Aa
Insurers nervous over prospect of Romney victory
http://news.yahoo.com/insurers-nervous-over-prospect-romney-victory-115914066--finance.html
WASHINGTON (AP) — You'd think health insurance CEOs would be chilling the bubbly with Republican Mitt Romney's improved election prospects, but instead they're in a quandary.
Although the industry hates parts of President Barack Obama's health care law, major outfits such as UnitedHealth Group and BlueCross Blue Shield also stand to rake in billions of dollars from new customers who'll get health insurance under the law. The companies already have invested tens of millions to carry it out.
Were Romney elected, insurers would be in for months of uncertainty as his administration gets used to Washington and tries to make good on his promise repeal Obama's law. Simultaneously, federal and state bureaucrats and the health care industry would face a rush of legal deadlines for putting into place the major pieces of what Republicans deride as "Obamacare."
Would they follow the law on the books or the one in the works? What would federal courts tell them to do?
The answers probably would hinge on an always unwieldy Congress.
Things could get grim for the industry if Republicans succeed in repealing the Affordable Care Act's subsidies and mandates, but leave standing its requirement that insurers cover people with health problems. If that's the outcome, the industry fears people literally could get health insurance on the way to the emergency room, and that would drive up premiums.
"There are a lot of dollars and a lot of staff time that's been put into place to make this thing operational," G. William Hoagland, until recently a Cigna vice president, said of the health care law.
Insurers "are not going to be out there saying, 'Repeal, repeal, repeal,'" said Hoagland, who oversaw public policy at the health insurance company. "They will probably try to find the particular provisions that cause them heartburn, but not throw the baby out with the bath water."
The Romney campaign isn't laying out specifics on how the candidate would carry out his repeal promise, other than to say the push would begin on his first day in office. Romney has hinted that he wants to help people with medical conditions, doesn't say what parts of the health care law he'd keep.
Likewise, America's Health Insurance Plans, the major industry trade group, isn't talking about what its members are telling the Romney campaign, though informal discussions are under way through intermediaries. Insurers like Romney's plan to privatize Medicare, and some point out that it looks a lot like Obama's approach to covering the uninsured.
Robert Laszewski, an industry consultant and blogger, says the tension is becoming unbearable.
"I spend a lot of time in executive offices and board rooms, and they are good Republicans who would like to see Romney win," said Laszewski. "But they are scared to death about what he's going to do."
There is no consensus among Republicans in Congress on how to replace Obama's law, much less anything like a bipartisan middle ground on health care, a necessity if the House retains its GOP majority and the Senate remains in Democratic hands.
In contrast, Obama's law is starting to look more and more like a tangible business opportunity. In a little over a year, some 30 million uninsured people will start getting coverage through a mix of subsidized private insurance for middle-class households and expanded Medicaid for low-income people. Many of the new Medicaid recipients would get signed up in commercial managed care companies.
A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study estimated the new markets would be worth $50 billion to $60 billion in premiums in 2014, and as much as $230 billion annually within seven years.
Under the law, insurance companies would have to accept all applicants, including the sick. But the companies also would have a steady stream of younger, healthier customers required to buy their products, with the aid of new government subsidies. That finally could bring stability to the individual and small-business insurance markets.
At a time when employer coverage has been eroding, government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and now Obama's law are becoming the growth engines for the industry's bottom line. The trend seems too big to derail, says Morningstar analyst Matthew Coffina, who tracks the health insurance industry.
"I think it's limited what they'll be able to accomplish in terms of repeal," said Coffina. "We have to remember that Romney implemented very similar legislation" as governor of Massachusetts.
If Romney wins he's more likely to reduce the scope and scale of the law, Coffina added. Possibilities include delaying all or parts of the new coverage, particularly a Medicaid expansion that GOP governors don't like.
The industry has three items in particular it wants stripped out: cuts to Medicare Advantage private insurance plans; a requirement that insurers spend 80 percent of premiums on medical care or rebate the difference to their customers; and new taxes on insurance companies. But CEOs don't share the visceral objection that many Republicans have to a bigger government role in health care.
Industry executives "are Republicans in the sense that they're worried about the bottom line and they want to retain private sector involvement," said Hoagland, the former Cigna vice president. "But some of their bottom line is now driven by Medicare and Medicaid. So it's not like they're red or blue. It's more like purple."
WASHINGTON (AP) — You'd think health insurance CEOs would be chilling the bubbly with Republican Mitt Romney's improved election prospects, but instead they're in a quandary.
Although the industry hates parts of President Barack Obama's health care law, major outfits such as UnitedHealth Group and BlueCross Blue Shield also stand to rake in billions of dollars from new customers who'll get health insurance under the law. The companies already have invested tens of millions to carry it out.
Were Romney elected, insurers would be in for months of uncertainty as his administration gets used to Washington and tries to make good on his promise repeal Obama's law. Simultaneously, federal and state bureaucrats and the health care industry would face a rush of legal deadlines for putting into place the major pieces of what Republicans deride as "Obamacare."
Would they follow the law on the books or the one in the works? What would federal courts tell them to do?
The answers probably would hinge on an always unwieldy Congress.
Things could get grim for the industry if Republicans succeed in repealing the Affordable Care Act's subsidies and mandates, but leave standing its requirement that insurers cover people with health problems. If that's the outcome, the industry fears people literally could get health insurance on the way to the emergency room, and that would drive up premiums.
"There are a lot of dollars and a lot of staff time that's been put into place to make this thing operational," G. William Hoagland, until recently a Cigna vice president, said of the health care law.
Insurers "are not going to be out there saying, 'Repeal, repeal, repeal,'" said Hoagland, who oversaw public policy at the health insurance company. "They will probably try to find the particular provisions that cause them heartburn, but not throw the baby out with the bath water."
The Romney campaign isn't laying out specifics on how the candidate would carry out his repeal promise, other than to say the push would begin on his first day in office. Romney has hinted that he wants to help people with medical conditions, doesn't say what parts of the health care law he'd keep.
Likewise, America's Health Insurance Plans, the major industry trade group, isn't talking about what its members are telling the Romney campaign, though informal discussions are under way through intermediaries. Insurers like Romney's plan to privatize Medicare, and some point out that it looks a lot like Obama's approach to covering the uninsured.
Robert Laszewski, an industry consultant and blogger, says the tension is becoming unbearable.
"I spend a lot of time in executive offices and board rooms, and they are good Republicans who would like to see Romney win," said Laszewski. "But they are scared to death about what he's going to do."
There is no consensus among Republicans in Congress on how to replace Obama's law, much less anything like a bipartisan middle ground on health care, a necessity if the House retains its GOP majority and the Senate remains in Democratic hands.
In contrast, Obama's law is starting to look more and more like a tangible business opportunity. In a little over a year, some 30 million uninsured people will start getting coverage through a mix of subsidized private insurance for middle-class households and expanded Medicaid for low-income people. Many of the new Medicaid recipients would get signed up in commercial managed care companies.
A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study estimated the new markets would be worth $50 billion to $60 billion in premiums in 2014, and as much as $230 billion annually within seven years.
Under the law, insurance companies would have to accept all applicants, including the sick. But the companies also would have a steady stream of younger, healthier customers required to buy their products, with the aid of new government subsidies. That finally could bring stability to the individual and small-business insurance markets.
At a time when employer coverage has been eroding, government programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and now Obama's law are becoming the growth engines for the industry's bottom line. The trend seems too big to derail, says Morningstar analyst Matthew Coffina, who tracks the health insurance industry.
"I think it's limited what they'll be able to accomplish in terms of repeal," said Coffina. "We have to remember that Romney implemented very similar legislation" as governor of Massachusetts.
If Romney wins he's more likely to reduce the scope and scale of the law, Coffina added. Possibilities include delaying all or parts of the new coverage, particularly a Medicaid expansion that GOP governors don't like.
The industry has three items in particular it wants stripped out: cuts to Medicare Advantage private insurance plans; a requirement that insurers spend 80 percent of premiums on medical care or rebate the difference to their customers; and new taxes on insurance companies. But CEOs don't share the visceral objection that many Republicans have to a bigger government role in health care.
Industry executives "are Republicans in the sense that they're worried about the bottom line and they want to retain private sector involvement," said Hoagland, the former Cigna vice president. "But some of their bottom line is now driven by Medicare and Medicaid. So it's not like they're red or blue. It's more like purple."
Back to insurers.... they are a nervous sort anyhow. They want all things to stay the same.
Obama put forth 900 and signed off on 139 so far, and Bush signed 171 in his first 4 years and 311 total. .
Oh wow.
Oh wow.
About "executive orders". Obama put forth 900 and signed off on 139 so far, and Bush signed 171 in his first 4 years and 311 total.
I would agree that it is ridiculous that the Republican part in DC made it their mission to make Obama a one term President.... that is ridiculous.
I would also agree with the fact that the whole group in DC should be flushed. A genetic cleansing is necessary, and this election won't help. All of the same players are available, unfortunately.
I would also agree with the fact that the whole group in DC should be flushed. A genetic cleansing is necessary, and this election won't help. All of the same players are available, unfortunately.
He made health care a priority and that is something he accomplished.
Yes, and that's something he pushed through WITHOUT support from both sides. There was significant bi-partisan and public opposition to it, yet he pushed it through anyway.
And, brice, good reminder. We hear so much about Obama's issues with congress, yet he had two years of a democratic congress. Can't really use that as an excuse.
Their mission should be to help the American people no matter who is in the white house.
I agree, but sadly, anymore, it looks less and less likely, no matter WHO is in charge.
Yes, and that's something he pushed through WITHOUT support from both sides. There was significant bi-partisan and public opposition to it, yet he pushed it through anyway.
And, brice, good reminder. We hear so much about Obama's issues with congress, yet he had two years of a democratic congress. Can't really use that as an excuse.
Their mission should be to help the American people no matter who is in the white house.
I agree, but sadly, anymore, it looks less and less likely, no matter WHO is in charge.
He made health care a priority and that is something he accomplished.
I also think he ran up against a wall with the Democrats as with the Republicans in congress.
He wanted to change the way DC works and those fat cats in his own party did not want that to happen, now did they ?
However, having Republicans state from the get-go that their mission was to make him a one term president is disgusting. Their mission should be to help the American people no matter who is in the white house.
I'm still ready to flush the whole group in DC down the toilet.
I also think he ran up against a wall with the Democrats as with the Republicans in congress.
He wanted to change the way DC works and those fat cats in his own party did not want that to happen, now did they ?
However, having Republicans state from the get-go that their mission was to make him a one term president is disgusting. Their mission should be to help the American people no matter who is in the white house.
I'm still ready to flush the whole group in DC down the toilet.
"How in the world can the President do more the congress is refusing to go along with him?" He has to be realistic and know that he does have other minds to work with. Being realistic has a lot to do with what one can and cannot control.
The good news is, he (the President) had a democrat congress for 2 years. Everything must have been accomplished then, I guess.
The good news is, he (the President) had a democrat congress for 2 years. Everything must have been accomplished then, I guess.
"How in the world can the president do more when congress is refusing to go along with him? And he's considerate enough not to go the 'executive order' way just to get things done his way.
Obama's biggest downfall has been how much he tries to work with others, ironic isn't it? Bush stonewalled and got what he wanted.
Obama tried to work with the Republicans and they treated him like a wimp for being a conciliator."
NO he didn't OH. Are you kidding me? The last 4 yrs was a waste......(being sarcastic of course..0) I couldn't have said this better myself.... The republicans from day 1 have said their mission is to make him a 1 term President. It didn't matter if it effect us the people...They had an agenda.
Obama's biggest downfall has been how much he tries to work with others, ironic isn't it? Bush stonewalled and got what he wanted.
Obama tried to work with the Republicans and they treated him like a wimp for being a conciliator."
NO he didn't OH. Are you kidding me? The last 4 yrs was a waste......(being sarcastic of course..0) I couldn't have said this better myself.... The republicans from day 1 have said their mission is to make him a 1 term President. It didn't matter if it effect us the people...They had an agenda.
How in the world can the president do more when congress is refusing to go along with him? And he's considerate enough not to go the 'executive order' way just to get things done his way.
Obama's biggest downfall has been how much he tries to work with others, ironic isn't it? Bush stonewalled and got what he wanted.
Obama tried to work with the Republicans and they treated him like a wimp for being a conciliator.
Obama's biggest downfall has been how much he tries to work with others, ironic isn't it? Bush stonewalled and got what he wanted.
Obama tried to work with the Republicans and they treated him like a wimp for being a conciliator.
I hold him accountable to finishing what he started if re-elected. I will be EXTREMELY disappointed if he doesn't accomplish more if re-elected. .
That's EXACTLY why this race is so close. There are people who were 100% behind him last time, and may even be behind him again, but some are not sticking with him...because they believe that if he doesn't AGAIN accomplish what he set out to...that's 4 more years either wasted, or 4 more years where things get even worse, like the current economical path, for example.
People are giving him a "second chance". This isn't a HS boyfriend who cheated on a girl, who's getting a "second chance"...this is the president. If he doesn't at least come close to meeting the expectations HE set for himself, he shouldn't get another shot at it.
I'm not saying he had to change the world in 4 years...but he set his OWN bar too high.
I DO agree when they make such lofty declarations, they're setting their own bar high, and when they don't deliver, it's a huge let down. If Romney wins, I won't be disappointed if he doesn't draft an executive order on day one, but I DO expect him to handle healthcare as priority one, and will be disappointed if he doesn't.
That's EXACTLY why this race is so close. There are people who were 100% behind him last time, and may even be behind him again, but some are not sticking with him...because they believe that if he doesn't AGAIN accomplish what he set out to...that's 4 more years either wasted, or 4 more years where things get even worse, like the current economical path, for example.
People are giving him a "second chance". This isn't a HS boyfriend who cheated on a girl, who's getting a "second chance"...this is the president. If he doesn't at least come close to meeting the expectations HE set for himself, he shouldn't get another shot at it.
I'm not saying he had to change the world in 4 years...but he set his OWN bar too high.
I DO agree when they make such lofty declarations, they're setting their own bar high, and when they don't deliver, it's a huge let down. If Romney wins, I won't be disappointed if he doesn't draft an executive order on day one, but I DO expect him to handle healthcare as priority one, and will be disappointed if he doesn't.
Sure did!..He figured it out....You can't make promises in this election because If/once you do win, you have to face congress and even though your intentions are good, congress has the power to STOMP all over said intentions...I believe that is what happened in the case of the President. I hold him accountable to finishing what he started if re-elected. I will be EXTREMELY disappointed if he doesn't accomplish more if re-elected.
The President is smart enough to know that he cannot do that this go around. It potentially cost him votes this time around....
"Just a thing to take note of.... Romney is making promises, Obama is not doing that as much as he did on the campaign trail in 2008. A touch of reality set in... I think..... "
EXCELLENT POINT!
EXCELLENT POINT!
"I doubt this country will agree even about what the middle is". That is party line affiliation speaking. The middle is where the answers are. The majority of the country sits in the middle of something. Some are liberal about some things, the same people are relatively conservative about others.
It is flexibility that our elected officials need. It is the ability to be liberal about some things and conservative about some things that will allow this country to "progress". The "progressive" movement in this country is about staying the democratic party line, and that won't create progress. Even these so called progressives are conservative about some things, so they stand in their own way when it comes to getting anything accomplished.
Take someone like Ron Paul. (He's not the greatest example, but he's all I can think of right now.) I took a test which was to determine which Presidential candidate would best represent me. Ron Paul came in first place with he and I agreeing on roughly 70% of the topics that were on the test. (With the President a close second at 61%)
Ron Paul was not considered "conservative enough" by the party, and down the road they sent him a packing. They propped up Romney because the party thinks he is the one with the best chance to beat Obama.
Its a debacle... its a popularity contest and who ever party is represented in the White House, wins....
Just a thing to take note of.... Romney is making promises, Obama is not doing that as much as he did on the campaign trail in 2008. A touch of reality set in... I think.....
It is flexibility that our elected officials need. It is the ability to be liberal about some things and conservative about some things that will allow this country to "progress". The "progressive" movement in this country is about staying the democratic party line, and that won't create progress. Even these so called progressives are conservative about some things, so they stand in their own way when it comes to getting anything accomplished.
Take someone like Ron Paul. (He's not the greatest example, but he's all I can think of right now.) I took a test which was to determine which Presidential candidate would best represent me. Ron Paul came in first place with he and I agreeing on roughly 70% of the topics that were on the test. (With the President a close second at 61%)
Ron Paul was not considered "conservative enough" by the party, and down the road they sent him a packing. They propped up Romney because the party thinks he is the one with the best chance to beat Obama.
Its a debacle... its a popularity contest and who ever party is represented in the White House, wins....
Just a thing to take note of.... Romney is making promises, Obama is not doing that as much as he did on the campaign trail in 2008. A touch of reality set in... I think.....
"In my opinion Obama has been more to the right than I'd expected while others yell he's a socialist ?? "
DITTO!....
DITTO!....
Yes, that is negative. We have to make progress and that will only happen if people can find things to agree on. And the middle is where it will more likely happen. Sure, those that want things far right or far left won't like it but they're not too happy now either.
Anyway, whatever happens, everyone has to deal with it in their own way.
Lots of great things about American can I list, the discord between political parties and all the anger and negativity that is associated with it is not one of them.
Anyway, whatever happens, everyone has to deal with it in their own way.
Lots of great things about American can I list, the discord between political parties and all the anger and negativity that is associated with it is not one of them.
Sorry to be negative but I doubt this country will agree even about what the middle is.
In my opinion Obama has been more to the right than I'd expected while others yell he's a socialist ??
In my opinion Obama has been more to the right than I'd expected while others yell he's a socialist ??
Nicely said, and I agree!!
Barb, really excellent point. I too hope that if Obama wins--- that the sheer closeness of this election will resonate with him and he keeps it in mind. And I hope that Romney comes in sensitive to the same thing if he becomes the next president.
Really, the middle is probably the best place to lead from. I really wish whomever wins this election much luck because there is a lot at stake for all of us. I really would like to feel like one nation and tone down the venom between the parties.
Really, the middle is probably the best place to lead from. I really wish whomever wins this election much luck because there is a lot at stake for all of us. I really would like to feel like one nation and tone down the venom between the parties.
Actually, at one point, Romney did say that on day one, he'd repeal Obamacare. Realistically, we all know he can't do that.
On "day one" there isn't going to be much of anything done, no matter which candidate wins, because they're going to be sworn in, basking in the win and not really thinking ahead very far. It's got to be a pretty heady experience to be elected to the highest position in the country......
I really do hope that, in the event that Romney wins, he doesn't resort to a lot executive orders to get things done. IMO, that does not much, but create hard feelings and obstinance.
By the same token, I hope that if Obama wins, he will take into consideration the number of people who disagree (didn't vote for him) and temper his policies accordingly.
There has to be a meeting point in the middle and both candidates have to look at the number of people who don't agree with their policies and act accordingly.
On "day one" there isn't going to be much of anything done, no matter which candidate wins, because they're going to be sworn in, basking in the win and not really thinking ahead very far. It's got to be a pretty heady experience to be elected to the highest position in the country......
I really do hope that, in the event that Romney wins, he doesn't resort to a lot executive orders to get things done. IMO, that does not much, but create hard feelings and obstinance.
By the same token, I hope that if Obama wins, he will take into consideration the number of people who disagree (didn't vote for him) and temper his policies accordingly.
There has to be a meeting point in the middle and both candidates have to look at the number of people who don't agree with their policies and act accordingly.
YEP!!!! I saw that too SM!!! That's awesome! All tied up in OH. Woo hoo! That would be amazing!
Well, I have faith in Romney. Our paper today, on the front page said that our state is 49 to 49 Romney/Obama. Guess what state? The dreaded Ohio.
I'm looking forward to Romney's health care plan.
I'm looking forward to Romney's health care plan.
He doesn't SAY he's going to have it passed or repealed on day one!
Again:
On his first day in office, Mitt Romney will issue an executive order that paves the way for the federal government to issue Obamacare waivers to all fifty states. *********He will then work with Congress to repeal the full legislation as quickly as possible. ***********
Now, will he get to that executive order on day ONE? Maybe, maybe not. It's clear that he's saying it will be is first priority. NOWHERE does he say he will repeal it and pass something else on day one.
He'll be too busy on day one anyway I imagine....that could be the day of the week he counts his money. ;0)
Again:
On his first day in office, Mitt Romney will issue an executive order that paves the way for the federal government to issue Obamacare waivers to all fifty states. *********He will then work with Congress to repeal the full legislation as quickly as possible. ***********
Now, will he get to that executive order on day ONE? Maybe, maybe not. It's clear that he's saying it will be is first priority. NOWHERE does he say he will repeal it and pass something else on day one.
He'll be too busy on day one anyway I imagine....that could be the day of the week he counts his money. ;0)
I"m going to quote Barb, an admitted conservative on this one because I think she said it so well:
"Come on - we all know that no President can have anything passed/repealed on "day one". That's rhetoric at its worst. Campaign promises that can't possibly be fulfilled. "
"Come on - we all know that no President can have anything passed/repealed on "day one". That's rhetoric at its worst. Campaign promises that can't possibly be fulfilled. "
You must join this user group in order to participate in this discussion.
You are reading content posted in the Current Events . . . Group
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
