Bush Seeks Shift in Health Coverage
He Would Tax Those With Higher-Priced Plans, Give Breaks for Buying Cheaper Ones
So, people who don't have health insurance would be able to deduct part of the cost to buy it. But for people who already have health insurance from their company or retirement, that insurance would be considered "Income", and they would have to pay taxes on the benefit as if it were income.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/20/AR2007012000468.html?nav=rss_email/components
Originally posted by arrakisI swear to God, if americab politicians don't learn how economics works we are all doomed to suffer some sort of quasi socialism.
Bush Seeks Shift in Health Coverage
He Would Tax Those With Higher-Priced Plans, Give Breaks for Buying Cheaper Ones
So, people who don't have health insurance would be able to deduct part of the cost to buy it. But for people who already have health insurance from their company or retirement, that insurance would be considered "Income", and they wou ...[text shortened]... ngtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/20/AR2007012000468.html?nav=rss_email/components
Its pretty basic, if you want less of something make it more expensive by raising taxes on it. Calling health insurance income is doing exactly that.
Originally posted by Merkquasi socialism? Is that socialism for hunchbacks?
I swear to God, if americab politicians don't learn how economics works we are all doomed to suffer some sort of quasi socialism.
Its pretty basic, if you want less of something make it more expensive by raising taxes on it. Calling health insurance income is doing exactly that.
I would think that people who don't have health care because they can't afford it will still not be able to afford it just because the government says they can get a tax credit.
On the other hand, the Bush administration wants to set a standard for the people who already have helth care. That "standard" will mean that if your health care is better, then you have to pay taxes on whatever the amount is over his standard.
This means that everyone who is retired would suddenly have to pay taxes on thousands of dollars worth of "benefits"!
Keep in mind that this guy is the same guy who told Americans he wanted to "save" social security.
Originally posted by arrakisI'm no expert, but here is my plan. The Merk plan. Probably not approved by that Merk company though.
I would think that people who don't have health care because they can't afford it will still not be able to afford it just because the government says they can get a tax credit.
On the other hand, the Bush administration wants to set a standard for the people who already have helth care. That "standard" will mean that if your health care is better, then y ...[text shortened]... nd that this guy is the same guy who told Americans he wanted to "save" social security.
Leave the covered people as pre-tax just like they are.
Make profits on policies sold to people who don't qualify under an employer plan - and only these policies - tax free or very low tax. Competition would make these policies by far the cheapest policies in America and not reduce treasury income from the the employee policies.
I just winged that up so it might be crap, I must admit. After all, a politician I am not, and according to them, they know best. Hehe.
Originally posted by arrakisSocial Security is already in the tank and if you are depending on it to live on when you are older. Well I hope you like dog food.
I would think that people who don't have health care because they can't afford it will still not be able to afford it just because the government says they can get a tax credit.
On the other hand, the Bush administration wants to set a standard for the people who already have helth care. That "standard" will mean that if your health care is better, then y ...[text shortened]... nd that this guy is the same guy who told Americans he wanted to "save" social security.
Originally posted by slimjimBeen on it for 3 yrs now .. it works for me. No lavish life style mind you, but comfortable.
Social Security is already in the tank and if you are depending on it to live on when you are older. Well I hope you like dog food.
It isn't enough on it's own to make for much more than a survival lifestyle, but if you plan a little, save a few bucks or get any kind of pension you're OK.
I work a very flexible part time job to support my travel and any luxury items ... also, I don't like just sitting around waiting for death and the job is perfect for my needs.
If you're around 50 right now, you may be in trouble though (you're right on that one), it's hard to say what it will be like in 15-20 yrs .. and that's a huge generation of people.
You have to have a plan.
The truth is, we all have to take care of ourselves.
Why not just make every penny a US citizen spends on health care tax deductible? That way it counts as a tax cut - which republicans love to talk about, but it also counts as a 100% tax deduction at the end of the year when a person completes their taxes.
So everyone, including the poor and the rich, can get back every dime they spent on healthcare during the year. That includes insurance premiuims, prescriptions, everything.
Originally posted by jammerBut haven't the Democrats promised to take care of us from birth to the grave? Why just today, two prominent universities in my fair berg have offered free college educations to children of parents who earn less than $25,000 a year. I wonder how the parents that earn $26,000 a year feel? Also, won't this increase the cost of tuition for those who pay? And why should the universities stop at tuition -- why not give those lucky students free room and board, free textbooks, a clothing allowance and a flash car? There's so much wealth in this country, we should just be able to write a blank check for anything we can dream up. In the meantime, my property taxes and taxes to the county and city average about $400 a month -- all so I can keep living in a house I bought with no government subsidies.
...The truth is, we all have to take care of ourselves.
Back on topic: How do I feel about the Bush health plan? I think it is a step closer toward ending distortions in health insurance and it will improve portability. John Goodman, president of the National Center for Policy Analysis had an interesting thought on President Bush's initiative: "Many boomers will retire before 65 and will shop for individual insurance to get them to Medicare," he said. "When they're out there on their own, without the tax break they've enjoyed through their past employer, they're going to suffer sticker shock."
Originally posted by arrakisBush.....pfffft
Bush Seeks Shift in Health Coverage
He Would Tax Those With Higher-Priced Plans, Give Breaks for Buying Cheaper Ones
So, people who don't have health insurance would be able to deduct part of the cost to buy it. But for people who already have health insurance from their company or retirement, that insurance would be considered "Income", and they wou ...[text shortened]... ngtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/20/AR2007012000468.html?nav=rss_email/components