Posted on 08/03/2010 5:55:15 PM PDT by Libloather
Explaining Proposition C
By Floyd Jernigan
Posted Aug 03, 2010 @ 06:05 PM
Proposition C and the legislation that spawned it, the new healthcare package, are a mixed bag, according to local health care officials.
Missouri Health Care Freedom, Proposition C will appear on today's statewide ballot as a legislatively referred state statute.
The Missouri State Senate voted 26-8 to place the measure on the ballot. The House approved it 108-47.
The proposal aims to block the federal government from requiring people to buy health insurance and would "prohibit any person, employer, or health care provider from being compelled to participate in any health care system."
It would amend state statutes to shield those who choose not to comply with the federal health reform law, protecting them from fines and penalties. Backers of the measure are largely opposed to President Barack Obama’s new health plans.
Opponents of the measure say the proposal is symbolic, intended to send a message of political protest, and has little chance in succeeding in court.
The Missouri Hospital Association, which represents not-for profit hospitals, has come out against the proposal.
Officials with the Obama Administration solicited the hospital industry’s support to help with the passage of the new healthcare package.
Having more people insured through the legislation would in theory reduce the number of people who essentially default on their medical bills when they can’t afford to pay.
There is a cautionary note though.
If more people had health insurance and could pay for services and treatment, it would reduce the amount the federal government pays to the not-for profit hospitals to compensate for their losses due to the uninsured and under-insured inability to pay.
Phelps County Regional Medical Center CEO John Denbo said the intent of the legislation, to increase the number of people with health insurance, should be a positive, but that the likely result would be “a wash.”
“And then we’re right back to the cycle of charging more to those who can pay to make up the difference.
“As a public hospital, it’s our obligation, if we have the ability through our staff and equipment, to provide care, regardless of people’s ability to pay,” said Denbo.
“At the end of the year we try to collect what is owed us and if we can’t get it, we write off that debt,” he added.
That amount of uncollectible reimbursements to the hospital is substantial and growing, said Denbo. Traditionally, hospital rates are driven by labor costs and the price of goods and technology. But when bad debt goes up, said Denbo, “we have to cover those costs.”
“And then we’re back to having to raise charges more to take care of those losses.
“And that results in higher insurance premiums for those who are socially responsible by buying insurance, either through the workplace or as an individual or family.”
And in the end, some may still choose to not pay, covered or not. “It’s estimated that 25 to 30 percent of Missourians now choose not to buy insurance. They take that money and use it somewhere else.
“My gut feeling is that there would still be those who choose not to buy insurance,” said Denbo.
In the end, approving Proposition C would effectively take Missouri out of the equation of the new healthcare legislation, and that’s what the proposition’s supporters hope happens, at least symbolically and politically if not in reality.
That debate over the federal government’s role has been ongoing since the founding of the country and the crafting of the Constitution.
However, there’s the philosophical and then there’s the reality of the past and the present, said Denbo.
“Sixty-five percent of our money comes from Medicare and Medicaid payments. The federal government has been involved big time in the health care industry since 1965.”
In summation, it’s not an easy decision.
“Health care legislation is very, very complex. And this bill is a result of deal making, where you get the good, the bad and the indifferent."
Our early reports are starting to come in in Michigan. No ballot initiatives for me in this primary.
Medical care back then was like any other service. You want it, you pay for it. Like any other service, the doctors could not charge more than the market would support.
Its a blowout here in MO, can you hear us NOW Barry??!?
With 20% of precincts reporting, 75% "yes" to 25% "No" - ObamaCare is going down in flame by the wise citizens of The Show Me State!
The excrement is HITTING THE FAN! (And Commiecare™ doesn't cover that!)
The usual hanky-panky in St. Louis and KC will tighten it up, but even hardcore democrat corruption can’t overcome this...
Another wonderful day in the land of the free.
I keep hitting the 'refresh' thing on http://www.sos.mo.gov/enrweb/ballotissueresults.asp?eid=283 .
75.7%. DANG!
Missouri didn’t just say NO to Obamacare.
We didn’t just say HELL NO.
We said “Get That Weak $#!^ Out Of Our Faces, There’s The Door Right There, Don’t Let It Hit You On The Ass On The Way Out.”
We didn’t just say HELL NO.
We said “Get That Weak $#!^ Out Of Our Faces, There’s The Door Right There, Don’t Let It Hit You On The Ass On The Way Out.”
75.8%. WOW! I may have to become a Missouri fan. What do they have - the Wild Ducks?
They’ll have to do more than just hold the polls open in St. Louis an extra hour to make up this gap.
Hearing on KMOX that prop C is losing badly in the city of St. Louis.
“Hearing on KMOX that prop C is losing badly in the city of St. Louis.”
Right now it’s losing about 58 to 42 % in St. Louis City with about 77% reporting. No big surprise there.
“Hearing on KMOX that prop C is losing badly in the city of St. Louis.”
Right now it’s losing 58 to 42 % in St. Louis City with about 77% reporting. No big surprise there.
Appreciate the MO pingy-lingy! Now, will the vote do any good??
We didn’t just say HELL NO.
We said “Get That Weak $#!^ Out Of Our Faces, There’s The Door Right There, Don’t Let It Hit You On The Ass On The Way Out.”
Final count, 73% Yes 26% No. Why yes, I would have to say: “Get That Weak $#!^ Out Of Our Faces, There’s The Door Right There, Don’t Let It Hit You On The Ass On The Way Out.”
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