by Alta Price, M.D.(cross posted at Quadsville.com in Dr Dx's Blog)
Apparently the more deranged anti-reformers subjected the entire HR 3200 document to Microsoft Word’s find and replace tool, changing the word “community” to “ACORN” every time it comes up in the bill. My favorite inanities include turning sections dealing with community health groups and community-based organizations providing home medical services into payoff for ACORN (and unions, if the word “retiree” pops up in a nearby paragraph).
Well, you can’t expect rationality from people hiding under their covers, cowering in abject fear. But who knew the mere thought of low and moderate income families getting together to work for social justice and stronger communities would scare Republicans silly?
Dr Dx
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Here are the results of misuse of Microsoft Word’s find and replace tool on the House bill, HR 3200 (you can read the full text of the bill here). The Truth comes from Health Care for America Now, one of the lead coalition groups fighting for health care reform.
"Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on 'community' input: in other words, yet another payoff for ACORN."
TRUTH: In the ongoing effort to demonize community-based groups such as ACORN, every instance of the word "community" has become associated with that group's efforts. In reality, this provision allows for anyone to provide input. This includes homeowners, religious leaders, neighborhood groups, and others. There are no payoffs. There is no money exchanged in any way.
"Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more payoffs for ACORN."
TRUTH: ACORN is not a Community-Based Medical Home.
"Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more payoffs for ACORN."
TRUTH: This is clearly still referring to community health groups, not ACORN.
"Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and community organizer health plans (read: SEIU, UAW and ACORN)"
TRUTH: Here's what page 65 says: "Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish a temporary reinsurance program to provide reimbursement to assist participating employment-based plans with the cost of providing health benefits to retirees and to eligible spouses, surviving spouses and dependents of such retirees." No mention is made of unions or community organizations.
"Page 95: The Government will pay ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care plan."
TRUTH: Page 95 makes no mention of ACORN and Americorps; all it says is that the Commissioner can conduct outreach to vulnerable populations, making them aware of their options.
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