The Choice Facing Democrats on Health - WSJ.com

The Choice Facing Democrats on Health - WSJ.com

An interesting fact in yesterday's WSJ was that Medicare costs have been rising at 9% per year (come what may with attempted cost controls).

Thus, an interesting consideration would be - if the healthcare tax employers will be paying is going to equal a 9% compounded annual increase, would I as the employer rather hire someone in the US or outside the US?

So, jobs here will be an issue.

And, if the 9% direct cost is compounded with additional cost shifting to support expanded 'free' coverage, will the cost to me as an employer not be even greater? My guess is every employer will have to figure yes.

So again, less incentive to take business risks (read: hire Americans).

Unfortunately, it would appear the Democrats are so far down the road of shrinking the private economy to pay for the public one, its only a question if its a final straw or not.

After all, with 20% under and unemployment, little or no inflation, etc. - why not give government employees a raise? At least that seems to be what we're seeing in the Democrats budget - even though they mouth concern about the rising deficit. So again, anti-job creation policies.