Republicans, at long last, have cobbled together some health legislation to give the appearance that they stand for something besides NO in the debate. It’s mostly empty bromides, with little immediate impact on rising health costs and virtually no positive impact on covering those who have no coverage or skimpy coverage. Insurance companies still could deny coverage and impose ruinous rates selectively, to name just one shortcoming of the House bill. Sen. Gilbert Baker, anointed by national Republicans as the chosen opponent for Sen. Blanche Lincoln, is touting a coookie-cutter version of this same empty rhetoric. Tort reform and health savings accounts will provide coverage for people with pre-existing illnesses? Don’t think so.

The New York Times summarizes the shortcomings of this line of thinking.

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