"If you are happy with your plan, and you are happy with your doctor, then we don't want you to have to change. In fact, if we don't do anything, if there's inaction, I think that's where the great danger that you lose your healthcare exists. So, what we're saying is if you're happy with your plan and your doctor, you stick with it; if you don't have insurance, if it's too much for you to afford, if your employer doesn't provide it, or if you're self-employed, then we will have what's called an exchange, or you can think of it as a market place, where essentially people can compare and look at what's out there. They'll have a host of different healthcare plans available, each with their own physician's network. And you will be able to sign up for the plan that works for you. We will help people who don't have insurance get insurance. Doctors are not going to be working for the government. They still are going to be working for themselves. They're still going to be focused on patient care. And in terms of how doctors are going to be reimbursed, it's going to be the same system we have now except we can start making changes so, for example, we're rewarding quality of outcomes rather than the number of procedures that are done."
Yes, I'm concerned that health care reform may make things better for those who currently have no insurance while reducing the choices of those of us who do currently have health insurance. Still, especially as I talk with our uninsured readers, I know that something must be done. Will "they" come up with a perfect system? Of course not. There's no such thing. But we must encourage reform, speak up when the opportunities arise, and trust that things will get better.
On a related topic, Organizing for America is organizing this Saturday, June 27, as a National Health Care Day of Service with events to learn or to take action in our communities. In many areas, there are many different types of events that you can attend. To find an event in your area, please visit Organizing for America's Health Care Action Center. While you're on their site, look at the other opportunities to keep up-to-date on the issues and ways in which each of us can take part.
Health care reform is an issue that cannot be decided along party lines. Rather than a Democratic or Republican (in alphabetical order) response, we must have an American response.
Right here, right now, let's discuss what each of us things health care reform means and what we need from it. Please click the "Add Comment" link below and start talking!
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© Teri Robert, 2009Last updated Juen 25, 2009
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