Talk Elections

Atlas Fantasy Elections => Atlas Fantasy Government => Topic started by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on March 31, 2012, 11:52:28 AM



Title: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Law'd)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on March 31, 2012, 11:52:28 AM
Quote
The New Atlasian Healthcare Act
Section 1- Eligibility and Benefits

    (a.) All individuals residing in Atlasia are eligible to be covered under the Atlasian National Health Care Program offering them a high quality standard of care.
    (b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.

    (c.) Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in Atlasia that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
    (d.) No deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits, but additional insurance from private sources is not forbidden.
    (e.) All private and public hospitals and doctors are required to be participating providers, and are not permitted to deny care on the basis of one's enrollment in the Atlasian National Health Care Program.
    (f.) All health insurance companies, public or private, shall be required to join the health insurance Exchange to be legally licensed to provide services. No company in the Exchange may deny coverage on the basis of previous health condition. The Exchange shall be governed by the Health Directorate, who shall be responsible for determining proper levels of reimbursement, management, administration and other related health industry needs.
(g.) Prescription drug companies shall not be allowed to advertise their products outside of certified medical journals.

Section 2- Finances

    (a.) The Atlasian Government, through the Atlasian National Health Care Program's regional offices, shall be financially obligated to cover: all costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals below 250% the poverty level; 50% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; and 10% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals above $250,000.
    (b.) Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
    (c.) Funding for this proposal shall be drawn from the following sources:

            Cost reductions in other federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of administrative and cost savings and shifts in funding priorities
            Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.

Section 3- Administration

    (a.) This Act shall be administered by the Health Directorate, made up by a Chairman and the Executives of the regional CHP boards.
    (b.) Medicare and Medicaid shall be phased out, with all necessary personnel and services being transferred to the Atlasian National Health Care Program upon its establishment.

Section 4- Regional Administration

    (a.) The provision of healthcare and the administration of budgets and services shall be the responsibility of independent Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) congruent to the existing Regions These shall be established as public sector corporations. Each CHP shall be headed by a board consisting of one Executive and further non-executive members.
    (b.) CHP members shall be selected by the Health Directorate and shall be a non-partisan gathering of experts in the medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance and administration industries.
    (c.) All boards shall be required to have an audit committee consisting only of non-executive members on which the chair may not sit. This committee shall be entrusted with the supervision of financial audit and of systems of corporate governance within the CHP.
    (d.) CHP's shall have responsibility for delivering primary and community services and commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. Each CHP shall have their own budget and set their own priorities and shall directly provide a range of community health services including but not exclusive to;

            The provision of funding for general practitioners and medical prescriptions.
            The commission of hospital and mental health services from the private sector.

    (e.) All members, directors and associated bodies shall be accountable to the Health Directorate as outlined in Section 3 of this Act.


Sponsor: Scott


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on March 31, 2012, 01:45:23 PM
I propose this amendment to Section 1b.

Quote
(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on March 31, 2012, 05:09:31 PM
SPONSOR!!!!!!!!!!!


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on March 31, 2012, 07:05:08 PM
Quote
The New Atlasian Healthcare Act
Section 1- Eligibility and Benefits

    (a.) All individuals residing in Atlasia are eligible to be covered under the Atlasian National Health Care Program offering them a high quality standard of care.
    (b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.

    (c.) Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in Atlasia that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
    (d.) No deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits, but additional insurance from private sources is not forbidden.
    (e.) All private and public hospitals and doctors are required to be participating providers, and are not permitted to deny care on the basis of one's enrollment in the Atlasian National Health Care Program.
    (f.) All health insurance companies, public or private, shall be required to join the health insurance Exchange to be legally licensed to provide services. No company in the Exchange may deny coverage on the basis of previous health condition. The Exchange shall be governed by the Health Directorate, who shall be responsible for determining proper levels of reimbursement, management, administration and other related health industry needs.
(g.) Prescription drug companies shall not be allowed to advertise their products outside of certified medical journals.

Section 2- Finances

    (a.) The Atlasian Government, through the Atlasian National Health Care Program's regional offices, shall be financially obligated to cover: all costs 90% of costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals below 250% the poverty level; 50% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; and 10% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals above $250,000. The total out of pocket payment for you or your family for the whole year may not exceed beyond 5% of your income if you make less than 250% of the poverty level. It cannot exceed 15% of your income if you make between 250% of the poverty level and $250,000 a year. It cannot exceed above 25% of your income if you make more than $250,000 a year. Nothing will need to be paid for preventative care by anyone of any income.
    (b.) Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
    (c.) Funding for this proposal shall be drawn from the following sources:

            Cost reductions in other federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of administrative and cost savings and shifts in funding priorities
            Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.

Section 3- Administration

    (a.) This Act shall be administered by the Health Directorate, made up by a Chairman and the Executives of the regional CHP boards.
    (b.) Medicare and Medicaid shall be phased out, with all necessary personnel and services being transferred to the Atlasian National Health Care Program upon its establishment.

Section 4- Regional Administration

    (a.) The provision of healthcare and the administration of budgets and services shall be the responsibility of independent Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) congruent to the existing Regions These shall be established as public sector corporations. Each CHP shall be headed by a board consisting of one Executive and further non-executive members.
    (b.) CHP members shall be selected by the Health Directorate and shall be a non-partisan gathering of experts in the medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance and administration industries.
    (c.) All boards shall be required to have an audit committee consisting only of non-executive members on which the chair may not sit. This committee shall be entrusted with the supervision of financial audit and of systems of corporate governance within the CHP.
    (d.) CHP's shall have responsibility for delivering primary and community services and commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. Each CHP shall have their own budget and set their own priorities and shall directly provide a range of community health services including but not exclusive to;

            The provision of funding for general practitioners and medical prescriptions.
            The commission of hospital and mental health services from the private sector.

    (e.) All members, directors and associated bodies shall be accountable to the Health Directorate as outlined in Section 3 of this Act.


Sponsor: MoPolitico

I propose this amendment. I struck out Section 1d since a later part of the bill already had co-insurance in it. That would be Section 2a. I also made some changes to it. I think those making less than 250 times the poverty level should have to pay 10% since it disincentives overuse of health care. I also made sure there are limits to how much people pay out of their own pockets for incomes greater than 250 times the poverty level. An angioplasty costs 25k these days and having someone making 50k pay half of that would be wrong. In addition we should encourage preventative care and that will be completely covered by the government with no cost sharing required by anyone.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on March 31, 2012, 07:13:59 PM
Also I am a little unclear on the funding mechanism. Is the tax on your health care benefits or your overall income?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on March 31, 2012, 07:24:26 PM
This looks like it's just the current law with a few amendments. Which parts are being changed?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Frodo on March 31, 2012, 07:43:28 PM
Like I posted in the Senate Protest and Analysis thread:

I am having trouble seeing the differences between this bill and the law we already have, and why this should be considered an improvement.  For that matter, why go through the trouble of repealing the previous law when you could simply amend it if you're that dissatisfied with it but want to keep the overall structure in place?  


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 01, 2012, 02:46:29 PM
Where the hell is MoPolitico?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Frodo on April 01, 2012, 10:14:29 PM

What happens if he doesn't turn up -and soon?  Does someone else have to sponsor this bill or does it get dropped? 


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 02, 2012, 04:19:59 PM

What happens if he doesn't turn up -and soon?  Does someone else have to sponsor this bill or does it get dropped? 

Technically I should this: https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=119311.msg3249357#msg3249357

But I won't since I don't beleive he has been on since then and thus didn't see my PM about it, I won't. I can't change the sponsor unless he motions for withdrawal, and I can't add co-sponsors without his consent. I can't replace him unless he ceases to be a Senator.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on April 02, 2012, 10:22:15 PM
I will gladly sponsor this bill, with my changes of course, if MoPolitico doesn't show up.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 03, 2012, 07:41:33 AM
That would take weeks though. If he can't find the time to deal with this bill then we need MoPolitico to move to withdraw the bill. THen someone can volunteer to replace him as sponsor.

Is he on Facebook? Could someone get him on there?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Mopsus on April 03, 2012, 08:22:04 AM
I profusely apologize; I have been extremely busy lately and haven't had the time to drop in here. But, I'm here now. Now: I accept both amendments as friendly.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 03, 2012, 12:29:05 PM
Senators have 24 hours to object to to both amendments and my decapitation of the sponsor.



Where is that axe? >:D


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Fmr President & Senator Polnut on April 03, 2012, 06:34:40 PM
Can I note my personal concern that Yankee is headed for a 'Falling Down' type episode... for those of you not old enough to know what that is... google. :)


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: MyRescueKittehRocks on April 03, 2012, 08:42:39 PM
I propose this amendment to Section 1b.

Quote
(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services.

The conservative citizens within Atlasia have no desire for their hard earned income be used for contraceptive services. We obviously know abortion services would fall within the scope of this bill. As a citizen and as a regional representative I urge the senate to not add to section b of this bill and in fact oppose this bill should contraceptive services remain in the bill.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 03, 2012, 08:44:31 PM
I voice my disapproval of the Whig War on Women.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 03, 2012, 08:59:44 PM
I propose this amendment to Section 1b.

Quote
(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services.

The conservative citizens within Atlasia have no desire for their hard earned income be used for contraceptive services. We obviously know abortion services would fall within the scope of this bill. As a citizen and as a regional representative I urge the senate to not add to section b of this bill and in fact oppose this bill should contraceptive services remain in the bill.

I'm merely trying to destroy the family as we know it, here.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 03, 2012, 10:37:46 PM
I propose this amendment to Section 1b.

Quote
(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services.

The conservative citizens within Atlasia have no desire for their hard earned income be used for contraceptive services. We obviously know abortion services would fall within the scope of this bill. As a citizen and as a regional representative I urge the senate to not add to section b of this bill and in fact oppose this bill should contraceptive services remain in the bill.
I don't see any reason why "contraceptive services" would include abortions. I'm guessing this amendment would just add vasectomies or tube-tying surgeries since birth control pills would already be covered under prescription drugs.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 03, 2012, 11:02:37 PM
I propose this amendment to Section 1b.

Quote
(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services.

The conservative citizens within Atlasia have no desire for their hard earned income be used for contraceptive services. We obviously know abortion services would fall within the scope of this bill. As a citizen and as a regional representative I urge the senate to not add to section b of this bill and in fact oppose this bill should contraceptive services remain in the bill.
I don't see any reason why "contraceptive services" would include abortions. I'm guessing this amendment would just add vasectomies or tube-tying surgeries since birth control pills would already be covered under prescription drugs.

Correct.  The amendment would not, in fact, cover abortions, since abortion is not a contraceptive.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 05, 2012, 05:28:42 PM
The Amendments have passed.

Can I note my personal concern that Yankee is headed for a 'Falling Down' type episode... for those of you not old enough to know what that is... google. :)

Only if you idiots drag me down, maybe. :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 05, 2012, 08:35:45 PM
This looks like it's just the current law with a few amendments. Which parts are being changed?
Given how many headaches have been caused trying to understand the law as currently written and finding a way to pat for it,  this is still something that needs to be answered.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Napoleon on April 05, 2012, 09:42:16 PM
This looks like it's just the current law with a few amendments. Which parts are being changed?
Given how many headaches have been caused trying to understand the law as currently written and finding a way to pat for it,  this is still something that needs to be answered.

Atlasian who can afford to pay for a portion of their healthcare will have to do so, to make the program sustainable.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 05, 2012, 09:50:31 PM
Quote
Section 1- Eligibility and Benefits

    (a.) All individuals residing in Atlasia are eligible covered under the Atlasian National Health Care Program entitling them to a universal, best high quality standard of care.
    (b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services

    (c.) Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in Atlasia that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
    (d.) No deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits, but additional insurance from private sources is not forbidden.
    (e.) All private and public hospitals and doctors are required to be participating providers, and are not permitted to deny care on the basis of one's enrollment in the Atlasian National Health Care Program.
    (f.) All health insurance companies, public or private, shall be required to join the health insurance Exchange to be legally licensed to provide services. No company in the Exchange may deny coverage on the basis of previous health condition. The Exchange shall be governed by the Health Directorate, who shall be responsible for determining proper levels of reimbursement, management, administration and other related health industry needs.
(g.) Prescription drug companies shall not be allowed to advertise their products outside of certified medical journals.

Section 2- Finances

    (a.) The Atlasian Government, through the Atlasian National Health Care Program's regional offices, shall be financially obligated to cover: 90% of costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals below 250% the poverty level; 50% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; and 10% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals above $250,000. The total out of pocket payment for you or your family for the whole year may not exceed beyond 5% of your income if you make less than 250% of the poverty level. It cannot exceed 15% of your income if you make between 250% of the poverty level and $250,000 a year. It cannot exceed above 25% of your income if you make more than $250,000 a year. Nothing will need to be paid for preventative care by anyone of any income.
    (b.) Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
    (c.) Funding for this proposal shall be drawn from the following sources:

            Cost reductions in other federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of administrative and cost savings and shifts in funding priorities
            Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5%5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.

Section 3- Administration

    (a.) This Act shall be administered by the Health Directorate, made up by a Chairman and the Executives of the regional CHP boards.
    (b.) Medicare and Medicaid shall be phased out, with all necessary personnel and services being transferred to the Atlasian National Health Care Program upon its establishment.

Section 4- Regional Administration

    (a.) The provision of healthcare and the administration of budgets and services shall be the responsibility of independent Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) congruent to the existing Regions These shall be established as public sector corporations. Each CHP shall be headed by a board consisting of one Executive and further non-executive members.
    (b.) CHP members shall be selected by the Health Directorate and shall be a non-partisan gathering of experts in the medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance and administration industries.
    (c.) All boards shall be required to have an audit committee consisting only of non-executive members on which the chair may not sit. This committee shall be entrusted with the supervision of financial audit and of systems of corporate governance within the CHP.
    (d.) CHP's shall have responsibility for delivering primary and community services and commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. Each CHP shall have their own budget and set their own priorities and shall directly provide a range of community health services including but not exclusive to;

            The provision of funding for general practitioners and medical prescriptions.
            The commission of hospital and mental health services from the private sector.

    (e.) All members, directors and associated bodies shall be accountable to the Health Directorate as outlined in Section 3 of this Act.  

I am highlighting the changes made to the original law passed in 2009 including the two amendments that have been added on and the parts that have been struck out.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 06, 2012, 10:41:25 AM
Healthcare policy is confusing.  So Sbane is giving us the changes that have happened since the current Atlasian policy?  I like the addition of contraception and a ban on advertising of drugs, but would someone explain to me how Section 2(a) is different from our current policy?  Does it just provide more detail?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 06, 2012, 10:45:03 AM
Healthcare policy is confusing.  So Sbane is giving us the changes that have happened since the current Atlasian policy?  I like the addition of contraception and a ban on advertising of drugs, but would someone explain to me how Section 2(a) is different from our current policy?  Does it just provide more detail?

 
This looks like it's just the current law with a few amendments. Which parts are being changed?
Given how many headaches have been caused trying to understand the law as currently written and finding a way to pat for it,  this is still something that needs to be answered.

Atlasian who can afford to pay for a portion of their healthcare will have to do so, to make the program sustainable.

:)


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 06, 2012, 05:08:40 PM
Healthcare policy is confusing.  So Sbane is giving us the changes that have happened since the current Atlasian policy?  I like the addition of contraception and a ban on advertising of drugs, but would someone explain to me how Section 2(a) is different from our current policy?  Does it just provide more detail?

 
This looks like it's just the current law with a few amendments. Which parts are being changed?
Given how many headaches have been caused trying to understand the law as currently written and finding a way to pat for it,  this is still something that needs to be answered.

Atlasian who can afford to pay for a portion of their healthcare will have to do so, to make the program sustainable.

:)

Oh, okay.  Works for me.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 06, 2012, 05:29:58 PM
Is that all, distinguished public servants?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 06, 2012, 05:51:22 PM
Thanks, sbane.

Are those percentage of costs being covered by the government after or before any part covered by private insurance?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 07, 2012, 02:11:46 AM
This would be the maximum they they would need to pay for coinsurance when using services payed for by the government insurance program. If they purchase supplemental insurance for services not covered by the government plan, they might need to pay more out of their pocket for the premiums, co-payments or co-insurance for those services.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 07, 2012, 02:56:06 PM
I'm not talking about insurance for services not covered by the government.  If someone has half their costs covered by the government, they'd be likely to buy private insurance to help cover the rest. That would be a different cost to the government then if the government was covering half the cost to the individual post-insurance.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 07, 2012, 11:10:19 PM
Well, the way this would work is that you pay coinsurance on the amount that is billed in your name. And all that coinsurance cannot exceed a certain amount of your income per year. If you buy insurance to help you cover that coinsurance (which would be likely for incomes above 150k I would think), it does not really affect the amount after which the government pays 100%.

So someone making 300k a year would not have to pay anything after they have paid 25% of their income for the year, $85,000. And that $85,000 would have to be coinsurance paid for services gotten under the government plan. It does not matter if you purchase insurance where they pay the rest after you spend 10 or 20k a year. The premiums you pay for that insurance would not be included in the $85,000.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 08, 2012, 04:56:48 PM
Poverty line is about 22 K for a family of four.  That means that if you make 54 K, you are covered on 90% of costs, with maximum payment of 2700 K.  If you make 57 K, you are covered on 50% of costs, with a maximum payment of 8550 K.   Some people risk losing money due to increased health costs as their incomes go up.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 08, 2012, 10:30:56 PM
Well, the way to remedy that would be to add lots of steps down from 90% to 50% and onwards to 10%. Maybe we should do that? This still only hurts people on the margins. And the point sort of is that as people earn more, they should be able to put aside more of their income for healthcare costs.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 09, 2012, 09:33:47 AM
I'd just like to add this disclaimer: I don't really understand this.

However, I'm just putting my 2 cents in on Senator Sbane's proposal. Here's an idea for percentage brackets:

At or below poverty level: 0%
150% of poverty level: 5%
200%: 10%
300: 15%
400%: 20%
500%: 30%
1000%: 50%
2000%: 75%
5000%: 90%

Now, this is just a vague idea; I don't know if this is realistic or helpful in any way, I'm just putting this forward as a hypothetical.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Pingvin on April 09, 2012, 10:33:44 AM
Even if section about contraception will get removed, I would oppose it. Goverment-run single-payer system is just wrong.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 09, 2012, 11:07:48 AM
How? In what way is it wrong to give everyone the health care they need and not make them worry if they'll get dropped? Is it because Big Government is taking over your life, because that's just bulls**t.

The government isn't going to go from health care to banning Muslims any time soon, or ever for that matter.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Pingvin on April 09, 2012, 11:17:16 AM
C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-O-N. It makes economy growing faster.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 09, 2012, 11:23:42 AM
Private insurance is still available, so if the government does a better job, then in your worldview it should deserve to drive private insurers out of business.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 09, 2012, 06:42:40 PM
Something to remember:


This bill really doesn't create anything. Fritzcare has been law since July of 2009 (I know because I was there. :P). This changes the funding so that there is a sliding scale premium system rather then free to use tax payer funded utility like it was when first created.

That is my understanding at least.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 09, 2012, 08:12:18 PM

You understand well, Yankee.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 09, 2012, 09:27:52 PM
OK, I understand it now. So we're going to make people pay for some of it based on income, instead of having it be free?



Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 10, 2012, 02:24:13 AM
OK, I understand it now. So we're going to make people pay for some of it based on income, instead of having it be free?



Yes. Senator MOPolitico and I wrote this in response to a GM posting that the current law was creating a massive debt and was wholly unsustainable.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Fmr President & Senator Polnut on April 10, 2012, 04:12:38 AM
The Administration supports a reasonable adjustment to the current funding arrangements.

We need to ensure this doesn't create a shock for lower and middle-income people.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 10, 2012, 10:13:14 AM
Well, I think the rich should do most if not all of the heavy lifting, payment-wise.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 10, 2012, 03:55:47 PM
This does hit the rich way more. They have to pay 90% of their healthcare costs and their cap is at 25% of income, which would mean $62,500 and up. Also taxes are being raised on them as well.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 10, 2012, 04:35:21 PM
Alright.

I'd like to voice my support for this bill.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 10, 2012, 06:14:17 PM
Are you looking at making changes to the healthcare payroll tax along with this?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 10, 2012, 06:51:29 PM
Are you looking at making changes to the healthcare payroll tax along with this?

Yes, this bill raises the tax on the top bracket to 5.5%.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 10, 2012, 07:00:52 PM
I am too lazy to look it up and don't remember exactly but I am decently certain it is only a half-percent increase.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 10, 2012, 07:19:04 PM
Quote
Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5%5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.
It is.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Fmr President & Senator Polnut on April 10, 2012, 07:27:59 PM
The administration will support this.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 10, 2012, 08:41:49 PM
Are you looking at making changes to the healthcare payroll tax along with this?

Yes, this bill raises the tax on the top bracket to 5.5%.

Does it take into account the incremental increases we passed last year that are slowly coming into effect now?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 10, 2012, 08:53:07 PM
Are you looking at making changes to the healthcare payroll tax along with this?

Yes, this bill raises the tax on the top bracket to 5.5%.

Does it take into account the incremental increases we passed last year that are slowly coming into effect now?

It is not an income tax.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 10, 2012, 08:57:09 PM
Are you looking at making changes to the healthcare payroll tax along with this?

Yes, this bill raises the tax on the top bracket to 5.5%.

Does it take into account the incremental increases we passed last year that are slowly coming into effect now?

It is not an income tax.

I am pretty sure that is what shua is asking about though.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 10, 2012, 08:59:37 PM
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 10, 2012, 09:01:10 PM
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Which tax in particular are you referring too?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 10, 2012, 09:02:07 PM
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Hmm, I'm a little confused on this myself. Is this only a tax on whatever supplemental health plans people buy? Or is it like an excise tax on health services?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 10, 2012, 09:05:23 PM
Are you looking at making changes to the healthcare payroll tax along with this?

Yes, this bill raises the tax on the top bracket to 5.5%.

Does it take into account the incremental increases we passed last year that are slowly coming into effect now?

It is not an income tax.

I am pretty sure that is what shua is asking about though.
Yeah, I'm not referring to the tax on health insurance, which turned out to only cover about one percent of the cost. I'm asking about the payroll tax passed as part of the comprehensive social security act to pay for the shortfall in healthcare funding.


Healthcare Taxes    $ 536.7 B
 Healthcare Payroll Tax  (CSSRA sec.4 (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Comprehensive_Social_Security_Reform_Act))              $ 525.2 B
     3% Jan-Mar, 4.5% Apr-Jun, 6% Jul-Aug, 6.5% Sep-Dec
 Health Insurance Tax   (ANHA sec.2c (https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Atlasian_National_Healthcare_Act))                 $ 11.5 B


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 10, 2012, 09:08:01 PM
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Hmm, I'm a little confused on this myself. Is this only a tax on whatever supplemental health plans people buy? Or is it like an excise tax on health services?
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Which tax in particular are you referring too?

I'm not really sure if this raises a tax on the payroll tax or just health insurance benefits in general.  I am assuming this is separate from the payroll tax?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 10, 2012, 09:12:08 PM
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Hmm, I'm a little confused on this myself. Is this only a tax on whatever supplemental health plans people buy? Or is it like an excise tax on health services?
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Which tax in particular are you referring too?

I'm not really sure if this raises a tax on the payroll tax or just health insurance benefits in general.  I am assuming this is separate from the payroll tax?

The payroll tax was an emergency mechanism put in place to ensure this was funded. It should be reduced or atleast have the final phase in or two cancelled leaving it at 4.5%. With the money replaced somewheres else.

I can't speak on any tax on health insurance.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 10, 2012, 09:13:48 PM
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Hmm, I'm a little confused on this myself. Is this only a tax on whatever supplemental health plans people buy? Or is it like an excise tax on health services?
So just to get this straight, the tax is only on the health insurance benefits themselves?

Which tax in particular are you referring too?

I'm not really sure if this raises a tax on the payroll tax or just health insurance benefits in general.  I am assuming this is separate from the payroll tax?

The payroll tax was an emergency mechanism put in place to ensure this was funded. It should be reduced or atleast have the final phase in or two cancelled leaving it at 4.5%. With the money replaced somewheres else.

I can't speak on any tax on health insurance.

Ah, all right.  I was unclear on this.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 10, 2012, 10:00:58 PM
So I guess it is a tax on health insurance. In that case, it wouldn't seem to be anywhere near enough to cover the benefits provided. Though I think tax receipts should increase with the new changes in effect since I think upper income Atlasians will purchase insurance to cover against losses of more than a certain amount.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 12, 2012, 06:58:23 PM
I would recommend getting Shua's feedback on the extent of the amount.


I ask the people who designed this once more if it in fact took into account that payroll tax hike or not when it was created?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 12, 2012, 07:04:14 PM
Yes, that was taken into account. Depending on revenue figures I was not privy to as a Senator, it is possible that some adjustments could be made.

And Mr. PPT, if you could, I much prefer "The Honorable Former Senator of the Northeast". ;)


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 15, 2012, 02:29:34 PM
I would recommend getting Shua's feedback on the extent of the amount.

are you asking me to calculate something?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 15, 2012, 02:45:41 PM
I would recommend getting Shua's feedback on the extent of the amount.

are you asking me to calculate something?

No, but I was recommending that Sbane ask you to.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 15, 2012, 10:42:49 PM
I would recommend getting Shua's feedback on the extent of the amount.

are you asking me to calculate something?

No, but I was recommending that Sbane ask you to.

Uh..yeah. Shua, can you please calculate how much the tax on health insurance will bring in if these changes are implented? Thanks!


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 15, 2012, 11:43:48 PM
I would recommend getting Shua's feedback on the extent of the amount.

are you asking me to calculate something?

No, but I was recommending that Sbane ask you to.

Uh..yeah. Shua, can you please calculate how much the tax on health insurance will bring in if these changes are implented? Thanks!
It will about double to $20 Billion or so, mostly because more people will be purchasing health insurance.  Not much of a change in revenue from currently in the grand scheme of things.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 16, 2012, 06:41:53 AM
That is what I would expect since most people still won't purchase insurance. The main funding for this comes from the payroll tax and general funds.

Also can you calculate how much this cost sharing will save the government?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: MyRescueKittehRocks on April 16, 2012, 10:13:46 PM

There is no Whig War on Women. The war I see in Atalsia is the the Left's war against the Family and Faith.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Pingvin on April 17, 2012, 12:09:39 AM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: LastVoter on April 17, 2012, 12:34:16 AM
 Chiropractic services
Really guys? There is no consensus whether that is pseudo(alternative) health care or not. Whig war on women goes without mention.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 17, 2012, 05:28:25 AM

There is no Whig War on Women. The war I see in Atalsia is the the Left's war against the Family and Faith.
SCOTUS settled contraception decades ago. You're behind the times.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on April 17, 2012, 11:28:19 AM
Chiropractic services
Really guys? There is no consensus whether that is pseudo(alternative) health care or not. Whig war on women goes without mention.

How did chiropractic services get dragged into this? And what does that have to do with women?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 17, 2012, 01:51:32 PM
Chiropractic services
Really guys? There is no consensus whether that is pseudo(alternative) health care or not. Whig war on women goes without mention.

How did chiropractic services get dragged into this? And what does that have to do with women?
I'm not sure about the chiropractics thing, but the WWW is about you guys denying the women of Atlasia the right to make decisions about their own bodies.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on April 17, 2012, 05:01:42 PM
Chiropractic services
Really guys? There is no consensus whether that is pseudo(alternative) health care or not. Whig war on women goes without mention.

How did chiropractic services get dragged into this? And what does that have to do with women?
I'm not sure about the chiropractics thing, but the WWW is about you guys denying the women of Atlasia the right to make decisions about their own bodies.

Assemblyman JCL has not advocated outlawing contraception. I do not know if he does or not, but he has not done so in this thread. The question at hand is not about whether a woman has the right to make such a decision about her body, but rather who will pay for it. Citing Griswold v. Connecticut has nothing to do with this bill. Griswold says that a state cannot outlaw contraceptives under the general right to privacy stemming from the Fourth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the US Constitution. Under the current health care law, contraceptive services are not explicitly listed as being provided. Senator Pingvin and Assemblyman JCL are not the ones who are trying to change something about our current statute.

When you attack a party or a person, please get your facts straight.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Napoleon on April 17, 2012, 05:21:22 PM
Whether or not something is currently law doesn't take away from the fact the Whig position here is inherently anti-woman.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 17, 2012, 05:26:03 PM
Gah! Ninja'd! Well, here's what I was going to say:
[quote author=Senator Alfred F. Jones link=topic=151527.msg3266413#msg3266413 Under the current health care law, contraceptive services are not explicitly listed as being provided. Senator Pingvin and Assemblyman JCL are not the ones who are trying to change something about our current statute.
I don't believe that it matters what the current law is, the Whig Party (or at least some of its more prominent members) is opposing coverage of contraceptive services. There's really no other way to cut it in my book.

Yes, you can't take off what you never put on, but opposing the putting on and supporting the taking off are fundamentally the same.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 18, 2012, 08:06:00 PM
If serious discussion doesn't resume by Friday, I am opening a vote here.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 18, 2012, 08:39:12 PM
That is what I would expect since most people still won't purchase insurance. The main funding for this comes from the payroll tax and general funds.

Also can you calculate how much this cost sharing will save the government?
Currently, the cost of the ANHA is nearly $1250 Billion, and will probably rise by at least $100 Billion as more people join the program if kept as is.  With the bill before the Senate,  I estimate the ANHA will be kept to $900-950 Billion for the next few years. So a savings of about $300 Billion now, but more down the road.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 19, 2012, 12:08:04 AM
Is that per year?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: LastVoter on April 19, 2012, 12:51:39 AM
But really someone explain why Chiropractor services are included in the healthcare bill? We might as well include acupunture and herbal-remedies too then.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 19, 2012, 10:52:40 AM
Yes.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on April 19, 2012, 11:59:13 AM
But really someone explain why Chiropractor services are included in the healthcare bill? We might as well include acupunture and herbal-remedies too then.

They were included in the original bill written Fritz three years ago and you were the first to ask that question.

I would suggest leaving them covered in the bill for treatment of lower back pain and herneated discs. Perhaps we could use an amendment to this stating subluxation, acupuncture, and herbal remedies are not included.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 19, 2012, 12:10:24 PM
But really someone explain why Chiropractor services are included in the healthcare bill? We might as well include acupunture and herbal-remedies too then.

They were included in the original bill written Fritz three years ago and you were the first to ask that question.

I would suggest leaving them covered in the bill for treatment of lower back pain and herneated discs. Perhaps we could use an amendment to this stating subluxation, acupuncture, and herbal remedies are not included.

If we're excluding psuedoscience, then chiropractic services are out, too :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 19, 2012, 01:23:52 PM
But really someone explain why Chiropractor services are included in the healthcare bill? We might as well include acupunture and herbal-remedies too then.

They were included in the original bill written Fritz three years ago and you were the first to ask that question.

I would suggest leaving them covered in the bill for treatment of lower back pain and herneated discs. Perhaps we could use an amendment to this stating subluxation, acupuncture, and herbal remedies are not included.
There is not a procedure called subluxation. It's a concept of physiological dysfunction. 
FWIW, I had delibitating back pain last year and found chiropractic to be immensely helpful.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 19, 2012, 05:42:54 PM
If it's a medical service that helps people, I really don't see why it shouldn't be included.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 19, 2012, 07:53:34 PM
I think we need to look carefully at complementary and alternative medicine. Is there strong evidence that chiropractic services don't work? I would say the results are mixed as of now, but any evidence to the contrary will be appreciated. Speaking of herbal remedies, it really matters what we are talking about. Lots of herbal remedies do work....indeed many conventional medicines are just the purified active ingredients in the herbal products.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 19, 2012, 08:26:06 PM
If it's a medical service that helps people, I really don't see why it shouldn't be included.

Of course it helps people.  There's just no evidence that it helps people over and above what essentially amounts to a placebo effect.  Wikipedia's information (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractor#Evidence_basis) is actually quite thorough.  Evidence for its efficacy are spotty at best.  I don't have any problems with looking more at alternative methods in some sort of research-related bill, but we have to realize that chiropractic care is an alternative medicine, and we quite simply don't know enough about its efficacy to start handing it out left and right.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 19, 2012, 08:38:14 PM
If it's a medical service that helps people, I really don't see why it shouldn't be included.

Of course it helps people.  There's just no evidence that it helps people over and above what essentially amounts to a placebo effect.  Wikipedia's information (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractor#Evidence_basis) is actually quite thorough.  Evidence for its efficacy are spotty at best.  I don't have any problems with looking more at alternative methods in some sort of research-related bill, but we have to realize that chiropractic care is an alternative medicine, and we quite simply don't know enough about its efficacy to start handing it out left and right.

Even if it is a placebo effect, nonetheless the benefits outweigh the costs of funding this.  We should not use this bill as an opportunity to deny people effective medical care.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 19, 2012, 10:03:35 PM
If it's a medical service that helps people, I really don't see why it shouldn't be included.

Of course it helps people.  There's just no evidence that it helps people over and above what essentially amounts to a placebo effect.  Wikipedia's information (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractor#Evidence_basis) is actually quite thorough.  Evidence for its efficacy are spotty at best.  I don't have any problems with looking more at alternative methods in some sort of research-related bill, but we have to realize that chiropractic care is an alternative medicine, and we quite simply don't know enough about its efficacy to start handing it out left and right.

Even if it is a placebo effect, nonetheless the benefits outweigh the costs of funding this.  We should not use this bill as an opportunity to deny people effective medical care.

If you're fine with us funding something that's just the placebo effect, why not at least fund something that's cheaper?  There are plenty of cheap placebos out there :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 19, 2012, 10:27:43 PM
If it's a medical service that helps people, I really don't see why it shouldn't be included.

Of course it helps people.  There's just no evidence that it helps people over and above what essentially amounts to a placebo effect.  Wikipedia's information (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractor#Evidence_basis) is actually quite thorough.  Evidence for its efficacy are spotty at best.  I don't have any problems with looking more at alternative methods in some sort of research-related bill, but we have to realize that chiropractic care is an alternative medicine, and we quite simply don't know enough about its efficacy to start handing it out left and right.

Even if it is a placebo effect, nonetheless the benefits outweigh the costs of funding this.  We should not use this bill as an opportunity to deny people effective medical care.

If you're fine with us funding something that's just the placebo effect, why not at least fund something that's cheaper?  There are plenty of cheap placebos out there :P

Well, if these are placebos that have the same exact benefits as chiropractic services, I will support the funding for them.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 20, 2012, 07:08:12 AM
If it's a medical service that helps people, I really don't see why it shouldn't be included.

Of course it helps people.  There's just no evidence that it helps people over and above what essentially amounts to a placebo effect.  Wikipedia's information (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiropractor#Evidence_basis) is actually quite thorough.  Evidence for its efficacy are spotty at best.  I don't have any problems with looking more at alternative methods in some sort of research-related bill, but we have to realize that chiropractic care is an alternative medicine, and we quite simply don't know enough about its efficacy to start handing it out left and right.

Even if it is a placebo effect, nonetheless the benefits outweigh the costs of funding this.  We should not use this bill as an opportunity to deny people effective medical care.

If you're fine with us funding something that's just the placebo effect, why not at least fund something that's cheaper?  There are plenty of cheap placebos out there :P

Well, if these are placebos that have the same exact benefits as chiropractor services, I will support the funding for them.

Seriously?  You just endorsed the prescription of sugar pills...


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 21, 2012, 05:29:47 PM
Well, I certainly don't agree with Scott about supporting services which do not perform better than placebos. That being said, excluding some of the out there theories of why spinal manipulation works, SMT seems to perform similarly to other therapies used for lower back pain. And outside of lower back pain, the evidence for effectiveness of SMT is pretty weak. Since SMT could be considered for the treatment of lower back pain, I don't know if we should get rid of those services. Remember that we have been providing these services for years and we should have a good reason to get rid of it. You can introduce an amendment to strike that out of the bill. I will be abstaining.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 22, 2012, 04:28:51 PM
Will an amendment be forthcoming with regards to removing Chiropractic surgery from the list of covered items?




Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 22, 2012, 04:39:38 PM
I will just go ahead and offer it.

Quote
Section 1 clause b is amended as follows:

(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.           
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.



Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 22, 2012, 04:40:22 PM
Also, who wants to take this bill once MoPolitico gets liquidated?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 22, 2012, 04:41:40 PM
I'll volunteer.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 22, 2012, 04:51:14 PM
I will just go ahead and offer it.

Quote
Section 1 clause b is amended as follows:

(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.           
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.


Hooray!  I second this amendment, or happily support it, or whatever.  I realized that we should also add in speech-language pathology to the list, too, perhaps by "hearing services".  Do we want to cover cochlear implants?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 22, 2012, 06:48:06 PM
I would support covering cochlear implants. Not sure about speech-language pathology though. I read the wiki and couldn't find anything worth supporting....but maybe you can change my mind. Is this working with people who stutter, have lisps and other speech disorders?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 22, 2012, 09:25:46 PM
I would support covering cochlear implants. Not sure about speech-language pathology though. I read the wiki and couldn't find anything worth supporting....but maybe you can change my mind. Is this working with people who stutter, have lisps and other speech disorders?

Precisely.  There's no reason why we shouldn't cover SLP if we're covering mental health issues... if Atlasia's progressed to the point that we realize that mental problems aren't just a "character flaw" and deserve treatment and help, why shouldn't we do the same for people who stutter or have even more serious language impairments?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 23, 2012, 12:38:18 PM
Senators have 72 hours to object to Senator Scott's assumption of sponsorship.




How does the new sponsor view my amendment?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian. on April 23, 2012, 12:47:26 PM
I would not support covering cochlear implants because I do not support the biomedical model of disability.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 23, 2012, 01:53:30 PM
The amendment is unfriendly.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 23, 2012, 02:12:16 PM
I would support covering cochlear implants. Not sure about speech-language pathology though. I read the wiki and couldn't find anything worth supporting....but maybe you can change my mind. Is this working with people who stutter, have lisps and other speech disorders?

Precisely.  There's no reason why we shouldn't cover SLP if we're covering mental health issues... if Atlasia's progressed to the point that we realize that mental problems aren't just a "character flaw" and deserve treatment and help, why shouldn't we do the same for people who stutter or have even more serious language impairments?

Ok, yeah that sounds like something worthwhile of funding. Though I should ask, is there evidence of these therapies working?

Also Nathan, can you further explain why you don't support cochlear implants? Just not believing in disability is hardly adequate.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian. on April 23, 2012, 02:39:51 PM
I would support covering cochlear implants. Not sure about speech-language pathology though. I read the wiki and couldn't find anything worth supporting....but maybe you can change my mind. Is this working with people who stutter, have lisps and other speech disorders?

Precisely.  There's no reason why we shouldn't cover SLP if we're covering mental health issues... if Atlasia's progressed to the point that we realize that mental problems aren't just a "character flaw" and deserve treatment and help, why shouldn't we do the same for people who stutter or have even more serious language impairments?

Ok, yeah that sounds like something worthwhile of funding. Though I should ask, is there evidence of these therapies working?

Also Nathan, can you further explain why you don't support cochlear implants? Just not believing in disability is hardly adequate.

It's not that I disbelieve in disability per se, but my first instinct is to oppose this because of personal connections, through friends, to Deaf culture (as opposed to simply deaf people), so I would need to know whether or not we're funding schools for the deaf/schools for the blind/whatever and other such things before I would be able to rationally alter that instinctual position. If we might fund social programs for disabled people, to be run by and for disabled people, then I would drop my objections to funding what I personally view as a falsely 'corrective' medical attitude towards these things for those people who might want it.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 23, 2012, 03:43:11 PM
I need to understand a bit more about Deaf culture. Are they saying that being deaf is alright? I mean it's definitely fine and they are just normal human beings but I would think being able to hear, or being able to hear better would be preferable......


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 23, 2012, 06:34:30 PM
I need to understand a bit more about Deaf culture. Are they saying that being deaf is alright? I mean it's definitely fine and they are just normal human beings but I would think being able to hear, or being able to hear better would be preferable......

Don't let the Deaf community hear you say that.  I think the community is pretty awesome, personally, so if we also want to fund deaf schools, etc. some in this bill, I'd be fine with it.  I think it's important that we give families a choice.  While, like I said, I do appreciate the Deaf community and its contributions, I also think both sides of the CI debate need to realize that hearing need not prevent you from being Deaf.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 23, 2012, 06:39:35 PM
Well, I'm baffled why one would not want to have all five senses but regardless I support funding deaf schools. Maybe in a separate bill though, lest we go down the path of the US congress. :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian. on April 23, 2012, 11:08:22 PM
Well, I'm baffled why one would not want to have all five senses but regardless I support funding deaf schools. Maybe in a separate bill though, lest we go down the path of the US congress. :P

If one's been deaf for a very long time one apparently doesn't perceive it as a loss. I'm not sure what precise perceived benefits it would bring, but I assume they're mostly cultural vis-a-vis other deaf people. Hence the idea of a Deaf culture.

I'll work on rustling up some sort of deaf schools bill next week.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Sbane on April 24, 2012, 05:01:46 PM
Well, it would help deaf people in the workplace and school one would imagine. I understand why from the perspective of someone who is deaf it might not seem like a loss, but I think it's apparent they would benefit in the larger society if they were able to hear.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 24, 2012, 06:32:16 PM
The below amendment is now at vote, please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

I can't update the Noticeboard or the tracker till later.


Quote
Section 1 clause b is amended as follows:

(b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.           
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.



Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on April 24, 2012, 06:33:11 PM
Nay


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Sbane on April 24, 2012, 07:29:52 PM
Abstain


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: ilikeverin on April 24, 2012, 07:57:02 PM
Yup ;D


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 24, 2012, 09:03:18 PM
Nay.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 24, 2012, 09:34:23 PM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY on April 25, 2012, 05:26:50 AM
Abstain.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: CLARENCE 2015! on April 25, 2012, 11:54:13 AM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on April 27, 2012, 02:07:06 PM
I suggest mentioning the health payroll part of the funding in the text of this bill (whether you keep it as is, change it or repeal/replace it), so that it is comprehensive.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Okay, maybe Mike Johnson is a competent parliamentarian. on April 28, 2012, 08:31:28 PM
Nay.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (TMTH NEEDED HERE ASAP!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 30, 2012, 08:16:10 PM
Vote on Amendment 48:20:

Aye (3): Clarence, Ilikeverin, and NC Yankee
Nay (3): Nathan, Scott, and TJ in Cleve
Abstain (2): Alfred F. Jones and Sbane

Didn't Vote (1): Pingvin99 (Lame duck Senators are Lame, that goes for Nathan too. :P Alfred keeps voting thank god. I should of gone with my "anime instincts" and voted for him. ;))

With three votes in the affirmative, three votes in the negative and two abstentions, the vote is tied. Vice President is required to break the tie.



Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 30, 2012, 08:18:19 PM
I suggest mentioning the health payroll part of the funding in the text of this bill (whether you keep it as is, change it or repeal/replace it), so that it is comprehensive.


It would be appreciated if the sponsor, Senator Scott, could respond to this point and soon. :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (TMTH NEEDED HERE ASAP!!!)
Post by: tmthforu94 on April 30, 2012, 08:20:22 PM
I'm here. I will be reviewing the amendment carefully and will make a final decision by the end of the night.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on April 30, 2012, 08:57:47 PM
I suggest mentioning the health payroll part of the funding in the text of this bill (whether you keep it as is, change it or repeal/replace it), so that it is comprehensive.


It would be appreciated if the sponsor, Senator Scott, could respond to this point and soon. :P

I would not object to this.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (TMTH NEEDED HERE ASAP!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on April 30, 2012, 09:00:16 PM
We need a text to amend the bill then, correct?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (TMTH NEEDED HERE ASAP!!!)
Post by: tmthforu94 on April 30, 2012, 09:50:40 PM
After consideration,

Nay


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 01, 2012, 07:22:53 AM
The amendment has failed.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: ilikeverin on May 01, 2012, 02:58:55 PM
Sigh.  Has anyone yet drafted a proposal having to do with speech pathology issues?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 01, 2012, 04:03:28 PM
No, you should go for it!


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Yelnoc on May 01, 2012, 06:04:09 PM
A question from the peanut gallery (sorry, but I'm not going to read all nine pages):

Does this bill have a provision within it to repeal the other Atlasian Healthcare Act we passed not to long ago?  Duplicity should be avoided.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 01, 2012, 06:52:58 PM
Well, this is mostly just amendments to that. Do we need to repeal it? If needed then yeah we should do that before we pass this.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 02, 2012, 02:38:17 PM
We don't need to repeal the old one for this one to work. We need to insert language saying "Fritzcare (insert the official name for that) is amended as follows", or something like that.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 02, 2012, 09:05:07 PM
We don't need to repeal the old one for this one to work. We need to insert language saying "Fritzcare (insert the official name for that) is amended as follows", or something like that.

Ok then, let's do that. :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 09, 2012, 05:56:18 PM
I take it that I am supposed to write that language, Sbane? :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 10, 2012, 03:07:02 AM
Yes, that would be nice. :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (MoPolitico GTF IN HERE NOW!!!!!!!)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 13, 2012, 06:52:40 PM
Have any changes been made to this since you posted this on the fifth of April?

Quote
Section 1- Eligibility and Benefits

    (a.) All individuals residing in Atlasia are eligible covered under the Atlasian National Health Care Program entitling them to a universal, best high quality standard of care.
    (b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services

    (c.) Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in Atlasia that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
    (d.) No deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits, but additional insurance from private sources is not forbidden.
    (e.) All private and public hospitals and doctors are required to be participating providers, and are not permitted to deny care on the basis of one's enrollment in the Atlasian National Health Care Program.
    (f.) All health insurance companies, public or private, shall be required to join the health insurance Exchange to be legally licensed to provide services. No company in the Exchange may deny coverage on the basis of previous health condition. The Exchange shall be governed by the Health Directorate, who shall be responsible for determining proper levels of reimbursement, management, administration and other related health industry needs.
(g.) Prescription drug companies shall not be allowed to advertise their products outside of certified medical journals.

Section 2- Finances

    (a.) The Atlasian Government, through the Atlasian National Health Care Program's regional offices, shall be financially obligated to cover: 90% of costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals below 250% the poverty level; 50% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; and 10% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals above $250,000. The total out of pocket payment for you or your family for the whole year may not exceed beyond 5% of your income if you make less than 250% of the poverty level. It cannot exceed 15% of your income if you make between 250% of the poverty level and $250,000 a year. It cannot exceed above 25% of your income if you make more than $250,000 a year. Nothing will need to be paid for preventative care by anyone of any income.
    (b.) Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
    (c.) Funding for this proposal shall be drawn from the following sources:

            Cost reductions in other federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of administrative and cost savings and shifts in funding priorities
            Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5%5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.

Section 3- Administration

    (a.) This Act shall be administered by the Health Directorate, made up by a Chairman and the Executives of the regional CHP boards.
    (b.) Medicare and Medicaid shall be phased out, with all necessary personnel and services being transferred to the Atlasian National Health Care Program upon its establishment.

Section 4- Regional Administration

    (a.) The provision of healthcare and the administration of budgets and services shall be the responsibility of independent Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) congruent to the existing Regions These shall be established as public sector corporations. Each CHP shall be headed by a board consisting of one Executive and further non-executive members.
    (b.) CHP members shall be selected by the Health Directorate and shall be a non-partisan gathering of experts in the medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance and administration industries.
    (c.) All boards shall be required to have an audit committee consisting only of non-executive members on which the chair may not sit. This committee shall be entrusted with the supervision of financial audit and of systems of corporate governance within the CHP.
    (d.) CHP's shall have responsibility for delivering primary and community services and commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. Each CHP shall have their own budget and set their own priorities and shall directly provide a range of community health services including but not exclusive to;

            The provision of funding for general practitioners and medical prescriptions.
            The commission of hospital and mental health services from the private sector.

    (e.) All members, directors and associated bodies shall be accountable to the Health Directorate as outlined in Section 3 of this Act.  

I am highlighting the changes made to the original law passed in 2009 including the two amendments that have been added on and the parts that have been struck out.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 13, 2012, 08:48:02 PM
As the amendment to take out chiropractic services was defeated, no. Also how do we want to add in that this amends the original law? Do it in the wiki or put it in this bill?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 14, 2012, 05:44:05 PM
It would get a new wiki page most likely. Hopefully with a notation added to the old one about subsequent amending.

As for this text, I would just include a phrase such as the italicized:

Quote from: Amendment 49:08
The New Atlasian Healthcare Act
The Atlasian National Healthcare Act of 2009 is amended as follows:

Section 1- Eligibility and Benefits

    (a.) All individuals residing in Atlasia are eligible covered under the Atlasian National Health Care Program entitling them to a universal, best high quality standard of care.
    (b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services

    (c.) Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in Atlasia that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
    (d.) No deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits, but additional insurance from private sources is not forbidden.
    (e.) All private and public hospitals and doctors are required to be participating providers, and are not permitted to deny care on the basis of one's enrollment in the Atlasian National Health Care Program.
    (f.) All health insurance companies, public or private, shall be required to join the health insurance Exchange to be legally licensed to provide services. No company in the Exchange may deny coverage on the basis of previous health condition. The Exchange shall be governed by the Health Directorate, who shall be responsible for determining proper levels of reimbursement, management, administration and other related health industry needs.
(g.) Prescription drug companies shall not be allowed to advertise their products outside of certified medical journals.

Section 2- Finances

    (a.) The Atlasian Government, through the Atlasian National Health Care Program's regional offices, shall be financially obligated to cover: 90% of costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals below 250% the poverty level; 50% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; and 10% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals above $250,000. The total out of pocket payment for you or your family for the whole year may not exceed beyond 5% of your income if you make less than 250% of the poverty level. It cannot exceed 15% of your income if you make between 250% of the poverty level and $250,000 a year. It cannot exceed above 25% of your income if you make more than $250,000 a year. Nothing will need to be paid for preventative care by anyone of any income.
    (b.) Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
    (c.) Funding for this proposal shall be drawn from the following sources:

            Cost reductions in other federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of administrative and cost savings and shifts in funding priorities
            Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5%5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.

Section 3- Administration

    (a.) This Act shall be administered by the Health Directorate, made up by a Chairman and the Executives of the regional CHP boards.
    (b.) Medicare and Medicaid shall be phased out, with all necessary personnel and services being transferred to the Atlasian National Health Care Program upon its establishment.

Section 4- Regional Administration

    (a.) The provision of healthcare and the administration of budgets and services shall be the responsibility of independent Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) congruent to the existing Regions These shall be established as public sector corporations. Each CHP shall be headed by a board consisting of one Executive and further non-executive members.
    (b.) CHP members shall be selected by the Health Directorate and shall be a non-partisan gathering of experts in the medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance and administration industries.
    (c.) All boards shall be required to have an audit committee consisting only of non-executive members on which the chair may not sit. This committee shall be entrusted with the supervision of financial audit and of systems of corporate governance within the CHP.
    (d.) CHP's shall have responsibility for delivering primary and community services and commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. Each CHP shall have their own budget and set their own priorities and shall directly provide a range of community health services including but not exclusive to;

            The provision of funding for general practitioners and medical prescriptions.
            The commission of hospital and mental health services from the private sector.

    (e.) All members, directors and associated bodies shall be accountable to the Health Directorate as outlined in Section 3 of this Act.

Sponsor Feedback: NO VALID ENTRY


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 14, 2012, 09:11:00 PM
The amendment is friendly.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 16, 2012, 07:04:36 PM
Senators have 24 hours to object.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 18, 2012, 07:26:31 PM
The amendment has passed.


Is it possible to cap the Payroll tax hike and find a way to make up the loss of revenue from foregoing the final leg of implementation?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on May 20, 2012, 05:29:08 PM
The amendment has passed.


Is it possible to cap the Payroll tax hike and find a way to make up the loss of revenue from foregoing the final leg of implementation?

Or you could consider capping it in any case. Reducing the rate from the ultimate 6.5% to the current 4.5% would mean a loss of revenue of about $225 billion. This bill would save at least $300 billion in spending.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 20, 2012, 06:36:24 PM
What do the other Senators think?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: CLARENCE 2015! on May 20, 2012, 08:17:28 PM
This bill being revenue neutral boosts is case...if it allows us to afford a tax cut then excellent


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 21, 2012, 02:07:49 AM
The amendment has passed.


Is it possible to cap the Payroll tax hike and find a way to make up the loss of revenue from foregoing the final leg of implementation?

Or you could consider capping it in any case. Reducing the rate from the ultimate 6.5% to the current 4.5% would mean a loss of revenue of about $225 billion. This bill would save at least $300 billion in spending.

So we would save only $75 Billion a year? I think keeping the rate at 6.5% is probably a good idea so we can get savings of $300 Billion a year. And I am certainly not in favor of using those savings to have tax cuts. We should pay down the debt with that. That is the fiscally responsible thing to do.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 21, 2012, 07:25:43 PM
It is not 6.5% currently, but it will increase to 6.5% in July.


When we passed that last year, it was with the intent that we would either get an alternative or find some way to forgo atleast that last leg of implementation. I don't want to speak for shua who worked with me on that, but I beleive we both felt that this choice was an option of last resort that if it could be altered later, it should.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Fmr President & Senator Polnut on May 21, 2012, 07:32:45 PM
The amendment has passed.


Is it possible to cap the Payroll tax hike and find a way to make up the loss of revenue from foregoing the final leg of implementation?

Or you could consider capping it in any case. Reducing the rate from the ultimate 6.5% to the current 4.5% would mean a loss of revenue of about $225 billion. This bill would save at least $300 billion in spending.

So we would save only $75 Billion a year? I think keeping the rate at 6.5% is probably a good idea so we can get savings of $300 Billion a year. And I am certainly not in favor of using those savings to have tax cuts. We should pay down the debt with that. That is the fiscally responsible thing to do.

I agree with this... I think debt reduction should be the short term goal, it saves money in the medium-long term.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 22, 2012, 11:36:47 AM
Actually, the current text of this bill, if I read it right, repeals the payroll tax entirely.

Quote from: https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Comprehensive_Social_Security_Reform_Act#Section_4:_Health_Insurance
Section 4: Health Insurance
1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012. Clauses 1 and 2, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act



They aren't even included in the bill.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 22, 2012, 11:39:08 AM
So would anyone like a final vote now? >:D ;D :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 22, 2012, 11:41:41 AM
Quote from: Amendment 49:10
Clauses 1 and 2 below, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act:

1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.

Sponsor Feedback: Invalid Parameters
Status: Limbo


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 22, 2012, 08:13:16 PM
Friendly.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 23, 2012, 01:14:19 AM
Shua, if we keep the payroll tax as is and institute the cuts as presented in this bill, how much revenue will we be getting from the taxes and how much will we be spending if we pass this bill. Trying to figure out how much we would still be taking from the general revenue. Thanks.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 23, 2012, 08:11:01 AM
Quote from: Amendment 49:10
Clauses 1 and 2 below, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act:

1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.

Sponsor Feedback: Friendly 
Status: Senators have 24 hours to object.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 23, 2012, 09:06:01 AM
Quote from: Amendment 49:12 by NC Yankee
Clauses 1 and 2 below, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act:

1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.


Sponsor Feedback: DATA ENTRY ERROR ON LINE $@%^!%$4256!%^@416y67
Status: Twilight Zone


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 23, 2012, 02:04:51 PM
Friendly.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 23, 2012, 02:12:10 PM
Wow, that is surprising.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Kaine for Senate '18 on May 23, 2012, 05:50:04 PM
I object to Amendment 49:12.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 23, 2012, 06:21:57 PM

Why?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Napoleon on May 23, 2012, 06:23:27 PM

It decreases revenue.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 23, 2012, 06:26:46 PM

I still don't quite get why we need to raise this tax multiple times over the year.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Kaine for Senate '18 on May 23, 2012, 06:27:59 PM
I still don't quite get why we need to raise this tax multiple times over the year.

It's not eliminating the timeframe, it's eliminating the increase itself.  I wouldn't object to an Amendment that merely spreads things out more.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 23, 2012, 07:03:28 PM
The amendment is unfriendly.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Kaine for Senate '18 on May 23, 2012, 07:05:34 PM
Yankee, if I were to introduce an Amendment expanding the timeframe of the last couple of increases, would you go along with it?  Or is 4.5% as high as you'll go?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on May 23, 2012, 09:09:59 PM
Shua, if we keep the payroll tax as is and institute the cuts as presented in this bill, how much revenue will we be getting from the taxes and how much will we be spending if we pass this bill. Trying to figure out how much we would still be taking from the general revenue. Thanks.
When you say "as is" do you mean the current law or the current rate?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 23, 2012, 10:37:36 PM
Shua, if we keep the payroll tax as is and institute the cuts as presented in this bill, how much revenue will we be getting from the taxes and how much will we be spending if we pass this bill. Trying to figure out how much we would still be taking from the general revenue. Thanks.
When you say "as is" do you mean the current law or the current rate?
I mean if we keep the payroll tax and it's increases in place as was passed in the social security bill.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on May 23, 2012, 10:43:18 PM
Shua, if we keep the payroll tax as is and institute the cuts as presented in this bill, how much revenue will we be getting from the taxes and how much will we be spending if we pass this bill. Trying to figure out how much we would still be taking from the general revenue. Thanks.
When you say "as is" do you mean the current law or the current rate?
I mean if we keep the payroll tax and it's increases in place as was passed in the social security bill.
The 6.5% tax will mean $750 billion/yr once fully implemented. If this bill passes, the cost of the program will be about $950 billion/yr.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Sbane on May 24, 2012, 04:26:55 PM
Thank you for that. Scott, you want to stop the increase in payroll taxes and set it at 4.5%?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 24, 2012, 05:58:10 PM
Thank you for that. Scott, you want to stop the increase in payroll taxes and set it at 4.5%?

I thought 4.5% was reasonable and I really don't see why we'd increase the rate periodically, so I suppose so?  Unless there's a reason why we shouldn't keep it at the same rate...


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 25, 2012, 08:54:15 AM
Quote from: Amendment 49:10
Clauses 1 and 2 below, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act:

1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.

Sponsor Feedback: Friendly 
Status: Adopted 


Quote from: Amendment 49:12 by NC Yankee
Clauses 1 and 2 below, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act:

1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.


Sponsor Feedback: Friendly
Status: Senators have 24 hours to object.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 25, 2012, 08:56:21 AM
Yankee, if I were to introduce an Amendment expanding the timeframe of the last couple of increases, would you go along with it?  Or is 4.5% as high as you'll go?

I would have to see it first.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 25, 2012, 08:58:25 AM
An objection has been entered by Senator Ben. A vote now is open on Amendent 49:12 listed below. Please vote, Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

Quote from: Amendment 49:12 by NC Yankee
Clauses 1 and 2 below, shall be inserted as the third and fourth bulleted items in clause (c.), of Section 2, of the Atlasian National Health Care Act:

1. The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax

2. The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.




Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Kaine for Senate '18 on May 25, 2012, 12:04:39 PM
Nay


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: ilikeverin on May 25, 2012, 12:05:46 PM
Nope >:(


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 27, 2012, 11:04:23 AM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on May 27, 2012, 11:08:32 AM
Abstain.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on May 27, 2012, 12:11:57 PM
Nay

I'm not a huge fan of the payroll tax but we need to pay for the things we legislate.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 27, 2012, 12:32:16 PM
Nay

I'm not a huge fan of the payroll tax but we need to pay for the things we legislate.

This healthcare act will still be a reduction of the deficit.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on May 27, 2012, 01:34:31 PM
Nay

I'm not a huge fan of the payroll tax but we need to pay for the things we legislate.

This healthcare act will still be a reduction of the deficit.

The healthcare act still doesn't pay for itself, does it?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Amendment at Vote)
Post by: Sbane on May 28, 2012, 01:21:52 PM
Nay


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 30, 2012, 07:12:14 PM
Vote on Amendment 49:12:

Aye (1): NC Yankee
Nay (4): Ben, ILV, Scott, and TJ in Cleve
Abstain (1): Scott

Didn't Vote (4): AndrewPA, Clarence, Seatown and Wormyguy  - Sickening, postively dreadfull, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Have you know decency, no honor, no shame? :P


The amendment has failed.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on May 30, 2012, 10:35:44 PM

Didn't Vote (4): AndrewPA, Clarence, Seatown and Wormyguy 

I guess some people don't care about taxes one way or the other.  :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: tpfkaw on May 30, 2012, 10:38:41 PM
I have absolutely no idea what's even being debated at this point; ten pages or so of debate before I even swore in.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Kaine for Senate '18 on May 30, 2012, 10:50:25 PM
I have absolutely no idea what's even being debated at this point; ten pages or so of debate before I even swore in.

Yeah, it was a long read :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 30, 2012, 10:51:32 PM
That is not a valid excuse. :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on May 31, 2012, 06:49:24 PM
So what now?


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on June 01, 2012, 02:40:50 PM
I think we're ready to finally vote on this thing... :P


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on June 02, 2012, 07:01:56 PM
This bill is now at final vote, please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: The world will shine with light in our nightmare on June 02, 2012, 07:05:56 PM
Aye.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: Sbane on June 02, 2012, 07:32:49 PM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: Kaine for Senate '18 on June 02, 2012, 11:49:28 PM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: LastVoter on June 03, 2012, 12:50:53 AM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: tpfkaw on June 03, 2012, 08:20:37 AM
Nay


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: ilikeverin on June 03, 2012, 10:55:34 AM
Yup ;D


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: AndrewTX on June 03, 2012, 12:49:21 PM
AYE


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on June 03, 2012, 05:11:46 PM
Aye

For all of its issues, this is actually closer to budget-neutral than it was so it earns my support.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on June 03, 2012, 06:22:02 PM
Aye


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on June 04, 2012, 12:34:27 AM
This has enough votes to pass, Senators have 24 hours to change their votes.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (On the President's Desk)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on June 05, 2012, 07:06:00 PM
Vote on Final Passage of The New Atlasian Healthcare Act:

Aye (8): AndrewPA, Ben, ILV, NC Yankee, sbane, Scott, Seatown, and TJ in Cleve
Nay (1): Wormyguy
Abstain (0):

Didn't Vote (1): Clarence

With eight votes in the affirmative, The New Atlasian Healthcare Act has passed the Senate and is presented to the President for executive action.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (Debating)
Post by: Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee on June 05, 2012, 07:11:27 PM
Quote from: Final Text
The New Atlasian Healthcare Act
The Atlasian National Healthcare Act of 2009 is amended as follows:

Section 1- Eligibility and Benefits

    (a.) All individuals residing in Atlasia are eligible covered under the Atlasian National Health Care Program entitling them to a universal, best high quality standard of care.
    (b.) The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

            Primary care and prevention.
            Inpatient care.
            Outpatient care.
            Emergency care.
            Prescription drugs.
            Durable medical equipment.
            Long-term care.
            Palliative care.
            Mental health services.
            The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).
            Substance abuse treatment services.
            Chiropractic services.
            Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).
            Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.
            Podiatric care.
            Contraceptive services

    (c.) Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in Atlasia that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.
    (d.) No deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits, but additional insurance from private sources is not forbidden.
    (e.) All private and public hospitals and doctors are required to be participating providers, and are not permitted to deny care on the basis of one's enrollment in the Atlasian National Health Care Program.
    (f.) All health insurance companies, public or private, shall be required to join the health insurance Exchange to be legally licensed to provide services. No company in the Exchange may deny coverage on the basis of previous health condition. The Exchange shall be governed by the Health Directorate, who shall be responsible for determining proper levels of reimbursement, management, administration and other related health industry needs.
(g.) Prescription drug companies shall not be allowed to advertise their products outside of certified medical journals.

Section 2- Finances

    (a.) The Atlasian Government, through the Atlasian National Health Care Program's regional offices, shall be financially obligated to cover: 90% of costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals below 250% the poverty level; 50% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; and 10% of the costs from services and benefits provided to the enrolled by the participating providers for individuals above $250,000. The total out of pocket payment for you or your family for the whole year may not exceed beyond 5% of your income if you make less than 250% of the poverty level. It cannot exceed 15% of your income if you make between 250% of the poverty level and $250,000 a year. It cannot exceed above 25% of your income if you make more than $250,000 a year. Nothing will need to be paid for preventative care by anyone of any income.
    (b.) Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service.
    (c.) Funding for this proposal shall be drawn from the following sources:

           -Cost reductions in other federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, as a result of administrative and cost savings and shifts in funding priorities
           -Taxes levied on health insurance benefits as follows: 0.5% for incomes below 250% the poverty level; 2% for incomes between 250% the poverty level and $250,000; 3.5% for incomes between $250,001 and $1,000,000; and 5%5.5% for incomes above $1,000,000.
           -The present 1.45% medicare payroll tax levied on both employees and employers is renamed the Health Care Payroll Tax
           -The Health Care Payroll Tax rate applied to both employers and employees shall rise from 1.45% to 3% on January 1st, 2012, from 3% to 4.5% on April 1st, 2012, from 4.5% to 6.0% on July 1st, 2012, and finally from 6.0% to 6.5% on September 1st, 2012.


Section 3- Administration

    (a.) This Act shall be administered by the Health Directorate, made up by a Chairman and the Executives of the regional CHP boards.
    (b.) Medicare and Medicaid shall be phased out, with all necessary personnel and services being transferred to the Atlasian National Health Care Program upon its establishment.

Section 4- Regional Administration

    (a.) The provision of healthcare and the administration of budgets and services shall be the responsibility of independent Community Health Partnerships (CHPs) congruent to the existing Regions These shall be established as public sector corporations. Each CHP shall be headed by a board consisting of one Executive and further non-executive members.
    (b.) CHP members shall be selected by the Health Directorate and shall be a non-partisan gathering of experts in the medical, pharmaceutical, and health insurance and administration industries.
    (c.) All boards shall be required to have an audit committee consisting only of non-executive members on which the chair may not sit. This committee shall be entrusted with the supervision of financial audit and of systems of corporate governance within the CHP.
    (d.) CHP's shall have responsibility for delivering primary and community services and commission them from other providers, and are involved in commissioning secondary care. Each CHP shall have their own budget and set their own priorities and shall directly provide a range of community health services including but not exclusive to;

            The provision of funding for general practitioners and medical prescriptions.
            The commission of hospital and mental health services from the private sector.

    (e.) All members, directors and associated bodies shall be accountable to the Health Directorate as outlined in Section 3 of this Act.


Title: Re: SENATE BILL: The New Atlasian Healthcare Act (At Final Vote)
Post by: Fmr President & Senator Polnut on June 06, 2012, 11:01:38 PM
()