Return to Article: Legislators clash over health care reform's impact on FEHBP
-
91852
Mr. TAXPAYER: You are another private citizen who has never considered federal or civil service work (or maybe upset because you could not get in or qualify) because you figured you could make more money in private sector, and like most americans never thought twice about the sacrifices and disparities in salary, but like most lean times for the private sector, now you are jealous because we still retain our thankless positions and your big salaries are now in jeopardy. Bottom Line..
-
91571
Anyone that gets a federal paycheck, retired or otherwise will eventually be forced into the "government option". The FEHB program as it exists today will be eliminated to save administrative costs. Once this happens, the remaining insurance companies will go broke within a couple years and the private sector won't have any options. Anybody who doesn't see this happening a few years down the road is a fool. The sole purpose of the government option is to drive private insurance companies out of business.
-
91408
Mr. Ketter is right. Health benefits, and any other benefits received by federal employees or those in the private sector, should be taxed. This is income as these benefits have a value.
So those federal employees who keep harping that they make less than the private sector for a comparable job - consider this:
Most of us non-feds do not have retirement benefits (again I say most of us) - I know some very large corporations offer this - but far more of us work for corporations and small businesses that do not offer this. Do any of you feds quantify into your annual salary the amount of this deferred compensation?
Transit/parking subsidies - those of you in the Washington DC area that receive this benefit, add it to your total compensation
How about the lucrative vacation and sick time? More than most of the rest of us - add that dollar amount to your salary.
Add the value of these benefits and other perks to your salary to see how much you really make.
Yes - insurancce is going up - but it is going up for all of us - not just feds. At least you have, depending upon your agency and location, several plans to choose from. The rest of us, if insurance is offered, is not flexible. We have the one plan offered or we opt out.
-
91400
I think Aaron your advise to LN about digging deeper might apply to you as well. You made a couple of points about cost and access to treatment. Would you be willing to spend $2 million on a cancer treatment that might keep you alive and bed ridden and in pain for a few additional weeks? Several studies have questioned the value of yearly mammograms as well as the possibility that mammograms may cause cancer in some people due to radiation exposure. You think we don't have rationing? Insurance companies do this each and every day with exclusions and pre-existing conditions. The 'free market' has clearly failed in the US and continues to get worse. Almost 50 million uninsured, 60% of bankrupsies related to horrific medical costs, premature deaths because of lack of access to affordable medical care and more and more of your fellow citizens traveling to foreign countries for medical treatments. I consider it shameful that the US stands almost alone in its failure to provide all its citizens with at least a minimal level of medical care and preventive medicine as practically every other country in the world has.
-
91394
Much of the high cost of health care comes from trying to rescue people from themselves. By that I mean that our sedentary lifestyles, access to and consumption of vast amounts of junk food and unhealthy beverages, is the root cause of many chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. The medical establishment/insurance companies are spending vast amounts of time and money trying to fix our unhealthy lifestyles with pills and surgeries. We cannot blame everyone else for our own lifestyle-driven health problems. We should take responsibility for our own actions and fix what is in our power to fix. Then perhaps we would have no need of so many medical aids to keep us going. This alone would make a huge dent in the health costs. Then there may not be a need for some massive legislation that will not make us healthier. Perhaps we should instead consider laws to force food manufacturers to stop producing junk...that might actually help save us from ourselves!!
-
91370
LN, you really need to dig a bit deeper. There is a reason why socialized countries spend less money per capita. First, they have a diminished, and generally less diverse population. Secondly, the UK and other countries routinely ration care. You want that $2 million cancer treatment? Too bad.
You want to compare statistics? Look at the cancer survival rates. The U.S. not only leads European countries, but blows them out of the water. The same is true for mammograms; in the United States, 84 percent of women aged 50 to 64 years get them regularly - a higher percentage than in Australia, Canada or New Zealand, and far higher than the 63 percent of British women. Whereas the the U.S. infant mortality rate is only like 6 per 1000 children. The best rate is something like 4.4. Not exactly disproportionate.
-
91360
All health benefits should be taxed 100% to pay for those who don't have any. Its not illegals fault they don't have healthcare coverage so we should cover them 100%
-
91343
I continue to find it amusing to read the type of comment below by "LN", railing against the "evil" insurance companies, but with no back up FACTS. Health insurance companies rank pretty far down on the "profitability ladder" (35th out of the top 50 businesses I believe), yet the Kool Aid drinkers continue to take up the mantra of the adminstration and health care zealots. The "status quo must go" sounds like a pithy soundbite, but the devil will be in the details - especially in a 2000 page bill with a cost of over a trillion dollars!
I suggest LN stop with the talking points and try and find out what is really going on!
-
91338
Chuck thinks the Republicans are messing with him now, wait until the Democrats get their hooks in us all with health care reform, cap and trade, takeover of more private and public companies, and the list goes on and on. We are talking about basic freedoms here and when the POTUS says he wants to change/make over this country, it infringes upon our rights and the constitutionality of these efforts should be challenged. Mandating the public to buy certain coverage or face fines/penalties is clearly against my rights as a citizen as well as yours. Wake up and smell the coffee, Chuck. You'll be crying soon enough. Is this the change you voted for?
-
91332
Govt has done such a good job with balancing the budget, managing the long term viability of social security and managing the costs of medicare so why shouldn't we give them the reins to health care. Surely care avialbility will soar and costs will drop like a rock. Or is that care will drop and costs will soar?
-
91325
It is amazing that through all this debate the real cause of the problem is still being ignored by Congress and hidden from the American people.
Since the 1940's insurance companies have been granted immunity from Antitrust laws. Yes, total immunity from Antitrust laws. The insurance companies openly fix prices, establish exclusive territories and exclude those who really need insurance all under the protection of Congress.
Why are premiums going up? Because the insurance companies decided they wanted more money.
Why are companies pulling out of your state? Because the insurance companies set your area aside for one company to rule.
The only real reform is to repeal this federal protection and force real competition. As long as insurance companies are allowed to engage in anticompetitve practices how can we expect there to be anything but very limited competition and increasing prices? For all the rhetoric about free markets and competition the true motives of our so called representatives shows clearly here.
-
91324
For Gosh Sakes, write your congress person and Senator, America did fine for 240 years without national health care, and slowing down, taking a year or two to write a decent, comprehensive plan that does not bankrupt the country or destroy what many of us have earned and financed is not going to ruin the nation.
Does seem like with the current Administration and Congress the attitude is, don't read it, don't worry about the future, just do something. That is wrong folks, we've got to make sure we understand the problem and pick the best solution. Again 240 years or so without national heallth care, why do we need to rush something through?
-
91321
Why do people believe that health care reform will increase costs when every other industrialized nation with national health care pays far, far less than us and is far, far healthier. Our health statistics are embarrassing. Our infant mortality statistics are criminal! Health care reform does not make a country change its entire form of government to socialism. Please!
-
91320
It's clear this issue is another example of politicians making choices and decisions that serve the interests of their party instead of the American people. Both sides are self serving and not fully addressing the real issue of Health Care reform. It's to insure, cover and take care of the American citizens of the U.S. that are not currently covered. If they had the American people's best interests at heart, this problem would be a slam dunk. But no, Democrats have their agenda and Republicans have theirs. And neither party wakes up in the morning worrying about you and I.
-
91319
It's clear this issue is another example of politicians making choices and decisions that serve the interests of their party instead of the American people. Both sides are self serving and not fully addressing the real issue of Health Care reform. It's to insure, cover and take care of the American citizens of the U.S. that are not currently covered. If they had the American people's best interests at heart, this problem would be a slam dunk. But no, Democrats have their agenda and Republicans have theirs. And neither party wakes up in the morning worrying about you and I.
-
91318
It's clear this issue is another example of politicians making choices and decisions that serve the interests of their party instead of the American people. Both sides are self serving and not fully addressing the real issue of Health Care reform. It's to insure, cover and take care of the American citizens of the U.S. that are not currently covered. If they had the American people's best interests at heart, this problem would be a slam dunk. But no, Democrats have their agenda and Republicans have theirs. And neither party wakes up in the morning worrying about you and I.
-
91317
OK, anyone who believes that Congressman Issa and his friends have any genuine interest or concern about the welfare of the federal workforce raise your hand...no takers? Smart federal workers!
-
91316
I want the government OUT of the Health Care business and back to the business of running the country. My husband has been unemployed for over a year! We are still bailing out banks! Obama can't decide what to do in Afghanistan. Let's work on the things that are a priority. Get people back to work. Get our debt under control. Quit trying to be the President of the World and just be the President of the U.S. who voted you into office.
-
91315
Right now, insurance companies are doing everything they can to stop health care reform. I fully expect that they will hike premiums in FEHB to make them hit the thresholds for "cadillac" plans. I fully expect that they will drop coverage to make them not "comply" with the basic requirements. FEHB consumers are a BIG block of people. They are now realizing how messing around with us is to their benefit. Health Care reform NOW is the answer and with COMPETITION created by a not for profit public option. The next three years are going to really suck as these insurance companies cause more and more chaos. But in the end, the people will win out. The status quo must go.
-
91314
Whenever someone is afraid to have a hearing so an issue can be discussed in public rather than behind closed doors you know something stinks. Democrats from Virginia,Conley and Moran, have also expresseed concern so this is a bipartisan issue and merits open discussion and investigation.
-
91307
The Democrats have lost their mind. Their government run health care/insurance program will raise prices and ration health care for everyone, increase taxes, increase the federal deficit, and destroy free enterprise. Smoke and mirrors are being used to disguise the true cost and pitfalls of what is being proposed. Enough with the Democrats' deceit and secretive maneuvering behind closed doors. Congress and the administration should stick to governing and stay out of what should remain a private sector function. Congress should target tort reform and the resulting unnecessary tests/procedures ordered to avoid malpractice lawsuits.
I have written to my Senators and Representative to inform them that I am going to "opt out" of voting for, and actively and aggressively campaign against anyone that supports these absurd proposals. I highly recommend everyone do the same.
-
91306
Not everyone in government has the same health plan. That's part of the problem. Congress has their own, as do Postal workers. The other 4 million of us have to choose between several plans. Personally, I would love to have the auto workers plans, or the postal workers. I currently pay $400 per month for health care, I have a 600 dollar deductible before any benefits kick in, no dental and no eye coverage. While it is better than nothing, is sure isn't cheap.
-
91305
When the Republicans oppose a policy or legislation and have nothing constructive to add, you can always count on them fabricating issues to scare their constitutents.
-
91304
To the previous commenter: As a retired federal employee, I worked over 30 years and paid into FEHBP all the time to earn the right to have health coverage. I still pay monthly premiums along with what the Federal Gov't pays to keep my coverage. It is not cheap, but it is good coverage. This is no different than what any other major employer provides as health coverage for their employees. So, don't call me a "blue dog" because I don't want you in my plan. Do you know what a risk pool is?
Yes, the American people should have access to health insurance. But, until you've earned the right to participate in my plan, get your own. Oh, by the way I don't live in the white house.
-
91303
Health care reform is being fought by a pack of insurance industry lap dogs.
-
91299
As a federal employee, I thought I had good insurance coverage. Now the Republicans are telling me the FEHBP doesn't measure up to a minimum? I feel cheated! Please, please pass this new Health Care initiative.
-
91296
As reported by this article and others like those in a recent issue of the AARP newsletter the scare tactics being used by the republicans/conserviatives are nothing more than pittifully crafted lies (in many cases by republican paid spin doctors/hacks) attempting to sway public opinion in favor of the rich and others like insurance/drug companies cso they can an continue their financial gain, power base and campaign contributions. The fact that the rich and powerful will use the republicans on the Hill to further their interests should come as no surprise. However what is so absolutely mind blowing is that the middle/lower class so called republicans buy into that pure nonsense given they have nothing to gain by it and much to loose. It is also pure lunacy that some of the fanatics (some who claim to be bioethic professors in our seminaries) buy into the republican resistance to desperately needed health care reform (which will support ethics, morality, and a better quaity of life for millions of people)because they think the rupublicans also support right to life and are against homosexuality (when they're not as evidenced by the Bush-Chaney situation). You didn't want to hold Bush-Chaney accountable for the gay in the Chaney family, so what makes you think that any of the republicans will hold any insurance or drug company accounatable for the rising cost of health care?
-
91294
What makes any of you think health reform is going to be good for us federal employees or the military. The people in the Whitehouse continue to TAKE privileges' and benefits from us and I don't see anything they have done in our favor recently, especially since Obama has been in office.......
-
91293
Wow, lester, you may want to become better informed. If you think the health plan that the government is trying to push down our throats is the same that we, as government employees have, then you'd best get a clue!
-
91291
While I agree that there needs to be affordable health insurance for everyone, I don't agree that government taking it over is the answer ... socialized medicine doesn't work - look at Canada. Canadians come to the U.S. (if they can afford it) to get their health care because either they can't get care or it takes to long to get care.
-
91288
It is "not" the same plan as federal employees. Also, FEHBP is just that....it's for the federal employee. The government has "no" business getting into the insurance business. Their job is to "balance the budget". They can't do that and you want them to go into the insurance business? The answer appears to be self explanatory. If you want insurance, go out and pay for it. I don't feel that I should have to pay for anyone's, but my own. I have yet to see people give up their cell phones, computers, plasma TVs, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, SUV's and be willing to take a drug test, for their "free" insurance. It's not the governments place to dictate. That's called socialism people! Beware very aware the next time you go to the polls! You get what you vote for.
-
91284
With the increased costs coming to medicare (i.e. State's portion and pass on taxes); paying for those that do not want to work or contribute; increasing risk and premiums in the FEHBPs (by people dropping out, transferring plans or allowing the public to participate) and Federal tax increases to make up for the sure to be massive shortfalls, Federal Employees will have no choice but get in the public option. This includes waiting for care and the distinct likelihood of poor quality or delayed care. This is not what Federal Employees signed on for. Covering others while causing Federal Employees and others to unfairly shoulder this burden is totally wrong and should be abondoned. Health care costs could be controlled by stop paying for those that shouldn't be here and only offering true emergency care, nothing more. Medical tort reform and access to doctor's discipline and track records are also essential as is combining drug buys and services to save money.
-
91282
It amazes me that the majority in congress believe that the health insurance industry will change to meet legislative requirements versus opting out of FEHBP. There are a significant number of companies leaving reagions or the Plan this year. And it further amazes me that those same congressional geniuses don't believe that those that do change won't raise the premiums to the employees, which may well cause an employee to be kicked into the pay a tax because you have healthcare category. Congress started down this slope too long ago to get off of it now as it has become far to slippery but the best thing the government could ever do is get out of the business of trying to legislate healthcare costs. They do need to regulate healthcare practices but the system we have, far be it from perfect, is better than anything the legislature will come up with.
-
91281
So has anyone bothered to READ the text of the bill? What does it say? It's ridiculous to speak or form an opinion, or in fact, to write this article without an analysis of the bill that asserts an answer to the question.
-
91273
I find it hard to believe that members of congress are so willing to use federal employees as pawns in their games. Given that most government employees appear to vote republican; it is incredibly stupid for the republican party to continue to use us for their games. When these folks can't get information and support they require from federal employees I hope they are smart enough to figure out why. But, I doubt it.
-
91272
Republicans concerned with bureaucrats' health care? Has the world gone mad???
-
91270
What is this bill going to do for the older americans (65) and older and others who have serious or terminal illnesses.
From what I am hearing in the new bill they will have not care. This will be a death sentance for those. Is this true and is not how is it written in the bill and what type care will we have. I am hearing that they will reduce medicare payments and they could put even more problems on those having to live on that amount.
I am also hearing that many doctors will quit the practice because of this bill.
Please let us know what you know on this.
Thanks
-
91266
What's the problem with at least exploring how this bill might impact the FEHB. I don't see any scare tactics just an effort to ensure this thing isn't rammed down Americans throats without careful consideration of the impact.
-
91265
GovExec I never realized how much your writers favored the liberal bias. That said, it is not the role of the Federal Government to provide health care for the American people. The Constitution of the United States defines your roles as providing for the defense of our nation which has NOTHING to do with providing health care for its citizens.
Employers provide healthcare packages to their employees as part of their benefits. As with all things, some are good, bad and ugly. Those who are uninsured are seen in Public Health Clinics and Emergency Rooms across the country. No one can be turned away. Preventive care is done through Public Health.
The Federal Employee Health Benefits package has eroded over the 37 years I've been employed. At one time we had 100% coverage with no out of pocket expenses. Our premiums were small. Today however, our premiums are pricy and two people cost as much as a family. It would be nice if there were three options, single, primary and spouse, and family. But, I'm sure all of us have our own opinions for the ideal options and benefits.
The best thing Congress can do is get OUT of the health care business. Leave that up to the health care professionals and the employers who offer the benefits packages. Stop trying to shove health care reform on the American people!
I remain A. B. Clinger
-
91263
Sounds like our legislative idiots either don't have a clue about how either the American health care system and insurance work, or more likely, they are trying to herd the sheeple into a rationed, Medicare type system.
If Federal plans are required to add these gold-plated Shangri-La type benefits into their plans, premiums have to seriously skyrocket (and I'm not talking about the modest increases that we have seen over the last ten years, but some serious price jack ups) or insurers have to go out of business.
If FEHBP survives this health insurance reform nonsense, we all need to get ready for some serious taxation and price increases in our soon to be very expensive insurance plans.
-
91252
I think they should just leave my health care alone. If they want to give free care to people who don't have health insurance then that is what the democrats will make happen. But once again, because it's what the democrats want we are all going to be stuck with it. Maybe America should let each individual vote instead of the people in Washington with an agenda to get passed so they can go on vacation.
-
91247
i think it is pretty sad that as american people we do not have the same right as people in the white house when it comes to health insurance.just because the republican are being paid millions of dollars for there no vote and some of the blue dogs that should not stop or kill health care for the rest it is sad that the same health care some are trying to kill is the same plan that every one in government has but it is not good enough for the american people i hope that the elections that were held on 11-03-2009 is a wake up call because you will be next.
PROMO RIGHT: EVENTS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NOVEMBER 18
Speed bumps for Teleworking: What are they and how to avoid them?
DECEMBER 3
Achieve Program Success: Unlock the Management Information in Your Data
DECEMBER 10
Practical Transparency: Applying Exchange Networks for Mission Results
PROMO RIGHT: DIRECTORIES
Post a Comment
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.