Bigdogg wrote:
The article actually says its a phase in of the tax similar to a lot of the provisions. Its funny how many people on here want to twist the facts. How about of few other facts:
Health care premiums have outpaced inflation 2.5 to 1 from 2004 to 2009
Here's my issue with that logic:
Inflation is what it is. Some sectors/goods&services saw increases relative to average inflation. However, this was largely offset by decreases in other places. I really find no issues so long as overall inflation remains relatively low and stable. At different times and according to population/consumer trends, different areas are going to be winners and losers relative to inflation. We all have seen the run-up in energy prices, but energy was a big loser for nearly 20 years post-'82 or so.
Without getting into a great philosophical debate about price fixing, collusion and gouging, there IS an element of supply and demand at work here. MY QUESTION is whether a govt option will actually impact that in a positive manner. Even if it does, you have to consider it from a net perspective in that the govt program is going to cost money. If I "pay" $1000 to support the govt option, and see my premiums drop $1000 as a result, then have I gained anything?
As far as drugs, I could see the govt reducing cost because other countries' socialized medicine programs have negotiated lower premiums with Big Pharma. However, on the cost of healthcare insurance, I think there is plenty of competition (and many groups with buying power) and don't expect a govt competitor to make much, if any, impact.
