The Poor Will Have to Wait for Health Care Help

Democrats have lousy timing, according to the AP: “Under the Democratic bills, federal tax credits to help make health insurance affordable for millions of low- and middle-income households won’t start flowing until 2013—after the next presidential election. But Medicare cuts and a sizable chunk of the tax increases to pay for the overhaul kick in immediately.”

The delay is supposed to help cover the costs of the proposed bills and work out the kinks of the new system. But the people who are suffering now are in dire need of help, and withholding the sugar until well after the cough syrup is swallowed is not going to help this medicine stay down.

Also, why is the tax break Congress’ favorite weapon? Those of us who live paycheck to paycheck can’t wait around for our refund check—we need cash now. Giving the millions of folks trying to decide between food and health care a tax break isn’t a subsidy, it’s just sick.  —PZS

White House / Pete Souza

Rahm Emanuel, right, is supposed to be a pretty sharp political strategist. So how does he see it as helping his boss to delay until after the next presidential election the part of health care legislation that helps people ?