a democrat with a backbone: gov deval patrick
Letter From Governor Patrick to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on the Affordable Care Act
As you consider current proposals to change the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I write to remind you about what we have learned from health care reform in Massachusetts, and to inform you of some of our experiences so far with implementing it.
We have seen firsthand the positive changes brought about by a strong individual insurance market with protections that ensure a basic level of care. Individuals are protected from being dropped from insurance when they need it most, or being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Benefits must meet minimum standards, and there are limits on individuals’ exposure to out-of-pocket costs for needed health care. And the rest of us are protected against having our premiums inflated or our taxes tapped to pick up the tab for the uninsured or underinsured. With these basic features in place, we have achieved near universal coverage, better health and slower growth in health costs. With the ACA, the same can and will happen for the country.
Much has been made of the fact that some Americans have had their current policies canceled by their insurers. Some of that, we know, is in the normal course of annual insurance renewals. Some is because the existing policies do not provide the minimum level of coverage required by the ACA. So long as the means for individuals to learn about and enroll in affordable alternatives is available, through an improved website, a call center or otherwise, the transition of people from non-compliant policies to compliant ones should proceed.
Nonetheless, the public has been poorly informed about this transition, and too many consumers are unable to enroll conveniently in compliant plans. For some, the temporary delay proposed yesterday by the President may be appropriate. Our experience in Massachusetts tells us that our health plans and their customers have prepared for the transition and are unlikely to need or to use the additional time.
Read more~
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/11/15/a-democrat-with-a-backbone-gov-deval-patrick/
= new reply since forum marked as read
The Money Quote from Mr Smartypants!^^^^^^^^^^^
Gov. Patrick has been so good for this state. Now we have a new Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, it happened while you were away.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/11/06/martin-walsh-becomes-boston-next-mayor-with-percent-vote/OvGLOVr2AWNWzvg59bz95I/story.html
Boston Stong, Cha.
So glad to have you back. 
Organized Labor! Labor Leader!
Mayor Marty Walsh has quite a comeback story, she.. I love that~
From your link and thanks for that.. 
"In a race that lacked substantial policy differences, Walsh won as an affable everyman with a compelling life story. The 46-year-old spoke often about his immigrant roots, his battle with childhood cancer, his brush with a stray bullet that grazed his leg after a night of drinking, and his struggle as a young man to overcome alcoholism. Walsh made up for a dearth of detail when discussing policy with a genial personality that helped build trust, a trait that won key endorsements from black and Latino leaders."
Mahalo, she~ It's good to be back after dipping my toe in.. the water's fine!
He has an amazing life story, thank you for the quote.
One more, Cha...we have one last special election this year. I know many are a little weary of them. December will be for Markey's open Congressional seat. One last vote to put a Democrat and a woman in congress for Massachusetts 2013.
Yes the water is just right my dear Cha!
http://katherineclark.org/
Ridin' the Waves~
she
President Obama at Sandy Beach. People love to criticize Obama as feckless. But let me tell you, pulling into a wave at Sandy requires cojones. And the Tea Party hacks wouldn't even be able to drag their pasty blubber past their knees before being knocked down by the whitewater.
http://sergededina.com/2011/08/15/sandy-beach-waveriding-paradise-and-obamas-favorite-wave/
PBO: the opposite of "feckless"
What seals the deal on President Obama's bodysurfing street cred is the fact that he can go left and right. The man knows what he is doing. Looks to me like he is a "goofyfoot" and favors going left (as I do.)
The President rocks~ the tee tee potty...mcnuggets!
Yep Katherine Clark!
Cha!
Tis all 
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