Locals weigh in on health care debate
Many cast wary eye on new proposals
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 11:23 AM PST
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| The LifeFlight helicopter sits on mobile pad waiting for its next call. Its location in Ontario has accelerated care for many people needing emergency medical treatment, but it comes at a cost, if the individual is not covered by insurance. |
ONTARIO — Health care reform is a hot issue nationally and even right here at home in the western Treasure Valley, and several people the Argus Observer talked to Tuesday remain uncertain or upset with the ongoing debate in Congress over the issue.
Renee Cummings, whose Harvest House Mission provides assistance for those struggling financially and sponsors programs for youth, said she is cautious in her approach to the issue.
“A lot of people are without coverage,” she said.
But, people who have medical cards may not use them wisely, running to the doctor or emergency room when it may not be necessary, she said.
“I don’t have a problem with a child (being taken to the emergency room),” she said. “(But) free health care is too much.”
Russell Aman, Nyssa, is totally against the public option.
“It takes taxpayer money. They are going to break insurance companies,” Aman said.
If it secures the green light, the legislation approved by the United States House of Representatives would take whole companies off of private insurance, Aman asserted.
Instead of costing less, the bill, passed under the direction of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, will cost more, he said, having heard estimates as high as a trillion dollars.
With a one-payment system, which Aman said will be the outcome of a public option, there would be a rationing of health services eventually.
Instead of having free care, Cummings said there should be some sort of deductible or co-pays so people will continue to have input or contribute to their health care. They will know there will be some cost and think before making use of it.
Malheur County Judge Dan Joyce said there are several questions that need to be answered — “Who is not getting coverage?” “Why?” and once those questions are answered, ask “Will they be served (by the plans being proposed)?
“I know from experience there are those who need that help, bad” Joyce said. “Then we are going to have a payment issue,”
What the nation does not want is the Canadian system of health care, he said, having family in that country.
Only one Republican lawmaker voted for the House-passed bill and it is reported he is already receiving requests to return campaign contributions.
