WILL DEMOCRATS OBSTRUCT HEALTHCARE REFORM (RNC Research Briefing)

Republican National Committee ^ | 29 January 2003 | RNC Research Department

[PhiKapMom]

RNC Research Briefing
29 January 2003

WILL DEMOCRATS OBSTRUCT HEALTH CARE REFORM?

Democrat Demagoguery And Attacks Won’t Fix The System

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“A Market For Medical Progress Is Important. Mr. Bush Deserves Credit For Suggesting Policies That Would Preserve One, Especially Since He Will Have To Compete With The Democrats’ Demagogy About Everything Being ‘Free.’” (Robert L. Pollock, “Americans Need A Market For Medical Progress,” The Wall Street Journal, January 22, 2003)

DEMOCRATS ATTACKED PRESIDENT BUSH’S MEDICARE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN BEFORE IT WAS RELEASED!

Even Before The President’s Medicare And Prescription Drug Plan Was Released, Democrats Attacked It As A “Reckless Gamble That Would Privatize The System . . .” (Rebecca Adams, “Medicare Prescription Benefit Just One Part Of Overhaul,” Congressional Quarterly Weekly, January 17, 2003)

Although They Had Virtually No Information About President Bush’s Plan, Democrats Immediately Started Scaring Seniors. “Democrats and their ideological allies immediately criticized the White House’s intentions. They accused Bush of coercing the elderly into managed care . . .” (Amy Goldstein, “Medicare Plan A Mystery On Hill,” The Washington Post, January 25, 2003)

Without Having Seen The President’s Medicare Proposal, Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) Assailed It As An “HMO Drug Plan That Only A Big Drug Company Could Love.” A paper released by Daschle claimed the “White House is readying an HMO drug plan that only a big drug company could love” and would put seniors “at the mercy of HMOs . . . and implement ‘reforms’ that would privatize Medicare.” (Rebecca Adams, “Bush Plan Tying Medicare Drug Plan To HMOs Would Be Fought,” Congressional Quarterly Daily Monitor, January 24, 2003)

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Admitted She Hadn’t Seen The President’s Actual Proposal, But Criticized It Anyway. “If news accounts are accurate, then the president’s proposal is a benefit for HMOs, not for seniors.” (Stephen Dinan, “Hill Democratic Leaders Launch Pre-Emptive Strike,” The Washington Times, January 28, 2003)

WILL DEMOCRATS OBSTRUCT HEALTH CARE REFORM AGAIN?

In June 2002, The Republican-Controlled House Passed A Prescription Drug Plan. The $350 billion plan would have allowed Medicare recipients to enroll in permanent prescription drug coverage plans. (H.R. 4954, Medicare Modernization And Prescription Drug Act Of 2002, Roll Call #282: Passed 221-208: R 212-8; D 8-199; I 1-1, June 28, 2002)

But The Democrat-Controlled Senate Failed To Deliver, Blocking Two Prescription Drug Bills With Bipartisan Support. (Motion To Waive The Budget Act Re: Amendment To S. 812, S.Amdt. 4310, Roll Call #187: Rejected 48-51: R 45-3; D 2-48; I 1-0, July 23, 2002; Motion To Waive The Budget Act Re: Amendment To S. 812, S.Amdt. 4315, Roll Call #189: Rejected 51-48: R 47-1; D 4-46; I 0-1, July 24, 2002)

Too Many Senate Democrats Are Running For President, Not Passing Health Care Reform. “[Medicare] reform will take 60 Senate votes, and too many Senate Democrats may be running for President in 2004 to allow a decent compromise this year.” (Editorial, “Doing Medicare Right,” The Wall Street Journal, January 6, 2003)

OUT-OF-CONTROL MEDICAL LIABILITY IS CAUSING A HEALTH CARE CRISIS

According To The American Medical Association (AMA), 12 States Face A Medical Liability Insurance Crisis And 30 More Show Problem Signs. AMA President Dr. Richard Corlin warned, “As [medical liability] insurance becomes unaffordable or unavailable and the legal system produces multimillion-dollar jury awards on a regular basis, physicians are forced to limit services, leave their practice, or relocate - all of which seriously impede patient access to high-quality health care.” (“N.J., Pa. Face Malpractice-Insurance Crisis, AMA Says,” The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 18, 2002)

Doctors In West Virginia Walked Off The Job In Early January To Protest Rising Malpractice Insurance Costs. In a recent Harris Interactive poll, 99 percent of West Virginia physicians surveyed believe the fear of malpractice liability is responsible for a shortage of physicians in the state. 94 percent think “the malpractice system limits the ability of doctors in their state to provide the highest quality medical care possible at least ‘somewhat,’” and 56 percent think that it limits their ability “a great deal.” (Joedy McCreary, “Poll: W.Va. Doctors Blame Malpractice Liability For Shortages,” The Associated Press, January 13, 2003; Harris Interactive Poll Of 289 West Virginia Physicians, MoE +/- 2, Conducted For The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce, October 2 Through November 6, 2002)

General Electric Workers Staged A Strike After The High Cost Of Malpractice Insurance Forced Them To Pay More For Medical Coverage. “General Electric Co. workers in Fort Wayne will take their anger about rising medical insurance costs to the street. . . . The strike had been threatened since GE notified the union of plans to raise workers’ out-of-pocket medical expenses last fall.” (Lynne McKenna Frazier, “Fort Wayne, Ind., GE Workers To Strike Against Rising Medical-Insurance Costs,” The [Fort Wayne, IN] News-Sentinel, January 8, 2003)

A 2002 Study By The Department Of Health And Human Services Shows The Need For Reform. The study describes how the broken malpractice litigation system is contributing to rising health care costs for all Americans, adding billions to Federal health care expenditures, and threatening health care access, quality, and safety. The report also highlights the necessity and proven success of the national reforms proposed by the President. (“Confronting The New Health Care Crisis: Improving Health Care Quality And Lowering Costs By Fixing Our Medical Liability System,” Department Of Health And Human Services, July 24, 2002)

DEMOCRATS OPPOSE REFORM BECAUSE MALPRACTICE
LITIGATION BENEFITS TRIAL LAWYERS, A MAJOR
SOURCE OF THEIR CAMPAIGN CASH

Democrats In The 107th Congress Blocked Republican Legislation To Reform The Medical Liability System. Senate Democrats voted to kill an amendment that would have capped punitive damages in malpractice cases, limited attorneys’ fees and required lawsuits to be filed within two years of the discovery of an injury. (Amendment To S. 812, S.Amdt. #4326, Roll Call #197: Passed 57-42: R 6-42; D 50-0; I 1-0, July 30, 2002)

Democrat Presidential Candidate And Former Trial Lawyer John Edwards (D-NC) Leads The Fight Against Caps On Malpractice Awards. “Edwards said that . . . the federal government has no business imposing [caps] in states that don’t want them. . . . The issue poses a tricky situation for Edwards, whose political action committee has raised the majority of its money from lawyers and their family members. He is continuing to lean heavily on former colleagues as he tries to raise the $20 million or so analysts say will be needed by the end of the year to mount a credible White House bid.” (John Wagner, “Courtroom Past A Tricky Prologue For Edwards’ Run,” The [Raleigh] News And Observer, January 15, 2003)

Democrats Receive Millions Of Dollars In Campaign Contributions From Trial Lawyers And The Association Of Trial Lawyers Of America (ATLA). (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org, Accessed January 15, 2003)

Medical Economics’ Writer Wayne Guglielmo Predicted Democrats Will Continue To Side With The Trial Lawyers And Against Working Americans. “[E]ven sympathetic Democrats may not be eager to displease one of their most powerful and generous constituencies--the trial lawyers.” (Wayne J. Guglielmo, “What’s The Washington Outlook Now?” Medical Economics, December 9, 2002)

[PhiKapMom]

Facts posted for your information and dissemination!

[PhiKapMom]

Please keep these facts handy to dispute what any liberals are saying. Let your elected Senators and Representative know that you will only accept Facts not Lies and Spin!

[Wait4Truth]

It's so nice to see the RNC on the ball as they have never been before! Looks like they don't ever sleep anymore and that's a very good thing! Thank you for the valuable information!

[woodyinscc]

The first salvo of the left came from Chris Matthews when he accused Frank Luntz of spinning his focus group. It was sickening to watch. Like I have said in another post, I will never watch Matthews again. He said Bush was going to force the seniors into HMO's which was false. In the SOTU Bush said seniors who are happy where they are should be able to stay. The plan has not been put forth yet, but I know Bush wants more choices. (so should the seniors)

[zeaal]

I continue to be convinced the democrats' HATE for BUSH and Republicans exceeds their interest and hope and concern for the well-being of the American People.

This is just one more example for proof of this sentiment.

[blackie]

Be Well - Be Armed - Be Safe - Molon Labe!

[woodyinscc]

"It's so nice to see the RNC on the ball as they have never been before"

Since Marc Rosciot(sp) has assumed leadership, the difference has been night and day. Bush should get a lot of credit also, he personally got involved and convinced him to take the job.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[PhiKapMom]

I had heard Matthews was on the warpath -- thanks for updating what was said!

[PhiKapMom]

The RATs don't seem to care what is good for Americans anymore but only what is good for the power hungry Clintons and their socialist agenda!

Used to joke the RATs were Anti-American -- not really a joke anymore -- beginning to firmly believe it which is scarey.

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks my friend!

[Cyber Liberty]

You want to see "on the ball"? How 'bout this, next major speech: Release totally bogus advance copy. That'll screw up any more "pre-buttals", won't it?

[CyberAnt]

"WILL DEMOCRATS OBSTRUCT HEALTH CARE REFORM?"

Will the sun come up tomorrow ...??

[yoe]

It just takes your breath away knowing how truly mendacious these people are. I suppose this should be printed and taken to the various old-folks homes or some place where Seniors gather. As most of them watch nothing but CNN, they will never know the truth.

[My2Cents]

What do you mean "WILL" they obstruct? They will, they are, and they have obstructed healthcare reform. There could have been an HMO reform bill signed two years ago, but the Dems don't want to resolve the issue -- they want to continue to milk it politically. Essentially, as long as they can use an issue for political purposes, they will not allow it to be settled.

[My2Cents]

Medicare+Choice was a product of the Republican Congress in 1997. It's design is managed care, but through the savings of managed care, M+C plans could offer enriched benefits like prescription drugs, preventative services like prostate cancer screenings, and the like. Because of the Clinton Administration's hatred of managed care, they squeezed the program financially such that it wasn't commercially viable as an alternative to the traditional fee-for-service side of Medicare. The concept is a good one, and the seniors who have it love it (again, it's their choice). Once again, the Democrats want to deny seniors a choice in medical coverage, just like they want to deny choice in everything, other than abortion.

[woodyinscc]

"Once again, the Democrats want to deny seniors a choice in medical coverage, just like they want to deny choice in everything, other than abortion.

They do not want any reform on anything. They just want to keep throwing good money after bad.(taxes are their best friend)When they have an issue like this, they would rather demagogue it, and do nothing, then use it as a campaign issue. Like Bush says "if that isn't evil there is no evil"

[dalebert]

Dems spent 8 years tearing this country down why should they stop now?

[olliemb]

Thank you for keeping us postd with all this information. Helps a whole lot when discussing with liberals.I agree with ya, got to get the facts out and avoid the lies and the spin.

[olliemb]

Matthews said he hated when Bush said that there were some terrorists that would never bother theUSA or their neighbors. Matthews said it was not presidential to say that but Donna Brazillie said she liked that part of Bush-straight forward talking. And yes, Matthews was on the warpath and so was that guy with the goatee. I was up at 3AM and since I had heard the SOTU, watched Hannity and Colmes I had nothing else todo but watch Matthews. It was a hoot--reminded me of the time he had Jesse Jackson on his show the nite of the 2000 election and both he and Jesse looked like they had just had castor oil when it was announced that Bush had won. The look on their faces was to die for.

[blackie]

You're doing a great job, PKM, you make a difference!

Let's Roll!

[Canadian Outrage]

Matthews just doesn't get it does he?? How can he not realize that he is pissing off the majority of the Country with his liberal bent. No liberal outlet is doing well at the moment. I saw the cable ratings yesterday and Matthews and Donahue are at the BOTTOM!!

[PhiKapMom]

That's a good one! Sun rises in the East so another day of obstruction! LOL!!!

[PhiKapMom]

That's what bothers me -- this group of CLINTON DemocRATs don't think twice about lying to senior citizens when they know the truth! And CNN is right there at their beck and call to spread their lies!

[sport]

Does a bear sh!! in the woods?

[PhiKapMom]

Am part of the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program and use a PPO (preferred provider organization) under Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Only pay a percentage of the cost now for prescriptions. All of the plans that are part of the FHBP have prescription coverage now is my understanding.

This is what the President what talking about last night when he referred to Congress and others as having these plans as they have the same health benefits Civil Service does is my understanding.

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks my friend!

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for the report on Matthews -- I heard he went off the deep end! I love to hear that!

[PhiKapMom]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's funny!

[My2Cents]

You're absolutely correct. Bush was referring to FEHB.

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks! I thought that was what he was referencing!

[PhilDragoo]

Tom Daschle and Nancy Pelosi said they didn't need to be confused by facts--the president was out to force seniors into managed care and benefit big drug companies.

Just as Ted Kennedy--although he was passed out during the State of the Union speech--said the president hadn't made the case.

I faxed our two senators and congressman today regarding Democrat obstructionism:

Democrats put partisan power before America's security and prosperity--eager to sabotage both to attain their ends.

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for faxing!

Living here in Oklahoma is like preaching to the choir in the Congress. My two Senators are great and I volunteered countless hours in the Tom Cole campaign for him to replace J.C. Watts. I usually email them to tell them what a great job they are doing and complain about the RAT obstructionist.