Schiff Town Hall - Reform Preserves Freedom of Choice

[dougdrenkow]

Sec. 102(a) talks about "grandfathered" individual health insurance -- that in effect on day one of reform. It can stay as it is, as long as it isn't enrolling new members (That wouldn't be grandfathered; it would be new, subject to the new rules, protecting us, as I said before), it isn't limiting benefits, and it isn't rasing premiums on "a risk group of enrollees ... without changing the premium for all enrollees in the same risk group at the same rate" -- i.e., no discrimination.

[thepregnantlady]

You are exactly right, and so am I. The government is attempting to establish a system in which it is illegal for a private company (i.e.health plan) to provide a service that they and their members want.

What is the difference whether I am forced into the "government plan" or I am forced into a plan that complies with "government rules"?

Those of us interested in preserving liberty don't need the government to "protect us" from private companies that supply a service we are happy with.

[dougdrenkow]

I'm happy you have a health care plan you like. Unfortunately, far too many people have had bad experiences with their plans, which is why there are so many calls for more regulation, as to disallow exclusions for pre-existing conditions etc. Most laws do tend to come about like that, I suppose. One of my Libertarian friends and I usually come back to the idea of Stop signs. If everyone drove carefully, you might not need them; but because some folks don't, everyone has to stop there.

[thepregnantlady]

(Part 2 of 2):

Basically, if I want to switch from my current plan to another private health plan in the future, I will be prohibited from doing so. This bill makes it illegal.

The health plan I currently have, which I am told I will get to keep, is not allowed to change coverage or prices, even to keep up with the cost of living. This bill makes it illegal.

Again, the question remains, how can Rep. Schiff (or anyone) defend a bill that so blatantly takes away our freedom of choice?

[thepregnantlady]

(Part 1 of 2):

Thank you for posting this video, dougdrenkow. I appreciate you taking the time to share your footage of the event.

My original concern has still not been addressed, however. On pages 16 & 17 of the bill, Sec. 102 (a) explains that insurance companies CAN NOT enroll new participants after the first day of the year the bill is enacted. It also says that private health plans CAN NOT make any changes whatsoever to their policies.

[dougdrenkow]

By the way, so that we may all read the bill's text for ourselves, I've tried, but unsuccessfully, to post a URL -- apparently YouTube does not accept comments with URLs. You can search for HB3200 in Thomas [dot] gov, the official site for congressional legislation. By the way, I believe there was no mic given to audience members because some back East abused the privilege, took over the meeting, and shut it down for all. I appreciate the opponents in Alhambra for being much better citizens.

[dougdrenkow]

Excuse me, make that thomas [dot] loc [dot] gov. And by the way, ma'am, we do hope you have a happy and healthy delivery; one of my cousins is due any day, as is one of my wife's co-workers. And we who support the bill, as I'm sure most of those who feel otherwise, want the best health care for pregnant women and all of us. Despite all the brouhaha lately, I still believe that most Americans are basically decent people.

[dougdrenkow]

I see the confusion. Sec. 102(c)(1) says: "Individual health insurance coverage that is not grandfathered health insurance coverage under subsection (a) may only be offered on or after the first day of Y1 as an Exchange-participating health benefits plan." That does not mean if you want to get new insurance you will be forced into the public option; it means any new health insurance must meet the new standards, with no pre-existing condition exclusions etc.

[thepregnantlady]

(Part 2 of 2):

The actual question was this: "How can you support a bill that so blatantly takes away my freedom of choice as a citizen?" I have yet to hear Schiff, or anyone else defend or explain Sec. 102 of the Bill in such a way as to refute the statement I made. If I have misinterpreted this section, I would love to hear the "accurate" explanation of it. I have attempted to contact Schiff's office to get an answer, but have been told that he will not meet with me for even 5-10 minutes.

[thepregnantlady]

(Part 1 of 2):

Actually, dmac80 is right. I am the "pregnant lady" who asked Rep. Schiff the question. Unfortunately, due to the lack of microphone provided to the audience, the question can not be heard on the video. I did NOT ask whether I could keep my current health plan. I stated that, based on pages 16 & 17 of the House Health Care Bill, I will be prohibited from switching to another private health care plan if I wish.

[dmac80]

He didn't even answer the question.

[dougdrenkow]

That is no more true than the myth being debunked. As is shown in the clip, Rep. Schiff repeatedly, directly answered the question, as did Jerry Flanagan: If you like your insurance, you can keep it; the bill does not take away your freedom of choice.