So, now that news networks and public opinion have shifted from Wall Street’s slumps to elections in Iran to the legacy of Michael Jackson… what is the next topic of small-talk discussion? What else, but health care reform? President Obama seems to like it, and most of America seemed to agree, up until he started getting down to business. Suddenly, a flurry of flying statements and disconnected ideas and press conferences and catch phrases are dominating this concept of “health care reform.” No wonder heads are spinning, as well as the spin doctors (no pun intended) on the right as well as on the left. The President has tried to explain his plan to the American public, but in fact, health care reform may be his idea, but it is not his plan. Reform can only come through Congress, which he has asked to draft and pass a bill before the end of July.
That’s the general strategy. Here are a few pointers to make sense of the playing field… make sure to keep your eye on the ball.
1. There are two health care bills currently under debate in Congress - one for the House of Representatives and one for the Senate – both of which include the oft-quoted “public option” to put pressure on private insurance companies to clean it up, shave down costs, and be more attentive to consumers’ health needs rather than their pocketbooks. The bills are long, including everything from funding for closing critical shortages in health care professionals to establishing insurance “health exchanges” (think: a virtual shopping center for health care) to setting minimum standards of coverage for private insurers. Complicated? Certainly. Still changing? By the minute. I suggest calling your representatives to ask what is currently in the bill and how its provisions may affect you.
2. You may be thinking… goodness! This is all happening so fast! Bingo.
The President drives a hard bargain, but he has also proved himself somewhat of a political genius. There is an ebb and flow to what happens on Capitol Hill, and when the waters have warmed for an issue, there is no direction but full steam ahead. This year is an important period when officials’ political capital is still high and the energy seems right across the nation for a serious conversation about health care. It is rushed, but it also might be the only opening we have to take this shot before Americans (and major TV networks) lose interest altogether.
3. So – What’s in it for you? The possibility that you won’t face steadily increasing insurance costs over years to come. Or the slight chance that, if something terrible happens and you need emergency surgery, that you will be able to recover without the sticker shock of realizing that cute doctor walked off with your down payment on a new car, or a trip to Europe. Or the real fear that Congress won’t get this exactly right and a bit more of your paycheck will go every month for a poorly constructed program that hurts more than it helps. What is the difference? You. Let your representatives know your side of the story, so they can make informed decisions in the days to come.
