Page Title
Editor's corner/ Over a cup of tea
Heidi M. Pascual*
Publisher & Editor
* 2006 Journalist of the
Year for the State of
Wisconsin (U.S.-SBA)

 Health Care Reform Legislation not what I expected from Obama
                                 But it's a good first step, and better than status quo

    While most Democrats are jubilant over what they call, "A Making of History" by the recent passage
and signing into law of the Health Care Reform Bill, and Republicans and their allies are fuming over it,
many Americans are wondering what the legislation really means to them and their families. And I felt
it lacks the most substantive provision -- the public option.
   The main problem has been, that when Obama won the presidency in 2008 with the obvious
mandate to reform the health care system of this country, he left the details of his promise to Congress.
And, as we know, the political process is complicated and most of the times, messy. Legislators came
up with various proposals that went to five different committees. After much -heated debates and
horse trading, two different bills (Senate and House of Representatives versions) surfaced. Only one of
these bills carried Obama's promise for public option -- the House version. But, as we all know now, it
got lost along the way. I'm not sure how that happened. All I know was that big money poured into TV
and print advertising, confusing the average American about how the Health Care Reform Bill would
affect them. To appeal to their basic emotions, ads used catch phrases such as "socialism," and
"government takeover of your right over your health care." "Town hall meetings" were held largely by
Republicans and their allies, and that the Tea Party was born. Those meetings further confused the
locals, especially when they heard "big government takeover," "kill off granny," and "death panels."
    Then, in January this year, Ted Kennedy's seat went to Republican Scott Brown, which was
perceived by many as a rejection of the Health Care Reform Bill (authored by Democrats) then being
debated in Congress. As a result, Democrats lost the 60th vote in the Senate that was badly needed to
ward off any filibuster. Even then, Obama worked hard to convince Democrats to vote Yes for the bill,
which didn't include the public option at all, and which was unanimously rejected by Republicans in
Congress.
    The average  American was confused as to the particular provisions affecting them because the
political process got in the way, and Obama didn't use his muscles to really bat for what he promised
during the presidential campaign.
    Anyway, that's water under the bridge, but it's important to note that the new law has a some good
advantages over the status quo, as follows:
    * it would cover the more than 30 million Americans who are uninsured (either because of
pre-existing conditions or unaffordability)
    * it prohibits insurance companies to deny insurance to people with pre-existing conditions
    * it would subsidize coverage for low- and middle-income Americans
    * it would cover additional 16 million Americans (low-income Americans under 65 years old)
through Medicaid
    * it would cover dependent children up to 26 years old under their parents' insurance plans
    * it mandates state-run insurance exchanges or marketplaces that would provide competitive
choices for people who lost their jobs or those who are not able to get coverage from their employers.
and more....
    But of course, the Republicans and their allies are up in arms because the legislation requires the
wealthy to pay more taxes on their investments and contribute more to Medicare. It also controls the
health care insurance companies by mandating them not to deny insurance to people with pre-existing
conditions. It requires businesses to provide health care insurance to their employees, etc. etc.
    Even after the signing of this "historic" bill, the anger of those against it is worsening. Democratic
legislators who voted for the bill-- and their families -- are being threatened and cursed. Some have
asked for security and family protection as they fear for their loved ones. I am appalled at what's is
happening in democratic US.A. When elected legislators spew unethical remarks on the floor, their
constituents obviously think they can do the same and more.
    I just hope that President Obama shows more strength to put his opponents to their proper places.