The Presidential Speech

Go to http://blog.heritage.org/2009/09/10/obama-speech-fact-check/#more-14489 for a great article by the Heritage Foundation on last night's speech by President Obama on health care.

In a nutshell-- from the Associated Press, “The president’s speech to Congress contained a variety of oversimplifications and omissions in laying out what he wants to do about health insurance.”

The Heritage Foundation agrees; go see their analysis.

In summary:

1. Mr. Obama states 30 million American who don't have health insurance.

The Heritage Foundation puts this number at about 15 million. BTW, others also put this number at 12 to 15 million.

2. Mr. Obama states you will not have to change your insurance plan. Absolutely false.

3. Mr. Obama states "preventative care...saves money." Again, false.

4. Mr. Obama states everyone will have to purchase health insurance, just like everyone must have auto insurance.

No, not everyone is required to have auto insurance. Oops, mis-statement.

5. Mr. Obama states that illegal aliens will not be covered.

Except the fact is, anyone can apply. There's no provision in this bill to prevent illegal aliens from health coverage.

6. Mr. Obama said the government plan will not cover abortion.

False.

7. Mr. Obama feels private health insurance plans can be competive with government health care plans.

No way.

8. Mr. Obama says government health care won't cost anything.

I'm sorry, I just can't keep from laughing.....

9. Mr. Obama states that reducing waste and fraud in Medicare and Medicaid will pay for the government plan.

I'm still laughing too hard....

10. Mr. Obama insists fees charged to private insurance companies will reduce health care costs.

Except that these "fees" will fall upon the consumer, who indirectly will be paying this "fee" to the U.S. government. It's just more money in the government coffers.

Thank you, Heritage Foundation, for setting the record straight.