KELOLAND.com Blogs

Not so fast with Snow crop not out yet either is the public option!!

Posted by: dl - Oct 27, 2009 10:04 AM

Healthcare debate is still being, well, debated. But it's already had an impact. I know my company is moving to higher-cost, less coverage plans because of hikes in preparation of any reform. Thanks government for costing me more money.

Also, another thanks is due to our government for passing credit card reform and giving corporations 9 months to raise my interest rates two fold before that reform takes place.

So far I've doubled my chances of having to file bankruptcy by giving my taxes to companies that are doing it to me.

I hope you enjoy your trip home though!

Posted by: Elvislives - Oct 27, 2009 10:05 AM

Here we go... everything that is being reformed is costing those that are working hard and paying their bills more money. If you have a good credit card deal now your fees go up because of the protections given the losers who mis-use their credit. Now all who have insurance will pay more to cover the lazy people that can't figure out how to survive like the rest of us. When will you people figure out that the government does not fix anything!!! They just unfairly pass expenses to those that don't cause the problems.

Posted by: cg - Oct 27, 2009 10:28 AM

Amen cg. You have hit the nail right on the head. Mr. Steve, the healthcare is not broken, bent yes, but not broken. Why should you and I provide health care for people who do not work or are not citizen of this great country. Well, it was a great country until the election last fall. We have gone so far to the right that I do not know if we ever can get back. We do need reform. Let the members of congress who wil decide on our healthcare be forced to have the same plan as all of us. Let them receive pensions along with the number of years they have served in congress. And lets limit the number of terms in congress. Enough said.

Posted by: hdm - Oct 27, 2009 10:58 AM

Steve, Just wanted you to know how much I like your blogs, I also enjoy Dougs although awhile back he took a hit for speaking his mind on some political issues he had and has since backed off. I respect that but also hope you dont do the same, No offense Doug, I love the humor and memories of being a young boy that you bring to the table, comic relief is just as important in troubled times. Back to you Steve, since i started reading your blogs quite some time ago i must admit i agree with basically all your views and i respect the fact that you stay steadfast and unafraid of what some people fire back at you. Keep up the good work and stick to your guns!!!!!

Posted by: bruiser - Oct 27, 2009 5:19 PM

No, Olympia Snow has now left the dark side and won't vote with the dems. Still don't trust her but hey for the moment getting her head in the right place is a good thing.

Posted by: Tubeman - Oct 27, 2009 9:40 PM

Boy, I just read all the posts and agree with them all except bruiser (agreeing with your views the atta boy is fine) and of course the sales posts.

Obama's course will ruin small business by either eliminating it completely or those business who are or could be poised for growth will down size to get out of the health care fiasco the will be thrust upon them. (and the rest of that if it goes through)

Not to mention cap and trade! Too tired to carry on tonight.

Posted by: Tubeman - Oct 27, 2009 9:46 PM

I retired with the so called cadallac of the health insurance. One of the federal plans offered. My premium will increase just like last year and the benefits continue to get less. The country needs a public option and it never ceases to amaze me how hard it is to get something passed in this country that would benefit all people. It apparently doesn't do any good to elect the dems to get a majority because some of them are to worried they won't get re-elected if they offend there home state voters. Might as well elect republicans who stand for absolute crap when it comes to the common person. They can raise issues like flag burning and more gun rights and get elected. I guess those issues mean more than health care.

Posted by: dennis - Oct 27, 2009 10:12 PM

Premiums go way up every year while benefits go down. You would think that it would reach a point of critical mass eventually--where even Republipricks would agree that something needs to be done. Never underestimate the power of greed, though.

Posted by: Michael - Oct 28, 2009 6:38 AM

Tubeman, If you read back, Slowly, in my blog you will note that i basically agree with most of Steve's views. Im not for health care reform, just fixing what is broke. His ability to be steadfast and stay the course regardless of the heat he takes was directed at blogs like yours. Seems you love to argue, any politics in your future?

Posted by: bruiser - Oct 28, 2009 8:08 AM

Greenfield VIllage make sure you see both parts of the place. When I was there there was a Tcker car on display. IF you have the time take the tour of the truck plant as well.
I read you blog almost everyday and I think this is the first time I have responded.

Posted by: TIm - Oct 28, 2009 8:31 AM

Where is my H1N1 that was promised last Spring by this administration. I recall a big PR push with Homeland Security, HHS, etc in attendance saying that unlike the Katrina fiasco, this administration is "on top of things" and we all would be protected. Bush had about a week to get ready for Katrina and Obama has had months. Do we really want the government running the entire health care program. I think not. Which "common sense" side has Snow jumped to now that she has recoiled from Harry?

Posted by: cochrane - Oct 28, 2009 10:38 AM

Any true kind of health change won't pass because people of America pander to fear, not reason.

"My costs will go up" - presicely the reason why we need to end the monopoly of private care. ND has 1 company that represents 85% of the people- enough said.

"The government can't run anything." -Yea how's your 401k look lately? How's GM, or Chrystler, or every Bank or private financial firm doing?

"It's socialism"- Oh really, what's Medicare then? Then take yourself off Medicare and have fun with the private system.

"We just need to fix what's broken." Sorry Republicans, you had control of congress for 12 of the last 14 years, 7 of which with a Republican prez who didn't or couldn't get anything done.

Times up.

"The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself!" -FDR.

"I'm issuing colored terror alerts on the television." -W.

Posted by: SQUIBBY - Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM

Did you hear that George W. is now a "motivational speaker"? I can't think of a thing he motivated anyone to do except vote for Obama.

Posted by: michael - Oct 28, 2009 2:56 PM

Right on Squibby...I think this may be your best post ever....NICE JOB... Again..this was a GREAT POST. Thanks

Fed Up with George W and all the rest of his "followers"...

Posted by: Fed Up - Oct 28, 2009 5:54 PM

Just call our two senators (including the big business, big insurance company, big drug company Ho', John Thune,and our waffling Republican wanna-be Congress-chick Stephanie,and insist they give you the same health insurance program that you pay for them. They pay $45 a month for world class coverage. Nothing is out of bounds. No questions asked medical care!
Are you worth less than they are? Are they more deserving of a break than you? Do enjoy paying more than they do for less?
Use your brain and realize that "all men are created equal" (and that means the ladies too.
As far as costs go, you could cut the pentagon budget in half. Fire 90% of the generals, 3/4 of the colonels, 85% of the majors, 90% of the Captains, and all of the Lieutenants.Buy toilet seats from Wal-mart,and we're back in business. We could also cut Obama's Air-Force One budget by 99%...and demand that he quit Democratic fund-raising on our nickle...Tell the jack-ass to stay in DC and work! That's not racist.

Posted by: bc - Oct 28, 2009 6:09 PM

Dear Squibby:

1.) Yes, ND BC/BS has 87% of the market in that state. Yet everyone wants to ridicule Sanford for wanting to go into the state and offer the Health Plan and take a whack at them. Care to explain that to me?

2.) Yes I have taken a look at my 401(k). My balance has doubled since bottoming out in March. I believe it's called a diversified portfolio.

3.) Medicare is one of a number of insurance plans that are available to seniors. Maybe you've heard of Humana? You talk as if Medicare is the exclusive provider, and it's not.

4.) As far as fixing what is broken, establishing medical savings accounts that can roll over, allowing insurance companies to sell across state lines and establishing the co-op plan would be a good start.


Now reason with that without fear.

Posted by: TheBigB - Oct 28, 2009 8:23 PM

TheBigB - excellent post. Why don't we allow health insurance companies to compete across state lines? So far this idea has been turned away by the democrats. Why can't we have a very simple tort reform whereby the loser pays? Again, turned down by the democrats.
And Michael, why do your insurance premiums continue to go up while your coverage is reduced? Its called transfer costs. The federal government already impacts over 45% of health care costs through Medicare, Medicaid and other programs and they under reimburse hospitals and physians by a figure of 40 to 60%. The reported cost of government under reimbursement adds an additionall $1,800 to $2,000 per year to private insurance. And it continues to grow.

Posted by: Geo. McGovernment - Oct 28, 2009 9:53 PM

The fact that insurance companies take 30% profit right off the top has nothing to do with costs? Hell, Las Vegas casinos are limited by law to 18% profits! Insurance companies should be allowed almost double the profits of Las Vegas casinos?! Seriously?! People are dying every day because insurance companies place their greed motives over the health of their customers. Insurance should be NON-PROFIT. You know, like your credit union.

Posted by: michael - Oct 28, 2009 10:45 PM

Finally some good posts here.

The ultimate question comes to this,

..whom do you trust more, a greedy insurance goliath or an ineficient government?

Posted by: SQUIBBY - Oct 28, 2009 11:38 PM

Correction, should be inef(f)icient. One too many whiskeys... Or is it wiskeys?

Posted by: SQUIBBY - Oct 28, 2009 11:47 PM

Health insurance profit margins... My google search reveals current margins in the 1 to 3.3% range. Check it out for yourself.

The USPS has increased postage rates 2 and a half times the rate of inflation and still run annual deficits of 7 to 8 billion. But, they are not for profit.

Medicare and Medicaid carry projected deficits of $34 trillion. They have known inbedded fraud and waste of $400 to $500 billion. But, they are not for profit.

Posted by: Geo. McGovernment - Oct 29, 2009 9:35 AM

Holy Cow Steve: How in the world are we going to satisfy you with a regular 'road trip' again? We're glad you're having a good time and learning so much!

Posted by: Phil - Oct 29, 2009 10:34 AM

53 hundred miles and a few Canadian kilometers later, I'm home. I was surprised, given what I'd been hearing about the weather here, how much harvesting had gotten done. I'll be working up some interesting road adventure and pix...at least I thought they were. You know, the three comment variety of columns, most of them about jeans and cheap shoes.

Posted by: Hemmingsen - Oct 30, 2009 8:44 AM

What happened to Whiskey Breath ? I sure miss his blogs and he made a lot of good comments.

Posted by: rdl - Oct 30, 2009 1:53 PM

Welcome Home Steve!! I will be waiting to see your photos and read about your adventure..

Posted by: iluvsd - Oct 31, 2009 8:31 AM

Insurance companies make 1% profit?!! I've got a really cool bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you, too!

Posted by: michael - Oct 31, 2009 6:55 PM

fine

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