The Iowa 2008 blog is a companion to AARP Iowa's Voices for the Future. Conversations reported here are the views of attendees and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of AARP. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that does not endorse any candidates nor make contributions to political parties or candidates.
Ottumwa, Iowa
A large circle of participants gathered at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa for an evening conversation. Participants shared some devastating stories about how health care and financial challenges have affected them and their families. One participant acknowledged being on the verge of filing for bankruptcy because of high medical bills that he was facing.
When the group talked about the health care systems in other countries (government controlled systems), there was mixed reaction about their effectiveness. Participants had positive reactions about their experiences in the Cuban and Canadian systems. There was a negative experience with the German system. Would it be cheaper to just pay more in taxes and have health care covered like in other countries or to continue to pay the same taxes and premiums?
The Participants all agreed that citizens need to get more involved in the political process to make positive change.
