I just came from Obama health care event...ask me anything

[cyberswede]

He's probably not even out of the building yet! :)

In a nutshell, the delivery was very good, I felt his intentions are good, he made a few digs at Insurance and Pharma companies, but didn't delve into specifics too deeply.

It seems that candidates are too afraid to propose a single payer system, and that by keeping the insurance and pharmaceutical companies on board, they have a better chance of passing SOME sort of reform.

Unfortunately, I don't think that will be enough. But, I'm a cynical leftie. :P

thx - cs

[Fleshdancer]

1. I'm just waiting for the national reaction to the Sicko documentary

I think that movie will help a lot with how all candidates discuss health care in America.

So was there a question/answer period at all? If so, what were some of the best questions asked?

[LSK]

5. I cant wait to see Sicko, I love Michael Moore

[cyberswede]

6. I hope it helps!

I haven't seen Sicko, of course, but I think many people are completely unaware of the problems some people are facing. If nothing else, Obama's plan will add to the dialog.

[Fleshdancer]

11. I think the problem is so huge, that many have a hard time starting the discussion

The health care problems in this country are out of control and I don't know where to begin. I think politicians have a hard time with this subject too and many probably suffer from analysis paralysis. That's where Sicko comes in I hope...to help figure out where to start.

[Beelzebud]

2. What will the winning lottery numbers be this week in IL?

Hey you said ask me anything. :D

[cyberswede]

7. I'll never tell!

I'm only an hour away from Illinois - I'm keeping those numbers for myself! :)

[Beelzebud]

8. Argh!!! Damn you! *shakes fist in air like Jon Stewart*

:)

[meegbear]

3. Did they give away any of those cool Viagra stopwatches?

[cyberswede]

9. yes, but...

...they don't stand up under pressure. yuk yuk

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. What is your take on alternative medicine?

I'm talking wellness here-where a person goes in while well, sees a doc, gives their health history, and then is prescribed a diet/exercise plan to keep them healthy. This can include adding vitamin and herbal supplements to boost the immune system.

Hillery won't even consider this--I know because I've tried talking with her about it. What's your take, and what do you think Obama thinks of this?

[cyberswede]

12. I'm very much in favor of it!

I think preventive care is essential - and will result in cost savings, as well as saving lives.
There's a reason we take our kids to "well-child" check-ups. This type of care should be ongoing for everyone.

As for adult wellness, I think it's a great idea. In fact, one of our clinics has a wellness program similar to what you describe. I think it might be based on weight management at present (because there's ample evidence that being overweight causes/exacerbates other health problems), but I can see how it would be useful for everyone. We also have an alternative medicine clinic, but I don't know that much about it. I don't know enough about herbal supplements to discuss them intelligently. I've never taken any (but I don't take any medications, either).

For me, the bottom line is that an individual should be able to take advantage of what health care regimen is best for them (whether that's traditional medicine, alternative care, acupuncture, whatever), and that care should be provided at no cost to the patient. Probably a pipe dream. :)

[napi21]

10. When he says "affordable" health care, how much is affordable?

I must tell you, when my hubby switched jobs 5 years ago, and the new co. ins. didn't begin for 3 months, COBRA was priced at $850/mo! There's no way we could afford that. Luckily, I was able to get a cheaper COBRA plan for him at $325/mo. (pre-existing condition reasons) and since I have no previous problems, I go a policy through the local BCBS for $125/mo. It was still rough handeling the cost, but we made it.

[cyberswede]

13. He didn't specify, of course

Affordability is a tough one. The family Obama talked about as his example are spending 40% of their income on health care premiums. (!) He also mentioned that a large percentage of Americans pay 25% of their income on premiums. I presume he would consider those statistics unaffordable, or he wouldn't have highlighted them.

I believe he said that if you were unable to afford your premiums, you would receive $$ to help pay for it from the government.

He did discuss the long struggle it took for Medicare to become available for seniors and called it one of the most successful federal programs. I think his plan might include something like medicare for people who can't afford insurance.