Here we are at the long awaited Town Hall Meeting! The line wrapped around the lovely campus here under a shaded walkway. Toward the back of the line (where we were until escorted to the front by a namelss friend 😉 there was little drama. A few “Fair Tax” posters and some Reform supporters hanging out in line.
Once we got closer up we heard some “If you’re against Obamacare you NEED this card”.
Congressman Johnson’s staff is well organized and I’m thrilled to report that each attendee is handed a card on which to write questions! Nicely done!
We’re getting settled in now. Will be back once things get started. If you’re reading this – we’re in the back row!
7:15 Things have gotten started. Congressman Johnson is making some introductory remarks before introducing the panel already seated on the stage. It’s a full house here and we understand that the secondary locations are also full.
Congressman Johnson is focusing on the high salaries of insurance company CEOs, high costs of health care, and his support of HR 3200. The audience is quiet and respectful. Audience claps for his criticism of “Bue Dog” Democrats and their interest in “gutting” the public option.
OK. Now all the elcted officials stand up. Phew, at least they didn’t all have to be introduced.
Citizen Cathy McClure takes the stage. Also known as The Purple Bus Lady. Son has diabetes. She is telling us the costs of his care and that an individual policy is not available. Daughter has epiliepsy. Tales of delays and expenses of health care for ill children.
First up,: Dr Sandra Ford, Dekalb County Board of Health. Mentions my favorite – our ranking National Infant Mortality rates. We should be ashamed at over 100. She’s giving us a bunch of numbers about teen smoking and sexual activity. Numbers. More and more numbers. Reminds us of the importance of preventive care and wellness. She gets a big round of applause for mentioning personal responsibility.
Next: Dr Patrice Harris, American Medical Association. AMA supports HR3200 as proposed. Emphasize doctor/patient privacy; shortage of primary care physicians; prevention and wellness; and other key issues.
Now, Dr Arthur Kellermann, Professor of Emergency Medicine, Emory University (and Grady) No “wallet biopsy” in the any emergency room. Draw the best from both public and private systems. A blended system. We’ll need courage and will. “We have to do it. Do it ths year.”
Dr Eric Norwood, President/CEO Dekalb Medical Center. Each American should be covered through a combination of public and private providers health savings accounts; Massachusetts bi-partisan approach; lower costs by covering everyone.
Mr Jeffrey Taylor CEO, Oakhurst Medical Centers. Personal responsibility, healthy living, community health.
Dr Todd Williamson, President, Georgia Medical Association. Represents 12 Medical Specialty Associations. Emphasize the importance of patient/physician relationship. He opposed HR 3200 and any public option. He’s a red-blooded Conservative. Ohhhhh! Rationing! No one should tell you that you can’t spend your own money on your medical care.
And last, Michael Young, President of Grady Health System. Believes a national system will avoid individual states setting their own programs. Support for safety net hospitals such as Grady. Increasing numbers of uninsured patients due to unemployment.
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OK! Now for questions. JT says “This is fixin’ to turn into a circus”. Turns out the cards are only for questons for which there isn’t time to answer. We love you Hank, but you can’t respond to every “What I want to hear myself say today” comment…
Question about the Health Benefits Advisory Commission appeal process. Scott Goldstein, explains that the commission will define minimum coverage.
Oh good lord. The lines are long and the questions are not really questions.
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