However, given the already low approval of the PPACA, I doubt it will make much of a difference politically. More importantly, they should have little to no effect on any legal challenges

Yeah, stupid voters.

We didn't get to vote on this monstrosity.

This guy is a turd either way.

All I do know is that it did not include anything for me: No single-payer, no public option, and Pence the Dense was allowed to not expand Medicaid. Bitter? Yes, guess I am.

can now afford coverage or get Medicaid? I'm not directly impacted by ACA, but I'm very glad other people are helped and we have a platform to make improvements.

Your argument has a certain "end justifies the means" quality to it.

is not a lie.

and all the things they couldn't tell voters about the bill because then it wouldn't have passed.

I have a lovely bridge to sell you.

But there has been very little legislation that benefits everyone. Fact is, ACA benefits a lot of peiple, even those on Medicare and Medicaid. I think that is good.

I.don't think you understand the sense of disappointment and betrayal I feel about this issue. As usual, single people, especially those without children, were left out. I think I am allowed to want something for myself for a change.

Single payer.

And that's what really stings.

But by flaw or by design it doesn't really matter to those left out in the cold. They lose. Does it bother those who have health insurance they can afford that there are losers out there? I know it bothers me. Back to your point, I'm with you, this should have been for everyone. Why wasn't it? Why couldn't it be sold? For that matter, if we're mandated to buy health insurance, why not bundle optical and dental into it? But I digress. If the American people can be sold on the idea that the Khardasian family is worthy of celebrity status, why couldn't our leaders sell us on the idea that everyone should have basic health care? Not that it mattered in the end; tptb got what they wanted. Yet again.

This feels like yet another thing to divide us, in this case, those who have health insurance and can afford to use it, and those who either don't, or do and can't afford it. If you can't, you shouldn't have been born in a red state, or moved there for reasons beyond your control. And those who can only afford the Bronze plan and find it inadequate, well, you should have just ponied up for the Silver or Gold. And why can't you be happy for everyone who got it?

That bothers me as much as the fact that insurance companies are now more entrenched than ever in our health care system and that it would take a miracle to get them out.

the price increase on insurance policies in and out of the exchange either falling to levels that are more in line with inflation or even going down, hospital prices feeling downward pressure, no pre-existing conditions, etc.

It would be far more embarrassing if they handed our hats to us at the ballot box over antics like these.

People shouldn't get all hung up over little white lies. The important thing is that if you like your plan you can keep it. And that your healthcare costs will go down by $2500.

I'm sure some people benefited from ACA. I don't begrudge them. I'm happy they got the insurance they need.

I just don't know any of those people. Every one I know will be penalized on their taxes and still have to depend on the county hospital. Which by the way, raised my tax bill this year.

I have to pick one day a week to fast as it is. Hey, maybe that keeps me healthy. Yay.

Otherwise, I can't think of why everyone you know will have to pay a penalty.

Even if Texas had expanded it would be a bad situation. Texas like California will lien you for every penny. They will go so far as to take child support payments.

Edit to add: Everyone I know makes too little to buy on the exchange, but too much to not be penalized.

I'm sorry all of you folks in other states don't get it. I'm going to lose part of my tax return (that I can ill afford) to help all of you get yours.

At least my county taxes allow me the use of it's services. The Federal Mandate does not.

The health insurance mandate in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is an idea hatched in 1989 by Stuart M. Butler at Heritage in a publication titled "Assuring Affordable Health Care for All Americans". This was also the model for Mitt Romney's health care plan in Massachusetts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heritage_Foundation#Policy_influence

and maybe not

A huge political advantage? Over whom? An unwitting public? It's sickeningly condescending.

Propeller-heads like Gruber used to demonstrate common good benefits to their policies. They've gotten lazy or arrogant, or both, when they hide the truth from us because we supposedly can't be trusted with it. This superior attitude has "overlord" written all over it.

Like the tee vee guy said: It's for paupers.

Hmm....

We know that the phrase "new tax" is the kiss of death to even the most well-intentioned and important bill.

So if there is something else to call it, like a "mandate," then fine. Call it something else -- that doesn't scare away more than half the legislators who will have to explain their votes for it.

Advantage billionaires and screw the health care.