[pshrynk]

As a physician, i am heartened to see that there is a first step toward universal coverage of health care. I cannot tell you how much time is spent on trying to find a way for patients to get meds. I also know that if someone is not covered, they avoid care and then end up in the psych unit (for those with psychiatric disorders) and running up an immense bill. As I have said elsewhere, the cost to me is an increase of taxes to the tune of about 9% (eventually). I will gladly pay it now, in order to get my patients the care they need.

As to the method of passage? It was ugly. But as a political junkie, I have to say that every piece of legeslation ever made is ugly in its conception.