Speakers at Health Care Reform Forum are concerned, contentious

Participants in the Health Care Reform Forum included Harris County Hospital District CEO David Lopez


NORTH HOUSTON – As Congress debates the Health Care Reform bill, and prepares for a vote in September, local citizens and organizations have been meeting to voice their opinions and concerns.

One of these meetings was held last Friday night, July 24, at Assumption Catholic Church on Roselane St. near Little York. Hundreds of speakers and listeners turned out for this forum, hoping to influence the details of the bill.

The meeting was co-sponsored by Texans Together, and the church. Texans Together moderated the meeting, which after a brief introduction from the speakers panel, was given from the citizens who attended the meeting.

Most of the comments and discussion were about features of House Bill HR675, known as the Single Payer bill. However, panelists pointed out that the bill is over 1000 pages in detail, there are several versions, and much of it is subject to change. Therefore many comments and answers could not be absolute.

The bill, as now written, provide Universal coverage for all persons, includes all medical necessary services, does not increase national health spending, reduces administrative waste by $400 billion, includes a negotiated fee schedule, includes bulk purchasing of pharmaceuticals, and plans on savings through large scale cost controls.

Another approach is known as the Public Option, allowing citizens and companies to choose whether to have government insurance or not.

HCHD CEO David Lopez stated that Medicaid only covers 40% of healthcare costs today, and was in favor of reform. Armando Walle pointed out that Congressman Green is working on opening 2 new Federally Qualified Health Clinics in the area, one in San Jacinto City and one in the Airline/Little York area.

James Mason of Texas Impact spoke on initiatives that are happening now to improve healthcare delivery, including a new small business support by Texas, to start in summer 2010. Other organizations that were represented and spoke included the TMO, and the Annunciation Church.

Some spoke bitterly of lack of help with medical needs, others spoke about government programs that were better in Europe; others feared the bill would support abortion, or provide inadequate care, or mandate end of life decisions.