by Ann Nurse

Created on: March 05, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2011

Health Care Reform Meeting

The cost of health care is causing devastation in the homes of middle class families. If there is a serious illness in the family the family can be destroyed by debt. There have been so many stories of families having to file bankruptcy or they lose their home because of illness in the family. The rise in unemployment is also causing many families to lose health care benefits altogether. This is a frightening experience for families. It impacts the national economy as well. What is the recourse if someone becomes ill and they no longer have health care benefits?  England, France, and other major nations have a government health care system in place.  President Obama said he would address health care.  President Clinton tried and failed to pass legislation.  Lobbyist press congressmen to defeat any such legislation, not for the good of the country but for the good of their pockets.

 Illegal immigrants who need health care but don't have insurance represents one part of this dilemma. The cost of their health care impacts the cost of health care for the rest of us who do have health insurance. Young people who work jobs that don't offer health insurance but the need arises where they have to go to the emergency room, this also impact our health care premiums. It becomes a major financial issue for our economy. Politicians have been "passing the buck" on the health care issue for years. It needs to be addressed without further delays. Some people say the President is taking on "too many" issues; they think he should deal with one issue at a time. How about, if not now, when is the right time?

President Obama did something that has no precedence in Washington on this particular issue. He held a Forum on Health Care Reform. It was particularly interesting since we were able to watch the meeting as it was televised in its' entirety on CSPAN. The Grand Foyer filled with health care experts, members of Congress, physicians, insurance companies, and business owners and with ordinary American all of whom have a stake in health care reform. There were 120 people in attendance. Senator Ted Kennedy, a long-time supporter of health care reform entered the room with President Obama to loud and energetic applause for his presence.

While watching we sensed that all these people coming together as Americans were deeply committed to getting a health care reform package for all Americans. It was gratifying to watch. The U.S. Chamber

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