Sequelae of US healthcare
The US healthcare bill was signed by US President Barack Obama and is now a national law. It is an historic event for Democrats, but an agony for Republicans and many other Americans. Before Americans become healthier, they have begun to suffer a series of sequelae.
In spite of the opposition of 55 percent of Americans, the US House of Representatives passed the 2,700-page healthcare bill with several sweetheart deals or bought votes. All Republican representatives cast nay on the bill.
The national healthcare will be funded at US$500 billion by Medicare out of US$940 billion in the next 10 years. The benefits of senior citizens in Medicare have to be shared with the rest of the population. The healthcare plan has been called “the death panel” of the federal government. Many people doubt the capability of the government to handle the new law.
The remaining funds will come from increased taxes. Many small businesses, which hire most workers, cannot absorb the impact of increased taxes and unemployment is expected to rise well above the current rate of nearly 10 percent.
Many states have called the healthcare bill unconstitutional and will file lawsuits against the federal government. Some Democrat Representatives have received death threats and their offices were damaged, while some Republicans will try to repeal or replace the bill.
Many doctors are considering early retirement; with a potential shortage of doctors and an increase in the number of patients, it may take a long time to see a doctor.
The Internal Revenue Service will hire 16,000 agents to look after the healthcare bill and this creates concern for many Americans. A popular sign used by Tea Party protesters is: “Give me freedom or give me debt.”
What has happened in the US with national healthcare will be a good lesson for Taiwan in handling the economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA).
CHARLES HONG
Columbus, Ohio
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