HR 3200--Federal Health Care Bill

I just attended my local Town Hall meeting with Congressman Gary Miller. It was held in the East Room of the Nixon Library and the room was packed. It started at 7 PM and when I left after 9:35, there was continued discussion. He said he would stay until all had an opportunity to express their views and I think he did.

A handout was available on items in the bill and he had two copies of the bill for anyone wanting to review it. With over 1000 pages, I didn't see anyone sit down to look at it. There were five pages of the summary and it generated a lot of interesting thoughts, from both sides of the aisle.

A few topics were: Does not require proof of citizenship to obtain health services, requires that if one family member is covered (by birth), all members are covered and requires free translation services.

A government committee determines what benefits are available--like treatments, drugs, devices, etc. and private insurers are forced to comly with new coverage and underwriting rules. There is another section that provides shelter from judicial review--you can only sue the government plan in federal courts.

It also discussed new tax on health insurance policies, a 2.5% income tax increase on individuals without health insurance, tax increases, etc. There is an 8% payroll tax on employers who can't afford to offer health insurance to employees. And--$500,000 fine and $100 a day on employers for providing "Insufficient Coverage."

If the government commission determines abortion is an essential benefit, providers would be required to pay for abortions. Lots of questions on implementation arose.

Another section still in the bill as of today is "Advanced Care" or "end of Life Care" counseling for seniors. You get the general idea.

After the review of the above sections, plus a number of others, there were comments from the audience. It was a general concern that we are spending money we don't have. The bill would not go in effect until 2013, after the 2012 election. As another person stated, government doesn't do anything better than private enterprise which made him nervous. Yet another comment from the Mayor of La Habra Heights said progress wil stop when government gets involved and it won't work. We have made great advances in the medical profession which may not stop. He said we don't need a shotgun approach when a few areas need fixing.

In reviewing some of the contents, there were a couple of comments made concerning certain constitutional challenges such a bill might have. Yet another individual made the comment that government created the problem and now it is leading us closer to the path of socialism. Strong comments were made that an alternate plan is needed.

So much more, and it was an interesting discussion.