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I watched the videos Joanie, but I wasn't sure if I could reply. (Island posted his requirements earlier, so I guess it's oaky to respond.) Wow, the gentleman had quite a bit to say.
Yes, it passed yesterday. Now they will try to merge it with another reform bill.
Saw on the news today that insurance companies, unions, medical device makers and others in the health care industry are lobbying lawmakers to shift burdens onto someone else -- anyone else -- before they find themselves saddled with billions of dollars in taxes under new health care legislation.
Wonder who "anyone else" will be?

I took it for granted that the ban had been lifted when the sticky message was removed, thus the reason I thought it was okay to post. I'm not a rebellious person really! lol.

I read the outcome this evening in the Charlotte Observer. It is hard to imagine that individuals who do not have insurance will be penalized $750 yearly. I guess we will need to stay tuned. I think the man in the video did a wonderful job of explaining the position of the working person who has trusted in the officials of America to be the representatives of the people.

The man in the video seems to be speaking from his heart, but he sees healthcare reform a lot differently than I do. Number one I think it should be called HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM rather than HealthCare Reform. The Health Ins. Co.'s have been calling the shots for a long time and it is time we put a stop to it. One thing that rankles me is when the subject of Death Panels come up. It was mandated by the federal govt. years ago to ask everyone admitted to a hospital if they had an Advanced Directive and if not, information would be provided if you wanted it. EVERYONE was asked this same question, not limited to people over 65. In essence, this document provides care givers the information regarding your wishes on how you want to be treated if indeed you are grievously injured or terminally ill. This has morphed into death panels. The town halls the gentleman is talking about turned into corporate sponsored groups showing up and disrupting the whole process of what a town meeting is intended to be. I love my Medicare Ins. (a public option) Health Ins Reform is not going to be easy, but if everyone, Democrat, Republican, Independent, Everyone would stop acting like this is a political game and remember this is LIFE & DEATH for millions of people. What is more important for a country than healthy, well educated citizens.???

Thank you for taking time out to view the videos. I think you hit the nail on the head it should be called Health Insurance Reform. I happen to be the group administrator for the health insurance for our Center and I can honestly say I have been blown away with the rate of increase for premiums, especially the last 2 years. It was close to a 23% increase last year for premiums. We had to come up with a different plan because there was no way our non-profit could afford such an increase with the current policy, especially with this economy. The sad part about it was the best quote, when compared to the other health care insurance quotes.

I also believe as a nation we need to be fiscally responsible. Something has to give and I will admit to not being the best authority on our government's budget plan other than it scares me to death that we are becoming more in debt and indebted to other countries. Yes, I want to see everyone have affordable health care coverage but I'm concerned for my grandchildren thinking about the amount of taxes that will be taken from their pockets. If so much of their earnings will be dedicated to taxes, they will not have enough to save for their future [and if smart save toward healthcare for when and if a crisis occurs] let alone raising their own families. And in part we all need to be responsible not to spend every earned dollar, but save for our future.

I've been keeping my ear to the ground listening to everyone's personal insight and most everyone's perspective has much validity. I hope and pray our government makes the best decision for our nation.

While taking my dog out for a walk I remembered something that will also give another perspective as well.

While working with our medical insurance broker he informed me that I was quite diligent is shopping, asking for quotes for this scenario and that scenario. For sure I thought I must be driving him crazy because I was going to find a way to have the best coverage possible for our staff at a reasonable cost. He said Joanie, no I appreciate what you are doing. We are the broker for several governmental entities (cities) and we try to offer them other options that will save them money and they do not want to take time to change or comparison shop. That loss of savings becomes more expenses paid by the taxpayers in those communities. That boggles my mind. Oh well more food for thought.

Joanie....many of us are like that in our personal lives, shopping for insurance for our homes and cars just seems like too much trouble. The only time I diligently shopped around was the few times I received a huge rate increase, then I shopped. Each time it definitely paid off!

If only I would put as much effort into insurance shopping as I did when faced with a decision on regular medicare, plus a suppliment compared to a medicare complete plan which included prescription coverage. (BTW, I chose the AARP Medicare Complete plan through United Health Care for NO premium).

Political postings are still banned, this message happens to be about health care reform, so it can stay.

In another group someone objected to Obama's Healthcare Reform Bill proposal being referred to as "ObamaCare"! I reminded him of the Clinton's "HillaryCare" of that administration!
It's just a label, nothing derogatory, as I see it!

I have a mecicare plan with a premium attached to it. I really like the plan for myself and they treat you very nice. The specialist doesn't like it at all, and most won't take it. The hospitals seem to love it, but if it's not on your list it's going to cost you a lot of money when you check out. (It's a plan where I can select any doctor.) I had a letter from them, yesterday, saying there were going to be big changes. Doesn't sound good to me and I expect I will go back to regular medicare, which my doctors seem to prefer. It's such a headache trying to figure out the plan you need. I know I will stay with the drug plan I have, which is excellent. I am anxious to get the book they promised to send me with the changes. By some miracle, it could be better for the doctors! But to tell the truth, do you believe specialist should receive $265 a visit? I love my doctor, but that's a bit much.

My doctors have been VERY good to me, I must add. They haven't pressured me at all. I hope it stays that way.