The Washington Times has a frightening report this morning on the extensive bureaucracy Democrats have planned for America. As I recently heard one observer explain, “If your car breaks down, who would you rather call for help: AAA or the DMV?” We may not love our health insurance, but almost anything is better than dealing with a government bureaucracy.
The health care reform plan proposed by House Democrats would create at least a dozen new federal programs, boards and task forces, contributing to the proposal’s hefty price tag that has drawn criticism from Congress’ official scorekeeper.
Democrats say the bureaucratic infrastructure is necessary to administer the expansion of health care benefits to the tens of millions of uninsured Americans while creating more competition for private insurers to drive down out-of-control costs.
The health care reform bill, which is expected to cost roughly $1 trillion over 10 years, would create a public health insurance plan and a health insurance “exchange,” a clearinghouse where consumers will be able to shop for public or private coverage. The programs will require a massive undertaking by the federal government that analysts say likely will take years to fully implement.
…
At least three boards will be set up to advise the health and human services secretary on policy. The Health Benefits Advisory Committee, for instance, will recommend the basic requirements of insurance plans. All Americans would be required to carry at least basic coverage under the bill, with exceptions for the poor.
…
The House plan, which has been approved in two committees and is being held up in a third, would be funded in part by three trust or investment funds. These funds will be responsible for paying for the public health plan, collecting fees stemming from individual and employer mandates and paying for a program to help employers cover retired workers.
Other programs include a public health work force corps and a public health work force scholarship program, designed to encourage young people into public health careers.
Much of the bill’s programs would fall under the Health and Human Services Department’s new Health Choices Administration, which would be headed by a health choices commissioner. Other agencies would be impacted as well. The Internal Revenue Service, for instance, would face new responsibilities to help the government track who has insurance on federal tax forms.