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A Doctor Does the Math — and It Adds up to Big Government
Dec 10, 2009
Dr. David Lowther, a radiotherapy specialist, recently discovered some interesting numbers in an analysis of Senator Harry Reid’s bill (PDF) conducted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JTO).
The analysis showed that millions of American families will see the cost of their health insurance premiums rise by $2,100 in a single calendar year. It further states that approximately 57% of people who purchase their own insurance will receive government subsidies, while the remaining 43% will pay higher premiums.
Looking at the figures, Dr. Lowther observed:
- The best case scenario is that 57% of the people will be subsidized while the remaining 43% will see a rate increase of 13%.
- Add to this the 40% policy tax that the Senate is considering for private plans.
- Add the 5% income tax surcharge that Sen. Reid wants to add to finance the bill.
- Add the proposed estimated 5 to 15% VAT sales tax others are pushing to help finance the bill.
- And finally, add the additional hidden income taxes that must be included to ensure subsidies for 57% of the population.
Looking at these figures, Dr. Lowther asks a very important question: Why are we subsidizing 57% of the public, including those living at 400% above the poverty level? In answer, he says, “If 57% of the public then depends on the government for subsidizing health care; that solidifies the voting block who will forever vote for the politician who expands this entitlement.”
And expands big government while he’s at it.
“In light of this new CBO report, I urge the president to call on Democrat leaders to start over or explain to the American people why lowering health care costs isn’t a promise worth keeping,” the Cybercast News Service quoted Rep. Mike Pence, chairman of the House Republican Conference, as saying.
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