Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Democrats’ Hypocrisy on Rationing and Transparency

Secretary Sebelius just alleged that the House Republican budget would allow insurers to ration care, and that Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board would not ration health care access to seniors.  But responding earlier to a question from Rep. Gingrey, the Secretary admitted that Obamacare does NOT define the word “rationing” in the 2700-page law.  So it’s worth asking:  How can Secretary Sebelius be so sure that the House-passed budget would ration care – and Obamacare would NOT ration care – if she can’t even define what rationing is?

The Secretary also said the Administration would support public hearings for the IPAB’s bureaucrats before they deliver their rulings.  But the statute itself includes NO requirement for public comment prior to IPAB issuing its ruling.  Candidate Obama also promised to televise all health care negotiations on C-SPAN – a promise that President Obama promptly broke upon taking office.  So why should we believe the assurances of the Obama Administration when it comes to transparency regarding this board of unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats?