There are many issues that divide Americans, and none are currently more controversial and divisive than health care.
“I don’t have a right to health care … I have a right to life, liberty and to keep the fruits of my labor,†Rep. Ron Paul of Texas said to Business Insider. The former presidential candidate has frequently argued that health care is not a right, but a privilege, like a cellphone.
Congressional bill H.R. 3200, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act 2009, was introduced July 14. Along with promising that those with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied health insurance, H.R. 3200 exempts “grandfathered health insurance coverage from requirements of this Act; … (provides) guaranteed coverage to all individuals and employers and automatic renewal of coverage; … (prohibits) premium variances, except for reasons of age, area, or family enrollment and … (prohibits) rescission of health insurance coverage without clear and convincing evidence of fraud,†a summary of the bill on the Library of Congress’ Web site reads.
With free clinics booked up for months, and the economy sucking every dime from the population’s pocket, both sides are pushed to the extremes on this bill.
LaRouche Political Action Committee members Lugina Qhespe and Nick Walsh passed out fliers on Titan Walk yesterday. Posters of President Obama hung from one of the concrete tables with a Hitler-like mustache superimposed above the president’s upper lip. The group’s leaflet attacks Obama and his “Nazi health care plan,†showing a picture of a protest sign which reads, “Kill the HMO’s before Obama let’s them kill you!â€
They, like many misinformed, insist Obama is out for blood.
One of the most commonly spread fallacies of the proposed health care reform is “death panels,†in which a group of people is imagined to discuss whether a person should live or die based on their well-being. Rumor has it this panel would recommend euthanasia if a person is just too old or sickly to continue existing by their standards.
“There is nothing in any of the legislative proposals that would call for the creation of death panels or any other governmental body that would cut off care for the critically ill as a cost-cutting measure,†Jim Rutenberg and Jackie Calmes wrote in their New York Times article, “False ‘Death Panel’ Rumor Has Some Familiar Roots.â€
H.R. 3200 can be seen on OpenCongress.org, where there is also a poll for visitors of the site to voice their opinion on the proposed bill.
While no one can be denied service at an emergency room, the costs incurred by a visit to the E.R. would surely put a major dent in any student’s already thin wallet; therefore, it is not a feasible option.
Cal State Fullerton’s Associated Students Inc. offers its own health care plan for students in conjunction with Blue Cross. Students can pay $1,015 per year for $100,000 worth of medical care, though students are still responsible for paying a 20 percent deductible.
This is actually one of the best options for students who are not otherwise covered, at least until health care reform has been resolved and finalized.
We at the Daily Titan unanimously support health care reform. As students, we are among those who would most benefit from health care reform.
Many students, if they are not insured under their parents or employers, have no form of assistance when they become ill.
While the Student Health and Counseling Center on campus is at student’s disposal, it is not equipped to treat conditions that would otherwise be covered by health insurance and normally treated at hospitals.
This is part of the “change†that America voted for in November; isn’t it time we start letting Obama fulfill his campaign promises?
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