Now for the Pain

The most remarkable immediate result of the vote is, well, nothing much at all. Next year is already slated to be a tough year for Americans, as the expiration of the Bush tax cuts promises to suck billions from the private sector. Now ObamaCare's mandates will increase health spending by businesses and households -- with more "health-reform" tax hikes set to hit in the years ahead.

That's not to say there will be no short-term effects. The bill immediately redefines youth to age 26, mandating that group and individual health plans cover adult "children" up to that age. This will certainly increase premiums, as will the new law's ban on policies that have lifetime and annual limits on health-care services.

Americans will also start to pick up a portion of the $20 billion in tax hikes imposed on medical-device companies, as well the new taxes on drug manufacturers. And we'll no longer be allowed to buy over-the-counter medications with our flexible-spending accounts.

But the most onerous of the bill's taxes start to take effect in 2013. Families with incomes greater than $250,000 will pay a higher Medicare Payroll Tax up to 2.35 percent, plus a new 3.8 percent tax on interest and dividend income. With this stroke, Democrats have managed to punish both work and the savings of American families.

Congress radically cuts the annual contribution to flexible health-care spending accounts from $5,000 to $2,500 and limits deductions of catastrophic health-care expenses. Both moves promise hardship for families that face costly, chronic medical conditions. Half of those who take advantage of the medical-expense deduction earn less that $50,000 a year.

More taxes, more fees, more interference - the list doesn't stop with this year's pain. Just wait until 2014 when you will be forced at the point of a bayonet to have insurance - or else.

Killing jobs, stifling economic growth - aren't you glad the Democrats are making us better for all the pain they are going to cause us? "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" should replace "E Pluribus Unum" as our national motto.

Hat Tip: Ed Lasky