• 1. "Keep your government hands off my Medicare." Speaker at health care reform town hall meeting in Simpsonville, S.C., commenting on the government-created Medicare program, quoted by The Washington Post on July 28. (2009)

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34442711

18 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

You can suck my MAGA balls. The lions share of the federal budget are social benefits.

You don't understand. The US medical system is deliberately overpriced and extortionate in order to benefit the wealthy. No other Western country does that.

In other countries, people evaluate the evidence and change their minds when required.

MAGA-types are bigots who just repeat their silly dogma and get angry when they are shown to be wrong.

10 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I don't think electoral politics has anything to do with it. Half of Congress are millionaires. They've got blinders on. And their constituents don't hold their feet to the fire because they're watching Fox News with a can of Blatz in their hand.

Did MSnow approve this post?

8 minutes ago, JerryM said:

• 1. "Keep your government hands off my Medicare." Speaker at health care reform town hall meeting in Simpsonville, S.C., commenting on the government-created Medicare program, quoted by The Washington Post on July 28. (2009)

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34442711

This is such a deep post. Medicare is a program like SS that people are forced to pay into their entire life.

5 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

You really don't know this? Wow! It's exactly $0.00.

is that bad?

5 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

is that bad?

It's a subsidy. It's an interference in the free market. You don't have a problem with that? According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, this subsidy costs the US$ 230 to 250 billion a year.

8 hours ago, bannork said:

Russian universal healthcare is generally considered poor and underfunded, offering a fair standard of care at best, with significant regional disparities, outdated infrastructure, long waits, and a growing reliance on out-of-pocket payments, despite being tax-funded and free at the point of use, leading to unmet needs and low public satisfaction. While some urgent care might be accessible, quality varies wildly, and it ranks poorly internationally for efficiency, often described as struggling due to budget cuts and systemic issues. 

how good is russian universal healthcare - Google Search

Sounds a bit like the UK's NHS lol

55 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

This is such a deep post. Medicare is a program like SS that people are forced to pay into their entire life.

And both programs are deeply hated by the vast majority of theAmerican people? They want to cast off the chains imposed by Social Security and Medicare? They have repeatedly voted to elect senators and members of the House who share your views but somehow when they gain office these elected officials radically change their minds?

3 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

It’s not cheaper that employer provided healthcare.

In the absence of fair comparisons one cannot not offer that conclusion. Maybe you are right for some people, but I think you are most likely incorrect for the total population at risk.

3 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

The US is on the hook to defend most of the defend most of the Western world. The cost of the military is a tad under 1 trillion per year.

Not "on the hook". Want to be the de facto decision-makers for the world!

If the US military closed overseas bases and stopped buying new toys only useful of obliterating human beings, sometimes in speedboats, not only would the world be a safer place, but Americans would have healthcare and housing. That trill is just being wasted. Let the rest of the world figure it out for themselves.

3 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

The dems wrote and passed Obamacare with zero votes from the Republicans. Obama has not delivered. The program has failed.

What racism?

The primary goal of Obamacare was to insure Americans who couldn't afford health insurance. It reduced that number by 50%. It would have reduced it by more if States like Texas and Florida had agreed to the Medicaid provisions.

3 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

You can suck my MAGA balls. The lions share of the federal budget are social benefits.

The lion's share is the military. We're still paying for WWII and Korea! Then we've got the current useless military misadventures. Let's plan for the future, too: new nukes!

Would those be prairie or coastal oysters?

I don't understand the complaining. The Voters of the US of A elected Pinocchio Trump, the stable Genius as president, who is responsible for this disaster... so live with it!🫣

On 1/2/2026 at 7:09 AM, Mike_Hunt said:

The Dem’s ACA is proving to be a disaster.

Right, as opposed to the Republican :america First" national healthcare program.

On 1/2/2026 at 7:22 AM, Mike_Hunt said:

How do you plan on funding a 4 trillion push program?

Start by rolling back the BBB tax cuts mostly benefitting the wealthy/corporations again adding to the debt rather than paying for cost funding voted by Congress. And while we are at it, raise the cap on Social Security contributions benefitting the American working middle class.

On 1/2/2026 at 12:41 PM, Patong2021 said:

And then you will be the first to moan and groan when China absorbs. Taiwan and takes control of the South China Sea controlling US access to trade routes and export markets. The USA has a strategic and national security interest in preserving its defensive capability.

Then tax to pay for the costs, not roll back taxes on the wealthy/corporations ...

On 1/2/2026 at 12:51 PM, unblocktheplanet said:

For whom, exactly?

My Son and Wife both working. They and my two Grandsons have no medical coverage as the rise in healthcare policy cost cannot be met on their income ...

During his first term Trump repeatedly promised a big, beautiful health care plan. Like all his promises--just hot air. Has been promising a health care plan this term, as well, and, surprise, surprise . . . nothing. Too busy with turning the Oval Office into the gaudiest whorehouse waiting room on earth. Too busy selecting marble arm rests for the JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. Too busy destroying the East Wing without permission. Plus, too busy ensuring his lie count this term will far exceed the vast sum from his first term--I think he has easily managed that just in 2025.

11 hours ago, bannork said:

Russian universal healthcare is generally considered poor and underfunded, offering a fair standard of care at best, with significant regional disparities, outdated infrastructure, long waits, and a growing reliance on out-of-pocket payments, despite being tax-funded and free at the point of use, leading to unmet needs and how good is russian universal healthcare - Google Search

11 hours ago, bannork said:

Agreed that as the wealthiest country on the planet we certainlyy can do much better than Russia in providing a national healthcare program for the American citizens.

LOL. Does this mean those millions of criminals living in the USA illegally will have to pay for their own healthcare now? I sure hope so.

2 hours ago, ujayujay said:

I don't understand the complaining. The Voters of the US of A elected Pinocchio Trump, the stable Genius as president, who is responsible for this disaster... so live with it!🫣

The unstable genius/madman only just won. Harris won 75,019,230 votes . Trump 77,303,568.

On 1/2/2026 at 6:31 AM, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of BBC

Many Americans, like Texas mother Adrienne Martin, are facing the New Year without healthcare coverage due to soaring costs. Martin’s monthly premium skyrocketed from $630 to an astonishing $2,400, leaving her family without coverage. Millions are affected as subsidies from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expire, threatening the ability to afford essential healthcare.

Barack Obama initiated the subsidies in 2014 and expanded them during the Covid pandemic. A political stalemate in Washington has prevented the extension of these subsidies. Attempts in Congress to prolong financial aid until 2026 met with deadlock, resulting in a governmental shutdown earlier this year, but a new vote is expected soon. Meanwhile, families like Martin’s are navigating life without vital coverage, risking financial insecurity.

Experts warn of a steep rise in healthcare costs, with estimates suggesting a 114% increase in premiums. Consequently, many, including California mum Maddie Bannister, confront hard choices as they face increased premiums. Bannister’s costs have surged to $908 monthly, a significant burden for her family, impacting their savings plans.

Efforts to extend the subsidies continue, with bipartisan support emerging. A vote on the matter is anticipated when Congress reconvenes on 5 January. If passed, this could ease the burden for millions navigating the ACA marketplace. Until resolved, the healthcare landscape remains uncertain for many Americans, reported BBC.

Key Takeaways

• The expiration of ACA subsidies leads to significant premium increases.

• Political gridlock has delayed measures that could extend financial aid.

• A Congressional vote is scheduled for early January, which may affect future subsidies.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-02

 

 

Go get a job that has Healthcare. The rest of us did.

You notice that all the complaints come from non-eligiable retirees who have coverage. Coverage is not great but, most worked their whole lives for it.

Government subsidies equals government paid Healthcare. And, again, where does the money come from. "From the taxes the rest of us pay who have coverage!"

The US should take the same attitude Thailand has. "You don't come to stay unless you can show you have money or Healthcare."

> Note on Citizenship: National health insurance statistics usually track "residents" rather than "citizens" specifically. However, data indicates that approximately 77% of U.S. citizens have access to employer-sponsored plans through their jobs, compared to a significantly lower percentage for non-citizens.

Something doesn't make sense. If they don't track who is a citizen or not, how would they know that 70+% citizens have insurance? Another BS taited article. If they want to give facts, point us to the actual source. More political tasting.

6 hours ago, Wrwest said:

17 hours ago, bannork said:

Russian universal healthcare is generally considered poor and underfunded, offering a fair standard of care at best, with significant regional disparities, outdated infrastructure, long waits, and a growing reliance on out-of-pocket payments, despite being tax-funded and free at the point of use, leading to unmet needs and how good is russian universal healthcare - Google Search

17 hours ago, bannork said:

Agreed that as the wealthiest country on the planet we certainlyy can do much better than Russia in providing a national healthcare program for the American citizens.

I disagree. Earn what you get. Nothing is free in this world unless you sneak over the boarder and are allowed to stay.

4 hours ago, bannork said:

The unstable genius/madman only just won. Harris won 75,019,230 votes . Trump 77,303,568.

Exactly. Remember which tax and spend party created this mess!

6 hours ago, newnative said:

During his first term Trump repeatedly promised a big, beautiful health care plan. Like all his promises--just hot air. Has been promising a health care plan this term, as well, and, surprise, surprise . . . nothing. Too busy with turning the Oval Office into the gaudiest whorehouse waiting room on earth. Too busy selecting marble arm rests for the JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. Too busy destroying the East Wing without permission. Plus, too busy ensuring his lie count this term will far exceed the vast sum from his first term--I think he has easily managed that just in 2025.

Show me any politicain that does not lie or not do what they said they would do that does not benefit themselves.

6 hours ago, Wrwest said:

My Son and Wife both working. They and my two Grandsons have no medical coverage as the rise in healthcare policy cost cannot be met on their income ...

Anyone tell me why cost are high? Insurance greed, law suites and everyone wants more salary. Where do you think the money comes from?

6 hours ago, Wrwest said:

Then tax to pay for the costs, not roll back taxes on the wealthy/corporations ...

How about teach every normal citizen how to use the system to their advantage. Teach finance lessons to the general public. Why teach all of the other BS that does not help you get ahead or survive.

7 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

The lion's share is the military. We're still paying for WWII and Korea! Then we've got the current useless military misadventures. Let's plan for the future, too: new nukes!

Would those be prairie or coastal oysters?

They should abolish taxes for everyone except non business owners.

7 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

The primary goal of Obamacare was to insure Americans who couldn't afford health insurance. It reduced that number by 50%. It would have reduced it by more if States like Texas and Florida had agreed to the Medicaid provisions.

And raised our taxes so high we would be part of the EU.

10 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

This is such a deep post. Medicare is a program like SS that people are forced to pay into their entire life.

Medicare should able to be used no matter where in the world you chose to retire to. Current, you can notveven though we paid for decades into it.