Debunking the Myths of Health Insurance Reform
MediMatters
July 30, 2009
As Congress heads home for the August recess, Media Matters Action Network wants to make sure members are armed with the facts regarding the myths about health insurance reform. Each of these statements shares the common bond of both being completely false, and having been spoken by Republican members of Congress during the past week.
MYTH: Health care reform will provide health insurance to illegal immigrants.
I don't want my tax dollars to help provide health care for an illegal immigrant.
REBUTTAL:
The House bill specifically forbids federal dollars from going to the health insurance policies of undocumented workers residing in the United States, saying no federal payments will be allowed to benefit those "who are not lawfully present in the United States."
House Bill: "No Federal Payment for Undocumented Aliens." According to America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, Page 143, Line 3, Section 246: "No Federal Payment for Undocumented Aliens. Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States." [America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, accessed 7/22/09]
President Obama: Health Care Reform Should Not Cover "Illegal Immigrants." As reported by CBS News, "Asked by CBS News' Katie Couric in an exclusive interview whether illegal immigrants should be covered under a new health care plan, President Obama responded simply, 'no.'" [CBSNews.com, 7/21/09]
MYTH: A government-run plan will encourage seniors to choose an early death.
The President and Congressional Democrats want to cut health care costs by encouraging America's seniors to end their lives early and forgo expensive life-extending measures in their twilight years.
REBUTTAL:
The House bill does include language that offers senior citizens free counseling meant to answer any possible end-of-life questions they may have. The counseling is voluntary and will provide professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate information to seniors on such issues as will preparation, medical power of attorney, resuscitation wishes, and other matters.
"Advance Care Planning Consultation" Would Provide Seniors With Professional Advice On Will Preparation, Power Of Attorney, And Other Complicated Issues. PolitiFact.com reported: "Sec. 1233 of the bill, labeled 'Advance Care Planning Consultation' details how the bill would, for the first time, require Medicare to cover the cost of end-of-life counseling sessions. According to the bill, 'such consultation shall include the following: An explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to; an explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses; an explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.'" [PolitiFact.com, 7/16/09]
(More here.)
July 30, 2009
As Congress heads home for the August recess, Media Matters Action Network wants to make sure members are armed with the facts regarding the myths about health insurance reform. Each of these statements shares the common bond of both being completely false, and having been spoken by Republican members of Congress during the past week.
MYTH: Health care reform will provide health insurance to illegal immigrants.
I don't want my tax dollars to help provide health care for an illegal immigrant.
REBUTTAL:
The House bill specifically forbids federal dollars from going to the health insurance policies of undocumented workers residing in the United States, saying no federal payments will be allowed to benefit those "who are not lawfully present in the United States."
House Bill: "No Federal Payment for Undocumented Aliens." According to America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, Page 143, Line 3, Section 246: "No Federal Payment for Undocumented Aliens. Nothing in this subtitle shall allow Federal payments for affordability credits on behalf of individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States." [America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, accessed 7/22/09]
President Obama: Health Care Reform Should Not Cover "Illegal Immigrants." As reported by CBS News, "Asked by CBS News' Katie Couric in an exclusive interview whether illegal immigrants should be covered under a new health care plan, President Obama responded simply, 'no.'" [CBSNews.com, 7/21/09]
MYTH: A government-run plan will encourage seniors to choose an early death.
The President and Congressional Democrats want to cut health care costs by encouraging America's seniors to end their lives early and forgo expensive life-extending measures in their twilight years.
REBUTTAL:
The House bill does include language that offers senior citizens free counseling meant to answer any possible end-of-life questions they may have. The counseling is voluntary and will provide professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate information to seniors on such issues as will preparation, medical power of attorney, resuscitation wishes, and other matters.
"Advance Care Planning Consultation" Would Provide Seniors With Professional Advice On Will Preparation, Power Of Attorney, And Other Complicated Issues. PolitiFact.com reported: "Sec. 1233 of the bill, labeled 'Advance Care Planning Consultation' details how the bill would, for the first time, require Medicare to cover the cost of end-of-life counseling sessions. According to the bill, 'such consultation shall include the following: An explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to; an explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses; an explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.'" [PolitiFact.com, 7/16/09]
(More here.)
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