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Congressman Dave Reichert on new health care bill
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On Tuesday, August 10th, I sat in on a health care reform teleconference with Congressman David Reichert and some of his constituents from the 8th Congressional District in Washington State. I didn't get a chance to ask a question because the meeting was short and Congressman Reichert's answers were long. The telephone Town Hall format is very controlled and does not allow for much interaction. I would like to address just a few of the things that I heard on this teleconference. .jpg)
This is some of what Congressman Reichert told his constituents that had phoned into his teleconference on health care –
Reichert:
Congressman Reichert said that benefits under the new health care reform bill would be limited. A caller indicated her concern that the new plan would ration benefits and that her special needs child would not receive adequate care. Congressman Reichert did not disagree or correct this caller.
Fact:
The health care reform being proposed right now will forbid rationing or the practice of denying people coverage for a pre- existing condition. There is widespread rationing with private insurers denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions, limiting care, or kicking people out all together.
Reichert:
Congressman Reichert said that employers might be inclined to drop their employees health insurance and pay a fine of 8% because that would be cheaper than insuring their workers.
Fact:
First of all, the 8% fine is for large companies. There is a sliding scale where many small businesses would pay no fine at all. The fine for companies with annual payrolls from $250,000 to $400,000 is from 1% to 6% and applies to businesses with more than 25 employees. 90% of businesses have fewer than 25 employees. But it's highly unlikely that any small company would be paying a fine because businesses that can't afford to offer insurance would finally be able to. Right now small businesses are paying about 18% to 20% more for health coverage than big businesses. Health care reform will ease the burden on small businesses and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less. Small businesses will be able to participate in a health insurance exchange and they will receive tax credits for offering employees insurance. You can find more information on this topic on page 188 of the new health care bill.
Right now Boeing pays about $15,000 a year for each family insurance plan they provide their employees. Boeing doesn't have a reason to stop offering their comprehensive health insurance plan and they will not be eligible for the public plan in the new reform bill. They pay almost all of each employee's insurance premium. It's ridiculous to assume that health care reform would cause them to stop paying these premiums and force their employees to fend for themselves. For most companies, the insurance they offer is part of an employment package, an incentive package designed to recruit and keep employees. For many companies, such as Boeing, a union protects these benefits. Does Congressman Reichert think that unions are going to just roll over and play dead? In all likelihood, premium expense for large companies will go down when reform forces private insurers to compete. When our employers pay less in premiums, we could see more in earnings. With reform, big health insurance company CEO’s might have to adjust their multi-million dollar bonus packages!
Reichert:
Congressman Reichert spoke as if the new health care reform bill does not address waste and fraud.
Fact:
In fact one of the primary objectives of health care reform would be to control costs by eliminating fraud and waste. This was always a priority and it is addressed in the new health care reform bill.
Reichert:
Mr. Reichert spoke of a Health Choices Commissioner with no medical background that would make medical decisions for all of us.
Fact:
Our doctors, with our consent, will continue to help us with our medical decisions, not the US Government or an assigned commissioner!
Page 31 of the new health care reform bill covers the appointment of Advisory Committees. Members would be appointed in a similar manner in which the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission was appointed. The members of this Advisory Committee will represent consumers, labor, employers, health insurance issuers, experts in health care financing and delivery, experts in the care of those with disabilities, practicing physicians, and experts on children’s health. These health professionals shall represent a balance among various sectors of the health care system so that no single sector unduly influences the recommendations of the committee. The Surgeon General will be a member of this advisory committee and the committee will allow for public input.
Congressman Reichert is inviting people to submit their health care stories on a form on his website. The websites indicates that he “may” use your letter. If you look at the letters that were submitted you will find that they are all carefully selected. If your letter does not agree with his position, it will not be posted. He takes this a little further, by posting a sensational letter filled with inaccuracies by an obviously frightened constituent. Mr. Reichert should have sent a letter to this constituent stating that although he does not agree with the new health care reform bill, he is certain that no one would be allowed to die under any government health care plan! I can only assume that this letter was posted in an attempt to frighten people.
If you have a couple of hours to kill, you might want to read the new health care bill. You will find that it is comprehensive, well thought out, and is all about protecting our health and providing coverage for everyone. The public option can be found on Page 116.
If you like your health care, you can keep it! More than 95% of us will not be taxed to pay for the reform that will help the uninsured, the under-insured and those barely able to keep up with skyrocketing premiums. If you lose your job, have a very serious illness or medical condition, this reform will make sure that you receive health care. No one should have to fight an insurance company for needed treatment or have to declare bankruptcy because of medical bills.
I would like to challenge Congressman Reichert to consider that at least half of his constituents want health care reform and a plan that includes a public option. It's time for Congressman Reichert to hold an in-person Town Hall meeting for everyone in the 8th Congressional District!
For More Information:
Reality Check On Health Care Reform Bill
Congressman Reichert's Health Scare Story Page
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