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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Many Americans Still Confused About New Healthcare Reform Law and its Provisions

Many Americans Still Confused About New Healthcare Reform Law and its Provisions

1 comment:

Nathan Benefield said...

This could also be titled "Pollsters still confused about healthcare law."

For instance, they say the "right" answer is that the bill does not cut Medicare benefits - which sort of ignores that it's paid for by cutting Medicare spending by $500 billion, including gutting Medicare Advantage and reducing doctors payments. (The latter is supposed to change following the "Doc Fix" which they are working to pass in increase Medicare payments to Docs, which will add $250 billion or so to the cost).

They also claim that there will not be "Higher income taxes for the middle class" - but those without insurance will pay a 3% surcharge on their income, including many in the 'middle class'. Some middle class Americans will also pay taxes on 'Cadillac health plans' and on services like tanning - not an income tax, but the wording of the question makes me question the polls intent.

The pollsters also claim that the bill will not cause an "An increase in the federal government's budget deficit" - which is hotly disputed ground, and won't be know until implemented. Same with "Illegal aliens will have health insurance", the law doesn't explicitly give illegal immigrants benefits, but it's unclear the level illegals will be able to obtain benefits anyway.

John Goodman's blog takes to task a related poll for its logical errors: http://www.john-goodman-blog.com/seniors-know-more-than-polltakers/