and it's not the Movie it's Reality.
Posted on 07/02/2009 3:18:48 PM PDT by Libloather
Senate bill fines people refusing health coverage
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR – 58 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans who refuse to buy affordable medical coverage could be hit with fines of more than $1,000 under a health care overhaul bill unveiled Thursday by key Senate Democrats looking to fulfill President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the fines will raise around $36 billion over 10 years. Senate aides said the penalties would be modeled on the approach taken by Massachusetts, which now imposes a fine of about $1,000 a year on individuals who refuse to get coverage. Under the federal legislation, families would pay higher penalties than individuals.
In a revamped health care system envisioned by lawmakers, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government would provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families, but those who still refuse to sign up would face penalties.
Called "shared responsibility payments," the fines would be set at least half the cost of basic medical coverage, according to the legislation.
In 2008, employer-provided coverage averaged $12,680 a year for a family plan, and $4,704 for individual coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation's annual survey. Senate aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the cost of the federal plan would be lower but declined to provide specifics.
The legislation would exempt certain hardship cases from fines.
The new proposals were released as Congress neared the end of a weeklong July 4 break, with lawmakers expected to quickly take up health care legislation when they return to Washington. With deepening divisions along partisan and ideological lines, the complex legislation faces an uncertain future.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
We all Knew this would be a part of the “package”. Keep it up liberals. You’ll start to see what REAL criminals look like.
So, let’s see: An illegal alien doesn’t join a program and shows up at the emergency room. Will anything change under the new bill (aside from other initiatives which will make him a citizen and give him the money to join a program as part of his welfare)?
You will and you'll like it.
I think I’ll move to Arizona and refuse to participate in the Government medical plan.
Such a law is clearly unconstitutional. Better budget for it.
Who decides what “affordable medical coverage” is?
You don’t want to ask. I’m sure their answer is “amnesty.”
Things being as they are, I'll just say: 'never mind'.
Romney is an idiot!
Romney is the enemy within.
Likely the states will, just like they do for medicaid.
Every state has a different standard for poverty level.
Like medicare part D, the cost varies in every state.
Everything not prohibited is compulsory.
Dem Dem’s aren’t going to like this. Dey wants free sh*t.
Does this manifesto have a number and is it online?
Democrat fines are identical to Romneycare fines!
worth noting
Evidently, it’s not in Massachusetts. And car insurance is mandatory in most states. I guess they figure this is the same thing.
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