The theory behind the "Cadillac tax" on health plans is little more than wishful thinking based on dubious research. Advocates believe that forcing employers to cut benefits will lead to cheaper, better care. That's like preventing rain by outlawing umbrellas. more »
The beat goes on: David Leonhardt, the Times economics blogger and tax supporter, had this exchange regarding the Senate's health excise tax on NPR's "Marketplace" program:
Leonhardt: (It's) a tax on the costliest health-insurance plan. It's an idea health economists really like. more »
Blogger and video producer Lee Stranahan has produced a video that includes footage of Barack Obama denouncing the so-called 'Cadillac tax' during last year's Presidential campaign. Stranahan, who is an uninsured husband and father, accompanies his video with a voice-over lament describing his disappointment in the President for supporting the tax. The President is seen saying these words on the video: more »
Amid indications from President Obama that he wants the House to adopt the Senate's health tax, we learn that he will meet with labor to discuss their concerns about the tax's effect on middle-class American workers. more »
Respected health writer Maggie Mahar ("Money-Driven Medicine") got curious and decided to fact-check the excise tax. Wisely, she follows the money - which in the world of health care follows the chronically ill. Her findings? more »
In a new piece at The Huffington Post, your humble correspondent begins the New Year in a time-honored fashion: with an act of confession for past sins. The piece is entitled "I'm the Guy Who Cut Your Health Benefits. Trust Me." It deals with the health excise tax at some length, mainly while discussing the differences between abstract theory and real-world behavior. It also addresses the issue of insurance industry oversight and monitoring, which will be a critical element of any health reform processes.
A Washington Post poll taken in mid-October showed that 61% of people surveyed opposed the excise tax, with only 35% supporting it. A USA Today/Gallup poll taken at the same time showed essentially identical results, with 61% against the tax and 34% in favor. An Associated Press poll (pdf) taken a couple of weeks later showed 56% of respondents opposed to the tax and 26% in favor. (The less decisive responses to the AP poll may be due to the way they phrased the question.)
The President came close to endorsing the so-called "Cadillac tax" when he was interviewed about health reform on NPR. Here's what the President said when the subject came up: more »
Ezra Klein has responded thoughtfully to my criticism of him. I felt he should have mentioned the numerous studies which challenge the assumptions behind the excise tax, given his strong support for the tax. more »
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