Has your support for health care reform increased or decreased?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The battle lines are drawn - when it comes to health care reform. Senate Democrats now say the debate has practically stalled; and they're blaming Republicans for blocking votes. The Republicans deny it.
At issue: The 10-year, nearly $1 trillion bill that would require most Americans to carry insurance, expand Medicaid and require insurers to cover people regardless of their medical history.
That's what we do know about this bill... but buried in the thousands of pages of legislation are other things that people might not know about.
For starters - under the Senate's plan, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be granted broad new powers - including the authority to decide what procedures insurers should cover and who should get them. I don't know about you, but that idea creeps me out.
Also - Critics say that despite President Obama's promise that illegal aliens won't get health coverage - hundreds of thousands of people here illegally could get just that under this legislation. That's because while the bills making their way through Congress either mandate or encourage businesses to cover all employees - there are no exemptions to screen out illegals, who usually get jobs by using fake identities.
Meanwhile a new USA Today/Gallup poll suggests that despite all the efforts of the president and Democrats to get this legislation passed, Americans are leaning against it - with 49-percent saying they would tell their member of Congress to vote against a bill - just 44-percent say they would want them to support it.
Here’s my question to you: Has your support for health care reform increased or decreased in the past 6 months?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
John writes:
My support for the bills in Congress has died. It’s too expensive with no clear evidence that they will actually reduce costs. Looks more and more like a balloon without the skin.
Morgan from Georgia writes:
My support for health care has increased. My support for this particular health care bill has decreased. Yes, we need reform, but we also need reform that will be effective and efficient. This bill is neither.
Katie from Illinois writes:
I support health care reform even more strongly. When you see the health care entities, big business and the Republicans spending millions of dollars to defeat it, that is proof it is the right thing to do. You are always quoting critics but ignore supporters. How about a little more middle of the road, Jack?
Rob from Georgia writes:
Something needs to be done; all this bickering is pointless. I'm tired of all the arguing. Let’s just take the reform, get it up and running, and take care of all the problems as it rolls. They had to first make a Constitution before they could amend it.
Guy from Hawaii writes:
Aloha, Jack. I'm SICK of the whole debate. It's unhealthy for me to pay attention anymore. I'm just going to eat my vegetables, exercise and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the meantime, I'm taking 2 Aspirins and calling nobody in the morning that has anything to do with health care, health insurance (biggest rip-off business in the world) or politics. I think I'll feel better!
Reid writes:
Decreased. This government is proving it can't run anything. As usual.
Allen from Idaho writes:
It is strong now and it has always been strong. I don't understand how anyone who has a respect for life and human dignity can be against covering all Americans in a health care system. We live in the richest country in the world and thousands of Americans die every year because they don't have basic health care. We should all be ashamed.
Michael writes:
China will not allow us to have health care reform; it will cost them too much.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
How can you expect anyone to support something that isn't true reform? How can you call government interference in a market "reform"? Get the government out – and I mean completely out – of the health care industry, and let us choose our own medicine...
Jack, if by "health care reform" you mean the bills before the house and Senate, my support has decreased to about zero. If you mean the concept of a rational, responsible and affordable reform which does not hand control of health care over to the government and the left wing ideologues, then I'm for it as much as I can be.
My support for this particular reform has decreased. My first choice was single-payer which was taken off the table before anyone sat down. I "settled" for the public option and that is being weakened by the hour. I really don't understand the people who are opposed to it. Government will be subsidizing health coverage if this passes and that subsidy will cost taxpayers 30% less under the public option. Maybe the current state of our education system is to blame. People don't know the definition of the word "option." If someone would rather fuel up a big insurance company's corporate jets and pay for their gold lavatory faucets, they would certainly be free to do so.
Being Canadian and having a parent recovering from heart surgery I hope every American really gives this a chance. My father never had to pay some Insurance company, that had a politician in it's pocket, some crazy amount of money every month. He is a retired soldier and stealworker but when he gets out, there won't be someone telling him to sell his home to pay off his hospital bills like a similar person in the US would be. America grab on to this health Care reform with both hands and don't let the media or GOP or Fox News or anyone else take it from you. For once you have a presdent that worked for you and not the lobbyists don't let them waste all that work.
Decreased. Considering the government can't even produce enough H1N1 vaccine for everyone. As more facts come out, we realize it is going to cost a lot more than they predict and still won't insure everyone. Their cost estimates are based on unrealistic figures, like cutting Medicare by $500 billion. It does nothing to reduce the cost of health insurance from the private insurance companies. Their health care bill is sick and should be euthanized.
My support has increased. If the big health insurance companies are spending millions of our premiums for TV ads against reform, that must mean they think reform will reign in their abuses.
Increased immensely, especially seeing the greed that people keep promoting for the corporations.
I did not think it could get any lower, but now that I see that there is no tort reform and no selling of policies across state lines, it is quite clear that this is not reform, just another gigantic entitlement program for Obama's supporters that can't get jobs that would require them passing a drug test and the Oprah crowd.
Jack,
I've been a fan of true health care reform from the start. But, that means changing the system, and not necessarily throwing a lot of money at it. It means tort reform, (and a better method to weed-out incompetent medical professionals.) It means removing the anti-trust exemption for insurers, and placing rules on the industry that currently exclude willing customers. It also means common sense in how we apply patent law to the pharmaceutical industry. We could add a rule that requires the medical profession to extend the same discounts they give insurers to the uninsured. There is a lot of reform in this paragraph that won't cost taxpayers one red cent. And, Jack, I only just got started; I could go on ...
Rick, Medina, OH
Decreased. Yes, we need healthcare reform, but not the disaster that is on the table. Democrats are trying to create another entitlement program that will be paid for by anyone who actually pays taxes. Real reform should come by reforming insurance companies to make sure healthcare is affordable and available for everyone to purchase. Real reform keeps government out of our healthcare and wouldn't add anything to the deficit.
Dear Mr. Cafferty, I enjoy your comments greatly.
As a retired health care provider, I am deeply frustrated by the fact that news reports relating to the pending health care bill are overlooking two of the most important omissions in the bill. I breathed a sigh of relief when yesterday a senator finally mentioned the words cost containment in relation to insurance rates. Why hasn't anyone brought up re-adopting the pre-existing government contract with pharmaceutical companies that reduced the cost of Medicare & Medicaid prescription drugs, that was obliterated by the Bush administration. And, how about putting a cap on insurance premiums until the bill goes into effect. My daughters premiums have increased so dramatically that she is seriously thinking of dropping her families coverage. At this rate, by the time 2013 comes around with the adoption of the bill, the number of uninsured families will have doubled. Thank you for listening.
Warmest wishes, Elaine Jerome, RN,BA
My support for anything any politician or pundit says about anything is at 0%, Jack. This country is doomed.
I did not support Health care reform when it started and I am even more determined not to support it now. When the people that want to pass Heath Care reform into law agree to allow themselves and their families to be provided for by the same health care that they want all the rest of us to subscribe to then I might reconsider. If it is good enough for us then it is good enough for them too. That also goes for their life long healthcare once they leave congress. When they go it goes too. No more no less.
If congress would have our best interest in mind yes but nobody has read the bill nor understands it therefore I say forget it. We need an uprising of the American people and throw congress into the ocean.
My supprt has always been high and it's even higher now since watching how some of our elected officials and the Health care industry are/have been behaving with this issue. They need to take an honest (not Party line view) look at the America that actually votes them into office and it should be pretty easy to see that major changes need to be made. Insurance premiums can't continue to go up 15 – 25% or more annually without another melt down. It just shows how out of touch with "Real America" some of these people are. Congress – take a look at the statictical data on person bankruptcies and see what the percentage of them are caused by medical expenses. It's should be that hard to see the need for change.
Increased - as to the public option. Having come through a physical challenge during the past six months, and having seen the suffering of those who are not blessed with the insurance I have, I am more committed than ever to the belief that we must have a public option open to everyone, and it should be just as good, just as complete, as any private insurance.
No change. It is taking long because the others (GOP) wants Obama to fail, and by dragging it out (some even say start all over), they are trying to accomplish just that.
I need help with insurance.
It has increased a great deal. As a Viet Nam Vet I see the need now and in the future for help with all the returning Vets with PTSD. This will only go up by sending them back over and over again to a war zone. I know of some young service people men and women that have gone back to the war zone 7 times in 8 years that in itself is not healthy. We need reform now.
My support immediately vanished when I saw the House and Senate bills! These bills are so outrageous they cannot be compromised to a workable plan. Being retired and on fixed income, I cannot even imagine what my medicare and private insurance plans will cost with the elimination of $400,000,000 from medicare. I already pay more than $500 in medicare and private insurance premiums each month and these increase every year even when medicare and my retirement income do not. Between health care costs and the out of control local property taxes, senior citizens are literally being thrown out of their homes they worked and paid for in full because we can't afford the health care costs and local property taxes. We didn't go bankrupt; our local and national governments are imposing bankruptcy upon us!
I used to be against those "death panels" but after watching those slobbering inbred tea-baggers all summer I've changed my opinion! Seriously, real reform does not have a snowball's chance as long as Congress is owned and operated by the insurance cartels. It's dead and, unfortunately, thousands of Americans will be, too, because we're too stupid to kick these jackasses out of office and elect people who actually represent OUR interests.
Susan
Tuscaloosa AL
Seeing that I've never supported Obama's health care reform plans, I would have to say that my support has neither increased or decreased.
I worked in the healthcare field for 30 years and yes, we need reform and we need it now. If you want to see real glutony by CEO's etc. go to a big hospital and watch these big boys spend on foolishness etc. I think Pres. Obama is right on the money with healthcare and I stand by him.
My support for health care reform through health insurance reform has remained very strong. I continue to prefer a single payer, non-employment -based medical psyment system and fear that Congress will agree only by watering down reform to the point that it becomes almost useless. So I support reform but do not support some of what Comngress will do in its name.
It is more important than ever that a health bill be passed this year, no matter how poor it may be. With the Republicans and a few Democratic weenies ready to spend all of our Children and grandchildren's money in the middle east and Korea, universal health care needs to get its foot in the door before it is too late. This is the last chance. It is shameful that a country would rather spend its money rattling sabres than taking care of its own people.
My support of health care has not changed. I never supported it.
Obama's plan is going to screw the seniors that are on Medicare. The reason is that the Obama and the Democrats are planning to eliminate the Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare alone is not a great Health plan. That's is why Seniors purchase Medicare Supplement plans and the more cheaper Medicare Advantage Plans. The Medicare advantage plans are currently subsidised by the government to make them more affordable. The AARP sells the supplement plans but do not sell Medicare Advantage plans. That is why AARP supports the Obama plan bercause they're out to fatten their pockets.
The part I don't understand is why CNN and others are not reporting on this. Another example of bias support of the the Democratic plan by the news media.
Seniors will remember this when they get socked an estimated increase of 200/mo for their health premiums on top of the current $96.40 they are paying for their monthly Medicare premiums.
I urge the news media to reprt this kind of information to the public. It's a sad day when the news media doesn't try to protect the seniors that are poor and especially the ones are on fixed income collecting $1000/ mo Social Security. The journalists have parents that are in this categary and you would think they would highlight this information for their parents sake.
The need for health care reform is very real. The rest of the world pities or ridicules us for the way we let callous greedy fatcats rip us off and kill us off. Unfortunately, as all the corporate prostitutes in Congress line up to help their campaign contributors the bill keeps getting watered down. Change we can believe in has become cosmetic change to hide business as usual. This country is SO screwed! cy , arlington, va
I am 100% in favor of Health Care. That is the way I always felt and will continue to feel about something we need. I feel that a good healthcare bill will help bring down cost and care for everyone. But if that will ever happened, I am not that optimistic that it will.
Increased, I have thought that America needs to do something to reform healthcare for several years now, but now the Republicans are trying to stop any bill at any cost, because they care more about apposing Obama then they care about all Americas getting Healthcare. If they really were serious about being the Loyal Opposition party then why don’t they come-up with their own plan, and then debate the merits of both plans. But it is easier to just throw-up smoke and talk down the Democrat’s plan then try to put together the own plan that Half of America will hate too.
If we ever want anything passed it has to be passed now, and then we can fix it later.
Same – I have always supported health care reform, but not government run health care. Government needs to work on real reform and quit trying to think they can take over our health care. What a disaster that would be, just take a look at every program they are in charge of, bankrupt and riddled with fraud.
Increased, as my health insurance premiums continue to go up 10% per year while my wages stagnate. Eventually I will not be able to afford health insurance. Why do Americans, on average, pay twice as much as the rest of the industrialized world for health care? 50% more than second place Switzerland.
Ed
Texas
It has decreased because the bill that is in the Senate is too complicated and has too many loop holes in it. But what should I expect from people that make their living on deception and lies. Maybe they should lose their healthcare and retirement and then we would see some real action in a week not 10 years.
My support for major reform has not changed at all. My dislike for the health care industry and contempt for their paid toadies in Congress has skyrocketed.
Jack, the more money the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, health care companies and conservative groups spend on defeating health care reform, the more I am for it.
My support for health care reform has decreased because there will be no reform for the 85% of the people who already have health care. 15 million people who make less than $33,000 per year will be put on medicaid, the 12 million illegals will continue to go to the emergency room hospital for primary heath care, and the uninsured people who make over $33,000 per year will get a subsiby to buy insurance. The insurance companies will get a subsidy, the doctors and hospitals will get negotiated rates, and the 85% of the people who are insured will get higher premiums. Finally if you don't want to buy insurance you can simply claim a religious exemption. Where is the reform for the people who already have insurance.
decreased especially with this bill they are craming down at us
Increased. STill need healthcare, plain and simple
It has remained the same. This problem needs to be fixed; heath care is a fundamental al human right. It is spelled our in our Constitution "life ,liberty & pursuit of happiness".
My push is to see this work is completed and this hole in the social contract is filled.
I don't have an opinion. I have seen many summers and am well set for my hospitalization and insurance.
Not at all. I want to see affordable health care...Neither of our children can afford their own health care premiums, and Michael's Medicare supplement premium goes up in price every year.
I have always thought we needed universal health care- the earlier any desease is detected, the quicker and easier it will be to manage, heal, or remove. However, if early detection occurs, and can be corrected through lifestyle changes (diet, excercise, etc.) and the individual continues with the same destructive behavior, then they should be denied care at public expense- let them pay for insurance or treatment themselves. At that point they have made the decision to be unhealthy!
Absolutely decreased ! The reform to lower cost is a reform to raise cost for individuals by 10-13% as per CBO Study..and even for group costs. $1.8 Trillion dollars for nothing ! It's become a joke.
Jack C
WA
It increased the day I got my notice that my contract was being terminated, Jack. Not that I needed incentive - I've been fighting for health care reform for years. I'm a 59-year old woman, good taxpayer/voter who does my civic duties like jury duty, and I have no insurance, and haven't for most of the last 10 years. Oddly enough, I lost my insurance right after President Bush was inaugurated, and haven't been able to afford it since.
Oh, and when I wrote my members of Congress, Ken Marchant told me that he couldn't in good conscience vote for it and Kay Bailey Hutchinson said that she was against it because it covered illegal aliens. Wow. What responsiveness to a constituent's concerns!
My support of healthcare reform has increased in the past 6 months, but my support of "Congress" has decreased , I am so sick of doddling Blue dogs, dithering Dems, and obstructionist Repubs.....
My support for major reform has not changed.My dislike of the health care industry and contempt for their paid toadies in Congress have skyrocketed.
My support has increased because students at UCLA, a public option university, recently protested an increase in tuition. UCLA tution is still less than half of what private schools charge and although this has not caused a public takeover of education, students fear such increases will result in only the children of the rich being able to have access to higher learning. We should have the same fear about rising health care costs and demand a public option now or else only the rich will have health care.
decreased i have never seen such a poor bill it is disgrace that our politicions would call this a health care bill
Decreased. I'm going on Medicare soon and the $500 million in cuts is going to make it harder for me to get decent care. Any senator or representative from my state, which is Florida, that votes for this bill is going to be voted out of office in the next election by us oldsters. We're a huge voting block and they better start paying attention to us.
Jack,
25% of americans are obese
25% of americans have diabetes
I challenge anyone to show me how this so called reform
will reduce obesity or diabetes in the USA
This so called reform is a joke
Everyone favors health care reform. The question is, what kind? The current proposals are progress, not perfection.
Jack,
It's decreased. I don't have faith it will make things better. It's starting to feel like its been crammed down our throats.
While most thinking Americans can agree that reform is absolutely necessary, the unfortunate reality is that the bill now on the table is a giant giveaway to the insurance companies. You can't mandate insurance without lowering costs – which is exactly what this bill will do. Unfortunately, the Democrats seem to feel that a bad bill is better than no bill. This liberal disagrees!
After just losing my wife because she didn't have enough cancer insurance, that question digs a deep hole in my heart, and to think that there are so many more women just like her who cannot fight this dread disease, there has to be something done. Maybe, just maybe people will see the plight of all of the sick people in the country, and get something done. I pray so !!!
My support has only increased. If reform does not pass this time, who knows how long it will take before our congress has the balls to try again. The insurance industry promised to make changes in the way they do business during the Clinton healthcare debate and they did NOT make changes. I am so disappointed at all of the misinformation and manipulation that is being put out there. Those republicans don't care about healthcare. If they wanted reform done some other way, they could have done it anytime during the first 6 years of the Bush administration when they controlled everything. They did nothing about healthcare–instead they cut taxes for their rich friends. This is a moral issue!!
Read "The Healing of America" for a description of how other countries provide healthcare. All other civilized nations provide healthcare to EVERYONE and for half of the cost in this country. What is wrong with us??
Decreased. I am hoping this very bad bill goes nowhere and then maybe they will work on actual reform, not government take over. Neither party seems to have a common sense approach or solution. Democrats want another entitlement program and Republicans want reform with self responsibility and that'll never happen. Unfortunately it would be better to do nothing than to destroy our current health care system.
Inreased! . For all those people that say they are against healthcare reform because they are pleased with their current insurance. Well I'm not, already our insurance is going up on co-pays, drugs, and coverage. Why? because they want to get all they can get before they are stopped.. It is outrageous.
My support has increased. When I see the health care entities, special interests and the republicans spending millions of dollars to defeat Health Care Reform, it further proves this reform is what our country needs.
Would be nice if you would sometimes quote not just critics or report negativity and realize that regardless of the so called polls the majority of American people realize our health care system is broken and will not be improved without goverment intervention.
It coud ot get any lower. I do not believe our system will be improved by any of the current bills being considered.
Joe Wilson was right! The recent reports coming out declaring mammograms not needed until age 50 should be a warning to us all. Government needs to stay out of our health care. We all know their fuzzy math doesn't add up. They aren't going to pay for it with $500 billion worth of cuts from Medicare fraud. Forcing employers to cover everyone will cost jobs, the incentive in America is to make 249,999.00 and keep your small business really small.
Increased. We can't let healthcare reform slip away for another 20 years. I'm tired of making health insurance executives and their companies richer at the expense of my and my family's health and well-being. The time has come to get it done.
A trick question. Did not support it to begin with. I do not mind my tax dollars helping those less fortunate, but I DO mind the government telling me I have to make health choices based on these idiotic lawyers views, and their "ties" with insurance companies.
For the bill on the table – Never wanted it, but want it even less now. The Democrats need to realize the majority of Americans want actual reform, but we don't want government involved in our health care.
My opinions have not changed regarding the need for health care reform. But the issue is so big that it cannot be swallowed in one bite. Having a bill that is longer than the Bible to define how the system will function is an absurdity. It is absurd to believe that all of those responsible to vote on this issue fully comprehend what they are voting on. Putting a date on when this legislation is to be passed is as absurd as putting a deadline on troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, but it is at least consistent.
All the prolonged haggling in Congress, between the special interest groups and all of the mostly negative advertising is making the American public leary and weary about health care reform. We as a nation still desparately need meaningful reform so it needs to happen even it is watered-down. Senate Democrats are nearly useless in this effort. I have been of the opinion for along time that this reform effort is the most perfect example of whether Congress can pass legislation which really helps the majority of American people or will be beholding as usual to the special interests that fund their reelections. I think I have the answer.
Jack,
I am over 60 years old and have plenty of health problems. My insurance provider has been less than stellar. I also believe that health care is extremely over priced to the point of being like the mob with it's extortionist practices.
Here is my health care plan, when it gets to where I spend all my time, money, and energy paying for health care so I can survive I will simply end my life rather than live in such a way.
By the way do you remember when Hillary invested in the drug companies?
I firmly believe everyone should have health care, however, I do not believe this bill will do anything to fix this problem and will probably make things worse. I am wondering how pretty much every other nation in the world affords this but we cannot.
Until health care is free for everyone the fight goes on. Until everyone receives the same quality of health care the fitght goes on. To answer your question it has increased.
I never supported this version of health care reform. Something does have to be done though. Yesterday my husband and myself received a letter from our primary care physican's office. As of January 1,2010 – all copays must be paid prior to the patient receiving the service. If not, the patient could be refused or if care is critical then add a $25.00 administrative fee. Pure GREED. What needs to be done: cap maximum fees for services;eliminate all precondition stipulations(make them illegal);and cover the rest of the uninsured with medicaid. These moves would cover everyone and keep the doctors and insurance companies as honest as ever is possible.
It has decreased to the point I want it to fail. First Obama tossed single payer without even a discussion. Next, he made secret deals with big pharma and the insurance companies. After that, he started chipping away at the public option until now there is basically nothing left of it. To require people to buy insurance when insurance companies have no competition is wrong. I don't want it paid for from Medicare and Medicaid funds either. I'm not convinced there is 500 billion in waste there. The whole mess has been bastardized, diminished, and weakened to the point that I think they should start over. I'm for Medicare for ALL. We could have tried for that, but Obama always gives away the store as some kind of misguided gesture of "good will" before the negotiations even start. Face it, he's a wimp.
My hope & optimism has been seriously challenged by recalcitrant Republicans, who have evidently not been afflicted sufficiently with health issues of their own. And probably think it's a result of better life choices. How do you debate that nonsense? I still endeavor to take good care of myself, fighting through psoriasis and depression, with atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis taking my parents much too soon.
I was for it, but they have so neutered the Public Option, that it's no longer an effective tool to force competition and I'm against it now. The meaningful regulations were tripped out, to satisfy the Senators from the Insurance Companies and it's a step back 40 years for the crazies who would keep women barefoot and pregnant. Sure Insurance Companies can't deny you coverage for a pre-existing condition, but there's nothing in the bill that says they can't price it out of your reach. There's also nothing to ensure that the coverage is going to be worth spit. If the Policy is 3 times my annual salary, is it affordable? If it covers 10% of medical expenses, does it prevent financial ruin? No, take the funds out of it, tell the Insurance Companies they can't deny coverage and make them priced it at no more than 20% for the healthiest like Vermont does. Finally make them operate under the rules where the coverage applies, not a state like Texas, that cares more about corporate profits, than people.
.
Healthcare costs have nearly tripled in the last ten years and if not reeled in, will double again probably even faster, ergo our healthcare for profit is unsustainable and if it isn't remedied within the next couple years the only people who will be able to afford medical insurace will be government employees and Hollywood elites.
Jack,
I've been a supporter of health care reform since the start, so I guess you could say I'm about the same as I was 6 months ago. This country desperately needs this reform. I'd much rather have elected officials and administration staff making decisions on what's covered than health insurance CEOs. At least elected officials and their employees are still answerable to the American people. I can't see even the slightest chance of HHS or any other agency making an inappropriate call on coverage without it being splashed all over the headlines by the political opposition. We need to get this done.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
My support for Obama's robinhood style giveaway is zero. If the next President is interested in 'reform' , I would be very interested.
My support has decreased for the following reasons:
1) Republican claims of rationing of Health Care seem to be materializing more and more. For example, the federal study on mammograms which I hear many doctors disagree with.
2) Palin's claims "death panels" seem to be more real now with the release of the CNN 60 minutes "Cost of Dying", the doctor tries to recommend that the patient end his life because of the costs. I used to think Palin was wrong about that. But maybe she's not...
Those instances make me fear what might happen in this country if the health care reform bill were to pass the way it is.
We need universal coverage Jack, period. It's not fair that those of us who have worked all our lives in this country are getting the short end of the stick. Rich or poor, we should have universal health care, and equal access to medical needs. Why can't politicians realize it's the decent thing to do?
My support for real health care reform remains strong, but reality tells me that Congress isn't interested in rocking the boat they share with their lobbyist co-conspirators.
Our family support has increased for health reform. Our family is more fortunate than most and we can afford healtg care. But the millions that cannot obtain it need help. The far-right extremist view of helping no one has gotten America into this economic mess.
We have got to have health care reform and a public option, what gets me is that members of congress, the military, all retired government workers and social security recipients are on a public option and I don't care what some people call it. We don't have to take the help that we get from the government in paying for our insurance, but you would be pretty damn dumb if you didn't. Members of congress who don't support a public option should elect to purchase their insurance from someone other than the government, but they are probably getting enough money stuffed into their pockets it really doesn't matter.
Jack , Yes my support for sensible reform has risen. The main thing I would like to see passed is the elimination of pre-existing
conditions .
Jack,I have never supported health care reform,I still don't support health care reform,and I will never support health care reform,so I guess my view stays the same.Now, I need to see my doctor because this subject always increases my blood pressure!
My support of the health care reform has remained steady. Why? I'm not moved people's opinions or the "unknown." Here's a suggestion, if the government and media really want to assist us in getting a clear, true picture of this health care reform, block out an hour a day and show what's in legislation and let the viewers decide. Such attention would clarify fact from fiction and expose fear tactics.
From day one I did not support the Health Care reform idea and now I like it even less. Words like, mandate, shall, tax, abortion and illegals bother me a lot. Health care is such a personal issue, I do not believe the government should be telling me how to care for my body.
Decreased the minute Obama anounced his afgan strategy; he basically gave up to republicans, no need for economic security. 49million americans go hungry, 45million no basic health insurance, and more than 10million americans without job; who is responsible? Alqaeda? I want to reclaim my vote, period.
My support for health care reform has decreased. I am a 55 year old US citizen, who has always paid my taxes. I have a pacemaker. Will I be told that I do not qualify for some medical procedures because of this? Will my taxes instead be used to fund those same procedures for an illegal alien?
St Louis, MO
I was opposed to it 6 months ago.
I am opposed to it today.
You do the math.
We need to find a way to stop greed and lawsuits in the private sector, and avoid any government takeover. The government has proven it cannot solve most of our problems.
The more people learn about the details of the proposed health care the more the support drops.
I see another person on here thinks their coverage cost will go down. They might want to actually look into it.
My support for a Universal Single Payer Plan has never changed. It is my support for a watered down Corporate version that is now Gone. It is a sad day when the least "patriotic" attack the innocent and refuse basic services to a citizenry that Pays ALL of the bills for the Wealthy who HAVE NO RESPECT.
Jack,
My support for the Health Care Reform bill is as solid as when it was first introduced.
I am not the type of person who bends to fear mongering. There was a time when I swayed a bit, wondering who was telling the truth. However, I use a few fact check sites and it seems the Republicans Lie, Lie, and Lie again!!!!
My support for health care reform has not increased or decreased - I still want to see a reformed system with increased access, but I do not support the current health care legislation for thousands of little reasons. This health care bill is a little like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It attacks all that is good in our system while trying to eliminate a little of the bad. It needs to be rewritten.
It has increased ten fold. Just the fact that Corporate America is against it is enough for me to know it is the right thing to do without any debate. Common sense dictates it is the most reasonable and humane insurance we could ever institute for the good of all Americans. Constitutionally it embodies all that the Founding Fathers envisioned for "ALL." Health and well being cannot and must not be for those who can afford it and must not be different in any way for those who cannot. It is time to end elitism in America or admit that the Constitution is merely used as a propaganda tool. If we do not follow it and live it to the letter, then we do not have the right to claim it as genuine doctrine. Either we believe in it or we don't. It cannot be portioned out to only the chosen few. Enough hypocrisy, already!
Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI
Obviously, something needs to be done about health care, but the bill working in the Senate is not the right answer, and the monstrosity passed in the House is even worse. We should be looking at simple fixes like allowing interstate competition for health insurance and reforming tort law to reduce frivolous lawsuits instead of asking our children to shoulder a debt that they can never hope to pay.
My support for health care has increased just this year alone but I've always been in favor of affordable health care provided to every single person in this country regardless of your medical condition is. Its not a terrible thing for everyone in this country to be required to carry health insurance I mean people do get sick every now and then and I don't think Swine Flu has ended but what I don't agree with is the Health and Human Services Secretary having new powers to decide what procedures should be done and who should get them because that's to much goverment control, we can have affordable healthcare in this country I think without the goverment totally involved. Also Iam against any bill that would provide a way for illegal aliens in this country to get coverage, it should specifically say in any bill presented that illegal aliens of any kind won't be covered those are my only two arguements. Affordable Health Care for all done the right way!
Increased! We could have provided quality Health Care for everyone in America, built over 100,000 high schools, provided housing for every homeless person in the Country, and paid down our National debt if it had not been for the idiot Republicans (and Democrats) who voted and keep voting for the Middle Eastern wars. We need to withdraw everyone from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan NOW, and concentrate on Health Care! I called and told the White House this yesterday, obviously to no avail.
Jack, it cannot decrease anymore. I have been 100% against government involvement in my health care since day one. The one constant in this whole thing is – When the government gets involved, the taxpayer is going to lose, guaranteed. Everyone says Medicare is a government run program, and I point out that Medicare/Medicaide is bankrupt because it is a government run program. Do we really want our entire health care delivery system run by these idiots in Congress? That is what proponents of this reform are asking for, and that is probablly what we'll get. I guess voter stupidity knows no bounds.
My support for health care reform as increased tremendously! Regardless of all of the anti-health care reform ads, all of the redundant political messages from republican senators denying change, restarting the entire health care reform process would be more of a hinderance than an actual benefit. If the only thing that were to come from this health care reform initiative in the end was an increased federal deficit, than I would grant warrant for such an option. However, if covering an additional 30,000,000 people, reducing the deficit over a period of time, and relieving financial stress off of Medicare and Medicaid are the benefits, then I would have to say no to the nay- sayers of health care reform and say yes to the idea that America will never be named again "the only nation in the Western Hemisphere to not have universal health care!"
Socialized medicine hasn't worked anywhere else in the world, so what makes people think it is going to be any different here under Obama-care? They should get rid of Obama-care completely and save our money. This country could use an extra trillion dollars, but I guess Nasty Pelosi and Dirty Harry are going to find a way to spend that extra money too!
Jack,
It has decreased Jack, even though my premuim has just increased by $300.00 per month. Why would my support decrease given my circumstance? It's simple. Any bill that contains 2,000 pages cannot be trusted. One would have to be believe the bill is loaded with nothing more than crap that will cost us more in the long-run.
I have only one suggestion for those up on the hill. Go home and get back into bed because your going to have to wake up earlier, in order to fool this guy.
Joe M (MN)
Every year I move closer to retirement and eligibly for the Government funded option called Medicare, I worry less about the rest of you.
Increased.
We cannot be so afraid as to sit and do nothing.
If the reforms don't work we can flog the ill do'ers later and move on.
One thing that will tick me off Jack is if I find out that illegal aliens will be getting the same health benifits as I am.
We have boys overseas dying for our country and these parsites will be living off our land, reaping its rewards without any commitment to the American people. Thats grounds for civil war. If this does happen, I would consider President Obama the modern day Benedict Arnold.
Health care reform is necessary, but my support of how the reform is proceeding is discouraging. Currently, most of the bills' reforms evoke government authority not granted by the Constitution. Either reform needs to be done within the rules of the Constitution, or by way of a Constitutional amendment.
I'm for it and think that single payer is the way to go. My qyuestion is: If the Germans could get a system that works in the 1870"s why do we have to have all of this drama about it here this late in the day?
Our kids will definitely need it after all are jobs have been sent overseas and are economy drops to third world levels and China and India take over as world leaders... we have loaded them with a national debt that will probably never be paid off in there life time because of greedy men and wars designed by them .
Yes we need health care. Lets take away the representatives health care until the people have health care.
My hopes are still high. I favor medicare for all. The fuss about cost is a scare tactic of the insurance companies. If we eliminate the unnecessary administrative costs resulting from the insurance companies rules and forms, which add no value. And also lower the cost of drugs to reasonable levels we'll save billions.
Ask your Doctor how many of the workers in his office support patient care and how many are only there because of unnecessary insurance requirements. Long ago I was told the ratio was 3 to 1. Let Doctors doctor and the insurance companies rob someone else.
David in Geaorgia
My support has never wavered so long as it is done correctly. Privatized for-profit health care will leave the US simply incapable of competing globally in the 21st Century. You always hear about companies that sent their factories to Asia to cut on costs. Strangely you never hear about the Corporations that have moved to places like Canada to cut costs due to US Healthcare. Why do you think GM is huge in Canada?
100% in favor of health care and Public Option, Medicare/Medicaid Part (random letter here) or whatever they wanna call it. (probably would fair better if they went Medicare/Medicaid route) Earlier this year i had medical issues (still do btw) and its eaten through what little savings i've had. Someone's got to do something bring these costs down to where average citizens can afford the services. As far as the SH&H being able to decide what procedures get covered, Jack, Hate to tell you, but Insurance Co Exec's do that now, and they tend to not only deny coverage but drop plans out right.
I think we need healthcare reform but have never supported any of the alleged solutions that have been voted on so far. But my support has decreased- from zero support to opposing the re-election of anyone who votes for it or signs it.
What reform? This is just a way to have everyone pay the health insurance companies. I am self-employed, under-employed at the moment. For me to get healthcare insurance it would cost me $256 per month. Where is that going to come from? If I don’t I will be fined? What is that going to come from? Oh, the same place the higher food prices, higher water and garbage fee because we have conserved and recycled. The same place higher vehicle registration and higher sales tax 10% here in California. With no public option, this is not reform just another hand in my pocket. Just like everything else those who have loss houses, jobs and lifestyles have to pay for change. That’s not change.
It's increased greatly. As one of the 47 million who don't have coverage, I'm glad to see anything at all being done. As long as we have such a sick health care system, no one in this country can say with a straight face that we're the 'greatest country on earth' . Every other industrialized country in the world takes care of the health of their citiizens. Only in the greed-dominated U.S.A. do companies try and make profits on other people's pain. It's frankly disgusting. And anti-Christian to boot. How much money would Jesus make on the sick and dying?
It increased the day I got my notice that my contract was being terminated, Jack. Not that I needed incentive – I've been fighting for health care reform for years.
I'm a 59-year old woman, good taxpayer/voter who does my civic duties like jury duty, and I have no insurance, and haven't for most of the last 10 years. Oddly enough, I lost my insurance right after President Bush was inaugurated, and haven't been able to afford it since.
Oh, and when I wrote my members of Congress, Ken Marchant told me that he couldn't in good conscience vote for it and Kay Bailey Hutchinson said that she was against it because it covered illegal aliens. Wow. What responsiveness to a constituent's concerns!
It's a joke....read it as we have in it's entirety.
Full of taxes, and raises healthcare costs.
Joanne
Mn
People don't seem to care about our wars and the cost which will continue for years. We should be spending the money on our own people. Health care is one, rebuilding New Orleans is another. All Americans should have health care.
As for illegals they can't be turned away from E.R.s so that is a moot point.
Increased if it is single payer, any other form is a total joke! England has the best from of healthcare on the planet, but because of the fake socialism screams, we are showing how immature that our young country truly is, profit before people at every turn! These other countries that have single payer, pay far less then our country, we have the best Healthcare Technology and Doctors, but one of the worst Healthcare Systems in the world! We just do not have access to it, so it is of know use to us unless we are about to die, by then the cost of it would take everything away from us even the clothes off of our backs to be left with nothing at all!
I am opposed to any government run option, and the current mess in congress just vindicates my position as far as I am concerned. The ONLY thing I like about the health care reform ideas bouncing around is the one forbidding insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions, or dumping people who develop health problems.
I am absolutely opposed to being required to buy a health insurance policy with my own money. I should have the right to decide how to spend my hard earned dollars. End of story. Government needs to get out of the babysitting business.
Stayed the same. I say leave it alone, or make it National Health Care for all. No band-aid approaches.
Jack im all for whatever they decide just as long as they quit killing the trees for paper to write up these worthless bill's that nobody wants .
My support has increased in proportion to Congress' disinterest in opening the dooor for ALL Americans to have healthcare coverage access just as they do. They all display textbook hypocrisy. Ironically there will be just as many Republicans without coverage as Democrats when they kill it. It's the old Congressional story, greed and lust for power Everyone knows who is standing in the way, that can be taken care of in Nov 2010.
We need this health care bill passed and now! Jack, if the Republicans are so dead against this government health care bill. Then, why don't they each and every one of them including their retirees give up their government run health care, that we all give them!
The fact that it has "stalled" does not surprise me. The opposition sees this as an opportunity. They will either "get something" for their vote, or taint the presidency, which will get them traction in the mid-terms...Its going to be a tough sell, regardless..It doesn't diminish the need for it though..I support the idea
My support for health care has increased over the past 6 months, Jack. My God, we are the only civilized nation in the world that does not provide health care for its citizens! We should be so embarassed but apparently we will continue the status quo. My sister's home in Kansas went into foreclosure because they had such high insurance premiums. We are doomed without health care reform. But the citizens keep drinking the insurance company's Kool-Aid. I really don't know whether to laugh or cry over the stupidity of the citizenry.
I'm becoming increasingly disheartened by this legislation. It does not appear to be true reform. It is feeling more and more like a political agenda item than it does like a program that will be to all of our advantage.
I'm all for everyone having access to healthcare, but surely, it can't cost this much to obtain medical care for the number of individuals in the US who are uninsured at this point. I know that we are already paying for many who do not have insurance to obtain treatment, and of course, it is not universally available, but why do we now, at this historically economically stressed point have to impose the cadillac system on Americans already struggling to support their families? It makes our future look very bleak.
Isn't there a way to ramp up this on a less drastic scale?
Discouraged by all the double talk..
My suport for health care is unwavering. My support for the bill being debated in the Seanate is waning. And I agree..the idea of Health & Human Services deciding whether I need a particular medical procedure is completely creepy and overstepping all bounds of that office.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
I have a pre-existing condition known as mortality, so I'll say increased.
I am for Healthcare for everyone. I am just not sure if I want the idiots in Washington deciding whether I can get it or not. These guys cannot decide what they are going to have for lunch without having a drawnout debate.
The funny thing about it though, is I bet we would have National Healthcare today, if one of these Government Flunkies was sick and could not get insurance.
Jack,
It has not decreased one bit! Unfortunately, what has decreased is my appreciation of what I imagine would be and should be a much more resilience and determination from the american people to finally repair what their government and their elected officials has failed to do for decades and recognize once and for all that the American people has a birth right to healthcare at home!!!
I am in support of Health care reform. It will allow everyone the opportunity to afford and receive the best health care services possible.
i absolutely think that we need extensive reform, not only in health care but in many other fields. The state of our health care is appalling and sickening. I have asthma and I cant get my medication.
Unchanged: If you make it mandatory then you need to include an affordable public option. If you don't do this, I will be voting Republican next time in hopes of repealing whatever is passed. I cannot believe that you can fine people who do not have coverage when so many are out of work, and so many are homeless. I do not see any difference in that and making poverty a crime.
My support has increased. The more I've learned about the dishonesty of the insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and the more I've become aware of the terrible costs in suffering to individuals and families, plus the loss of productivity to businesses all acoss this country, the more I'm convinced that we must have health reform now. I like the Senate bill, and I believe it will do much to get our country back on the road to controlling medical costs and in turn reducing the deficit.
I have to agree with the comment above, I am 100%
in support of a good health care plan with a strong
public option. Medicare part E = medical care for
everyone. I know people who have worked for a
long time but do not have any health care because
it is either not offered or is just way to expensive.
A lot of 'contractors' in the IT field fall into these
problems. Mel
I have been listen to the senate on health care these people are ajoke
one side will not budge and the other side will lsiten
I listen to all the senators speak and they tell you that have have benn in the senate 20,30,40 years what they should is have limits just like the President.Arnold vanScooter
My interest in health care reform increases everytime I am bombarded with another insurance industry commercial or Republican scare tactic.
I'm still waiting for any Federal Government program that actually works. There is nothing in my 49 years of experience which would indicate that Health Care issue is going to be any different. Can anyone tell me about a Federal program which works the way we were told it would; and for the cost it was sold at?
a trillion dollars is going to be spent in health in the next ten years regardless who wins the debate question is who,s going to get the money insurance company,s [middle men ] or hospitals doctor,ect.
Decreased. Start over! This is way too important to rush through and not get right. If only the Democrats would have accepted several of the Republican proposals, like tort reform, buying across state lines, personal accounts, etc. Obama and the Democrats would have been heroes and gotten 99% of the credit. This thing would have passed without any problem. Greed by the Democrats is ruining reform.
My support for health care reform is stronger than ever! I am sick and tired of the lies being marketed by the right – all they care about is an Obama failure. What has happened to doing the right thing, regardless of party affiliation? Our current health care system will bankrupt the country far quicker than the reform plan!
Brodhead, Wisconsin
Health care is not something the government should be getting itself involved in. Just look at how well government provided health care worked in the former Soviet Union, or even Cuba. Even Fidel Castro knew better than to rely on Cuba's health care system when he needed a specialist, flying in one from Spain to treat him! The governments of the world cannot get their acts together when it comes to efficient delivery of mail & packages, else there would be no FedEx or UPS doing so on a daily basis that shames government efforts. What we do not need is a health care system that has never worked where it's been tried. The big lie is that poor people do not have health care, which is false as they can always go to an emergency room when needed. What they cannot get there, nor are they entitled to, is "elective" surgery which nobody should expect to get for free!
I support reform and my stance hasn't really changed. The same issues are still present and so is the lobbying against it. Everytime the insurance companies point to the reform plan to denounce it, makes me think the right thing to do would be to pass it.
I am in favor of the same health care plan that my Senator (Spector)has. After all, I pay for it. How can Congress craft and force a bill onto the people of the United States, that is not similar to their own. Do they feel as though they're Elite and we, but the poor cottage dwellers.
June Allen
Dublin Pa
Jack, this whole thing smells of good old boy politics. This health care reform has no interest for what is best for the American people. It's vested interests are in the drug companies, the medical insurance PAC's and politicians who want their little slice of the action. just looking at the number of pages this monster has, tells you that there is more pork barrel, and paper to print it on. Speaking of paper, does the Treasury have enough to print more I.O.U's on to pay for this boon doggle?
I love the argument.."Every other country has socialized health care, so we should too!" Do they not realize that most Americans don't want to be more like Europe or Cuba or Russia? Who are they trying to kid??
Jack, I believe more that anything that our country needs a national healthcare plan. As a 52 year old soldier, I get top rate healthcare run by the government, and I get other support to help me be the best I can be at my job. What American in their right mind would argue with a deal like that??? Only the hypocritically selfish and apathetic would think the current situation can continue as it is.
I'm also in in favor 100%
My support for health care reform is as strong as ever! My support of the watered down bill that will do little for consumers and a lot for insurance companies has dwindled considerably!! We need major reform, but if it can only be done in small increments, I probably won't be around to reap the benefits. It sounds like we have to pay the bill first, then wait to see if the health care fairy comes and brings us affordable health care. I'm afraid it will never happen! Greed Rules!!
As the government gets more and more involved in health care, my interest wanes but my stomach churns. Be careful concerning the adage "if it ain't broke don't try to fix it." The government will be performing unneeded surgery in too many areas, and without the patient's consent. Long term prognoses for patient dos not look good.
My taxes give me a police man when I need one , a fireman if my home ever is on fire, a garbage to take away my trash why is health care any less important ?
Jack. When was the law of diminishing returns repealed? I some how missed that event. Health care needs to be reformed, but so far, I have not seen much in the way of reforms. It seems to be more of a give people who don't have health care the same health care the rest of us have. The law of diminishing returns says that the closer we get to 100% the exponentially higher the costs get. Based on the CBO, etc. analyses, that is exactly what will happen over time. My bigger question – are all of Congress going to be forced to join the 'Public Option' if health care reform passes? If not, then I would say health care reform was a bust.
Increased. Those who enjoy employer provided health care, try to do it on your own. It’s expensive and financially crippling. Big Insurance has us by the throats, yet that’s ok with some of our elected officials, who enjoy health care at our expense. One of my Senators actually wrote to tell me insurance company profits must be protected. I wrote back, “what about the people you represent?” I've heard nothing since.
My taxes give me a police man when I need one, a fireman when my house is on fire, a garbage man to take away my trash, why is health care any less important?
The proposed remedy could be even worse than the broken health care system that it is trying to fix. W\hile I, personally, would love to see everybody covered for everything, the sad, tragic, truth is that, thanks to two useless "wars", There Is No Money!
The reason Republican's (like myself) and others (with their eye's open) don't want health care is for the same reason they do not want this "cap and trade" thing either.
These "solutions" are being crambed down our throats without the
slightest concern for the unintended consequences.
A combind 5000 pages of unread legislation can not be good in any stretch of the imagination. "Trust me" coming from politicians makes me do quite the opposite.
I continue to be concerned about the enormous cost of this program. Anyone that follows government programs, aquisitions, etc... realizes that even the most pessimistic cost projection do not come close to capturing the actual costs. This program will either bankrupt America or will be constantly scaled back to keep it in existence – therefore what is the value. We simply can not afford it. Our enormous debt makes us less secure in the world and this will compound an already bad situation.
Having health care is a good thing. Forcing people to have health care coverage is a bad thing. Also people should work for things. Handing people everything does not help that person in the long run. There is no drive to better one self. If the government plan was a very, very basic simple plan it might work. The basic government plan should be less then what most people get through their employer now. That way peop0le in need can get the basic health coverage, and they should see that if they better them selves they will have better coverage.
The insurance companies need to be regulated. The same with the court system. There are too many lawsuits that pay the insurance companies which also drive up insurance rates which drive up the cost of health care.
That will never happen. Too many in Congress want people to expect the hand outs. Those that are getting the hand outs keep them in power.
As more is revealed, my support has decreased....definitely there has to be a solid health care reform, yet there is simply too much fine print.
It will never happen, yet wouldn't it be great if we could cut to the chase and draft a bill that be clear, understood, and supported by the majority.
My personal physician (an excellent one) envisions herself working for the government prior to her retirement and wearing paper handcuffs, and not being able to treat, prescribe and do follow ups on her patients. If we thought Medicare limitations were bad, we haven't even scratched the surface.......
My support has decreased because the approach has targeted the wrong things. Let's address the obvious things first, like tort reform and interstate commerce, before we try to reinvent the wheel. The current bills are socialistic in nature and are focused on disincentives rather than incentives. Typical liberal negativity shines through in all the proposals.
Jack,
I much prefer a healthcare professional be in charge of my outcomes and physicians recommendations than a paper pusher with a coded handbook employed by a 'for profit' insurance company!
Realizing, it is the opponents job to nitpik the Congressional bills, it is no wonder they pin their arguments on the false assumptions of the maybes- ifs- and could be's! If you can scare some of the people–they will and have spread the fear.
The real issues are coverage and costs. It seems to me that we should point up the need for these and leave the lies and fear mongering to the people who have to date staunchly protected the 'status quo' of the corporations who have spread the wealth inside the beltway at the peoples expense!
I much prefer to have only my doctors between me and my care not the HC corporations...
Having just spent three weeks in the hospital being attended to by 10 different specialists, I found that none of them talked to one another to compare notes or understand what each had found. Had they done so, they could have resolved a life threatening situation almost immediately. We need a better health care system. We need less waste. We need to cover everyone. We need public option. Pass it now.
My support for effective, feasible healthcare reform has increased. However, my support for the abomination now in Congress is down to zero. This bill will make things worse, not better.
There is a reality that has set in across this country. The country will still take care of the poor and the rich will-Well they will be rich and not need health coverage.-- The poor schmucks in the middle that are the ones that need some sort of relief will,once again get nothing.
The Insurance companies will be told to stop denying coverage to the people with pre existing conditions. As a trade off the Invincibles will be told they will have to have health insurance or they will be violating the law.
The Insurance companies are doing the high five and greed dance in the cooperate rooms.
Once again the middle class gets screwed and pays all of the bills.
Jack, my support and that of everyone I know for healthcare reform is at an all-time high. The problem is that Republicans have destroyed our chances of meaningful reform, and the Democrats buckled to them as always.
We NEED reform as we are in crisis. Unfortunately, politicians have decided they need their campaign donations even more.
Heres the truth Jack im sick of hearing about health care it's just another Obama blunder.
This country needs a new plan for our healthcare system. People who really need it are not getting the help they need. We need to make sure that everyone in this country is healthy. My support for healthcare reform has jumped significantly in the last 6 months.
I was hoping for Medicare for all, but I still support whatever we can get (as a start).
Jack, now almost nothing! Why dosen't congress do it right! We need about 6 separate bills to really consider every important and related issue to really get a true feedback from our citizens! Not a complex total bill that no one can agree on and only have a political solution. But then again, no one would get elected if we did it the right way! Rusty
My support for the bills in Congress has died. Too expensive with no clear evidence that they will actually reduce costs. Looks more and more like a baloon without the skin.
Aloha Jack,
I'm SICK of the whole debate. It's unhealthy for me to pay attention anymore. I'm just going to eat my vegetables, exercise and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In the meantime I'm taking 2 Aspirins and calling nobody in the morning that has anything to do with health care, health insurance (biggest rip-off business in the world) or politics. I think I'll feel better!
Reform must be done – my interest has not waned – there are still
people who need this reform – i still beleave in a public policy.
There has been some improvement from some companies
but some states still havnt any good coverage.
I was for from the start. I support it even more with all the negative hype served to us by the well off congressional members, pundits etc.
Increased. A lot of powerful people have been getting rich while millions of everyday American families have lost their homes, life savings and good health due to the lack of common sense healthcare reform. When President Obama decided to stand with the American people against the greed of big insurance, I'm sure he expected to be in the vortex of a PR whirlwind. It's tragic that so many of the people who would benefit the most from health insurance reform, have allowed themselves to be noisy pawns in the campaign to defeat it.
My support for health care has decreased. The failure to reign in trial lawyers, as well as the huge government expansion, has chilled me to the idea. And paying off senators $300 million dollars for one vote? We already have such a huge deficit – Obama's administration should have tackled the economy first before tackling health care. Then add on the fact that Republicans were not included in the discussion in the House, and there is no way we could have a bi-partisan agreement.
The more I hear about how Health Care Reform is going to destroy Medicare, the more convinced I am that we need a robust public option. These special interests will stop at nothing to deceive the American people. Everyone forgets that all during the Bush administration they were constantly saying that Medicare will go broke by 2017. Now we have a chance to save it and all we get are lies.
I think that I'll have a better chance of seeing an Independent (3rd Political Party) before I ever see any decent Heath Care Bill passing.
It is strong now and it has always been strong. I don't understand how anyone who has a respect for life and human dignity, can be against covering all Americans in a health care system. We live in the richest country in the world and thousands of Americans die every year because they don't have basic health care. We should all be ashamed.
Mountain Home ID
given the FACT that y premiums tripled this year and are going up another 10% next year with increased co-pays and drug pices escalating. This is my Medicare advantage plan (Humana Gold) with part D coverage. we need help but with special interests calling the shots I little to no hope that anything will be accomplished. until special intersts are banned and congress has to have the same coverage and rates we do nothing will ever come of any reform. congress is owned by the special interets
Yes, I do think that everyone should have access to health care. However, I do not think that this is the best bill. A big problem lies within the pharmaceutical industry, and that's what really needs to change. Insurance companies need to be required to be more transparent. People need health care. But this should not be controlled completely by the federal government.
Jack
We need health care reform now. In 1986 Reagan signed a bill that says that any person can go to a hospital from any country and they can not be turned away. The illegals are taking advantage of this law. So regardless of what health care reform takes affect they will still be able to get care.
Brett Phx
Something needs to be done. All this bickering is pointless. I'm tired of all the arguing, lets just take the reform, get it up and running, and take care of all the problems as it rolls.
They had to first make a constitution before they could ammend it.
Rob,
Georgia
Mine only continues to increase. I am sick and tired of hearing about sick friends with no health care! Where as the compassion in this country gone?
Decreased. This government is proving it can't run anything. As usual.
I will be elated when this long overdue bill finally passes. Unlike some countries, the US is a country that is able to provide health care to all (has facilities, educated personnel, etc.), yet some politicians insist on keeping their country on the third world level (with millions uninsured). The bill will save money for all, improve quality of life, and even reduce poverty. Health care should be a human right in the US (it is in other First World countries). Get over the lobbies, the monetary and political power greed syndrome and start realizing Lincoln's "and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth." He meant ALL of the people.
It increased the day I got my notice that my contract was being terminated, Jack. Not that I needed incentive – I've been fighting for health care reform for years.
I'm a 59-year old woman, good taxpayer/voter who does my civic duties like jury duty, and I have no insurance, and haven't for most of the last 10 years. Oddly enough, I lost my insurance right after President Bush was inaugurated, and haven't been able to afford it since.
Oh, and when I wrote my members of Congress, Ken Marchant told me that he couldn't in good conscience vote for it, one Senator didn't even respond, and Kay Bailey Hutchinson said that she was against it because it covered illegal aliens. Wow. What responsiveness to a constituent's concerns!
Jack,
It is only natural that support for health care reform would diminish when Americans found out they might have to sacrifice for their fellow citizen.
We talk a good game, but as a majority we are a lazy, selfish people, far removed from Judo-Christian values that we pretend to espouse.
No my support for health care reform has not decreased. I stopped it at zero.
It has increased. The more I hear from the fear mongering ignorant and insane, the more I realize that no matter what it appears to cost now, it is still far cheaper than the cost of the status quo. Emergency rooms do not provide affordable health care; they just make the insurance companies even richer at the expense of the taxpayers that fund most ERs.
I have two words for the President and Congress regarding this health care bill. .... start over!
It has decreased. Our government has proved time and time again that they cannot effectively run any sort of program without running it into the ground and at the same time driving the deficit up. America cannot keep borrowing money to fund these new endeavors, no matter how desperately we need them. It's time to pay off the debt.
My support has definitively increased. Yes Health Reform!
My support has increased. More and more people are with out health care and its time to just get it done! Enough already
When i am charged $2,500 for 4 x-rays and a scheduled appointment because i do not have health insurance...i couldn't care less if there is an actual line in the bill that plainly states, "No, illegal immigrants will not be covered." We need reform and we needed it 10 years ago. With every day that goes by my support for the bill increases.
Dead set against it. The more i learn about what is buried in the thousands of pages the more my opposition grows.
Jack, everyday I have to listen to you babble on about Health Care Reform and how worried about it you are. What do you care? Its my generation thats in their twenties and thirties right now that is going to be bled dry in Taxes because we are keeping you and the other baby boomers alive. Coupled with your generations sheer numbers and the advancements in modern medicine... it will be a wonder if our remaining middle class doesn't collapse in on itself like a dying star. If nothing else, it makes 30 billion toward afghanistan look like chump change.
My support for healthcare reform hasn't changed but the change I've seen in those against healthcare reform has been disturbing if not frightening. It makes me wonder if there will ever be any change in attitudes of some Americans.
You know the insurance companies are successful in their PR when they even get Mr. Cafferty to believe that a for profit corporation would work for the better good of a patient by allowing more procedures than a government official who owes their allegiance to a President that must get re-elected and as such must work in the interest of the constituency at large. WOW!!
I still don't understand how giving healthcare to citizens is an atrocity that is comparable to Nazism that so many teabaggers seem to think. Is it really that horrible for a government to keep its citizens healthy?
Decreased big time from radical "pro single payor" to "highly skeptical". How about a one page bill that simply erases the trust exemption, enforces free trade under the interstate commerce act and prohibits insurance denial or rate-ups for pre-existing conditions?
I support healthcare reform but don't expect me to foot the bill for illegal immigrants. As for the HHS Secretary dictating what procedures I am or am not to get: is that even constitutionally acceptable?
Ryan
Atlanta, GA
If we are going to go through with this healthcare overhaul, then everyone needs to be covered. It should be required. Otherwise everyone else pays for someone's emergency room bill when they choose not to purchase insurance.
It has increased my belief in this country needingn health care.Over the years I have learned in most cases to use what Republicans tell us is good for us as a perfect reverse berometer for what we really need.
Its increased. Health care reform was one of the main reasons I voted for Obama and I love the job he's doing.
Jack, are you kidding. my support for government control of healthcare couldn't decrease. when did the government do anything more efficiently than the private sector? this is disgusting. they are going to take control of everything they can, including our very lives. when will we wake up and stop these power-mongers.
Jeffrey Hansen
Salt Lake City, Utah
I am not for anything. I am just more confused is all. What health care bill? You mean the one that lets the government decide for me what insurance they think I should buy for others? Or the one that politicians will not have to subscribe to themselves?
My family members, friends, co-workers, and I all support health care reform. That support has not wavered. We need significant reform now.
It was never high but its decreased further. The main problem I have is that the only way to deliver a scarce expensive service while maintaining quality is to control the consumption. We dont have incentives for the individuals to be smarter buyers, not to smoke, not to excessively drink, not to take illcit drugs, not to be overweight and not to have too many children with no way to support them. I would support the effort if the plan worked harder on the demand side. Remember we are a society that is maxed out on credit cards; we seem to have no limits. Why would our citizenry be expected to act differently with healthcare.
I am still a hundred percent for health care reform. My congresscritters are a hundred percent opposed unfortunately.
Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas
It has increaded and never will decrease. I have personally seen the results of judgements by the insurance companies and cannot believe no one has done anything sooner. They are controlling our lives not the doctors. I believe in choice and I prefer the public option....but will accept any kind of health care we can get. The public has been blindsided by the insurance companies ads but most intelligent people belive we need health care now or else we will be broke. Then the public will be complaining again about costs. This is the time to do something and fast.
The government can't even run the DMV; why would I even think to trust something as important as health care to them? Do I want to stand in line for hours for treatment; even IF it's free (it won't be; since we will all pay dearly in taxes)? There only people I know who stand in line like that are called citizens of communist countries.
Jack,
Whether its the HHS or the "bean counters" at the insurance company it all comes out the same. Cost is the end solution.
How many insurance exeuctives have their claims denied?
George NH
My support for health care reform has only increased. But I'm one of those weird people who believes the greater good is more important than a fraction of my paycheck.
My support of this kind of healthcare reform can't go any lower. Everytime the government tries to get involved in something they always take more then the people want them to have and it costs more then they say. If government is in charge of peoples healthcare it will have to ration it and quality will go down. We don't have the money for it and this is not a power delegated to the Federal Government by the Constitution. It's not the only time the Federal Government goes against the Constitution to get power.
I think health care reform is a great achievement for this country. Once people realize that medicare and kid-med will not be cut i think that more people will be in favor of the democrats policies. So to answer your question, Jack, yes i have become more supportive of health care reform in the past 6 months
Jack, I 100% support the healthcare bill. I was fired from my job and was left without insurance. Because I have had spinal surgery recently no one will insure me! As an American it is my right to have insurance. I also believe that everyone should be forced to have health insurance. This will prevent irresponsible people from making bad decisions like canceling their insurance in order to keep up with their Harley Davidson payments.
I still support health care reform in this country despite the efforts of commentators like you, Jack, who are out to derail it with your comments about"how nervous" you get over what's in the bill currently in Congress. I've been watching you and Wolf for 15 minutes now and have not heard one positive word about President Obama. When did Rupert Murdoch take over CNN?
I am solidly in favor of healthcare/insurance reform. It is a disgrace that this country is so far behind other developed nations. There are issues that will be worked out in the conference committee, but to think that there are politicians and media out there who are intent on denying healthcare to US citizens sickens me.
I am against this reform.
Honestly I Hate Manage Care Insurance Which Is Your HMO's
This Insurane Needs Reform And Leave It Up To The Doctor Treating You On What Tests Need To Be Done Not Someone Whom Only Job Is To Deny Test To Keep The Money Within The Company!
Shame On You!
Way to read your Republican talking points, Jack. You say "Democrats say Republicans are blocking votes, but Republicans deny it..." It's one or the other, Jack. And the fact is, that they are blocking votes on dozens of bills and appointments. But CNN, like the rest of the corporate media, prefers to present the "he said, she said" bullshit, and call it reporting. The corporate media is as cravenly corrupt and cowardly as the US Senate, and that's saying a mouthful.
Dan in Santa Barbara
Although I have had serious questions all along on the approach Congress has used to HCR, I am even more wary each day about how haphazardly and arbitrarily they have "thrown together" this bill at a time when the economy is hurting and Americans are increasingly dealing with joblessness.
My support has decreased. I believe universal healthcare is the humane and responsible thing to do. The current bill, however, does not address issues of cost and quality, nor does it go into effect soon enough. For those of you who think this will take decision making authority away from your physicians, open your eyes – the insurance companies did this years ago.
Jack, My support has not changed, I have always supported real health care reform and it has not changed..but why is the real issue not addressed? The real issue is the cost per person, the highest in the world, our hospital visiits, Dr. Visits, drug costs, medical equipment costs are not under control,! Why do we blame insurance companies when the real culprit is CORPORATE AMERICA!
Fred, Palm Bay Fl.
I have been unemployed for a year and a half. Some health care is better than none at all but, I AM TIRED OF ILLEGALS GETTING WHAT I GET. I think the President is trying to do the right thing for everyone but these people that use fake ID's and receive welfare, food stamps and anything else is just terrible, especially since I would not be eligible of anything.
My support for healthcare has increased. My support for this particular healthcare bill has decreased. Yes, we need reform, but we also need reform that will be effective and efficient. This bill is neither.
I think the question is meaningless. Some will say that their support has decreased, but that doesn't mean that they don't want it any longer. For the record, my support has not changed. I supported it before, and still support health care reform. What's more, I support the principles that Obama has outlined for reform.
Also, Cafferty stated on TV that illegals will be covered because employers will not get exemptions for employees, and illegals get jobs illegally. Well, that has nothing to do with this legislation. How can an employer exempt illegal employees! For God's sake, it they know that their employees are illegal, then the employer should be punished for hiring the employee, or he should report the illegal, which by the way means that he WOULD NOT cover that employee with health care. What kind of a rediculas assertion! CNN is stooping to idiotic Fox type reporting.
Does Congress know what the word "Universal" means?
It means every American-including them. Since they "exempt" themselves from this plan, why should we be for it? If it's not good enough for them, it's not good enough for me. I don't care how many pages the bill is.
Dianne
Atlanta
I am more convinced we need health-care reform especially an government option. The majority of voters spoke by electing Obama with this as a major platform item. I can't believe that they would be fooled in any great numbers by the scare tactics of the extreme right. McCain and the Republican party wants Obama to fail at what ever he attemps, it is just poor sportsmanship.
I am more in favor of Health Care Reform now than ever! I believe the anti-Reform forces have skewed the entire conversation, including "polls" stating that more Americans are now against Health Care Reform. The sad thing is that none of this has anything to do with what the American people really need – which is good, affordable, consistent health care. Its all about money and special interests. Greed triumphs again!
It only took one piece of parchment to create this country. 2,000 pages and over 50 new bureaucracies just to insure 8 million is a disaster waiting to happen.
I support healtcare reform. Maybe the senate should add a line in the bill that allows us to bomb another country and waste billions of dollars invading other countries and then I am sure the republicans would vote in favor of it. How this country can spend so much money abroad and whine and moan about spending money on healthcare for Americans will always boggle my mind, so much for the well being of Americans.
With every commercial that health insurance companies are paying for to slander the reform, I only grow stronger in support for it. You know there is something to it when groups are spending millions trying to keep the status quo. That means health insurance companies do not want competition from the public option and want to continue to make millions just as before. I hope and wish that congress has the willpower to turn down bribes and pressure and vote strong for some needed change in health reform. In no way do I believe the legislation will be perfect, far from it. But a public option is necessary to start real change and I'm stronger in favor of it now.
Americans will protest public option Medicare but are mum on fighting a trillion-dollar war in Afghanistan.
What an odd people.
Jack, the more I learn about the health care system tells me this bill is absolutely necessary. My support only grows the more I learn. If we don't pass a bill now, our economy will go down the tubes for sure. I can't see how failure is an option. The GOP thinks that by knocking it down they will discredit the President. Actually there will be more of a backlash toward the GOP and the Dems that don't support it if they are not for it. . People are watching...and they care. Lives are at stake. Get the job done.
Increased. my health insurance just went up another $200 starting january 2010 to $600/mo, for really really low-end coverage .
Who are you trying to kid jack. If an immigrant legal or illegal shows up at a hospital and is in labor the hospital will give aid to this woman whether she can pay or not. If an Illegal is having a heart attack or is the victim of a robbery or a traffic accident they will receive the necessary care. So no matter what we pay for the care of the insured and the uninsured and nothing is ever going to stop that from happening.
That's just what the leaders want they think the longer they drag this out the sooner the people will forget about it if they don't bring down cost I won't have health care & I will vote to get them out & I hope millions will follow Washougal Washington
Increased, we desperately need reform.
As I believe things will only worsen if we do nothing, I'm on board despite reservations about cost controls on the insurance industry, by far the biggest culprit here. Let's do something today, so there is something to "tweak" tomorrow; i.e. today the pits, tomorrow the wrinkles.
No, we don't need a postal-service-like approach to health care. Runaway disinsterested bureaucracy creep is not the answer.
Yes, we do need lower health care costs. It's time to work on the fundamentals of the problem, such as tort reform, interstate purchase flexibility, restriction of medical care to those eligible (not illegal aliens).
Let's get off the power-grab reflected in current legislative proposals.
No, my support for healthcare program has not diminished. I also support the Public Option. I believe that if Congress doesn't pass this, they should pay for their own health care, and not have the American taxpayers pay for them to have the very best healthcare available. Actually, I think they should do that anyway. They can afford to pay for their own insurance!
My support for universal healthcare has never changed. My support for our current form of gov't and how it's run is now at an all time low. Our gov't is broken, it does not work and if nothing is done to change its incompetence, drastic measures will be taken by the public. It's nothing but the same perpetual stalemate to cover for corporations and the mega wealthy raping the public and it's no longer going to fly.
Yes I support it even more now. You say that having a govt. official decide which procedure is covered creeps you out. Are you kidding, the insurance companies are already doing and there is nothing we can do about it. There is no recourse when it's a private company except lanuch a publicity campaign to try and get enough public outrage to shame them into coverage. From stories I've heard in the past year, most of these people just die. Who has the time and know-how to launch a campaign when you are taking care of a sick loved one. You bet I support a public healthcare system and with a public option, so the insurance companies have to compete.
Jack,
I can't help but compare the situation down South with the Canadian transition to Universal Health care in 1946.
The buzzwords "communism" and "socialism" pervaded the debate then, and our doctors walked off the job in protest. The population was divided much like the States it now.
Fast foward 50 years, and most Canadians –every one I know– passionately defend Universal Health care.
Look in the long term. Every other Western Nation has Healthcare. For the first time ever, the US is way behind everyone else.
Look long term, America.
-Adam, Ontario Canada.
I'm ready to see health care reform just go away. Too many lobbyists, politicians, and extremist groups are too busy trying to cover their own behinds and no one is looking out for us patients. Especially us female patients. I used to support it, but the longer the discussion has gone on, the more skeptical I've become that it's being done well or right. Better to do nothing than to screw up what we've already got.
The truth is that our countrys current health care system is simply not working for all Americans. We need to put the well being of our nation as a whole, before the properity of a few. Financially, providing health care to all Americans will be more cost effective than providing last minute emergency care to those who cannot pay...as well as those who have entered the country illegally.
I suppose I can understand, what with the constant barrage of negative ads from the insurance industry and others with a vested interest in the status quo, that some people are wavering. The health care system is broken, though, it's hurting the country as a whole as well as the uninsured and underinsured, and we must deal with it. It's just necessary to pass reform legislation.
It has increased. In the 14 years I have been with the same insurance company, I never had trouble getting the tests I needed. In the last month, a non-doctor has denied two tests that my doctor wanted done immediately. My disdain for most of our politicians has also increased. They don't care about the average American citizen. They know how to fix the system, but are unwilling to do it because it will affect their own pockets or their political ambitions.
Increased, in spades. I am in Japan where we do have universal health coverage and I am being helped tremendously by it as a 4-year stroke survivor. I see all the positive aspects of comprehensive health care, and cannot believe how anyone can defend the situation as it currently exists the U.S.
It took me 2 years to start getting a very small amount of monthly disability from the U.S. system. So believe me, Jack, the government is already deciding who gets help and who does not.
AMA and AARP support the bill but Insurance companies oppose it, and the popular support (including your) is waning!!!
What else is new ?! Special interest and big money wins again.
I, members of congress, military and civilian employees as well as retires all have access to a federal-run health program. We still have to pay, but not as much as we would if we were not covered in this broad group. We cannot be cancelled or denied coverage. I want everyone to have the same rights. It is against my beliefs to feel that the sick are denied the right to medical treatment.
Jack-I had to check my channel to see if I accidentally put on Fox News! The Secretary of HHS will determine what coverage is provided by the public option Jack, not the coverage you have or I have. You see its a PUBLIC OPTION, by the Government, so who else would do it? Duh. On the issue of covering illegals–that's right Jack, this is health care reform, not immigration reform. Do you really think that this bill is the mechanism to also deal with employers checking their employee's immigration status? Please, lets try to keep this balanced. I'm for health insurance reform, which will save this country and employers money in the long run. By the way, the insurance lobby is certainly buying lots of time on CNN these days. Hope that didn't influence your inaccurate characterization of the legislation.
The Congress, regardless of whether it is run by Democrats or Republicans is INCAPABLE of designing a complex, fair, and "affordable" solution. Anything designed by committee, and bought by thousands of lobbyists is going to be anything BUT efficient.
Where is the cost-containment going to come from? Where is the Tort reform going to come from? "Insurance" rates are derived from actuarial tables of probabilities. How does that work when pre-existing conditions can't be excluded? What level of poor health comes from irresponsible life style, whether it is illegal drug addiction, extreme overeating, or even a career as a rodeo bull-rider, and should taxpayers have to subsidize the health costs of such activities?
As a nation, we no longer seem able to draw the line and say we cannot go beyond this. Maybe they should tell us just what won't be covered by this health care bill.
Regarding illegal aliens, I think emergency trauma care is certainly reasonable regardless of income or status. If someone thinks we should exclude from citizenship, children born in the U.S. to illegal aliens, then they should introduce a constitutional amendment and see if they can pass it. If they can't pass it, then those children are as American as you and me.
I had hoped for a basic level of health care coverage, with preventive screenings, and reasonable co-pays, and reasonable limits of mal-practice judgements. But Congress is just incompetent and corrupt.
Jack, your outrage at having someone decide who gets what procedures totally ignores the fact that insurers decide that for themselves right now, for the benefit of their stockholders, instead of having such things decided by someone who is (theoretically, at least) working for us.
And it would creep me out to think that, in order to get health care in the future, we would need to prove our citizenship. Your papers, comrade? And will this mean that Americans will be denied health care when in some other country?
Jack no President has ever passed health reform. The longer the bill hangs around the more misinformtion, lies, half truths and bad taste lingers in the air against it. The Insurance Industrial complex is too powerful. What is sad Jack is the Republicans have not introduced a bill of their own or a bill on anything to take this country to the next level. Jack your phrasing aka fear mongering presentation about illegal aliens is part of why this bill won't be passed. You are overtly calling the President a liar. I really like you Jack but you are starting to scare the hell out of me.
My position remains unchanged. I strongly support the medical reform effort. This country is the top overage.military and economic force in the world, but we rank 27th in health care coverage. Cuba offers better coverage. 10% of America is, in part, being used to fund the welfare of the 90%. As the jobless rate rises, the number will increase. We need to remeber that we are the country of, by, and for the people, not the rich.
I'm in favor of a strong public option and am so tired of all of the negative ads that are funded by insurance connections and other organizations in an attempt to sabotage it. We need significant change to our system and the only way to get the insurance companies to be fair and competitve is by having a public option. People who think they have control over their health care currently must not have insurance and we know the insurance companies are not really worried about the individual! All they see is the bottom line!
The whole health care reform is being based on blaming insurance companies for the high rate of increase in costs. Having been personally involved for 30 years I am aware that the cost of health insurance is going up at the same rate as the cost of health care.
They also talk about insurers profits but cut deals with hospitals, drug companies and others whose margins are much higher than those of Health Plans.
Lawyers are also cutting deals with congress and the president.
Take out all the costs of health insurance and the rate of increase will be the same. They are spending more on Medicare that they are taking in and this margin is zoomin.
I like to compare mandatory health coverage with mandatory schooling. You gotta send your kids to school, right? You oughtta be able to keep 'em healthy. Both services contribute to a healthy and prosperous society. Anything less is unacceptable for a First World nation.
INCREASED. The more lies I hear against health care reform the more I am for a reform bill with a public option. The American Insurance companies have mistreated Americans for decades. What makes you think they will all of a sudden change. I trust our government now more than ever and trust them way more than a profit driven corporation interested only in profits for its shareholders. Insurance companies have been deciding what coverage we get by placing a price on everything – WRONG. Everyone deserves health care, paid for by all; like every other advanced country in the world. I guess the United States is just not advanced or intelligent enough to implement health care for all. How embarrassing?
Tony
I am perhaps more alarmingly concerned because it looks like it will be passed in some form, and from the start I didn't think this was really in the best interest of the American people. This is unarguably a move towards a more socialized form of government.
Health care does need reform. But I am convinced there must be a way to stay true to our founding principles and still improve our healthcare system. The way this issue is being handled right now will make it a burden for the american people to bear and undermine many of the more positive aspects of our system that does make it one of the best medical care available in the world regardless of its issues. It will also cost us many good doctors who may turn away from the profession rather than deal with that level of bureaucracy.
Increased. Congressmen/women are either for the people(change) or with the rich/ruthless insurance companies. Doing nothing is exactly that, and will only reenforce the insurance companies greedy ways. We should publish a list of the Senators who are siding with the rich insurance companies – they are bought. The issue is getting lost, that, not only money is the issue, but insurance companies, armed with an endless list of denials, can make us crazy. The 120 million dollars a day the insurance companies are spending to defeat this change, is having an effect.
Jack
Smells like bad fish
Against this reform...
Why? Because it's smoke and mirrors...hokus pokus...now you see it- now you don't...
Come on Jack...have you ever heard of sheep in wolves clothing??
People need jobs! Health Care Reform is costly. Estimates probably conservative. More debt will drag the economy down more making the situation worse. Even worse, all the rush to get this passed quickly! Slow the process down!
My support for health care reform continues to grow. Sure, there are aspects that disturb me, especially the cost. As a person who lives in Michigan, my son couldn't get a job after college and eventually joined the Army, but in between, had no health insurance. My brother lost his job in manufacturing and now he drives a school bus – he and his family no longer have health insurance. I'm sorry if certain aspects creep you out, Jack, but it's time to get over it. If you want a screening test, I'm sure your salary will cover anything available.
Jack,
I've been substitute teaching because I can't find a full time job. I also substitute for a courier for a large well known electric utility company. I have had to go on food stamps and medicaid to help feed and take care of the health of my child and myself. I don't want to be on public assistance. I want a full time job. I have a BS in Biological Sciences and I'm almost finished with an MS in Environmental Studies. It's not like I'm not trying or I'm attempting to 'soak' the other taxpayers out there.
But after talking with others who have lost their jobs, those who have gone back to work after being retired, and those who work full time with benefits... I have to say the system as it is now is crap. Plain and simple. I want my mom covered even though she has emphysema, I want my dad covered even though he is on oxygen now, I want them and me to be able to get coverage that we can afford when we do get a job/coverage.
Health care reform must happen because if it doesn't a lot of good people who happen to be sick or hurt or in need of medicine will be faced with choices between feeding their family or paying for health insurance that MIGHT cover them if they get sick. That is unacceptable period.
Luwanna Guysville Ohio
I support Health Care Reform even more strongly.
When you see the health care entities, big business and the republicans spending millions of dollars to defeat it, that is proof
it is the right thing to do.
You are always quoting critics but ignore supporters. How about
a little more middle of the road, Jack??
Jack,
In answer to your question, has my support of health care reform increased or decreased in the past 6 months(?), the answer is absolute. My support has increased. Dramatically!
I am living the nightmare of what happens next in healthcare. I lost my job due to a downsizing last January. I've been constant and consistent in my diligent search for a job. I've just turned 60 and have a wife and a son of 22 (in college) who depend on me for health insurance. My son has complications that would preclude him from many health insurances under the "pre-existing" criteria. I'm on COBRA at the moment and have now received the double whammy of no more stimulus support for that program. My monthly insurance premium just took a nasty increase. COBRA will end for me at the end of next summer. I am limited in my resources and my options, but at least I still do have a few.
This country is too good and too strong and too caring to let this insurance fiasco continue. I do not understand the argument against reform except to know that it is counter the insurance companies profit margins to reform. I do not buy the bull the right throws up (literally) about too high a cost. Do they not understand the advantages to business and entrepreneurs in general if worry of health insurance become a much less antagonizing element? Do they not have loved ones that could some day be in the pre-existing debacle? Do they not believe that some day the worse could actually happen to them and their good present circumstances change?
Pass healthcare reform and let the economy mend itself as it surely will. How do you place a dollar value on health and all the benefits socially as well as economically that that can mean? It is an embarrassment that this country, as great as it is, cannot solve this simple concern.
Thank you for the chance to sound off.
Charles Graves
I am 100% for health care! Our government spends entirely too much money on wars which should've long been finished, obscure programs, salaries, perks, foreign aid and much more, so maybe if government is forced to spend our taxpayer dollars on something people actually need like health care help for one, our government will be forced to rearrange their spending priorities. One can only hope.
I am more in favor of health care reform than ever since observing so many hypocritical members of congress blather against allowing the government to be involved when I would guarantee that most of them are, themselves, enrolled in the "government plan" known as the Federal Employees Health Benefit plans, Medicare and/or Tricare.
It is a matter of "I want all my benefits" but "you other folks are not deserving.
Both my significant other and I are currently covered by insurance from my work. I am becoming a Federal employee and will loose coverage for him. He has continuing back and neck problems and cannot get insurance in the private sector unless covered by a group because of his pre-existing condition. His mother works part time for an employer that will not give anyone enough hours to "qualify for insurance...she goes without and hopes she can make it through until medicare kicks in 2 years from now.
If someone can tell me how the current system of private insurance is in the best interest of the country, yet leaves so many of its citizens behind, I am interested in hearing it. If some compassionate conservative can tell me how letting people who are willing but unable to purchase health insurance go without hoping that they don't get sick, is a compassionate or even a fiscally responsible thing to do, I am listening.
Chances are that the two people I mentioned above will end up in the emergency room and since neither has much of their own money, that tall bill will be paid for by all of us. Preventative care covered by insurance (even a public option), is less expensive over the long run.
Jack
I am for one plan for all...no matter who you are. Every person deserves that but I don't see reform going that way. I see a bunch of selfish politicians who want their own agenda and are more worried about re-election than what Americans need and deserve So I don't know where my support where lie because we will see what final product the Congress produces. I am behind true reform 100%......I am from Buffalo....home of the great famous journalists Wolf Blitzer and Tim Russert...and proud to be part of that community.
I just know the insurance companies are greedy like wall street. For those who are insured they have doctors ordering all kinds of tests, medicines, etc. Like addictions. The elderly don't worry about what to do in retirement days, they just go for tests, wait in doctor's rooms and take expensive pills. They're good because of Medicare that reimburses everyone, outrageous fees and nonsensical testing.
That's the bulk of the income for them. If it is anyone else, the fees to keep the insurance are outrageous and they drop you. Like vulchers, they know their prey.
Jack My support for the health care bill has decreased and I did not want it in the first place. Their going to pass some crap onto us,everybody will be confused, It will cost American taxpayers a bundle for less than what we had before but it will cover more people.Same thing on credit card reform they skirt around the edges, make it look like their for the people, all the while the banks got time to jack up their interest. Then they will tout look what we did for the people, they'll try to do the same thing on health care. With all of the corruption we as Americans cannot win, I think it is too rampant. Jerry/ Iowa
I wanted single payer but I'm still a strong advocate of health care reform as we all know we are the only industrlized country without health care for all our human beings. Why don't we study what's worked the best around the world and learn (oh, I forgot we've got to be the leader?). God we need help!! Lesley Seattle Wa
Jack, about your quote: "...For starters – under the Senate's plan, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be granted broad new powers – including the authority to decide what procedures insurers should cover and who should get them. I don't know about you, but that idea creeps me out..."
Why are you not already creeped out, when for profit insurance companies, and their lobbyists are currently making these decisions?
My support for reform is waning, because it is being watered down by the insurers and their allies, K street and the GOP.
The truth is that our country’s current health care system is simply not working for all Americans. We need to put the well being of our nation as a whole, before the prosperity of a few. Financially, providing health care to all Americans will be more cost effective than providing last minute emergency care to those who cannot pay...as well as those who have entered the country illegally.
My support for health care reform as outlined by the Democrats in congress increases every day. The reason we are debating a government option for health care is that the private health insurance industry is a failure. It is not providing social value. We are not debating auto, life, dental, homeowners or other forms of insurance because these forms of private insurance are serving the public.
Absolutely we should pay for health care. I'm 39 with diabetes and who knows how long I will have health care through my current employer. The governement has taken away my Social Security and the company I work for has taken away my pension. I want something in returen for my taxes! I say we go to a socialized country, which will take away disposable income that people have to buy a bunch of stuff they don't really need and we can get back to basics... family, friends, etc...
Decreased because so many common sense options are being ignored. When Congress applies the same health care to its members that it votes on for the rest of us, I might support it. Until then, it's a rhino in a room filled with pink elephants. Obama and Congress are not listening to the people and they will regret it at election time.
Trace M
My support has increased, as I have listened to intelligent reasoning behind the proposed reforms, and been disgusted by the fear-mongering from the Right. I should add that the hysteria around the prospect of illegals receiving free health care is off base. First of all, many illegals and other uninsured are already treated for free in hospital emergency rooms and clinics that are ethically bound to provide them with urgent care. The remark about illegal workers who have assumed false identities possibly being eligible for health benefits, nobody has mentioned this: these same workers are now having wages withheld for unemployment insurance, social security, Medicare,etc. – benefits that they may never be able to enjoy.
Susan Hamilton
Eastchester, NY
Jack, Universal Health Care for everyone sounded great,but the way it has been proposed is making Americans sick. Rich N.C.
Jack,
Good Question , For me my support for healthcare reform had dropped like a rock...
Just like anything that has been promised so far..... CHANGE has not happened as to were its really helped... I lost my job last week before the holiday and today my wife tells me that our health cost increased $88. per week ..
I trust in God to pull me through and I pray for all the Americans that are seeing hard times.. Something has to happen fast! .... We should spend U.S. monies here in the U.S. and keep our small bussiness alive to keep people working. .... instead we are all dropping like flies..
Thanks
Yes health is extremely important, so important that the government is the last people I want handling it. Can you imagine any body with a worse record of success.
Jack, you sound like a man that has very good insurance. For the millions of us that have none, the decisions of who gets what procedure has already been made. The answer is no one and none. This "creeps" us out.
Jack,
Not really, I still think it's a collasal waste of time, and there are much better ways to reform our health care system.
I just heard Jack Cafferty repeat a complaint that first appeared in the Washington Times– that the health care bills could result in illegal immigrants getting coverage because there are no "exemptions to screen out illegal immigrants." This is the dumbest argument I've heard since the "death panels" complaint. It's already illegal to hire an illegal immigrant. That's where the screening is supposed to take place.
Jack, Heath Care reform is making me sick! Let us just get something passed and amend it as we go. 1000s pages! I thought we were talking about Health Care reform not Gone with the Wind? I'm starting to get sick just thinking about it again. Let's have real Health Care Reform and not the illusion of one.
Our support for "national healthcare" has decreased. We are opposed to cutting Medicare by a half trillion dollars as well as requiring those to pay for insurance they don't want to pay for it.
Each proposed bill will require those seniors who now benefit from Medicare Advantage to pay additionally for Medigap insurance.
We are opposed to giving Washington bureaucrats the authority to decide what insurance services should be provided and to whom benefits can be given.
Illegal aliens employed by those employers who hire them will be paying for illegal aliens. Virtually every word we hear from the White House or Congress is a lie.
It has never been there Jack. I feel the Obama Adminstration is headed in the right direction but down the wrong road. Would it not be easier to ease into this by starting with a governement funded pharmicutical needs ? They could purchase the same meds; with regulations, from around the globe, in BULK ! I feel this would appraoch the the real issue head on.... absurd greed based on unfortunate health issue Americans have.
Just a thought
I have always been in favor of the Health Plan. No one ever asked my opinion. 18 years plus and no PLAN. Shame on us. Especially
Congress and the Media. That's you too, Jack. It's too Political. Republicans don't want a plan. They will do anything to defeat any bill that Obama requests. They did in the 90's. WE NEED a HEALTH Plan. The reporting about Health Plans is disgraceful. Way too NEGATIVE.
DEE Wolf
Once again, Congress has shown all Americans that it cannot even once ignore their special interests in favor of the American people. How else can they explain their convoluted four thousand pages of combined health reform legislation that threatens to do everything from cutting medicare benefits to seniors to levying a stiff inheritance tax against primarily the middle class. Eliminating medicare fraud and legislating stricter controls on the pharmaceutical and health insurance monsters would go a long way toward improving healthcare in this Country.
Yes, I'm not for this healthcare reform in the least. Why? Just look at the last few months ... bank bail-outs that haven't helped Main Street, cars for clunkers for an auto industry which refuses to restructure itself, housing values are flat as ever despite government bucks, climate change has become a suspect issue, jobs are few and far between for a lot of folks, and we're in a war in which the President never utters the word "win".
What am I supposed to think? That healthcare reform is going to buck the trend? I lot of us would be a whole lot happier if those in Washington just blathered for each other and left the rest of us alone. But I don't think they can resist the urge to make us all more miserable. Please ... leave me alone. I'm fine in my own misery.
Denis Ahearn
Port Chester, NY
My support for health care hasn't changed, but after reading your blurb my support for you is falling fast....
I would much rather have the Secretary of Health and Human Services make a decision about what treatment I will receive - based on hard outcomes data. Today that same decision is being made by a third level insurance company bureaucrat based on how much money their company will make (and how big a bonus they are going to get) this year.
Jack...My support has grown stronger because the greed of corporate America and the corruption of Republicans is so obvious. Not only do we need health care reform, we really need campaign finance reform to stop the corruption of our politicians...or is that wishful thinking
Politics, and keep the rich, rich - pure and simple - WHEN will the U.S. political system do what it is supposed to do?? Government by the people for the people - Your health care system is some to really be ashamed of - someone should take a long hard look at the Scandinavian model of health care - we spend about 1/4th of what you do, per capita - and it covers everyone - no questions - you dont feel well?? you go to your doctor - that's it pure and simple - and the government picks up the tab - come on Congress - get your act together !!! and some people wonder why I choose, as an American, to live here!!
I'm amazed that nobody addresses how this will be paid for. Many countries pay insanely high tax rates. Will we join them?
Wavering...
The argument over illegals is irrelevant, as they cannot be turned away for emergency care. Does that mean no one pays for it? Thats like telling me that shoplifting doesn't cause price increases at retail stores.
I think we need to tear down the current system and start fresh. Did you know a dose of Tylenol costs over $50 if you're in a hospital? ONE DOSE! We are quickly reaching critical mass on costs, and thats the underlying problem.
My two cents, Jack
Kelby
My support for health care reform has increased in the past 6 months. I am in favor of the House bill with its public option.
I have been a mammographer since 1973, the year that Betty Ford and Happy Rockefeller had mastectomies and started promoting preventative mammograms. One main issue that has not been discussed is that of liability. It's not the yearly mammograms that are the problem; it's that liability that radiologists all have to recommend biopsies rather that a 3 or 6 month follow up. The interpretation of mammograms is not a black and white science. It's not like a broken bone or a gall stone or a clogged artery. Early detection has been proven to save lives! A protection for radiologists to act conservatively and follow up new densities or tiny calcifications rather that recommending invasive procedures could be a compromise.
My support for health care reform has increased significantly as recently as today. The small business I work for just inked a deal with our health insurance company for 2010 providing worse coverage for our employees at a 15% increase in cost. The health insurance system in this country is broken and needs to be fixed immediately.
My support has decreased. All levels of government have, and are, growing too large and unaffordable. So many problems do not improve when the government interferes. We do not need a "nanny state." That isn't the way America became great.
yes, Im for health care reform. In the last 7 years my wifes employer has switched insurance co,s 5 times because after 1 year they always want to 2x there prices raise there deductables cut there coverages. I have had insurance all of my life via parents, employers, etc. for 51 years and have rarely used it nox I have a 5500$ deduckt able. I could use a gastric by pas but they dont cover that, or anything else thar ales me.
Early on, I was in favor of health care reform. It seemed like a caring idea and I like to think of myself as a caring person. However, as I watched the House and then the Senate debate what I thought was a simple humanitarian effort, I became increasingly fearful that the whole issue boiled down to nothing more than a ploy to increase the government signature in our lives and saddle us with more debt. In the end, if it passes, we will end up paying more and getting less. This issue is not only dividing the politicians in Washington, it is dividing the country, and a house divided will not stand. Let's move on to creating meaningful jobs so people can purchase healthcare. Survival should come first and the rest can come in its own way on its own schedule. No, I am not in favor of healthcare reform at this time
Dan, Denton, TX
Definitely decreased in support. I got so tired of hearing that 47 million people didn't have health care that I asked my seventh grade daughter to go the internet to find out who these people are and in minutes found the source of the 47 million number, it was the US Census Bureau's Annual Report: "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States 2008"
The report does state that there are 47 million people without health insurance. It also states that 18 million of these people make more than $50,000 per year and choose not to spend money on healthcare. Another 8 million of these people are children eligible for SCHIP programs if their parents would just sign them up for coverage. Another 8 million are young adults who feel they are healthy and indestructible and don't need health insurance. Also included in the report is a table on page 21 that states that 9.5million of the 47 million are listed as "Not A Citizen". If you do the math from this government report as listed above, you find that there are basically 3 million people without health insurance plus 9.5 million people in this country illegally who don't have coverage.
Needless to say I was shocked to find that the President and the media chose only to read the 47 million part and try to misrepresent the rest of the report. Have you and the rest of the CNN staff read this report and if so why did it take my 12 year old daughter 10 minutes to shed more light on this subject than CNN has been able to shed on this subject in the past 24 months?
I am opposed to the health care bill as it is presently designed. I am a middle income person with a family and two boys who are about ready for college. I am a dentist. I went to college for twelve years and fall into the middle income, probably the lower end of the bracket. I know the people who will bear the burden of this bill will be the middle class. It always is. I am tired of paying for everyone else. Why doesn't the congress seek to controll the cost of a college education. I believe college costs increased approximatley 7 to 8 percent this school year. In the greatest recession since the great depression colleges raised their fees. To put three children through college could cost as much as $450,000. Why doesn't congress try to contoll these costs. I think we know why.
Being one of the 25 million unemployed with a preexisting condition, I can only hope and pray health care reform passes before I do. I have 8 years to go before medicare so I watch my step everyday.
The Republicans are in the pockets of the insurance companies and the Democrats have always been favored by mainstream doctors, but neither is on the side of the average consumer.
The insurance companies rape the consumer for the privilege of being treated by the most grossly overrated healthcare system in the world, while many alternative treatments that have proven to be more effective than standard methods aren't paid for by insurance and the doctors who use these methods faced jail sentences for doing so until the gay aids revolt in NY State in the mid 1990s.
Whether this healthcare plan passes or not, I believe the American public will still be poorly served. Believe me, much more than simply paying for an archaic and overly expensive system has got to be discussed before anyone gets my support.