Kennedy Kare

The federal government should join the state of Massachusetts in enacting universal health coverage, said Sen. Edward Kennedy, the new chairman of the Senate committee with jurisdiction over numerous health issues.

Gee, I don't know. Don't you think the federal govt should get Medicare working first?

Kennedy has his own version of what universal health coverage would look like. He wants to extend Medicare to all.

Let's see. Medicare. That thing that you pay on all your working life, then when you turn 65 you have to pay again, and if you want (almost) full coverage you have to buy a supplemental plan because Medicare doesn't cover everything.

Uh-huh.

Some of the committee's Republicans would like the committee to renew its attention to help for small businesses. They support a plan that would let businesses buy insurance through regional or national trade associations.

Another plan that has virtually a 100% failure rate.

Doesn't anyone pay attention?