Health Care Reform: The Cure Shouldn’t be Worse Than the Problem


Published on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 10:12 PM PDT

Congressman Kevin McCarthy

The future of America’s health care stands at a crossroads. We all know that our current health care system has many problems, especially that health care costs make it difficult for families to afford coverage, leaving millions of Americans uninsured or underinsured. Unfortunately, some in Congress are pushing for “reforms” that would lead to a government takeover of health care through a government-run “public” plan. But this “public” plan does little to control rising health care costs – even the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office stated that the proposed reforms would not reduce Federal health care spending, but instead “expand the Federal responsibility for health care costs.”

By giving the Federal Government more control over our health care, the Pelosi health care bill ensures that Washington bureaucrats and politicians - not us and our doctors - have a larger say in our own health care decisions. The result could be longer waiting times to get the treatment we currently get now, or not getting treatment at all because the government made a cost-cutting decision.

For example, just look at the consequences of Canada’s government-run health care - a Buffalo, New York hospital delivers Canadian babies each year because rationing of services north of the border. Canadian citizens are forced to cross the border to get the care they need. Additionally, when it comes to families getting the quality care that is needed, I think of my father who passed away from cancer almost a decade ago. I am grateful he was able to receive the care he needed, with the choice of when, where and how to get what was recommended by doctors he trusted. Compare that to cancer treatment in the British government-run health care program. A recent clinical study found that the U.S. had an 83 percent five-year breast cancer survival rate compared to that in Great Britain (69 percent). Similarly, when it came to prostate cancer, the U.S. had a 91 percent five-year survival rate, compared to the 51 percent survival rate in Great Britain.

Furthermore, the House health reform proposal would force millions of Americans to lose their current health care coverage, whether they like their coverage or not. An independent research firm, the Lewin Group, predicts that the proposed government health care takeover could force two out of every three Americans out of their current coverage. The full estimate: 114 million Americans would be forced out of their current private health coverage. Americans want health care improved, not health care dictated by government bureaucrats.

We know that reforming health care doesn’t mean rushed debate and ramming through hundreds of pages of legislation to create a Federal health bureaucracy that micromanages our health care as quickly as possible. We know that reforming health care means making improvements that focus on one thing: patients and their families. That is why my colleagues and I listened to American families when crafting our plan to find patient-centered solutions.

First, we need to protect the choice of individuals and families when it comes to choosing doctors and treatments. This means allowing Americans that like their health care to be able to keep the coverage and the choices they currently have.

Second, we can make health care more affordable and accessible for all by keeping what we know works and expanding care through reforms and tax relief. Our plan makes health care more affordable by extending tax savings to those who do not have employer-provided insurance, providing new, refundable tax credits to low and modest income Americans, allowing small businesses to band together and offer group health insurance at lower costs, enacting common-sense medical liability reform to reduce the high cost of “defensive” medicine, and generating savings incentives by improving health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements for future health care needs.

Third, reform should not come at the price of jobs. Far too many ideas coming out of this Congress deal with government takeovers - of our financial institutions, our energy, our cars, and now our health care. And all of these ideas have the common denominators of more government control, more Federal spending, more Washington borrowing, and more debt for our children and grandchildren to pay off. The Pelosi health care reform bill ($1.5 trillion) dwarfs the bank bailout ($700 billion) and the stimulus ($1.1 trillion, interest included) that has yet to create the promised jobs or economic growth. And to pay for all the spending, our nation must take on more debt and Americans and small businesses will see their taxes increased. In fact, the Pelosi health care proposal taxes over fifty percent of men and women who run small businesses. As California struggles with double-digit unemployment, we need to focus on helping, not harming, these job generators – after all, small businesses create over 70 percent of America’s jobs.

Until we can have a real debate on solutions that respect Americans’ ability to make their own health care decisions, I cannot support this bill. Passage of this government takeover of health care will ensure that the only thing driven down more than the quality of health care is our nation’s fiscal health.

Rep. McCarthy will host a Health Care Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the campus of California State University, Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Highway. The meeting will take place at the Icardo Center. The most convenient campus access to the Icardo Center will be to use the Camino Media entrance. Campus parking is available at no charge; parking permits are not necessary.

 

Copyright © 2010 Kern Valley Sun

Comments

64 comment(s)

    whatever wrote on Sep 14, 2009 8:41 PM:

    " Hey, you'all. AARP has thrown its support behind Health Care Reform. I think that is a pretty big endorsement from a group that is known for looking out for our seniors. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 12, 2009 5:06 PM:

    " Gary, Everything is a liberal blog to you it seems. You talk to one to five French people and assume they speak for millions. You have not put one fact forward.
    Mine come from a very CONSERVATIVE magazine called The Economist. Go to library, as you would not want to get your info off the internet, and read what they said when they compared 9 European countries and ours.
    Let me know what you find. Did I miss quote? Or was I straight on the mark and you don't like it? "

    Gary wrote on Sep 8, 2009 6:10 PM:

    " Consitutionalist: Interesting figures which are from the same liberal web site mt brother garners his "facts & figures". Again, please let us know what you do like about our system. not sure where you got 6% for the French. My friend laughed at that number but since I'm not there, nor or you I guess we really don't know what the true story is. Forget the Internet and Blog sites for information and speak with the people who are living it and the folks I know don't like it. Who like it? People who want something but let others pay. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 7, 2009 3:00 PM:

    " Gary,
    Americans don't flock there because they, unlike the Euros, don't speak foreign languages hence can't get a job.
    I'm totally with you on welfare cases. 50% of people were taken off welfare in the 90's with training to do real jobs. Why the Republicans dropped those programs for the last eight years I don't know.
    Unemployed are not the health care problem. Harvard University just released their five year study. Two out three bankruptcies are from medical bills. 44.1 million CA residences had procedures denied by six insurance companies.
    Letting that continue sounds liberal. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 7, 2009 2:50 PM:

    " Gary, If the French only pay 6% more of their entire income for totally free, no pay or co-pay health insurance, then they actually spend less than we do.
    I'm not a liberal. I like very conservative budgets and finance. If France pays 7% of GNP and we Spend 17% to not get what they have, where is the liberal thinking? The "Conservative" side in this debate likes things the way they are. Why?
    One in every five doctors requests in California in the past six years was denied by the big six insurers. "

    Gary Arneson wrote on Sep 7, 2009 7:08 AM:

    " Consitutionalist: This is what hurts me about the liberal arguement. If France has the "best health care in the world" as you say and is so good at doing things, why aren't Americans flocking there? Why aren't you there? America isn't good enough any more. The people I know in Canada and Paris, bottom line wish they had more of their paycheck to buy things for themselves rather than for others. Regarding welfare, why not give the people taking advantage of welfare the jobs illegal aliens are doing? Just a thought. Make them earn the money we give "

    leslie wrote on Sep 6, 2009 7:39 PM:

    " the truth...democrats want to run not only your healthcare but your everyday life. Read the bill itself it is scary what they want. Obama and his gang will run this country into socialism and we are letting him do it. Well some of you are. God bless america or whats left of it. ohhhh I can hear it now. It's all bushes fault. Get another line, it's DEMOCRATS FAULT. Raise up againest the machine. Change and hope well destory america is not change and hope, is it??? "

    Consitutionalaist wrote on Sep 6, 2009 6:56 PM:

    " "There are real death panels in California. Health insurance companies in California are required by state law to truthfully submit data on denied claims to the California Department of Managed Care.
    Data reported by the insurers to the California Department of Managed Care from 2002 through June 30, 2009 revealed that six of the largest insurers operating in California rejected 47.7 million claims for care or 22 percent of all claims.
    More than one of every five requests for medical claims for insured patients, even when recommended by a patient's physician."
    Todays SF Chron. " "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 5, 2009 8:28 PM:

    " Gary,
    Your last piece of evidence is that your friends think they pay for all the people who don't want to work.
    How many people cannot work and still eat, pay rent.
    This is such a bogus argument. A local brought it up to me the other day, saying "all the people on welfare etc"
    I asked her if she knew that 50% of welfare recipients were permanently removed in the 90's. She did not.
    All Frenchmen have the best health care in world for 7% of GNP. Ours is 17% of GNP. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 5, 2009 8:21 PM:

    " Gary,
    Todays banking news is that 1.3 million Americans homeowners will lose their home and go bankrupt because of health care bills this year alone.
    Some of those 1.3 are married and some have families.
    Anyone working for Mc Donalds, or any of the Reagan created "Mc Jobs" has no health care. Think of how many people work in fast food alone.
    Do you really have a problem with one sixth of our population not having health care?
    If so, ask any of our local Doctors. Get real answers. Learn how bad our deal is. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 5, 2009 8:16 PM:

    " Gary,
    Listen carefully, 81% of Canadians said they liked their health care a month ago.
    If your one or two friends in Paris don't like their health care, consider:
    1. It is number one best in the world.
    2. It costs them exactly two percent more of their paycheck than our payroll deductions do.
    3.Every French person is covered for everything.
    We are 37th in the world.
    So all or your facts are wrong--the same stuff that big Pharma has taught you and others to say for 20 years.
    Go to the economist.com for tax deduction info. "

    Mac wrote on Sep 5, 2009 2:54 PM:

    " I think it is telling that many of the people who don't see a need for reform or who are advocating that we "slow down" are those who are either healthy or have a good insurance program. And not all the people who need help are "lazy" and looking for a handout.

    If we're going to cite anecdata, I can find any number of Canadians/Europeans who love their healthcare systems and wouldn't change to ours for the world. "

    Gary Arneson wrote on Sep 5, 2009 7:30 AM:

    " "Consitutionalist" and the 50 million uninsured number keeps growing depending on where and what you read so I would like to see actual facts about this number of uninsured and then from my experience with people I know who live in both Canada and Paris, they hate their system. They feel as if they work only for the people who can't or don't want to work since such a large portion of their paycheck is for taxes to pay for these social programs. Is this what we want? I say, Mr. Obama, slow down and listen to the people. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 4, 2009 7:44 AM:

    " Continuing with the French system of economics:
    Each procedure is the same price anywhere in France. No private Insurance companies for your doctor to argue with on a daily basis. All drugs are the same price.
    Everyone has total health care from birth to death.
    They pay almost the same taxes and "social security medicare" etc. removals from their pay checks as we do.
    Their system costs 7% to run perfectly, ours 17% to stumble and fail. 50,000,000 without health care, and many more bankrupted.
    Why not just copy it?
    Responde vous? "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Sep 4, 2009 7:35 AM:

    " Garys post about the slow payment on the cash for clunkers program is a perfect example of why we need to stick our heads up in the air and look around at what some other countries do.
    The French have the best health care in the world. When you visit a French Doctor, or Pharmacy or Facility, you give them your encrypted health card. They write in the computer what your visit was about, push a button and are paid electronically in three days. No accountants needed. Let's license their software. "

    Gary wrote on Sep 3, 2009 5:26 AM:

    " to Mac: I didn't mean to sound so negative on our government since it is the best system around which if you stop and think about is scary thinking how other countries are run, but who work for whom? Politicians for
    the people but they have forgotten that. What do they run well? Not much recently. Cash for Clunkers is a good example. My friend who owns a dealership is still waiting for government reimbursement. We can send mail for 42cents but the PO is going bankrupt. SS going bankrupt. National Flood program is going broke. So... "

    The Truth wrote on Sep 1, 2009 10:05 PM:

    " JT.....my comment was directed at the comment you directed to me (The Truth)...it is under the one you just quoted which was your correction to yourself. You implied that I had not read the bill, you implied that I make comments of which I have no knowledge. That is why I said what I said to you, and it still stands...perhaps you should go back and read it all..... "

    JT wrote on Sep 1, 2009 3:05 PM:

    " The Truth - if you read the comment directly below mine, I was only correcting myself when I mistakenly said that it was 100 pages instead of 1,000. Please take time to read things before commenting on them instead of taking offense and being condescending to others. "

    Mac wrote on Sep 1, 2009 12:55 PM:

    " What does the government run well? I guess you don't notice things until they are broken, but it actually runs a great many things very well. Sure, things can always be better, but they are definitely not the utter disaster that people paint them as. "

    Gary Arneson wrote on Sep 1, 2009 7:48 AM:

    " I agree that something has to be done but not with the entire system. Someone needs to find out the actual number of AMERICANS without insurance and see why they don't have it. And then we have my mother-in-law who is 96 and feels she needs to see her doctor because she "hasn't seen him in a while". No illness but just needs to stop by. Guess who pays for that? We do but she doesn't understand that. Last thought. What does our government run well? More government in our pocket? Think about it. Watch what you are asking for. "

    Red wrote on Aug 31, 2009 3:32 PM:

    " Rep. McCarthy started his town hall meeting off with a call for transparency, I guess the $300,000 he has taken from the health and insurance industry is fairly transparent ??? " "

    Ann wrote on Aug 29, 2009 5:58 PM:

    " Kevin,

    I neglected to mention that the insurance company was United Healthcare, your good buddies and the hosts of your "independent" study.

    Thank you, sir, for keeping our interestes in the forefront of your campaign for re-election. "

    Ann wrote on Aug 29, 2009 4:59 PM:

    " Kevin,

    I worked with a man whose wife and he were covered by company provided insurance. His wife had a debilitating cancer in her lungs. The medication she needed was expensive, to the tune of $1,500 per month and the insurance would not cover a penny of it. Thankfully, their home was paid for and he was highly paid. I paid $241.00 every biweekly paycheck for health insurance, just for myself, and on a PPO, had high copayments and high deductibles. How can families with children deal with these costs? "

    Mac wrote on Aug 26, 2009 11:28 PM:

    " Also, for all your political/health reform fact-checking needs, I recommend factcheck.org. They are non-partisan and will call out both Democrats and Republicans for their lies and spin. It's the Snopes of politics. "

    Mac wrote on Aug 26, 2009 11:15 PM:

    " The abortions you are talking about that "shall" be covered are already covered under Medicaid. HHS would have the authority to decide on the other kinds of abortions not currently covered. This is where your half of the Gang of 6 comes in. Instead of obstructing progress (as Mike Enzi admitted) how about they jump in and say what they don't find acceptable? Obama has said everything is on the table, but Republicans are only interested in blocking reform, not coming to an agreement. Looks like they care more about Obama failing than fixing a broken system. "

    The Truth wrote on Aug 26, 2009 3:47 PM:

    " Celia, quoting scripture when not believing it, is not "kosher" ask God about that when you see him. Here's something from the bill: On the abortion issue as it relates to healthcare reform, California Rep Lois Capps (D) said, "We are not trying to limit or reward abortion funding!" Hidden behind a technical distinction between tax funds and gov't collected premiums, both of which are collected and spent by gov't agencies,the bill was amended on July 30 and now includes Capp amendment, it is labeled a compromise, she in her 11 years has never voted for a "pro-life" issue! "

    celia wrote on Aug 26, 2009 10:05 AM:

    " To "truth" 2+2=4. Do you understand that? I ask because I don't see how you come up with your conclusions if you have, as you say, actually read the bill. I think you may be caught up in the emotional frenzy of fear that is spread by those who have hidden motives.Other people getting health care does not mean that you don't. Perhaps a quote from a spiritual leader may help."Fear not" and "Love cast out fear". Now who am I quoting? F8dDb "

    Mac wrote on Aug 25, 2009 11:33 PM:

    " Truth, I am confused. Since you are a healthcare professional of over 25 years, how could you have the impression (as evidenced about 16 entries down or so) that everyone has access to healthcare? Surely you of all people would know the "healthcare" you speak of is limited to emergency care only until the patient is stabilized. I don't know many healthcare professionals who would consider that to be adequate. You should also be well aware of the reasons people flock to emergency rooms. And it's not because they have insurance and are covered. "

    The Truth wrote on Aug 25, 2009 10:40 PM:

    " J. T. I understand you must be new to this blog as I have written over 30 times in the last 3 months that both my husband and I have read the 1015 pages and understand it well. Now, do you understand what I am saying or will you continue to word those same words over and over and over. I do understand every word of it. I am a Healthcare Professional for over 25 years. Do you understand that? "

    JT wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:25 PM:

    " I meant 1000 pages, error that I saw as I was posting it. It should only take a couple of hours to go through the bill and it will clarify all the rumors currently going around about it. Don't rely on biased news sources for your opinion, read the bill and form one yourself. "

    JT wrote on Aug 25, 2009 8:24 PM:

    " The Truth - There are no death panels in the current healthcare reform bill. The plan doesn't cover abortions. There will be no bans on private insurance and you can keep your current policy. There will be no care rationing. Medicare will not be part of this plan (although it is already a government run health insurance plan just like the bill in congress would create) I urge you to read the bill for yourself, it's available on thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3200: It's only 100 pages and it's your future, read and understand it before speaking about it. "

    celia wrote on Aug 25, 2009 1:46 PM:

    " To "truth"...I'm in agreement with "huh" and Mac. I guess you think you are making some great point but that's only in your odd little reality. To us you just seem inappropriatly fearful, on many levels, as well as afraid of two things that don't affect you:abortion and Gay mariage.Oh, Oh I get it, the next thing for the fringe to be paranoid about is forced abortions and forced homosexuality:hey both would save money...you heard it here first folks....oh please know that I am being sarcastic, please! "

    Mac wrote on Aug 24, 2009 7:35 PM:

    " Truth, I'm not really getting what point you're trying to make, or who/what it is you are replying to. Nobody said anything about mandatory exams. The big fear that people are spreading around is that the government is going to MAKE people do this or that. And it's just ridiculous. We'll be getting more choices, not fewer.

    As far as gay marriage, just talk to the kids of today. Homosexuality is much more accepted than in the older population and soon gay marriage won't be seen as a big deal at all. "

    Mac wrote on Aug 24, 2009 7:29 PM:

    " I have insurance I like. So I won't HAVE to take the public option, I can stay with my own insurance. Why then, should the government people have to change over to public option? It's an OPTION. If you have something you like, then stick with it. For those who don't have anything, or don't like their insurance for whatever reason, they can take the public option.

    I don't know why people are freaking out over having more choices in health care. "

    huh wrote on Aug 24, 2009 6:51 PM:

    " Wow Truth...I sure am glad that my truth and yours are different! There is no reason why we can't educate people to take better care of themselves...if preventative care is easily available, it will be utilized..we are not stupid people...just fail to do the research, as your comments prove. And, don't look now but abortion is legal! And same sex marriage is also very legal in some places and will be nationwide before long. "

    The Truth wrote on Aug 24, 2009 2:11 PM:

    " No one will ever be able to shove down anyones throat the idea of taking better care of themselves; Americans have become a "throw-away society" and the throw away includes their health/betterment of themselves. This idea of mandatory exams all year is crazy, it just gives revenue to the provider. As well, no one will ever convince the average public that same sex marriage is right, or that abortion should be legal and paid for by the government....let's get real about this, and stop trying to "sidetrack the issues." REMINDER: This is the United States of America! "

    JT wrote on Aug 24, 2009 11:20 AM:

    " What I do want to see out of this healthcare reform is this: All congress, all of the senate, the president, the military, and anyone who receives a check from the federal government should have to use this healthcare option unless they want to pay out of pocket for their own insurance. That way it's not just the constituents who are affected, but the people making the laws who will have to use end result. "

    To Truth and others wrote on Aug 24, 2009 8:49 AM:

    " People wouldn't run to the ER with a problem if they had insurance to do the preventative care in the first place. They know they'll be there for 5 hours of more...why would they prefer that? Someone mentioned French and Canadian healthcare system..they put the emphasis on preventative care which stops other problems in their tracks. We are the most obese and unhealthy nation, diabetes is rampant as is heart disease...we need refom and we need it now. "

    Mac wrote on Aug 24, 2009 7:14 AM:

    " I have a $100 copay to go to an ER, so I'm definitely not going unless it IS an emergency. Also, insurances can refuse to pay the bill if they deem it to not be an emergency. The people heading to the ER are often people who don't have a primary care doctor, or for whom the wait time to get an appointment is several weeks, which is not uncommon. It's not because "insurance will pay" because it often won't, but because the ER can be the only/quicker option. "

    The Truth wrote on Aug 24, 2009 12:19 AM:

    " JT and Mac.....yes I would wonder why anyone would want to go to Emergency if they had nothing wrong with them, but I know familys who take their children the minute they run a fever, those familys I know, some have insurance, some do not, but the ones who have insurance are the first to do it, because they can. That has been the problem with Healthcare, ABUSE of SERVICES, most of the people in socialized medicine countrys use homopathic remedies before going to ER, when they go they seriously need it! "

    JT wrote on Aug 23, 2009 1:39 PM:

    " In reference to "The Truth"s comments, hospitals are required to stabilize patients, not to treat them. If you walk in with no life threatening injuries or illnesses, they have no legal requirement to treat you at all. Google EMTALA and check a few references to see what hospitals are required to do. "

    Mac wrote on Aug 23, 2009 8:18 AM:

    " From the EMTALA FAQ: Any patient who "comes to the emergency department" requesting "examination or treatment for a medical condition" must be provided with "an appropriate medical screening examination" to determine if he is suffering from an "emergency medical condition". If he is, then the hospital is obligated to either provide him with treatment until he is stable or to transfer him to another hospital in conformance with the statute's directives. If the patient does not have an "emergency medical condition", the statute imposes no further obligation on the hospital. "

    Mac wrote on Aug 23, 2009 8:07 AM:

    " Okay, The Truth - go try to get non-emergency surgery and chemotherapy for cancer WITHOUT health insurance and see how far you get. Go try to find long-term maintenance for a chronic condition like MS or diabetes without insurance, and see how far you get.

    You can get healthcare if you can pay for it or if you have insurance. If you are low income you qualify for Medi-cal/Medicaid. If none of the above applies, best of luck in getting non-emergency care. "

    The Truth wrote on Aug 22, 2009 10:39 PM:

    " That is a lie. Nearly 13 Million Americans are without health insurance. No one in the United States is without healthcare. Gov't regulations prohibit patients from being turned away from hospitals, which must provide medical care to anyone, even illegal aliens. That huge number the Obama administration has used is highly inflated. If anyone is turned away and/or taken to other hospitals, it is because they have not beds, few doctors, and few nurses, the liberal public do not help the statistics either. "

    Mac wrote on Aug 22, 2009 9:27 PM:

    " To The Truth - Per EMTALA, people have to be provided EMERGENCY care only. Chronic conditions such as diabetes or MS or epilepsy or any number of other things simply don't qualify. Granted, when the diabetic goes into a coma, THEN they can get care, until they are well again and can walk out the door until their next episode. Wouldn't it be cheaper to provide maintenance from the beginning? "

    Constitutionalist wrote on Aug 22, 2009 5:58 PM:

    " The non -truth,
    44 million plus Americans are without health care.
    And people are turned away from hospitals every hour for lack of insurance. You obviously don't read any California daily newspapers. (free on the internet) They have detailed the ambulance rides of seriously disabled people as they were taken from hospital to hospital. Some dying.
    I do agree we pay for everyone. We will now pay 400% more for 66,000 California children next year. But there are no new taxes.
    What do you call that cost you will pay?
    'T'is a tax to me. "

    Peg wrote on Aug 22, 2009 4:49 PM:

    " My father's niece won a $10 million law suit against Kaiser...they are NOT the ideal insurance plan. And Mr. McCarthy should be impeached for all of the lies he is telling his constituients.....apparently he hasn't paid attention...or he has and the insurance lobbyists got to him. Shame on you...you certainly don't represent me sir! "

    The Truth.... wrote on Aug 22, 2009 3:31 PM:

    " Nearly 13 million Americans are without health insurance. No one in the United States is without healthcare. Goverment regulations prohibit patients from being turned away from hospitals, which must provide medical care to anyone, even illegal immigrants. The huge number that the Obama administration has used is highly inflated! "

    Mac wrote on Aug 21, 2009 11:04 PM:

    " Actually, "His Holiness" as you so derisively refer to him, has held up Kaiser as the ideal, which he would love to see become the standard. Time magazine, an interview from a couple of weeks ago. Read for yourself. And guess what? Not everyone has Kaiser or Blue Shield. And in this, the richest country on earth, not all citizens even have access to basic medical care. Something every other industrialized nation has managed to do. And we can't. Because we are either more inept than the rest of them or we're more selfish. Maybe both, who knows? "

    JT wrote on Aug 21, 2009 9:50 PM:

    " McCarthy's statement is more about generating fear than discussing what's actually in the health plan and what's good for McCarthy's constituency. "A hospital in Buffalo" didn't turn up in any of my research, and the one group McCarthy did name was a research firm owned by a medical insurance company who are the people who stand to lose in this deal. I look forward to voting for a congressman next election who has my needs in mind instead of the needs of insurance companies. Although I'm now curious as to who financed the McCarty campaign... "

    Bob Walker wrote on Aug 21, 2009 6:40 PM:

    " Please answer these points about private health insurance.
    They preclude any prior problems.
    So what has already caused you to see a Doctor will not be covered.
    If you get a new problem, they combs through your application and if they find any mistake, they will drop you.
    If you end up in the hospital they tell the hospital to discharge you early, even if it means your death.
    They take 30% instead of 3% to administer their programs.
    Why would we want more of this? "

    Private Insurance wrote on Aug 21, 2009 7:50 AM:

    " I love the fact that Obama keeps pimping "a public option" when Kaiser and Blue Cross and Blue Shield are the largest plans in the country and are NOT FOR PROFIT. Just what does his holiness think he can do that they cant? I suppose the govt can screw it up like Medicare where less than 1/3 of US doctors participate and that number is declining. "

    Avis Chadwick wrote on Aug 21, 2009 6:21 AM:

    " Julia . . . . Obama supporters are in the Kern River Valley. We also support health care reform. You better wake up and look around and don't apologize for us, better we apologize for your small minded closed mind. "

    Archie Logsdon wrote on Aug 20, 2009 8:31 PM:

    " It's disgraceful to see a public official lying to his own constituents. The "public option" does not take anything away from anybody. It would just give us another choice, besides being forced to buy private insurance. Mr. McCarthy, and the insurance companies, are afraid of the competition. Let's remember that his top campaign donors are Insurance Companies, Medical Professionals, Foreign Construction Firms and Gambling Interests. And let's remember that he tried to mislead this community, in our own local paper, on this very important issue when he has to stand for re-election. Peace! "

    to Julia wrote on Aug 20, 2009 9:57 AM:

    " Julia, why do you apologize for the comments of others? "

    Bob Walker wrote on Aug 19, 2009 8:58 PM:

    " The other 36 countries that have better health care than we do, have citizens who own homes like we do, drive cars like we have, etc.
    The European Union is bigger than America in GNP. The standard of living is higher in many European countries than ours. Yet they have full complete health care; all of it Government run.
    The care in Belgium is so good that Virginia is sending surgery patients there because it is so much cheaper.
    There is only one difference. None of them have private Insurance companies. like we do. "

    Consitutionalist wrote on Aug 19, 2009 8:52 PM:

    " Julia,
    Obama has nothing to do with the horrible health care we have in America. Under Bush one, America went from the least to 17th in deaths at child birth.
    Ask our local Doctors how they feel about "private" insurance. It constantly stops them from treating whatever your problem is. And if they do anyway, they don't get paid.
    What does Obama have to do with that?
    And what is private about the industry that has been the second largest contributor to both parties for the last 25 years? They ARE the government.
    Please do some homework. "

    We the people.... wrote on Aug 19, 2009 8:38 PM:

    " I read an article today about a woman who came across the border from Canada to have her child. I am wondering if there is a limit to childbirth there or a limit to gov't payments for that medical procedure? Has anyone else heard about this? On the other hand, keep up the good work Kevin, you are one representative for us, who makes sense in this crazy world right now! "

    Constitutionalist wrote on Aug 19, 2009 8:32 PM:

    " Kevin,
    The Lewin group, financed by United Health represents the biggest medical fraud of the US Government to date. The ex-CEO of United was fined 1.57 million and is a felon for having billed the US Government excess undeserved billions. He is also the biggest blog teaching people to go to town hall meeting and disrupt them.
    You obviously don't know this. Now that you do, how about checking some of your other facts-like how good Canadian Health care is.
    Medicare costs 3% to run, insurance companies 30%. Which would your rather pay? "

    Mac wrote on Aug 19, 2009 6:36 PM:

    " Actually, having the internet means one is able to get educated on the subject, if one so desires. Or one can simply believe whatever paranoid emails they receive in their inbox. "

    Julia Reed wrote on Aug 19, 2009 3:53 PM:

    " Sorry about all the negative comments Kevin - With the internet, Obama's shills can even reach Kern Valley! "

    Dr. Dan wrote on Aug 19, 2009 2:07 PM:

    " Just to set the record straight on Kevin's "independent research firm" an article in the Wasington Post 0n 7/22 points out the the "Lewin Group is wholly owned by UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation's largest insurers." So much for independence! "

    Ann wrote on Aug 19, 2009 8:59 AM:

    " We had neighbors several years ago in the L.A. area who were Canadian Citizens and went to Canada several times a year to maintain their healthcare. They were pleased with it and received all of their medical care needs in Canada. They have six children, do not have high-paying jobs... yet own their home and have healthcare for each family member. "

    celia wrote on Aug 19, 2009 7:51 AM:

    " Kevin. How much are you getting from the insurance industry? Who is the "Lewin Group"? And just how much health care would tax breaks cover?The republican option is not real reform and does not even come close to real problem solving.And it is full of fear based lies. I know many people who live in both Canada and England and they love their health care. No one in those countries has lost a home because of medical bills. Can we say the same here? "

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