Passing THE Bill

Waited long enough, now I have to say a few words on the Health Care Reform Bill, promise to be brief.  No surprise, I was very happy to see it passed.

I have always been a proponent of universal health care.  My first professional project out of college was in GM health benefits and at that time we were discussing rising costs, standardization of administration and complete coverage.  As unpopular as it was, I even supported Hillary Clinton in her early efforts towards reform.

I did not read the entire bill and frankly some of what I have read is confusing.  I am constantly looking for some scaled down, synopsis of the bill. But all such briefs have been slanted or too incomplete or even off point.  So I like these two points the most:

- everyone will be covered.  A friend insists that this was already true.  Well now everyone knows they will be covered and we have a starting process to account for the funds.

- you won't be dropped if  you use your coverage.  I always hated this about car insurance.  I was a member of Travelers for over 20 years  with very minimum use.  Had two under $2k claims in one year and they dropped me.

What I hate about the bill?  The cost.  But I am a believer that it will lower health care costs in the future.

What I hate most though about this bill, is the horrible way we have seen our elected officials and the general public behave.  I am sickened by property destruction and personal threats towards our politicians.  I am dismayed by slanderous remarks, lies and fear promotion.  It is disgusting to see adults act like toddlers who cannot get their way or to hear about the unbelievable anger over this.  I can't help thinking that our very governmental foundation is cracked.

This bill is a start, it is not all encompassing and I don't believe the situation will ever be 100%.  But it has started some of the greatest debates I have been aware of and people are interested.  I thought Hillary started the topic years ago, but that concern died with her proposal.  Let's hope the debate (orderly and professional) continues and that we are all better off for it.