On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed its version of the healthcare bill by a vote of 220-215.
The bill, authored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, offers the most sweeping new changes in healthcare since Medicare/Medicaid was passed. The bill includes a “qualified plan,” meaning if you get insurance at work there is a grace period before your employer must switch you to a plan designed by the government.
The government will also decide how much money you pay for that coverage out of pocket. I know you keep thinking health care will be free. But, I hate to burst your bubble!
As a RN who had to deal with government red tape to get approval for the most basic services for my patients, all I can say is good luck with that!
Of course, you can buy your own insurance, but who can afford that?
When you fill out your tax returns, you must provide proof that you have insurance or you will be fined thousands of dollars or even arrested. But here’s the best part: Illegal immigrants (and resident aliens such as myself 
) are EXEMPT from this requirement! Isn’t that nice of Obama and Pelosi?
Barack Obama must now wait for the Senate to approve its version of the bill and then both bills must be merged to make a final proposal that Obama can then sign.
The Democrats control the exact number of votes needed to pass a universal health care bill without a filibuster (60). But some Dems who oppose the public option plan have threatened to kill the bill’s chances by voting with the Republicans.
About a dozen or so Democrats (blue dogs) remain uncommitted to Obama’s government-run healthcare, meaning Obama might not see a health care bill on his desk any time this year.
We can only hope that the blue dog Dems hold out.
