I’ve also been purposely pulling an ostrich on the whole health care thing (and feeling somewhat justified in doing so since nothing I do or say is going to change the way my NYC senator/congressman vote on this). This is a short, sweet, helpful summary. Thanks for the link.
Gwen, you’re not alone. Emma, my head has been in the sand on and off. It’s all been a very complicated matter, hasn’t it?! I think the NYT article sums it up directly for the bulk of the bill; I’m still sifting through information trying to gain insight (and formulating solid thoughts) instead of listening to the nasty propaganda…
This article provides a table demonstrating key reform under categories which I felt was useful. Under individual mandate it states a fine – however I believe there are exceptions to the fine as mentioned in the NYT article
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8583350.stm
3 additional articles I found interesting…
How women are affected:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/health/30women.html?nl=health&emc=healthupdateema3
How college students are affected:
http://www.fredonialeader.com/news/health-care-overhaul-1.1290161
Romney’s question about ‘one-size’ fitting all states:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/03/30/romney_defends_massachusetts_health_care_law/
This all makes me very nervous. Mostly because I have been unable/unwilling (not sure which) to see the federal government effectively & efficiently run anything.