One reason why we might be able to roll back ObamaCare is that we already have a full preview of what a disaster it is: the RomneyCare program in Massachusetts. I've got a lot of good information on how RomneyCare—which has all of the essential features of ObamaCare—has proven to be a disaster. Some of it is going to wait until I figure out how to resurrect my old e-mail files, but in the meantime, I've been meaning to pass on an excellent article in the Wall Street Journal providing an overview of the rising costs and doctor shortage in Massachusetts, which is a preview of what we're all in for if ObamaCare is not repealed.
This article should also give you an idea of Mitt Romney's chances for the 2012 Republican nomination. As Grace-Marie Turner puts it, Romney "has been on the wrong side of the defining political battle of our time."
"The Failure of RomneyCare," Grace-Marie Turner, Wall Street Journal, March 16
Mr. Romney's promise that getting everyone covered would force costs down also is far from being realized…. A typical family of four today faces total annual health costs of nearly $13,788, the highest in the country. Per capita spending is 27% higher than the national average….[I]nsurance companies are required to sell "just-in-time" policies even if people wait until they are sick to buy coverage. That's just like the Obama plan. There is growing evidence that many people are gaming the system by purchasing health insurance when they need surgery or other expensive medical care, then dropping it a few months later….
The Bay State is also suffering from what the Massachusetts Medical Society calls a "critical shortage" of primary-care physicians. As one would expect, expanded insurance has caused an increase in demand for medical services. But there hasn't been a corresponding increase in the number of doctors. As a result, many patients are insured in name only: They have health coverage but can't find a doctor….
Faced with soaring medical expenses, Gov. Deval Patrick, Mr. Romney's successor, wants to cap insurance rate increases at 4.8%, not the 8% to 32% increases the companies have requested for April 1. Three of the four major health insurers in Massachusetts showed operating losses for 2009. If their rates are capped, they say they'll be forced to cut payments to health providers, putting further pressure on doctors and fragile hospitals.
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