Fl Congresswoman Kathy Castor says healthcare reform bill will help families with private insurance

August 13, 8:47 PMTampa Headlines ExaminerDanette Pelletier

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Kathy Castor, Florida Congesswoman

Tonight, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) held a telephone town hall conference call to answer questions on the nation's healthcare reform bill.

This is Part 1 in a series of articles covering the events of that call.

Tonight's effort was a virtual cakewalk compared to the ugly, disruptive scene that erupted in Tampa on August 6th. An embarrassment to all Florida residents, that debacle received national attention as evidence of the breakdown in political discourse surrounding the healthcare reform issue.

Tonight's call, however, was far more productive, although not surprising since Castor has held three previous telephone town hall meetings this year. Thousands of people were present on the call.

Callers were allowed to submit questions for Congresswoman Castor to answer directly, and as a result, a lot of the misinformation that has permeated this issue was finally debunked.

A few highlights:

• Referring to a recent article printed in the Tampa Tribune, Castor noted that ten years ago, only about 10% of FL residents were uninsured. Today, that number has risen to approximately 25%, although many of those who remain uninsured are gainfully employed.
• After commenting on the unprecedented rise in private insurance premiums, Castor said that even those currently covered by private insurance are affected by the burdens of Florida's mass of uninsureds, since healthcare providers, including hospital emergency rooms, pass on the cost of caring for the uninsured, which private insurers then pass onto members in the form of increased copayments and premiums.
• Under the proposed healthcare reform bill, people who currently receive private insurance through their employer will not lose coverage if they lose and/or change jobs. They will be able to keep their coverage if they so choose.
• The bill includes provisions for new jobs and scholarships for students entering the healthcare field, especially those interested in primary and preventive care, which should favorably impact local colleges, including USF and Hillsborough Community College.
• Retired Floridians on Medicare will have access to cheaper prescription drugs once the number of uninsureds currently driving up all healthcare costs is diminished.
• Castor reminded callers that Florida doesn't even allow drivers to operate their vehicles on Florida roadways without auto insurance, and that Floridians need to take personal responsbility for their own health instead of relying on hospital emergency rooms for care. The healthcare reform bill will make coverage more affordable and accessible to everyone.

Click here to continue to Part II of this story, in which Castor explains how families with private insurance will benefit under the provisions of the healthcare reform bill