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
Eric Massa
Democratic congressman for New York's 29th 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?
"In my opinion any plan to expand coverage should primarily look at the profits being generated by the industry. I think that they should be the source and the focus of where we seek funds. Before we tax other people or the wealthiest Americans, we should go to the for-profit health insurers."
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?
"The question is whether it is constitutional…I think all Americans should be enrolled in insurance, but I don't think all Americans should be forced to buy 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?
"Nationally one of the things I'd like to see happen is to mandate that young adults stay on their parents' insurance rates until age 26, at the group rate of that policy."
Q: What do you forsee being the biggest struggles as the senate and house now try to merge their bills together?
"Obviously there are two different systems under consideration. One is an exchange and the other is co-operatives. I do not know how they will merge, I simply cannot predict."
Q: What specific parts of the latest health care bill in the house will affect a college student the most?
"Nothing is enacted until 2013. While people are anticipating immediate miracles, that's not going to happen…I believe that the thing that will impact college students quickest is the mandate to purchase insurance. If they are not financially able to do so, they can receive a subsidy."
Democratic congressman for New York's 29th 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?
"In my opinion any plan to expand coverage should primarily look at the profits being generated by the industry. I think that they should be the source and the focus of where we seek funds. Before we tax other people or the wealthiest Americans, we should go to the for-profit health insurers."
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?
"The question is whether it is constitutional…I think all Americans should be enrolled in insurance, but I don't think all Americans should be forced to buy 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?
"Nationally one of the things I'd like to see happen is to mandate that young adults stay on their parents' insurance rates until age 26, at the group rate of that policy."
Q: What do you forsee being the biggest struggles as the senate and house now try to merge their bills together?
"Obviously there are two different systems under consideration. One is an exchange and the other is co-operatives. I do not know how they will merge, I simply cannot predict."
Q: What specific parts of the latest health care bill in the house will affect a college student the most?
"Nothing is enacted until 2013. While people are anticipating immediate miracles, that's not going to happen…I believe that the thing that will impact college students quickest is the mandate to purchase insurance. If they are not financially able to do so, they can receive a subsidy."
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.
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