There ought to be a law that states things of this nature require 75% vote!There is nothing good in this bill. Even the popular pre-existing condition removal increases premiums. There is way too much government meddling in health care which will drive up premiums and lower quality of care. Let’s vote in 2010 and 2012 only those who’ll repeal this monstrosity.

The Democrats are elected and finally do something and the public is suddenly concerned about deficits. Where were all of you concerned citizens when President Bush started a nine year war that has cost billions. Where was your outrage when the fat cats on Wall Street nearly brought down the world plunged the country into a recession. Now, when the Democrats are finally doing something for the American people, you don’t want it. If the bill does not pass, the American people will get what they deserve, a country for the rich, by the rich and ruined by the rich.

It’s obvious Deidre Smith is too stupid to believe the Obama Administrations lies!