Organizing for America | Dan Pollock's Blog: Town Hall on Health Care with Dr. Susan Wood and Neera Tanden

Disabled | Report to Admin

By Aimee Oct 23rd 2008 at 4:49 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 4:49 pm EDT)

How will Baracks health care plan affect or benefit the disabled? Will they still be abled to get health insurance even though I have a pre existing condition and will the cost be more, and being I am only 41 and I am on Medicare and my husband is not ,,, how will that work? I also am still covered by a Long term disablity plan..will that be changed or stay the same?

Re: Disabled | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT)

Hi Aimee

Senator Obama's health care plan ensures that people with pre-existing conditions will not be discriminated against by insurance companies...and you will not face higher costs because of those conditions. And if you have health care or Medicare or disability insurance, nothing changes unless you want to change plans.

Barack's Health Care Policy | Report to Admin

By Diane Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:18 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:18 pm EDT)

Many of my acquaintances are saying that Barack's health care policy is socialized medicine. How does it differ from the socialized medicine of Canada and Europe?

Re: Barack's Health Care Policy | Report to Admin

By Aimee Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:31 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:31 pm EDT)

Medicare is Socialzed Medicine and it works!!! If you listened to McCain you would think that Socialism is no where in the USA, but McCain himself is a card carrying socialist if he (and he does) use Medicare and Social Security. Do not let these people fool you with words!

Re: Barack's Health Care Policy | Report to Admin

By Mr. NOBEL President Obama & Vice-President Biden I Trust and RESPECT! Oct 23rd 2008 at 8:45 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 8:45 pm EDT)

People IGNORE Aimee's responses to our questions. She's a nobody; NOT part of the Q & A Team!

Re: Barack's Health Care Policy | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:38 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:38 pm EDT)

Senator Obama's plan is completely different from other countries' plans. First and foremost, it's based on the principle of choice. If you like your health insurance, nothing changes, except you will have lower costs. If you don't have health insurance or you are underinsured, you will have access to the same kind of insurance that Members of Congress have through a new National Health Exchange. That exchange will consist of a large number of private plans, and will have a single public option, like Medicare. Senator Obama's plan is based on the system we have in this country - private insurance through employers. His plan is not a single payer plan of any kind. In contrast, Senator McCain has proposed a plan that will radically restructure health care in our country and lead to at least 20 million Americans losing the coverage they have to rely on.

Where's the video??? | Report to Admin

By Cynthia from Louisville, KY Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:03 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:03 pm EDT)

I'm trying to participate, but I can't find the link to the video/discussion. HELP!

Re: Where's the video??? | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:06 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:06 pm EDT)

It should be on the webpage at that link. You should be able to click on it and view. It's a great video, so I hope you will be able to see it!

Re: Where's the video??? | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:11 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:11 pm EDT)

And here is where you join the discussion! Post your comments and questions here.

Re: Where's the video??? | Report to Admin

By Cynthia from Louisville, KY Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:26 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:26 pm EDT)

Never did find the link - must be the forward I received. Not a problem - I'll watch it later! :-)

employer-based health care? | Report to Admin

By Christine from Brooklyn, NY Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:08 pm EDT)

When Obama is elected and he implements his buy-in health care plan to supplement employer-based health care, what is to stop employers from simply refusing health benefits to their employees because the employees will now be able to buy into the new health care system?

Re: employer-based health care? | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:24 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:24 pm EDT)

Right now, employers do not have to provide coverage but they do because providing health care is tax advantaged in our system. Today, if your employer provides you health insurance, you don't face any tax. Senator Obama's health care plan builds and reforms the system we have. If you like your health care, nothing changes, except you'll experience lower costs. He has structured his plan so that there incentives for employers to maintain their coverage. Senator McCain's plan, on the other hand, taxes health care benefits for the first time in history and therefore undermines employer-based coverage in our country. Estimates say 20 million to 30 million people will lose the coverage they have come to rely on from their employer.

Thanks for your question!

maximize impact of health care supporters | Report to Admin

By Audrey from Chevy Chase, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:10 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:10 pm EDT)

What can health professionals and advocates do in the next 13 days, beyond canvassing and GOTV, to take advantage of our unique bond of trust with patients, colleagues and the public?

Re: maximize impact of health care supporters | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:19 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:19 pm EDT)

There is so much we can do! Start by writing letters to the editor in your local paper or on blogs. Also friends and neighbors look to those with experience and knowledge about health care to help them understand these issues. That means you. Provide information about the Obama/Biden approach to reforming health care and the real negative impact that the McCain plan will have on each of us. And for those who are women or who advocate on women's health issues, this is critical! But Get Out the Vote efforts are key as well - so help out with that!

health insurance costs | Report to Admin

By Marlene from Seymour, CT Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:10 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:10 pm EDT)

My concern is the statement by J McCain that anyone can purchase health insurance for $5,000 per year. I am secretary of a small business that provides health insurance for our employees. We have 4 employees, one covered by medicare, one covered by his spouse thank god, one single male cost $620.02 per mo, one male with family cost $1,296.08. No dental coverage, we cancelled that, no pre existing conditions. We have a hospital deductable $2,500 single, $5,000 fam ded. PCP $30 specialist $45.00,druges $15/30/40. The carrier is Connecticut/Care.

Re: health insurance costs | Report to Admin

By Gina Marie Braten Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:22 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:22 pm EDT)

My husband and I couldn't believe that McCain thinks the 5,000 dollar credit will cover costs of health insurance. This is an example of him being "out of touch."

Re: health insurance costs | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:26 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:26 pm EDT)

You are absolutely right.

It is virtually impossible for anyone to by a good plan (or any plan) for that amount. Women will suffer especially, since 41 states allow for charging higher premiums, just for being female. In addition, many of the state protections for quality care and coverage - from cervical cancer screening to maternity care to direct access to ob-gyns to requirements for equal coverage for contraception - could be lost if coverage through a group plan is lost.

Barack's plan will build on group coverage and support small businesses to be able cover their employees at an affordable price.

HC Costs | Report to Admin

By Sally from Norwalk, CT Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:11 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:11 pm EDT)

What specific plans does BO have for reducing costs? Not just going after fraud/abuse & bulk buying of prescriptions, but making a dysfunctional system work more effectively & efficiently?

Re: HC Costs | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:16 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:16 pm EDT)

Hi Sally,

Senator Obama's plan will lower health care costs by $2500 per year for our families. He takes a number of steps to to that:

1. investing $50 billion over 5 years to ensure health care information technology infrastructure everywhere
2. investing in prevention
3. ensuring medical homes through chronic care management
4. allowing the government to negotiate drug prices through Medicare
and a number of other steps
Senator Obama understands that families are struggling as premium have doubled during the Bush Administration and that's why lowering costs is just a priority for him.

Re: HC Costs | Report to Admin

By Sally from Norwalk, CT Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:43 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:43 pm EDT)

Neera, thank you for the specific response

Please clarify “ensuring medical homes through chronic care management”
I have an interest in this as I am the Medical Advocate for my niece who has MD
She has been healthy, but became gravely ill, was transported to the local hospital
She was too complicated a case for them but they did not transport her to a facility that was able to handle her (UConn Health Ctr) she almost died needed additional care & rehab; many costs that could have been minized if they had an incentive to move her; they did not.
We got copies of all paper work afterwords, confirming & amplifying my suspicions.
Major cases like my niece should provide an option to help the family get the best, not necessarily the most expensive, care. My niece has recovered; she is back living independently. Even though she is on the receiving end of much pressure to be institutionalized, which would be systemically more expensive.

Believe it or not this is a condensed version.

What is the washington plan that the senators have? | Report to Admin

By Aimee Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:14 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:14 pm EDT)

Barack keeps saying that if you need insurance you will get a chance to get the same insurance plan they have as senators. What kind of insurance plan is that?

Re: What is the washington plan that the senators have? | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:20 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:20 pm EDT)

Today Members of Congress and federal employees have access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan, which is composed of dozens and dozens of private insurance options. He wants to create a similar system for the public, which will also include a public insurance option, like Medicare. Senator Obama believes that the insurance options he and Senator McCain have are good enough for the American people and that's a key part of his health care plan.

Logistics? | Report to Admin

By Carolyn from Charlotte, NC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:18 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:18 pm EDT)

How logistically would we implement the ideas Barack is discussing? Does the government mandate that insurers disregard preexisting conditions and size of company and then let insurers work out how to pool people? Or, as I've heard Barack discuss, do the group of insurers who provide coverage to members of Congress pick all these folks up? What does that do to the co-pay obligations of existing participants in such plans? I want this to work, because I think we need it, as do our doctors and nurses who are trying to treat people, but I'm afraid the devil is in the details and those currently running health care insurance will find a way around it in the small print.

I'm also curious as to Sen. Obama's position on illegal immigrants, as I know in our community, many of the uninsured who seek treatment are aliens, generally without green cards. I think I'm in the minority - particularly in NC - but I'd like to see these people, who take care of our children, build our buildings and keep our landscapes looking beautiful - be eligible for citizenship, covered by insurance and able to do the same thing for themselves and their families that the rest of us - whether long-time Americans or relatively recent immigrants - can do. With that, comes the obligation for those folks to pay taxes (as all citizens do) to help cover that cost. It's hard to imagine solving the problem of the uninsured and underinsured without addressing this population.

Thanks.

Re: Logistics? | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:31 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:31 pm EDT)

Under Senator Obama's plan, no insurance company could choose to stop covering you because of a pre-existing condition. Like other federal regulations passed to address health insurance, this would create a floor for basic coverage. This does not apply just to insurance companies in the national pool, but all insurance companies, so the costs would be spread out and therefore, affordability should not be such an issue.

In terms of illegal immigrants, Senator Obama's plan does not cover them, but he has supported increasing support for public health infrastructure so that they can have access to care that way.

Re: Logistics? | Report to Admin

By Cynthia from Louisville, KY Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:42 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:42 pm EDT)

So what you're saying is basically that uninsured - or underinsured - Americans would become a new "group," thus qualifying for the discounts and reduced rates that employer groups get? My question with this is, who picks up the "employer responsibility" tab? I think we've gotten so used to $20 prescriptions that we may forget that for every dollar we spend, our employer spends many more. When you figure in that part of the equation, if the member - the previously-uninsured American - has to pick up that part, too, it's still unaffordable for most of them.

Medicare coverage inadequate | Report to Admin

By Juanita Salvador-Burris Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:20 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:20 pm EDT)

Because Medicare covers only 80% of costs, the senior has to buy supplemental insurance for the remaining 20%. I realized recently that the 20% is the area for the private health insurance companies to compete with their different plans.

Barack needs to find a comprehensive way to rationalize the health insurance companies "offers" because the multiplicity of their plans tends to obfuscate rather than enlighten the decision-maker.

What can be done about this gap?

Medicare coverage inadequate | Report to Admin

By Juanita Salvador-Burris Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:20 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:20 pm EDT)

Because Medicare covers only 80% of costs, the senior has to buy supplemental insurance for the remaining 20%. I realized recently that the 20% is the area for the private health insurance companies to compete with their different plans.

Barack needs to find a comprehensive way to rationalize the health insurance companies "offers" because the multiplicity of their plans tends to obfuscate rather than enlighten the decision-maker.

What can be done about this gap?

Re: Medicare coverage inadequate | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:56 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:56 pm EDT)

As part of his plan, Sen Obama would ensure that everyone has access to high quality plans, and indeed to have access to a choice of plans similar to what Federal Employees and Members of Congress get. In this choice of plans there are ways to compare the different offerings to find the right one for you and your family. At the same time these plans must meet a basis standard of quality and benefits to ensure that there is comprehensive coverage for health care.

Re: Medicare coverage inadequate | Report to Admin

By Juanita Salvador-Burris Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:59 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:59 pm EDT)

the online system seems very slow. have been waiting for a reply for almost 20 minutes. am I doing this right?

2 comments | Report to Admin

By Lori17201 Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:21 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:21 pm EDT)

1- I have a friend who is a retired teacher. Her husband has a lot of health problems. She currently pays $1000 per month to keep their insurance. What will Sen. Obama's plan do for them?
2- I work in mental health. Many are on medicare (with part D) and had to choose a company. Most of them have $4 per perscription. These are people on fixed incomes who can't afford their medications and the county medications are no longer given out.
What will be done to ensure that people can afford their medications

McCain taxation of health benefits | Report to Admin

By Audrey from Chevy Chase, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:24 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:24 pm EDT)

I understand that John McCain's plan introduces taxing health benefits as income for the first time. Please confirm, and say how this would work.
What on earth is behind this terrible idea - what is he thinking?

Re: McCain taxation of health benefits | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 6:03 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 6:03 pm EDT)

That is such an important point! This would drive people and employers away from the coverage we have now and away from what protections we have in the states for quality and for non-discrimination.

Investing in Prevention | Report to Admin

By Cynthia from Louisville, KY Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:24 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:24 pm EDT)

When you refer to "investing in prevention," exactly what do you mean by that? I believe prevention goes far beyond making sure everyone has all their shots and washes their hands frequently during flu season -- I'd like to see a concerted effort with business, government, and other groups working together to encourage and provide incentives for staying healthy. While healthcare should be a right and not a privilege, part of the reason costs are out of control is that many folks aren't making as healthy choices as they could and therefore are requiring treatment for preventable chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. How does Senator Obama intend to promote prevention?

Re: Investing in Prevention | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:37 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:37 pm EDT)

Good question. Through reforming the health insurance system and getting us access to quality affordable health care, Sen Obama is tackling the first step that can help us move towards a system that promotes health and not one that just treats disease. Getting coverage of preventive services, primary car, early detection and screening, reproductive health services and mental health coverage, more of us will have the tools to improve our health.

Senator Obama is also a strong supporter of research on prevention as well as new treatments. As just one example, he is the sponsor of legislation that would speed the development of microbicides that would give women the ability to protect themselves against transmission of HIV.

He also is a strong supporter of the public health system, where research, education and outreach on issues such as obesity, diabetes, smoking prevention and cessation efforts, amongst others, can make a difference.

Mental Health Care | Report to Admin

By Debra from Atlanta, GA Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:27 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:27 pm EDT)

As someone who has worked in the mental health field for a number of years, I want to understand what Senator Obama will do to provide quality coverage to the middle class who are in need mental health and/or addiction treatment. While the mental health parity bill recently passed, that does not mean that employers have to begin or continue offering behavioral health benefits, nor offering a full continuuum of services, which are often needed for a long term, successful outcome.

Re: Mental Health Care | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:42 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:42 pm EDT)

Senator Obama's plan ensures full mental health parity and today, the plan his National Exchange is modeled on contains several health insurance options that provide generous coverage of mental health concerns.

Concerns about meds | Report to Admin

By Patsy Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:30 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:30 pm EDT)

Being a veteran, we are plagued with rising costs for medication. Can anything be done to help us? Also, is there a way that pharmaceutial companies
assist consumers by not increasing the costs for medication? Will this be addressed in your administration Senator Obama?

Re: Concerns about meds | Report to Admin

By Susan from Silver Spring, MD Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:51 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:51 pm EDT)

Senator Obams supports several key ways to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Indeed, the VA has a very good system by purchasing drugs in bulk. But Medicare should also be able to negotiate for better prices for seniors who get prescription drug coverage through Medicare.

In addition Sen. Obama supports allowing reimportation of medications from countries such as Canada that have lower drug prices, and supports development of a way to have "generic" biologics to help lower the cost of some of these new therapies.

enforcement | Report to Admin

By Joyce from Lake Katrine, NY Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:31 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:31 pm EDT)

How do you intend to enforce the various State and Federal mandates ...such as collection of poor taxes, Prompt Pay, HIPAA regulations? As well as forcing the various Insurance companies to fix their software? No one should be receiving eobs that more closely resemble spam ..and no doctor should should have his or her judgement second guessed by companies that can't..or won't clean up their collective acts. IMHO, there should be constant onsite supervision by government regulators.

According to a recent PBS program, Japan has basically one rate book and everyone has agreed to the schedules. Everyone seems to be on the same page and although their system is having some problems staying afloat, there is little wiggle room for a ripoff due to not understanding the plan..since there is only one. To me, this is socialism that no one should be afraid of.

Re: enforcement | Report to Admin

By Tami Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:52 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:52 pm EDT)

I just wanted to add to this comment. Unfortunately, a large part of taxpayer money is misused in the medical community, even with Financial Intermediary's looking out for fraud. Part of the problem is the way that Medicare/Medicaid processes their claims and the large amount of trust that is given to the hospitals to ensure compliance. Private health insurance companies do not experience this type of fraud because they have representatives either on site, or on the phone with hospitals on a daily basis, approving or denying services based on medical necessity and holding hospitals and physicians accountable.

How much attention has Senator Obama given towards the issue of Medicare fraud and what steps has he considered taking to stop it?

Re: enforcement | Report to Admin

By Neera from Washington, DC Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:55 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:55 pm EDT)

Health information technology, with real interoperability, will allow greater uniformity in payments and information, from hospital to hospital, doctor to doctor. And the goal is to ensure that consumers have the information they need to ensure better quality care of themselves.

In terms of regulation, this is a real difference between Senator Obama and Senator McCain. Senator Obama thinks we have to take on the insurance companies by stopping them from discriminating against pre-existing conditions, requiring that they cover everyone and that they spend their profits on coverage. Senator McCain's plan undermines state consumer protections that exist today - including the ability to appeal the decision by your insurance company to deny coverage. Senator Obama thinks insurance companies have too much, not too little power in our health care system and his plan empowers consumers and health care providers, not the insurance industry.

Doctor Shortage? | Report to Admin

By Mr. NOBEL President Obama & Vice-President Biden I Trust and RESPECT! Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:34 pm EDT (Updated Oct 23rd 2008 at 5:34 pm EDT)

I'm 110% in support of Obama all the way! But under a Universal Healthcare plan, where are we going to get all the doctors to see patients? Many times now, there is a couple month wait to see a doctor under Medicare/Medicaid.