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Congressman Altmire’s August 26, 2009 town hall update from Bob Howard

(Note: This update is not “minutes” of the meeting but my notes, comments, and thoughts)

I arrived early and enjoyed a number of conversations while waiting in line. The only organized group I saw was from “Organizing for America.” This is a project of the Democratic National Committee. I talked to several of them. Honestly they were working for the Party and didn’t seem to know much about the issue. They seemed very concerned about us. One young lady from the group was a graduate of North Allegheny High School and currently attending Temple University. We had a nice discussion.

About 600 attended --- my guess is that it was three to one against the Health Care Legislation. General observation --- I really think people are “mad” because they feel they are being lied to and being pushed into a “big government” program.  Being “lied to” and “pushed” makes them more emotional than normal. I’m not sure how this will all translate into Congressman Altmire’s political future but I had a Democrat beside me and one in front of me both were extremely upset about the healthcare, socialism, and czars. The guy beside me (Democrat) was laid off from his job --- started his own successful business --- is buying his own healthcare insurance ---- had never worried about politics until six months ago ---- is now very involved ---- and very upset. He was even giving me websites to check out!      

What did the Congressman say?

Summary --- he voted against the current bill because (1) negative impact on small business, (2) lack of cost savings, and (3) tax increases. He wants a “deficit neutral bill.”

It is a little difficult to understand exactly what he is willing to vote for and what will prevent him from voting for the “final bill.” It appears from his various comments that the bill must be “deficit neutral” and “contain no tax increases” and “reduce the cost of healthcare.” He doesn’t believe “tort reform” is a factor in the cost of healthcare. He supports Health Savings Accounts (HSA) but their absence from the bill “would not be a reason to vote against the bill.” It appears that he will support the “public option” if there is no taxpayer funding and the public option has to live off its premiums. Believes the national registration of health care records is essential to saving cost --- but will keep the information secure. He has no problem with Congress being forced into the public option --- but I don’t think this is a requirement for him to support the bill.  

Here are some quotes (the best I could get them down.)

“I oppose the government takeover of healthcare” --- “make insurance fair with no life cap, no pre-existing conditions, transportability” ---- “this debate is good” ---- “I believe we will reach consensus on a better bill because of the debate” ----- “under the bill there is no rationing” ---- “no death panels exist --- the provision is only providing reimbursement to the physician if you decide to talk about end of life issues.”

Action item:

It is important for you to email and call Congressman Altmire. This is a critical time for the future of the country. To email go to his website at http://www.altmire.house.gov/ and his contact information is at this page-http://www.altmire.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=38 His Washington phone number is 202-225-2565 and his local number is 724-226-1304.

Examples for your use and consideration:

Dear Congressman Altmire,

Thank you for voting against the House healthcare bill in its current form. When it comes to healthcare reform the solution is market competition not public options, including a look alike with a different name. Real reform is about allowing insurance companies to compete for every customer across state lines, expanding Health Saving Accounts, and decoupling the relationship between the employer and healthcare. The idea that the federal government can reduce costs by negotiating harder and regulating more is a strategy of hope vs. decades of experience. It is counterproductive and damaging to the interest of the elderly and poorest among us. It will result in rationing and shortages not better delivery of healthcare.

Dear Congressman Altmire,

A bill containing over one thousand pages is not about healthcare reform. It is knee-deep in legalese and references to other federal regulations and laws. It provides the platform for government run insurance. How does the establishment of (1) “Health Choices Commissioner” (Section 141); (2) a “Health Insurance Exchange,” (Section 201), and (3) a Public Health Insurance Option (Section 221); lower cost? How does the exchange of personal IRS information with thousands of government bureaucrats ensure the confidentiality of my tax returns?

I urge Congress to throw out the healthcare bill and start over. Free the insurance companies to compete for each customer’s business.   

Dear Congressman Altmire,

At your town hall meeting you said that you believe that the recent debate will improve the final result of healthcare legislation. In the past you have also indicated a strong belief in the need for transparency and public input. Will you pledge to vote no on any healthcare legislation that has not been available on the web in its final form for at least 10 business days?   

Dear Congressman Altmire,

I fail to understand while you do not support “tort reform.” Too much money is being transferred to the legal profession from the medical profession. If you oppose limiting settlements the least you can do is make the loser pay the winners cost to and limit frivolous suits.

Dear Congressman Altmire,

One in five seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage private plan, including 40% of black seniors and over 50% of Hispanic seniors. In spite of their growing popularity, your party leaders are opposing these private health plans and planning to cut them out. Are you planning to vote with these party leaders to cut these private plans?

Dear Congressman Altmire,

Are you supporting direct government purchasing of prescription drugs? Note that one-third of veterans who had been in the VA direct purchase plan have left to join Medicare Part D to get better access to needed prescription drugs. This is one more example of what will happen to seniors when the government with good intentions takes over healthcare. To control cost the government will limit access to drugs, procedures, and care.

Robert Howard

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