SENATE BILL: Reforming Atlasian Public Health Act of 2014 (Debating)

[Cincinnatus]

For reference...

I'll quote my summary of the 2012 and 2009 bills as I understand them-

1. Since 2009, every Atlasian resident has been eligible for coverage under the Atlasion National Healthcare Program (a.k.a. "Fritzcare"), and all health care providers are required to cover Fritzcare enrollees.

2. Fritzcare is a comprehensive health care program (including elements of care that are often neglected IRL, such as mental, dental, and vision).

3. Existing government health care programs (Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare) have been abolished and rolled into Fritzcare.

4. Prior to 2012, copayments or deductibles on required benefits could not be billed to Fritzcare recipients.

5. Since 2012, the percentage of expenses covered by Fritzcare A) varies based on personal income and B) is capped at a percentage of household income. Preventive care remains free of charge to individuals.

6. HOWEVER, even after the reforms of 2012, "Licensed health care clinicians who accept any payment from the Atlasian National Health Care Program may not bill any patient for any covered service."

7. Fritzcare funding comes from A) former funding for Medicare and Medicaid, including the payroll tax; B) a progressive (by personal income) tax on health insurance benefits; and C) raising what the Medicare payroll tax (now called the "Health Care Payroll Tax") from 1.45% to 6.5%.

9. Public benefit corporations ("Community Health Partnerships") established in each region are responsible for administering Fritzcare.

8. Private health insurance may continue to exist, but health insurance companies must join an "Exchange."

#6 is the enormous, glaring problem.

[Cincinnatus]

I want Nixy baby to look it over first.

You can't just "keep things simple", Jeez. 

[Cincinnatus]

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Feedback:  Origination
Status: Senators have 24 hours to object.

[Cincinnatus]

The amendment has been adopted.  Where are we on this now Senators?  The adopted amendment is just a badly needed bandage to the overall problem here.

[Cincinnatus]

With no objections, amendment 60:62 is adopted.