Senate Democrats' Health Care Reform Proposal Criticized by Republicans

Senate Democrats' proposed health care reform plan has drawn criticism from Republicans, with Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson labeling it a "disastrous" plan that will raise taxes, cut Medicare services, and force states to cover $28 billion in new taxes. Isakson, who will vote against a procedural motion to begin debate on the plan, stated that the bill's unintended consequences will drive people to a public option, which he described as a "public ultimatum."

The plan, unveiled by Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid on November 18, 2009, is estimated to cost $2.5 trillion over 10 years, with $493.6 billion in tax increases and $464.6 billion in Medicare cuts. Isakson criticized the plan's impact on small businesses and the states, which would be forced to cover massive unfunded mandates to cover the expansion of Medicaid. The plan includes a 33% increase in Medicaid eligibility, with individuals earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level eligible for full benefits. Isakson also pointed out that 24 million Americans would still be left without health insurance and 5 million people would lose their employer coverage under the plan.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed health care reform plan would raise taxes, cut Medicare services, and force states to cover $28 billion in new taxes, according to Senator Johnny Isakson.
• The plan, introduced by Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, is estimated to cost $2.5 trillion over 10 years, with $493.6 billion in tax increases and $464.6 billion in Medicare cuts.
• Small businesses would be negatively impacted by the plan, with Isakson stating that the "unintended consequences" would drive people to a public option, which he described as a "public ultimatum."
• The plan includes a 2,074-page bill and would expand Medicaid eligibility, allowing individuals earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level to receive full benefits.
• Isakson has criticized the plan's impact on states, which would be forced to cover massive unfunded mandates to cover the expansion of Medicaid.
• The plan would leave an estimated 24 million Americans without health insurance and 5 million people would lose their employer coverage.
• Isakson is a co-sponsor of S.1099, Patients' Choice Act of 2009, which seeks to strengthen the relationship between the patient and the doctor using choice and competition to contain costs and ensure affordable health care.

Statistics:

• $2.5 trillion: Estimated cost of the health care reform plan over 10 years.
• $493.6 billion: Estimated tax increases under the plan.
• $464.6 billion: Estimated Medicare cuts under the plan.
• $28 billion: New taxes imposed on employers who do not provide government-approved health plans.
• 24 million: Estimated number of Americans who would still be left without health insurance under the plan.
• 5 million: Estimated number of people who would lose their employer coverage under the plan.
• 2,074 pages: Length of the proposed health care reform bill.
• 133%: Increased Medicaid eligibility, allowing individuals to earn up to this percentage of the federal poverty level for full benefits.
• 100%: Current Medicaid eligibility, which would be increased by 33% under the plan.

Sources:

• "Senator Isakson Blasts Democrats' Health Care Reform Plan" (press release by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.)