Crowd of approx. 400 were in attendance at Rep. Rob Andrews “Community Meeting” at Rowan University on Monday, August 24th.
I arrived at about 4:35pm and witnessed many OFA supporters, there were a few tea baggers waiting in line ripping up the information that was being handed out. They weren’t protesting with disrespectful signs.
Rep. Andrews began by letting us all know that everyone that wants to be heard will, and there will be NO SHOUTING or OVER TALKING ANYONE!
**Rep. Rob Andrews pretty much stated that…
Insured (those who currently have insurance) – will get to keep the insurance they have or can shop around in the exchange without discrimination (especially preconditions). The amount you pay for coverage depends on your income. There will be a cap on out-of-pocket costs.
Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans – coverage stays the same
Seniors will pay less and have coverage for the entire year
Immediate relief, cutting brand name drug cost in the donut hole by 50%
Uninsured – will be able to obtain affordable healthcare coverage or get it through their employer. Your employer will be responsible for paying a reasonable share of the premium, no less than 72% for individual and 65% for family coverage
The benefit of Public Option is that it will force competiton with private healthcare insurers’ examples: Etna, BlueCross BlueShield
Small Businesses with 25 employees or less and have an average income of less then $40,000 qualify for tax credits up to 50% of the cost of providing health insurance.
How will it be paid for…?
1-by eliminating wasteful spending of Medicare
2-tax increases for couples whose adjustable gross income is $325,000 & individual adjusted income of $275,000
Tort reform – will not bring down the cost of health insurance premiums…Texas tried tort reform and it has failed, their premiums have risen tremendously
Rep. Andrews basically answered the same questions over & over again to the tea baggers that came fully scripted. He stayed on message, and would not let them take control of the meeting. Not one of them agreed with any of the above, and not one of them ask a valid question.
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