Well, this is fun. Today, a report out from the LA Times details a wide range of sources finding that “at least 9.5 million previously uninsured people have gotten health insurance since Obamacare started.”
That’s 9.5 million Americans who previously had no reliable access to health care now having such access thanks to the various provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”).
But don’t tell, Fox “News”. They are busy with their trademark misleading graphics today…
Yes, they do that sort of thing quite a bit. Always fun.
And, before we hear complaints from progressives, for those don’t recall, while we’ve been very critical of the ACA over the years (we prefer a single-payer, “Medicare for All” time plan, versus the obsenity of private insurers profiteering off of sick people), as we noted late last year (when the ACA allowed me sign up for a new plan with my same insurer and save $300/month or $3,600/year in the bargain), more people now having access to health care — the overall goal of the Republican-conceived “Obamacare” law — is certainly a good thing, no matter how one slices it. That’s true even if it’s bad law (and it is.)
But, as noted, don’t tell Fox. For that matter, don’t tell the Democrats who, for some unknown reason (perhaps because they are delicate, quivering, easily-intimidated flowers?) still haven’t figured out how to run for office on their positive accomplishments, such as the ACA.
UPDATE 8:59pm PT: Moments before midnight on the east coast, just before the March 31, 2014 deadline for signing up for health care insurance without a penalty under the ACA, AP is reporting that the “Obamacare” health care exchange is “on track to sign up more than 7 million Americans for health insurance.” That number was the original target set by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) when the bill was first passed into law and has been seen as the administration’s initial goal for signups. That target was scaled back to 6 million after the disastrous opening of the website late last year (despite the misleading Fox “News” graphic indicating otherwise above). But if the AP is right, ACA has now exceeded its initial target…
Two government officials confirmed the milestone, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter ahead of an official announcement.
Late last year and earlier this year, long after the goal had changed to 6 million, Obamacare opponents at rightwing websites like Fox “News” and Breitbart.com mercilessly mocked the administration for their initial target of 7 million sign-ups.
If the AP’s reporting is accurate tonight, Republican opponents are unlikely to mention much of the milestone — and the Obama administration’s exceeded goal — though, as TPM’s Josh Marshall offers in a predictive tweet this evening: “Behold the birth of Obamacare Sign Up Number Trutherism.” He wryly added the hashtag: “#wheresthesignupcertificate”.
Sounds about right.
Safe from the memory hole…
Thanks Brad!! Now, if we can get the Koch’s John Birchers to extend Medicaid!! Michigan starts tomorrow, 4/1. The delay cost over $500million in penalties…great for a bankrupt State, eh? Meanwhile, water just privatized and they’ll be cutting off THOUSANDS for bill issues. MI also, just signed into the Constitutional Convention. Moving swiftly thru states. Bye, Bye, miss American pie!