Voting Resources
Patriots Who Matter - Part 1
Yesterday’s News –WSJ Headline
A Wall Street Journal front page headline on Sept 12 states “Trump Signals Shift on Obamacare”. The authenticity of this assentation requires scrutiny. The implication in the article is that this alleged “Shift” was a result of Trump’s meeting with Obama. The article states, “Mr. Trump said he favors keeping the prohibition against insurers denying coverage because of a patient’s existing condition, and a provision that allows parents to provide years of additional coverage for children on their insurance policies. “ Direct Trump quotes are as follows:
- “I like those very much.”
- “I told him I would look at his suggestions, and out of respect, I will do that.”
- ”Either Obamacare will be amended, or repealed and replaced.”
- Mike Pence will handle “different areas of policy” and “be very much involved in health care.”
These statements hardly support the conclusion that Trump is shifting or reneging on his campaign promise to repeal and replace Obamacare. Congress will write legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare. Will Trump undermine Vice President-Elect Pence if legislation is crafted to cover those with preexisting conditions that does not mandate insurance companies underwrite total costs? Only Donald Trump knows. This article is yesterday’s news and anything beyond that is mere speculation. Nothing is going to happen until after Jan 20st. It would be a waste of effort to challenge Obama over what he perceives as his landmark achievement now. There are those who portray Donald Trump as a clown but they make a mistake, to their own detriment, if they think he is a fool. Donald Trump has consistently stated, “Everybody’s got to be covered.” That goal is achievable without bankrupting the health insurance industry.
Peggy Noonan’s Rational Voice
In the same issue of the Journal, Peggy Noonan’s, “What Comes after the Uprising“ brilliantly adds the missing piece of the puzzle. President Elect Trump has never held elective office and needs help. She states that in Trump’s potential cabinet appointments, “there are former officials and true experts with esteemed backgrounds who need to be told: Help him. A Trump administration will be populated by …..Loyalists, opportunists and patriots. The loyalists earned their way. The opportunists … spy an opening …, wind up as undersecretary to the assistant secretary. It is the patriots who matter. They have heft, wisdom, experience, and insight. “Noonan’s conclusion directed at the patriot’s states, “The next president needs you. This is our country. Help him.”
G.O.P. plans to immediately repeal Obamacare and then delay implementation of a new plan for possibly 2-3 years confirm Peggy Noonan’s call for the “Patriots Who Matter“ to help. Two such “patriots” are Congressman Michael Burgess and Dr. Merrill Matthews.
Patriots Who Matter – Congressman Michael Burgess and Dr. Merrill Matthews
Republicans will get only one chance to erase the blight of Obamacare. We need our very best at the forefront in this battle. Dr. Michael Burgess has represented the 26th district of Texas since 2002. Congressman Burgess’ experience as an obstetrician for close to three decades has given him insights, perspectives and knowledge that only the rigors of his demanding profession can impart. While Democrats complained that Republicans who criticized Obamacare were devoid of ideas, Congressman Burgess countered by writing Doctor in the House. His book revealed how Obamacare was rammed through Congress while stiff arming Republicans, and included concise definitions of the problems created by Obamacare. His practical solutions restore the vital doctor-patient relationship through market based solutions. These reforms include provisions for preexisting conditions, tax fairness, medical liability reform and portability. He also addresses Medicare payment reform, expansion of access to insurance, price transparency, and preventative care and wellness programs, while creating products that customers want at the same time.
While serving as Chairman of the Congressional Health Care Caucus, Congressman Burgess has led the education of Republican House Members and staff on vital health care issues.
Congressman Burgess has also been a leader on the “21St Century Cures Act”, which cuts burdensome regulation to marshal new, life changing medications to market quickly. The bill also commits billions of dollars to research for the rarest and most challenging conditions. Dr. Burgess’ practical medical experience of close to three decades was essential as he worked directly on neurological research legislation and integration of electronic health records.
Complexities of Obamacare Demystified
Dr. Merrill Matthews, Resident Scholar at the Institute for Policy Innovation, is a renowned public policy analyst specializing in healthcare issues. His credentials include being past president of the Health Economics Roundtable for the National Association of Business Economics and executive director of the Council for Affordable Health Insurance.
Dr. Matthews’ in-depth knowledge of health care policy and his vast experience in dealing with its complex issues is demonstrated by his ability to unravel a myriad of details into coherent, practical solutions. You will find a common thread runs throughout his analysis: a well-defined problem is half solved. Choose the following link at IPI. org: “The Preexisting Condition Provision Must End for a Republican Replacement Plan to Work.” This gives a very concise, rational solution to Journal’s aforementioned article concerning the prohibition against insurers denying coverage because of a patient’s existing conditions. Go to his link at IPI.Org of “How Obamacare Has Hurt Children,“ which exposes how the WSJ completely misses what should be obvious relating to provisions allowing parents to provide years of additional insurance for their children on their policies. Dr. Matthews’ perspective sees solutions through the lens of practical market driven solutions.
Preventive Medicine
Dr. Merrill Matthews with the Institute of Policy Innovation (IPI.Org) and Congressman Burgess have been doing the heavy lifting on health care policy for over a decade. If you are considering end of year donations supporting these “Patriots Who Matter“will be good preventative medicine.
