|
||||
Health Care Moves To Senate by Ryan ZumMallen | Archive | 11.08.09 |
+  The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) late last night Long Beach found its congressional delegation last night split on the bill - Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D) voted in favor of H.R. 3962 and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R) voted in opposition. The $1.2 trillion bill is over 1,000 pages and stands as the largest health care reform proposal since the creation of Medicare 44 years ago. At the forefront of the bill was the inclusion of it preventing insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, gender or medical history and providing federal subsidies for those who cannot afford health care. In total, the House version of the bill will cover 96% of all Americans. Click here an in-depth review of H.R. 3962 and the other versions of the health care reform proposal click here. Each of the bills are at the top of the that page. Click here for in-depth multimedia coverage of the health care reform debate. Richardson and Rohrabacher both issued statements on the health care debate and are provided below in full. Congresswoman Richardson released the following statement after the passage of the bill: After hundreds of hours of committee, caucus and debate, I joined the Congress today in supporting legislation that represents a major turning point for our country,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “Today the United States joins every other developed nation as we take a step forward in our very humanity and once and for all say that access to affordable and quality health insurance is not just a privilege anymore. In the 37th Congressional District, too many families are uninsured, too many families hit lifetime benefit caps and face financial crisis, too many people are losing their jobs and their healthcare at no fault of their own, too many are hurting, and too many are in pain. The Health Care Act is expected to provide health insurance to 98,000 people, more than one out of every seven district residents, who currently have no coverage. It will also aid small businesses in providing coverage to employees and improve Medicare coverage for seniors. In our area, where we have watched hospitals close or be forced to cut back because of the inability of patients to pay for emergency services, this bill will provide $228 million for uncompensated care for hospitals,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “For our seniors, Medicare will be strengthened and prescription drugs will be made more affordable. For small businesses, with more than 15,000 in our district alone, assistance in providing your employee’s health insurance is on the way. No more penalties for preexisting conditions, no more fear that if you lose your job you will lose your healthcare and no more differences in the care between men and women. Today, we not only leave a legacy, but we have made one for the Americans of this generation and the next.”Click here to watch a recent statement by Congresswoman Richardson on health care reform. Congressman Rohrabacher released the following statement after the passage of the bill: This attempt at sliding Americans into dependence on a government-controlled health care system brings bait & switch to a new low. We have heard about the flaws of our current healthcare system, high costs, lack of portability, lose a job—lose health insurance, discrimination of those with preexisting conditions. Yes, many of the heart-wrenching stories we are hearing to justify this legislation are real. But correcting those maladies requires specific reform, not transforming healthcare in America into a bureaucratically-managed health care system that will cost hundreds of billions, including billions to provide healthcare for illegal aliens, while at the same time cutting Medicare by hundreds of billions of dollars. This so-called reform will destroy the freedom of the American people to make health decisions with a doctor of their choice. It will transform our system, rather than reform it. And what we will end up with is a system that is massively more expensive, less effective, and will be based on government controls and rationing, rather than the patient-doctor relationship. You can touch our hearts with the stories of suffering brought about by defects in our current system, but it doesn’t follow that we have to buy into this monstrous federal power grab. It is too benign to call this scheme bait and switch. Wake up America!! This bill cuts healthcare for our seniors by hundreds of billions of dollars while providing subsidized health care of illegal immigrants, which will draw more illegals into our country. Wake up America!! This bill is structured so that private companies will find it profitable to dump employees into the government-run option, rather than continuing to offer private health insurance. Wake up America!! This ill-conceived power grab will bankrupt our country as it destroys our freedom.Click here to watch Congressman Rohrabacher’s floor speech last night. Other Media Coverage: Press-Telegram Los Angeles Times CNN Fox News MSNBC Politico
Comments
Click Here to Join the Discussion on this Story
22 Comments so far.
Geez Rohrabacher is so out of touch. Healthcare is already a multi-billion dollar bureaucracy. It's just that many of those billions are going into multimillionaires pockets as profit, while many millions go sick and die because they lack coverage. How does this imbecile keep getting re-elected? Thank you very much, Huntington Beach!! JR Salazar Gag me with a spoon, Rohrabacher. I'm disappointed they didn't vote you out of office yet. John M. Fentis You gotta love fear mongers like the illustrious Mr. Rohrabacher. He is a much more polished version of morons like Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. He has offered nothing to this conversation other than unfounded allegations of power grabs by the federal government. Before all of the ideological wingnuts on the right start your criticism, let us admit right here and now that the Social Security system which those on the political right are always toying with in an effort to abolish it is socialism pure and simple and I'm willing to bet that none of those eligible for their share of it whose political views are to the extreme right are opposed to receiving their monthly checks. It was FDR and his leadership abilities and policies, much of which were couched in socialism, that brought us out of the Great Depression. While the current economic woes are not as dire YET, it was regulation of those corrupted by the almighty dollar which gave us an opportunity to regain our footing. All this health care legislation does is deprive insurance companies and health care administrators of some of their power. It will force them to become more competitive which is, after all, what the capitalistic system is all about. We've been dealing with monopoly grabs by business for decades now. Those businesses who are more estute at the practice (read the oil companies) have banded together for the express purpose of controlling our dependence on oil. There are lots of new technological advances on the horizon, but those who hold the power will not relinquish it unless they can continue to hold the power at our expense. We have lost sight of the health care debate and it has disintegrated into an ideological conversation. I'm very proud to be a citizen of this country, but I am saddened by those who contribute nothing but fear to the conversation without any offer of solution. Rohrabacher is a prime example of what I am talking about. Donna Reckseen What has happened to civility? Is name-calling the way to handle disagreement? The bill past by only 5 votes, so there is much more to do - the medical, legal, pharmaceutical and governmental leaders need to work together rather than persue juse their own interests...The definition of a "money/power grabber" is someone who can grab more money/power than I can grab. Doug Kendall There is definitely a need to reform the healthcare insurance system, but this is a well intended but misguided attempt at it. I for one am completely disappointed with this legislation. It is clear to anyone who has studied history that social security is the biggest "Madoff" scheme created by our governement and if I had a choice (which I don't) I would take just the money that the government has already taken from me (with no interest) and manage it for my own retirement. Medicare is broke and there is a great deal of fraud within it. It only makes sense for congress to demostrate that they can fix it first, before they create an even bigger version of Medicare. Our grand kids should not be paying for our healthcare during senior years. That should be each individuals responsiblity. Individuals should bare their own responsiblity for their healthcare and quality of life. Free open markets across state lines would cost the taxpayer's zero and create a great deal of competition among the insurance companies. Even the very poor would have many more affordable options. I know of many non-profit organizations that extend the help to many of the less fortunate. St.Judes Children's Hospital is a great example. Only those who cannot take care of themselves should be assisted and even then, not necessarily by a government run agency. Artie Mr. Rohrabacher continues to spout lies in an attempt to squash any and all health care reform. There is no provision for illegals to obtain health care insurance although, just as they do now, they could receive treatment on an emergency basis in the ER of a hospital. Would Rohrbacher refuse treatment to someone who had a heart attack if he/she was an illegal? Why do conservatives always seem so heartless. Social Security and Medicare are social programs and conservatives would love to see them cancelled, too. Thank goodness there were enough Democrats in Congress to create those programs despite opposition from Republicans. Can anyone imagine a senior being able to get health insurance were it not for Medicare? And without Social Security millions of our seniors would be destitute. Lastly, it would be our Congressional District's finest hour if we can vote Rohrabacher out of office. His voting record for the average working American is zero. LB, CA Thank you for voting for health care reform, Congresswoman Richardson! We need it! John M. Fentis Mr. Kendall, many thanks for your comment. It is very thoughtful, and I agree that, in a world free of corruption and disadvantage, individuals should bear their own responsibility for health care and the quality of life. Unfortunately, I don't believe that can be achieved unless the playing field is level. Your own mention of Madoff relative to the Social Security system tends to support my point. Here is a man who cheated hundreds of investors out of their savings. He is 70 years old and received 150 years imprisonment as his sentence and he has the audacity to boast about his wrongdoing saying that government officials should have caught him sooner. He is absolutely correct, but government today is based on turnover. The days of the employee who gives 25 years of service to the public are gone, and won't return anytime soon. There is a desparate need for accountability, responsibility, and transparency, and, until those concepts are addressed with any reasonable hope of success, individuals simply can't bear the responibility for their own health care and quality of life. Take a look at tragedies such as Fort Hood and one can see how the struggle to live our lives gets lost in psychiatric lunacy. Again, thank you for your post. It serves as a valuable part of this conversation. Bob We are fortunate to have leaders like Mr. Rohrabacher, Laura Richarson is just marching in lock-step with the democrats. We have relatives in Europe and they fly to Florida for health care, they could die before their turn for treatment comes up. BE careful what you wish for! I see how the government handles business. I hope the opportunity for private health care remains an option, I don't look forward to dying at the hands of government. Paul I hope these people attack Rohrabacker ae not actually voting. Issues he brought up are valid issues. The Democrats are using some peoples emotions and not logic to give themselves the opportunity to create a massive government mistake. Instead of fixing a problem, they a creating an opportunity for massive waste. This document is almost 2000 pages. Like the stimulus package this. I am sure is loaded with pork that we will not find out about until it is too late. PoliticalCircus Laura Richardson, now there's a name you can trust to make a sound business decision. Just when unemployment is past the 10% level what we really need is a job killer like this New Health Care Bill. What are the libs in this comment section thinking? The AARP, AMA, were bought and paid for by this Administration, they will all benefit finacially from their endorsements. Hopefully, we will get real change in 2010 when voters learn what Obama, Reid and Pelosi have done to this country. I AGREE WITH ROHRABACHER CHARLIE RYAN: How in all common sense can you call HR3962 Affordable? It is anything BUT - SHEESH! In fact, there is nothing this Congress has done that is affordable! Bixby Knolls Resident The radical left believes government is the saviour to all our ills. The righteous right believes all form of government is bad for the soul. As it relates to health care both are correct. All forms of costs associated with health care - from the insurance carriers premiums to the providers costs for service have risen beyond the point of reasonability. Therefore, to disagree with the right, government does need to step in and do something. However, the government cannot be both referee and home team when it comes to a public option; this destroys the entire concept of a level playing field in the free market. The notion of a public option will curtail private enterprise (not that I'm in favor of the insurance carriers); I am an advocate of innovation and entreprenuership. In that spirit, there is a solution to this mess we call "Health Care Reform" that should appeal to both sides. Currently, there is a "contracted" or "negotiated" rate that is kept private from you (the patient). You are not allowed to know the price of services until AFTER you have received the service. Therefore, you cannot "shop" for the best price for your health care needs. Think about it, when was the last time you went and had a nice dinner then left without paying only to get the bill three months later? Never, right! That is how you are being treated today. Now, imagine if you had all the prices for all the procedures you were going to need - and, what if based on what you spent, your insurance premiums reflected your cost savings. So, you price Dr. Smith and find that she is $40 less for an office visit that Dr. Jones and she is just as nice. In addition, that cuts your premium by $40 a month...We do this in every other transaction involving our finances today...except health care. Now, do you care in an emergency what it cost? Of course not; but, I'll bet Blue Cross cares what Aetna pays for that same emergency. And, I'll bet if Aetna is paying less, Blue Cross will negotiate a better rate. Which eventually lowers health care costs and lowers premiums. In EVERY industry where competition is allowed to flourish, prices fall - EVERYTIME! So, what needs to happen? Simple, write a law forcing the insurance carriers to reveal their "contracted" or "negotiated" rates for every procedure at every facility. This could easily be done via the web - where you could shop for your doctor, hospital or lab. If this one simple act is done, health care will become affordable for all! CHARLIE Bixby Knolls Resident: Appreciate your detailed explanation and think you have hit the nail on the head. Regarding Blue Cross - they simply dropped me, even though my premiums were all paid up, when I had to go to LB Memorial for one week with Pneumonia; Medicare, Medicaid & Medical covers me now, and IHSS & MSSP covers my day care at home. It's a neat system when run right, but of course does need some reforms to control gauging and frauds... Afraid I am very afraid of this health care bill....our system needs fixing most definitely....but this bill is not a good way to do that.....wait, watch and see the devestating effects this will have should it get passed.....you think things are bad now, it will be way worse coming up! marc I think Rohrabacher should "wake up" and get a clue that something needs to be done to reform health care in this country! WAKE UP ROHRABACHER! Kathy Ryan Now it is time for the Doctors to get involved and expose the lies that are buried in this Bill. They are the ones who will be able to stop Obama Healthcare. When inclusion of illegal immigrants became an issue, Obama said they would not be covered, so he reduced the 42Million uncovered to 20Million. He said abortion would not be covered, then Saturday the House had to vote on a special amendment to take abortion coverage out of the Bill to get some moderate Democrats to vote yes. He said he would not sign a bill over a trillion dollars. The House Bill is $1.2Trillion, if you can believe the numbers. Obama not only went to Capitol Hill on Saturday to twist arms and make promises, he praised the bill. Finally, the Democrats had to take $250Billion out of the bill and pass a separate bill to cover the money they took from Medicare to reduce payments to the Doctors. These are just a few of the falicies of the Nancy Pelosi's bill authored by Democrat lawyers. Rohrabacher may have a loud mouth, but the truth needs to be told. Anything that is written by attorneys and politicians should be carefully examined by us. Now the debate begins and the lies exposed. Ed This healthcare bill is another entitlement. The price to pay for 47 million uninsured persons without preconditions must be paid by someone. That means access to Medicare. Everyone >65 has insurance but doctors get paid much more by private insurers than by Medicare or medicaid; that means better doctors will ask what insurance you have and set up appointments for those with private insurance. This bill makes this selection process much worse and does little to reduce the cost of healthcare. Where is tort reform? What encourages people to control obesity? Over 60% of US healthcare expenses are for people that will die anyway from terminal diseases -- there is no control over these expenses. Smata You need many more people like Dana Rohrabacher, in government. When you win by 5 votes that does not equate into the country wants this. It means maybe 50% at best. The real arrogance and mean spirited are the many democratic boobs on this comment board. All you idiots who live in California cannot see what happened to the state with become the capital of illegal aliens d Doug Kendall Mr. Fentis, creating another much larger version of Medicare will breed even more corruption and fraud. If there is already $500,000,000 in fraud and waste in Medicare can you just image what this version of "Healthcare Reform" will do to bankrupt this great nation. To level the playing field under the governments thumb would tip the scales so far out of balance we would all lose in the end. There must be a better way and it starts by the government demostrating that they can fix the current broken Social Security, Medicare and Medical systems. The country is broke and the unemployment continues to rise, why the hurry, let's stabilize the patient before we begin radical treatments. Eric E. Three cheers for Rohrabacher!
Archive
LBPOST.com Managing Editor Ryan ZumMallen keeps up on all the current and breaking Long Beach news.
Ryan ZumMallen has served as the managing editor of the LBPOST.com since 2007. He graduated from CSULB with a degree in Print Journalism in 2008 and is a member of the 2009 class of Leadership Long Beach. You can find him on various basketball courts around the city.
Ryan's Community
 
Ryan's Archives
Show All Archives |
||||
| About Us | Contact Us | Policies | ||||
