Gingrich Op-Ed In Desperate Need Of Factual Information

The first point Gingrich makes is that the government will take away American freedoms regarding health care decisions, saying reform will create "new bureaucracies, more regulation, more complexity."  Nevermind that HR 3200 ensures that Americans can keep their existing coverage, takes into account the millions of Americans who cannot freely purchase insurance on their own, and provides funding for additional medical attention for senior citizens.

"Disagree? Just read the versions of healthcare legislation:H.R.3200 in the House."

In yet another example of conservatives dumbing down the reform debate, the "link" directing readers to view the legislation doesn't work.  Clearly, Gingrich isn't all that concerned with whether or not readers can read the legislation for themselves and simply wants them to trust his opinion.  Sort of makes you wonder what he doesn't want people to see.  The truth, maybe. 

Working links to the legislation can be found at the following websites: Media Matters Action Network, the Government Printing Office, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Education and Labor Committee, and Open Congress. 

Amid his many weak arguments, Gingrich appears to be advocating for the Democrats' insurance exchange proposal:

There are more than 1,300 health insurance companies in this country, but currently, consumers can buy only a product licensed in each individual state. Creating a nationwide health insurance market where any individual or group can shop for less expensive coverage from another state would provide more choices, forcing private plans to create better products, improve services and lower prices.

There are many health insurance companies across the country, but 94% of American health care markets provide only one or two options for families to choose from.  An exchange would correct that situation and force prices down through competition. 

However, the exchange must be operated at a national level instead of simply allowing policy purchase across state lines in order to accomplish what Gingrich outlined.  If Americans could purchase policies from any state in the union, insurance companies would retreat into the states with the most favorable tax and regulation laws - meaning Americans might still be priced out of coverage and, if they could afford a policy, would still suffer under insurance company policies on pre-existing conditions and rescission.

This latest piece from the former Speaker illustrates, again, just how out of touch with reality those opposing health insurance reform are and how they desperately cling to their worthless talking points.

For more information on how Gingrich is wrong on many of the other issues addressed in this op-ed, please see the following sites  for the facts on rationing, the facts on counseling for senior citizens, and  the facts on Ezekiel Emanuel's article.