November 5, 2009
AARP West Virginia endorses House health bill

CHARLESTON, W.Va. --   

AARP West Virginia joined its national organization Thursday in backing the health-care overhaul proposal that is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The seniors group believes the bill will end insurer discrimination based on age and pre-existing conditions, help older Americans afford prescription drugs, and protect Medicare, said AARP senior state director Gaylene Miller.

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    Posted By: AaronS (6:19pm 11-11-2009)
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    And here I thought one of the rules for posting was to keep it civil, the personal attacks, insults or harrassment of any kind are subject to removal.

    I guess that only applies to conservative posters and not the "Howard Dean" paid bloggers who occasionally contribute to the op-ed page.

    And to think I received a warnign to me from the managing editor of the Gazette via my personal email for sending a from my private email to his private email my feelings on his personal attack on me. The fact that it in NO way involved the Gazette or their servers didn't seem to matter to the two individuals who 'warned' me to stop or I would be banned from the Gazette site.

    Just more of those things that make you go HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

    Posted By: One Citizen (5:40pm 11-11-2009)
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    Pacaderm is a troll, insulting anyone who hopes that our leaders can get this country back to where it was before Bush's cadre seized it. Or else he spreads disinformation and the propaganda he spreads strongly indicates exactly who he is and why he does it

    Whether on the internet, or at townhall meetings, or at "astroturf" events (like the recent Michelle Bachmann Teabag-O-Rama at the Capitol in D.C. last week), right wing trolls typically use race-baiting, cat-calling and silly lies to disrupt the flow of real information

    There are professionally trained online right wing trolls paid just to confuse and frustrate the public into not actively taking part in open discussions

    MUCH MORE HERE

    http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Astroturf_blogging

    ALSO SEE

    http://www.alternet.org/blogs/themix/37619/

    AND

    http://tinyurl.com/ybjyosw

    By the way, there are now 50 rightwing astroturf events planned all across the country just to stop Obamacare

    Posted By: Eliz (11:35pm 11-10-2009)
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    pacaderm....I believe that OC is correct on this issue, our President nor did the Democrats lie about passing a bill to cover "illegal aliens" for free. There is nothing in the bill that recently passed indicates that illegal aliens were included in the House Bill for health care reform.

    Posted By: One Citizen (2:08pm 11-10-2009)
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    Pacaderm lied about the Dems passing a bill to cover "illegal aliens" for free and I can prove it
    http://tinyurl.com/PACADERM-is-LYING

    It could be that he's embarrassed because the House Republican Plan aided their industrial use of illegal workers by expanding U.S. coverage to include “Sweatshop Insurance”.

    Their proposal tried to explicitly expand the definition of ‘State’ to include not just D.C. and Puerto Rico, but adds BY NAME the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Jack Abramoff’s favorite client the Northern Marianas home of the ‘Made in the USA’ Chinese-owned slave labor sweatshops!

    See pages 121-122 of the House Repub bill at this link (pdf):

    http://tinyurl.com/yf2h674

    Now, pacaderm, if you believe the House just passed a bill which would provide free health insurance to illegals, then why don't you post ANOTHER link which proves it? Because the last one you posted actually revealed that it was YOU who was lying, and race-baiting to boot

    Posted By: One Citizen (2:02pm 11-10-2009)
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    MORE RIGHTWING LIES EXPOSED

    Pacaderm posted

    "The "Hispanic Caucus" has seen to it that we can continue to pay for illegal immigrants medical insurance"

    He then offered proof which revealed that he was lying when he posted a link to a site which quotes a Republican study of the Dems health care proposal:

    "In the November 2, 2009 CRS report on immigration and healthcare, the House bill contains "no express restrictions on noncitizens – whether legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently – accessing and paying for coverage available through the health insurance exchange”

    http://tinyurl.com/yfjj85h

    So PACADERM's OWN SOURCE, a REPUBLICAN study, contradicted his lie that "we can continue to pay" to provide health care for illegals

    In other words, "WE" don't pay for their health care now, unless, of course, they go in for emergency treatment!

    It is also not surprising that pacaderm's source used obvious race-baiting tactics.

    Posted By: CAPTAINJOE (9:21am 11-10-2009)
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    Trickle down theory. Feds dump programs onto the states, the states dump onto the locals, the locals dump onto business and then business dumps onto its employees. It's even worse for the self employed and retired people under 65, as they aren't under a group policy. The insurance companies are on a full tilt feeding frenzy, like crazed sharks in a tank that has been chummed.
    Sure the fed gov taxes are holding steady, but you certainly won't be getting any back, even though, they, are doing less, and your insurance rates are going up, up, up.
    Something needs to be done. Talk is cheap. Good hard working People are falling through the cracks.

    Posted By: AaronS (7:26am 11-10-2009)
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    I think adding an additional 46 million will only be a drop in the bucket.

    Considering the population is going to double by 2050, you're right.

    Posted By: 4GOD (6:20am 11-10-2009)
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    Sorry pac, kind of sounds like I am justifying the 46 million number below. Just pointing out that no one has done projections of future costs. All of the listed projections are based from current population and other assumed statics. Have you seen valid projections anywhere? I think adding an additional 46 million will only be a drop in the bucket.

    Posted By: 4GOD (8:41pm 11-09-2009)
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    Worst part pac, net projections are 3 million more people each year in the US; and it’s growing (2.7 last year and already 2.4 million this year). Employer based coverage dropped 2.2% over the past year:
    http://www.gallup.com/poll/121970/nearly-insured-government-coverage-2008.aspx

    Government insured percentages have increased 2% over the past year.
    If it keeps this up, we will have more than the 46 million in 6 years; even if we don’t count any of the current 46 million.

    Posted By: pacaderm (3:26pm 11-09-2009)
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    One Citizen
    I have only seen a few lies posted of late. They all belong to you. The one where you claimed the majority of Americans are uninsured and then, claimed that the UNINSURED paid higher premiums. Its almost a bigger whopper than the 46 MILLION uninsured Americans you keep slobbering about, when there are not. Why do you keep including illegal aliens in your 46 million number and then go ballistic when I point it out? Are you bonkers?
    However if I must here is some good reading on illegals included in Pelosi's bill you leeches are running down our throats. I know OC, the Gazette didn't print it and Olberman forgot to mention it too.

    http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=555&pst=1399002

    Posted By: sox (1:44pm 11-09-2009)
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    I understand TP. It is really bad times right now. I understand you plight. The way I see it I will never retire. No company insurance plan to fall back on and medicare is gone. Tough times and they are going to get worse. Tell your son to go back to school ONLY way no matter how much it cost to get out. Gte a dgree he can market leave if he has to. I got twwo and I preach it ever day. Sorry if it appeared I was making light of your situation.

    Posted By: Taxpayer (1:28pm 11-09-2009)
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    Thanks Sox. Sorry. I get a little worked up sometimes. I didn't set off to be were I am when I left WV years ago and joined the service. I left here to get an education, find a good job and raise a family. I played by the rules, but twice over the years firms I worked for folded and left their employees with nothing. I had 1 401k account with one firm that was 100% company stock (yes I know bad idea, but it was the only way to get a company match) It was worth around 100k but when it was over they paid me $4500 because it had to be over 5k to stay in the plan. Like I said I'm 50 and have no pension except the 39k I have put away in my own IRA. The American dream is just a memory for millions of others in my demographic. It makes me angry when people tell me to "do this and do that" I've done what I was told to do. It's just gonna get worse I fear. Yet we see Millionaires everywhere. Something’s wrong with this system. I am NO VICTIM as so many plead. Just wrong place wrong time...LOL

    Posted By: sox (12:47am 11-09-2009)
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    I can't even use the VA for health benefits. There is a 25k cap on income to use the VA after 2003 unless you have a service related disability.

    This should be changed. We should allow all our Vets to have free medical care at the VA. To many other programs taking money away from programs that should be funded. You put in the time you deserve that would not take that away at all. It would not help your family but it would you. You are right sad day when a Vet can not get helath care but we are going to give it to the guys that have done nothing. This is another reason I hate this bill.

    How about this Tp, give all VETS free healthcare for life and get rid of this bill. I will be all fo that, (not a vet). At least you guys did something to deserve it.

    Posted By: sox (12:42am 11-09-2009)
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    TP show me one place I ever said you needed taken down a peg or did not do your part. Soemthing is eating at you about that not me. Grow up nice retort.

    I simply said you have a way to get insurance and you choose not to. You are right that is your right, but it is not your right to get a reduced or free benefit at someone elses expense because you make that choice period.

    As for me I do prosper. I have my own home I also have insurance on it so if I lose my job they pay my payments for two years. I put 20% of what I make away in 401k no matter how little you think it is. I have a son going to college and wants to be a Doctor. It is hard but a choice we make.

    I never once belittled you or said you to be a dead beat. I simply am pointing out you COULD if you choose to have insurance. You choose money over the insurance, that is fine and is your right, but you could have insurance.

    P.S. thank you for your service to this great country Happy V day on Wednesday

    Posted By: Taxpayer (12:28am 11-09-2009)
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    I can't even use the VA for health benefits. There is a 25k cap on income to use the VA after 2003 unless you have a service related disability. (thanks to this war and the lack of beds in the VA) I was "blessed" to come out of the service without a disability. Maybe a should just work less and get under that 25k cap and lay around and goof off? Ya know that’s not a bad idea. Then you guys can pay for my insurance.... Hmmm I’ll have to think about that one.

    Posted By: Taxpayer (12:09am 11-09-2009)
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    Maybe if you go back to school Sox, work all the OT you can get. Take crappy job assignments away from your family in hopes of better pay. Leave WV for 4 years. You will someday live the American dream and have a good paying job that pays a "living wage" I would never be a "hater" if you were to prosper. I would be happy for you and your family. I have a 24 year old son who works in retail at a Rite Aid store as a shift supervisor for $8 an hour. If he "chooses" as you say to stay in that dead end job, then that is this choice. I chose to work hard, apply myself and take less than desirable work, just to get the chance to have a better life for my family. THAT IS THE AMERICAN WAY. If you disagree with that then you must not subscribe to the American Way. Oh, and BTW I’m sure I’ve paid more than my fair share of the tax burden along the way

    Posted By: Taxpayer (12:00am 11-09-2009)
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    Sox. Did you not read my post? I'm on track to GROSS about 35k. After my taxes and such, my net is less than 20k. Then deduct 9k for health insurance (just premiums not copays) that leaves about 11k for mortgage, insurance, oh.. some food too. Grow up. Is it UNAMERICAN to have a desire to prosper. That’s what’s wrong with WV. We have become a group of "haters" that want everyone to "suffer" and stay poor. I spent 4 years in the military getting an education in electronics and telecommunications. I paid my dues for years with different companies and continued my education almost every year. I played by the rules and paid my dues, sacrificed for my country and my family for 30+ years. Don't lecture me on the benefits of working poor brother... I've been there. Just because I scraped and sacrificed and worked hard to climb the ladder to success, I need to "be knocked down a few pegs"? You don't know me Sox I have already "adjusted" my lifestyle. I was making 55k when my employer left.

    Posted By: sox (11:45am 11-09-2009)
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    Sorry TP I am in that group nice try. Like you said Walmart and Lowes are hiring.


    If you have not reached the point you are willing to cut back and take a lower paying job for benefits then you are not that bad off. Yes we pay more in premiums a month than a car or house payment. So let me get this straight you will not work for a job with benefits unless you make as much as you do now? Talk about me being self righteous!!!!

    Posted By: Taxpayer (11:19am 11-09-2009)
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    BTW Sox. I never ask for handouts. I'm not "wanting you to pay" for me. I just want to be able to afford to BUY insurance. Would you pay $750 for insurance just for yourself? Thats more than your mortgage. I can't wait till you're in the "throw away" demographic that I'm in. No one wants employees over 50. Well, Walmart and Lowes.

    Posted By: Taxpayer (11:14am 11-09-2009)
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    I agree AaronS

    Posted By: Taxpayer (11:13am 11-09-2009)
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    Sox, how self righteous. Just because someone has worked in a profession for nearly 30 yrs and makes a little more than you they’re bad people? I pay $2600 each quarter in estimated taxes to the IRS every 3 months. I have to pay my OWN workers comp, match my OWN SS, plus state taxes and contractor licenses and general liability insurance. How dare you lecture me on paying my fair share. Since when is working hard and prospering against the "American way". Is it my fault I worked in a good paying job all those years? I just sold a U-Haul full of our personal belongings at the Capital Flea mrkt this weekend. We work 7 days a week and shop only at discount stores. You don't know me pal.

    Posted By: AaronS (11:05am 11-09-2009)
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    If they could just create competition between these crappy insurance companies that would be a start.

    They can Taxpayer but they won't. It starts with removing the state insurance commissions and allowing you to purchase insurance across state lines. It includes giving co-op's and individuals the same tax breaks that they do corporations AND labor unions.

    What if you could join a co-op of self employed contractors and negotiate nationally for health insurance as unions and corp do.

    There are answers to this problem without involving the government but the left doesn't want to hear them because they don't include another massive bureaucracy that will overtake another aspect of our life and add trillions to our national debt.

    What the government needs to do is eliminate pre-existing conditions, usual and customary charges, state insurance commissions, and require bundling making it illegal for 3 different departments to bill you for one procedure.

    A start????

    Posted By: Taxpayer (11:04am 11-09-2009)
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    Thanks Sox, but I don't think I can meet my financial obligations on an entry level position at Lowe’s. Maybe if the economy gets better and I could sell my home and get a small apartment I might be able to take that entry level job at 50. It's a sad day in America when the ones that built this great country have to sell their homes and cars just to get health insurance.... Hey maybe I should just quit working and go on welfare and get some insurance.

    Posted By: sox (10:56am 11-09-2009)
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    Taxpayer we are all faced with choices. You make more than me buddy. My house payment is ony $700 because I can not afford anymore and insurance. I pay cash for all my older model cars and we shop on clearnace racks. We by marked down food at the store and so on. Life is hard but it is not your job to provide me with healthcare. You are a prime example of why it is not fair. You make more money than me, I pay my premiums and now you want me to pay yours also? Welcome to real life buddy.....

    Posted By: Taxpayer (10:50am 11-09-2009)
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    The Senate will most likely remove the "govt" option. Thats great if they can give the working stiffs a chance to by some affordable coverage for their families. If they could just create competition between these crappy insurance companies that would be a start.

    Posted By: efillc (10:50am 11-09-2009)
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    If you think the US economy is ugly now, wait until this passes and the 85% Go Galt.

    Posted By: sox (10:49am 11-09-2009)
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    Taxpayer, Do you live in the Valley? If so go to Lowes they are hiring in most location for fulltime people and offer medical insurance.

    Posted By: Taxpayer (10:48am 11-09-2009)
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    So AaronS what do you propose? My mortgage is $975 a month and my insurance would be $750. My income in in the $35-45,000 range, depending on my business. This year I'm on track towards the lower end of that. It'll be a cold day in Hades before I pay nearly my mortgage for a health plan that really wasn't that great. This is a mess.

    Posted By: AaronS (10:42am 11-09-2009)
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    I am walking in your shoes Taxpayer and I still oppose this plan. It's wrong for ALL Americans, which is the constitutional foundation for government intervention.

    Posted By: Taxpayer (10:38am 11-09-2009)
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    This arguement reminds me of those that complain about paying county school taxes after their kids have all grown. As long as "I got mine" I could care less about the rest.

    Posted By: Taxpayer (10:33am 11-09-2009)
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    I'm 50 and uninsured. I fall into the demographic that AARP represents. Since the meltdown of blue collar manufacturing jobs in this country over the last 10 yrs there are millions like me. Too young for Medicare, too old for affordable healthcare. In 2006 when my company closed up shop my COBRA was $750 just for me. The best I could find was $350 per month for a catastrophic plan with a 10k deductible. Those that are so rabidly opposed to reform need to change their mental image of some illegal getting coverage, to hard working Americans without coverage. If you’re covered this issue is wasted money. If you aren't it’s a nightmare. I pray everyday the I will stay well enough to go to work (self employed contractor) So far God has been gracious and I’ve had no major health issues. Just try to imagine if this healthcare nightmare was yours.... walk a mile in my shoes before you pass judgment on the uninsured as deadbeats.

    Posted By: barbarian (1:56am 11-09-2009)
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    AARP definition: Extremely old liberals!

    Posted By: AaronS (10:38pm 11-08-2009)
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    Hey Ted, why don't you tell us how much the premium is going to be for this health bill, what it will pay, what the split is, does it have dental and vision and how much is the co-pay?

    Posted By: One Citizen (9:34pm 11-08-2009)
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    Pacaderm is lying about the Dems passing a bill to cover "illegal aliens" and I can prove it

    http://tinyurl.com/PACADERM-is-LYING

    It could be he's embarrassed because the House Republican Plan aided their industrial use of illegal workers by expanding U.S. coverage to include “Sweatshop Insurance”!

    Their proposal would explicitly expand the definition of ‘State’ to include not just D.C. and Puerto Rico, but adds BY NAME the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Jack Abramoff’s favorite client the Northern Marianas home of the ‘Made in the USA’ Chinese-owned slave labor sweatshops!

    See pages 121-122 of the House Repub bill at this link (pdf):

    http://tinyurl.com/yf2h674

    Now, pacaderm, if you believe the House just passed a bill which would provide free health insurance to illegals, then why don't you post a link which proves it? After all, Republican leaders have been lying about it for months in support of their GOP viral email LIES.

    Posted By: Eliz (2:28pm 11-08-2009)
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    smarbap....I do not drink Kool Aid;however,I do drink green tea, coffee and lemonade.

    Posted By: pacaderm (1:33pm 11-08-2009)
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    Seems to me a congressman called President Empty Suit a liar during his State of the Socialist State speech, when Empty Suit said this health care bill would not include illegal aliens.
    Said congressman was pilloried by the OC types at MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS who make their living proping up Democrats.
    Well, President Empty Suit did lie.....again.
    The "Hispanic Caucus" has seen to it that we can continue to pay for illegal immigrants medical insurance.
    And folks wonder why we don't all jump on the libtard bandwagon.

    Posted By: One Citizen (11:23am 11-08-2009)
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    While the insurance industry spends upwards of 1.4 million bucks a day to pay loudmouths on FoxNews and Rush Limbaugh to preserver the status quo, 45,000 uninsured Americans die a year for lack of proper medical attention.

    http://tinyurl.com/Murderous-Greed

    Studies show that the health care industry presently squanders a whoppin' $1.4 TRILLION per year

    http://tinyurl.com/yk7twyq

    That's why a pretty good chunk of that goes towards "financing" your lawmakers' campaigns. Here's proof positive that all the insurance industry money is well spent on Republicans.

    http://tinyurl.com/GOP-GONE-WILD

    Posted By: One Citizen (10:59am 11-08-2009)
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    AaronS, are you saying that you aren't covered under the Veteran's Administration benefits?

    Posted By: AaronS (9:41am 11-08-2009)
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    We’re going to punish the 85 percent of Americans who have earned health care benefits as part of their employment; we’re going to punish them, and the employers who give it to them, to try to cover the 15 percent that don’t have it.

    You're wrong about one thing Billy. The Dems are not going to punish the 85% who are happy with their coverage for 15%, they are going to punish you (I say you because I currently am uninsured but still do not support this partisan bill) for 11% of the people. The partisan bill will only gurantee coverage for 96% of the people.

    Posted By: True WV (9:29am 11-08-2009)
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    @malfoy There is debate as to the legitamacy of the 40 million. Some of those choose to not buy insurance even though they can afford. Let us take care of those who truly cannot afford insurance and leave the rest of the millions of us alone. We, as a country could afford to take care of the 25 million or so who truly need help.

    Posted By: smarbap (10:56pm 11-07-2009)
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    Eliz has consumed far too much of the Obama Kool-Aid!

    Posted By: One Citizen (10:32pm 11-07-2009)
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    C'mon, Aaron, come clean. What "premiums" do you now pay for your cushy Government benefits?

    Posted By: One Citizen (10:14pm 11-07-2009)
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    AaronS, what are you now paying?

    Posted By: AaronS (9:03pm 11-07-2009)
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    For people under 65, the bill would guarantee affordable health insurance choices, prohibit insurance exclusions based on preexisting conditions, limit insurance costs for older Americans and put a cap on out-of-pocket health insurance expenses.

    How affordable? How much will a premium run me per month?

    Posted By: Eliz (7:09pm 11-07-2009)
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    con't....incomes below 400 percent of the poverty line but too high to qualify for Medicaid, as well as provide help in paying insurance for others with low and medium incomes.This bill will helps people age at home: Provides funds for older people and those with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities.

    Posted By: Eliz (7:03pm 11-07-2009)
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    For people under 65, the bill would guarantee affordable health insurance choices, prohibit insurance exclusions based on preexisting conditions, limit insurance costs for older Americans and put a cap on out-of-pocket health insurance expenses. AARP follows a number of other organizations that have endorsed the House bill, including the American Medical Association, Consumers Union, the American College of Physicians, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and Families USA.Expands preventive care for Medicare: Because many preventive care services covered by Medicare usually require patients to share the cost, many older Americans skip important screening tests for cancer, glaucoma, colon cancer and other diseases. The House bill removes deductibles and co-insurance for all preventive care services.Provides help for low- and medium-income people to buy health coverage: The House bill would provide subsidies for insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange for people with

    Posted By: Eliz (6:57pm 11-07-2009)
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    For people under 65, the bill would guarantee affordable health insurance choices, prohibit insurance exclusions based on preexisting conditions, limit insurance costs for older Americans and put a cap on out-of-pocket health insurance expenses.AARP follows a number of other organizations that have endorsed the House bill, including the American Medical Association, Consumers Union, the American College of Physicians, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, and Families USA.For those worried they will not be able to choose their own doctors, the proposed legislation would not affect patient choice. Eliminates the “doughnut &#@!&$%”: The House legislation would immediately start closing the coverage gap known as the doughnut &#@!&$%, which forces those in Medicare to pay 100 percent of their medications once they have purchased more than $2,700 worth of drugs. About 3.4 million Americans fell into the doughnut &#@!&$% in 2007, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

    Posted By: billy1900 (3:37pm 11-07-2009)
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    Why is no one talking about the fact that there are effective, inexpensive alternatives that could easily be incorporated into conventional medical practices that would significantly reduce costs?

    The fact of the matter is that the Big Pharma Cartel has a supreme hold over our government, and this is, most likely, why we do not see any discussions about these very real, underlying problems.

    Posted By: billy1900 (3:33pm 11-07-2009)
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    Congressman Mike Rogers (MI) points out some very disturbing tradeoffs in the current health care reform proposal, and I have yet to see any real debate about the real problems, and the most effective solutions, to our current health care conundrum.

    Rogers begins by stating:

    “Abraham Lincoln said, ‘You can’t make a weak man strong by making a strong man weak…

    … We’re going to punish the 85 percent of Americans who have earned health care benefits as part of their employment; we’re going to punish them, and the employers who give it to them, to try to cover the 15 percent that don’t have it.

    Why would we punish the part that’s working to cover the part that’s not?”

    Personally, I don’t think the current health insurance and health care models are working at all, but I agree that the reforms currently on the table will not solve our problems.

    For example, where is the debate about WHY the US health care system is the absolute most expensive in the world?

    Posted By: smarbap (2:35pm 11-07-2009)
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    Yet another reason to oppose this nonsense!

    Posted By: True WV (10:02am 11-07-2009)
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    This is one Senior that AARP does not speak for.

    Posted By: rclay36 (12:26am 11-07-2009)
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    Maybe you're better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller."

    Rick Clay

    Posted By: MU4WVU2 (7:21pm 11-06-2009)
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    How about part D of Medicare to buy meds. A Dem plan introduced and passed by Repubs. Even did it like Dems - didn't pay for it. Bad plan and was criticized for it for 6 years and will continue to receive heat forever. Bush attempted to take a Dem proposal off the table and the trick bit him.

    Posted By: wvuweirton (5:42pm 11-06-2009)
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    I may be a dumb hillbillie, but I know this

    Even member of Congress has Government supported health care, even the Republicans....Have you heard of any Republicans who are opposed to the Public Option (the government plan) canceling their government health insurance????

    ALSO, EVERY MEMBER, FROM BOTH PARTIES WHO OPPOSE THE GOVERNMENT PLAN HAVE RECEIVED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN CAMPAIGN FUNDS.... Give me one or two million dollars and I will say whatever you want too...

    PS: ANOTHER FACT, MANY RELATIVES OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WORK FOR THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY... THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL "HOME COOKING."

    ALSO, The Republicans today say they have their own plan for health care.... When the Republicans were in power for 8 years, tell me about one bill they propose on health care for the working poor...

    A RECENT STUDY SAID THEIR IS BETWEEM 500,000,000 TO 1 TRILLIONS WASTE EVERY YEAR IN HEALTH CARE... This is what the insurance companies are fighting to protect....

    Posted By: MU4WVU2 (5:34pm 11-06-2009)
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    Malf, I just looked at Poolester.com. They do a composit of all the polls. Last poll had 44 in favor of the plans on the drawing board by dems. The opposition was at 51. That is different than "a handful of the well to do,or duped". Would you please stop shooting from the hip and repeating someone else's misquotes?

    Danno, why would you prefer a plan about which you know little or nothing? Or, have you seen a copy of the proposed premiums? If you have seen such, please share with Aa as he has been looking for some coverage. Will you be elgible for one of those tax credit things wherein govt pays part of your premium? The last I saw they would pay up to 25% of your premium if earnings were less than $84G. Sounds too good to be true that someone can assist in paying expenses of another making $84G. This is a great country, ain't it.

    Posted By: AaronS (5:05pm 11-06-2009)
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    Aaron, you're so entrenched in partisan politics that you'll never accept something the dems put forth, even if you created it and handed it to them. There is no point debating someone like you.

    LOL. That's rich malfoy. The ONLY reason you don't debate me is becasue you CAN'T. You've NEVER answered one single question I've put forth to you, including the ones today. And it's not just me. I've seen other posters ask you reasonable questions and you run like a scalded dog every time.

    All you do is post partisan tripe and when you do, you're put in your place by me or someone like me.

    Now, I ask a question and you said it didn't apply to me. I showed you that it did and you come back with that weak garbage. If you don't know the answer to the question, at least be man enough and say so.

    I don't know which is more pathetic, you or your weak arguments.

    Posted By: malfoy (4:57pm 11-06-2009)
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    st. george... all of you keep saying that the country doesn't want this bill, when actually it's only a handful of the well-to-do, or duped, that don't want it. i have great coverage and am thankful, yet still long for the day that everyone does. screw partisan politics. that's the only reason nothing meaningful ever gets passed anyway.

    Posted By: danno_9 (4:36pm 11-06-2009)
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    Those who have want those who don't have to not have. I recently lost my job but qualified for retiree health coverage which disqualified me for Cobra and the 65% government susidy. The cost through my employer for myself and my wife is $800.00 a month. No job, a pension of $114.00 a month that is deducted from unemployment compensation and an $800.00 a month insurance bill. Yes, I want a public option. I can't understand why you GOP guys aren't complaining about the $50 billion a month were wasting in Iraq fighting W's war over WMD that never were. And by the way W passed this economy on to Obama. If you have good insurance keep it, but at least give the rest of us a chance. With good health and prescription coverage Rush might even get a better price on his Oxycontin.

    Posted By: St. George (4:23pm 11-06-2009)
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    There is no "Death Panel" per say, but a group of individuals (a panel of experts knowledgeable in their field of expertise) whom will be tasked with putting a "dollar value" on your life (each year you live) and setting the standards which will determine who will live and who will die; thus setting into motion when and how you will die. That is my understanding of it. The price of prescription drugs for ALL the citizens of this country is too high and we need Tort reform, but these issues are no addressed, why? Keep the good parts of the House bill and come back next year with a better one, because what we have now is nothing more than a shell game and just a little bit better than doing nothing. This bill is horrible and the American people will pay dearly if it passes. I voted for President Obama and am very disappointed with what the administration is trying to pull. I think more in terms of what the people need rather than what the President wants.

    Posted By: wvuweirton (2:50pm 11-06-2009)
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    To the individuals who say their are NO DEATH PANELS - YOU ARE DEAD WRONG... There are "death Panels!!!!"

    We have had them for decades run by the insurance companies....

    Need an operation, who does your doctor have to call - The INSURANCE COMPANY for permission...

    I will take the government in control over my health care than the insurance company any day... The reason why is simple...

    That government workers pay is not determined if my care is accepted or rejected... On the other hand - Insurances are run for PROFIT - the CEO's make millions of dollars and their employees get BONUSES if the company makes profit - And that's not evning talking about the STOCKHOLDERS....

    Since Weirton Steel went under my pension and insurance comes from two government agencies - P.B.G.C. and the H.C.T.C....

    In the 6 years since I lost my job, I can tell you one thing - both government agencies are very professional and well run... AND WHEN YOU CALL THEM - TO TALK TO A REAL PERSON..

    Posted By: malfoy (1:54pm 11-06-2009)
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    Aaron, you're so entrenched in partisan politics that you'll never accept something the dems put forth, even if you created it and handed it to them. There is no point debating someone like you. The economy that all of you pubtards keep blaming on Obama (not that he's helped it much) was mostly due to W's incompetence. No new president, pubtard or demtard could clean up W's mess in one year. You guy aren't even giving Obama a chance. And I'll say it again, YOU are what's wrong with American politics.

    Posted By: AaronS (1:44pm 11-06-2009)
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    Aaron, this isn't about you, it's about the 40-some million people that don't have healthcare coverage like you and me.

    It most certainly is about me. I lost my coverage on September 30th and am currently uninsured. I am looking at some catastrophic plans and some high deductible plans. I'm also fighting to have my cobra amount reduced as I was laid off due to Obama's economy.

    But just because I have no insurance doesn’t mean I’ll support a public option. I want to know what the cost is going to be, what it will cover and what the cost will be to the taxpayers. So why is it no one can answer that simple question?

    I will say that if I could join a co-op and purchase my insurance from AZ or TX that would save me the most money. And if Democrats wanted real reform, eliminating state lines and insurance commissions would be a great start, as would eliminating pre-existing conditions.

    Besides, as a taxpayer, I want to know what lib’s public option will cost.

    Posted By: AaronS (1:42pm 11-06-2009)
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    So how come no one can tell me what my cost will be, both in premiums and out of pocket expense and what my coverage will be for those cost?

    So how come no one can tell me what my cost will be, both in premiums and out of pocket expense and what my coverage will be for those cost? You noticed how Malfoy ducted the question but the thing is, he has no clue what he's talking about as my next post will show.

    Posted By: cubbinincmh (11:57am 11-06-2009)
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    I am amazed at the ignorance in this state once again. There are no "death panels". The public option is simply an insurance plan like most of us already have. It will cost $a to the recipient, and will cover x, y, and z. It will not cover everything, just like private insurance doesnt cover everything. The point is, the government is designed to not be greedy so they will not charge such high prices for their insurance. If the public option is cheaper, private insurance will lower their price to a comparable level or go out of business. This is called COMPETITION!!! Further, everyone knows that the medical industry completely overcharges anytime they can. Cutting Medicare payments will only affect rich hospital fat cats.

    Posted By: MU4WVU2 (11:56am 11-06-2009)
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    Malf, a little research is in order regarding your statement about AMA.

    AMA HAS FEW MEMBERS FROM WORKING MEDICAL DOCTORS. AMA is more of a fraternity made up of those teaching doctors and medical students.

    Does that little tidbit of info affect your stance on the AMA contribution to the proposed healthcare plan(s)?

    This revalation was made several weeks ago when there was a study,covered on TV, being presented by doctors at Mayo and I believe Cleveland Clinic and another major that I cannot recall. The presentation was by practicing doctors and administrators of the systems being reviewed. They suggested doctors dropped their membership from AMA shortly after they began practice and got away from the teaching influence. To that time, I too thought AMA was more of a doctor union, but they disspelled my misconception.

    Posted By: malfoy (11:52am 11-06-2009)
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    Aaron, this isn't about you, it's about the 40-some million people that don't have healthcare coverage like you and me. The difference is that I'm not sticking my middle finger up at those who don't have coverage.

    Rick Clay, you make me sick. Death Panel. That LIE has been diffused, but I'm sure you think if you keep repeating it, you'll get some gullible seniors to believe it again.

    So obviously a sheep of the RNC. A sheep that doesn't even deserve to be fed.

    Posted By: rcj112 (11:02am 11-06-2009)
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    Typo. Florida.

    Posted By: rcj112 (11:01am 11-06-2009)
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    You are SO right. AARP is ripping off seniors worse then those crooks in Flirida Frauding the Medicaid system. Only AARP is doing it legally.

    Posted By: rclay36 (10:25am 11-06-2009)
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    $500,000,000.00 Sorry did not put enough "0"

    Rick Clay

    Posted By: rclay36 (10:22am 11-06-2009)
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    AARP does not represent the people of WV. They are backing a plan that will cut seniors benefits by half a Trillion Dollars $500,000.00 and it establishes a Death Panel and that is exactly what it is a Death Panel. You seniors better hope you don't have to depend on a Washington D.C. Bureaucrat that does not care or know anything about your health. So what is it WV Seniors, Blue Pill or the Red Pill? I called AARP and told them to take me off their mailing list. You all should cut up your cards change your membership. Call your Congressman Rahall and Mollohan to voice your concern. I did. Oh Obama pledge that this bill will not effect your current policy is a lie. In this bill it states that after 2013 no private insurance plans can be sold that do not meet Government Guidelines. Oh and those Cadillac plans that you Union guys enjoy. Well this bill increases those premiums. Wake up WV. KILL THIS BILL!!!
    Rick Clay
    rclay36@aol.com

    Posted By: AaronS (10:02am 11-06-2009)
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    As for AARP supporting this plan, of course they are.

    http://www.aarphealthcare.com/

    Who do you think is in line to get the bulk of the senior customers through a government contract once Medicare Advantage is pulled off the table, which the elimination of is President Obama's idea of Medicare 'savings'?

    I read one estimate where AARP stands to gain half a billion dollars a year in new business for their insurance division if the public option is passed.

    Posted By: AaronS (9:58am 11-06-2009)
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    Malfoy said...I get sick to death listening to all of you new neo-cons put down every attempt at offering your AMERICAN brothers and sisters affordable healthcare,

    I've ask it numerous times, to the editors of the Gazette, to Ted Boettner at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, to the paid bloggers on this site (even though many are one in the same) and to countless other supporters of the public option.

    As you sick to death (since you've overcome death to post your opinion) I'll ask you Malfoy.

    How much is this policy going to cost me, what will be the split, will I have to pay a deductible for my doctors visit, how much will my deductible be, for how many in my family and will there be dental and vision.

    At my old company, for about $85 dollars a week, I got BCBS 85/15, no deductible for doctors visit, only a $15 co-pay, $200 deductible for hospital, no deductible for preventive care, D and V.

    So how does this public option compare for my cost?

    Posted By: 900PA (9:17am 11-06-2009)
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    Malfoy,

    Blind support of a pig in a poke is suspicious.

    If access to health services is a problem, that should be addressed directly.

    If cost is a problem, that should be addressed directly.

    No one is claiming this bill addresses cost, the driver of all the problems in the transfer payment system (Public and Private).

    Get on the Schtick, Find direct Solutions to Directly Identified problems.

    A 'titantic' piece of legislation is very, very suspicious.

    The Health Transfer Payment system (public and Private 'insurance') is very complicated, with inter-related components. Some don't feel confident that Liegislators are astute enough to recognize that, and judge the long term net affect of even some of the simplest of changes.

    For instance, If you cut Medicare pay by 10%; How much does Medicaid pay go down? How much does Private Pay go up? What's the Net Affect on Hospital Solvency? Are Rural Clinics affected? In what way?

    Be careful what you wish for.

    Posted By: billyjim2 (9:14am 11-06-2009)
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    The dirty little secret; AARP is a liberal organization designed to control a very large, and vocal voting block for the democrats by giving away discounts, and trinkets.
    Your discount today may become your demise tomorrow. AARP is a
    Judas-goat. The current liberal-health proposal will be the end of the best health care in the world. I will not join AARP because they are sell-outs.

    Posted By: malfoy (9:12am 11-06-2009)
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    You'll endorse spending a trillion dollars on a useless war, as well as taking care of Iraqis, but you won't endorse a dime to take care of your fellow Americans. That is my definition of unpatriotic.

    Posted By: malfoy (9:08am 11-06-2009)
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    Damion, does it make any sense at all for the first three of you posters would be willing to sit back and let people suffer and die for the lack of having affordable healthcare? Probably to you.

    I didn't get overly excited by the AARP's endorsement, but the AMA (you know, doctors) endorsing this plan does speak volumes. Doctors are the ones that have had to pay particular attention to these bills to make sure it wouldn't affect them adversely.

    I get sick to death listening to all of you new neo-cons put down every attempt at offering your AMERICAN brothers and sisters affordable healthcare, yet none of you are or have offered a plan of your own. I am an independent, but I have to ask... What has the Republican party done to bring affordable healthcare to all Americans? What?? *crickets chirping* Nothing. All they have done is sit back and shoot holes in everything that is brought before them.

    Pitiful.

    Posted By: Damion (8:13am 11-06-2009)
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    This article has a number of curious twists. While endorsements from the AARP and AMA are certainly good PR, neither really represent all seniors or physicians given the numbers of each group who oppose this massive federal employment plan. It is quite a trick for the AARP to maintain that cutting $540,000,000,000 from the Medicare budget will not impact services. And then, if this cut can indeed be made without harming seniors' health care, why hasn't it been corrected before now? Either way, it seems to be further evidence that the government can not manage effectively their own programs, be them Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security or even the postal system. All of them are going bankrupt.
    So now lets give them the health care prize? Does that make any sense at all?

    Posted By: catlady (7:49am 11-06-2009)
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    AARP is nothing but an insurance company. There goal is to make money. If you go back and look you will discover that they never have supported any bill that would benefit seniors. If this horrid health bill should pass, we will be in the throes of socialism and AARP will be much, much richer.

    West Virginians need a break from the Democrats. How long have they been in power? Look at what they have done for the state. It's a no-brainer.

    Posted By: WEST VIRGINIAN (8:27pm 11-05-2009)
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    Obama gets the support of 2 Lobbyist Groups.

    Will AARP cut the costs of their Supplemental Polices, that increase with age?

    -------

    Meanwhile, many thousands of Seniors are opposed to any quick action, let there be the time to permit the Citizens react.

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