The Decision on "Obamacare"

This morning at 10 o'clock the Supreme Court is expected to render its decision on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better (if somewhat crudely) known by its detractors as "Obamacare." What will the decision mean to you and I and other Real People?

There has been so much hyperbole, misinformation, distortion, and outright falsehood generated about the law that it's almost impossible for a person who is not a lawyer or an insurance executive to understand what the real issues are and what the implications of the Supreme Court decision - whatever it is - are. How should we assess the impact of the decision?

The Washington Post has published an interactive graphic that helps to cut through the steaming piles of reeking BS that have been heaped on the discussion by all sides. To use it, you answer a few simple questions which result in a thumbnail assessment of what the Supreme Court decision will mean for you under each of the three possible scenarios: the law is struck down (declared unconstitutional); the law is upheld; or only the "individual mandate" is struck down. Check it out. For a longer analysis of some of the questions about the issue, read this article from The Daily Beast.

At one time - not so long ago - you went to the family doctor when you got sick, and the family doctor made you well again. It would be nice if those days could return, but I'm not holding my breath.  Today, your best bet is not to get sick ... and if you do get sick, to die quickly enough to minimize the expense and paperwork.

Two things are sure ... whatever happens, the drama surrounding the political football that is your health care will continue, and we bloggers will never run out of material about which to rant.

Have a good day. Stay healthy*.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Of course, if you stay healthy, you will undermine the fiscal stability of the health care industry ... so it's economically patriotic to get sick, right?