I live-blogged the town hall in MD.
He's making an opening statement, trying to head off lies. Already people skeptical about everyone being able to keep their own private insurance.
Says pre-existing conditions will be eliminated. Mentioned citizen mandate, and people stirred unhappily.
Explaining that we don't have one bill in the senate. We are in a good position today to talk about how this reform will affect individuals. Received cheers when he said he told his leaders not to rush it. Says he believes in town hall meetings. Now we're getting questions...
First question about deficit and cost of bill (question read off a card). A: Main reason to do this is to get cost of health care reduced. He is not going to support a bill that does not lower costs and is paid for.
Second q: Why does the gov't want to rush when people don't want it (off a card). A: Agree, have to get it right. But problems are going to continue to grow. Our goal to maintain highest quality care that is affordable. We'll take as much time as we need, but we need to move forward. Status quo unacceptable. People clapped!
Third q: Why is tort reform off the table. A: Tort reform can be part of it, but technology is also part of it. Mentioned something about eliminating multiple tests and people were unhappy. He said tort reform NOT off the table, but people were skeptical.
Fourth q: Euthanasia. A: Not true. Provision allows you to be reimbursed for a consultation with doctor. People shouting and he's ignoring them.
Now q's from microphone. "Rules of the road" read. Basically, have your question and be respectful.
Q: Person making statement about not fighting the "Barack War." They moved from her.
Q: Someone reading part of the constitution about how health care reform not constitutional. Basically saying he does not have the authority. A: Article 1 gives the legislative power to Congress. Basically explaining why congress exists.
Q: How does this increase my choice. First sane person. A: Reason for a public option is to make sure there is an affordable option for people who don't have coverage today. Historically insurers have avoided the uninsured. We want to fix that. Also want to keep the costs down. Much shouting out from the crowd. Assures people they can stay with private insurance.
Moderator reminding people to be respectful.
Q: Another statement about being unconstitutional. Then about debt. How to handle? A: If we don't get health care under control, we can't deal with the debt. Says again won't vote for a bill that adds to national debt. Crowd goes nuts. Mod asks for respect.
Q: Supporter trying to ask a question and getting screamed down. Asking about the uninsured. Who pays for them today? A: The affect all of us. These indiv, many who works, use the health care system and they cost us money. We need to get everyone in the system.
Q: Grandfathering clause about HR32. Something about eliminating private insurers. Will you vote for a grandfathering clause that will restrict our choice. A: I'm supporting legis that gives more choice. Exchanges, with private insurers. No mention of public option. You'll have more options, not less, even after the transition period.
Q: Illegal immigrants. Close the border. Also tort reform. A: Illegal immigrants not in the bill "Period, the end."
Q: "This bill is a memorial service to life." It allows health care for illegal aliens. "Give me as much time as those liberals. It does call for abortions. It does want to kill people like myself, a throw-away. I'm not afraid to die because I'm a Christian." With all these billions and trillions, how could you vote to give yourself that fleet of jets.
Wow. Just wow.
A: Jet issue in house, don't serve on appropriation committee. Now it's out. Let's stay on health care. Point out one thing... differences of opinion. I believe gov't has a responsibilty to make sure there is affordable health coverage for everyone. There was clapping!
Q: How to deal with rationing and lack of facilities. A: In bill, we are doubling the qualified health centers. Also incentives to train more primary health care providers. We want to transition a reasonable time frame to deal with increased numbers.
Q: Would you add a tort reform amendment? Also, would you put an amendment that we don't have to pay for health care reform (the guy doesn't understand what "paid for" means. A: People working on tort reform. Q: BIll will be paid for primarily in health care system itself. People shouting. He's talking about Safeway as an example. Prevention and wellness works. Hospitals have already agreed to reduce their rates. Guy shouting to keep gov't out of it.
Q: Unlike congressmen, I've read health care bill. It's not about health care, it's about government control. The crowd goes wild. Can you name one enterprise that is currently run by any govt entity that is run more efficiently and less cost? A: Health care is mixed between private and public insurance but run by private doctors. We are not changing that. How do we pay for it? There is going to be a fundamental difference in the responsiblity of gov't. Private insurers shouldn't have free rein over what the y can do. Example, pre-existing conditions. Gov't needs to provide protections so system will work. Many cheers.
He's doing a great job.
Q: Obama want gov't run health care. The gov't has lost the trust & faith of the people. What are you going to do to restore it? Crowd shouting and cheering. Pelosi calls us un-American. Threw in cap-n-trade and illegals. A: There is going to be some disagreement here. People laugh. Obama already started restoring trust. Now people are really shouting. He's given examples of tobacco controls. Children's health insurance program. THese are important advancements that have already been made. I agree with frustration about deficits. I want to balance the budget. I'll say again, I won't vote for a bill that increases deficit.
Q: Supporter asking why he's not doing more to call out the insurer's role in this mess and the lies about the death panels. A: Encourages people to learn the facts. Much of what has been said about what is being considered not true. We want to bring down costs.
Q: Philosophical difference. What is your philosophy about what is a "right." A: Gov't has a responsibility to provide affordable health care. Personal responsibility for healthy people. Corporate responsibility. Believe in private insurers and doctors. Build on what is right and correct what is wrong. Guy tries to follow up, but unable.
Q: Supporter. Absent a public option, what fills the gaps for people who can't get health care. A: This is why many believe a public option is important, not for those who already have insurance but for those who don't.
Q: Shameful use of 11-yr-old to ask if the gov't is going to refuse care to his grandparents because they are not deeemed useful to society. A: All benefits in place at lower cost. Doctors will stop dropping out of medicare by having a stronger program. No discrimination.
Q: Supporter. I have medicare. How to deal with fraud. A: Not here to defend doctor's, but know that they try to do their best.
Q: Waiting times with so many more people getting coverage. A: No shortage for surgical procedures. Preventive care is where there are shortages. Money for more facilities and training.
Q: Supporter asking about dealing with loopholes that might allow insurers to still not cover people with pre-existing conditions. A: Want to add a Patient's Bill of Rights so you have a way to protect your rights. Want a protection system in place that is enforceable.
Q: Is gov't going to pick up health care of retirees for companies that should have gone bankrupt. A: It's not about companies, it's about insurance. If a person does not have insurance, they may qualify for the public plan. If you eligible for subsidies, you can participate for medicaid or for subsidies for private insurance. Giving examples of agencies in gov't that work well. He's proud of our gov't.
Q: Gov't is a failure and buried in debt. I'm called un-American when I stand up and speak. How can we have faith in you and this administration. Is there an option to say No to this bill. People cheering "Just Say No." A: I respect your right to express your views, but I come to a different conclusion. Giving examples of the result of lack of health care..people dying for lack of dental care. People are really screaming and shouting now. They know there is only one question left.
Q: How is it going to be cheaper with more people and regulatory agencies. THis is not reform, but "pure gov't takeover." The crowd stands and cheers. A: Uninsured are using the health care system in the emergency room. That costs all of us. We want to use preventive care because we know it works. She's screaming that he's not answering her question. She's unhinged. Someone yells "why don't you take the plan?"
Final statement about liking these town halls (ugh) and wanting to answer all questions. The MOB is still going crazy, pointing, screaming, shouting. Cardin says 90% are listening to him. Those cheer (though, really, not 90% -- but a good 40%). Some woman is still shrieking. Shrieking and crying. She tried to charge the stage. I'm not sure who she's yelling at now. Must be reporters. Cameras in her face. This is who they want to highlight. Can't hear her, but she's clearly crazy crazy crazy.
What an event.