Calling their bluff: A Seattle doctor pegs what the GOP health bill is really about

In poker there’s a term called a “tell.” It’s when a player exaggerates some mannerism or body language, giving away that the hand is the opposite of what it seems.

Poker is far more sophisticated than politics. Because in politics they don’t even try to hide their tells. Sometimes they write them straight into the titles of the bills.

Example: The “Better Care Reconciliation Act,” the Senate Republicans’ answer to remaking the nation’s health insurance. If you think this act will in any way result in better care, then I have a neighborhood card game I’d like to invite you to.

Republicans are taking us all for chumps, and they say so right in the name.

We already know that 20 million-plus people will lose health coverage under the Republican replacement for Obamacare. That was the independent estimate made when the House approved its health-care bill in May, and the Senate bill is similar in design.

Millions of people losing coverage cannot possibly equal better care. Cheaper care, maybe — though even that’s dubious because people with no insurance often just end up in emergency rooms, the priciest place of all for basic medical services.

It probably shouldn’t have the word “care” in it at all.

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/calling-their-bluff-a-seattle-doctor-pegs-what-the-gop-health-bill-is-really-about/