Justice For All
bogle(AT)erols.com
Health Care Reform
Health care reform, patients' bill of rights,
call it what you will because the issue
of protecting the consumer is heating up
fast and furiously on Capital Hill. Much
of the activity stems from the fact that
polls suggest that the majority of Americans
favor reigning in managed care organizations
and lawmakers up for reelection this fall
are jumping at the chance to parade their
success during their campaign blitzes back
at home.
The usual suspects that helped defeat health
care reform when President Clinton first came
to town are back at it again on this incremental
reform. The insurance industry and business
groups are shelling out the big bucks to thwart
passage of any type of consumer protection.
The majority of Americans say they would
more likely vote for a Member of Congress if
he/she supported managed care reform. These
types of sentiments make it difficult for any
lawmaker and especially Republican lawmakers
to turn the other cheek.
Traditionally Republicans have opposed the
government's intrusion into health care regulations.
The idea of tightening the reins on managed care,
giving patients more rights and protections conflicts
with the conservative views that the government
has no business trying to solve social issues. Go
figure? Big dilemma.
For the democrats the dilemma is not whether to
support a legislative initiative of this nature, because
for the most part that's a given. The real problem
is whether or not to pass it before the elections this
fall, thus giving them less amunition against the
Republicans. Big dilemna.
For the consumer the dilemna is trying to figure out
which of the half dozen bills currently introduced
do the right thing for them. The bills, whether their
Democratic or Republican sponsored, vary in detail
and scope. But, always remember CAVEAT
EMPTOR, let the buyer beware.
Educate, educate, educate............make a conscience
decision to learn about the Kennedy-Dingell bill,
the Norwood bill and others.
JUSTICE FOR ALL!!!
Becky Ogle
bogle(AT)erols.com
-- Fred Fay Justice-For-All Moderator jfa(AT)mailbot.com--------- End forwarded message ----------
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