Communism Comes To Chicago (Buy Healthcare – Or Else!)
City to workers: Join wellness program or pay $50 a month more – Chicago Sun-Times.
The opening paragraph of this story says it all:
City employees would see their monthly health insurance premiums rise by $50 unless they participate in a “wellness program” to manage chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, under a private sector-style plan to be unveiled Friday.
Healthcare is in a crisis precisely because of government involvement. Chicago is $500 million in the hole because of tight, draconian regulations and oversights bearing down on hospitals and healthcare. Doctors are fleeing public healthcare and moving into private practice in droves. Rahm Emanuel thinks forcing Chicago citizens to pony up $50/month for health care (or else) will solve this crisis – a crisis made and deepened by irresponsible, corrupt politicians. And what does Chicago get for $50/month? (or else):
The program would begin by offering city employees and their dependents enhanced screening and wellness training to establish benchmarks and long-term goals, including weight loss, medication, exercise and kicking the smoking habit.
Wow! What happens when you have a heart attack or need major surgery? This whole program sounds like another scam to take away citizens rights and tighten government control. One has to wonder where most of this money will go:
Coaches would ride herd over workers on a bi-monthly basis to make certain they’re following their prescribed nutritional, medical and physical fitness regimens. Those who refuse to participate would see their monthly premiums rise by $50. Those who meet their goals could see similar reductions.
Unless these “coaches” are working pro bono, they’re getting paid, and probably royally. What exactly is meant by “riding herd” is unknown, but many Orwellian ideas come to mind. And that $50/month – don’t expect it to remain static. Once this scam is implemented, much like taxes, the cost will go up, up, up when stingy politicians realize what a cash cow this is.
“There’s no penalty for getting sick. But, if you choose not to be in it and do it on your own, you’re gonna pay $50 more a month and $50 for your wife. That’s not that much money,” said Lou Phillips, business manager of Laborers Union Local 1001
Words of comfort from the union. What a surprise it comes with an ultimatum. The only thing Mr. Phillips left out was the comment, “And we know where you live!”
Chicago has seen its population on the decline this past decade, and that trend will continue into the next decade for myriad reasons. Forced to buy into a healthcare scam perpetrated by city government will only further drive more people away into more liberty friendly communities.
