Lunch Links

Jocelyn Guyer at the Georgetown Center for Children and Families has a great post about their new report (in partnership with Community Catalyst) outlining the individual responsibility requirement in the health reform law. This requirement is really much less of a big deal than many ideological opponents claim. In fact in may make likely be the “dog that didn’t bark.”

Health Policy Hub gives the outline for a good consumer assistance program – every state will have to set one up, including NC, to help people figure out the best and most affordable way to get health insurance.

Drew Altman of the Kaiser Family Foundation on what conservatives are winning in the new health law and other changes – much more than many may realize.

Jonathan Chiat contrasts Time’s new poll with PPP’s regarding Obama’s poll numbers.

And for all your iPhone4 devotees reeling after the Consumer Reports thumbs down this week:

People buy iPhones for emotional reasons, not because they’re the best phones, said Deborah Mitchell, executive director of the Center for Brand and Product Management at the University of Wisconsin.

“People see you using the iPhone, and they think you are a certain type of person – hip, fresh and youthful in attitude,” she said. “It’s a brand that helps you identify yourself.”