Healthcare bill to cost $829bn, cover 94 percent

The congressional budget experts have estimated that the current version of the bill would cover 94 percent of all eligible Americans at the cost of $829 billion over the next 10 years.

Further, they expect the legislation to trim federal deficits by $81 billion by 2019 and overall result in decline in deficit in years beyond.

The purposed healthcare coverage
The healthcare plan aims at providing healthcare insurance to all the citizens. Starting 2013, Americans would be required to get insurance either through the employer, government, or by buying it themselves. Failure in doing so would result in a fine of up to $750 per family.

The government would provide subsidies to offset the high cost of insurance for those who otherwise cannot afford healthcare costs.

The administration is also likely to ban the current practice of denying coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and charging high premium on the basis factors like age, gender etc.

The cost for the program is expected to be covered through increasing taxes and reducing spending.

Reactions split along party lines
Though the Democrats are upbeat and supporting the proposal, Republicans have raised objections.

"This legislation is a smart investment on the federal balance sheet, and it's an even smarter investment for American families, businesses and our economy," Senator Max Baucus said in a statement.

But the Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Finance Committee stated, "A celebration of the deficit effects masks who pays the bills. This package includes hundreds of billions of dollars in new taxes and fees. Most Americans with health insurance will see their premiums increase."

Though both the parties have reached consensus on major aspects like reducing healthcare costs, curbing insurance companies’ practices of denying coverage in case of pre-existing medical conditions etc, it remains to be seen how much support it garners from the House and the Senate within the next few weeks.

Once the Senate and the House pass their version, a conference committee would prepare a final version, which, if approved by the Congress, will go to Obama for his signature.

American people unconvinced
Many people have taken to blogs, forum etc. to discuss the healthcare bills proposed by the Democrats. Most of the Americans voiced disapproval and doubt.

An online reader named Photoonist posted his comments on Lucianne.com, “What a total assemblage of lies. One number is way too small and the other too large. And not to benefit the statement either. No way has it cost that little. No way that high a percentage of people are covered. Not unless we completely adopt what they call medical treatment in Cuba.”

Another reader, MsCharlotteVale, blasted the government’s census techniques. “They don't even know how many are uninsured; does that even matter anymore? One day it's 15 million, then it's 37 million, then it's 50 million. Theoretically, we don't even know how many people live in America until the WH does the census.”

“Just a side question here. If Government could save billions by cutting waste then.......WHY HAVE THEY NOT DONE IT THROUGH ALL THESE YEARS?!?! Just asking.......,” stated Hippy Lippy on deneverpost.com.