Obamacare cost...

[Eddie]

Yeah. 18 Democratic Senators to Harry Reid: "Hey we just found out about the medical device tax was in that bill we voted for but never read; that will have an adverse effect on our states can we do something about that?"

http://online.wsj.com/public/resourc...er12102012.pdf

Bunch of dumbasses.

I know a guy who works for GE in their medical equipment division. They've had MAJOR layoffs - with more to come - because medical providers don't want to purchase new medical equipment with the new added tax.

Makes me wonder what the long-term effect will be with relation to wait times when someone needs an MRI, CT Scan, etc.

Unintended consequences indeed. I don't think these morons running the government realize that unlike them, companies don't get to simply print more money when they run out.

[Goatnapper'96]

Bunch of dumbasses.

I know a guy who works for GE in their medical equipment division. They've had MAJOR layoffs - with more to come - because medical providers don't want to purchase new medical equipment with the new added tax.

Makes me wonder what the long-term effect will be with relation to wait times when someone needs an MRI, CT Scan, etc.

Unintended consequences indeed. I don't think these morons running the government realize that unlike them, companies don't get to simply print more money when they run out.

I don't think they are that stupid. To them the increased coverage, even if it increases the cost per person and coverage is decreased, is worth it.

[byu71]

Bunch of dumbasses.

I know a guy who works for GE in their medical equipment division. They've had MAJOR layoffs - with more to come - because medical providers don't want to purchase new medical equipment with the new added tax.

Makes me wonder what the long-term effect will be with relation to wait times when someone needs an MRI, CT Scan, etc.

Unintended consequences indeed. I don't think these morons running the government realize that unlike them, companies don't get to simply print more money when they run out.

I still marvel at the statement Pelosi made, we won't know what is in the bill until we pass it.

She should have been hammered relentlessly in the press. Each time one of these surprises comes up, we see somewhere her statement again. It is one of the all time stupidest things, while probably accurate, ever said.

[Uncle Ted]

Bunch of dumbasses.

I know a guy who works for GE in their medical equipment division. They've had MAJOR layoffs - with more to come - because medical providers don't want to purchase new medical equipment with the new added tax.

Makes me wonder what the long-term effect will be with relation to wait times when someone needs an MRI, CT Scan, etc.

Unintended consequences indeed. I don't think these morons running the government realize that unlike them, companies don't get to simply print more money when they run out.

One would think that medical providers would be buying new equipment now before the new tax kicks in and while interest rates are low.

Yes, these morons running the government seem to only care about getting re-elected rather than solving the big problems.

[Eddie]

One would think that medical providers would be buying new equipment now before the new tax kicks in and while interest rates are low.

Yes, these morons running the government seem to only care about getting re-elected rather than solving the big problems.

You're right, of course. These folks were all given their 2 weeks notice the week of thanksgiving. I think the issue relates to what they can produce and sell through December, current orders and delivery dates, etc. As I understand it, they've seen a drop in orders placed with delivery dates going into the next year. This isn't typically the kind of equipment that someone makes a call and purchases/has delivered a couple of days later. Usually there is some planning involved.

[ERCougar]

I hate to see people lose their jobs, but you guys are all over the place. You complain about cost controls, but guess what one of the biggest drivers of our healthcare costs are? Medical equipment.

We have plenty of MRI and CT scanners.

[byu71]

I hate to see people lose their jobs, but you guys are all over the place. You complain about cost controls, but guess what one of the biggest drivers of our healthcare costs are? Medical equipment.

We have plenty of MRI and CT scanners.

How is charging a 3.8% tax (or whatever the rate is) considered a cost control? Seems like it is a cost increaser?

[Pelado]

How is charging a 3.8% tax (or whatever the rate is) considered a cost control? Seems like it is a cost increaser?

Nope. It's a revenue raiser (and an economy depressor).

[Uncle Ted]

I hate to see people lose their jobs, but you guys are all over the place. You complain about cost controls, but guess what one of the biggest drivers of our healthcare costs are? Medical equipment.

We have plenty of MRI and CT scanners.

How is charging a 3.8% tax (or whatever the rate is) considered a cost control? Seems like it is a cost increaser?

Higher costs means the health providers will have less of this equipment, I guess. The health providers spend less on equipment and pass all the savings back their their customers, the health insurance companies, and the health insurance companies share the cost savings with their customers, you and me.

Maybe the government should just force doctors to be government employees instead and pay them the same as teachers. That would lower costs. Nevermind the fact that less people would become doctors and their supply would be scarce. But, of course, if it took many months to see a doctor then less folks would see doctors and die at a young age. That would really lower costs of health care and fix the social security problem at the same time.

[byu71]

Higher costs means the health providers will have less of this equipment, I guess. The health providers spend less on equipment and pass all the savings back their their customers, the health insurance companies, and the health insurance companies share the cost savings with their customers, you and me.

Maybe the government should just force doctors to be government employees instead and pay them the same as teachers. That would lower costs. Nevermind the fact that less people would become doctors and their supply would be scarce. But, of course, if it took many months to see a doctor then less folks would see doctors and die at a young age. That would really lower costs of health care and fix the social security problem at the same time.

Maybe it is along the same concept I have heard some folks promote, raising gasoline taxes. That will cause the public to drive less, driving down demand and thus lowering gas prices and consuption.


If that is the philosophy, I have a better idea. Charge a 10% tax on any payments made by the insurance company to a health provider. That will cause people to go to the Dr. less and thus lower demand and lower health care costs.

Those who don't have insurance and can't afford to pay for treatment should be shipped to Canada.

[Uncle Ted]

Yeah. 18 Democratic Senators to Harry Reid: "Hey we just found out about the medical device tax was in that bill we voted for but never read; that will have an adverse effect on our states can we do something about that?"

http://online.wsj.com/public/resourc...er12102012.pdf

Franken actually called it for what it is... a "job-killing tax". I thought that was reserved for only the GOP to use? Did these senators change parties?

[frank ryan]

Maybe it is along the same concept I have heard some folks promote, raising gasoline taxes. That will cause the public to drive less, driving down demand and thus lowering gas prices and consuption.


If that is the philosophy, I have a better idea. Charge a 10% tax on any payments made by the insurance company to a health provider. That will cause people to go to the Dr. less and thus lower demand and lower health care costs.

Those who don't have insurance and can't afford to pay for treatment should be shipped to Canada.

I'll ship you to Canada!

[Eddie]

How is charging a 3.8% tax (or whatever the rate is) considered a cost control? Seems like it is a cost increaser?

Much like Nancy Pelosi - I haven't actually READ the bill. So I don't know if this is true or not. But my neighbor tells me that the tax on new medical equipment is around 24%. Where did you get the 3.8% from? Is my neighbor off his rocker?

[byu71]

I'll ship you to Canada!

If you started a fund raiser to do so, you would probably have enough money left over to live like a King.

[byu71]

Much like Nancy Pelosi - I haven't actually READ the bill. So I don't know if this is true or not. But my neighbor tells me that the tax on new medical equipment is around 24%. Where did you get the 3.8% from? Is my neighbor off his rocker?

The number I heard was 3.8%. Not on profit, but on sales.