You've had ninety years to read and do something about health care. Even you can 't be that slow, can ya?
Letters
Fight isn't over
Nov 21, 2009 12:21 am
I sincerely thank U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud for his courageous vote in favor of health care reform. His vote helps strengthen Medicare for seniors, addresses the gap in which I, and millions of other 50- to 65-year-olds find ourselves, and provides affordable new health care options.
I know this was not a simple choice and that he spent countless hours deliberating. I was pleased to have an opportunity to share my own story with him. I have been volunteering with AARP Maine in an effort to pass health care reform, and I know organization officials are very pleased with his support.
The House plan protects Medicare, reduces out-of-pocket drug costs by closing the "doughnut hole," allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and covers some preventive care. It stops insurance companies from denying coverage due to age or health, and limits how much they can make people pay out-of-pocket. For those who have no insurance or cannot afford it, there are meaningful new options. It will be easier for senior citizens to stay in their own homes and communities.
The legislation addresses the specifics that AARP officials have been concerned about, and will provide new protections, not just for seniors, but for those who will become seniors.
While I'm pleased to see this important step forward, I know the fight isn't over. AARP officials are going to keep working with all of Maine's delegation to ensure any final health care reform bill meets the needs of older Americans.
Richard Livingston, Auburn
Comments
This bill does nothing to
Submitted by candiceanne on Sat, 11/21/2009 - 16:28.
This bill does nothing to control health care costs. Does it make sense that a primary care provider charges $320 for a 3 min office visit for a referal request when the patients blood preasure is not even taken? Does it make sense that the patient ends up making three of these $320 visits, a trip to the emergency room, then changes primary care doctors for a 4th $320 charge before they get the necessary referal? The emergency room physician, new primary care and specialist were all appalled that this condition was made to drag on with the patient suffering for no other reason than to line the original primary cares pockets. The fees these providers are charging are obscene and not addressed in the legislation.
Arse69 asks why we should
Submitted by veritas on Sat, 11/21/2009 - 11:34.
Arse69 asks why we should hand over this much control over to the Government?
He somehow knows the insurance companies and their corporate greed have our best interests much more to heart.
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When I was a young Sailor - I drank like a Sailor, fought like a Sailor, and screwed like a Sailor. Now that I am old and wise - I have a few scars, but many fond memories.
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How is it courageous to vote
How is it courageous to vote the party line without having even read the bill. Courage would be proposing that the vote be delayed until all members had the chance to read and comprehend the laws they were attempting to enact. Cowards hide behind the easy thing to do, like Michaud and Pingree did.
"Reasoning with a liberal is like trying to pick up a turd by the clean end. " Pirate