Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

[Guest guest]

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform

will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth

that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors

who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life

decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for

those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will

ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out

of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health

insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more

convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a

phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct

electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to

understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply

as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Seems to me that if you are going to distribute " facts " for the educated person,

you should at least learn to spell it. Guess the DNC got in a hurry when they

were putting your talking points together. Nice try however!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform

will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth

that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors

who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life

decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for

those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will

ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out

of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health

insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more

convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a

phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct

electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to

understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply

as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Color this educated person skeptical about both health care reform as currently

proposed?and the applicability of these political talking points to Texas EMS.

-Wes Ogilvie, MPA, JD, Lic.P/NREMT-P

-Attorney at Law/Licensed Paramedic/EMS Instructor

-Austin, Texas

Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will

mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth that

reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who

want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions,

reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who

want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease

the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of

your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd

myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance

reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for

you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a

utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic

payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand.

The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do

for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

AMEN brother wes

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will

mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth that

reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who

want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions,

reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who

want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease

the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of

your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd

myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance

reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for

you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a

utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic

payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand.

The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do

for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Is your EMS service Government run? Is it not a good run service? Is that what

your telling me?

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

" rationing. "

To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

currently being used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a

myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has

identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting

waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending

big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such

steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term,

reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For

seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of

life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family

decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA,

extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA

Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform

will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them

pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms

who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare,

ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to

insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make

prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you

out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the

contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health

insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more

convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying

a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a

direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be

easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy

will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

The items listed as Adding Security and Stability all sound very nice,

BUT I do not think you will be able to afford the premiums for insurance

provided under these constraints. If the companies remain in business

under this system then their expenditures will go up, therefore the

money coming (premiums) in will have go up. When you buy insurance you

are gambling that you will need it and the companies are gambling that

you won't. Insurance companies put these limits in their policies to

limit their liability in the gamble, therefore they can have lower the

premiums. They are required by moral obligations to their stock holders

to make a profit. Companies are only in business to make money; if they

are not making money then they will not be in business very long.

Several years ago laws were passed that required the phone companies to

put money in a fund to provide internet connections to schools. A very

good and necessary endeavor. The lawmakers were flabbergasted that the

phone companies put a charge on our phone bills for the money to put in

the fund. The lawmakers thought that the companies should pay the money

out of their pockets. Companies don't pay taxes or government fees,

their customers do.

If the " good " points about the reform are accurate then the government

will be the only entity that can afford to provide health insurance. I

don't know how much it will cost, what services will be provided, what

points of your second eight talking points are true or false. The last

I heard the reform bill was over 1100 pages, I doubt that very many

people have read the whole bill front to back. Many of the things

listed in the second eight points will not be listed verbatim, but are

logical extensions of what will be passed as rules after the law is

passed. I have not been to any country that has socialized health care,

but I have not heard anything good about any of them. I have talked

with medical professionals that moved here from Canada and I know that I

do not want under that system.

I am sure that another argument to be made is that the proper people

have not tried to implement this system and we can do better. I have

strong doubts about that. If the supporters of this bill thought it was

good for the country then it would been released to the public for

consideration and discussion before it was made into a bill to become

law. It is my understanding that it was presented to Congress with no

amendments allowed and that the Powers-that-be tried to get it passed in

one day. They did not want anyone to read it or even have a chance of

know what it said. If for no other reason than that I would oppose it.

Pat Fitzpatrick

________________________________

From: texasems-l [mailto:texasems-l ] On

Behalf Of Ron Haussecker

Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 9:25 AM

To: Ron Haussecker

Subject: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

" rationing. " To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing

that are currently being used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a

myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President

has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining

paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will

otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors.

For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary,

private consultations for those who want help with these personal and

difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now.

To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were

previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be

available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits.

To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare

" doughnut " hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force

you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier

and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.

Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by

traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be

standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to

you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other

electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

There is no BILL niether the house or senate has put forth any BILLs

Anyone who claims to have read " the BILL " is sadly misinformed.

There are several proposals from both parties but no BILL.

And as for anyone scared of Socialism, turn in your uniofrm now. You are

Already a part of socialised government medicine and social government

Prorgrams. Medicare Medicaid public schools social security FDIC just

az a few examples.

anytime you treat or

Take an unconcious PT to the ER it an act of socilaised medicine. And

if you say I don't want to pay

For someone elses medical care you pay for it everytime someone uses

the ER

Instead of a primary care physcian.

Really all you Reganomics 1980s hold overs need to let it go, Russia

Isn't even communist anymore. Socialism isn't a huge terrible evil,

Europe

Does just fine, and for 1 Canadian dignbat with a brain tumor

That didn't get the care she expected, At least 7 Americans get no care

at all. I've lived in Europe and I can testify first hand on the

quality of

Medical care. It is first class, easily acessable and very effecient.

My family wanted to bring my grandmother to Texas when she became

Infirm, the cost for deceint care was to high and rehab would not be

covered by insurance. We decieded to use the Italian health care instead

It was cheaper for us to go there. She had operation, full rehab and

personal

nurse. Her medication was free. Even if she had Medicare here she would

not have gotten the level of care she got in Socialized Italian helath

care.

Romy son

On Aug 14, 2009, at 12:13 PM, " Fred Wilkins - Matagorda County EMS "

fred.wilkins@...

> wrote:

> Perhaps if you desire this conversation to take place you should not

> start off with something that is right off of whitehouse.gov or the

> democratic party's website

> http://www.democrats.org/a/2009/07/whats_in_health.php

>

> Your initial email appeared to be an advertisement for obamacare.

> Politics, hmmm. This might not be the best venue for such a discussion

> as the same dozen or so people will either flame you or support you

> depending on the day and what will come of it in the end....nothing. I

> believe political involvement or action is the most lacking area of

> expertise or skill in EMS today. To me this is exemplified in the lack

> of turn out for legislative day in Austin for EMS, or the even fewer

> people that take the time to go to committee meetings and voice our

> position in Austin. Even on this list, which is a pitiful few in

> comparison to the number of certified personnel in this state, few of

> us were present in Austin. In too many areas of Texas, EMS operates on

> the caveman mentality...wait in the station for someone to call for

> help

> and then run out as fast as you can and take them to the hospital and

> then run back to the cave before a dinosaur eats you. I am amazed at

> the public and private services that I have worked with, that so

> many of

> their leaders shake at the thought of going to a city council meeting,

> or sitting down with corporate officials to negotiate a contract. So

> many services never see the elected officials they work for unless

> there

> is a complaint.....sorry, getting off of my soapbox...back to the

> beginning, just throwing out random data that came to your inbox might

> not be the best way to start a conversation with educated people.

>

> Fred

>

> From: texasems-l [mailto:texasems-l ]

> On

> Behalf Of Ron Haussecker

> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 11:07 AM

> To: texasems-l

> Subject: Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> Person

>

> I had a typo. Excuse me for a typo, since I'm sure you never had one.

> Also I have nothing to do with the DNC, but that is what you get for

> assuming. So your already wrong right out of the chute. That is the

> problem with folks when they assume. They won't inform themselves on

> the

> facts. What are the facts in regards to EMS with the bill. I've read

> the

> bill. Have you? Has any of the EMS groups/associations read the bill

> in

> regards to the effects on EMS. Isn't this a conversation we should be

> having in EMS and not a debate and start throwing DNC, RNC, Lib and

> other special interest groups in this or should we rise above the fray

> and have a honest intellectual, civilized conversation about an issue

> that effects us and the patients we take care of everyday. My guess is

> most folks in the in the country will take their talking points and

> just

> scream an holler, and show ignorance instead of addressing an the

> challenges we have as a Country and Americans head on. Socialized?

> Hmmm!. We have the Va, Medicare, Medicaid, Chips, Clinics, DSHS, EMS

> Districts, Hospital Districts and hundreds if not thousands of

> programs

> funded by federal, state, city and county governments, so I think you

> already have government run services everywhere. I was a Director of

> several services ran by government and paid for with money, but lots

> of

> taxes when with it also. Guess what. It was funded by County, City,

> Federal, and State Government and still are today.

> My attempt to have a civilized conversation and leaving politics out

> it,

> but that may not be possible for some,

> Ron

> 8 ways

>

> 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> coverage

>

> 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.

>

> 8 common myths about health insurance reform

>

> 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> " rationing. " To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of

> rationing

> that are currently being used by insurance companies.

> 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> It's a

> myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President

> has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

> programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

> efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining

> paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that

> will

> otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

> 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

> myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> seniors.

> For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary,

> private consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> difficult family decisions.

> 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get

> now.

> To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were

> previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be

> available for all eligible veterans.

> 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> that

> health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax

> credits to

> help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

> with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare

> benefits.

> To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare

> " doughnut " hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for

> seniors.

> 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force

> you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> an

> absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier

> and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.

> Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by

> traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will

> be

> standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to

> you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all

> other

> electronic payments that people make.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ron, first of all, I wish to extend a sincere thank you from the majority of

this group for sharing news and information as it pertains to our practice of

medicine. Please ignore comments and criticisms from those that choose to ignore

both the facts and the obvious.  Everyone has a right to their own personal

opinion on anything at any given time, we do not have the right to force or

opinions on others though.  Keep up the great work, and thanks again.

Live for today, tomorrow is not here yet and laugh at yourself often before

someone else does.

 

McGee, EMT-P

 

Subject: Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

To: texasems-l

Date: Friday, August 14, 2009, 11:37 AM

 

Is your EMS service Government run? Is it not a good run service? Is that what

your telling me?

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. "

To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

currently being used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a

myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has

identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting

waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending

big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such

steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term,

reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For

seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of

life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family

decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA,

extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA

Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform

will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them

pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms

who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare,

ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to

insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make

prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you

out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the

contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health

insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more

convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying

a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a

direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be

easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy

will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

No Kenny, as I sit here cleaning up the coke I just spit all over the place

while laughing. I have to say I found it funny too!

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

wrote: >>> I try and look at socialized medicine as helping my

fellow man rather than the big bad " Socialism " with crossed sickle and hammer

flag!! <<<

I am willing to give socialized medicine a try. What is in it for me?

Kenny Navarro

Dallas

PS. It is a joke, although I conceed that it may be funny only to me.

[Guest guest]

I believe that you forgot the last security and stability item with

regard to the things the legislation would end with insurance companies.

9.. Ends commercial health insurance companies.

Dick

Celina, Texas

At 09:24 AM 8/14/2009, you wrote:

>

>

>

> 8 ways

>

>8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

>without coverage

>

>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.

[Guest guest]

" ...if it is run by the right people... "

Those very words have been spoken by the proponents of every failed

socialist society in history, Chris. (which, by the way, is all of them)

The *idea* can't be flawed, it's just the people implementing it! Do it

again, only harder!

Capitalism works. Where it breaks down is when government tries to make

it work *better.*

wrote:

>

> Here is my opinion in the form of a few questions. Why are " we " in

> the U.S. so opposed (scared) to socialism (not Communism, and not

> Facisim)? We live in a place that has socialized Police, Fire and

> EMS (for the most part) and socialized systems like the post office or

> a local farmers co-op, yet we call them something else politicly out

> what I can only guess is fear, for being Commies. There is no perfect

> system, Facisim obviously doesn't work as Germany can attest,

> Communism doesn't work as the Soviets can attest, but right now

> capitalism is not working either. In all instances someone always has

> the power of another. Take a look at how companies like Exxon,

> Microsoft, the pharmaceutical companies, and others are

> " Capitalizing " our market, the people who run these companies do have

> the power in this country they elect lawmakers by paying for their

> campaigns, they get laws passed by lobbying etc. With all that being

> said will socialism more pertinent to this group socialized medicine

> work in this country? MAYBE! if it is run by the " right " people and in

> my opinion right now the Government (federal) is full of the absolute

> wrong people. this country is full of men and women who will go out

> of their way to help their fellow man, we raise money for charities we

> hold bbq`s and carnivals for co-workers who have cancer, what is so

> wrong with everyone being equal when it comes to getting healthcare? I

> hear the argument about people who don`t have jobs or pay taxes but

> folks we are already paying for those people`s healthcare! As much as

> kills me to say this it does work in other places maybe not perfect

> but better than the current system we have. Sorry to get so political

> with this topic guys but it`s almost completely a political subject.

> I try and look at socialized medicine as helping my fellow man rather

> than the big bad " Socialism " with crossed sickle and hammer flag!!

>

> -Chris

>

> The views expressed here are solely based on MY opinions, and should

> be taken as such!!!

>

>

>

> > Ron, first of all, I wish to extend a sincere thank you from the

> > majority of this group for sharing news and information as it

> > pertains to our practice of medicine. Please ignore comments and

> > criticisms from those that choose to ignore both the facts and the

> > obvious. Everyone has a right to their own personal opinion on

> > anything at any given time, we do not have the right to force or

> > opinions on others though. Keep up the great work, and thanks again.

> >

> > Live for today, tomorrow is not here yet and laugh at yourself often

> > before someone else does.

> >

> > McGee, EMT-P

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > From: Ron Haussecker haussecker87@...

> >

> > Subject: Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate

> > Person

> > To: texasems-l

> > Date: Friday, August 14, 2009, 11:37 AM

> >

> >

> >

> > Is your EMS service Government run? Is it not a good run service? Is

> > that what your telling me?

> > Ron

> > 8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 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.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in EMS then

all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital District services

are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am I wrong? If so tell me

what you mean.

Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we can ignore

anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many Veterans lying on the

ground dying, and elderly that have zero health care, and if you believe in that

then please rethink. Are we suppose to through all the 400-800 State School

Clients out of the Government run system here on the street as threaten to

do last session? They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are

all government contracted services, so if you want the government out of health

care them through them on the street " now " !

Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

Ron

8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > coverage

> >

> > 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.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

What you say below I don't believe is correct. The bill is on line, so the

myth no one gets to read it is wrong. In the Town Hall meeting I've seen many

that have read it, printed it out (both House and Senate Versions-different) and

they take a single line out of the House or Senate Version and scream and holler

about it. That is part of the process of legislation and thank goodness our

government is allowing us to debate/discuss/scream/ praise or whatever as part

of our democratic process. I know there have many Town Halls in my area already

and more will come this month of August and anyone can go. I also know everyone

has made it clear the House and Senate Versions are different, so there would be

some bill in the middle with a conference committee appoint from each house to

hammer out the difference. I don't anything is perfect that I know of , so why

are we so afraid to take something broken and fix it, or do we as health care

professionals want to take a position of " they have no money so let em die " , but

lets go give Billions to foreign Countries like Iraq and give them free health

care, and build Billions in Hospitals for them as we already have, and what will

you get for those tax dollars. Why should they get the best health care and our

American citizens get less? Tell me why? I understand what your saying and you

have made some excellent points.

Thanks

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

" rationing. " To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing

that are currently being used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a

myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President

has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining

paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will

otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors.

For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary,

private consultations for those who want help with these personal and

difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now.

To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were

previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be

available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits.

To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare

" doughnut " hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force

you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier

and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.

Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by

traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be

standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to

you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other

electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

Who cares where the conversation starts from? Isn't it more important we have

the conversation, or do you want to be more concerned where " you " think the info

came from. You can post something from the GOP website and will talk about it. I

could care less where it comes from, as long as it's facts and not allot of

political fast talk as we call it in Texas Politics " The Texas Two Step "

Thanks for your wonderful comments, insight, and taking allot of time to post an

excellent post,

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

" rationing. " To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing

that are currently being used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a

myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President

has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health

programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing

efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining

paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will

otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors.

For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary,

private consultations for those who want help with these personal and

difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now.

To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were

previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be

available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field

with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits.

To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare

" doughnut " hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force

you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier

and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose.

Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by

traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be

standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to

you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other

electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

You made great points Mike, but you do not know if the DNC, GOP, and the Obama

regime have read the bill or not, if you do, then where did you find that out?

Anyway you have some great suggestions. Thanks for putting them out there, and

keep them coming.

Thanks

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that reform

will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to " rationing. " To the

contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being

used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth

that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified

ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud,

and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to

insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating

care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down

costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious myth

that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors

who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life

decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for

those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary,

the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending

care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare

system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will

ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for

employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much

less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure

better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance

companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to make prescription

drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out

of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary,

reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd

myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance

reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for

you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a

utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic

payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand.

The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do

for all other electronic payments that people make.

[Guest guest]

The word " Socialism " is just a word that was used by folks to scare others

about anything this new President is trying to do. If we deal with is as Health

Care Reform then we and make our Country strong. I think the last numbers I saw

was Texas is 48 to 49th in providing health care for our children better know as

CHIPS. I'm ashamed we will let our young children like in the streets and die

due to politics, and won't stand by and be silent about killing our children in

Texas so that folks and get elected. If we elected folks to kill our fellow

Texans, then we need a head check. I thought Texans Stood up for fellow Texans,

but maybe those days passed me by years ago.

Keep the great comments and thoughts coming to keep us thinking and thanks for

all the thought and time you put in writing the post.

Ron

8 ways

>

> 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> coverage

>

> 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.

>

> 8 common myths about health insurance reform

>

> 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> " rationing. "

> To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> currently being used by insurance companies.

> 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> It's a

> myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> President has

> identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> by cutting

> waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> ending

> big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> such

> steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> term,

> reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> fiscal crisis.

> 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> malicious

> myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> seniors. For

> seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> end-of

> life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> difficult family

> decisions.

> 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> insurance

> reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> under the VA,

> extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> excluded. The VA

> Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> veterans.

> 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> that

> health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> reform

> will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> help them

> pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> firms

> who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> Health

> Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> the

> contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> Medicare,

> ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> subsidies to

> insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> to make

> prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> force you

> out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> To the

> contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> an

> absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> Health

> insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> more

> convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> like paying

> a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> by a

> direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> will be

> easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> of privacy

> will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> make.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kenny,

It maybe a joke, but many, many folks really want to know exactly what

your question was and that is some of the problem. Everyone wants to know what

they get.

Thanks

Ron

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

wrote: >>> I try and look at socialized medicine as helping my

fellow man rather than the big bad " Socialism " with crossed sickle and hammer

flag!! <<<

I am willing to give socialized medicine a try. What is in it for me?

Kenny Navarro

Dallas

PS. It is a joke, although I conceed that it may be funny only to me.

[Guest guest]

I'm certainly not the perfect or even the right person to sell Health Care

Reform, but I'm an American and I have my own thoughts and ideas, and thank all

those that sacrificed so I could express them. We have the blueprint for

democracy for the world so lets show you can have a disagree on a national

issue, but come to a conclusion of making something better than it is. Remember

" We are not a perfect union "

Thanks

Ron

8 ways

>

>8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

>without coverage

>

>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.

[Guest guest]

Ron I think you have hit the nail on the head people here the term

" socialized medicine " and they have fears of the old communist days

where everyone answers to the supreme leader that controls everything

by force but we are lucky here we can stand up and tell our leaders no

if we don't like what they are doing the constitution assures that.

-Chris

Sorry for the spelling and punctuation this was sent from my iPhone!

On Aug 15, 2009, at 0:03, Ron Haussecker haussecker87@...>

wrote:

> The word " Socialism " is just a word that was used by folks to scare

> others about anything this new President is trying to do. If we deal

> with is as Health Care Reform then we and make our Country strong. I

> think the last numbers I saw was Texas is 48 to 49th in providing

> health care for our children better know as CHIPS. I'm ashamed we

> will let our young children like in the streets and die due to

> politics, and won't stand by and be silent about killing our

> children in Texas so that folks and get elected. If we elected folks

> to kill our fellow Texans, then we need a head check. I thought

> Texans Stood up for fellow Texans, but maybe those days passed me by

> years ago.

> Keep the great comments and thoughts coming to keep us thinking and

> thanks for all the thought and time you put in writing the post.

> Ron

> 8 ways

> >

> > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or

> without

> > coverage

> >

> > 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.

> >

> > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> >

> > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > " rationing. "

> > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > It's a

> > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > President has

> > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > by cutting

> > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > ending

> > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > such

> > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > term,

> > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > fiscal crisis.

> > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > malicious

> > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > seniors. For

> > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > end-of

> > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > difficult family

> > decisions.

> > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > insurance

> > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > under the VA,

> > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > excluded. The VA

> > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > veterans.

> > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > that

> > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > reform

> > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > help them

> > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > firms

> > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > Health

> > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > the

> > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > Medicare,

> > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > subsidies to

> > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > to make

> > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > force you

> > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > To the

> > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > an

> > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > Health

> > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > more

> > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > like paying

> > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > by a

> > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > will be

> > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > of privacy

> > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > make.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Where are all these dead children in the streets? Just drove from Tyler to

Abilene, figger I should have passed a couple hundred.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

The word " Socialism " is just a word that was used by folks to scare others

about anything this new President is trying to do. If we deal with is as Health

Care Reform then we and make our Country strong. I think the last numbers I saw

was Texas is 48 to 49th in providing health care for our children better know as

CHIPS. I'm ashamed we will let our young children like in the streets and die

due to politics, and won't stand by and be silent about killing our children in

Texas so that folks and get elected. If we elected folks to kill our fellow

Texans, then we need a head check. I thought Texans Stood up for fellow Texans,

but maybe those days passed me by years ago.

Keep the great comments and thoughts coming to keep us thinking and thanks for

all the thought and time you put in writing the post.

Ron

8 ways

>

> 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> coverage

>

> 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.

>

> 8 common myths about health insurance reform

>

> 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> " rationing. "

> To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> currently being used by insurance companies.

> 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> It's a

> myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> President has

> identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> by cutting

> waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> ending

> big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> such

> steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> term,

> reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> fiscal crisis.

> 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> malicious

> myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> seniors. For

> seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> end-of

> life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> difficult family

> decisions.

> 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> insurance

> reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> under the VA,

> extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> excluded. The VA

> Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> veterans.

> 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> that

> health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> reform

> will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> help them

> pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> firms

> who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> Health

> Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> the

> contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> Medicare,

> ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> subsidies to

> insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> to make

> prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> force you

> out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> To the

> contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> an

> absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> Health

> insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> more

> convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> like paying

> a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> by a

> direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> will be

> easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> of privacy

> will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> make.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Where are all these dead children in the streets? Just drove from Tyler to

Abilene, figger I should have passed a couple hundred.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

The word " Socialism " is just a word that was used by folks to scare others

about anything this new President is trying to do. If we deal with is as Health

Care Reform then we and make our Country strong. I think the last numbers I saw

was Texas is 48 to 49th in providing health care for our children better know as

CHIPS. I'm ashamed we will let our young children like in the streets and die

due to politics, and won't stand by and be silent about killing our children in

Texas so that folks and get elected. If we elected folks to kill our fellow

Texans, then we need a head check. I thought Texans Stood up for fellow Texans,

but maybe those days passed me by years ago.

Keep the great comments and thoughts coming to keep us thinking and thanks for

all the thought and time you put in writing the post.

Ron

8 ways

>

> 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> coverage

>

> 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.

>

> 8 common myths about health insurance reform

>

> 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> " rationing. "

> To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> currently being used by insurance companies.

> 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> It's a

> myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> President has

> identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> by cutting

> waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> ending

> big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> such

> steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> term,

> reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> fiscal crisis.

> 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> malicious

> myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> seniors. For

> seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> end-of

> life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> difficult family

> decisions.

> 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> insurance

> reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> under the VA,

> extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> excluded. The VA

> Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> veterans.

> 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> that

> health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> reform

> will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> help them

> pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> firms

> who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> Health

> Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> the

> contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> Medicare,

> ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> subsidies to

> insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> to make

> prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> force you

> out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> To the

> contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> an

> absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> Health

> insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> more

> convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> like paying

> a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> by a

> direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> will be

> easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> of privacy

> will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> make.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Where are all these dead children in the streets? Just drove from Tyler to

Abilene, figger I should have passed a couple hundred.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: Health Care Reform Facts for the Educate Person

The word " Socialism " is just a word that was used by folks to scare others

about anything this new President is trying to do. If we deal with is as Health

Care Reform then we and make our Country strong. I think the last numbers I saw

was Texas is 48 to 49th in providing health care for our children better know as

CHIPS. I'm ashamed we will let our young children like in the streets and die

due to politics, and won't stand by and be silent about killing our children in

Texas so that folks and get elected. If we elected folks to kill our fellow

Texans, then we need a head check. I thought Texans Stood up for fellow Texans,

but maybe those days passed me by years ago.

Keep the great comments and thoughts coming to keep us thinking and thanks for

all the thought and time you put in writing the post.

Ron

8 ways

>

> 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> coverage

>

> 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.

>

> 8 common myths about health insurance reform

>

> 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> " rationing. "

> To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> currently being used by insurance companies.

> 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> It's a

> myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> President has

> identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> by cutting

> waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> ending

> big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> such

> steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> term,

> reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> fiscal crisis.

> 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> malicious

> myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> seniors. For

> seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> end-of

> life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> difficult family

> decisions.

> 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> insurance

> reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> under the VA,

> extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> excluded. The VA

> Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> veterans.

> 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> that

> health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> reform

> will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> help them

> pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> firms

> who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> Health

> Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> the

> contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> Medicare,

> ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> subsidies to

> insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> to make

> prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> force you

> out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> To the

> contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> an

> absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> Health

> insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> more

> convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> like paying

> a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> by a

> direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> will be

> easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> of privacy

> will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> make.

>

>

[Guest guest]

From a purely libertarian standpoint, yes they are broken down. If it

requires taxpayer subsidy to operate, it's broken. Bottom line is, if

people feel something is valuable enough, they'll be willing to pay for

it. Now, if they continually vote for the tax renewal, I suppose you

could say that the populace is indeed willing to pay for it. Well, 51%

of them, at least.

And I don't know where YOU live, but veterans where I live already get

free health care through the VA system. Of course in this case, " free "

is worth exactly what you pay for it. Then again, the VA is the only

model we have for how government-run socialized medicine will work,

which is reason enough for me to run screaming in the other direction.

We already have government-mandated health care in this country, our own

little model of socialized medicine we can look to for clues. It's

called EMTALA.

Raise your hands if you think that even 50% of ER patients actually need

to be in an emergency room.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

And I know of VERY few elderly people who are uninsured. Most either

have Medicare or Medicaid. In the case of Medicaid, the user has no

co-pay, no deductible, no financial skin in the game, and usually not

even tax dollars. In fact, they may even get a cash payout of OUR tax

dollars in the form of Earned Income Credit. Having no skin in the game,

there is ZERO incentive to use it wisely - which leads to rampant abuse.

Most of the uninsured in this country are the working poor, or the young

and healthy who think they don't need insurance - and for the most part,

these young and healthy aren't that much of a burden to the system.

Raise your hands here if you've never picked up a Medicaid recipient

wanting a free pregnancy test, or someone who games the system to get a

ride across town, or who uses the ER as their 24 hour free clinic.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Medicaid will NEVER be utilized appropriately by the vast numbers of

recipients until they have to make the same decisions that privately

insured citizens have to make: " Is this ER visit or doctor's appointment

worth my grocery bill/cable bill/phone bill/disposable income it will

cost in terms of my co-pay? "

And yes, I talk tough. Bottom line is, you think health care is a right.

I don't.

Health care is a *commodity.* If it were a right, that means EVERYONE

should have it provided for them, without regard for compensation. That

means someone has to provide that health care, and that's where the

argument that health care is a human right breaks down. Because frankly,

your rights end where mine begin, and *I* have a right to be paid for my

work, and to let the market determine the worth of the service I provide.

What NONE of the politicians in this issue have told us - because they

can't - is how expanding coverage to millions more people is going to

make costs and use of the benefits go DOWN. It won't. One of two things

will happen - either expenses WILL soar and reimbursement to individual

medical providers (like EMS, doctors, hospitals, etc.) will be cut, or

they WILL ration care. This is economic fact, not Republican or

Democratic rhetoric. And when they start rationing care, the most

obvious place to start is for those elderly patients you're so concerned

about. 25% of Medicare dollars are spent on patients in their last year

of life. The Democrats say that the elderly won't have their benefits

cut, and right now I believe they are sincere when they say so.

I also believe that once the camel's nose is under the tent in regards

to the government determining the level of care someone will be

provided, that promise will go right out the window. It always does when

politicians promising the moon and the stars for votes get smacked right

in the face with cold, hard reality.

Ron Haussecker wrote:

>

>

> Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

> government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in

> EMS then all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital

> District services are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am

> I wrong? If so tell me what you mean.

> Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we

> can ignore anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many

> Veterans lying on the ground dying, and elderly that have zero health

> care, and if you believe in that then please rethink. Are we suppose

> to through all the 400-800 State School Clients out of the Government

> run system here on the street as threaten to do last session?

> They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are all

> government contracted services, so if you want the government out of

> health care them through them on the street " now " !

> Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

> Ron

> 8 ways

> > >

> > > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > > coverage

> > >

> > > 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.

> > >

> > > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> > >

> > > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > > " rationing. "

> > > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > > It's a

> > > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > > President has

> > > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > > by cutting

> > > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > > ending

> > > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > > such

> > > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > > term,

> > > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > > fiscal crisis.

> > > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > > malicious

> > > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > > seniors. For

> > > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > > end-of

> > > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > > difficult family

> > > decisions.

> > > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > > insurance

> > > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > > under the VA,

> > > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > > excluded. The VA

> > > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > > veterans.

> > > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > > that

> > > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > > reform

> > > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > > help them

> > > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > > firms

> > > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > > Health

> > > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > > the

> > > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > > Medicare,

> > > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > > subsidies to

> > > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > > to make

> > > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > > force you

> > > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > > To the

> > > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > > an

> > > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > > Health

> > > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > > more

> > > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > > like paying

> > > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > > by a

> > > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > > will be

> > > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > > of privacy

> > > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > > make.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

From a purely libertarian standpoint, yes they are broken down. If it

requires taxpayer subsidy to operate, it's broken. Bottom line is, if

people feel something is valuable enough, they'll be willing to pay for

it. Now, if they continually vote for the tax renewal, I suppose you

could say that the populace is indeed willing to pay for it. Well, 51%

of them, at least.

And I don't know where YOU live, but veterans where I live already get

free health care through the VA system. Of course in this case, " free "

is worth exactly what you pay for it. Then again, the VA is the only

model we have for how government-run socialized medicine will work,

which is reason enough for me to run screaming in the other direction.

We already have government-mandated health care in this country, our own

little model of socialized medicine we can look to for clues. It's

called EMTALA.

Raise your hands if you think that even 50% of ER patients actually need

to be in an emergency room.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

And I know of VERY few elderly people who are uninsured. Most either

have Medicare or Medicaid. In the case of Medicaid, the user has no

co-pay, no deductible, no financial skin in the game, and usually not

even tax dollars. In fact, they may even get a cash payout of OUR tax

dollars in the form of Earned Income Credit. Having no skin in the game,

there is ZERO incentive to use it wisely - which leads to rampant abuse.

Most of the uninsured in this country are the working poor, or the young

and healthy who think they don't need insurance - and for the most part,

these young and healthy aren't that much of a burden to the system.

Raise your hands here if you've never picked up a Medicaid recipient

wanting a free pregnancy test, or someone who games the system to get a

ride across town, or who uses the ER as their 24 hour free clinic.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Medicaid will NEVER be utilized appropriately by the vast numbers of

recipients until they have to make the same decisions that privately

insured citizens have to make: " Is this ER visit or doctor's appointment

worth my grocery bill/cable bill/phone bill/disposable income it will

cost in terms of my co-pay? "

And yes, I talk tough. Bottom line is, you think health care is a right.

I don't.

Health care is a *commodity.* If it were a right, that means EVERYONE

should have it provided for them, without regard for compensation. That

means someone has to provide that health care, and that's where the

argument that health care is a human right breaks down. Because frankly,

your rights end where mine begin, and *I* have a right to be paid for my

work, and to let the market determine the worth of the service I provide.

What NONE of the politicians in this issue have told us - because they

can't - is how expanding coverage to millions more people is going to

make costs and use of the benefits go DOWN. It won't. One of two things

will happen - either expenses WILL soar and reimbursement to individual

medical providers (like EMS, doctors, hospitals, etc.) will be cut, or

they WILL ration care. This is economic fact, not Republican or

Democratic rhetoric. And when they start rationing care, the most

obvious place to start is for those elderly patients you're so concerned

about. 25% of Medicare dollars are spent on patients in their last year

of life. The Democrats say that the elderly won't have their benefits

cut, and right now I believe they are sincere when they say so.

I also believe that once the camel's nose is under the tent in regards

to the government determining the level of care someone will be

provided, that promise will go right out the window. It always does when

politicians promising the moon and the stars for votes get smacked right

in the face with cold, hard reality.

Ron Haussecker wrote:

>

>

> Based on you response " Capitalism works. where it breaks down is when

> government tries to make it work *better*. If I take that to heart in

> EMS then all the EMS Districts, DSHS, and all the City/County/Hospital

> District services are broken down. That the way I interpret it, but am

> I wrong? If so tell me what you mean.

> Thank you and EVERYONE responding, because this is " not " something we

> can ignore anymore, and it has been far to long. I've seen to many

> Veterans lying on the ground dying, and elderly that have zero health

> care, and if you believe in that then please rethink. Are we suppose

> to through all the 400-800 State School Clients out of the Government

> run system here on the street as threaten to do last session?

> They are all on Medicaid or Medicare. Medicaid and Medicare are all

> government contracted services, so if you want the government out of

> health care them through them on the street " now " !

> Tough talk, but it's a tough world for those without health care.

> Ron

> 8 ways

> > >

> > > 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

> > > coverage

> > >

> > > 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.

> > >

> > > 8 common myths about health insurance reform

> > >

> > > 1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

> > > reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

> > > " rationing. "

> > > To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

> > > currently being used by insurance companies.

> > > 2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford.

> > > It's a

> > > myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the

> > > President has

> > > identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs

> > > by cutting

> > > waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;

> > > ending

> > > big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with

> > > such

> > > steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long

> > > term,

> > > reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a

> > > fiscal crisis.

> > > 3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a

> > > malicious

> > > myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for

> > > seniors. For

> > > seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about

> > > end-of

> > > life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

> > > consultations for those who want help with these personal and

> > > difficult family

> > > decisions.

> > > 4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health

> > > insurance

> > > reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

> > > contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage

> > > under the VA,

> > > extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously

> > > excluded. The VA

> > > Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible

> > > veterans.

> > > 5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth

> > > that

> > > health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

> > > reform

> > > will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to

> > > help them

> > > pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big

> > > firms

> > > who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

> > > 6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that

> > > Health

> > > Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To

> > > the

> > > contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of

> > > Medicare,

> > > ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary

> > > subsidies to

> > > insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole

> > > to make

> > > prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

> > > 7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will

> > > force you

> > > out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors.

> > > To the

> > > contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

> > > 8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is

> > > an

> > > absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

> > > Health

> > > insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and

> > > more

> > > convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just

> > > like paying

> > > a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or

> > > by a

> > > direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they

> > > will be

> > > easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules

> > > of privacy

> > > will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people

> > > make.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

I'm referring to VA, Medicare, Medicaid. The beauracracy is horrendous.

My doctor brother-in-law will not accept Workman's comp or

Medicare/Medicaid because it takes them months to pay. I have a friend who is

a disabled

vet and he's had to wait months to be seen. Granted, all of my evidence is

anecdotal but magnitude of the anecdotal evidence points to a problem.

The service is indeed " government " run, but the board consists of local

people who have a vested interest in the success of the service. By vested

interest, I mean that they rely on the ambulance to be there when/if its

needed, not making money.

I've dealt with socialized medicine. The only time I had a personal

relationship with my doctor was when he was assigned to the same ship I was.

The rest of the time I wouldn't be seen by the same practioner twice.

Granted, most of the time it was for what ever ailment was floating around at

the

time and a follow up wasn't required. It would have been nice to have the

same doctor following my care when I shattered my arm.

BTW, I, too, have read the bill and there are many areas that the language

in the bill contradicts the talking points. We need reform but not in the

form of this current " ram it down our throats, take it or leave it " manner.

Kirk

EMT-B

In a message dated 8/14/2009 11:37:54 Central Daylight Time,

haussecker87@... writes:

Is your EMS service Government run? Is it not a good run service? Is that

what your telling me?

Ron

8 ways

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without

coverage

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.

8 common myths about health insurance reform

1.. Reform will stop " rationing " - not increase it: It's a myth that

reform will mean a " government takeover " of health care or lead to

" rationing. "

To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are

currently being used by insurance companies.

2.. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a

myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has

identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by

cutting

waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending

big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such

steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term,

reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal

crisis.

3.. Reform would encourage " euthanasia " : It does not. It's a malicious

myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors.

For

seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of

life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private

consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult

family

decisions.

4.. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance

reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the

contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the

VA,

extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The

VA

Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

5.. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that

health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary,

reform

will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help

them

pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms

who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

6.. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health

Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the

contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare,

ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to

insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare " doughnut " hole to

make

prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

7.. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you

out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the

contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an

absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts.

Health

insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more

convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like

paying

a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a

direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be

easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of

privacy

will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

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