ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

I am disapointed that the Aarp is not giving their full endorsement of a health care plan as there is so many older people who are not eligible for medicare yet and have no insurance or are spending every cent they have to have health insurance and I was expecting full support from aarp but I think the politics have got to them also.

There is no universal health care in this country as we know it and something must be done. No plan in it's infancy will be perfect but something must be done to protect all of our citizens. Put the partisan politics aside for a change and work together to get something for everyone.
There are no suicide panels being considered, and so far everyone is allowed to keep seeing their doctor. The doctor and patient can still plan the treatment pattern and the only difference is that the health care will pay a portion of the bill or make it feasible for everyone to see a doctor. Patients with preexisting conditions will be able to switch insurance cos. without penalty or fear that they won't be able to attain coverage. Lets' give the plan a chance and tweak it after we find out the pitfalls.

Excerpt from Sept. 09 Harper's index:

Percentage change since 2002 in average premiums paid to large U.S health insurance companies: +87
Percentage change in profits of the top 10 insurance companies: +428
Chances that an American bankrupted by medical bills has health insurance: 7 in 10
......and there's more

What about these statistics does NOT indicate that reform is called for?

Health care reform must go ahead, despite all the obstacles from different interests groups. When someone becomes ill, whether she is covered or not, the individual is facing a harsh reality: The only thing an individual possesses besides her time and her thoughts, is her HEALTH. Ranging from a light headache to major brain surgery, an illness devastates an individual. America, unfortunately, has a huge health crisis facing devastating illnesses such as heart failure, obesity, cancer, mental health, etc, etc., and it will only gets worse, as population ages and diseases spread. Not facing this harsh reality is more of a threat to national security than terrorism.

I can not understand what the opponents of reform are missing. The system is broken and the more they yell the more they demonstrate how broken it is. They have distorted the facts and are adament about their conclusion when there is not one bill but four pending in the Congress. Their is not socialized medicine in the US nor should there be. We have medicaid that is designed to assist the poor in obtaining health care. We have Medicare that is designed to help the elderly obtain health care. Both are government run. Do the opponents want to trash these programs or make them work better and less expensive?

The whole idea of town meetings is to get constructive proposals or objections. This is not a method of letting people yell down suggestions or pro[posals but to discuss and offer improvements to current operations. Shreading mis-information is not the purpose and yelling down serious voices is a method used in totalitarian countries not in a democracy.

With so many people out of work, with so many people se to retire with so many people in need of compassion and help who are the ones whoare trying to put people on the trash heap by denying them affordable health care?

Something has to be done to to provide the health care we have earned in this country. Stop yelling and become part of the solution.....

Thanks for helping to get the truth out about the Health Care Reform movement. It is important to make sure the truth gets out.

AARP

Attached is a news brief with a line by line comment of the proposed Health Care Bill from Congress! I would like your experts to tell me if this information is correct! If one tenth of this is true, I DO NOT WANT this socialistic clap trap to be the law of the land on Health Care! Please help me make an informed decision:

Subject: Rep. Blackwood is serving his fourth term in the N.C. House direct quotes from the proposed bill. Newsletter 7-30-09

The word is getting out, folks; let's keep it going.� Your congressmen & women are home now.� Be sure to attend their town hall meetings (if they have the guts)

�Sent: Friday, July 31, 2009 4:11 PM
> Subject: Rep. Blackwood is serving his fourth term in the N.C. House direct quotes from the proposed bill. Newsletter 7-30-09

Representative Curtis Blackwood

> NEWSLETTER

> July 30, 2009

> Folks, while going over some emails in the office, I came some interesting information on the Democrats? big health care bill, H.R. 3200, America?s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. While this is federal legislation and not state, the topic is of enough significance that I thought many of you would be interested in reading it. Please find below page references and direct quotes from the proposed bill.

Page 16: States that if you have insurance at the time of the bill becoming law and change, you will be required to take a similar plan. If that is not available, you will be required to take the gov option!

> Page 22: Mandates audits of all employers that self-insure!

> Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed!

> Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments and benefits you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals process)

> Page 42: The "Health Choices Commissioner" will decide health benefits for you. You will have no choice. None.

> Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free healthcare services.

> Page 58: Every person will be issued a National ID Healthcard.

> Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.

> Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and community organizer health plans (example: SEIU, UAW and ACORN)

> Page 72: All private healthcare plans must conform to government rules to participate in a Healthcare Exchange.

> Page 84: All private healthcare plans must participate in the Healthcare Exchange (i.e., total government control of private plans)

> Page 91: Government mandates linguistic infrastructure for services; translation: illegal aliens

> Page 95: The Government will pay ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care plan.

> Page 102: Those eligible for Medicaid will be automatically enrolled: you have no choice in the matter.

> Page 124: No company can sue the government for price-fixing. No "judicial review" is permitted against the government monopoly. Put simply, private insurers will be crushed.

> Page 127: The AMA sold doctors out: the government will set wages.

> Page 145: An employer MUST auto-enroll employees into the government-run public plan. No alternatives.

> Page 126: Employers MUST pay healthcare bills for part-time employees AND their families.

> Page 149: Any employer with a payroll of $400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays an 8% tax on payroll >BR ? Page 150: Any employer with a payroll of $250K-400K or more, who does not offer the public option, pays a 2 to 6% tax on payroll

> Page 167: Any individual who doesn?t' have acceptable healthcare (according to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.

> Page 170: Any NON-RESIDENT alien is exempt from individual taxes (Americans will pay for them).

> Page 195: Officers and employees of Government Healthcare Bureaucracy will have access to ALL American financial and personal records.

> Page 203: "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax." (Yes, it really says that.)

> Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors and the poor most affected."

> Page 241: Doctors: no matter what specialty you have, you'll all be paid the same (thanks, AMA!)

> Page 253: Government sets value of doctors' time, their professional judgment, etc.

> Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for private healthcare industries.

> Page 268: Government regulates rental and purchase of power-driven wheelchairs.

> Page 272: Cancer patients: welcome to the wonderful world of rationing!

> Page 280: Hospitals will be penalized for what the government deems preventable re-admissions.

> Page 298: Doctors: if you treat a patient during an initial admission that results in a readmission, you will be penalized by the government.

> Page 317: Doctors: you are now prohibited for owning and investing in healthcare companies!

> Page 318: Prohibition on hospital expansion. Hospitals cannot expand without government approval.

> Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on "community" input: in other words, yet another payoff for ACORN.

> Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based measures: i.e., rationing.

> Page 341: Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advantage Plans, HMOs, etc.

> Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL NEEDS individual s.

> Page 379: More bureaucracy: Telehealth Advisory Committee (healthcare by phone).

> Page 425: More bureaucracy: Advance Care Planning Consult: Senior Citizens, assisted suicide, euthanasia?

> Page 425: Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney, etc. Mandatory. Appears to lock in estate taxes ahead of time.

> Page 425: Government provides approved list of end-of-life resources, guiding you in death.

> Page 427: Government mandates program that orders end-of-life treatment; government dictates how your life ends.

> Page 429: Advance Care Planning Consult will be used to dictate treatment as patient's health deteriorates. This can include an ORDER for end-of-life plans. An ORDER from the GOVERNMENT.

> Page 430: Government will decide what level of treatments you may have at end-of-life.

> Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more payoffs for ACORN.

> Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more payoffs for ACORN.

> Page 489: Government will cover marriage and family therapy. Government intervenes in your marriage.

> Page 494: Government will cover mental health services: defining, creating and rationing those services.

The N.C. budget appears to be in its final stages; will have more state and budget news for you in the next newsletter.

Representative Curtis Blackwood is serving his fourth term in the N.C. House, representing District 68 (Union County). He may be reached at his Raleigh office, Room 1317 State Legislative Building, Raleigh, NC 27601, (919) 733-2406, or via email at curtis.blackwood@ncleg.net.

>

Those who are yelling so loud, need to get their facts straight. For example: Rep. Dan Lundgren(R) from CA accused President Obama of making the elderly and their families have to "take a pill insted of a pacemaker." Check out www.politifact.com to discover reality. Talk about misrepresenting the facts.!!
We need to have an honest discussion about the need for improvement of the health care system in the U.S. Is common courtesy completely gone from our society?

In less than 10 years 50% of the personal income of residents in PA will be spent on health care. We have to reform the health insurance industry NOW!! The Health Insurance wants to defeat any current legislation so they can get their way. We all pay for the current uninsured when they go to the emergency room. It is cheaper for each of us to make sure that are insured.

The Health insurance companies are strictly brokers who add no value to the health care system. NO business person would add that type of overhead if he could avoid it.

I am deeply offended by the claims made by McCaughey, Sarah Palin, and other opponents of health care insurance reform about "death counseling" and "death panels." I am particularly upset with elected officials like Senator Charles Grassley who lend credence to these lies and scandalous claims. I feel they should be held to account for their remarks by Congressional Ethics Panels and by voters at the polls. I just lost my mother-in-law age 86 and my mother age 91 within two months of each other. They needed to have counseling about living wills and DNRs before they were on their death beds but fortunately both after discussing the matter with their doctors and family members decided to execute both in time to save them from needless pain and suffering and making it possible for them to die with dignity. For a Senator or Representative to spread such a rumor is unconscionable! Furthermore having the head of the GOP confirm this slanderous claim is without excuse!

These disruptive folks are being played like a cheap violin by the insurance industry and the politicians that are owned by the insurance industry. That's who's money is organizing and conducting these "protests" by people that don't even know how to properly protest. I think that the majority of these people are frustrated and fearful about the economy. They fear that health care reform will cost more money and that their taxes will be raised to pay for it. Sadly, they are either misiformed or just plain uninformed.

The cost of medical care has skyrocketed, I have to see an eye
specialist 4 times a year to avoid going blind, I am scheduled to see my gp 4 times a year to avoid diabetes. My insurance does not cover office visits so the cost comes out of my pension.I am a GM/ UAW retiree labeled by FOX NEWS as having Goldplated benefits. I know I'm lucky compared to others, but if I did not have the UAW, I would have nothing. Universal healthcare, properly administered, is the only way for us. peter.

Has anyone actually read H.R. 3200? I haven't and probably couldn't understand it if I did.
Don't know who to trust concerning what is or is not in it.
I would imagine it would take a team of attorneys to interpret it for us. Don't know if I would trust them.
One thing I feel sure of. Insurance companies will not loose.

EVERY MAN WOMAN AND CHILD IN THIS GREAT NATION NEEDS AND SHOULD HAVE AFFORABLE HEALTH INSURANCE. THOSE OF YOU THAT DO NOT WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS FORWARD MOVE GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THOSE THAT DO.

I guess I have a misunderstanding. It was my understanding that AARP stood for the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS. I am a long time member. At the time I joined AARP, 55 was the eligible age to become a member. Then it was changed to age 50. Most people at age 50 are still working and employable, not retired. Is AARP planning to expand membership to include adults 18 and over??? It seems that AARP is deviating from their original charter to represent the interests of retired persons/"senior" citizens by involvement in political issues that the majority of members have deemed to be detrimental to their current health care plans. AARP, in its veiled support of HR 3200, is not representing the interests of retired persons or senior citizens, but instead is pandering to the socialist agenda of the current administration. AARP, if you want to be a socialist advocacy group, you need to come out of the closet and admit it - and change your name.

I am of the belief that alot of Senators and congressmen and women are in the pockets of the health insurance industry. Of course they don't want to see a public option, that would reduce their profits. It is unbelievable what is going on right now in our country. There are too many people without any health insurance because either it is too expensive, or cannot get insurance because of pre-existing conditions. This is wrong and I salute our president for his efforts to try to get something done. It has been far too long that there are the haves and the have nots. It is time for the American people to understand the truth, not lies and ridiculous myths that are circulating around, thanks in part,to the Republican party. I am a registered republican and embarrassed to admit that. I intend to change my party affiliation.

For such loud and rude opposition to health care reform can only mean that some groups are going to lose influence and power, and money especially. This opposition is well organized and well funded. What concerns me in particular is not that certain powerful groups involved in our current health care system are controlling our elected officials, but that our elected officials are being controlled so easily. It is painfully obvious that reform is needed in our nation's health care system. For our elected officials to fight against that while being the front men for powerful lobbies is just plain heart-breaking, and injurious to our nation's future and our people's survival.

It is an extremely sad commentary on our method of governance and our elected leaders.

It's not government or Pres. Obama we need to be afraid of, it's these crazies trying to run the entire debate by their screaming lies.

I have been utterly amazed at the gross distortions of the legislation being discussed in Congress, especially by key Republicans such as Senator Grassley and Rep. John Boehner....among many others who are determined to undermine and kill-off anything that would resemble offering actual solutions to the healthcare dilema we are currently facing. Add the other organzations & business interests and it's turned into who can make the most outlandish accusations of "what will happen" if we actually pass something beneficial. I am also disappointed with Democrats such as Max Baucus of Montana, who gets the majority of his money/donations from big business healthcare industry. You tell me, is this actually working for your constituents?

I am 70 years old and fully support reform that benefits not only seniors but this entire country. I personally would support government-sponsored, single payer but at least support a government run option. As I said earlier, it's not government or Obama we need to be afraid of, it's these crazies trying to run the entire debate by their screaming lies. Take for example former Gov. Sara Palin's outrageous talk of "death panels" formed by the government to make decisions regarding the individual's right for care & treatment. She sure isn't working for the citizens of this country by even being willing to make such outrageous and outright false statements, and she knows it.

I support the Obama health reform movement. Down with the present insurance system!

I am supportive of a government sponsored insurance plan that can compete with private insurance companies. The government option would be in a better position to keep cost lower as they would not be a profit making business. Quite frankly, I am tired of paying higher and higher premimums and getting less, and less coverage, while the insurance executives and companies make a nice profit. I am also tired of having an insurance company directing my medical care by deciding that a given procedure is not needed. Critics of health care reform say that reform would mean a rationing of care, well wake up and smell the coffee folks, our health care is already rationed by a person's ability to pay, either privately or through insurance. Our country cannot afford to continue with the status quo-we need health care reform that will provide access to health care for all citizens and that will put medical decisions back in the hands of the physicians not insurance executives. We need health care reform that puts patients' needs above that of corporate profit.

It is truly unfortunate that there has been so much INTENTIONAL misinformation about healthCARE Reform on the internet, in the media and especially on the part of our elected officials. For Senator Chuck Grassley (R) of Iowa to pander to his extreme conservative base by repeating Betsey McCaughey's despicable lies about Rep. Blumenauer (D) Oregon "end-of-life consultations is unconscionable. It is one thing when people as ignorant and misguided as Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich spread these abominations; it is quite another when a Republican member of the Senate Finance committee like Grassley, a key member in the so-called bipartisan talks in that committee, enables and supports such
distortions. My family has a long history of gifting our loved ones, not only with productive discussion on end-of-life issues, but also with legally drawn up and signed wills, advance directives (living wills,) powers of attorney, etc. and these documents are housed in our doctors' offices, our lawyers' offices and our homes. Thanks to such clearly written documents there is no guilt involved in following our loved ones' wishes at the end of their lives. For Medicare to compensate the medical profession for such consultations is a blessing to those individuals and their families. Talk of "Death Panels" and "euthanasia" is not only misinformed, it is down-right cruel!!!

Health Care reform is very important for our country, not only to accomplish the goal of covering the millions of North Americans without health insurance, but to make affordable or remove, the co-payments and deductibles, which cause other millions with health insurance not to be able to pay for them.

All seniors (especially in Michigan) should read the Detroit Free Press' story today (8/14/2009) regarding Blue Cross' rate increases effective 10/1/2009. If I am reading the article correctly, it seems to me that seniors will be pay all if not most of the freight. The increases are huge! Go to the business section and read article entitled, "State Insurance Chief OKs Blue Cross Rate Hikes". Article is BY PATRICIA ANSTETT. FREE PRESS MEDICAL WRITER.

www.freep.com

Good heavens, do older Americans, of whom I am one, really believe that the other Americans would support anything that "ended" the life of the elderly or limited their choices?? OF COURSE NOT, your neighbor does not want that, your Friends, your children, the people who sit next to you at church ... no one does .. and neither does the President of the United States.

You are being scared, "USED" by the insurance companies and some radio talk and tv show hosts .. they are trying to raise their ratings or are simply STUPID!!!!!

For heaven sakes, insurance companies are making billions in profits by keeping things the way they are ... don't you wonder where they get all of the money to run the ads, send the mailings, etc??? They get the money from the health costs we each have. It is time to stop this medical care rape, and ensure that all Americans get healthcare .. this will lower costs in the long run. Most of you screaming were in one of the wars or had relatives in the war .... remember your courage and bravery of those around you, and use that courage to STOP these insurance companies, talk show and tv show hosts who are spilling venom .....

And, for heaven sake, listen to reason and NOT your emotions!!!!

The scare tactics (death panels, for example) used by organizations and politicians opposed to health care improvements are dispicable but they are, as they claim, very American. We have seen these tactics used time and again by those who have a vested interest in the status-quo. America needs reforms in the health care system badly. Don't be mislead by the misinformation and even outright untruths being told. Do your own research on the issue. Look at WHO rankings for the effectiveness of industrialized country health outcomes and cost for example.

I am starting to wonder who is writing these e-mail. They obviuosly have not read the pending House Bill. The seniors I know are smarter than this ! My position is that I do not want the Government to have any say in regard to my life. They have enough say now!

People need to take the time to read the Health Reform Proposals. Euthanasia is not what Pres. Obama's Health Reform is stating. It is the choice of each individual to consult with their family members and their doctors as to how they wish to live out their final days. Remember, I said, choice by each individual!!!
Regarding insurance for pre-existing conditions - this should be made mandatory for the insurance companies. Example: my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, but lucky to be covered by the Military. If she lived as a civilian, she may have passed away by now.
It is downright stupid and ignorant that many Americans do not take the time to read or educate themselves in various issues of this Health Reform. With all of these town meetings I see so many angry people that if they took the time to really study and ask questions....maybe their stress and blood pressure levels would not be so high.

The people who are behind terrorizing senior citizens with lies about death panels, euthanasia, rationed care, etc. are the very same people who are behind the downfall of our economy, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and overpriced drugs. They are the ones who are now between you and your doctor.

They have senior citizens hysterical over things that are not in the health bill, because the bill hasn't even been decided on yet. There are several bills that have come out of different committees in Congress; but, the bill they will ultimately vote on hasn't been written yet. The twisted idea of death panels cam from the proposition of encouraging the use of living wills and reimbursing the doctor for end of life consultations that are not currently paid for by many insurance companies.

Putting off voting on a healthcare bill before the August recess is just what the opposition wanted, so that they could spread ridiculous lies about non existent health plans. I am very disturbed by Senator Grassley's support of these lies. He is getting a lot of money from health insurance companies to fund his campaigning. His loyalty lies with them, not his constituents.

It is a good idea to go to town hall meetings, if you are going there to be informed. Unruly behavior and closed mindedness thwarts the democratic process. If healthcare reform doesn't happen, costs will continue to go up until very few people will be able to afford to pursue healthcare.

The Remote Area Medical organization got its start helping villagers in the Amazon Rainforest. They saw a need in the United States and started offering free clinics here. Each time a clinic is set up, thousands of people line up for the care they so desperately need. I had tears streaming from my eyes while watching a TV news report about the LA clinic set up this month. I'm devastated and embarrassed that we have such need here in the US. Wake up America, the need is overwhelming and something must be done so that everyone has access to basic medical care.

8 WAYS HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM PROVIDES SECURITY AND STABILITY TO ALL AMERICANS

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.

2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.

4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.

5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.

6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.

7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

I am a 77 year old physician (Internal Medicine), retired for 11 years. The negative attitude, steaming with political overtones and misrepresentations, put forth by the Republicans on the Important and extremely complex issue of health care is incomprehensible. This is a time where the best minds and the most cooperation of all concerned is desparately needed for the general wellfare of all US citizens. It is a time for patience in an effort to achieve meaningful reform that can be fine tuned as the need develops. It is certainly not a time to waste effort trying to correct the distorted facts put forth by the Republicans.

Jack W. Trigg, Jr.

My wife and I are Senior Citizens and have been in the hospital a few times for surgery. Each time that we underwent surgery we were given a Living Will by the hospital to complete if we so chose. We were not pressured to complete one but it gave us the choices to do so just in case that the worse happened. We could decide ahead of time whether to be kept alive by artificial means or leave this world with a little bit of self respect and dignity. Also, it took the pressure off of family member to make that decision as I had to do when my father passed away. It is not an easy choice and one that no one really wants to make. This is what the Obama plan was all about, to let us know about this choice and not because the government wants to make it for us or because they see it as a chance to euthanise us.

we are the only industrailized country in the world that does not have universal health care. what other country makes a sick person fight for their care?? no other country, not cuba or canada or france, not one. what is wrong with us?? healthcare is a right not a privilege.

We used to accuse the Russians of propaganda but please notice the propaganda "mostly untrue" about the new reforms. Also, I would like someone to tell me why never a mention from a politician about regulating the cost of drugs in this country. Canada yes...USA no!

Melisande Charles says
The reason for having a living will is to instruct families and physicians with the patients personal wishes and instructions on end of life decisions. Currently I must personally pay a lawyer to draw up this will. The legislation provides funds to offset these costs.

I do not understand why those who have not read the health care legislation believe those who have also not read the health care legislation. Those opposing reform of health care by using fear, lies and intimidation are advocating against their own affordable health care.

The Insurance lobby who gives generously to elected officials, provides funds to right wing organizations to fund mob protests and denies access to many patients for vital care are the real villains. The misguided mobs are protesting affordable care to line the pockets of Insurance Company executives and stock holders. Quite simply the mobs are protesting against their own best health care interests which they will come to regret when their health needs are denied, lose their coverage due to job loss or their inability to pay premiums as rates rise.

If I had my way I would cut the Insurance and Drug companies out of the legislation. There is no reason that citizens could not purchase supplemental policy's from private insurers if they so desire. My insurance with medicare and a supplemental policy sets me back 200 dollars a month.

Those who scream socialism forget that each of us who receive Social Security and Medicare have paid into the fund during our working years. I pay for medicare out of my SS check every month. This is not socialism this is a national mutual investment and commitment to which we have all contributed.

Why don't we all shut our mouths, listen and educate ourselves regarding both health care and financial issues as the legislation develops. Not all of us are going to have everything we want or need but we will all have access. Right now our rates continue to rise as we are paying for those who are uninsured.

Democracy is not mob rule by the minority. Using health care to re fight the election and the lightly veiled racial and hate comments by protesters are most disturbing.

Does anyone know where I can track down how the administration plans to cut $500 billion from Medicare?

It seems that most intelligent people could see through the big money that is behind all the opposition to this bill. If we don't get reform our medical and drug expense is going to continue to rise astronomically. I have read the bill and the opposition is spreading outright lies about what is in the bill.

Maybe it is not perfect, but it is certainly a start in the right direction. The government programs we already have (Medicare,Medicaid, Tricare and others) are run at a fraction of the administrative costs for private insurance programs. We can save a lot of money by approving health care reform NOW.
I believe most Americans agree and want health care reform. Wake up, America, and don't let the money buy your common sense. NC's own Sen. Shuford has been bought out - I am so sorry I voted for him - he is a traitor to his party.

When I was in the ER for a knee injury, I was given a pamphlet that explained the Living Will, how to designate my choice of who would make end of life decisions for me if I were unable to speak and how to make those decisions now before a tragedy might strike. I took the booklet home and made my own decisions. My father had made his own decisions with his doctor and our family when he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). It was a blessing to all the family when a decision had to be made. This is what the health reform is talking.

When I was in the ER for a knee injury, I was given a pamphlet that explained the Living Will, how to designate my choice of who would make end of life decisions for me if I were unable to speak and how to make those decisions now before a tragedy might strike. I took the booklet home and made my own decisions. My father had made his own decisions with his doctor and our family when he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). It was a blessing to all the family when a decision had to be made. This is what the health reform is talking.

I am 84,served my country.paid all my taxes,raised a family,and lIove my countryThe present health system saved my life, Never while waiting in emergency room did I ever see anyone refused health care, Even though i donated the cost of a hospital room I waited till it was my turn. I have visited China most of Europe,Canada and many islands I have spoken to many people and to a person they praised this country and our health system. One cab driver said he loved his country but it will never be like the United States,Wake up citizens before it is too late, We protested the senior right to life and had it changed but what else is wrong? We have senators congresspersons passing bills witout reading them. Being led like sheep. No shame,no honor!!!!! We must stop this train wreak. Chalange the spending bills, the health care law and demand your congressmen and senators to consider the concequences of their actions and save this great nation . In my lifetime I have never seen this country in a worse crisis, not even when the country was at war.

I support the health care bill version that includes the public option.

If people wait for perfection, change will never happen.

This bill is a good start, and is multiple folds better than the current sytem. It can always be amended later to be improved. That is how the legislative process works.

I just hope our representatives don't cave into the insurance companies' pressure and remove the public option.

If our congressman can have a public option, why can't the average American?

Nothing could be worse than what we have now: 18% of GDP going to health care, twice the next closest country, and we are way down (25th) on quality of health care outcome.

Imagine all we could do with the money we would save should we lower the spending to half our current proportion of GDP that does get sucked up by health care?

I got this email from a friend. I am sick of getting the other one that has all the lies in it. I hope some folks find this helpful.

The FACTS ABOUT HEALTH REFORM

There is an email going around that talks about a lot of scary stuff in HR3200 – the health reform legislation before Congress. Stuff like rationing and ACORN and euthanasia and illegals getting free care and all the rest. And you know what – none of that is true. I got this email from a friend who got it from some people who’ve read this bill more times than they can count. And I trust them – they’ve gone over it thoroughly. So the next time you get something purporting to be about what is in the bill, send them this in reply. Yeah, it is long – but if they really care about educating themselves they’ll read through it.

Claim: Pg 22 of the HC Bill MANDATES the Govt will audit books of ALL EMPLOYERS THAT SELF-INSURE!!

Response: FALSE.

The bill does not require the government to audit the books of all employers that self-insure. The bill simply requires that the government study the health care market for large employers. The purpose of the study is to learn more about:

• How employers who self-insure and who buy insurance are alike and differ.
• Whether self-insuring employers have sufficient funds to pay their health care obligations.
• Whether rate regulations cause some employers to buy insurance and others to self-insure.

The results of the study are to be presented to Congress, along with any recommended changes, within 18 months of the bill passing, and then again 18 months after all the new regulations have taken effect. This will help Congress learn how the reforms are working and if they need to make any changes.

Claim: Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC bill - THERE WILL BE A GOVT COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/ benefits you get

Response: FALSE.

A government-appointed advisory committee will recommend what essential benefits health insurance should include for plans offered through the proposed health insurance exchange, and what cost sharing should include. This committee will not influence what benefits are offered by grandfathered insurance plans outside the exchange. The committee is not in charge of deciding what specific treatments are covered.

The committee will be made up of representatives of the following groups: doctors and other health care providers, consumers, employers, labor groups, insurers, and experts on disability, children’s health, racial and other disparities, and health financing. Public input is required as the committee develops its recommendations. And as medical care improves, the committee will be able to recommend benefit changes to keep up with developments.

Claim: Pg 354 Sec 1177 - Govt WILL RESTRICT ENROLLMENT of Special needs people

Response: FALSE.

Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are managed-care plans added to Medicare in 2003. Under current law, a SNP may restrict enrollment to specified groups of Medicare beneficiaries believed to benefit from specialty care tailored to their group characteristics. But Congress has had doubts about whether these plans were improving care for enrollees, so a law passed in 2008 would have ended the SNP program on December 31, 2009.

In fact, Section 1177 of the House bill would give SNPs more time to prove themselves by extending them from 2 to 5 more years, 2011 to 2014, depending on the type of plan. This provision in no way affects the ability of people with special needs to continue their traditional Medicare enrollment or enrollment in regular Medicare Advantage plans.

Claim: Pg 42 of HC Bill - The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your HC Benefits for you.

Response: FALSE.

Just as state insurance departments today see that health plans satisfy state insurance laws, the federal Health Choices Commissioner would work with state insurance departments and other federal agencies to make sure that qualified health plans meet any new standards. The Commissioner will also be responsible for seeing that Health Insurance Exchanges are up and running to offer people without access to employer-provided coverage a choice of qualified health plans, and for getting people who qualify for help the credits available under the bill to make premiums and cost sharing more affordable.

Claim: PG 50 Section 152 in HC bill - HC WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALL NON-US CITIZENS, illegal or otherwise

Response: FALSE.

People in this country illegally would not be eligible for coverage and subsidies under the new health insurance program (see p.143).

This section says nothing about immigrants, legal or otherwise. Rather, it would ban discrimination in health plans and health care based on personal characteristics, such as gender, ethnicity, race, and disability.

Claim: Pg 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill- ALL NON-RESIDENT ALIENS will be exempt from individual taxes. (Resident Americans will pay)

Response: TRUE.

Indeed, non-resident aliens would not be required to pay the tax – but they would not be eligible to receive health care subsidies or join the exchange either.

Claim: Pg 58 HC Bill - Govt will have real-time access to individuals finances & a National ID Healthcard will be issued

Response: FALSE.

This section of the proposed legislation has nothing to do with individual personal finances or with a National Health Identification card. In fact, in a search of all 1,018 pages of the legislation, there is not one mention of any such card, nor are there any sections that would permit expanded government access to your personal financial records. (Keep in mind that the Internal Revenue Service already has access to taxpayer data.) This proposed section would set standards for electronic health records – and it sets privacy standards to protect personal information.

Claim: Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Govt will have direct access to your bank accounts for electronic funds transfer, no choice

Response: FALSE.

Again, this proposed section would set standards for electronic health records – and it sets privacy standards to protect personal information.

Claim: Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Govt is creating an HC EXCHANGE to bring private HC plans under Govt control.

Response: FALSE.

A Health Care Exchange is being proposed to make it easier for individuals and small businesses to have access to a number of qualified health insurance plans. The Exchange would contract with plans that meet benefit standards in the same way that the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management contracts with the health insurance providers offered to members of Congress and federal employees. Similarly, the Exchanges will provide central place where people eligible for affordability credits can shop for coverage.

Claim: PG 84 Sec 203 HC bill - Govt mandates ALL benefit pkgs for private HC plans in the Exchange

Response: TRUE.

The bill would set broad levels of benefit packages that private plans should offer in the Exchange. The broad categories of benefits specified in the law are like those for federal employees, and there are three different levels of generosity so that people can choose the plan that meets their needs. While the law sets certain aspects of the benefit packages, insurers are allowed to vary within the rules, much as they can under Medicare’s contracts with health plans for Medicare Advantage and for the Medicare prescription drug program. This has successfully spurred competition among providers that benefits consumers.

Claim: PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specs. for of Benefit Levels for Plans

Response: TRUE – see response above.

This section defines three broad levels of generosity of benefit packages. As noted above, there is room within these broad levels for private plans to vary the packages.

Claim: Pg 95 HC Bill Lines 8-18 The Govt will use groups i.e., ACORN & Americorps to sign up individuals for Govt HC plan

Response: PARTLY TRUE.

This section of the proposed legislation talks in very broad terms about conducting outreach activities to inform people about the important health insurance benefits that they may be eligible for and help them to sign up. But the section does not identify any specific organizations.

Experience shows that, when any new program is launched, outreach is essential to let people know about it and manage the required paperwork. For example, when the Medicare prescription drug benefit began, the government worked with a wide range of community groups, religious institutions and other organizations to get the word out.

Claim: pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue Government on price fixing. No "judicial review" against Government Monopoly

Response: TRUE BUT…

Providers that choose to participate in the proposed Exchange would not be able to seek administrative or judicial review of the payment rates or methodologies established under the plan. This is consistent with long-standing practices in Medicare and in private insurance generally.

Claim: pg 127 Lines 1-16 HC Bill -DOCTORS/ AMA - The Govt will tell you what your salary will be.

Response: FALSE.

The government would not employ physicians in the Exchange, so it would not set salaries. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would set the amount it will pay for different services that doctors who participate in the public plan provide. This is the same way the Medicare and private insurance plans now operate.

Claim: Pg 145 Line 15-17 An Employers MUST auto enroll employees into public option plan. NO CHOICE

Response: FALSE.

In fact, this section does not even deal with a public option plan. This section seeks to encourage automatic enrollment of workers in employer-sponsored health insurance plans. But the provision makes it clear that the employer must provide the worker with a 30-day period to choose whether to enroll or not enroll.

Claim: Pg 146 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay for HC for part time employees AND their families.

Response: PARTLY TRUE.

This section states that employers must make some minimum contribution towards premiums for employees who work less than full-time. This minimum contribution will be a share of the contribution the employer makes for full-time employees, based on the average number of hours worked weekly compared to full-time status.

Claim: Pg 150 Lines 16-24 ANY Employer with payroll 400k & above, who does not provide public option, pays 8% tax on all payroll

Response: PARTLY TRUE.

This proposed section does not refer to the public option plan. It states that employers with an annual payroll of $400,000 or more who choose not to offer any coverage to their employees will pay an 8% payroll tax. And amendments have been proposed to raise this threshold to $750,000.

Claim: pg 150 Lines 9-13 Businesses with payroll btw 251k & 400k who doesn't provide public option pays 2-6% tax on all payroll

Response: TRUE.

Employers with annual payrolls between $251,000 and $400,000 that don’t offer health coverage and don’t make a contribution to the premium of their employees will have to pay a payroll tax of 2 to 6%, to help the government pay for health coverage. The amount of the tax rises as the total payroll rises.

Claim: Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesn't have acceptable HC according to the Govt will be taxed 2.5% of income

Response: PARTLY TRUE.

The goal of the bill is to encourage people to have health insurance coverage so they have the security of having affordable access to health care if they get injured or sick. To give people an incentive to get coverage, those without coverage will have to pay a tax equal to 2.5% of the amount that their income exceeds an income threshold. The threshold is the amount of income at which a taxpayer is required to file a tax return. This income threshold varies by filing status and age, and is adjusted each year for inflation. So people whose incomes are below the filing threshold will not pay the tax, and the tax will not apply to certain individuals exempt because of religious beliefs, living abroad, or in the case of hardship (to be defined in regulation),

To help make coverage more available and affordable than it is today, the bill would change rules so that private insurers can’t turn away applicants or make sick people pay much more. It also provides subsidies to make coverage more affordable to those with modest incomes. And, it expands eligibility for Medicaid to more people with low incomes.

Claim: Pg 195 HC Bill -officers & employees of HC Admin (GOVT) will have access to ALL Americans finances/ personal records

Response: FALSE.

This section would not give the Health Choices Commissioner access to financial records of all Americans. This section would authorize the IRS, upon written request, to disclose to the Commissioner limited information necessary to determine if those applying for subsidies should qualify. It strictly limits the type of information that IRS would share and limits the ways the information can be used – and any unauthorized disclosure of the information would be a felony.

Claim: Pg 239 Line 14-24 HC Bill- Govt WILL REDUCE PHYSICIAN SERVICES for Medicaid Seniors, and low income people.

Response: FALSE.

This section of the bill would reform the system Medicare uses to set rates for service payments to physicians. This section has nothing at all to do with seniors on Medicaid or with other low-income people.

Claim: Pg 241 Line 6-8 HC Bill - Doctors, doesn't matter what specialty you have, you'll all be paid the same

Response: TRUE BUT…

This provision simply clarifies that all physicians who participate in the Medicare program will continue to be paid the same amount, regardless of their specialty, for providing a specific service. That’s the way Medicare now works, and it would stay the same. For example, if you get an EKG from your primary care doctor, she gets paid the same amount as a cardiologist would get for doing the same EKG. Similarly, if a general surgeon operates on your broken wrist, he receives the same payment from Medicare as an orthopedic surgeon would get for doing the same operation.

The next set of claims all concern end-of-life counseling:

PG 425 Lines 4-12 Govt mandates Advance Care Planning Consultations. (seniors)

Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Govt will instruct & consult regarding living wills, durable powers of atty. Mandatory!

Pg 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Govt provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in death

Pg 427 Lines 15-24 Govt mandates program for orders for end of life. The Govt has a say in how your life ends

Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An "adv. care planning consult" will be used frequently as patients health deteriorates

PG 429 Lines 10-12 "adv. care consultation" may include an ORDER FOR END OFLIFE plans. AN "ORDER" from GOV

Pg 429 Lines 13-25 - The govt will specify which Doctors can write an end of life order.

PG 430 Lines 11-15 The Govt will decide what level of treatment you will have at end of life.

Response: ALL FALSE.

The bill would not require people to make end of life decisions or take any specific action, and suggesting otherwise is a misleading and cruel scare tactic. In fact, this bill would provide a new optional benefit to help individuals talk with their doctors in advance about difficult choices every family faces when loved ones near the end of their lives. This bill helps prepare for their care needs before they are in a crisis and ensure that their wishes —whatever those are—are respected.

This measure would allow Medicare to pay doctors for taking the time to talk with individuals about difficult end-of-life care decisions. Such consultations are not currently covered by Medicare. It would help provide people with better information on the positives and negatives—both physical and financial—that different treatments can mean for them and their families.

Facing a terminal disease or debilitating accident, some people will choose to take every possible life-saving measure in the hopes that treatment will allow them more time with their families. Others will decide that additional treatment would impose too great a burden—emotional, physical and otherwise—on themselves and their families, declining extraordinary measures and instead choosing care to manage their discomfort. Either way, it should be their choice.

This measure would not only help people make the best decisions for themselves, but also better ensure that their wishes are followed.

THE INSURANCE GIANTS ARE POURING MILLIONS INTO LOBBIES AND ADVERTISING TO DEFEAT ANY KIND OF HEALTH REFORM.THEY ARE VERY HAPPY WITH WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TODAY AND THE PROFITS THAT THEY ARE MAKING. IF WE LISTEN TO THIER LOBBIEST AND ADS,OUR CONGRESS WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO VOTE FOR ANY KIND OF HEALTH REFORM.