PPACA/HHS Slush Fund

As you know, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA) almost two weeks ago. Logic would tell each one of us who strive to be informed and who attempt to remain up-to-date with important current events, like a nationalized health plan, that nothing should be done regarding the health reform law, until after the Supreme Court issues their ruling, in mid to late June. Logic suggests that Congress, the current administration, and the federal governmental agencies would focus their attention on other matters, until after the ruling is made. And logic reminds us that the current health system, with its flaws and shortcomings (including the rising costs and the many problems of our health system) that people still need medical care, even during the months spent waiting for the SCOTUS ruling, and so medical care should continue as needed. Or, in other words, wouldn't we apply a moratorium on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), no longer implementing any of the policy, until after we know the Justices opinions on constitutionality of the PPACA, and that the current medical system would continue to function as it has for years.

Well, unfortunately, we are dealing with a body of powerful individuals, who either fail to think logically, or we are watching a group of people who ignore the obvious, as they have an overconfidence that they know what is best for us, regardless of what we, the American people, think. On April 9th, 2012, the current administration diverted $500 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), earmarked to help implement the PPACA. This money falls outside of the standard appropriations process. This money comes from a $1 billion implementation fund, which many have referred to as a "slush fund." The $500 million transfer isn't new for the Human Health and Services (HHS) department, as HHS transferred $200 million to the IRS over the last two years, and plans to transfer more than $300 million the rest of this year, according to a congressional aide. The $1 billion fund was set aside for "federal" implementation activities and is available for any governmental agency. However, the HHS has exercised its privilege of tapping into this fund more frequently than any other agency. The HHS reportedly plans to drain the entire fund by September, before the presidential election.

Another example of how the government has continued to move forward with implementing the PPACA is the request for $8 million for 2013, to assist with implementation of the individual mandate. The IRS has stated that they want to hire another 300 new employees next year to police the individual mandate and to collect the numerous new taxes laid out in the PPACA, such as new fees on drug companies and insurance policies, to name a few. When asked, an IRS spokeswoman would not release just how much money has already been spent thus far in their implementation of the individual mandate.

What makes this so frustrating to those of us who go to work every day for a fixed salary, and then pay our fair share (and in most cases more than our fair share) of the overall cost to run the US government is that it's our tax dollars that continue to foot the bills for these types of "slush funds." And then, the disingenuousness of the process is egregious. The HHS apparently plans to use every penny of this $1 billion fund. And the IRS plans to become a police state to make sure that each and every one of us participates in the required purchase of health insurance, as well as, the police state for collecting the penalties, fines and fees now placed on drug companies and insurance companies, in order to help pay for the PPACA. This foundation is being laid before our very eyes, in preparation of full implementation of the PPACA, regardless of what the Supreme Court decides.

Whether or not one even agrees or disagrees with a socialized health care system, or health reform, wouldn't it seem logical and reasonable to halt all activity (like the HHS tapping into the $1 billion "slush fund", or the IRS hiring 300 more employees to collect the fees, fines, and penalties), at least until after the SCOTUS decision has been made. Shouldn't all health reform activity cease, until the US Supreme Court decision is finalized? I suppose that seems too fair and too logical. As is evident from the last forty years of Congressional or Governmental decisions and actions, we are not dealing with fair-minded or logical individuals.

So, what is the real motivation for ramming this plan down the American people's throats? It appears to me that the driving force behind the PPACA isn't to assure that all Americans have health care, even though that's what we are being told daily; I believe this is more about control, power, and money. Of course, don't think I'm so intelligent or logical. Anyone who is thoughtful and analytical would draw the same conclusions, as no other profession would be allowed to proceed, if a landmark decision that would shape their profession for years to come lay at the feet of the Supreme Court. Under any other circumstances, all activity would be frozen until after the Justices had made their ruling. There would be a moratorium placed on any other professional activity, in any other similar type of situation in which the Supreme Court had been asked to render an opinion about the legality or constitutionality of any other policy. That would be the only logical and prudent course of action. However, since that is not what is being done, then I believe that alerts us that something else, besides providing health care for all Americans, is the motivational and driving force behind this law. And when I attempt to read the health reform tea leaves, the conclusion I draw from the current activities, is that this case is about money, power, and control. At least, that's my opinion! What do you think?


Article Source: Dr Kipp A Van Camp