The Daily OrangeUniversal health care becomes mandatory, bill not practical
By Elliot Kartus
Posted: 11/18/09, 12:30 AM EST Section: Opinion
Never in my life have I met anyone who has a strong desire to go to prison. Yet, I assume that maybe someone, somewhere in New York State, would be willing to give it a try. If you are that person, then this may be your lucky year.
If you're looking to go to prison for five years or so, you would no longer have to commit a serious crime such as criminal sale of a firearm to a minor, criminal use of a child in a sexual performance, or aggravated assault upon a person less than 11 years old.
If House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Democratic leadership get their way, all you will have to do is not pay for health care.
Included in the recent health care overhaul bill recently passed by Congress, House Representative 3962 is a mandate that forces citizens of the U.S. to purchase health insurance in a similar way to how states require drivers to purchase insurance before they are issued a license.
The bipartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that in 2016, when the bill would be in full affect, the minimum cost for the public option's least expensive health care plan would be $5,300 for a single person and $15,000 for family coverage.
Included in the bill are a set of civil and criminal punishments for anyone who does not adhere to the mandate and the government is not just going to send you an angry letter.
According to a letter sent from the Joint Committee on Taxation to Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.): "H.R. 3962 provides that an individual who does not, at any time during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax."
The letter continues to say that "If the government determines that the taxpayer's unpaid tax liability results from willful behavior; the following penalties could apply…"
Section 7201 of the bill states that anyone convicted of willfully evading the mandate can be fined up to $250,000 dollars or sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison. A longer sentence than you get for second degree vehicular assault.
If you're looking to go to prison for five years or so, you would no longer have to commit a serious crime such as criminal sale of a firearm to a minor, criminal use of a child in a sexual performance, or aggravated assault upon a person less than 11 years old.
If House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the Democratic leadership get their way, all you will have to do is not pay for health care.
Included in the recent health care overhaul bill recently passed by Congress, House Representative 3962 is a mandate that forces citizens of the U.S. to purchase health insurance in a similar way to how states require drivers to purchase insurance before they are issued a license.
The bipartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that in 2016, when the bill would be in full affect, the minimum cost for the public option's least expensive health care plan would be $5,300 for a single person and $15,000 for family coverage.
Included in the bill are a set of civil and criminal punishments for anyone who does not adhere to the mandate and the government is not just going to send you an angry letter.
According to a letter sent from the Joint Committee on Taxation to Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.): "H.R. 3962 provides that an individual who does not, at any time during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax."
The letter continues to say that "If the government determines that the taxpayer's unpaid tax liability results from willful behavior; the following penalties could apply…"
Section 7201 of the bill states that anyone convicted of willfully evading the mandate can be fined up to $250,000 dollars or sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison. A longer sentence than you get for second degree vehicular assault.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 7
randy
posted 11/18/09 @ 9:10 AM EST
yes. this article along with the last one on government run healthcare have been spot on. nice going.
Kaylen Thorpe
posted 11/18/09 @ 9:40 AM EST
The author clearly has a lot to learn on this topic...and about writing and argumentation in general. He creates a "straw-man" argument by ignoring several key facts here. (Continued…)
Kaylen Thorpe
posted 11/18/09 @ 9:46 AM EST
To put it more concisely:
"From each according to his ability, to each according to his need"
And we ALL benefit.
Chip
posted 11/18/09 @ 11:03 AM EST
If the new US health plan or laws can't exclude individuals for pre-existing conditions, than ALL folks must be required to be 'in the plan'! If not, individuals will chose not to pay-in, get sick, and THEN decide to join. (Continued…)
Amit Taneja
posted 11/18/09 @ 11:56 AM EST
As a Canadian citizen, I am amazed by the rhetoric of fear that propels the American masses. This article is one more example of that. I can tell you from personal experience that the whole "universal health care will result in months of waiting to see a doctor" is a total cooked up lie. (Continued…)
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