It's about to start..
I just wanted to let you all know for whoever is interested it seems like it's going to be a lively debate, packed house lots of supporters and chanting!!!
You can watch it on Cspan here !
I know it's not much of a diary but I thought it was important!
Update:
Seems like a rowdy crowd.. Pretty split in supporters and anti's. I'm not positive though. Loud booing of dean. Representative Moran is starting by speaking on what people agree on and what he will vote for.. Speaking on Public Option now, says no one will lose their current insurance if they like it, people booing once again!
Update:
Talking about families going bankrupt for medical bills! Reason why bill is important, Cap out of pocket expenses..Families will be capped at a total of $10,000. No one can be denied by health insurance for pre existing condition. It is in private insurance company interest to exclude people which is why a PO is important.. Points out that pregnancy is considered a pre existing condition by some insurance companies (absurd) for those who think it doesn't affect them (great point).
Update:
Physical and mental health will be treated equally in this bill. Explains that the exchange works just like the federal health system, you can choose the best plan for your family.. Lack of competition is one of main reason why insurance premiums rise over inflation. Requires everyone to purchase health insurance, like cars, because everyone will get sick at one point in there lives, have an accident, etc. Explains tax payers already pay for people that are not insured, that's why it's important that everyone is covered. explains penalty for people who are trying to free ride system and wont get healthcare, 2% penalty on income.
Update:
Talking to seniors about Medicare part D and that the bill will help with the donut hole and will cut the costs by half. Seniors can save 50% of the money they are currently paying out of pocket, $1,100. Mentions PO again, loud Boos and Cheers. federal gov't provides Americans a choice, gov't healthcare like medicare but no one is required to join. Everyone is still free to purchase private insurance.. PO will not be a cadillac insurance plan, will focus on providing access to quality preventative care using the physician of your choice.. Cost will be 100 billion dollars per yer.. Explains how it will be paid, tax families of over 250k, wealthiest 1-2 % of americans. Does not affect 98% of Americans.. The other half will come from reform in the medicare system. Discusses the importance of incentives..
Update:
Forgive me I couldn't catch everything in this part!
Explains what wasn't paid for under bush such as the Iraq war, medicare Part D, tax cuts, etc.. Addresses the myths of the healthcare debate! YES! NO DEATH PANELS, calls it nonsense. Explains end of life care, it will empower older Americans to take control of their lives. Doctors should not be rushed they should be compensated. No mandate, completely optional. Someone yells " we have that now" Moran responds " That's nice but not everyone has that". Explains it was put in by a conservative.
2nd myth.. Everyone will be affected by the bill except for Congress.. False. Congress is subject to the same things as other federal employees. More than 90% on employer based healthcare wont be affected. All insurance plans will have 8 years to make change.
3rd myth.. this will expand gov't in healthcare.. False. Explains that right now Insurance companies hold the power in your healthcare and choices! They decide whether to cover or deny treatment more than doctor and they have shut millions of people out of healthcare. There is no industrialized nation that has given the health of it's citizens to private for profit companies.. This bill is designed to put patients and doctors where they belong, in the drivers seat.
4th myth.. Rationing. False. NO RATIONING PERIOD! Loud boos and cheers again.. Recommended the care and benefits insurers offer, that is the only role, not rationing. Board made up independent advisers.
5th myth. Coverage for illegal immigrants.. Absolutely false. Taxpayers will not fund healthcare for undocumented workers. Section 246 reiterates that. Some cases where illegals are already under private insurance but that's not the govt'
5th myth. Public Option will force employers to drop coverage and force people on to the PO. False. The only way you can be on PO is by individual choice. With bill more employers are actually likely to cover more employees. (sorry I missed the rest of what he said0
7th myth Covers Abortion.. False.. Abortion is not mandated in any legislation. Private insurance companies make their own decisions and people decide whether they want to enroll in that plan.. It will not be paid for with federal dollars. Which is why exchange is important, you can pick your own plan.
8th myth health commissioner will chose your plan.. false. They monitor the insurance companies, that is all. They do not choose your plan for you.
9th myth Gov't will have access to bank accounts for transfer. False. Electronic payments
10th myth ack missed it. Something about benefits that is needed for everyone and have them covered.
11th myth gov't will reduce physician service to medicaid seniors.. False. SGR, formula helps to prevent massive cuts for physicians, helps physicians.. All physicians are in support, it's their plan. They wanted in so it stays in.
There may be legitimate reasons to oppose reform such as cost. But you should always try to do the right thing!
Update:
Introducing Howard Dean! Listing accomplishments. Dedicated to his profession public service and healthcare. Ran for president, a real fighter for the people. Woo! Standing O, some boos as well!
Update:
Howard Dean is up! Explains why we need healthcare, it is 70% more expensive than in any other country!
Handful of people screaming, Jim Moran says they are not from his district and asks them to leave. Police stepping in.
Update: Abortion activist Mr.Terry that is well known.. Jim Moran knew he was coming he announced he was coming to purposely interrupt which is why he's asking him to leave.. Jim Moran gives him ultimatum to have the first question if he is respectful or be escorted out. Crowd chants to take him out, he calls howard dean a baby killer and leaves!
Dean continues.. says he will be brief. Three problems we have to fix, 1)70% more expensive than any other country 2)Large number of people who have no coverage. No one should think that's ok. We need to cover everyone. 3)The way that we pay for healthcare right now leads us to do things that are unnecessary. We have an illness model in this country, we need a wellness model.. We rather pay for people keeping us healthy. Gives example of woman who had diabetes and her insurance company dropped her, says that it is not right!!! He supports President Obama's healthcare plan!
Question time..
Update:
First question- My brother lived in France for 10 years. Why are people in the US afraisd of their system. He doesn't have to wait in line and doesn't have to pay much!
Dean answers- Europeans started from a different place then us. Their system was destroyed in WW 2. It is hard to change, you never make real changes until the pain of staying the same exceeds the fear of change. And we are at that moment now.
Update:
Unfortunately I have to stop for a while.. brb
second question from poster oortdust.. Wanted to know if believed pharmacist should be a part of health care plan working with doctors. Dean & Moran said yes. Dean said many practicing med who aren't doctors. Physicians Assistants & Nurses see people and can assist. This would help to keep costs down.
Third question Do you think co ops are a good compromise>
Moran- no.
4th and 5th question- Are you willing to take the same healthcare plan.
Moran- yes.. although on similar plan being offered to americans with the exchange.