Well, you can't say that Earl Pomeroy won't make good on a threat. Late last night, Rep. Pomeroy voted to keep denying coverage to 11% of North Dakota's residents. Late last night, Rep. Pomeroy effectively voted to keep levying a hidden health tax of roughly $1,000 on premiums on North Dakota's businesses and families as a direct result of subsidizing the uninsured.
I recognize that Medicare reimbursement rates for rural providers and hospitals - like those in North Dakota - are a concern. But Pomeroy is incorrect in saying that the bill would keep them as they are now. In the Health Insurance Exchange that is created by the American Affordable Health Choices Act, the public plan that Pomeroy is so adamant will prove harmful for North Dakota pays providers and hospitals Medicare rates plus 5% - and that's only for the first three years! After that, the plan begins negotiating with providers and hospitals for a payment rate. It could remain the same...or, what is more likely, it could increase! In fact, the American Medical Association, which has an even bigger interest in Medicare reimbursement rates than Earl Pomeroy, looked at the same bill he voted against...and endorsed it!
What's so harmful about that?
In North Dakota, small businesses comprise 81% of businesses in that state - but only 36% of those small businesses offer coverage to their workers, because of the crushing costs of coverage. A public option would allow those small businesses to take care of their workers and compete in today's economy.
What's so harmful about that?
In short, Earl Pomeroy voted against North Dakota's interests deep in the dark of night. The bright light of day shows his arguments for what they are, because nothing can be more harmful for the people of North Dakota than a health care system that defers and denies their dreams of success and security, a health care system that leaves over a tenth of its population uncovered and ill-treated, and shackles its economy in competitive chains.
Mr. Pomeroy, you can and must do better for the people of your state. A state and nation are waiting, but can ill afford it for much longer.
