Obama, Orwell, H.R. 3200, Politics, and the English Language

Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Our civilization is decadent and our language -- so the argument runs -- must inevitably share in the general collapse.

George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language," 1946

President Obama is known for his mastery of the English language and the eloquence of his speeches. And rightfully so. When he says under his plan you can keep your doctor and your health plan, I believe him.

However, his current political problems with the loss of his health plan’s momentum may be that he has not carefully read the language of lawyers who wrote H.R. 3200.
His words, in other words,his words do not jibe with the language of H.R. 3200 , which is , well, “Orwellian.”

H.R. 3200 Language, Section 102

Here is some of the language in section 102 of H.R., 3200, “American’s Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009.“

Except as provided in this paragraph, the individual health insurance issuer offering such coverage does not enroll any individual in such coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day of Y1.

The Commissioner shall establish a grace period whereby, for plan years beginning after the end of the 5-year period beginning with Y1, an employment-based health plan in operation as of the day before the first day of Y1 must meet the same requirements as apply to a qualified health benefits plan under section 101, including the essential benefit package requirement under section 121.

In other words, if your employer offers health insurance, he has five years to make his plan identical to the public or health exchange option, which will be 30% to 40% less because the government has no expenses. In essence, economic realitis will force you into its government run health care system.

Certain Exceptions

So, as President Obama promises, you can you keep your coverage and your doctor, he is no doubt correct in his own mind, but there are with certain exceptions in the minds of Congress, , namely that if your private plan does not change its premiums and requirements to meet the government’s “qualified health benefits plan,” which your doctor may not choose to accept.

George Orwell once said. War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.
To this, in the case of H.R.3200 and Congress. I would add. Choice is monopoly. Affordability is debt. Keepers are losers.

I have a modest proposal: that President Obama give Congress' lawyers language lessons.