The concept of set-asides for health care is sound but unfair to those many who cannot afford to set-aside any portion of their income. 401(k)s and IRAs are good ideas also. But too many just cannot afford to participate, as they live from paycheck to paycheck. Is it coincidence that these good ideas seem to benefit those who have excess funds that may be tax deferred? In fairness, some sort of tax credits should be provided for those living from paycheck to paycheck as an equalizer. Or better yet, universal health care.

There are other problems with caps on awards. Also, I don't know this legislation and it has me wondering. See, the idea that there are all these fantastical awards of money is a myth. Enormous awards given by unreasonable juries are exceptionally rare, and those are the ones you always hear about. So there really isn't a problem being solved by that legislation. However, are the caps absolute in all cases or do they apply on a "per plaintiff" basis? That is, if you have a thousand people in a class action suit, and the cap is $250,000, is that per person or for the entire lawsuit? If it is for the entire lawsuit, then you are talking about an award of $250 per person, out of which come legal fees and expenses. In a case where many people are inured and face lifelong health risks because of an illegal toxic waste dump, that hardly seems right.

The rollover is a good idea, though. One reason my wife and I do not use the set-aside option is that it is like gambling. You bet what it will cost you and then you lose it if you don't need medical attention at that level. And if you need extra, it costs a lot more. The set-aside system as it is now is kind of a gyp.

This is always the problem when something is "privatized" by politicians - it only helps people with money unspent at the end of the month.

People talk like there is no inflation, because they take out the "volatile" items: food and energy. Well food and energy are the bulk of spending for poor people, utility bills, gas, and food are required, not options.

As for the caps, we did it in Florida and were rewarded with another rate increase.

Caps would be a solution if placed in the ass, see also Sully and his fearless leader's poster over his bed (or under it so he can see it while on knees).

Of course he could always roll over. ROllovers for the rich so they can set up escrows that carry over while the working poor have nothing. The result- higher copay and deductibles for those who can't fund such exhorbitant levels.

Dean was screaming about this stuff, glad to see the media make him a non-item to end the worries of special interest.Not.

1. Timely
   
2. Strategery
   
3. Webb wins
   
4. Huh?
   
5. Bunnypants in Bagdad
   
6. Outage
   
7. Filthy Lucre Watch
   
8. Playing the numbers
   
9. My letter to Countdown
   
10. Jefferson's Nigerian Scams