My recent birth control discussion is connected to new rules pursuant to the PPACA requiring it to be part of health insurance plans. Another discussion, accepted by two who oppose the "mandate" on policy grounds, provided in depth discussion on the fiction of the "novelty" of the inaction/action distinction. An opponent again wrongly noted that everyone who resides in the U.S. is covered by the requirement. The official Maddow blog also flags an account that shows the good things that have occurred thanks to the law:
The health care law (1) is combating fraud and abuse, which in turns saves Americans quite a bit of money; (2) has brought coverage to 2.5 million young adults; (3) is delivering major savings to seniors on prescription drugs; (4) is giving a boost to small businesses through ACA tax credits; (5) has slowed the growth of Medicare spending; (6) has provided new treatment options for cancer patients; and (7) has offered new coverage protections for those with pre-existing conditions.This is but an incomplete listing of things now in practice, more due to kick in eventually, including the actual "mandate," which even if it was struck down could be replaced before it was due to kick in. An extended debate is possible there, since it is due to begin in 2014, and then only the first installment. I continue to find those who belittle what was done here because political realities made a better law unlikely at best woefully misguided. Push all you want, but realize the good that was done too.