Health care legislation passes through the House
The Affordable Health Care for America act passed through the House of Representatives on Nov.7 by a narrow vote of 220-215. Congressmen Eric Massa and Chris Lee weigh in on the legislation and the road ahead.
By Alysa Stryker
Last Updated:6:27 PM EST 11/20/09 Section: News
Q: There was a public option that passed in the house, and there are many versions of a public option on the table(i.e the "trigger option" and Harry Reid's plan where states can opt out). Would you support any of these versions of the public option?
"From my point of view there is no public option. The public option must be accessible to the American people, and it must be priced competitively. Neither one of those characteristics are in this legislation."
Chris Lee
Republican congressman for New York's 26th District
Q: There is a considerable divide between both houses of congress on how to pay for the plan, whether it is through a tax surcharge on wealthy Americans and new spending constraints in Medicare and Medicaid, or a new tax on so-called "Cadillac" health plans. What is the best strategy to finance the plan?
"The plan that passed out of the House will primarily fall on business owners. We(the House] passed legislation that conceivably will further damage the ability for small business to go out and hire people…the problem I have with the bill that passed is that it does nothing to take tangible costs out of the system. Unfortunately, speaker Pelosi caved in to special interests."
Q: Individuals under both plans would be required to purchase coverage, and each plan has penalties for not choosing to buy insurance. Should individuals be required to carry insurance?
"I don't believe the government should mandate that. I would hope that most Americans, if it's affordable, will partake in it."
Q: College students often graduate and are immediately kicked off of their parents' insurance plan. Often times they are not finding employer based insurance and they are struggling to pay for individual private insurance until they find a job. What is the best way to handle this situation?
"Allow parents to keep their young graduates onto their health care plan up to 27, thereby covering those who are just starting out. The cost to cover them is marginal, I think it is a great way to provide coverage at a minimal cost."
"From my point of view there is no public option. The public option must be accessible to the American people, and it must be priced competitively. Neither one of those characteristics are in this legislation."
Chris Lee
Republican congressman for New York's 26th District
Q: There is a considerable divide between both houses of congress on how to pay for the plan, whether it is through a tax surcharge on wealthy Americans and new spending constraints in Medicare and Medicaid, or a new tax on so-called "Cadillac" health plans. What is the best strategy to finance the plan?
"The plan that passed out of the House will primarily fall on business owners. We(the House] passed legislation that conceivably will further damage the ability for small business to go out and hire people…the problem I have with the bill that passed is that it does nothing to take tangible costs out of the system. Unfortunately, speaker Pelosi caved in to special interests."
Q: Individuals under both plans would be required to purchase coverage, and each plan has penalties for not choosing to buy insurance. Should individuals be required to carry insurance?
"I don't believe the government should mandate that. I would hope that most Americans, if it's affordable, will partake in it."
Q: College students often graduate and are immediately kicked off of their parents' insurance plan. Often times they are not finding employer based insurance and they are struggling to pay for individual private insurance until they find a job. What is the best way to handle this situation?
"Allow parents to keep their young graduates onto their health care plan up to 27, thereby covering those who are just starting out. The cost to cover them is marginal, I think it is a great way to provide coverage at a minimal cost."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jeremy Engdahl-Johnson
posted 11/20/09 @ 10:31 PM EST
Many different variables might push health plans into "Cadillac" territory, including geographic location, plan demographics, and other characteristics of the insured population. (Continued…)
Online essay writer
posted 12/09/09 @ 6:41 AM EST
I agree that all Americans should be enrolled in insurance, but I don't think all Americans should be forced to buy it.
Post a Comment