ID CreatedOn State Q1. High Cost Comment Q2. Community Network Comment Q3. Quality/ Efficiency Q4. End-of-life Comment Q5. Public Policy Comment Q6. Core Benefit Comment Q7. Financing Q8. Additional Comments 20895 6/2/06 3:06 PM KS "I agree 100%. Be careful not to define ""core"" services too narrowly." * I'm a bit leery of this idea. Not sure I trust the appointment process to empanel a group that truly has the public interest at heart.[Truncated] "* ""Very high"" health costs in rural America might seem completely manageable to those on the coasts, where incomes are much higher.[Truncated]" * There would be no need for a so-called safety net if we'd simply establish a tax-funded national health system. I want what Canada has.[Truncated] "* All great ideas, but the best way to cut administrative waste is to eliminate the fractured system that we now have, and provide a comprehensive program funded by progressive taxation.[Truncated]" Very important. "* Employment-based insurance must be replaced by a true national system. The fairest way to fund such a system is via progressive taxes, like the income tax.[Truncated]" "* Too wishy-washy. It's time to get rid of the ""system"" we now have, and establish a national health system funded by a progressive income tax.[Truncated]" 20901 6/2/06 3:45 PM IA * How will we ensure that all persons eligible participate. Will their be a penalty or lack of access for not participating? Some individuals that have lived in a cycle of poverty do not see the need for health insurance or access to care unt[Truncated] "* Please be sure that core health services include preventative care for dental, mental and physical health. With many insurance companies not paying for preventative care, individuals go without and are more often sicker and require more cost[Truncated]" * Many communities have established Community Health Networks which are severely underfunded and are privately funded. Please seek these entities out for federal support prior to reinventing the wheel.[Truncated] 20903 6/2/06 4:11 PM OR "Good. We should implement a single payer system offering universal coverage as soon as possible." "* I'd like to see us rely less on experts and more on common sense. However, triaging health care resources should be done by compassionate providers working within a budget.[Truncated]" "Yes, and it would be great to have such coverage well before 2012." "* Safety net implies that coverage is of a nature of last resort. It may be better to simply cover everyone under an expanded Medicare system, perhaps a Medicare HMO system where wellness and preventitive care is emphasized and encouraged. [Truncated]" "* The current system is inefficient, wasteful, and redundant. Administration of health care services and payments should be simplified and streamlined. The real question regarding a realigned system would be should it primarily be based on c[Truncated]" I support this. "Cut the Gordian knot associated with redundancy in the payment system immediately, if not sooner." 20904 6/2/06 4:12 PM MN * Amercians should have a health care system .... and that is not tied to any specific employer benefit package or geographic location. [Truncated] yes yes yes "yes - get cracking - and add ""elimination of insurance and managed care waste""" yes "* I ranted up above. Thanks for reading it if you did indeed manage to get through it all. If all your efforts result in Health Savings Accounts and more of Medicare being turned over to managed care insurers (at greater cost), I can't say [Truncated]" "* We'll never get universal coverage without cost control. An accurate diagnosis of the high cost of health care can only follow from an examination of BOTH the demand side components (patients) and the the supply side components (insurers [Truncated]" 20908 6/2/06 4:41 PM CO "* I agree with the above statment but I'd like to see a system where if you make less than $50,000 a year, the Federal Govenment should subsidize your health care. My wife makes $11 and hour and through her job minimal heath insurance is fairly[Truncated]" "* The basis sounds great but we all know that ""committiees"" aren't fast acting and those ""professionals"" make so much money they have ""NO IDEA"" how bad it is for us that make low end wages or can't work due to so many medical problems, that no [Truncated]" "* The statement should READ: Coverage for all American citizens, not illegal's in this country. They do not deserve care. We couldn't go to Mexico or a differnt country and ask for medical benifits, they shouldn't be able to either. I'm a Viet-[Truncated]" "* I have ""no problem"" of going to a clinic since I'm too poor to pay for my health insurance. Yes, I know I may not get as good care as the Rich American but ""any level"" of care is a heck of a lot better than ""NONE""! I have Reiter's Syndrome, [Truncated]" "* The problem is that your using health systems that are ""failures"" in their own right!! Medicare, Medicaid, VA, are all mired in a qaqmire of paperwork and red tape. Sorry but unless you ""SCRAP"" these old and damn near usless medical inaties a[Truncated]" "* Yes, agree with all the above, but you have to have a ""very serious"" Arm to ""inforce"" the above parties to conform to these rules. The current ""old folks homes"" should be abolished, they are shameful and very little is enforced rules and regu[Truncated]" "* I hope this can come to be actual but I don't have much faith. The problem is that Doctors are mainly in this to make money and even worse hospitals run by HMO's are totally ""inhumane"" in nature and only care about ""PROFIT"". That's why this s[Truncated]" "* Sorry, if your living with wages below $50,000 a year, you can't afford to give any ""extra"" contributions towards health care. We are only ""one paycheck away"" from living in a Red Cross Shelter, so how in GOD's name are we going to be able to[Truncated]" 20911 6/2/06 5:12 PM CO "* Americans already have adequate access to health care. Choice shouldnot be constrained in any way, but allowed to flourish. More choices, more competition, better prices.[Truncated]" "* This recommendation envisions a panel of ""experts"" to tell Americans what they need and can get. This recommendation would contrain choices, which is totally contrary to what Americans really want. Americans are perfectly capable of making [Truncated]" "* The insurance industry already offers this protection and if anything needs to be changed it is to relieve the private insurance industry from governmental mandates, which only result in higher costs for people.[Truncated]" "* CMS is already moving ahead with changes that would allow more efficiency. This approach looks to bear considerable benefit is just a few years. We do not need another cumbersome bureaucracy, which have been shown to be determinetal to effect[Truncated]" "* Federal programs should be the model for health care provisioning. In fact, eliminating federal mandates would go much further than any such recommended program in offering more choice and lower costs.[Truncated]" "* National level efforts which can offer advice and clarity based on large data bases may be useful, but this is already being worked.[Truncated]" "* These recommendations are by and large an attempt to project a federal solution, funded by public monies, to a delivery system that has been hamstrung by 40 years of excessive federal meddling. A federal health care system is NOT needed.[Truncated]" * This is clearly a recommendation that envisions a publically funded system of health care. I am totally opposed to any system which would replace a private system with a public system. A public system would not benefit Americans in the short [Truncated] 20912 6/2/06 5:24 PM WA * I agree. I think even a plan where each major city or area all joined the same insurance plan as if they were a company would be enough to lower the premiums down so more people could get coverage![Truncated] "* The most troubling part of this (to me) now is geriatric care...everyone is living longer, their problems are more chronic and the system is overwhelmed and too costly for most people to get quality care.[Truncated]" This sounds great but how the heck do you do it? * Sounds wonderful! I would love to work for such a group. As a geriatric mental health provider I see this being an important step to the process![Truncated] Absolutely! More community education is needed in this area. It is accurate that multiple financial resources must be tapped in order to make this possible-- 20918 6/2/06 6:25 PM AZ We need a single payor system based on best medical practice not insurance profits. "This ""core"" service consept seems to set up a tiered health care system which will favor wealthy individuals." Nor should good health care be a monopoly for the insurance industry. * Look to Arizona's AHCCCS model with the state contracting with private providers and having the authority to monitor their performance.[Truncated] "Coordination should be manditory, with more inclusiveness and less ""you pay first,"" and finger pointing" Excellent so long as the patient or their express wishes are in ultimate control of treatment modality. We need a single payor system supported by a progressive tax structure. 20919 6/2/06 6:40 PM CA "* The only way to make this possible at an affordable cost is to create a single-payer model for the nations healthcare, e.g., Medicare for all. [Truncated]" "These benefits, and more, would be possible for less money under a single-payer system such as Medicare for All." "* With everyone in the risk pool together, this recommendation would be a given. That's what a single-payer system, such as Medicare for All, is all about. [Truncated]" "* If everyone is covered with a comprehensive, publicly funded plan such as Medicare for All, ""health care safety nets"" would not be necessary. [Truncated]" "* Make it one system: Medicare for All, and build these recommendations into it. Without losses to private insurance 'administrative costs' there would be enough money for all this and more. [Truncated]" "* A single-payer system such as Medicare for All could provide hospice care as one of the core benefits without paying more than we are paying now for inadequate, private coverage.[Truncated]" * New revenues will not be necessary with a single-payer system such as Medicare for All. Removing private insurance firms from the healthcare system will provide more than enough funds to cover everyone comprehensively. If every other industri[Truncated] 20921 6/2/06 7:27 PM TX "* A single payor system would be infinitely more efficient and less costly than the hodge-podge system we have now, free market notwithstanding. Recommending a mandate of ""coverage for all"" is anemic given the current disjointed, nonstandardize[Truncated]" "* American health policy, such as it is, is terribly dysfunctional when it is not outright nonexistent. We simply don't have coherent, collaborative policy on how to deliver health care as a country. We have left the notion totally to the free [Truncated]" See comment on Recommendation #1. All applies here. 20922 6/2/06 7:38 PM TX "* I attended the session in San Antonio. I believe this recommendation MUST be linked clearly and explicitly to assurances of shared responsibility. This was one of the major points in the session I attended, but isn't given prominence in t[Truncated]" * I'm uncomfortable with the open-ended nature of the wording. Financing strategies must also be economically viable at the national or macro level as well as the individual or micro level. The wording used here implies that healthcare expend[Truncated] 20926 6/2/06 8:45 PM UT "* I agree. I'm an Australian now livi8ng in the U.S., and the Australian system offers both public and private health care choices so that all citizens are covered. Contrary to what I hear all the time from politicians and people here, no one[Truncated]" Wonderful - mental health is actually included! * I agree - the U.S. is the only developed country in the world where people have to choose between bankruptcy and their health (even dying!). This is criminal.[Truncated] "* One of the areas that is blatantly out of control in health care costs is the massive salaries paid to upper management of both hospitals and insurance companies. That's why the cost of hospital stays, procedures etc. are so much more expens[Truncated]" "* My father had Parkinson's disease, and as he progressed further into the disease, day-care, respite care, and home health services were available to help my mother , his care-giver. These services were covered by the Medicare funds available[Truncated]" "* Again, check out the Australian system. It isn't perfect by any means, but is a working system that supports all Australians. [Truncated]" * I would suggest you look into how it's financed in Australia now. when I lived there each person paid about 1-2% of their wages towards a state supervised health insurance company. And yet the overall taxes paid were about the same as here.[Truncated] 20927 6/2/06 8:46 PM WA I fully support this recommendation and cannot state it better. I fully support this recommendation. I agree with this recommendation. I agree with this recommendation. "* This is a tough one. I agree with the one sentence recommendation. How best to do that is the hard part. I'm not sure that expanding existing programs that, at times, do not provide high quality care such as the VHA is the answer. Perhaps[Truncated]" I agree with this recommendation. "* I strongly believe that the only way we will achieve an affordable, quality universal health care system is to completely revamp our current delivery system or to put bullet proof governmental controls in place to monitor and regulate private[Truncated]" "* I generally agree with this statement. However, I take issue with the statement that ""the transition from the current system to a system that includes all Americans will take time."" Though it will take time, if that is the initial expectati[Truncated]" 20929 6/2/06 9:00 PM CA Why can't we have the same health care plan as members of Congress? 20931 6/2/06 9:19 PM OR "* You have to finance this for everyone. Business will walk away from coverage for ""core"" services and perhaps pay modest amounts for coverage beyond ""core"".[Truncated]" "* Since the health care system generates the greatest profit from the most technologically advanced proceedures, there will be significant push to shift financial resources to those proceedures rather than ""core"" services.[Truncated]" "Will you cover catastrophic costs that are outside ""core"" services?" "* With universal coverage and proper funding there should be no need for a ""safety net"". Other industrialized countries do not have need for such a ""net"".[Truncated]" "Unless you regulate costs, the demand for funding will be unlimited." 20933 6/2/06 10:13 PM IN "* Sounds very good, especially the part about financing strategies being ""based on principles of fairness, efficiency, and shared responsibility...""[Truncated]" "* Abosolutely. More emphasis on wellness and preventive health in core health services would make this recommendation better, though, in my opinion.[Truncated]" Great. How about community mental health networks? "Again, this needs to be expanded to include mental health care, as well, in my opinion." "Again, mental health care resources are essential to incorporate in this process as well." "* As a Child Clinical Psychologist, I was hoping that mental health concerns would be better represented in these recommendations. Managed care has had a markedly detrimental effect on both the providers' abilities to deliver quality services,[Truncated]" see above 20934 6/2/06 10:35 PM DE "Agreed, you took the thoughts from my many rampages concerning our health care system." "* I agree with the concept but I am very concerned about what the core benefits will contain and that they are applied equally to every individual. Most individuals inherit their genes/diseases (uniqueness), will they be covered in the core be[Truncated]" "Agreed, you took the thoughts from my many rampages concerning our health care system." "Not sure about this one, lately the federal government seems to screw up everything so I am not sure about this one." See financing which will also help improve quality/efficiency Sounds like a core benefit to me * There does not seem to be a priority here. This needs to be top priority for everyone including every individual. Let's wake up America!! If we can go to war in 6 months we can certainly cleanup the healthcare mess in less than 6 years.[Truncated] * There is a lot of waist and middlemen in the current system which is where a lot of the revenues end up. Eliminate the waist and middlemen and I believe you have lots of new revenue.[Truncated] 20936 6/2/06 10:42 PM OH I strongly agree with this recommendation. Emphasize should be put on healthy life styles and preventive services. See comment on first recommendation. I support this recommendation. I agree with this recommendation. "Sensitivity to the individual's physical, mental & spiritual needs needs to be applied at all times." "* The ""poor"" are sometimes enabled in their lazy habits because tax payers pick up their expenses, while the hard working middle have a difficult time makeing ends meet because their tax burden is too great. Those who receive subsidies should m[Truncated]" 20938 6/2/06 11:01 PM WA "It is OK to require everyone to be insured, it is wrong to force free citizens into a single, government run program." * Create a very small core benfit package that superceeds the state requirements that are often full of unnecessary mandates like chiropractic care or birth control pills. Pare it down to the very essentials. This will lower costs for everyone.[Truncated] "* Wrong to make one national program and force everyone into it. Require everyone to be insured with the smallest minimum core package which protects against catastrophic events, but again, let the free market guide consumers to purchase what t[Truncated]" * A good idea to have a national safety net for the poor who can receive care in this system. People who want more can opt out with minimal financial penalty and get better care and more services if they choose in a free market system. [Truncated] "* Strongly disagree with the ""big brother"" approach. The error you are making is to think there is a ""bright line"" test of evidence based medicine. One day, there is no data, the next, it is evidence based, and the next day, a new study comes o[Truncated]" "* Now the government is going to decide the criteria by which I am incurable and withold care and send me to hospice? I don't feel the government should have that job, ""expert"" panel notwithstanding. Maybe in the minimal ""core benfit"" package, [Truncated]" "* This ""Hillary Clinton"" approach is scary. I beg you to create a system where individual, free Americans can opt out of what you would force on all our citizens. People should be able to freely get the care they want from a willing provider, o[Truncated]" "* Public financing only for low income persons. Otherwise, people should be required to buy insurance with their own money and make their own independent, free market choices. [Truncated]" 20941 6/3/06 12:14 AM CO "* Universal comprehensive health care for everyone living in our country, from birth to death would be affordable if everyone is in a single risk pool, such as a national health insurance plan with ""Everybody in, nobody out"". Simplicity, reduce[Truncated]" "* This recommendation is well stated. Please add to the list of core benefits the following: emergency transportation, hospitalization, surgery, and specialty consultations recommended and arranged by the primary care physician. I presume you[Truncated]" * Financial protection against very high mwdical costs should be for everyone. Medical bills are the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the U.S. and a majority of these individuals were working full time and many of them even had insuranc[Truncated] "* Very good idea. But if we have a universal health plan with national single payer health insurance for all, the community clinics, hospitals and physicians in private would all be promptly reimbursed according to a standard fee for the servi[Truncated]" "* This is very good. Colorado Kaiser-Permanente is already doing this evidence based medicine quality control through their new electronic medical records with a segment for patient education, instructions and follow-up.[Truncated]" "* This is excellent. Most countries with universal health care include long term care and end of life care in core benefits. Many countries provide a choice of home care, community residential facilities, or institutional care. [Truncated]" "* I am a retired physician who has visited six different countries over the past eight years, spending a week in each country learning how each country finances, delivers and administers universal health care. Each is unique with strengths and[Truncated]" * All of the developed nations with universal health care use graduated income taxes as their primary funding source; some countries also have employer taxes based upon payroll or based upon profits. In our country more than half the health ca[Truncated] 20942 6/3/06 12:58 AM CA "* Without a definition of ""core benefits"", extend the benefits to include medical care that is needed and that will benefit the patient. Restrictions on this should be determined by an ethics panel that meets in open hearings.[Truncated]" * All licensed or certified providers are guided by their profession in the care they provide. Care that meets a medical need should be the criteria for inclusion in the benefits package.[Truncated] * All residents should pay into the system through an open and equitable system during their years of earnings and productivity. At any time they are not productive or earning they would not pay into the system. Co-pays and deductibles would [Truncated] "* First, guarantee Choice of provider. Community health networks should be maintained as long as they are the chosen provider. With guaranteed payment however, a variety of health delivery practices could flourish from the rich entreprenurial [Truncated]" "Again, I would add invest in a culture of excellence throughout the entire system. Staffing, training, respect, recognition." "* Lifelong health and disease education,an inevitable growth in the committment to the common good, along with a culture of respect for providers and for individuals and families living with disease hopefully will guide the components of the go[Truncated]" "* I am impressed with the depth of knowledge and committment you have shown in this work. However, I think you have held back your best, I hope someday that won't be necessary.[Truncated]" "* Include control or elimination of costly and wastefull systems and practices. Demand and support a culture of excellence with training, systems for feedback significant rewards other than wages and trips to the Bahamas. Rewards that are in [Truncated]" 20944 6/3/06 3:50 AM NM "* I took part in the Albuquerque, NM ""forum"" that purportedly was to represent all facets of our diverse population. Instead, it was biased in all the questions and methods to encite the most radical (and unexecutable) emotional opinions. The[Truncated]" "* No reality was ever dealt with by the group. Their definition of ""core"" was the highest quality, offered at 100% of all outlets in the U.S., at little to no cost. Little wonder that this supposedly ""democratic"" working group did not include[Truncated]" Completely out of all concept of any reality. There is no such thing as high quality with complete price protection. "* This is a lot of words with no meaning behind them. There are already several networks, support, and coordination happening. This is a bunch of bureaucrats who are apparently convinced that this is hyper-democracy. Who in the world is payi[Truncated]" "* All of these things are currently in place. Reduce fraud? Well, duh. What do all the insurance underwriters do all day? ""Integrate health care systems"". Oh! News flash! ALL of these really brilliant suggestions have been around for dec[Truncated]" "* Really need to toss out this study: it was promoted to the lunatic fringe, and conducted to produce extreme, emotionally-based adolescent-level ""recommendations"". No M.D., scientist, or researcher would be very motivated to do their best if[Truncated]" "* The seminar was overwhelmingly made up of people who demanded that ""others"" pay for all the highest quality health care. There was no reality brought into the discussion on financial planning or personal responsibility. This ""study"" does NO[Truncated]" 20945 6/3/06 7:51 AM GA "* I agree, especially that health care services should include expert dental care. That care should also include flexibility for those sensitive to mercury and novacaine. Low income individuals need access to dental and vision care NOW and that[Truncated]" 20946 6/3/06 8:45 AM FL "* First, we need to define what is meant by ""all Americans"". Are we including illegal aliens? At what point do legal immigrants become a part of the system? Second, are we intending to scale coverage costs based on family income so as to not ""[Truncated]" "* Not sure what is meany by ""and staffed by experts"". Please be sure to include clinical nurses on this panel, as well as naturalpaths, osteopaths etc. Not the wisest path to rely strictly on MD's, who have the most to gain financially[Truncated]" "We need to define ""impoverishment""." "* We need regionsl pt. data base for ER's, with the aim of improving individual pt. safety when pt's are treated in hospitals they don't normally go to, and to prevent ER shopping for prescription drug abuse.[Truncated]" "* Applies to the entire system, not just palliative care etc. The Public Utility model is an excellent refernce model for how we need to restructure the system.[Truncated]" "* A junk food tax needs to be implemented. As the leading cause of morbidity in the U.S., obesity needs to be addressed, and this ""sin tax"" will contribute a huge amount of revenue. We have more than enough nutritional information now to design[Truncated]" 20951 6/3/06 12:04 PM TX "* Would you like to comment on WHERE the extra funding is going to come from? I'm like millions of Americans who can barely make ends meet now! Gas, Utilities, Taxes, Inflation, get the picture? I'm also chronically ill and unable to work so[Truncated]" 20952 6/3/06 12:13 PM NY "* I agree, and I would like to point out that there is a difference between providing insurance and providing access. Some types of health insurance have limits or exclusions which are unacceptable. The concept of access i.e. actually receivi[Truncated]" "* I assume that the separate use of the words ""high cost"" and ""core"" point to two separate benefit packages. If my interpretation of this is correct, I assume the ""core"" package would be available to all. Who would be eligible for the ""high c[Truncated]" I agree. "* The challenge with quality improvement, is motivating practitioners to integrate best practices into their everyday activities. Technology, information etc are great but they can go only so far.[Truncated]" * I noticed that the idea of single-payer systems was not explicitly mentioned. There are some fundamental issues regarding the policies and operating procedures of the private health insurance industry which makes the attainment of some of th[Truncated] It is a good beginning. 20953 6/3/06 1:19 PM FL * Absolutely agree. I work in a hospital where there are many patients who do not meet medicaid/ medicare financial rules yet do not have private insurance and do not have the personal money to pay for a hospitalization or preventative medicine[Truncated] Yes "* Yes- BUT WHAT about illegals? The reality is they are here and they do get sick. Once again, the hospital where the illegal steps into for emergency care and now requires a 2 week to 2 month stay, the hospital has to pick up the cost yet t[Truncated]" "* Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners need to be a predominate health care provider in MOST preventative, community supported, primary care programs. The doctors do not want to lose market share so they keep lobbying for limited practice r[Truncated]" * Mental Health matters!! Where is the coverage expansion for mental health. Look at our prisons. They are full of persons with mental health conditions who without the proper mental health support became a burder to society by practicing il[Truncated] "* Yes we need to finance health care, education and defense in this country. Cut the bull out of the budget... spotted owl, farmer substidies, library, culture. We must get to basic and life sustaining support ONLY of health, education and ho[Truncated]" 20956 6/3/06 3:35 PM CO "* Access to health care, while important, is less important than public policy that eliminates known disease generating foods, water additives, drugs, and environmental pollutants from our lives. Address the causative agent, the financing beco[Truncated]" "* Establish a ""core health care allowance"" for each american, regardless of income, that the citizen (or the legal gaurdian) can spend as necessary at his/her own discretion, for specified health care procedures. Include dental procedures, and [Truncated]" "* Above the core amount (mentioned above), establish a co-pay based upon ability to pay with a sliding scale ceiling, above which the govt picks up the full tab and determines the type and scope of treatment.[Truncated]" "Manage the causative factors, distribute funds as described above, let the marketplace take care of the rest." The federal govt is famously inept at providing health care. Minimise federal supervision of everything possible. "* Sounds utopian ... means, someone other than the family will tell a person that it is time to die, and prevent other measures, even if those might prove to be cost effective and beneficial. I oppose federal intervention at this point.[Truncated]" "* Our present state of ill health, nationally, is the result of bad policy at the FDA, and an incredibly corrupt medical/drug cartel system. By simply breaking up the fda into different agency (s), removing all economic incentives for the fda [Truncated]" "* Financing such a program, without devestating the economy, will require re-purposing existing revenue streams, not increasing taxes. Choices must be made involving the reduction of other programs. It is not practical to simply force all ameri[Truncated]" 20959 6/3/06 6:22 PM OH "All for all means all...not 99%. Access means affordable, available, accepting, accessible, etc. not just insured." "* What is left out here is healthy communities. For example, clean air and water, public safety ( seat belts, smoking bans), health and sex education, recess at schools, available healthy foods, exercise and substance abuse. Where does these c[Truncated]" * People do not go to doctors for fun. There should be no significant financial barriers (co-pays) to care especially at the primary care level.[Truncated] * Again the areas with vulnerable populations are often those where the public health aspects of health can make the largest difference. See comment under #2.[Truncated] * Certainly the federal programs can lead the way on the above needed efforts but they are needed across the entire system so lets have an improved Medicare for all of usnot just those over 65.[Truncated] * Does this topic include long term care and nursing homes etc. The Europeans have a much more enlightrened and family freindly system for long term care and we need to go to school on some their best ideas and import them.[Truncated] "* Market forces cannot work, the proven alternative is a tax financed universal health insurance system. It may seem counter-intuitive that a tax financed universal health insurance program that covers everyone could be less expensive than a h[Truncated]" "* We already spend twice as much as nations who provide better care to all. We do not need more money, we need to eliminate the wasteful insurance and billing bureaucracy. Multiple studies confirm we can have universal high quality care for e[Truncated]" 20960 6/3/06 8:50 PM OH "* I believe it should be policy that all Americans hace afforsable health care. Americans should have a health care system where everyone participates, regardless of their financial resources or health status, with benefits that are sufficientl[Truncated]" * I believe in core benifit package for all Americans beginning with education and health prevention with incentives to practice both of these programs.[Truncated] I agree with all of the recommendations for #3 I think it is important that all Americans have a right to choose there on doctor. I agree I agree. * There must be health wellness education program starting at pre- school age all the way through college age. There should also be incentive for people who workout and eat right. [Truncated] * My health care costs keep rising now and there doesn't seem any end in sight. As long as everyone paid there fair share I would not mind paying a little extra. I do believe that there should be some type of incentive for people who practice h[Truncated] 20961 6/3/06 8:55 PM MI "* Health care security will NOT be dependent upon ""new revenues,"" and the transition to a national health plan can be accomplished-- almost immediately. MEDICARE is already in place and can become universal by a simple act of Congress. The hi[Truncated]" 20962 6/3/06 9:04 PM FL * I believe that a point should be made to include and mention explicitly the groups that are suffering the in the health care divide like low income families and the middle class whom seem to be carrying the burden of those who cannot carry it[Truncated] Excellent Recommendation! "* Agree, but again I emphasize the fact that the middle class has seemed to carry the burden of the current and future health care costs. By doing so these has been a lapse in care for those Americans that carry such burdens. For example dental[Truncated]" Good synopsis of what measures need to be taken. * Good Recommendation but as a future physician I beleive that the power a physician has in determing and prescribing the proper diagnosis and medication should never be questioned on the basis of costs. I believe that as the health system impr[Truncated] * This aspect of health care is once that I beleive is in so much need of reform. The current structure care for the elderly leaves most without the appropriate care that is necessary and complete liquidation of all there assets. There must be [Truncated] * I took the time to do this because I truly beleive that one day we need we will arrive at a solution to the current health care scenario. But most importantly through our attempts at reform and future endeavor towards improvement that we reme[Truncated] * Definitely a transition is required to move our current day health care system to one that employs efficiency and shared responsibility. The transition should employ means that inform the public and consider the public as an informed individu[Truncated] 20963 6/3/06 9:15 PM CA * It should be public policy that health care is a right in the United States and that it is affordable and easily accessible. Health care deivery should be determined on the basis of need by the provider not by a third party[Truncated] "* A benefit package should include the necessary services that are prescribed by one's provider and added to that mental health, dental care, vision care, prescription drugs through bulk purchasing and negotiated rates. The benefits should inc[Truncated]" "* High costs should be controlled. A financial system that eliminates unnecessary administrative costs, and is a system that has oversight will considerably control costs. If we have one system in place than there will be oversight to ensure t[Truncated]" * Support a system that looks at the needs of communities to ensure that care is not lacking. Place faciities where they are needed. But all this is to be funded through the one single payer system-lets not have a two-tiered system -one for th[Truncated] * I'm glad this issue is being taken up. But don't lose the fact that what is being advocated now will only diminish the health care coverage that will be in place. Health Savings Accounts will be appealing to employers and will be a disaster f[Truncated] "* As health care costs will continue to rise this will lead to less coverage for many people, particularly those who may need it the most. We need to provide an equitable financing system that puts the most dollars possible into health care co[Truncated]" 20964 6/3/06 10:46 PM IA "* Use the VA as a model: Use formularies, where medications are made available based on their efficacy and cost. (Meaning the cheaper, older drug that works for most people is tried first). I think the VA system does a fairly good job of all[Truncated]" "* No organization that has a vested monetary interest (ie conflict of interest) in this discussion should be allowed to direct health care reform--that is why we have such a patch-work, broken system now.[Truncated]" "* We need a single-payer system organized around a core group of benefits. It is the only way to eliminate a hugely expensive, burdensome and inefficient bureacracy. Eliminating much of the bureacracy is what will free up money for real servi[Truncated]" 20966 6/3/06 11:47 PM CO "* America has many people who are sick and cannot work. Many of them would be healthy and working, if they had been diagnosed earlier. IF they had health insurance. Our current system is barbaric and inefficient. We can do better! Let's cover e[Truncated]" * What is this 'principle of fairness...'? Health insurance should be provided by the fed gov't. They should pay for it out of our general funds. I don't mind paying higher taxes if we get better services.[Truncated] 20967 6/3/06 11:51 PM CA "* Social insurance principles and financing structures should be studied as best practices to get from here to there. There are sound, tested and sustainable. The single biggest issue with going forward is replacing today's version of health[Truncated]" 20968 6/4/06 12:01 AM NY "* People wwho need financial assistance, as well as those who have a great deal of money should both be entitled to healthcare:[Truncated]" "* Please be more specific: A certain group out of the population, a process of what, and core benefits should take into account, not necessarily an expert consensus, based on effective medical treatment:[Truncated]" "* All Americans should be covered, but not necessarily out of their own pockets, unless an individual or family has a very low income:The insurance companies have to pay for that: Why don't you guys take that into consideration[Truncated]" "* The federal government has to support the health care safety net: At the same time,has to evaluate ts performance on a yearly basis:[Truncated]" "* The federal Government has to expand its public programs,promote them, and implement technology that will train hospital and clinic staff:[Truncated]" "* Palliative care has to be financed, so that people living with advanced incurable conditions, as well as hospice care can get the increased access and assistance that they need:[Truncated]" "* I think that healthcare professionals should be trained and paid better, and there should be clearer communication between them, as well as better and more efficient support services, especially in hospitals:[Truncated]" "* Financing strategies should be fair, and should be based on someone's Income taxes:A great deal of money is indeed necessary during the move to universal coverage:[Truncated]" 20971 6/4/06 9:37 AM CO "* Hopefully core services will be expansive to include recommended surgery and follow-up. For example, medicare will pay for a gyn exam every 2 years, when in fact cancer survivors need the exam annually. Mental health components should includ[Truncated]" "* Applaud the inclusion of physical, mental and dental health. Curious about the breakdown of these services and that they are universally inclusive. Suggest inclusion of more wellness / prevention usage of proven herbal and natural medicines.[Truncated]" * This one is very challenging but I do agree that everyone should be covered. Certainly the prevalence of emergency room care would decrease.[Truncated] * Often it appears that health centers are stigmatized as providing poor medical services. These locations are often over crowded and the medical personnel are not as experienced as more reputable hospitals.[Truncated] * All medical personnel need to be trained in patient care and how to provide education. Would suggest a minimum length of time for patient to be seen as medical providers often appear in a rush and do not field questions. Important to take a[Truncated] * Integrating the spiritual (not religion) into end of life care. Establishing a philosophy that maintains that death is a natural course of living and thus one should not be traumatized by the knowledge of passing on. Additional research into[Truncated] * Very pleased that so much involvement was elicited. It appears that health care is one subject that has prompted Americans from all walks of life to participate in discussions. Would suggest research on established medical care delivery in o[Truncated] * Perhaps some military dollars could be re-allocated for health care financing. Also the pharmaceutical companies may be taxed to give back to the community. After all many drug research grants are government based.[Truncated] 20972 6/4/06 9:38 AM TN "Everyone should pay. It must be mandatory in the form of withholding payments such as social security, taxes,medicare,etc.." * Choice of health care provider is vital. All doctors and hospitals are not created equal. Freedom of choice is inherent to the American way and this must not be forgotten.[Truncated] "* Payment mandatory guidelines will help prevent this as well as limiting the expensive ""end of life"" costs incurred in the last 6 mos. of ones life. Stop senseless spending on terminally ill patients but keep them comfortable and cared for by[Truncated]" * We don't need another lengthy cumberson plan. Just use the present medicare system which has many of the bugs already worked out of it. Don't create another beaurocracy.[Truncated] "* We don't need a group or list of programs, we need one integrated program such as Medicare which has proven itself and can not be debated as to its efficiency, costs, functionality and proven past.[Truncated]" Already covered. "* Choice of care provider is vital to the American way. The present Medicare plan is already established, proven, and has quality and costs controls. It is vital that all participate in the payment of cost as well as the benefits. We don't ne[Truncated]" * No plan is practical with out controls on costs. I suggest using medicare payment guidelines and maybe uping them 10-20%. No plan can be designed that will work without addressing the high cost of medical malpractice litigation and placing [Truncated] 20974 6/4/06 10:27 AM TX We need to show the final goal as unlimited universal healtcare for all Americans. 20979 6/4/06 1:53 PM TN "* I participated in the session held in Memphis, TN. I think the message that the other participants and I wanted to get across was very simple: We want a single payer healthcare plan that will cover every citizen of the US. Period. Socializ[Truncated]" 20982 6/4/06 3:55 PM FL * This is in keeping with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights that says access to health care should be available to all people on earth.[Truncated] * We had a Community Dialgue on our healthcare future in St. Petersburg that had universal access to affordable health care as the number one value of the 35 persons who participated. [Truncated] 20983 6/4/06 4:02 PM WA I agree with this recommendation I agree. "* I agree but this could be done most efficiently by expanding and improving the current programs (Medicare, VA, public health and armed servies care so that everyone is covered. You don't have to reinvent the wheel just allow people to pay in[Truncated]" I agree/ "Yes, let us all have the choice of enrolling in these not-for-profit health care systems." No comment * I am a nurse with 44 years of experience in public and private hospitals and clinics. Twenty one of those years I have been a prescribing nurse practitioner with prescriptive authority. The private insurance system we have now has failed to[Truncated] "* I think you missed the point here. The key concept should be that we get rid of ""profit"" parts of our current health care system. In other words, for profit health insurance corporations, pharmaceutical corporations, hospitals and clinics. [Truncated]" 20985 6/4/06 5:41 PM RI "* This plan doesn't go far enough, and therefore is inherently unjust; all Americans should have access to the same set of core health care services FOR FREE at the point of care. There should be no humiliating means-testing or point-of-care p[Truncated]" * What is the need for a 'private-public group' to establish this? Is there any purpose to it beyond satisfying the ideology that private industry must be involved to check the supposed 'excesses' and 'inefficiencies' of government? It's been[Truncated] * There should be no out-of-pocket medical costs (on medically indicated procedures) for anyone. Financing of the health system should take place at the level of progressive income and net-worth taxation; this ensures just distribution of cost[Truncated] "* A tax-funded, universal, single-payer health system that is free at the point of care is not only the best and fairest way to provide Americans with the basic human right of health care. It is also the most efficient. Eliminating the parasi[Truncated]" "* Beware of interpreting people's willingness 'to make additional financial investments' to support increased 'consumer-directed healthcare', which is really just code for increased patient cost-sharing. People want to see more of their taxes [Truncated]" 20986 6/4/06 6:43 PM CA "* Absolutely! The percentages of Americans who agree with this, as I read your report, are overwhelming and gratifying. Every one of us deserves basic health care.[Truncated]" "* A core benefit package should cover: 1. Regular physical exams, lab work, and medications. 2. Basic care for illness by the practitioner of the individual's choice--in other words if I prefer to see an acupuncturist for my upper respiratory[Truncated]" "* I agree wholeheartedly. It is insane for people to have to lose their homes or have to go into bankruptcy because of medical costs. Currently, a huge percentage of those declaring bankruptcy have medical insurance and are then faced with medi[Truncated]" "I support these. I especially support one of the ideas that I read of: having community clinics, e.g. near major supermarkets." "* These must include access to complementary and alternative care. If there is not current evidence, there should be support for mounting clinical trials to ascertain efficacy. However, even then, people must have the ability to go for the ther[Truncated]" "* Included here must be a redefining of when an individual is eligible for hospice services. Currently a person must be determined to be likely to die within 6 months, and must give up any treatment that is intended to cure. So someone who has [Truncated]" "* Opening up enrollment in currently existing national plans makes sense. They are already functioning, they are more cost-effective than private for-profit plans, and I believe that we all should have that as one current choice. Ultimately, ho[Truncated]" "* I agree with those who say that there is already more than enough money in the health care system to cover basic and catastrophic services for all Americans. We must have innovative ways of redefining where that money has been coming from, an[Truncated]" 20987 6/4/06 8:44 PM IL Good. "* There are several things that would reduce the cost of prescription drugs. (1) Give the program to Medicare to administer (or succeeding agenct), (2) Allow Medicare to negotiate prices just as the VA does, (=3) allow bulk shipments across n[Truncated]" "* One payer - the Federal Government must cover most of the cost. Except for the really poor, everyone should pay a surcharge and a share of the cost of service, unless they purchase medical insurance such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield. People ar[Truncated]" 20988 6/4/06 10:24 PM PA "* I would reword as follows: It should be public policy that all Americans have access to high quality, comprehensive, easy-to-navigate, and affordable health care. [Truncated]" "* Everyone should have access to the same level of comprehensive, high quality care to avoid inequities that exist in our current system.[Truncated]" A single-payer system would include full coverage for catastrophic care. "* Under a single-payer system, everyone would have the opportunity to chose any provider, eliminating a multi-tier system of care and diminishing inequities. [Truncated]" Quality of care needs to be a focus of a single-payer system. "Improvement of palliative care, hospice care, and other end-of-life services should be a goal." "* Equity is key and can only be achieved through a single-payer system that provides high quality, comprehensive, easy-to-navigate, and affordable health care for all.[Truncated]" * Financing health care that works for all Americans would be best met through a single-payer system that includes negotiating for lower drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies.[Truncated] 20990 6/5/06 12:11 AM MA "* I agree with this policy. I assume you have read the Institute of Medicine's publication Insuring America's Health. They have outlined five principles for reform of the health care system. 1. It must be universal 2. It must provide cont[Truncated]" "* I agree with the recommendation. You realize, I'm sure, that you can not be sure that the insurance industry will be able to offer a comprehensive ""core"" benefit package because they will say it is too expensive and therefore it will not be [Truncated]" * This recommendation sounds like a re-insurance program where the government would agree to cover very high medical costs. This would be great for the insurance industry because they could pawn off high costs to the government and take in mon[Truncated] * I am not sure where the idea of an integrated public-private community network comes from. I didn't see great support for this on the questionnaire. But it is clear that public-private networks won't work! The incentive for public health c[Truncated] "* I agree with the recommendations. I hear the VA has a very successful program using new technologies. However, if we continue with the fragmented public-private system we have now it will be impossible to fully integrate all the systems as [Truncated]" * Public and private payers will not integrate well as described in ny resopnse to recommendation 4. A National Health Plan is the best way to promote the above recommendations. Again I feel that the authors of these recommendations are biase[Truncated] "* I am a physician and I have seen how the insurance industry has time after time made policies that attract healthy people and discourage sick people. They find ways to deny claims, deny authorization for legitimate treatments or tests, and a[Truncated]" "* I disagree that no specific health care financing model is optimal. Although you could say no financing model is perfect, a government-run single payer system is clearly optimal. The problem with our present system is that it is fragmented [Truncated]" 20991 6/5/06 2:04 AM CA "Everyone deserves quality health care. If those who can't afford it, there should be programs for them." I agree. Great idea! This is excellent This is excellent. * The financing part will have to be smooth and what about the needy and the elderly. I hope that there will be programs in place for them. [Truncated] 20992 6/5/06 6:32 AM MN "* I agree that Universal equal access for all is essential. However, if you focus on a means test and on some 'core' set of benifits, I believe you will not achieve it and whatever is created will be even more complex and expensive than what w[Truncated]" I doubt the time involved in this and the expense of enforcing it will save money or increase quality. What does Canada do? * The answer is simple if you take away the power issues of money and politics concerning the influence of the insurance companies and drug companies on our elected officials. Single payer and universal coverage combined will accomplish your g[Truncated] "* This is an unecessary, expensive, complex solution. We need to just treat all citizens the same; not create a more complex system for the poor. In Medicare (if funded to cover all care) the rich and the poor get access and coverage equally.[Truncated]" There is no evidence that any of this will actually save money or increase quality in affordable ways. * I agree with this and with anything that stops the waste and pain our current system creates during end of life illness for the patient and the family.[Truncated] "* Read the book - ""The Health Care Mess"" by Kip Sullivan -- Authorhouse.com http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~32672.aspx[Truncated]" * We need to focus on a Single Payer model if we are to truely accomplish the savings needed to cover all citizens. The efficiencies you mention will not save much if we continue to have the administrative structures at all levels of the syste[Truncated] 20993 6/5/06 7:05 AM FL * Public health systems must be fully integrated with community health networks and address disparities of health outcomes and a full variety of vulnerable populations[Truncated] * Integrated health care systems built around evidence based practices require access to electronic health records for all and regional health information organizations. At least 2% of all health care dollars should be devoted to these efforts [Truncated] * All adult citizens should have opportunities to stiuplate end of life care. This should be routinized through driver's license applicatons as is the case for current organ donor systems[Truncated] 20994 6/5/06 8:14 AM NH "* Financing should also take into consideration providing living wage salaries to the people who form the foundation of our health care system: the low-paid LNA, dietary staff, etc. LNA's (and in home care, home makers) provide 8 out of every 1[Truncated]" 20995 6/5/06 8:27 AM IN Please do not initiate additional taxes to pay for this. 20996 6/5/06 8:35 AM MA I agree with this adn want to be sure it includes prescription drugs and ldental and.ong-term care These core services seem adequate. "* This is a protection that we all need, and will be affordable for our nation if we don't continue a system that will give insurance companies, hmos and pharmaceutical companies astronomical amounts of money.[Truncated]" This is important. "* This, too, is important but should include prudence in the use of expensive and often unnecessary expensive tests and screeninsg.Somewhere the question of the risks of suits and high damages that physians undergo must be addressed. This might[Truncated]" * THis is good as far as it goes. It is also important to ensre home care when feasible. This is better for patents adn less expensive than institutional care.[Truncated] * It is appaling that our nation falls so far behind other western nations in the quality of health enjoyed by our people and so far ahead in infant mortality and cost of health care. It is past time we stopped kowtowing to the insurance compan[Truncated] "* A single-payer system that would eliminate the excessively high costs of a multiplicity of insurance companies and hmos IS needed. That improvement, plus the money currently spent by governments on health care plus a samll (perhaps 3%) tax on[Truncated]" 20998 6/5/06 9:10 AM MI Couldn't agree more. "Absolutely. Smart people, using evidenced-based science to determine the core, comprehensive benefit 'package'." See comments to recommendation 1. Mainstream funding and the need for much of this goes away. * This is a very important undertaking and long overdue as a nation. As a Physician I have long been frustrated and embarrassed by our unfair and cruel health care system. Please be couragous and advocate for true reform.[Truncated] "* Your last paragraph, I believe, fails to acknowledge the facts in the literature. Clearly a single-payer system will be necessary to acheive the savings we need to cover all of us comprehensively. I aplaud that you indicate that we should h[Truncated]" 21000 6/5/06 9:40 AM NC "* Complete agreement with the goal. Still feel that the recommedations are missing the responsibility that Americans have to take care of themselves. If a person choses an unhealthly lifestyly (overweight, no exercise, smoking, etc.) they nee[Truncated]" * I would like to volunteer for this workgroup. I work in the health plan industry and have information relating to costs of coverage and required vs. desired benefits. Also a strong knowledge base of information around wellness and lifestyle[Truncated] 21001 6/5/06 10:13 AM ND "* I agree, however, it shold be noted that the consuses at the health care forums in ND were that while this should be available, it should not be a government run program.[Truncated]" "* I attended the forum in ND, along with a forum at the mid year NAR meetings, and felt overall that many of the questions were designed in such a way as to elicit a targeted response. In some cases, the questions felt as though there could be[Truncated]" 21002 6/5/06 10:21 AM IN * Financing for health care should be done on a flat tax rate no deductions. Individules pay a percent of their income along with Business paying that same percent before all the tax write offs.[Truncated] 21004 6/5/06 10:56 AM CA "* ""Most"" people at the Los Angeles forum I attended felt that we already spend more per capita than many other developed countries. There has to be a solution that does not require further expense. A single payer system?[Truncated]" 21007 6/5/06 12:25 PM OR I strongly agree. For best cost/benefit I think it should be patterend along the lines of the United Kingdom system. * Separating high cost benefits from core benefits is critical to the affordability of a national health plan. Including mental & dental health is important also.[Truncated] "* Agree strongly. It dangerous to have personal (net) health care costs linked to unrelated uncertainties such as employment, insurance availability, etc. [Truncated]" I agree. "* I agree, with the caveat that this is ""easy to say & hard to do"", and a second caveat that this should be done by the private sector or local communties wherever possible to increase efficiency (something the Federal government is terrible at[Truncated]" "I agree, particularly with the third point." "* Improvements in efficiency are likely to be vastly outweighed by increases in costs (both ""unit"" costs, and volume of needs). A strong focus on delivering lower cost basic health care (like the UK) needs to be part of the financing plan to ma[Truncated]" 21008 6/5/06 12:39 PM AZ "* YES!!! Is there any question that the majority of people want this? Your stats and anecdotal evidence show that this is what America wants and needs, and that the public is realistic in its expectations of health care in America.[Truncated]" "* Evidence-based medicine is good when the end result is kept in mind, that the patient comes first and should not depend on payors for the kind of care they get. Prevention is the key to ""core"" benefits.[Truncated]" * This is a very important recommendation that should not take a back-seat to the other vexing problems addressed in the total recommendations.[Truncated] "* Great ideas are contained in this recommendation. The FQHCs already exist, and this recommendation would be easy to implement in all of its facets.[Truncated]" "* Once again, my comments regarding Recommendation #2 are relevant. This may be the most difficult to accomplish, given the massive bureaucracy involved. Perhaps more localized implementation of the values of this recommendation would be wise i[Truncated]" "* End of life issues must be included, and this recommendation is good. As the boomers age, this will be an even more important recommendation to implement and follow. It is also one of the easily accomplished recommendations.[Truncated]" * I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of this working group document. I didn't expect it to be as comprehensive and insightful as it has turned out. I just hope our congressional leaders will take the bull by the horns and run with it.[Truncated] "* The employer-based system is a thing of the past. We need to move with a public system immediately. A slow transition would be catastrophic. A 5 year plan is reasonable, but we have to start NOW! Once again, the shared responsibility to pay i[Truncated]" 21009 6/5/06 12:44 PM PA "* Core healthcare services need to be clearly defined to include various treatment modalities for substance abuse ( ie : Intensive Inpatient, Outpatient and Methadone Maintance ) . It also needs to be realistic ( such as can not limit the numbe[Truncated]" "* We need science based , not someones idea of morality based , education to avoid transmisson of certain diseases ( ie: HIV , STD ) we also need to begin addressing substance abuse as the public health crisis that it is and stop making people [Truncated]" A well devoloped and comprehensive healthcare system would protect any one person or family from fiancial ruin . This needs to be protected from from political nonsense "alot of the waste in clinical practice is the paperwork , streamline that" keep the politicians out of this one also . Congress should get out of the way and let a person die in peace . I am disappointed by this document "* I participated in the Philadelphia Working Group, there was a strong feeling big bussiness ( ie: WalMart, ExxonMobile ) need to bear a larger burden for financing this system, they make the big bucks they should pay the big bucks and NOT be a[Truncated]" 21012 6/5/06 1:14 PM WV "* yes and no law should be made to exclude only to include members of congress, the president senate, as the exclusion of those who represent us from laws prevents them from understanding what we the people experience and causes them inflect o[Truncated]" "* please include hearing, eye, speech as they are often see as separate coverage by insurance and health care it does me no good as I told my employer if I can chew but not see or hear. i would bewarry of what iscalled scientific serveral resid[Truncated]" * congress president and senate judiciary governmental branches can not be excluded as this leaves preveldge to those that govern and not the the people who they serve.[Truncated] "* small state vs large state and urban vs suburban and rural considerations are a great matter many are affected limited access when specific hospitals are designated centers for stroke, family mebers can;t take time off work required to be pre[Truncated]" * again flat system not basis on service grovernment military or other wise as this creates preveldge classes. if the individual wants to pay more that fine but a basic for all should be established [Truncated] fine again no excluded preveldge class unless pay out their own pocket * you need to make sure congress and government have to participate in the same system designed for the people no preveldge just because you a senator general judge president ect.... you serve the people you get what we get[Truncated] * I do not want any grated system such as the present take system on flat tax or payment system every on pays the same precent of tax for it. politicians to ften make decision pitting interest groups against each other and avoid responsiblity f[Truncated] 21014 6/5/06 1:37 PM SD * Health care provider supply is currently restricted and controlled to insure premium prices for each provider group (especially specialists) You cannot control costs without assuring adequate numbers of providers. [Truncated] * Financial systems for paying health care costs should not support the creation of health disparities like Medicare does. Groups with shorter lifespans don't live long enough to qualify for Medicare benefits. If you look at various ethnic gr[Truncated] 21015 6/5/06 1:43 PM OR "* I would simply prefer that our great nation join the rest of the industrialized world and make it public policy that all Americans have ready access to health care. ""Affordable"" suggests that a for profit, market based system is still in the[Truncated]" "Ultimately we are all part of the ""payers"" group and I suggest having the insurance industry at the table may be problematic." * Coverage for all Americans--great. Financial protections can be assured if a comprhensive system is created that is not dependant on the insurance and for profit industry.[Truncated] "* Let us go further, and state that we will create an infrastructure at all levels that will provide health care to the American people.[Truncated]" That and more are needed. The end of life care is a fundamental part of health care. We will all die and deserve care at all times. "* I have worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years and am convinced that a fundamental overhaul of our health care system is necessary. Let us start with the premise that health is a part of community well being and must be available to a[Truncated]" "* Again, our financing mechanism can be modeled using data for what works for the rest of the industrialized world that has national health care.[Truncated]" 21017 6/5/06 1:50 PM OH It will be a benefit for everyone and the benefits should be made clear through public health studies. Benefits should be dynamic and reflectchanging health patterns and knowledge. Costs must be restudied under new paramenters. "* Free health education for drs, nurses, educators and technicinas would draw more people to the field helping to develop infrastructure and reduce cost.[Truncated]" Good Choice should be an option. Thank you Heroic medicine for neonates and the elderly should be subject to debate and the option of euthanasia explored rationally. 21019 6/5/06 2:07 PM WI " I agree whole heartedly with the ""common message""." * It seems obvious to me that one of the largest problems is having multiple financing sources. The complexity of the current financing system and the costs inherent in this level of complexity have been glossed over in the Health Report and n[Truncated] 21027 6/5/06 3:10 PM MO "* I work at the Missouri Department of Insurance. I deal daily with mandates in Missouri law for what should be covered by health insurance. Many mandates in Missouri law strike me as being public health issues, not ""insurable events"". For e[Truncated]" "* I don't understand why this is here. It seems very out of place compared to the other 5. This is a specific statement on benefits, really. The others are more structural and process oriented. I don't believe multiple choice in end-of-life[Truncated]" Good luck! 21029 6/5/06 3:40 PM CA "I agree that healthcare should be comprehensive, covering the whole spectrum of healthcare." I agree that healthcare should be universal. I dont see how high costs can be contained outside a one payer system. "* A one payer system would be more efficient, less expensive, and allow for negotiating with drug companies and overall planning. Taxes based on ability to pay would be the fairest method.[Truncated]" 21030 6/5/06 3:51 PM KY * It is very important to note that you community health departments serve as a vital link in the community health network. We serve the most vulnerable populations and provide preventative health care services to the highest standards.[Truncated] * Local/community health departments have several federally funded programs that provide services to our most vulnerable populations. They should not be left out of this recommendation.[Truncated] "* Local/Community Health Departments are, in many instances, the only medical services available in many counties in Kentucky. It is very important that they be included in these recommendations to ensure that all of our most vulnerable popula[Truncated]" 21031 6/5/06 3:57 PM IN "* Louis W. Sullivan, MD, Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, wrote the Foreward to the document entitled ""Healthy People 2000"" published by DHHS. Written in 1990, his advice in that Foreward was ahead of its time in de[Truncated]" * Effective treatment for many diseases is currently impossible because the problem is not understood. The recommendations should include a call for more research on diseases whose causes are not understood and for which treatments are still n[Truncated] "* There are not enough resources in the system to pay for all of the care, however it may be delivered, for which there is a need and/or a demand. A recurrent theme in the community session that I attended was the need for prevention as a way[Truncated]" 21032 6/5/06 4:51 PM NM Strongly support it. "* Everyone should have access to the same set of choices/options for the treatment of specific, diagnosed conditions. No one should be denied a certain procedure or alternative treatment because it's ""too expensive,"" unless a certain alternati[Truncated]" Strongly support Strongly support "* It's important to be certain that consumer information and health education materials be written in ""plain language"" so that people with lower literacy skills can also benefit. Consultants or staff specialized in these skills should be utili[Truncated]" "* I'm concerned about the possible ""erosion"" of quality end-of-life services, like hospice, and the ability to be relatively free of pain in one's last days. It seems to me that the effect of such cases as the Schiavo case in Florida, and all [Truncated]" "* I am willing to do ""my part"" in helping to pay for health care coverage for all. However, I expect the wealthy, and the corporations, to do ""their part"", as well.[Truncated]" 21034 6/5/06 4:59 PM MN "* The report makes mention of core services being identified by 2012. Establishing this date (or an earlier date) is an essential element for creating the necessary ""action oriented"" plan that must follow for all this objective to be accomplish[Truncated]" "* The broad categories of the core benefit package seem appropriate. In regards to the bullet point ""Core benefits will be specified by... medical effectiveness of treatments"". I was left to wonder, with what objective this ""consensus"" would[Truncated]" "* I agree entirely with this statement, however, is it acceptable for a ""middle class"" family to be stripped of their income and assets to the point that they require ""... protection for low income individuals and families.""? This is not a t[Truncated]" "Good, I hope we're doing this anyhow." "* I appreciate the efforts of all those involved in the preparation of this report and the opportunity to comment; thank you all and good luck! [Truncated]" "* When discussing ""financial participation"" it should be clear that individuals AS WELL AS all legal entities share in the responsibility for financing a health care system that works. This ""total participation"" is consistent with the spirit of[Truncated]" 21038 6/5/06 5:28 PM NY "I think that there should be much improved pailliative care for people who are dying:" "Yes, A surprisingly high number or per_centage of individuals were covered by their employers: Quite an amazing stat:" 21040 6/5/06 5:37 PM NM "* I would like to add that when we are talking about American citizens, we should includ the people that are paying taxes weather we are us, citizens or not. It is only fair that every one is treated with dignity and respect as a citizen of ou[Truncated]" "* We should have the same benefit, we should not categorize different group of coverage, we should have the same treatment, regardless of color,race,economy.[Truncated]" "* We should have a cost that each citizen could pay depending their income, but their health access should be the same, and equal.[Truncated]" * If we are the country that gives every one an oportunity lext prove it and give every one an opportunity to have a good health care plan that works for all of the people that live in our nation with out excluding anyone. [Truncated] "* Every one should have this financial assistance, we all pay taxes weather we are legaly or not legal. We all pay taxes and should be treated with dignity and respect.[Truncated]" 21042 6/5/06 5:40 PM CO "* Instead, let's have a system where everyone pays. I am tired of deadbeats who want everything for free. Get off your rear end and get a job![Truncated]" Why don't you move to Canada if you think it is so great!!!! Haven't you ever heard of insurance? Let's all be treated like cattle. You think Medicare and Medicaid are a success? * I thought we had a duty to die - and not waste so much in resources on those at the end of their life - wasn't it a democratic governor who said this (Richard Lamm)[Truncated] * Everyone wants something for nothing. Let's get the deadbeats to start paying their fair share and those who don't need to be rationed this valuable resource.[Truncated] "Yes, I am willing to pay an extra $50 per year for unlimited benefits and no waiting list." 21043 6/5/06 5:47 PM NV * Every consumer needs to spend some of their own money for medical care or utilization skyrockets. You are headed the wrong direction - we need to increase out of pocket medical costs and thereby reduce insurance costs. This 100 year history[Truncated] 21045 6/5/06 6:08 PM AZ I agree with this recommendation. The details of imlementation will involve critical issues to be resolved. "* I agree with this recommendation, however the experience in Oregon and in other nations shows how very difficult it is to remove politics from the process of defineing the ""core"" benefitb package. related to the issue of the ""core benefit[Truncated]" "* This is a very good idea. It could be done very simply by requiring all US citizens to enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) with a $50,000 individual deductible. Employers would only have to cover the first $50,000 of hospital costs [Truncated]" "There are existing programs to accomplish this, but they are underfunded." "There are existing programs to accomplish this, but they are underfunded." "There habe been demonstration programs to accomplish this, but they are underfunded." Hopefully this will n ot be another report that will gather dust on shelves. "* I agree with this recommendation. The details of additional financing strategies should be indicated. A fair mix of enrollee contributions, income taxes, ""sin taxes"" and value-added taxes make sense. In particular, a tax on energy use could r[Truncated]" 21046 6/5/06 6:11 PM MI * Only American citizens and green card holders with a plan in place by 2009 not 2012. It should not take any longer then 2.5 years to put a plan in place. You could use Medicare as a starting point.[Truncated] I agree I agree * All insurance companies should be excluded except Bule Cross of each state. Maybe BCBS could run the new insurance plan in each state with the agreement that they could not exceed 4% adminstrative costs.[Truncated] "* We need one single payer system with all the same benfits reguardless of income level. There should be very tough laws put into place for any doctor, hospital or drug company commiting fraud.[Truncated]" "I agree, except we need a single payer system (federal government), no private payers (insurance companies)." "* As a 12 trillion dollar economy, we have no excuse for not providing a good health care plan for all American Citizens. We should set the model for the world and learn from other health care systems that are already in place. [Truncated]" "* A new single payer health care plan should be funded in the following manner with the cost spread over the entire economy. In additon, the federal government should handle all the paperwork and money (like medicare) on this new plan. Adminstr[Truncated]" 21047 6/5/06 6:15 PM NM "* Financing Strategies: A portion of most taxes, especially income Taxes, sin taxes, and value added taxes should be ""earmarked"" to such a level that it will adequately finance Health Care That Works for All Americans[Truncated]" 21049 6/5/06 6:43 PM NC "* I whole-heartedly support the effort to establish a set of core health benefits. These benefits should provide for necessary life-saving medical care, as the country was founded with the right to ""Life"" as a primary principle in the establis[Truncated]" "Core health services will need to be limited, at least initially so the program is not disruptive to the economy." * Health care costs are the largest cause of bankruptcy. Establishing such a program will eliminate much social effort required to deal with this problem.[Truncated] It sounds complex. We need simplification of programs. Private plans are available for dealing with these issues. I do not support a national plan in this area. * This initiative implies changes in the may basic benefits are financed. Currently these benefits are financed in very complex ways. A simpler financing method can also create greater efficiency. A signicant portion of current financing is d[Truncated] 21050 6/5/06 6:48 PM NH * I am for expanding Medicare to cover everyone. They have the lowest adminstrative costs and would leave out the insurance companies[Truncated] Expanded Medicare Expanded Medicare Expanded Medicare Expanded Medicare Expanded Medicare Expanded Medicare is the cheapest best way. Ask any senior Expanded Medicare 21054 6/5/06 8:03 PM NM * I would like this area to include a statement about Physical and Mental Health care services parity. Core health care services will include mental health and physical health services. [Truncated] 21055 6/5/06 8:11 PM CO "* I find it continually interesting that a very high percentage of recomendations for improving our health care problems are based on a symptomatic approach. If the same percentage of health care was provided with that same approach, our natio[Truncated]" 21057 6/5/06 8:51 PM NY * This all sounds well and good but we need a single payer health care system that is NOT beholden to big insurance business and big pharmacy business interests - those are inevitably corrupt.[Truncated] 21058 6/5/06 8:55 PM CT "* The preamble of Introductory statements which talk about ""coverage"" sounds like they presuppose insurance as part of this mix. I'm glad to see that the specific recommendations avoid this pre-conceived mindset. these accurately reflect the[Truncated]" 21066 6/5/06 10:50 PM CO * You only heard what you wanted to hear because the room was primarily loaded with people of your own persuasion. I attended the meeting in Denver and witnessed the event myself. This type of public policy is more financially unsustainable t[Truncated] "* ""Cradle to grave"" coverage is not a ""right"" but rather in the United States of America where free enterprise is the system the encourages competition which produces far more quality and choice for less, we do not want to see our choices deter[Truncated]" * The cost for this is unsustainable - our children and grandchildren will have to pay far too high taxes and will have nothing left to provide for their families if this system goes forward.[Truncated] "Once again, anything that ""grows"" the federal government is sure to grow costs beyond what could be done by private enterprise." I do not support any expansion of the Federal government's involvement in health care. "* Once again, ""the people you heard from"" were ""plants"" in the audience and do not represent me, or most Americans who recognize that a Univeral one-payer system would be impossible to pay for.[Truncated]" 21068 6/5/06 11:19 PM NY "* There were many people at the Ny City Community meetings who were white males, who were employed full_tome, and strongly agreee with healthcare:[Truncated]" "* Also,one of the major reasons to have Health Insurance is to protect against high medical costs: Actually recomendation 1, and not 2:[Truncated]" "People should be protected financially against very high medical costs: Absolutely" "The federal Government should do a much better job with Medicare Part D implementation" "* Health Information technologies as it relates to Mental health for children under5, child health clinics, HHC outpatient medical services, addolescent substance abuse, outpatient, and HHC substance abuse out patient should all be muc[Truncated]" "Health care providers shouldn""t encounter so much difficulty with drugs that are on the actual formulary: Its not that hard:" "* Yes, Pailliative care for people who are dying, or are on a respirator should be improved: Also, a surprisingly high number or per_centage of Americans or individuals were, and still are covered by their employers:[Truncated]" Federal Programs should be used in order to maximize current coverage: 21069 6/5/06 11:32 PM IA "* All Americans have access to excellen healthcare today. An emergency room cannot turn a patient away based on financial resources or ability to pay. Even with free clinics in a lot of communities (even mine of 25,000) people still use the E[Truncated]" * Government mandates are a large cause of why health insurance is unaffordable for individuals. If I don't want infertility treatments why should I be forced to pay premiums for them? If I don't want childre why should I be forced to pay pre[Truncated] "* Before the government became involved in routine medical care most peole had hospitalization insurance. We could afford to pay for the office visits and we insured ourselves against the catastrophic. Just as with car insurance, I pay for th[Truncated]" "* Great, another bureaucracy with more government employees who will have to be paid by me, the taxpayer. At this rate most of us will be government employees. Who will be working to pay taxes to pay the rest of us? I don't think we learned [Truncated]" * What happens if I don't fit the government template for my end-of-life care? If it is better for me and my family to have a different type of care than is pre-approved by a government employee based on their interpretation of my situation ho[Truncated] * Health Savings Accounts are a better option than what you are recommending. Just as with a 401(k) I can take the insurance plan with me. I have coverage whether my employer offers coverage or not. I have insurance whether I am working or n[Truncated] "* Your statement ""...new revenues..."" is jargon for new taxes. I am taxed enough. Soon less than half of us will be paying taxes and the majority will be on some sort of goverment welfare program and qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credi[Truncated]" 21072 6/6/06 4:03 AM CA "* i feel this should be based on personal needs as being a american we should take response to the needs as being human here.most of all taking care of the needs at hand should take president.[Truncated]" "* the main issue is health for all i fell that treatment is just that long based and doctors are becoming rich but there is no fix.on science we spend to much time on lab rats and not on human touch.go back to the basics get in the heads of pe[Truncated]" "* well this is a great one to fix with all the drug seized money we take why not put it to uses put it in a government bank to collect interest. we do it all the time with other countrys. drug money has no values for drug lords or users.[Truncated]" "* lets stop this right away it should be neather or every body should have the same insurance meaning this is why things go wrong rich or poor health care belongs to us all not the ones that have the most.[Truncated]" * most doctors work on government perks and insurance is based on net works.but most fo all there is a co-pay. take this away a card for medical should cover all things from hospitals to pills and eldery care home coverage.[Truncated] "* this is heart felt and why we do not think about the long and short why because the doctor has the final word not the person with the illness. hospice only hoovers over waiting for the end let the family give the meds and take care of the p[Truncated]" "* yes the over view is we need to take charge of this out of control problem and fix this our selfs we do not need people to control the way we live or die but start a way for us to manage our own needs to handle medical and hospital and hospi[Truncated]" "* what kind of value can you put on a human also why would it matter if is cancer to aids where is the values.theses doctors are going to other countrys and doing work for free why not here where we need them. money is not the issue people are[Truncated]" 21076 6/6/06 8:53 AM FL " i agree, health care is as right not a priviledge" "* preventive care is so important and will lower our expenses for health care in the long run. easy assess into the system would encouage people to get care early instead of waiting untill its too late , the the care becomes very complex and co[Truncated]" "yes, yes!!" "community based health care , preventive focused , with quick referal as needed" yes family 's need support so people can die in dignanty "* using providers who have a wellness focus and excellant assessment skills should be the first line of our health care system, midwives, accupturist, nurses.[Truncated]" "i agree, everyone should pay their fair share." 21078 6/6/06 9:01 AM VA I agree. * the benefits should include preventive benefits and not just catastrophic so the person and the system ultimately benefit long run. Long run solutions are what we need.[Truncated] I agree. the benefits should include catastrophic protections. "yes, perhaps this shoudld be done through a different plannign mechanism rather than health insurance." "Yes, the federal government should take the lead in this effort." * A good health care benefit should support end of life care in a better way. This does not need to be defined in a benefits package. But some model progams should be developed.[Truncated] Look at Mass and employer mandates as well as personal responsibility 21079 6/6/06 9:18 AM CO "* This is just ridiculous! What exactly is ""affordable"" health care?? Who gets to define ""affordable?"" What exactly is ""appropriate, high-quality care?"" Can you get this at an ""affordable"" price? What would be the ""core health care service[Truncated]" "* How can one plan be affective for All Americans? What exaclty is a ""financial investment"" in health care? Most people think of a financial return associated with a financial investment. It seems to me that this is no investment at all, but[Truncated]" 21082 6/6/06 9:47 AM KY "Our economy must have a healty, well educated workforce to survive in the new global economy." "* Basic primary/preventive/acute care at a minimum should be available to all persons. What concerns me more is that I have two friends, both of whom were involved in auto accidents. Severe fractures to leg, ankles and backs have limited thei[Truncated]" Yes! * My family and I use a Community Health Center 28 miles from where we live. The community health center partners with other safety net providers in the community. It is a one stop solution to most of our health care needs. We particularly l[Truncated] * Community Health Centers have national programs on quality and disparities. I am a patient in the Cardiovascular Collaborative because I have high blood pressure. I am made to feel I have a a say in my care and in being a partner in my ca[Truncated] "* My mother died at home with Alz. She had Medicare, but it was limited. You have hit the nail on the head with this recommendation.[Truncated]" "* It is time for a single payer system. We need to get away from auto insurance, workers comp and health insurance and combine them all into one affordable package.[Truncated]" 21083 6/6/06 9:50 AM KY "* Let those of us who can afford it, purchase the same plan that state and/or federal workers are offered. End individual policies![Truncated]" "Consider incentives for good lifestyle choices, such as reduced co-pays for non-smokers, healthy-weight, etc." "* Increase tax on unearned income of those who are top 25th per centile of income. Increase social security tax by raising the amount taxed to $250,000.[Truncated]" 21084 6/6/06 9:58 AM CO "* This alone smacks of a national health care plan similar to Medicare. The last thing this country needs is another government program to ""protect"" us. Healthcare is an individual responsibility.[Truncated]" Not all peoples need the same coverage. Why force a package on someone who doesn't need it. the very thought of this destroys a Free Market Society and smacks of socialism. Keep the Federal Gov't out of the system. It will do nothing but screw it up. "The words efficiency and Federal Government are an anomly. Get real, we do not need another federal program of this magnitude." the current system is pretty darn good. End of life programs are well supported and efficient. "* Yes!!! A lot of us recognize there needs to be some adjustments to our healthcare delivery system, but a federal program is NOT the answer.[Truncated]" "* refer to the model legislation of the state of Mass, that ""encourages"" all employers and employees to participate in their healthcare program.[Truncated]" 21085 6/6/06 10:02 AM PA "* Agreed. Essentially this will amount to government sponsored plan. I'm all for it. Medicare works fine (except for the new Part D). A solution, if a gov't sponsored plan can not be created,[Truncated]" "* A core package should cover preventative care and catastrophic care. With the purchasing power, the program could EASILY negotiate drug prices for chronic conditions such as asthma. [Truncated]" "At a minimum, this is true. Agreed." This is a good start. Agreed. "* Quality IS the key! The health system must be held accountible for the quality of car they provide. The Leap Frog program would be a good start.[Truncated]" Agreed. "* Probably one of the best areas that is almost never discussed concerning the health care CRISIS in the US is the govt's ability to provide sound research to the medical community. The govt could sponsor studies for alternative treatment fo[Truncated]" "* Agreed. But, how do you implement such an idea?! An alternate approach is to simply lower the cost of the care provided. It's amazing how no one seems to focus in on the health delivery system itself as being the culprit. It's more fun [Truncated]" 21086 6/6/06 10:02 AM MO "* I think that the recommendation for a national program (private or public) could be improved by ""and"" rather than ""or"" - neither governmental nor private enterprise has succeded thus far - perhaps a cooperative effort would prove more benefic[Truncated]" 21088 6/6/06 10:06 AM NC "* Over the past 40 years our society and our government have supported this concept via support for Medicare for those over 65, and via support for Medicaid for certain individuals under 65. It is time to end the age discrimination inherent in[Truncated]" "* Hurray for the definition of HEALTH. Dental and mental ultimately lead to physical problems, and interfere with productivity and family building.[Truncated]" "* Unreasonable to ""guarantee that no one be impoverished..."" As individuals we must take certain responsibilities and risks. It is unreasonable for a person to use his resources for luxury while using public resources for necessity. [Truncated]" * FQHC works! Expand the concept to mental health and dental health. Use the small and local delivery systems for health care whenever and wherever possible. This reduces travel costs (e.g.dependence on foreign oil). Close to home builds co[Truncated] "* Information on prices and cost-sharing would allow individuals to help monitor the charges being paid by Medicare etal. Walmart has shown us how to shop for lower prices. We discuss the price of gasoline endlessly, but we have no idea what [Truncated]" * Hospice has shown us the way. One-on-one care is better than one-on-ten care. Warehousing of people is counter to all our society's ideals. Clear communication to patients' families may require revisions to HIPPA.[Truncated] "* For Medicare: enact a means test similar to the one used for taxability of Social Security benefits. Age alone should not entitle an individual to government-paid benefits. Enact a use-test: expensive interventions (e.g. organ transplants[Truncated]" 21090 6/6/06 10:29 AM OH "* I think it is important that we provide access for every American, but I think a disctinction should be made between providing access and establishing a socialized health care model. Medicare part D is a perfect example of the federal governm[Truncated]" 21095 6/6/06 11:34 AM IA "* Too general to be helpful. Of course we want affordable, fair, shared financing. Citing numerous potential revenue streams is a step, but it should go on to say: a. Enact a law requiring every employer to provide at least a basic level of c[Truncated]" "* Modify or eliminate anti-trust barriers that prevent local health systems from collaborating to save capital or operating costs. Eliminate the Stark Law loophole that allows doctors to own hospitals, thereby further fragmenting the system an[Truncated]" "* Dramatically increase federal funding for health systems to implement electronic medical records. Set federal data standards, so data can be shared across health providers, but NOT federally-specified IT systems (keep innovation and experime[Truncated]" "I'm not sure what ""community level"" funding is. There are not local funds available for end-of-life care." "* This is an important initiative and all of us in health care appreciate your efforts. In a nutshell, I believe the critically-important solutions to be: process improvement (LEAN, Six Sigma), chronic disease management, raising the retiremen[Truncated]" 21096 6/6/06 11:45 AM IL "* I believe this is a worthy goal but if congress is expected to act on this, I'm afraid you will have trouble getting their attention. If they continue to waste time debating useless or politically-motivated measures in an election year, what[Truncated]" * Everyone has their own idea of what a core plan would look like. So this will have to be highly specific. The non-partisan group is an excellent idea! Put these people on the boards of the organizations I fantasized about. Perhaps this is[Truncated] * Protection for everyone would be more assured if we use private and public resources. How would we build an outreach network to identify these folks and make sure they get enrolled? Through government agencies (that already exist - welfare [Truncated] "* I support this initiative but, again, I believe if you offer the right incentives to the ""packagers"", they will make sure no market goes under-served for long. This is similar to granting service routes to airlines or truckers (the way it us[Truncated]" "* This looks good but remember, to be effective the reports must be issued timely, be completely objective and be accessible to anyone in need of the information. Any patient or potential patient should be able to receive information on their [Truncated]" "* I support this approach, especially the community-based outreach programs. We should also offer people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s special tax incentives to buy long-term care insurance policies - older folks who are still employed should be [Truncated]" "* I believe this will work but everyone will have to take responsibility for the nation's health - by everyone I mean individuals, employers, health care providers and government entities. We must realize that the nation's health is a national[Truncated]" "* Financing through high taxes (VATS) for the purchase of non-efficient automobiles, appliances and other energy wasters is a good idea. I would even be willing to pay higher energy bills. It will not pay the entire bill. How about getting e[Truncated]" 21098 6/6/06 11:48 AM TN "* It should not be public policy that all Americans have affordable health care. Our local paper (Daily News Journal - Murfreesboro, TN) ran a front page article a couple of years ago featuring a couple who couldn't afford health care. The pi[Truncated]" "* Should provide basic benefits only for the most needy - those who can't help themselves. Dental coverage too? Why not tummy tucks, breasts enhancements for all those who think their self-image is deprived. There should not be a ""full range[Truncated]" * I have a suggestion. No health care for people whose choice is not to work. No health care for people who have money to pierce and mutilate their bodies. No health care to people who have the money to tattoo their bodies. No health care pr[Truncated] "* Principles of fairness is code language for more taxes from the most productive, job providing employers. I am a small businessman and my taxes continue to increase every year. I have no control except a government that thinks what I produc[Truncated]" 21103 6/6/06 12:43 PM CA I agree with this. Socialized Medicine would be best in my opinion. Wonderful idea. Yes!Yes!Yes! I fully agree. Good ideas. YES! I have concerns about illicit data collection by the government. * I'd like to shrink the exploding military budget and funnel the money to healthcare and education. Raising taxes while funding death and destruction worldwide to exploit resources is obscene and disheartening.[Truncated] 21104 6/6/06 12:47 PM NY can't wait until 2012 mental / behavioal health need to be hilighted. umbrella coverage "single payer system, pham. co. and insurance co. are too self centered and can't be used to distract." 21107 6/6/06 1:59 PM FL I agree. "* I think Health should also be defined to include emotional health. There is plenty of scientific evidence to support the idea that when an individual is depressed or otherwise unhealthy emotionally, physical health is compromised.[Truncated]" Agree Agree "* I believe it is extremely important that the provider chosen be appropriate to the level of care needed. For example, the primary care providers for pregnant women should be midwives. Midwives provide high quality, low cost care and decreas[Truncated]" More hospice and palliative care should be offered and performed in the patient's home. Agree 21109 6/6/06 2:06 PM TX "* Specifically wanted to comment that it is atrocious that The Citizens' Health Care Working Group proposal to ""expand neighborhood health clinics"", the Working Group's term for federally qualified health centers, which was the second most popu[Truncated]" 21110 6/6/06 2:27 PM OH If we care about the quality of life of all Americans then we must have assess to quality health care. * It is important that full diversity be achieved in the membership of the non-partisan group. Race and class should be a factor in designing the group composition.[Truncated] Absolutely. I believe a time table of implementation would be vital. Dispartiy of health education centered around raceand class is important. Include provisons for the care giver. Let's make it happen! The sooner the transition the better. 21111 6/6/06 2:39 PM AZ * I have read the recomendations and agree 100% with them and hope that this concept can and will be embraced by our law makers as well as the entire population...[Truncated] No lobbists allowed. I agree with this as well and would be willing to pay insurance premiums if I could get the insurance. 21112 6/6/06 3:09 PM CO How is the financial assistance going to be funded? Increased taxes? Who is going to pay for the protection against very high out-of-pocket medical costs? Medicare cuts back on benefits each year. How would that particular agency expand their services without additional revenue? "* If most people are willing to make ""additional financial investments"" do they have health insurance now, or are they hoping to obtain health care for an unrealistic cost? You have to estimate a cost for your plan and how it is to be funded.[Truncated]" 21113 6/6/06 3:18 PM na "* Good. Broad dental health maybe be a sacrifice to the whole project, but minimum dental care needs to be available for all Americans.[Truncated]" "* Don't fully understand it. Why not integrated medical records for all, not just those in the safety net. With employers switching insurers each year, or patients their doctors due to moves/choice, the medical records system should assure fa[Truncated]" "* Comments are too general to be of much good. Apple pie scenario. Best practices for at-risk (uninsured, underserved) populations by definition will skew results for the broader population.[Truncated]" "* Get real specific about what individuals need to do to lower their own medical costs, and preserve limited monies available for others by their actions. Univ. of Michigan data needs to be broadly shared and incorported into final recommendat[Truncated]" "* It is dissappointing to see the recommendation heavily focus on at-risk individuals with low ability to pay. Though true, if the system is to change for the better, then more of the same will not do it. Somewhere it needs to be stated that [Truncated]" 21117 6/6/06 3:27 PM VA * I concur with all above recommendations. Well done. Thanks to all the industrious people who have worked so hard on these recommendations. Let's hope that action will be taken quickly on them now. [Truncated] 21119 6/6/06 3:39 PM TX "* How are we going to pay for this huge expense? Raise taxes again? No. Single payor health systems have been proven to be health care rationing systems that either run out of money and stop services (Canada), delay needed surgies until the pa[Truncated]" "* Core benefits cannot include physical, mental and dental. Core benefits must be oriented to catastrophic illness and injury. The only way to meet recommendation 1 is to focus a basic catastrophic policy for all and let individual purchase a h[Truncated]" "* Don't you think the private sector would have done this long ago if it was feasible? If the government does it as an insurer of last resort, we create another tax funded government program . . .which means raising taxes again.[Truncated]" Why does the government have to be involved in all aspects of are lives? We have too much intrusive government already. Why does the government have to be involved in all aspects of are lives? We have too much intrusive government already. Why does the government have to be involved in all aspects of are lives? We have too much intrusive government already. * The cost of health care is generated by providers of health care. The end users of health care (patients) have no idea what health care costs because of our third party payor system.Attack the problem (payors and third parties) to resolve the[Truncated] "* If we do nothing, health care can be delivered to everyone effectively but not efficiently. If we opt for recommendation 1, you state ""new revenues"" must be found. Here we go again. ""New revenues"" means increased taxes. There is no place else[Truncated]" 21120 6/6/06 4:36 PM OR * The second sentences and the rest of the paragraph seem to be in direct contradiction to each other. Either you have one or the other. I would delete the second sentence and the rest of it is congruent with what was said at the meeting I at[Truncated] "* second sentence under first bullets change to read ""the set of core health services shall extend across . . ."" sounds better I would say our group thought health should be defined as wellness, not simply the absence of disease, and that in[Truncated]" "* Coverage period, there should be no question about impoverishment if the government picks up the tab. Right now, with Medicare, I see the bills my parents would be expected to cover if they did not have an excellent medigap policy that came [Truncated]" this sounds good. "* again, evidenced based practices are good, but not the be all and end all. Complementary care by lisenced providers of all types should be explicitly included here as well.[Truncated]" "* the leading recommendation focuses on incurable conditions but the beginning sounds like general ""end of life"" issues. I would change the sentence to make clear we meant both ""so that people who need assistance at the end of life as well as [Truncated]" "* this statement seems skimy and like it skirts some of the issues that were voiced most loudly in our meeting in Seattle, namely care for people not profit and free at the point of service, completely comprehensive single-payer system free of [Truncated]" "* It wouldn't have to take until 1012 if it was made a top, national priority. I think it should be phased in incrementally, may be starting with establishing the high end stuff and the preventive stuff first, and filling in with all the rest [Truncated]" 21122 6/6/06 5:03 PM UT I absolutely agree. I agree. I agree. * I am opposed to any funding provided to private non-profit facilities/organizations that will end up decreasing funds available to community health centers. These organizations may or may not be providing the charitable care they claim and t[Truncated] I agree. I agree. Just as previously stated. I agree. 21124 6/6/06 6:21 PM OR * There is nothing in this report that acknowledges the cost shifting that occurs from an uninsured population that receives inadequate preventive health care and relies on hospital emergency rooms as their primary provider.[Truncated] "* Evidence based medicine is the best recommendation to come out of this report. Achieving acceptance will be a huge task. This will be opposed by drug companies which concentrate on the most profitable, not the most effective drugs. Hospital l[Truncated]" * Enrollee contributions are already exorbitant from both employees and employers. These contributions do nothing to address basic public health needs and education to prevent chronic catastrophic illnesses.[Truncated] 21125 6/6/06 7:58 PM NC I agree wholeheartedly. * An individual's ability to choose providers is key and should not be regulated by others. Medical care in part is best experienced as a relationship. A doctor's advice and judgement regarding an individual's treatment in non-elective matters[Truncated] "I agree. I wonder what ""very high"" means. That makes me a little uncomfortable undefined." * I am particularly concerned at the current structure of mental health care. We need institutional options and some form of redress for family members who bear the burden of advocacy and care for those whose judgement is often impaired but ar[Truncated] God help us if we run it like FEMA. "* ""services in the environment they chose"" is the key phrase. The notion that there is a time to stop treatment and prepare for death is profound and often a lost one in our society. It is an individual, family, and community matter. And a s[Truncated]" * Please help restore common sense to our health care system. It shouldn't first be a means to profit (individuals and groups). Nor should physicians be subject to predatory lawsuits and second guessing by non-medical entities (insurance comp[Truncated] "* I am concerned for those who are nearing the end of earning years who may be caught in a finacial bind by needing save as much as possible, counting on established services (social security,medicade, medicare)to off set savings,etc. The midd[Truncated]" 21129 6/6/06 11:48 PM WA "* We should all have health care, period, not just ""access."" That term implies that some barriers might be OK, but no barriers to needed health care are legitimate, ever. Health care should be treated as a public good, the way fire protection[Truncated]" "* Evidence-based medicine is a good idea for sure, though given what we are now paying per capita for health care, our core benefits could be platinum-plated.[Truncated]" "* Currently, private health insurance companies exist only for the purpose of defeating the real purpose of insurance--to spread risk. Their only means of making any profit at all is to specifically exclude as many actual sick people as possib[Truncated]" "I agree that community health centers are a very good idea, particularly in medically underserved areas." "* Controlling fraud and waste is analogous to controlling the movements of a herd of cattle. You can be stupid and do it the way we do, by the micromanagement of case review, which is equivalent to hiring a bunch of cowboys with individual set[Truncated]" "* Well done. Let's also add ending the assinine War on Some Drugs, and quit persecuting providers who believe in adequate pain relief. We need to make sure that NO end of life decisions are based on financial considerations.[Truncated]" "* The purpose of insurance is to spread risk, and by far the biggest and cheapest risk pool is our entire population. Health care should be 1. Publicly financed and privately delivered, like roads and bridges. 2. Comprehensive. 3. Univers[Truncated]" "* You are ignoring the biggest revenue stream of all, the money wasted on paying insurance companies to cherry-pick only healthier policyholders and then telling them as often as possible ""That's not covered."" Divert that revenue, and no extra[Truncated]" 21130 6/7/06 12:37 AM IN * I agree that everybody should have the same health benefits as everyone else but I also don't think that the government should make everyone pay extra taxes to pay for the health plan. If the people need help then the government should try t[Truncated] "* The core benefit package for all Americans should include all physical, mental and dental health. It should be included for everyone and you shouldn't cut everyone out if they don't have the money if they really need it.[Truncated]" I agree with this. I support the health networks. If the people need all these things then they should be able to get them. I like this plan. Nope. * Once again I think that people shouldn't have to pay extra taxes from their own paycheck to pay for other people's health expenses.[Truncated] 21133 6/7/06 3:38 AM WA "* Although the statement that everyone should have affordable access to healthcare no matter their economic status, I do not believe that healthcare is a right. It is a privilege. I disagree with the statement that everyone should participate b[Truncated]" "* I believe that the most money saved in the longrun will be saved through holistic, natural and preventative health care. It has been widely provent that those who visit a naturopath have far less health costs in the longrun than someone who h[Truncated]" "* Absolutely. Now how are those ""high"" rates to be determined? I believe that you need insiders to ""rat out "" their respective fields. Coverage for all american sounds like socialism, but option open to all americans sounds great.[Truncated]" "* Although this is needed and important, many folks, myself included, earn too much to be helped by these programs. If we purchased insurance, however, we would never be able to own a house, or send our children to college. We would rather pay [Truncated]" "* YES YES YES!!!! This is the most needed. However, as these programs stand today, they are the least efficient of all the healthcare providers. And time and again, if you do the research properly, you will find that natural and gentle methods[Truncated]" "* I really like the idea of assisting families instead of farming the elderly and ill into big holding pens. Again, personaly responsibility includes taking care of your family. [Truncated]" "* This truly sounds like raising taxes to me.... I work in the healthcare industry and I know that healthcare costs are blow hugely out of proportion by way of insurance regulations, overhead costs because of this red tape and by sheer greed ma[Truncated]" 21134 6/7/06 8:36 AM IN * This is an excellent recommendation that I doubt many people will disagree with. The ability for everyone to have affordable access to quality health care is key to the long term health of the country. [Truncated] "* The overall concept of this recommendation is good. However bullet number 3 regarding Federally Qualified Health Centers and the idea of accomodating ""other community-based health centers and practices serving vulnerable populations"" is trou[Truncated]" This is a very good recommendation. * I is obvious that a tremendous amount of work has gone into this project. The overall recommendations are very good with my only concern being the Federally Qualified Health Center issue identified above under Recommendation #4. [Truncated] Very good recommendation but a major undertaking. 21136 6/7/06 9:35 AM CO "* Though I believe your intentions are good the results would be less than desirable. Your group seems to be moving in the direction of more government control of American healthcare, increased taxation to fund such health care, and less free m[Truncated]" 21137 6/7/06 10:03 AM MI "* Recommendation 1 should specifically include mental health services, contraceptive services, and unhindered access to abortion. Recommendation 1 should be include that health care is considered a right like free speech. [Truncated]" "* Recommendation 2 leaves out the different needs of children, adults, and the elderly. The group that identitifies core benefits needs different ones for each age group. [Truncated]" * Recommendation 3 needs state that the national program be a public program so that all applicable whistle-blower laws and FOIA access can be brought to bear to make sure it is run well.[Truncated] Sounds good. * Recommendation 5 again falls victim to not specifically including pharmaceutical and medical equipment suppliers in its recommendations. And attempt to improve quality and efficiency needs to include this side of health care.[Truncated] "* Recommendation 6 needsd to include federal legislation providing for paid leave for family members to take part in palliative, hospice, and other end-of-live activities.[Truncated]" "* I think that the recommendations are fundamentally flawed by not focusing enough on profit making entities associated with health care. This needs to be addressed before there is any hope real progress. Additionally, contraceptive services [Truncated]" * This section leaves out vast areas of revenue sources and waste management. Pharmaceutical company profits must be much more heavily taxed and DIRECTLY put into funding universal coverage. The government must put a cap on the profits of doc[Truncated] 21140 6/7/06 10:43 AM MI "* Please include the possibility of local collaborations for integrated healt care for the vulnerable population outside of the FQHC system. In WAshtenaw County , Michigan we have created a system to serve the safety net via a local Washtenaw H[Truncated]" Please endorse parity for mental illness and substance abuse * Community integration can successfully occur outside of a FQHC and should be an option for communities wishing to create their own integrated network.[Truncated] Thank you for your thoughtful work. 21142 6/7/06 10:59 AM VA "* I think that the Working Group needs to further spell out what the core benefits should be with the assistance of experts. At the very least, the structure of the recommendations could be included. In terms of the use of the word ""vulnerabl[Truncated]" "* I think these values need more in-depth recommendations. The Working Group needs to note that lack of access to early preventative care leads to larger health care problems and higher costs later on. In particular, there needs to be a specifi[Truncated]" "* Integrated community health networks sounds like a good idea. However, in order to insure continued funding, this recommendation needs to state that the health networks should work to involve the entire community and not just those who are m[Truncated]" "* I'm a volunteer with RESULTS and I agree that there needs to be a way to finance health care for all Americans. Perhpas one of your financing suggestions could include relooking at the tax cuts on dividends and capital gains. In addition, a[Truncated]" 21143 6/7/06 11:01 AM OH * Healthcare services should be available and accessable to everyone and should not be market driven.We do not have a system.We have entities competing for revenue.This market driven approach commodifies people and their needs.The system should[Truncated] Not rocket science.Biological/social science though. No brainer no brainer No brainer No brainer We are less civilized as a result of not providing state-of-the art/science health for our citizens. "* There is already too much money spent on healthcare.A single payor system ,like medicare,could reduce administrative costs and remove profit from the equation.It is immoral to profit from potential suffering.Look at other industialized countr[Truncated]" 21144 6/7/06 11:02 AM OK "Universal healthcare is not only humane, it is the only way that Americans will be competitive in the global work place." Medical expenses (and divorce) are the leading reasons that individuals are forced to file for bankruptcy protection. Members of Congress have a good system. Let's expand that. * Federal government should use the force of its bargaining power to deliver a good price (unlike the giveaway to big Pharma with the ill-conceived drug benefit in Medicare).[Truncated] "* We are already paying as individuals through increased premiums and other surcharges for those without coverage who seek last-resort coverage through hospital emergency rooms, etc. Americans pay more for health care coverage--even with milli[Truncated]" 21145 6/7/06 11:11 AM CO Health care should not be legislated or mandated. "* Core benefits should be defined by the end consumer, not the government. The right benefits at the right time can only be determined by each individual through more choice and by reducing legislated mandates that drive out insures in states,[Truncated]" * Availability of catastrophic care should always be available on private basis and included as an option for all plans. Tis is a minimum level of insurance that should be made available for purchase to every inidividual.[Truncated] * Transparency in the medical community is critical and will only be a issue if the consumer has financial accountability. The consumer needs access to appropriate information to make the best financial decisions and providers need to be compe[Truncated] * By creating a federally funded health care system we eliminate much of the competition that will continue to drive down health care costs and encourage the consumer of the health care product to purchase and use those products wisely. We hav[Truncated] 21150 6/7/06 12:00 PM NY * I would enlarge the recommendation to include quality care that is culturally sensitive and includes all medically necessary services[Truncated] I think that benefits need to include long term care. "Americans need cradle to grave coverage. Therefore, i recommend an improved and expanded Medicare For All" Involve local health departments Make it simple and equitable and merge all programs into one Medicare for all No comment * It is time that we join all other developed nations and ensure people's access to needed healthcare. Our morbidity and mortality rates are a disgrace and we waste enormous amounts of money. Let us institue a system of social insurance that wi[Truncated] "* Financing should be based on income taxes and employer taxes. Since it will replace insurance premiums, copayments and deductibles, it will prove no hardship for most. Howeve, I think to be fair, any new system will have to include negotiated[Truncated]" 21151 6/7/06 12:30 PM IN "* I believe that all Americanss should have affordable health care. Regardless of age, race, or gender, American citezens should not have to worry about if they are going to eat or pay for medical services.[Truncated]" * I agree that an independent non-partisan private-public group to identify and update recommendations for what would be covered under high-cost protection and core benefits should be established. These representatives should not be paid millio[Truncated] "* No one in America should be impoverished by health care costs. Establish a national program (private or public) that ensures: Coverage for all Americans; Protection against very high out-of-pocket medical costs for everyone; and Finan[Truncated]" * Once again an excellent health network can be established without an extreme increase in taxes if health insurance companies were restructured and the government would use the taxe payer's money appropriately.[Truncated] * Federally-funded health care should not strain the government or tax payers if the appropriation of existing money is directed to priority situations instead of going into the pockets of a few rich. [Truncated] "* Just beacause of age related problems should those people be denied proper care. In most cases, these are the people who have paid into our government's tax programs for decades and they should be entitled to only the best. Once again, this o[Truncated]" * Financing for medical support would not be a major problem if our government would stop spending billions of dollars annually on a war that should never had started and sending billions of dollars to foreign countries that would just as soon [Truncated] 21154 6/7/06 1:57 PM OH * This is true particularly for children in foster care and who need behavioral healthcare services. Parents should not have to choose between giving up custody of their children or financial ruin in order for their children to receive mental [Truncated] "* Thank you for including mental health services, particularly if the continuum of services are available here as in physical health services. Prevention and early intervention services for victims of child abuse and neglect, parental substanc[Truncated]" * The protection against high out-of-pocket costs MUST include mental health care. We heard testimony about families destroyed by psychiatric hospital bills and medications or who had to cede custody of their children when they needed their pa[Truncated] * We are in desperate need of child psychiatrists. Can we develop an incentive program to help these individuals pay for their educations in exchange for some delineated time to work within an underserved area?[Truncated] "When developing the specifics of this recommendation, please make sure you include providers." "* We could finance a new system with the money we would save and the efficiencies we would realize by eliminating HIPAA. HIPAA does not protect anyone from anything since so many critical players are exempt from compliance, it is monumentally [Truncated]" 21155 6/7/06 2:07 PM IN "* Define affordable! What is the recommendation, to esbtablish a sliding scale? Affordable means one thing to a family with a $200,000 per income and another to on with a $25,000 per year income. Fair and equitable healthcare should be just [Truncated]" * Greatly reduce administrative expenses by removing private health insurance and associated expenses and profit. There is no need for private health insurers to broker healthcare. [Truncated] Universal healthcare. Lower costs and spread the costs equally amoung all Americans. There will always be inequity if there are public and private healthcare institutions. Standardized practices and processes will improve efficiency and quality. "Once again, the cost associated with this type of care should be spread equally among all Americans." Control skyrocketing healthcare costs. Don't just find ways to pay for it. "* When considering how ""out of control"" healthcare costs are and how to finance our healthcare, we should start by removing the profit and greed from the industry. Profiting from those in need of medical attention is immoral and should be ille[Truncated]" 21158 6/7/06 2:40 PM PA Agree. Health care also should be provided regardless of age or employment status. "* The set of core services needs to be adequate, so that individuals/families don't have to pay for health care until they become poor and qualify for Medicaid. This means that things like long-term care have to be covered in the core package.[Truncated]" "* Agree. ""Financial protection"" should mean no co-pays for poor people at the point of care, or at most a small co-pay (a few dollars for each medicine or doctor's visit). Moving towards consumer-directed health care will not work for this grou[Truncated]" * Integrated community health networks are a band-aid on the problem of access to care unless these persons also have access to specialty care. A national health care system would be the most efficient way to provide primary and specialty care [Truncated] "* ""Reduction of fraud and waste"" is a useless phrase for politicians to use in their speeches. There is almost no consumer-usable information about cost and quality of care, this is largely a pipe dream at this point. The only way achieve an in[Truncated]" * We need to have a public discussion about what care we are and are not going to pay for at the end of life. We spend too much on futile care.[Truncated] "* The participants in Philadelphia (where I attended) agreed with a large majority that there IS an ideal financing mechanism; that is, a single payer based on a progressive tax. The only way to achieve all of these financing goals (fairness, e[Truncated]" 21159 6/7/06 2:53 PM NV * You should include the fact that the overwhelming first choice at the community meetings for how to guarantee affordable access for all citizens was to implement some form of national health insurance.[Truncated] * You should include the fact that the overwhelming first choice at the community meetings for how to guarantee affordable access for all citizens was to implement some form of national health insurance.[Truncated] "* If we implement national health insurance, as was recommended at the community meetings, we would not need an improved system of ""safety net"" providers, such as integrated community health networks, for the poor and uninsured. They could acc[Truncated]" "* I agree that we need better palliative care in this country, but what about other forms of long-term care for those patients who aren't terminally ill? Why the limited focus on palliative care? We also need affordable, better quality home he[Truncated]" "Where did recommendations 4,5 and 6 come from? These issues were not discussed at our community meeting!" * You should include the fact that the overwhelming first choice at the community meetings for how to guarantee affordable access for all citizens was to implement some form of national health insurance[Truncated] 21167 6/7/06 5:12 PM PA "As a healthcare provider of 35+ years, and as a consumer, I fundamentally support this recommendation." * I define mental health and substance abuse as behavioral healthcare so I prefer this term as being more inclusive. I fundamentally support this recommendation.[Truncated] "* Integration of care is critical especially for those w/ serious, persisting, recurrent disorders as long as this does not compromise the person's privacy privelege.[Truncated]" I strongly support care that is cost-efficient and care-effective. "* Many of us are now facing the enduring death trajectory as we strech us as far as our longevity, and beyond the genetic warrenty. So fundamentally I suuport this recommendation.[Truncated]" * We need to identify and promote proactive preventive measures w/ greater emphasis on universal and selective strategies while maintaining high levels of targeted care.[Truncated] 21171 6/7/06 5:31 PM CO * My mother did not have any work history to speak of as she stayed home and raised 11 of us. When she was finally eligible for some social security benefits(through my fathers benefits) it was a paltry $330 monthly. For a lifetime of work (r[Truncated] I agree with recommendation #2 Perhaps a cultural sampling from AARP members. "* I agree with recommendation #3, as a baby boomer who is coming up on retirment, I see that largest single cost of retirement to be health care cost. I am not sure if I can retire. [Truncated]" "* I agree with recommendation #4. It is probably implied in the statement #4, but a way for people to be able to be more portable with there health insurance. In other words if someone wnats to move another part of the country, affordable hea[Truncated]" * I agree with the aforementioned. I don't beleive anyone is looking for a free ride but americans must be given options as how to better finance some of these astronomical health care costs. [Truncated] 21173 6/7/06 5:54 PM ND * Medicare works. It should be a model. As the next paragraph states financing has to change. Underlying any change will have to be a public mindset away from draconian individualism. A campaign on this should be the first step undertaken.[Truncated] Sounds great! Great! The North Dakota Rural Health Initiative was working very well until the funding for it was slashed. Excellent! Wonderful! "* The entire pharmaceutical system needs to be revamped. Pharmaceutical companies' strategies to keep drugs from becoming generic in the short haul, the charge that it'll cut into R&D needs to be researched and the information desiminated to t[Truncated]" Sounds about right to me. Once we have a sense of the common good mindset this will be less and less resisted. 21174 6/7/06 7:01 PM MT "* I think this is great, and really summarizes what our focus group in Montana came up with as well. The system can no longer be tied to corporate America and be employer-based. [Truncated]" "* I think its FABULOUS to include preventative measures. We have faaaar too long been a crisis-intervention society, and waiting too long to take care of things. Also, I would recommend, and don't know if this was brought up, but rewarding, i[Truncated]" "* High costs is where people get traumatized, homes lost, bankruptcy, usually for something you could not control, so this is a nice insurance-based, just in case, option. [Truncated]" "* I think that the ENTIRE system ought to be one, not VA, Medicare, etc, etc. One system would create ONE way of administering, and one uniform way of tracking, targeting, improving efficiency. I think we can learn the BEST parts/structure fr[Truncated]" 21177 6/7/06 7:46 PM NM "* While very good goals, I am most concerned about the management of this program not being handed to the Federal government. There are great differences in state laws governing who is allowed to do what in each state. For example, advance pr[Truncated]" "* We have a system that has evolved into a physician-centric model. Our national code sets are physician-centric causing data to also be physician-centric. Physician care is typically the most expensive care available for wellness, prevention[Truncated]" * Eliminate all individual and group financial underwriting and require insurance companies to compete on quality and service. The government should not manage healthcare if we are to succeed in effectively using every healthcare dollar to its[Truncated] "* In the past, the government has avoided using integrated public/private community networks of health care providers. The government tends to think of healthcare providers as physician-centric. In other words, the government favors physician[Truncated]" * The federal government has not expanded or accellerated its use of resources and is not open to changes in improving quailty and efficiency outside improvements in using resources and strategies to continue promoting physician-centric care. [Truncated] "* While physicians are prescribing for patients during end of life care, they rarely see the patient. Nurses are the front line to this care and their services need to be measured so that evidence of effective care patterns can be promoted for[Truncated]" * I applaud the goals of this group and agree that there are many falling through the cracks of a broken healthcare system. I do not think that the federal government should be given even greater authority over care or be involved in setting m[Truncated] "* Again, while universal coverage sounds attractive, delivering universal coverage creates a bigger government buracracy. Buracracies are typically less effective and efficient than private industry and not quick to respond to problems. I sug[Truncated]" 21185 6/7/06 8:48 PM WA That is absolutely necessary. The sooner the better. I totally agree Let's do as soon as possible This is necessary to ensure everyone is included These are great essential recommendations * These recommendations are humane and restore dignity to people who often suffer in humiliating conditions during their last few months. [Truncated] * God Bless You for creating and publishing these recommendations. The American people will hold Congress and the Adminstration accountable if they don't implement them as quickly as possible. Our current system is destroying our economy and t[Truncated] * It costs less to have universal health care financed through taxes. The private insurance layer adds tremendous expense with no real value to the public[Truncated] 21187 6/7/06 9:00 PM OH "* This is probably the single most important social, economic and moral issue of my generation. A health care policy like the one discussed here, can secure a reasonable quality of life for many more Americans, while reducing the risk to those [Truncated]" "* Yes, and it is important to reiterate that ""core"" is not simply basic or minimal benefits, but necessary and proper benefits. Preventative medicine alone holds potential to reduce a major chunk of unnecessary costs.[Truncated]" "* This is key to protecting the poor, and as I previously alluded to, those just a step away from financial ruin in the event of a medical emergency (a.k.a. large medical bills). More people probably avoid seeking medical attention when optimal[Truncated]" "* It is important that these do not become a second tier of inferior care. Each should indeed be ""high quality,"" and not just a poor-peoples last option.[Truncated]" "Yes, I agree." "* Yes, yes and yes. This is absolutely necessary and in the end of life, most deserved. I have personal experience with the current system through relatives and it is not adequate. Almost nothing is worse than substandard and nearly negligent e[Truncated]" "Thank you. Let me know if there is any other way I can help. I am a busy law student, but this is important!" "* The difficulties are expansive, but worth the effort and costs. Americans already spend so much (perhaps more than is even needed) on health care. We spend more per person than other industrialized nations, and in an environment where entire [Truncated]" 21188 6/7/06 9:16 PM PA "* I agree with this statement but want it stronger by saying that: ""It should be public policy that all Americans have the right to health care"". [Truncated]" * I generally agree with this proposal but do believe that certain health care services for the elderly and people with disabilities must be included. [Truncated] * If my proposed change to recommendation 1 is done (that everyone has the right to health care) then this recommendation should simply state that everyone should be protected by health care and that everyone should receive health care regardle[Truncated] This is an excellent recommendation and should be implemented immediately. This recommendation should be implemented immediately. This is an excellent recommendation. "* Primarily agree with this, but believe that VAT and similar sales taxes are regressive. The proposal should include a statement related to a progressive tax.[Truncated]" 21189 6/7/06 9:47 PM NJ "* A very long look needs to be taken at thresholds regarding finances.Most people receiving govt assistance are on the edge already, and they can get medical care.The govt must become more responsible with the monies already paid in the forms o[Truncated]" * Good luck.The insurance industry will drag it out for decades.The medical profession will strongly oppose it since costs will have to be contained.Lawyers will reap the most rewards as usual.[Truncated] "* This should be top priority.If medical costs ruin a person financially they receive indigent care,the costs borne by the public regardless.This would only accent the high price the plan will cost already.All forms of govt.health plans must be[Truncated]" "* It is a noble concept and I hope it can be achieved.I suffer from an an agressive form of MS and have been hoping for breakthroughs there also,so mark me a skeptic.But I always have hope.[Truncated]" "As long as its a smoother transition than the Medicare D move,go for it." 21197 6/7/06 10:15 PM NC "* First, thank you for your efforts so far. My family does not have health care despite the fact that we are employed. I do not even go for preventative diagnostic tests because I can not afford them, and can't afford to act on a negative res[Truncated]" Let's not forget the ability to see. Vision coverage should be included. 21199 6/7/06 10:17 PM MO "* I am worried that the recommendations call for expanded government programs with its requisite funding. And while the recommendation include a call for fairness in financing, fairness in America today has come to be defined as ""the wealthy p[Truncated]" 21201 6/7/06 10:24 PM KS "* This should absolutely be the goal of our government, but hopefully it doesn't take until the year 2012 to enact these kinds of changes. Ignore the big lobbies and respond to what ""the people"" are saying. In my personal case, my husband is [Truncated]" "* Given the importance of prenatal care in creating healthy Americans, I hope this panel recommends that pregnancy and delivery are part of these core services.[Truncated]" """very high health costs"" is vague and relative - is this based on the patient's income or some government-defined number?" * This is increasingly important as our population ages. All of us want to die with dignity and this should be supported by our government.[Truncated] * Many of us are willing to pay higher taxes for this universal benefit. I look to the model of many European health systems and understand this is necessary.[Truncated] 21203 6/7/06 10:30 PM TX "* This recommendation, and all those below that follow from it, are one of the most enlightened perspectives on a profound problem America faces now. I lived in Japan for more than five years, and saw that all citizens there have access to aff[Truncated]" * This is the most understandable and compassionate pronouncement to come from any governmental organization since the enactment of the Marshall Plan.[Truncated] 21204 6/7/06 10:31 PM OR "* Agree, but with this question: who will determine what ""affordable"" is? My household spends $700 a month on catastrophic coverage with a $7500 deductable - unless we are near death it is just money out the window we cannot afford. [Truncated]" * Recommendation two should focus heavily on primary care. Spending too much time trying to shape policy and wellness behavior will be financially wasteful. Providing a core availability of treatment is the root solution.[Truncated] "* Good luck with this one. Medical insurance carriers seem to be the anti-Christ of consumer advocates, and unless the lobbyists and policy makers are radically reformed you will get a watered-down solution.[Truncated]" "* Forget the private part. Either you have government-sponsored health care or it won't fly. Take the profit incentive out and it will work, otherwise it will prove a disaster. Big business hates the idea, but it's time.[Truncated]" "* Promoting efficiency is not a government function. The concept of universal health care will be, by definition, bloated. That is the price to pay. Again, focus on core delivery of medical services and build out from there.[Truncated]" Agree. This provision is well-articulated. * Yes. It's high time government lives up to its role to serve the public interest. Our economy and people are being financially raped by profit-motivated medical businesses. This is not some crackpot commie idea - it is a prudent investment in[Truncated] "* Agree. Once again the caveat that if the government can spend billions on war, how about investing it in universal health care instead and do the right thing for our citizens? Everyone I talk to says it's time has come.[Truncated]" 21210 6/7/06 11:08 PM IN "* Americans should have health care. Should be a single payer system. Should be set up to eliminate administrative costs. It should cover basic healthcare and preventative medicine, since that is the best way to keep costs contained. Should[Truncated]" "* Prescription coverage should be part of the plan. Again, citizens would need to bear some of the costs. A copay should be mandatory.[Truncated]" "Should be a priority for the government. Who cares about gay marriage. We need to ""fix"" real problems in the United States!" I would be interested in any surveys done in the future. "* Shared responsibility between the federal government and US citizens via a copay. Also, perhaps, an added tax on fast food items. Tax would be insignificant, yet raise revenue. [Truncated]" 21211 6/7/06 11:08 PM CA "* Unfortunately for this policy, America is a country based on freedom of choice. Americans can choose to participate in health care insurance or choose not to participate. This is what freedom is about. If you establish a ""system"" that is[Truncated]" "* This is quite the Communist ideal. Someone always knows what is best for me other than myself, right? Why not have a board that decides what the essential foods are and guarantee a right of all Americans to have access to these core foods?[Truncated]" "* Healthcare, like any other commodity, is, or should be, regulated by the marketplace. Remove the distortions caused by government regulations and insurance companies, and you will find that people may purchase insurance for themselves, or c[Truncated]" "* This will employ thousands upon thousands of people to study, coordinate and support our new burocracy. All these people will have the federal insurance plan, which is pretty good, and therefore improve the healthcare in this country. You[Truncated]" Whatever. "* Since people spend inordinate amounts of money in the last month of their life, you can either do one of two things: You can make them bear more of the cost so that they do not make unreasonable decisions, or you can legislate that they will[Truncated]" "* This is America, not some socialist or communist state. You should get out of the way, let people choose for themselves how best to pay for their healthcare, their food, and everything else that is needed to survive. More government regul[Truncated]" "* Largely, the cost of America's health care are the innefficiencies that are caused by government intervention in the free marketplace. Because of the regulations, there are distortions in the market, and people who pay for services, are oft[Truncated]" 21217 6/8/06 12:23 AM MO "* With regard to ""modifying"" the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)concept, I would oppose that recommendation. The current FQHC model has been found to be the most efficient and effective means of providing healthcare services to medical[Truncated]" 21220 6/8/06 1:10 AM TN "* I think all Americans should have coverage, but it has to be equitable, and will require cooperation not only of the public, but also of the insurance companies and hospital organizations.[Truncated]" "* It won't help if the ""researching"" costs more than the plan, and that tends to happen a lot. I don't think this should be a ""Paid"" group, but should be on a volunteer basis to keep them ""independent and non-partisan""[Truncated]" "* I repeat the statements I made regarding the financing - have free or low cost clinics, where people can go instead of going to the emergency room, and penalizing them if they use the emergency room when it is not necessary. Clinics need to b[Truncated]" "* Again, it sounds like excessive money will be spent to ""set up"" and to ""monitor"". Instead of ""expanding"" and ""monitoring"", key words should be ""simplifying"" and ""localizing""[Truncated]" Reduction of fraud and waste without additional expense is key. "As with most medical issues, it needs to be restructured and simplified, which will also control cost." "* My two biggest concerns are - a. Costs ballooning due to too much red tape, as too often happens when we expect the government to assist ""everyone"" b. Restrictions on what health care and treatment is available. This already exists with i[Truncated]" "* I think there are areas that could furnish savings that could finance a portion of the cost. For example, having free or low cost clinics, where people can go instead of going to the emergency room, and penalizing them if they use the emerge[Truncated]" 21228 6/8/06 1:30 AM PA "* There should be a single-payer system managed by the federal government. We have such a system in place for the elderly-Medicare. It has low overhead and provides for a wide range of care. Of course it should be improved-no deductibles, re[Truncated]" "* Leave the private sector out. It has failed, they had their chance. Besides there is no place for profit when it comes to human lives and wellbeing.[Truncated]" "* A safety net implies a bare-bones minimum. We are a rich nation, we squander billions on war and a bloated military budget. We should aim for an ideal system where nobody is left out, where a ""safety net"" is not necessary.[Truncated]" "* I take issue with providing consumer information of prices. People cannot make choices about which technologies are best for them. Anyone who ""abuses the system"" by wanting too many MRIs should be able to solve that problem with adequate psy[Truncated]" "* First, get rid of private insurance companies. They serve no usefull purpose (except perhaps for their stockholders) and eat up billions of dollars in administrative costs. The savings would go a long way toward paying for health care for a[Truncated]" 21230 6/8/06 1:38 AM CA "* I strongly support Universal Health Care for Americans. It shall be a right, not a privilege, to obtain needed and neccessary healh care in USA. It is not fair for the people of American for the private insurance companies to decide issues on[Truncated]" 21233 6/8/06 3:15 AM CA "* Assuming you actually care what the average working American thinks about this, who supports himself or herself, I am vehemently opposed to the (additional) oppressive taxes that this will cause, compounded with the typical mismanagement of g[Truncated]" 21237 6/8/06 4:47 AM FL "* Yes everyone should have access. Do not agree that financial assistance should be given. If EVERYONE were required and allowed (regardless of health status) to get health insurance (such as everyone is required to get auto insurance), premi[Truncated]" "* High deductible plans with preventative benefits DO WORK. These types of plans would be ideal for required core benefits. When there is complete and total coverage, it has been shown that individuals will tend to overuse the plan for unnece[Truncated]" "* Agree. Out of pocket expenses are VERY important. Plan should not make a person pay more than 5,000 or at the most 10,000 out of pocket.[Truncated]" Agree. Agree. "* Yes, HOWEVER, remain cost concious in the process. I have a relative who has advanced alzheimers yet is prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs. THAT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.[Truncated]" * I have been a health insurance underwriter (for Prudential) and am now a licensed health insurance sales agent with my own agency. We are finally heading in the right direction with the high deductible plans such as Aetna is offering. I bel[Truncated] "* The model for financing could be set up more like auto insurance. In other words, basic auto insurance limits are mandated, yet individuals can get it with their provider of choice. The health insurance industry could also be regulated as t[Truncated]" 21256 6/8/06 9:19 AM NY * Again the best way to do this is through a public single payer system. we saw what happened with Medicare Part D when it operated through the private sector. [Truncated] I agree. If the entire system is a public federally financed system we could provide much better strategies to improve quality. * I participated in the NYC meeting. I'm glad that you met with community groups but would ask that you have the courage to convey our opinions - namely that we have to have a public single payer system. Health care does not fit a market model [Truncated] * The only efficient way to finace health care for all americans is to eliminate the private insurance companies which add much expense and bureacracy to the system but provide no additinal value. We need a single payer system like Medicare.[Truncated] 21268 6/8/06 10:24 AM CT I agree. * You left out that health care is also effectiveness in managing chronic disease. Instead of fully funding and encouraging diabetic programs that manage patients...most programs have been cancelled at hospitals since hospitals make more $ if [Truncated] "* I agree with this......again the free market....for profit at all costs has little to do with providing health care. Health care now is too expensive for most americans. [Truncated]" * Agree in principle. There should be community centers for diabetic treatment. But....concerns that the public- private group be made up of people concerned with medical care and not with preserving profits in their area. No reproductiv[Truncated] "* /waste in adminis is all the redundant and differing paperwork required by all of the different insurance companies and It should all be the same. On bullet #5, add ""disease management""[Truncated]" * Good. Many more facilities are needed to support families that are caring for a terminal patient at home. We need many more hospice care centers.[Truncated] * I am all for #s 1 & 3 & 6 but worry about # 2 of defining Core health care components since I want to ensure that all services deemed necessary by the medical societies......and usually those mandated by state laws be covered. ie no bare bo[Truncated] "* This sounds good but omits the current structural barriers to change. The current free-market system of multiple insurance carriers & hmos, pharmaceutical companies, and newer layers of pharmacy benefit managers make it more and more expensi[Truncated]" 21274 6/8/06 10:40 AM CA "* I do not recommend a National Healthcare System. I would recommend public funding and incentives be offered to private healthcare entities hospitals/physician/ancillary medical orgs/insurance carriers, toward development of workflow efficien[Truncated]" "* I would recommend more emphasis on the individual's commitment and ownership of their own personal health. Poor health habits, overeating, and consuming unhealthy foods and substances need to be first controlled by the individual. I believe[Truncated]" "* For those that are physically and mentally able but perhaps less financially able, I would recommend creating opportunities for them to volunteer in the healthcare system, at any level. This would build the individual's self esteem, increase[Truncated]" 21283 6/8/06 11:09 AM OH * My only comment to all recommendations is that government provided (read: taxpayer financed) health care is contrary to the very basis upon which our country was formed. The best thing the federal government can do is to stay out of our dail[Truncated] 21287 6/8/06 11:28 AM FL "* Agree. Institute appropriate health care records sharing to reduce duplication of efforts, continuity of care and reduce costs. [Truncated]" Wellness and early intervention are the key to long term success. This is particularly true for children. Protection against catastrophic costs would go a long way to ensuring the viability of this approach. * Just fix it and stop talking about fixing it before the whole system implodes. Each of the players in the current system (or non system)has not had the ability or will to set aside their own interests to make this happen. Each of them in the[Truncated] "* The current regulatory environment that envelopes health care is costly and ineffecient, we must cut through this red tape to allow the providers and the consumers to interact more effeciently. [Truncated]" "* Agree, as the current health care financing mechanisms are so convoluted and costly for both providers and consumers ..that we might be able to pay for a significant portion of this effort through simplicfication. [Truncated]" 21294 6/8/06 12:05 PM TX "* I see the proposal as a backdoor entry to a National Health Service, something that exists elsewhere and has fundamental problems regarding the perceptions of the end users that can never be corrected simply because people will not vote for m[Truncated]" * Bureaucracy increases result in increased costs rather than decreases. Universal GUARANTEED healthcare coverage would require a huge bureaucracy.[Truncated] "* People who have no responsibility to directly pay towards anything will perceive those things to be free. Anything ""free"" is often considered to have no cost and therefore no intrinsic value. In other words it would be open to abuse - not nec[Truncated]" * I refer you to the experience of Canada and Great Britain with their burgeoning healthcare costs. It is not a minor adjustment in individual taxes that would be involved. This adjustment would then inevitably extend into the employers wage ne[Truncated] 21301 6/8/06 12:34 PM WA whole-heartedly agree must be done 21307 6/8/06 12:48 PM WI This is already the case- No-one will be refused medical treatment. Hospitals offer financing. "* So drug addicts and alcoholics and people that willingly do harm to themselves, or willingly place themselves in harms way will receive the same coverage, at no cost to them, as someone who actually takes care of themselves? Please stop desi[Truncated]" "* Nobody is... Stop enabling poor behavior. The more ""programs"" for the ""needy"" you create, the more ""needy"" people you create... Make people accountable for their behavior. Entitlement is killing this country.[Truncated]" Where is the plan to enhance wellness and prevention? Already exists--it is called a living will. It again involves a small amount of responsibility and planning. "* Socialized healthcare does not work. Ask Canada. My wife is from England, I hear real horror stories about their national health system and they are much smaller than we are... This is a bad, bad plan.[Truncated]" Where is the demonstration of need? This is a solution to a problem that does not exist. 21317 6/8/06 1:22 PM TN "I work in healthcare, however, I do not see it as a universal ""right""." * Universal coverage would result in less incentive for healthcare improvement. Though the current system is also flawed- at least doctors have financial incentives to improve. [Truncated] Rationing of care at it greatest! "* I am disheartened by the results of this poll. While there is no simple answer to the healthcare crisis in this country, I do not think univeral healthcare is the answer. I think these recommendations sound lofty and idealistic but financial[Truncated]" 21318 6/8/06 1:24 PM NY "* I feel that all Americans have a right to health care, it's a right not a privilege! And this is not just for basic care, I feel that eye, dental, medical divices such as crutches and wheelchairs and hearing aids, emergency care, surgery ever[Truncated]" "* Some treatments are not ""proven"" but do help, I think alternative medicine should be included. And yes it should be a FULL range of services. [Truncated]" "* I think health care should be public, paid for by taxes (with price increases based on pay (ie people at the poverty line shouldn't pay anything, but those making more money should have to pay more))and accessible to EVERY single person. My c[Truncated]" * I feel that health care needs to be public to keep the private drs and insurance companies from charging more and the people who can't afford the private care get worse care. This isn't very fair. Everyone should have equal access to good drs[Truncated] * The currant public programs are a joke. Most of the people I know we low incomes quit working becasue they get better health care that way. But the care they get isn't as complete as private health care. They are denied some treatments and ge[Truncated] "* The public health care that I see would help for end-of-life needs, including assisted suicide to those who are critically ill, and removal of feeding tubes and machines to keep them alive. For those living with an illness they have the right[Truncated]" "* I feel that private health is ruining our country. Big business is raping our people. Greed from health insurance companies and drug companies are preying on our needs. Thsi isn't right. They should be there for us, not trying to make more mo[Truncated]" * I do not feel private health care is the right answer. But I also don't like the idea of the government in complete control. I think medication costs need to be addressed and not be private sector. I worry a little about national health care [Truncated] 21319 6/8/06 1:28 PM NY * The overwhelming reason for the rise i health care costs is the out of control litigation that occurs. Tests are performed that dont need to be done for fear of some attorney asking why they werent done. Other tests are redundant and unnece[Truncated] 21323 6/8/06 1:45 PM TX "* I agree that all Americans should have access to health care, but I do not want it to be through the government, on any level. Every person needs to take care of himself and his family for everything he needs, including food, housing, and he[Truncated]" "* The only way to make sure that each individual gets the health care that he needs is for that individual to provide them for himself. I do not want some government bureaucrat to decide what ""core health care services"" I will have access to; [Truncated]" "* Health care should be a market-run process. The reason that health care costs are so high now is 1) because most health care costs are paid by a third party (i.e. insurance companies), 2) because medicine is much more technology-based than s[Truncated]" This is unconstitutional. Nowhere in the U.S. Constitution does the U.S. Government have the right or power to run such a plan. The government should not be doing this. Nowhere in the Constitution does it give the Fed. Government the right to do this. "Families should be paying for this, not the government (read: taxpayers)." "* The Federal Government does not have the right to run or be involved in such a program. This is nothing short of socialized medicine, which I strongly oppose. I do not want the government to be involved at all in my or my family's health ca[Truncated]" "* I strongly object to this plan of action. This is socialism, which restricts individual freedom. Nowhere in the U.S. Constitution does it give the Federal Government the right or power to run a health care program, or even worse, force its ci[Truncated]" 21328 6/8/06 2:41 PM GA * The Unted States must provide healthcare for all of its' citizens regardless of economic status. People are dying because they do not receive adequate preventative healthcare due to the high costs inherent in our health system.[Truncated] "Health care should include physical, mental and dental health." I agree with recommendation 3. * Impoverished communities have more health problems because of a lack of access to health care. We need to address this problem by helping the people who need it the most first.[Truncated] * Universal healthcare must be a priority for our government. Americans have more health problems than other countries and receive worse care. The time is now to change this huge injustice that exists in this country. We can not continue to [Truncated] * The government wastes money every year on frivolous things. It's time that our country took care of its' citizens. Surely they can cut back on useless spending and provide for the people in this country.[Truncated] 21332 6/8/06 3:03 PM CA "* I am a member of Healthcare for all Californians in Tulare-Kings County. SB 840 provides a comprehensive, high quality health insurance for all Californians. SB 840 is based on the following principles: 1. One health insurance plan (single p[Truncated]" 21333 6/8/06 3:07 PM FL I wholeheartedly agree! "* This is not a bad idea, but it should be administered by physicians and professionals, with only inputs from citizens. Ordinary citizens do not have the requisite background to make those kinds of decisions.[Truncated]" "I agree with this recommendation, but I think it should be limited to legal citizens." I am not familiar with these issues enough to make an educated comment. "* Despite the easy solution this would seem to present, Tricare, medicare, and medicade are flailing with increasing numbers and declining care already. Adding more people to the system is not going to make anything better, only worse.[Truncated]" I am not familiar with these issues enough to make an educated comment. "* Although health care is a large issue, the federal government needs to work through some other big issues such as Social Security and Balancing the Budget before they take on something as huge as implementing a system of National Health care.[Truncated]" "* Financing is a huge issue. Currently the government is deficit spending, as well as facing a huge future budget strain of Social Security. The last thing we need to do is to add another huge government funded project that will take away nee[Truncated]" 21344 6/8/06 4:15 PM KY "* Yes, I am for universal national health care. Everyone should be covered for all medically necessary care including dental, nursing home, drugs, diagnostic, vision, hospital, physician, therapy, etc. All of this is covered in HR 676 which i[Truncated]" * A core of benefits means that there are some benefits that people without a lot of money will not get. We should all get equal benefits--whatever is medically necessary. There should be only one level of benefits for all of us. This is wha[Truncated] "* We need a plan where everything is paid in advance by all of us and there are no out of pocket costs. Such out of pocket costs mean that people do not get needed care. HR 676, single payer, non-profit, health care solves this problem.[Truncated]" "* Under HR 676 we will not need a safety net. The health care insurance will cover us all. We need universal, single payer, national, non-profit, health care--HR 676.[Truncated]" * We must take the profits out of health care. No one should enrich himself on the misery and suffering of others. We need HR 676.[Truncated] "* Until we have health care for all under a single payer universal system, the care of people with advanced conditions will depend on their insurance and resources. We need equality. We need HR 676. We need single payer health care.[Truncated]" * I was unable to answer the questionnaire made available to the public because the wording opposed one kind of necessary care to another and demanded that we choose the most important. All medically necessary care is equally important. We ha[Truncated] "* Yes, there is a financing mechnism that is optimal. In fact we must move to a single payer form of financing in order to be able to cut the administrative costs generated by the private health insurance companies. HR 676 as introduced by Co[Truncated]" 21346 6/8/06 4:23 PM SC * It is impossible to do any thing about quality health care until we take the price of receiving care out of the equation. We cannot hold doctors accountable for care unless the patient has the economic freedom to be seen when the doctor want[Truncated] "* I agree with the definitions described in the core benefits. As an employee of a federally qualified health center network, I would recommend utilization of the FQHC model, which has now come to replace the public health departments.[Truncated]" "* I think that states should be responsible for their own uninsured with federal assistance. A small state like South Carolina with 4.3 million and 600,000-800,000 uninsured should not have to share with Florida or California or Texas where Hou[Truncated]" "* Dartmouth Study: Intermountain is a model for healthcare The study specifically cites Intermountain Healthcare along with the Mayo Clinic, as organizations that provide high quality, highly efficient care. Learn more... The Dartmouth A[Truncated]" * The federal government must use its resources and its knowledge to exert influence on states to get better educated about health care policy and how to impact change. This is a very complex problem and is not a political ideology or political[Truncated] "* Dartmouth Study: Intermountain is a model for healthcare The study specifically cites Intermountain Healthcare along with the Mayo Clinic, as organizations that provide high quality, highly efficient care. Learn more... Dying with dign[Truncated]" "* This is just the tip of the iceberg. 10,000 in 300 million is a small yet valuable sample, but more needs to be done. I believe many of the resources are already in place they just need better allocation. We spent years trying to close milita[Truncated]" * Each according to their ability - Each according to their need! HealthCare is an 80-20 problem. 50% of the population utilze less than 3% of total healthcare resources. 16% of the population utilize 70% of the healthcare resources .The actual[Truncated] 21347 6/8/06 4:26 PM NY "* Basic economics dictates that a commodity, like health care, cannot be dispensed by public policy, unless we plan to convert completely to socialism or fascism. (Yes, I KNOW we already do it - that is part of the problem.)[Truncated]" "* No policy-initiated system can ""protect"" someone from a cost that actually exists - without disastrous effects elsewhere. Granted, many, if not most of the costs in the U.S. health care system are WAY out of whack high, but that is a result [Truncated]" "* You lost me when you said, ""the federal government will lead..."" The government and a widespread, general, misunderstanding of the free market is at the root of why our health care costs are so high.[Truncated]" "* OMG! Cost controls ALWAYS result in shortages. By definition, the federal government cannot develop and implement any kind of strategy ""to improve quality and efficiency while controlling costs across the entire health care system."" Their [Truncated]" "* Why can't a person near the end of life be cared for by, well, you know, their family? Or by charity? If you already know that people are willing to have the money taken by force (taxation) then that automatically means that they would also[Truncated]" "* This sounds like a good objective, in the sense of helping people, but the economics, as usual in our psuedo-socialist-republic, are all out of touch with basic free market forces. This program, in essence, seeks to better allow yet another [Truncated]" "* What does, ""... willing to make additional financial investments in the service of expanding the protection against the costs of illness and the expansion of access to quality care"" mean exactly? Does that mean pay more taxes? Does it mean c[Truncated]" 21348 6/8/06 4:29 PM KY * As a whole: The recommendations of the Citizens' Health Care WorkingGroup is nothing but a biassed and already putrid report that in a concealed and covert way paves the pathway to perpetuate the criminal system of Health Care Delivery that [Truncated] 21354 6/8/06 4:54 PM MD High costs should not be a problem if the core benefit package is sufficiently broad. * These networks of care will be less necessary if there is universal insurance.People will be able to go to any provider. The safety net is for those who are uninsured and those of low income insured but with high out of pocket costs. Money fo[Truncated] * Under an efficient system consumer price information system will not be necessary as prices will be negotiated/regulated and people will be able to go where they want.[Truncated] Agree * If a truely rational and efficient payment system were developed - single payer non profit there would be mechanisms to address and resolve each of these issues; in its absence with 1500 insurance companies none of these objectives are attain[Truncated] * New revenues may not be needed if the system is like Medicare pre part D as the administrative inefficiencies of private insurance will be eliminated. A single payer system is the preferred system from the perspective of efficincy[Truncated] 21356 6/8/06 4:57 PM MD "* Do not confuse health CARE with health insurance. Quite often, health insurance companies work to block people from getting health care, so they will not have to pay for the treatments. The US health care model does not work as well as sing[Truncated]" "* We need a core benefit package which people can access, not one run by for-profit insurance companies who make more money when people do not use services. [Truncated]" "* 1: Congress failed to write a proper Medicare drug bill. They should not allow health insurance and drug companies to set future health policy. 2: We cannot have a private insurance or health care company in charge of a national program. T[Truncated]" "* My mother was hit by a car. The insurance company is refusing to pay more than $15,000 in hospital costs because the hospital billing office submitted the bill in an ""untimely manner"". A for-profit company should NOT run the new health care[Truncated]" "* One huge way to cut health care costs is to eliminate the 25% slice which goes to health insurance companies for administration, overhead, and profits. Compare that with the 3% Medicare spends on admin & paperwork. We can finance health CAR[Truncated]" 21357 6/8/06 5:00 PM NH "* What is meant by ""financial assistance will be available to those who need it""? If everyone participates ""regardless of their [sic] financial resources,"" then what is ""financial assistance"" all about? Health care should be delivered to ever[Truncated]" * I like the idea of appointing an independent group to evaluate effectiveness of medical interventions: model it off of the British NICE agency.[Truncated] "* If we aim to cover all Americans, financial protection should not be restricted to ""low income individuals and families."" Financial protection for this group is especially pertinent right now, but, ultimately, the best system wouldn't have t[Truncated]" "* Yes, more integration, but please emphasize the fact that community networks primarily constitute PRIMARY CARE. Primary care has repeatedly shown to improve the health of populations; the US needs more primary care providers.[Truncated]" "Yes, Medicare and the VA should be models for health care delivery!" Well articulated. "* Again, simplicity should be the guiding aim. It will admittedly take time to transition to simplicity. All children should be universally covered NOW since it's highly cost-effective to cover them. Dissemination of quality information to p[Truncated]" 21364 6/8/06 5:53 PM FL "* I would prefer you keep it simple and say America needs a single-payer national healh care plan, which includes prescriptiion drugs, dental care, rehabilitation, maternity (but not high-tech ""assisted' reproduction), and so on. However, if t[Truncated]" See number 1 above. See number 1 above. I believe the national single payer system should be simple and straight forward. Keep it simple. Keep the goal in mind--single payer. Fine Fine "* Yes, taxes are okay, but why no cut defense spending! actually taxes and out of pocket expennses should be truly 'progressive.'[Truncated]" 21369 6/8/06 7:07 PM CA "* Since we (as a society) have to pay for emergency room services for people who cannot afford insurance, we need to work out a way of funding universal health care. Options that people can buy into independently or through their employers, li[Truncated]" "* look at the ways Canada and England created, implemented and struggled with their health care systems. Learn from their mistakes and create a system that makes America greater by ensuring the health and well being of its residents.[Truncated]" "* Look at TRICARE as an example of how NOT to run a national health care system. Take the good, leave the bad. TRICARE is a nightmare for physicians and patients.[Truncated]" "* We need to take the cost of basic health care which employers already provide and feed that into national health care funding. Payroll taxes, like social security, could also be used. We will save ourselves money in the long run by making s[Truncated]" 21374 6/8/06 7:46 PM IL Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this recommendation. Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this recommendation. Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this recommendation. Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this recommendation. Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this recommendation. Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this recommendation. * Stop examining individual trees and treat the entire forest. A single-payer health care program will meet all of the recommendations and eliminate the redundant administrative expenses in the current fragmented competitive marketplace. Doct[Truncated] Tax funded single-payer comprehensive health care fulfills this financing objective. 21377 6/8/06 7:55 PM AZ "agree with the ""common message""" critically important "20% of Americans use 80% of the health care dollars. We must share the burden and protect those who are ill. " "* Lets identify and address ""vulnerable populations,"" without creating a two-tiered system. Community Health Centers are currently essential, but with a true national health insurance system any patient can present to any provider or hospital.[Truncated]" "Great idea if you take ""private Payers"" out of the mix" "* We currently spend over 16% of our GNP, over $6000 per person on health care. This is almost twice what other nations spend and we still have 45 million uninsured. We don't need incremental change (Clinton tried that), we need Comprehensive[Truncated]" "* This is extremely wishy-washy and not committed to a comprehensive solution. The GAO has stated that their are enough dollars in health care to care for all Americans, if admin spending is decreased. Take a position!! Use health care dolla[Truncated]" 21378 6/8/06 8:18 PM OH "* In no way should we give the American people more reason to be dependent on the government. Our country is great because of the strength of the people, not the size of the government. Given the size of the current national budget deficit, a[Truncated]" "* Pardon me for not being overly trusting of an unelected group of ""experts"" who get to decide how much of other people's money they get to spend.[Truncated]" "* A better way to lower the cost of healthcare would be to cut back on the burdensome federal regulations that hamper the industry. More privatization, not less, is what will lower costs. I strongly advocate tort reform as another method of l[Truncated]" None. There are very few things the government can do more efficiently than its private sector counterpart. "The government has no legitimate business meddling in the way people choose to die, culturally sensitive or not." "* I'm sure this program has only the best of intentions. Unfortunately, the road to socialism (and many other failed political theories) is paved with good intentions. As history and common sense dictate, if you want something to work, throw [Truncated]" "* No! First, many of those you heard from who were willing to make ""additional financial investments"" were mostly likely those who stood to gain the most- low to middle income earners. A quick glance at our graduated tax brackets show that th[Truncated]" 21380 6/8/06 8:25 PM NJ * This and all your reccomdations at this point are nothing but apple pie anx motherhood. It appears that once again we are unable to separate the two fundamental issues; coverage for all and the cost of care. Before we proceed to universal cov[Truncated] 21381 6/8/06 8:45 PM SC "* I agree completely. Our health care system is broken and needs a fix. It is unfair for uninsured people to pay more for medical care than the insured pay. Any other group would be sued for discrimination, but that is the way it is. My hus[Truncated]" * I agree with this recommendation. Care should definitely include mental and dental as well as physical. Everyone should have the necessities available. [Truncated] "* I agree. If my husband and I did not have good incomes, it would impoverish us. We can't retire until we qualify for medicare. I know many people who are working only for their health insurance coverage.[Truncated]" "* This part of the implementation will be the most difficult. Heal care professionals, the general public, and the politicians should all take part in working out a network. Unfortunately, anything in which national politics is involved becom[Truncated]" "* I am afraid that Medicare and Medicaid are full of fraud and waste. Somehooow these programs need to be used, but monitored. People taking illegal advantage of them should be prosecuted.[Truncated]" "* A good portion of our health care dollar is spent during the last year of a persons life. Rather than adding to the quality of life, they tend to cause pain and prolong death. Education is part of the answer. People need to come to terms w[Truncated]" * Individuals can not be responsible for their own health care. They have no clout. Companies like GM are having trouble meeting their obligations to their employees and retirees. The government is the only entity with the resources to deal [Truncated] "* I think that everyone should pay based on age and certain health problems, for instance I would charge more for those who smoke, drink too much, and are fat. These are things that people can control. The government should pick up the tab fo[Truncated]" 21382 6/8/06 8:46 PM WA "* As a practicing physician, I think the best way to ensure comprehensive benefits for all is a single-payer system, with everyone included, not just need-based.[Truncated]" "* Currently, many diabetics don't have regular clinic visits covered (or only a limited amount), yet preventable or delayable problems resulting in dialysis and amputations are readily covered. The focus should be prevention.[Truncated]" Please see rec. 1. "These are very important and underfunded, especially for preventative care." "Those federally-funded systems have low administrative costs, unlike for-profit systems. Single payer!" * This field of medicine needs to be supported and developed as our baby boomers age. This country needs a discussion about end of life care and how to die with dignity. A lot of money is spent on marginally beneficial procedures for those wh[Truncated] "* Medicare, Medicaid and the VA have far less overhead than HMOs and large insurance companies. That money saved alone could cover everyone.[Truncated]" 21383 6/8/06 8:47 PM NY "This is a good recommendation, in general." I am especially glad that mental and dental health are included. This is extremely important. Sounds okay to me. Sounds good to me. Sounds good to me. "* I think that a government which is watched over by an active press element, as in the USA, can do a much better job than private for-profit companies will. The hard part will be convincing a congress which is paid for by corporate funding to [Truncated]" "* The federal government should completely take over financing health care. Completely eliminate health insurance companies, and the profit that they make. By removing the private profit, the total cost will be less. The profit motive, in this [Truncated]" 21385 6/8/06 9:21 PM NY "* All people living in the United States should have the healthcare that they need, not just a set of core health care services and not just financial assistance. [Truncated]" "Everybody must have excellent healthcare coverage -- not just ""core benefits.""" * We don't want to continue to pay into a system that doles out money to private interests to cover all Americans. We want a single payer system that removes the excess baggage of third party payers. [Truncated] "* Nice to have more community centers, but they should not take the place of comprehensive healthcare for every single person. Perhaps community networks could have programs to guage the amount of pollution and other death-dealing chemicals. [Truncated]" * We don't need any more programs such as the Bush Prescription Drug plan using Medicare as the funder but not allowing people to bypass the profit-making system. We want Medicare for All.[Truncated] "* We don't need any private payers. We want single payer. Yes, training for health professionals and support services to assist individuals and families.[Truncated]" "* We don't need multiple financing sources. In fact, the cost of maintaining multiple financing sources costs way to much money and makes it impossible for us to have healthcare for everybody. We need a single financing system such as Medicar[Truncated]" 21391 6/8/06 10:37 PM WI Absolutely agree! Care should be taken that the insurance industry does not co-opt this. I agree totally. "* Care should be taken in the mental health field around the use of the term ""evidence based"". There isn't enough good research out there regarding what works, and it is important not to confine good practice to techniques that are easily meas[Truncated]" Yes! I think there should be a think tank formed to find creative ways to finance this. 21393 6/8/06 10:44 PM FL * We will save money in the end if everyone has access to basic health care. I am a RN Geriatric Care Manager and have seen time and time again people develop horrible expensive problems because of the financial burden of seeking basic health [Truncated] I agree with every single word--you are preaching to the choir!! * Definitely--the insurance companies should encourage this because it will relieve them of finiancial responsibility for 100% insuring the very sick population.[Truncated] There is a tremendous need for this. "* Care must be completely standardized before this can work. Policies, procedures and practices must be identical throughout the country. Need to focus on eliminating unnecessary levels in the process and ferreting and eliminating fraud. Med[Truncated]" This is happening in a small way under Medicare and most private insurances--it is wonderful!! Thank you for doing this and allowing this forum. * We need to take the burden off employers and share it among everyone. This approach will encourage viability of small businesses who cannot shoulder health benefits and as I said previously will save us money as a society by preventing many [Truncated] 21395 6/8/06 10:48 PM MA "* (A) Your financing recommendations fail to address the most salient, most important, and most easily solvable contributor to the recent explosion in health care costs in America. Over the past 30 years, the SUPPLY of new medical graduates in[Truncated]" 21397 6/8/06 11:38 PM CA Make it simple: MEDICARE FOR ALL! "* A ""core"" benefits package is NOT ENOUGH. ALL healthcare services should be covered. We need comprehensive and complete coverage through MEDICARE FOR ALL![Truncated]" MEDICARE FOR ALL! "These are not necessary if EVERYONE is covered under a comprehensive, single-payer system such as MEDICARE FOR ALL!" * All of these are possible with comprehensive coverage and central record-keeping and evidence-based formularies that would be available with MEDICARE FOR ALL![Truncated] "Provied comprehensive coverage, including these services through MEDICARE FOR ALL!" "* Private health insurance plans that skim off unnecessary funds for 'administrative costs' SHOULD BE ELIMINATED. We need to go to a universal, single-payer plan as has EVERY OTHER INDUSTRIALIZED NATION IN THE WORLD. Making money from someone e[Truncated]" One thing would guarantee all of the above: MEDICARE FOR ALL! 21399 6/9/06 12:51 AM CA "* At present, most private health care is financed by businesses paying for health insurance. Any single-payer system would have to be funded largely by taxes on businesses to keep the cash flow approximately where it is now and cause the leas[Truncated]" 21400 6/9/06 1:13 AM IN "* We are the last developed, industrialized country not to offer a system of national health insurance to every citizen. Are Americans less worthy of health care than Frenchmen and Australians? The imperative is even greater when fighting [Truncated]" "* The Blue Cross health plan for management at USX in 2000 was quite good, if not perfectly comprehensive for dental and other care, and I commend it as an example. Thanks to the large pool of people covered, the COBRA price of insurance was[Truncated]" "* Again, I would recommend that private firms who administer health insurance programs to the Federal Government be required to offer similar coverage at similar prices as a condition of their contracts. [Truncated]" " For the love of the God(s) of your choice, please do not let Homeland Security administer it!" "* The Federal government should require that any health insurers with contracts to insure federal employees offer the same coverage to all Americans at the same price, as is currently done by private industry through COBRA. Private companies w[Truncated]" 21403 6/9/06 4:41 AM TX I Recommend that we abolish all insurance Let the free markets truely be free All of these recommendations STINK Think about a world with NO insurance (big hint for the stupid people : THE COST OF EVERYTHING WILL GO WAAAAAYYYYY DOWNNNNN) OUTLAW INSURANCE and we will have most of our problems solved I AM RARELY WRONG ABOUT ANYTHING so take this SERIOUSLY imagine if the items behind the pharmacy counter were priced to sell like the items in the STORE (like aspirin and vitamins). I recommend that we especially abolish health insurance 21411 6/9/06 7:04 AM OH "* I think it's a great idea. However, you are still going to see the rich get a better quality of health care. Even if it comes across the board, physcians are going to give better care to the ""suit"" then to a person in a t-shirt and jeans.[Truncated]" * I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 15 years. I have worked in nursing homes the majority of the time. There needs to be a limit on foolish tests and interventions for terminal patients. An 86 year old woman does not need to be gett[Truncated] "* I am in full agreement here. But I also know that the rich are going to get better health care than the poor. I have seen it numerous times, the poor may get health care provided but it is a lesser quality than the rich. Example, boy broke[Truncated]" "* Employers keep employees at part time status so they do not quality for employers health insurance coverage. I went to family services to file paper work for the medical card and was told by the receptionist; ""you aren't going to get it if y[Truncated]" "* Like I said before, doctors in my area (Findlay, Ohio - 45 miles south of Toledo, Ohio) will not accept medicare, medicaid payments. The community health clinic is overbooked and the emergency room personal shove pieces of paper at you to go[Truncated]" "* Having experiance as a nurse for 15 years and a nurses aide 10 prior to that, the problem comes up with people accepting that they are going to die (or a family member is going to die). Here lies part of the problem, doing tests and treatmen[Truncated]" "* The irony for me is that I am a nurse and have no health insurance, and haven't for three years. I have left the nursing profession as I can not work for the health care industry as it is no longer about the patient, it's all about the botto[Truncated]" * I am in favor of paying for health care by any of these means. I also would be in favor of paying for health care the same as car insurance is handled. As long as the cost is managable. I was termed from a job in 2003 and have been without[Truncated] 21412 6/9/06 7:32 AM PA "* I didn't see two -- seemingly simple -- ideas that can be implemented almost immediately without cost. 1) Remove the 18 month limit from COBRA coverage. The former employee still pays the cost plus an administrative fee, but gets access to th[Truncated]" 21413 6/9/06 8:08 AM GA "* Just a quick response. I will try to fill out full comments later. I am a physician,and I think it is deplorable that our country does not have a basic coverage for all Americans. Our country is too wealthy to not create some program. Thanks [Truncated]" 21416 6/9/06 8:35 AM GA "* I agree. As an md I see noninsured, poor delaying there health maintenance do to initial costs. This typically results in high cost complication or advanced disease.[Truncated]" "* Certainly, our country is very focused on episodic,illness created care. We have to focus more on preventative care and personal responsibilty. Hypertension and diabetes are huge in our area of South GEorgia. Affecting this would have big pay[Truncated]" I agree I'll finish later. * I would agree to some increase equitable tax to help finance this. Right now I provide a substantial amount of free or very low cost care for my patients. Seamless and smooth is pie in the sky. You need to be realistic![Truncated] 21418 6/9/06 8:43 AM GA "* As an employed citizen and a tax payer, I already have access to available health care. ""Regardless of their financial resources"" sounds like to me a socialistic system that will pay for health care to those who choose to live off of other p[Truncated]" "* It seems as if I would be paying for everyone to have ""core"" benefits and then when I need more specialized care I am on my own.[Truncated]" I thought we had medicare and medicaid that gave basic healthcare to low income individuals and families? "* I think that this will hurt the quality of healthcare in the US. It sounds like a SOCIALISTIC system! I've lived in Italy and was unfortunatly thrust into their system and it was horrible! This is America, where we offer opportunity, not h[Truncated]" "* I've also, unfortunatly been exposed to the medical system offered by the US military (TRICARE and the Veterans' Health Administration). Their doctors are undertrained, underpaid and do not care about the individual patients. They know that[Truncated]" * I don't have a problem with this. Those who are unable to work or have an incurable disease that is ending their life should be comfortable.[Truncated] "* I do not, under any circumstances, support these measures. This is America. If you work hard you will reap the benefits. Right now, our healthcare dollars are stretched because we are providing free services to those who have no healthcare[Truncated]" "* Again, I do not want to have ""shared responsibility"" for other people's medical costs. By pulling more funding from business or payroll taxes you will be allowing those who actually work to pay for those who choose not to work.[Truncated]" 21421 6/9/06 9:46 AM MI "people should not die, as they have, because they don't have enough money to pay for health care" "* I support a universal access single payor system with NO private market involvement. It should be funded by taxes, easily done by diverting the money now paid to health insurers. The companies can make their profits by contracting for admin[Truncated]" 21424 6/9/06 9:56 AM FL I agree whole heartedly! This is essential. "Agree. It is important that things such as vision, hearing, etc. not be over looked or excluded." "* NO ONE, regardless of fiscal position at the on-set of very high out-of-pocket costs, should ever be impoverished by those high health care costs. In particular, family members should not be left in dire financial straits due to the high cos[Truncated]" "* It is important that all levels of the community be involved in overseeing and managing the health care system. It can not be only government, or only medical practioners or administrators. It requires both of those plus private citizens. [Truncated]" * Preventive care can minimize costs of major illnesses through early detection. Annual physicals should then screen thouroughly to catch such potentially serious conditions without conducting many minimum value tests or procedures. The proce[Truncated] * Consider inviting participation from various loca religious organizations (notwithstanding separation of church and state - THIS SHOULD NOT BE SOLELY A STATE ACTIVITY)[Truncated] "* We have needed universal health care for a long time. It is a sad commentary that Mrs. Clinton's efforts got caught up in the politics of the time. While I didn't agree with the thrust of her plan, the focus on the issue was lost for reason[Truncated]" "* Again, an excellent outline. Effort should be expended to involve those major companies already paying for health care for their employees to join in and contribute at the same level they currently do for their employees. Then all other ind[Truncated]" 21428 6/9/06 10:13 AM TX * Core health care services encourages a two tier system. This is not what was expressed by those participating in this exercise.[Truncated] * I'm not sure why preventive services are even mentioned here. I have yet to find one insurance company or federal/state program that actually covers preventive services. Core benefits limit those with average and lower incomes from receivi[Truncated] "* Protection against ""very high health care costs"" represents the use of high-deductibles and catastrophic coverage. This is a policy supported by the administration. In contrast, the majority consensus of the citizen-participants is that the [Truncated]" "* Creating additional levels of administration will not resolve the health care crisis. It does not gather information from those providing the services to create a clearer picture of what does and doesn't work to address health care cost, util[Truncated]" "* Consumer-usable information about health care services that includes information on prices, cost-sharing, quality and efficiency, and benefits forces average income Americans to chose which health care they will receive at the price of not t[Truncated]" "* One, it is doubtful that this can ever be achieved with consensus. Two, providers are reembursed less and less at the same time required to increase documentation, and therefore leaving very little time for patient centered care and improved[Truncated]" "* Again, this message does not reflect the intent of those participating in this exercise. Substantial funding can be achieved through not providing exorbitant tax breaks for the top 1% of the wealthiest Americans. The middle class can not co[Truncated]" 21430 6/9/06 10:31 AM OR "* This is not rocket science! Right NOW today, enact and make law, Rep. John Conyer's House Healthcare Bill!!! It is easy to implement, WILL work, Will cover ALL American Citizens, DOES NOT require huge fiscal changes and grandiose plans!!!!! R[Truncated]" 21432 6/9/06 10:57 AM WA "* Core health care services? That language is very ambiguous. It should be replaced with language calling for all medically necessary care, including hospitalization, aftercare, office visits, mental health coverage, prescription drugs, and ot[Truncated]" "* Emphasis must be placed on the opinions of medical care providers. They are the medical care experts. Insurance carriers, elected officials, and corporate executives may be good at what they do, but few if any people would seek them out for[Truncated]" "* ""Very high out-of-pocket medical costs"" is a nebulous phrase. ""Very high"" depends on income levels. $5000 may not be ""very high"" to some, while to others it could mean 25% of an annual spendable income. HR 676 contains a fair maechanism f[Truncated]" "* Such bureaucracy! A single health care card for all services given to every person would assure equal access to everyone. In addition, billions of dollars would be saved on administrative costs and could instead to used to help fund a natio[Truncated]" "* Cautionary red flags should be flying over parts of this section. Cost-sharing? Pricing? There should be NO deductibles or copayments! Fair reimbursement levels for providers should be set along the lines of ""UCR"" (usual, customary and reas[Truncated]" Under HR 676 these kinds of issues are resolved. "* Clearly, our nation is experiencing a health care crisis. With about 46 million people having no insurance and twice that amount uninsured for part of each year, the crisis is, to put it quite frankly, a moral failing of a nation that calls[Truncated]" "* The statement ""no specific health care financing mechanism is optimal"" ignores a pending piece of legislation that provides an optimal financing mechanism. It is HR 676, the Conyers' ""United States National Health Insurance Act"".[Truncated]" 21441 6/9/06 12:34 PM WA "* ""a set of core health care services"" worries me...does not suggest a ""comprehensive benefit"" which is what people really want. ""Core services"" suggests some sort of basic service...not a comprehensive service ""sufficient to provide access to[Truncated]" "* Remember...keep it simple. PLEASE>>>do not repeat the fiasco of Medicare Part D, with its complicated, confusing, and very expensive benefit (which puts no regulations on the cost of medications!) The costs to the industry in administering th[Truncated]" "* If you opt for high-deductible benefits...you are, again, completely missing the point. Benefits should be the same for everyone, regardless of income. Should not be income based...that is a ticket to a two-tiered system of care with the lo[Truncated]" * I give up...such a waste of government money spent on all these studies and investigative commissions...instead of in relief directly to the consumer. Single payer. Study what others have done that works for them.[Truncated] "* You seem to believe there will be a need, still, to serve ""underinsured populations"". When you got feedback that indicated a desire for a system that covered ""everyone""...I think they meant everyone covered the same. Not that some would be [Truncated]" Already addressed in our current system. "* Keep it simple and direct. Collect taxes, disburse payments. Cover everyone the same. Stay out of the medical decision making, just handle the money. Regulate pharmaceutical/medical supply companies, allow reasonable, but not excessive prof[Truncated]" "* Why don't you just bite the bullet and admit that a single payer system is the best way to do this? It certainly is most optimal. How long are we going to let the health insurance industry hold Americans hostage to their profit priorities, [Truncated]" 21445 6/9/06 12:50 PM WA * It is too costly to disagree. We see that now with the rising costs and the rising number of uninsured. What we need is to eliminate the profit driven market of healthcare so that everyone can be part of the solution. Healthcare is not a c[Truncated] "This is the right direction. Dental and vision are part of health. Sight is not a luxury, nor is a mouth free of pain." We need government intervention in this area. "* Yes. This will help cut down on the expenses of larger facilities like hospitals, but we have to ensure that low-income clinics can rpovide the same quality care as other facilities.[Truncated]" WE NEED A SINGLE PAYER SYSTEM that does not pit medicare against medicaid against the VA. YES "* I would like to see some of the funding come from the organizations that have profitted from the vulnerabilities of illness. Also, other countries pay less for healthcare because they have eliminated the excess administration and marketing[Truncated]" 21446 6/9/06 12:59 PM CO "* I wholeheartedly support this fundamental position, but for improved political ""saleability,"" I would add this to the opening sentence: "", which represent a minimum level representative of America's core values concerning the humane treatment[Truncated]" "* Expand this to include the mechanics,which I recommend mirror those used in the ""Base Closings Act."" Politicians (Congress and the President) should receive these core benefits, then vote them up or down, with no amendments possible. If the[Truncated]" "Coverage for ""core benefits"" only, right?" "* NO! Let the independent commission handle this. The ""politicians"" and government administrators can establish guidelines, but they'll make a mess of actual implementation.[Truncated]" Use an independent commission for implementation. "* Once a person reaches a certain stage of deteriorated health (as defined by an independent, politically-free commission), all care is government paid.[Truncated]" Outstanding work!! I'll stay closely tuned and ensure my government representatives support this valuable project. "* We need to add something about personal accountability, which is different than ""shared responsibility."" The financing system must include ""penalties"" of some sort for people who demonstrate irresponsibility. These penalties must also recog[Truncated]" 21448 6/9/06 1:29 PM KY "* Health care for some individuals are duplicated many times over..Ex. At work business pays for workers comp,but I also pay for regular health insurance....If you drive a car you have to have insurance that you also have to PIP (personal injur[Truncated]" "* Look at France...WHO rates France as number one in health care....Our system cannot work as it is now organized and structured with the drug companies, insurance companies and physician and health care organizations controlling the system....[Truncated]" "* Again, enough money is spent by those that can afford it, plus insurance costs like workers comp, long term care, PIP in auto insurance,cancer and special policies to pay for coverage for everyone.[Truncated]" "* Again, we can't change until you get control on what health care providers make and the insurance they have to pay to practice..Doctors in France make about 150,000 a year!!!!There are one third of the worlds attornys located in the United St[Truncated]" "* Prevention is the main tool that must be addressed.......Lifestyles have to change...WE can make a difference...Smoking has gone down..Increase tax on tobacco products, alcohol and fast food, other luxery items related to health....Give incen[Truncated]" "* Again, look at how much is paid to insurance companies for cancer policies, long term care policies and all other duplicative health insurance policies....It is so simple, someone has to see this..I've worked in the health care field for 25 y[Truncated]" "* We can't expect the goverment to supplement the health care system, insurance companies, medical providers, drug companies and other fortune 500 companies that benefit from the sick and dying.We have to look at this mess and simply start over[Truncated]" * The workers comp that is paid by employers could help cove health insurance....But then the insurance industry would lobby to keep all the duplication policies....Plus count the manpower to process all the claims..all the forms to determine i[Truncated] 21449 6/9/06 1:33 PM WA "What is this nonsense about ""core"" health care services? We said COMPREHENSIVE!!" "* Again, What do you mean by ""Core?"" You had better not mean ""basic."" ""Core"" would seem a term selected by those preparing this report which suggests that only basic services should be covered by a universal program, and that, by inference,[Truncated]" "* If America is to have a national health insurance program it will have to be, of necessity, PUBLICLY run and financed. Leaving the option of a private program will condemn such a project to failure. Private = half assed. [Truncated]" "* Rather than ensuring that every individual has comprehensive health care coverage, the administration supports the expansion of community health centers to serve low-income individuals, especially those who are uninsured. Although community h[Truncated]" * This statement is all fine and well but in the end it nothing more than an endorsement for the status quo if no reference to establishing a single payer insurance program is made. [Truncated] "* This statement supports the consumer-directed health care movement, the current market diversion from the need to focus on a comprehensive system of health care INSURANCE COVERAGE.[Truncated]" "* The report does call for financial protection for low-income individuals, but out-of-pocket health care expenses now threaten average-income Americans. Protection against ""very high health care costs"" is a call for high-deductible, catastroph[Truncated]" "* What do you mean by, ""The transition from the current system to a system that includes all Americans will take time??"" Incrementalism was not discussed in the move to a single payer system. A year is all it takes to implement it. [Truncated]" 21451 6/9/06 2:01 PM VA "* Core benefits does not mean catastrophic coverage or high deductible insurance. It is a poor choice of words. Benefits should be ""sufficiently comprehensive"" to include all evidence based care that improves health and relieves suffering. T[Truncated]" Agree! "* This fails to recognize the good data which shows that even middle income people omit needed care when there is a copay. While I support patient responsibility in maintaining health, I found the data which supports lowering the barriers to ca[Truncated]" "* This is tantamount to endorsing two tier care. While I have been a physician in a community healthcare center and certainly support their work, the adoption of universal coverage for all Americans will obviate the need to create these center[Truncated]" * The quality improvement movement in healthcare is already doing this through orgainizations such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the IOM. The VA is a model for this. Howerver the vast majority of care is still deivered in the[Truncated] * Longterm care at home and in institutions and hospice care must be included as a spectrum of services available and covered. We must stop bankrupting families in order to qualify them for Medicaid to care for a patient who can not be cared fo[Truncated] "I support Medicare For All, publically funded, privately delivered healthcare that has proven its worth and its low overhead." * It is important to correct the first paragraph. There is already enough public money in the system to cover all Americans for comprehensive care at almost double the amount spent per person in the Canadian system. Our refusal to recognize an[Truncated] 21454 6/9/06 2:15 PM AZ * Health insurance needs to be removed from being employer based. It should be purchased by individuals in much the same way as other mandatory insurances (such as auto liability) and regulated by a government insurance commission board to make[Truncated] 21460 6/9/06 3:21 PM NM * This is a fundamental value that demonstrates our caring for each other as a fully developed country. We are fall shamelessly short of caring for the health of all our citizens when compared to other developed countries. [Truncated] "* I believe that there are existing sources of revenue that can be redirected to be more efficient and effective. We all pay into County indigent funds through those taxes, insurance premiums for medical care in cases of auto accidents, liabil[Truncated]" 21463 6/9/06 3:31 PM WA "* 6/9/06 Here is my comment. People who know and have worked with me over the years see me as honest, highly-intelligent, self-motivated and a very realistic person. So from there, I will say something that none of you want to hear: Why is [Truncated]" See #1 above! See #1 above! See #1 above See #1 above! See #1 above! Yep. See #1 above. See above! 21469 6/9/06 3:55 PM TX "* I agree. With the current administration, where are you going to come up with the funds to pay for this? Let's put prevention first and put some funding towards teaching every K-12 student the value of sound nutrition and exercise, provide [Truncated]" "* Here again, prevention is much cheaper than treatment. The major foci of prevention are healthy lifestyles and healthy environments. Teaching everyone what a nutritious diet consists of AND making it possible to attain those foods, making p[Truncated]" "Yes, and make the corporate giants who expend billions of dollars to the CEOs in bonuses pay for it." "* Put prevention in to practice. Health is NOT equated by health care. Teach all people how to be healthy, make it possible to do so, and provide safety nets and rewards for those who do. The public has been fooled into believing (with priv[Truncated]" Put prevention in to practice. Good luck getting the AMA and JCAOH to support that. "* Please seriously consider that prevention is cheaper and more broad-based than treatment. Don't make this another band-aid. We have to change policies to change the American attitude from a sedentary, gas-addicted, pill popping population t[Truncated]" "* Remember, that the most affected by lack of health care are children and the working poor. Expecting them to share the burden is rather onerous and short-sighted. Let's take some of the Homeland security funding or reduce our military outlay[Truncated]" 21471 6/9/06 3:56 PM MD "* I agree with the recommendation. Everyone should participate, everyone should pay a fair share. We all pay for health care one way or another. Lack of coverage results in the people with the least resources (in money and/or information) to[Truncated]" * This is going to be the hardest part. We all want everything. Yet it needs to be done. Let's remember to look at the long term benefits of treatments. Let's not restrict Basic to a bean-counters defiition of Essential. It may cost some m[Truncated] I agree. Its the definition of insurance. I don't know enough to comment. I don't know enough to comment. I agree. "* We should all pay into the system based on our ability to contribute, i.e. our income. We should all get comparable, high quality benefits. A unified system should also reduce the paperwork and thus the bureacracy and cost.[Truncated]" 21476 6/9/06 4:34 PM CA * Single-payer is the only way to provide adequate healthcare to everybody. Single-payer would render issues of financial assistance moot.[Truncated] "* The concept of a ""core"" benefit package is fundamentally flawed because it suggests that substantial areas of care will not be guaranteed to all. Everyone deserves to have a single standard of quality care.[Truncated]" Single-payer financing would guarantee protection against very high costs. "It is untrue that ""No specific health care financing mechanism is optimal."" Single-payer financing is optimal." 21479 6/9/06 4:47 PM CA * I strongly support this recommendation. The establishment of a true national health system is key to the continued viability and vitality of the country. [Truncated] I think you need to add Specialty Care to the definition to make sure that access to specialty care is sustained. "* I support this concept. However, this system must be removed from the health insurance industry and made a national program. Running a national health care model through the insurance industry still leaves large amounts of money in paper push[Truncated]" Strongly support this concept Support this recommendation "Very important recommendation, strongly support" * Strongly agree. There are huge savings to be had in health care throught the simplification and consolidation of payer streams as well as the reduction of unnecessary redundant paper work.[Truncated] 21480 6/9/06 4:49 PM MD This is a fundamental principle for all civilized societies. * The U.S. can afford to provide everyone with high quality and comprehensive health services. There is no need to distinguish between core benefits and high cost benefits.[Truncated] * The U.S. can afford to provide everyone with high quality and comprehensive health services. There is no need to distinguish between core benefits and high cost; thus there is no need to create any special programs to protect individuals fro[Truncated] "* Indigent people do not need a separate ""health care safety net."" Vulnerable individuals, such as people experiencing homelessness or with significant mental illness, need enriched services (outreach, case management, mobile treatment). Thes[Truncated]" "* There is no need for separate, publicly-funded health care systems. The balkanization of health care financing and delivery merely creates excess costs and inefficiencies.[Truncated]" * The evidence is clear: a single payer financing system is the most efficient method of distributing health care costs. Both the GAO and CBO have concluded that every American could have high quality health care without the need to allocate i[Truncated] * Health care should be financed solely through progressive taxes (individual and corporate). The U.S. already spends enough on health care to provide comprehensive services to everyone. The impediments are administrative much higher than tho[Truncated] 21482 6/9/06 5:01 PM KY "* The core health services referenced should be delivered as a component of a national health plan funded through a payroll tax similar to Medicare and Social Security. Beyond the basic set of benefits, individuals should be free to purchase a[Truncated]" "* The core health services referenced should be delivered as a component of a national health plan funded through a payroll tax similar to Medicare and Social Security. Beyond the basic set of benefits, individuals should be free to purchase a[Truncated]" 21487 6/9/06 5:50 PM NM * This has to be the bedrock principle for health care reform. An all inclusive system to attain the best health possible for all citizens is essential for the welfare and security of the nation. It must be recognized and accepted as both a pri[Truncated] "* Another bed rock principle. We do have the means to determine what care is effective, available, and now the decision to be made is how much of it it is affordable by all. [Truncated]" This is just a reststement of reccomendations 1 ans 2. * A sound ambition that can only be accomplished if the finnacing mechanism of all health care is integrated and the thrust of the entire health care effort is to maximize the efficiency of the health support institution.[Truncated] A corolary or restatement of previous recommendations. "* A desirable goal that will always remain elusive if we are at the same time pursuing efforts to promote multiculturalism. I am afraid that the best we will come up with will be a new definition for ""The American Way of Death"" that will reflec[Truncated]" "* The mechanism for financing health care can not allow for ""winners"" and ""loosers"". This is the one area of our lives where we must insist on the constitutional guarantee of equal treatment. The present system of tax-advantaged financing will [Truncated]" 21493 6/9/06 6:16 PM CA You do not mention pregnancy/GYN coverage and this is a normal part of life for a woman. Absolutely! and no doughnut hole coverage like in Medicare Rx program. "* Whew! That is a real challenge, but maybe a good beginning part. I question how it will be possible to get that advisory group together so taht it is fair and balanced. IF appointed by the current administration they would all be rich or wo[Truncated]" "* Costs are the real problem. However if you meshed the listed federally funded programs listed above all together as one Department, there should be a truly significant savings in the bureaucracy which means cost reduction in the long run. If[Truncated]" "* If adequate coverage were available for all Americans, perhaps businesses could stop offering health insurance as a benefit. That would help them be more profitable and stimulate the economy. OR Maybe I'm being naive.[Truncated]" This is an absolute necessity. Too many people do not have this access. 21495 6/9/06 6:25 PM FL "* We have a bifurcated system where federal, state and local government employees enjoy comprehensive health care at not available to the ""run of the mill"" citizen, whose cost is excessive for less services. Level the playing field so that gov[Truncated]" "* Be sure to include hearing and vision care! Widen the circle to include schools, as in physical and nutritional education, as well as quality school lunches. This will only work if you keep the high paid lobbyist groups out of the room and [Truncated]" * How are you going to protect the rapidly disappearing middle class from loosing everything in a health care crisis. It is not the low income family that needs protection -- they do receive servics and are not asked to pay. It's the person w[Truncated] "* Again, many counties have services for those who do not have health insurance. What will this plan do for those of us who pay out of our own pockets and simply cannot afford the twice yearly increases in premiums, averaging 25-45% each incre[Truncated]" * Require drug stores to provide costs prior to filling prescriptions. Maintain a web page so people can see how much mark-up (excessive profit) is going to drug manufacturers and drug stores on drugs. Do the same for lab tests. Stop doctors[Truncated] "* Every study done shows that providing home services, including long-term care, is less expensive than nursing homes or assited living facilities. This shoud be a practice for those living with a disease as well as dying.[Truncated]" "* Eliminate the special benefits for federal, state, and local government employees. Require all individuals to take some responsibility for their own health and health care. Reward those who try to do so; not all services should come without[Truncated]" * Reduce graft and excessive profits to save toward health care for all. The mark-up for goods and services has reached beyond greed. It's time for the government to negotiate and limit mark-ups for drugs and services to a reasonable level. [Truncated] 21496 6/9/06 6:26 PM AR "* Health care is basically the combination of public health and medical care. The general public has an expectation, a right if you will, of basic levels of public health—clean water, clean air, sanitary sewage, inspected meats and foods, et[Truncated]" "* Coverage should encompass medically necessary, comprehensive care, including emergency care, acute care, prescription drugs, early detection and screening, preventive care, care for chronic conditions, and end-of-life care. Patient education[Truncated]" * Provide basic coverage for all. Wealthy people are aways going to be able to afford more and better of everything. No big deal. But no one in the U.S should be asked to chose between health care or food. Catastrophic coverage is required.[Truncated] "This is OK, but put some metrics and timelines on it. If we can't see measurable improvements, change it or kill it." "This is OK, but put some metrics and timelines on it. If we can't see measurable improvements, change it or kill it." * Palliative care is cheaper and more humane than unnecessary procedures for the dying that are designed more to relieve guilt on the living than restoring health to the dying. We may have to force Americans to recognize that dying is not opti[Truncated] "* No where on your web site did I see any reference to the non-partisan National Coalition on Health Care and specifically their 2004 report Building a Better Health Care System, available at http://www.nchc.org/materials/studies/reform.pdf or [Truncated]" 21497 6/9/06 6:32 PM NY "* I agree; however, to do this will require that health care professionals (eg. Certified Nurse Practitioners) must be delegated responsibility to provide a large portion of the core health care services. No longer should the physician be excl[Truncated]" "* Health promotion and prevention of illness/disease are NOT currently being addressed by the average health care provider. For example, let's do some research on elderly populations in an effort to keep larger groups of people independent lat[Truncated]" I agree. "* Sounds good; however, these groups, units, and community based health centers should be overseen by those who know the community health networks the best and have done the research. For example, Visiting Nurse Services and Schools of Nursing.[Truncated]" "I agree. Reduction of fraud and waste should have prioroty before pouring new monies into old, out-dated patterns of care." Absolutely! "* Clearly, physicians have a role to play in making health care work; however, they are limited by the medical model and it is time that we acknowledged other health care providers, for example, nurse practitioners, for their roles in providing[Truncated]" "* I agree. A new financing mechanism must take into account the horrible waste of health care dollars that currently exists. For example, patients with cancer,in end of life stage, in many cases are still being given chemotherapy when Hospice[Truncated]" 21502 6/9/06 7:52 PM MI "* every person living in the U.S. should have access to health care. this is most likely to be paid for via taxes, and yes, the more wealthy should pay more. it could be a govt program, though that does worry me since the govt isn't likely to[Truncated]" "* make sure you define ""expert consensus"" carefully...one of the biggest wastes of health dollars is ""maternity care"" -- we pay surgical specialists to do what a midwife can do better for a whole lot less. So...don't listen to the AMA when they[Truncated]" "* if we did a really good job of preventative care, this wouldn't be a big issue. But yes, someone shouldn't be penalized because they get a catastrophic injury or disease.[Truncated]" "the idea that the federal govt could be efficient is rather humorous...but hey, go for it?" * cut out the employer stuff. the options should be basically universal coverage (either govt or single comp. insurance) or pay through the nose for services as they are rendered. NO PRIVATE INSURANCE.[Truncated] 21505 6/9/06 8:40 PM CO "* Our health care system costs an enormous amount and is much less successful than most European systems for two reasons: 1. we are willing to pay enormous salaries for a large number of health care plans each of whom's exectutives ""need"" milli[Truncated]" Health benefits also need to include hearing and eye care. Get rid of managed care and this will be easy! * Medicaid and Tricare provide care for much less than managed care companies and there does not seem to be a substantial difference in the quality of care. We need to move to a single payer system.[Truncated] The doctor and patient still know best. the evidence based process should be guide lines only. I agree * If we do not remove the high administrative and profit motives from health care we will never suceed! Single payer and regulated pharmacy is the only way to go.[Truncated] * 1. Eliminate all managed care companies and go to a single payer system that is either not for profit or limited to 6% profit and 6% administrative cost. This alone will allow us to save enough to give all citizens health care.[Truncated] 21506 6/9/06 8:50 PM CA "I agree, but feel that a cost-benefit analysis should enter into this. Keeping" "* The detailing of 'core' vs. 'high-cost' benefits will be key in a national system. Personally, I believe it is common sense and simple social justice for everyone to have access to cost-effective treatments. For example, children should get [Truncated]" "* I like the idea. What fraction of the healthcare budget would this cost? I do have certain reservations, as might be surmised from my comments on recommendation #2. In my ideal world, individuals can still choose to purchase health care wh[Truncated]" "* I'm not hundred-percent sure what this is advocating. I agree the national program should pick up low-income/un/underinsured. I agree with bullet 1&2.[Truncated]" "* I generally agree with this recommendation. However, I would be a little worried. A move to electronic records introduces new dangers from hackers. it's a lot harder for someone to go into a hospital and change someone drug allergy than i[Truncated]" I agree. "* I would like a requirement that prices at a hospital be equal. I note everytime I submit a bill to insurance, when it comes back... the charges have changed. Some charges are declared void by the insurance company (one was an intrinisic p[Truncated]" "It seems rather vague. Yes, taxes can be increased to pay for healthcare if necessary." 21509 6/9/06 9:57 PM WI I agree with this statement. Health should also include eye health. Advisory group should be public only. Federally funded programs mentioned above would not be needed if national health care was provided to everyone. Insurance should come from the government and be financed by payroll taxes. 21511 6/9/06 10:07 PM UT "* There needs to be a core benefit package for all, which takes into account cost. Extremely expensive hospital procedures should not be paid for by the taxpayer. People could buy private insurance for this.[Truncated]" Absolutely agree. People should not be impoverished by the high cost of necessary health care. "* Expensive hospital care for the end of life should not be paid for by the taxpayer. People could buy private insurance for this. But the taxpayer should pay for palliative care, hospice care , and other less expensive treatments during [Truncated]" "* I am very concerned about the cost (taxes) of universal care. Most people can pay for all of their own care, except for the extremely high cost of hospitalization. If people pay their own care, they would use less care (which saves money[Truncated]" "* People should pay all of their own medical bills, out of pocket, except for hospital bills. There should be some kind of universal coverage for hospitalization for a core package of benefits. If people had to pay most of their own bills [Truncated]" 21512 6/9/06 10:31 PM OH Everyone should have access to the same health care services regardless of their financial means. "* Everyone should have the same coverage for ""normal"" health care needs. Health coverage should not be limited to ""catastrophic"" illnesses.[Truncated]" * Everyone should have access to the same high quality health care. Relegating poor people to community health centers is injustice.[Truncated] * Let hospitals negotiate their prices with the government agency that would pay them for their services from tax revenues. Sick people should not have to worry about comparison shopping.[Truncated] "* America needs equal health care for all, paid for by taxes. Every other industrialized nation is able to do this. Our present system is deeply immoral.[Truncated]" "Health care should be financed by taxes, just like national defense." 21514 6/9/06 11:27 PM RI "* ""Core health care services"" should include the full spectrum of health services including all primary care so as not to exclude anyone.[Truncated]" "* When I participated in this forum there was loud consensus that all people should be treated to equal health services regardless of economic class. ""Financial protection"" for low income folks or protection against very high health care costs[Truncated]" "Everyone should have a choice of any provider, a tiered system should be avoided." * There is an optimal financing system: progressive taxes. Do away with the waste of for profit health insurance and drug companies.[Truncated] 21515 6/9/06 11:31 PM MI I totally agree with this statement. It is becoming only possible for the wealthy to afford care. Mental health is such a left out of the loop problem. Absolutely!!! * Community based health care leaves a lot to be desired because usually that means closing down in patien facilities and only offering stop gap measures for care. Families are left without resources and wind up asking the police to do what th[Truncated] * Cutting down on paperwork in medical records would definitely cut costs with safety nets for mistakes in information plugged into system.[Truncated] I totally agree. * I also would e 3wwilling to some higher costs to make it possible for all americans to have adequate health care. In particular in the area of mental health the system is totally broken. Many health insurances for family members after 19 do[Truncated] 21516 6/9/06 11:39 PM MO "* Every American should receive adequate health care without jeopardizing the individual’s or family’s financial security. Adequate health care should be a right of being an American, just like freedom of religion. This means that nothing g[Truncated]" "* I feel that in addition to adequate care of illness, or accident, that preventative care is so important to achieving and maintaining good health. So the health care system should put great emphasis and incentive on Americans putting their en[Truncated]" * This has to be fundamental to the system. People must be protected against huge out-of-pocket costs that could put burdens on family budgets or lead to financial ruin. I believe that people should contribute greater amounts to the system base[Truncated] This only makes sense to help fulfill the promise of high quality health care for all Americans. "* I believe that it is possible to provide high quality health care for all Americans and do affordably for all. After all, we saved the entire earth in World War II from a very dark fate, and we landed men on the moon. We can do what is right [Truncated]" "* I believe these will be great elements of the system. I have witnessed first-hand the benefits of Hospice care. All Americans in need should have adequate resources for these types of care. After all, we are talking about quality of life here[Truncated]" "* The fight needs to continue for as long as it takes, until the recommendations put forth in this document are the way health care works in America. [Truncated]" * Financing this health care system could be done in many ways. What it should not do is put any additional burdens on middle or lower income Americans.[Truncated] 21527 6/10/06 9:48 AM WI "* The biggest problem is the insurance companies no longer make healthcare companies compete. They just simple sign some B.S. agreement on whatever discounts the Healthcare provider will give them, and pass any additional costs on to the consum[Truncated]" Sounds like Socializm to me! This plan is just asking to be abused. More Socialism Yet even more socialism This says everything short of planting trackers in everyone for thier own good. "* The government has shown itself to be unreliable, and incapable of handling a range of issues. Haven't we learned anything from Canada's Healthcare Program? It's not the government's job to provide, or involve itself in any aspect of it's cit[Truncated]" "* This is not going to solve anything, it is mearly hiding the cost of what will (in the long run) be a more expensive healthcare system. The government pays $500.00 for a toilet seat, I would hate to see how much a physical would cost under th[Truncated]" 21529 6/10/06 10:26 AM IL "* Correction: Your statement should read: All Americans will have access to the full range of medically necessary services. Comment: The only efficient and fair way to provide such access is through a single payer universal coverage system. [Truncated]" "* No ""core"" benefit package can include all of the services that are medically necessary to everyone. All medically necessary services should be provided to everyone who needs them.[Truncated]" * Dividing people by income level and providing different financiing mechanisms for different groups is administratively wasteful. A single payer universal system takes this administative cost and uses the money for health care.[Truncated] "There should be no uninsured people. Community health networks are essential, but not a substitute for universal coverage." "* Quality of care and efficiency are best promoted under a single system. EMR's developed independently in multiple systems are often incompatible with each other and thus wasteful and useless, since patients can't always stay in one system. M[Truncated]" "* Only a single payer universal access system can provide what people say they want. All of the other otpions will inevitably fail at this, and they will waste an awful lot of money in the process as well as resulting in excess deaths and morbi[Truncated]" "* Correction: Enough money is now being spent on health care to provide coverage for everyone. We need only stop paying for wasteful administrative processes. Correction: a single payer universal coverage system is the optimal one.[Truncated]" 21531 6/10/06 10:54 AM OR * YES! NOW! TODAY! ENACT REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL! MAKE IT HAPPEN NOW TODAY! AMERICANS NEED NATIONAL HEALTHCARE TODAY NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 2012!!!!![Truncated] * REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL COVERS ALL ASPECTS OF COVERAGE!!!! ENACT REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL NOW!!!! TODAY!!!!![Truncated] THIS IS ADDRESSED IN REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL!!!! ENACT REP. JOHN CONYER'S BILL NOW!!!!!!! * ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE COVERED UNDER REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE BILL FOR AMERICAN HEALTHCARE!!!!!! ENACT REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE BILL NOW TODAY!!!!!![Truncated] ENACT REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL NOW TODAY!!!!!!! * ALL OF THIS IS COVERED IN REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL!!!! YOU HAVE BUT TO MAKE REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE BILL FOR AMERICAN HEALTHCARE INTO LAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![Truncated] * ENACT INTO LAW REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL FOR ALL AMERICANS!!!!!! AMERICANS NEED NATIONAL HEALTHCARE NOW AND REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE BILL FOR AMERICAN HEALTHCARE WILL PROVIDE IT!!!!! [Truncated] * THIS STATEMENT IS FALSE! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HOUSE HEALTHCARE BILL CAN BE ENACTED RIGHT NOW!!! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HEALTHCARE BILL BEFORE THE HOUSE ANSWERS ALL OF THE FUNDING QUESTIONS!!!!! AMERICANS NEED NATIONAL HEALTHCARE NOW!!!! NOT ONE YEA[Truncated] 21532 6/10/06 11:13 AM WA * All I care about is health care coverage for all - the private sector can administer it - as long as the health care professionals remain the decision makers. The US should be ashamed that we do not have universal coverage for all - no means [Truncated] 21533 6/10/06 11:32 AM CO * Implicit in this the statement is the correct assumption that only a single payer system can fulfill these criteria. No other system can or the rest of the world would be using it (and would have been for the last 50 years).[Truncated] "* This is rationing. Call it what it is. The central authority must have the power to ration. The above is only one way, but is way too early to decide how. The central authority must have the power and flexibility to decide rationing and chang[Truncated]" * Only a public program will work. Everyone should have the same financial protection. EVERYONE! Any other concept is not fair. Healthcare is now probably the most expensive thing a person buys during their lifetime. To make some pay for it whi[Truncated] "* Rubbish. Incremental reform is continuing self-delusion. Good grief! Quit fooling around and get on with planning a national system. I suspect we will have to amend the constitution specifically to set the framework for such a system, and we [Truncated]" * Nonsense. The costs involved for providers implicit in reporting are prohibitive. It won't work. Furthermore controlling costs by decreasing payments will not work much longer. Controlling costs can only be done by a single payer in terms of [Truncated] * More nonsense. The costs involved are prohibitive. All other issues (described above) are irrelevant until we figure out how to control costs - that's right - single payer system.[Truncated] * My opinion is self evident. It is based on 27 years in the medical profession. The toughest part of all of this will be rationing. Only a constitutional amendment will give a central authority to power to ration and control costs. There is no[Truncated] "* Only a centrally organiized, tax funded, single payer system is feasible. The rest of the world has already figured that out. Why can't we ""get It"" ? Are we collectively really that stupid (or perhaps it is just fear)?[Truncated]" 21535 6/10/06 12:08 PM UT "* Core benefits should NOT include dental or routine vision care. It should NOT include counseling, or yearly physicals. It should NOT cover prescription drugs. Core benefits should cover the hospital bill for child birth, and effective[Truncated]" Absolutely agree. "* People with advanced incurable conditions should NOT be able to choose expensive hospital procedures at taxpayer expense. They can pay for this privately, or with insurance, or from their estate. But the taxpayer should not be footing the[Truncated]" "* People should be able to choose to pay their own medical bills themselves, rather than be forced to buy insurance or being taxed for this. People can generally pay their own dental, vision, and clinic visits out-of-pocket, because this isn'[Truncated]" "* People should be allowed to pay for their own medical bills out-of-pocket, rather than being taxed or forced to buy insurance. Taxing and insurance adds a ""middle man"" which increases cost. People should be able to choose to pay all of t[Truncated]" 21537 6/10/06 12:26 PM IA * This seems rather extravagant in an environment where we are having trouble competing in the world market. It would seem that different people have different needs at different points of life. I agree that people who need financial help to [Truncated] "* This is very dangerous. When this has been tried in the states they end up with a package nobody can afford. Insurance should protect people from unexpected financial consequences, not the predictable everyday expenses. You don't get car i[Truncated]" "* Private plans can and do provide this catastrophic protection at affordable prices. Employers have added on all the stuff that is prepaid health care. People should be required to have this type of catastrophic coverage, with subsidies for [Truncated]" * The govt should provide incentives for providers and communities to do this on their own. The govt will just muck it up like they do all other programs and it will end up costing us a fortune. Just get rid of wasteful rules and provide ince[Truncated] "* Again, the best way to do this is through private programs. However, if this isn't going to happen then yes these govt run programs should get with the times and increase efficiency in the provider community. Using price controls like today[Truncated]" * This should be done instead of the wasteful expenses at end of life we have today. Other countries don't waste money like we do on this. Providing lower prices alternatives makes a lot of sense.[Truncated] "* The current mix of govt programs, employer based programs, and all the mess they have gotten us into is embarrassing. Instead of band-aiding the current system we need to get to a system where each person is responsible for their own health [Truncated]" * We have the most wasteful health delivery system in the world. The providers of care need to streamline their systems to reduce their costs in half. We have way more specialists and hospital facilities than we need in most cities. This cau[Truncated] 21540 6/10/06 1:07 PM NJ * There should be no question about this recommendation. What is our morale center if we deprive people simply because they do not have enough money?[Truncated] No one should have to be wiped out by astronomically soaring costs. Other countries manage quite well. Why can't we? * Centralizing a healthcare system would have many cost saving benefits -- and not a system like the current miasma of Rx drug coverage that is impossible for the average person to navigate which any degree of competence.[Truncated] 21548 6/10/06 6:08 PM CA I agree 100% "* I support a government-funded plan which will include ALL residents of this country. Expand medicare. Eliminate administrative waste and high profits of the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. [Truncated]" I agree 100% 21556 6/11/06 10:52 AM CA 2012 is too far away for this. We need these changes NOW! "* Prenatal, Birth and Postpartum services, rendered by midwives in all practice arenas is important to be reimbursed by federal funds. All licensed healthcare providers need to be reimbursed for services, including licensed midwives, certified [Truncated]" "* ABSOLUTELY AGREE. all women, regardless of socio-economic status, need to have access to comprehensive prenatal, birth and postpartum care, need to have access to full-scope midwifery care, and alternative health care modalities.[Truncated]" Licensed and certified midwives belong in an advisary group nationally. The military budget is inflated and could well afford to finance adequate health care for all. 21557 6/11/06 12:11 PM IN * I have been in the healthcare system for nine years in Indiana and at least 85% of the people have Medicaid anyway so what would be the difference. I already pay taxes for them. I am talking about the healthy adult people who recieve medica[Truncated] "* A discount on doctor visits, hopital stays and medication etc. Like the states get for the medicaid. We need to help the people instead of the Doc's raising there charge. I'm not saying that we shouldn't pay at all for our services but one [Truncated]" "* Well people with a true disablity should not have to pay high not have to pay as much as a able working person on healthcare costs. But we need to put DISABILTY in a catagory of home bound, or some one who physically or mentally cannot work.[Truncated]" "* There should be a standard healthcare network, but the people should be able to buy more at there expense at a cheaper rate if they choose. No insurance company should be able to benefit from the standard network. Or should Pharmacutical co[Truncated]" * I agree with improving quality of care and teaching people of there health condition. But if a person is not being compliant with there healthcare time and time again should be pentalized on there federally-funded programs.[Truncated] Each individual desearves support of end-of-life service. "* I'm already paying taxes for medicaid,medicare and insurance premiums. How about making a cap on specialist charges for office calls. They recieve hundreds of dollars for 15 min. office call. Rediculous!!! The rich keep getting richer an[Truncated]" 21566 6/11/06 6:13 PM CO I agree "* Core benefits in medical/surgical, prescriptions and dental care have already been pretty much defined by all major insurance companies. However, this basic coverage should not include viagra(or similar), birth control, fertility, assisted su[Truncated]" "* See #1 above and add: Insurance companies should provide supplemental plan options, similar to their current practice, which cover a broad spectrum of graduated costs for customer add-ons, i.e., dental crowns, etc. Insurance companies should [Truncated]" "* The federal government should only be involved as a policy framer, but should then allow the states to design what best fits their citizens, and NOT try to micro-manage anything. The ""federales"" created our current tax system! 'Nuff Said!'[Truncated]" I agree See # 4 & 5. No federal micro-management. "* Regarding ""immediate protection for the most vulnerable"" - every working stiff and retiree IS ALREADY most vulnerable. We can't wait until 2012.[Truncated]" "* Taking a tack from corporate America, citizens should be self-funded through tax dollars for the first ($25,000?) of healthcare, with a MANDATORY purchase of supplemental coverage from either: Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. [Truncated]" 21568 6/11/06 8:16 PM FL Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I realize that additional revenue will be necessary to support these recommendations. So be it. Do what it takes to provide reasonable health care to all american residents. 21569 6/11/06 8:29 PM CA No quarrel here. "* I would like to see ""consumers"" replace ""patients"" in the make-up of the ""group"" to make recommendations, and I would like that ""group"" given standing and resources to advocate for its recommendations, as the ""9/11 Commission"" was able to do;[Truncated]" This is the reason for my comment on recommendation 1. "* The Feds ""will""? How are ya gonna make 'em? At least, they ""ought to"". Here is something for your advocacy. You introduce here the concept of the ""safety net"". There is said to be one now, but it is a shambles. That is one reason why [Truncated]" "* C'mon, fellas. The Veterans Healthcare Administration is chronically underfunded because the administration won't recognize the nature and magnitude of its responsibility here. Likewise, Medicaid. Still, it's a good generality. Also g[Truncated]" "* I would like to see something about non-end-of-life palliative care. The most visible aspect here is pain management, including appropriate medication, including the use of marijuana. That ""something"" needs at a minimum to include - 1) elim[Truncated]" "* One area is ignored here: While you advocate making more people able to receive more services and supplies, you say nothing about creating people, equipment and supplies and facilities to provide them, and placing them where they are needed [Truncated]" "* The third paragraph raises two questions. First, I would have thought that ""catastrophic...expenditures"" and the ""impoverishment"" problem would have been considered in constructing the core services inventory. Second, I am surprised that yo[Truncated]" 21570 6/11/06 9:10 PM ME "* I agree absolutely. This would ultimately reduce helth care costs, improve health across the board, and make our world safer and more secure.[Truncated]" "* Mental health services across a spectrum of disorders and relationship challenges are a crucial aspect of health care. This means parity, as I understand it. It includes treatment for conflicts, tensions, and dysfunctions in families of all[Truncated]" Essential policy. "* Good plan. This needs to integrate private practitioners, who often can provide the best and most responsive care at the lowest total costs.[Truncated]" Same as 4. Yes. * In the long run universal coverage would decrease costs across the board but in the meantime it would be well worth some increase in taxes to meet this goal. I do believe in graduated income taxes.[Truncated] 21571 6/11/06 10:45 PM FL "* I endorse this recommendation wholeheartedly. The way to go about it is single payer universal health care because it not only would cover everyone, but would save vast amounts of money. [Truncated]" "Yes, and the best way to achieve this admirable goal is through single payer universal health care." Medicare for all would achieve this goal. "* These are all excellent recommendations. Single payer universal health care (Medicare for all) would achieve all of these goals. Great job. Now we'll see if Congress and the President pay attention. [Truncated]" "* Well put. But it should be emphasized that the vast savings that single payer would generate would more than pay for its implementation. It would means a reallocation of expenses, but the total expended would be decreased.[Truncated]" 21581 6/12/06 10:35 AM MA I agree with this recommendation Health care that encompasses preventive services needs to include complementary and alternative modalities. I agree with this I agree with this. I agree with this I agree "* All midwives in all settings should be paid by any new national health care system. All licensed health care practitioners be eligible for reimbursement with this new system. [Truncated]" I agree 21583 6/12/06 10:46 AM OH "* You probably mean ""end-of-life"" not ""end-of-live"" in first bullet point. In general, we need to start thinking about dying not an an event (last days...) but as a process on a continuum of life that starts most often with diagnosis of a ch[Truncated]" 21584 6/12/06 11:08 AM NH "* Americans should have a health care system where everyone participates, regardless of their financial resources or health status, with benefits that are sufficiently comprehensive to provide access to appropriate, high-quality care without en[Truncated]" "* End-of-life services need to be coordinated through a single system, so that the incentives will be toward a coordinated compassionate approach instead of having each program doing as little as possible and hoping the next will be able to tak[Truncated]" * I am so pleased that this group has given citizen users of the system a chance to provide input. Please regard what we've said with serious attention![Truncated] * Universal coverage through a patchwork of private and broad programs is not a success. Universal coverage should mean that we all receive our broad basic health care through a single coordinated system.[Truncated] 21585 6/12/06 11:09 AM FL Excellent. This is where it all starts. Affordable health care must become a guaranteed right. "Yes, this must be the basis for the plan." "Yes, this must be a component. No one should be bankrupted because they need medical care." Very important. * House bill 676 might be a good starting point. Financing is a must. We need to examine all of our revenue generating systems and put together a package that works. The recent cuts in taxes as a way of hindering government have been very detr[Truncated] 21592 6/12/06 1:00 PM MI "* The best way to provide these core services is through a Medicare for all policy such as that offered in a bill intrduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. John Conyers (MI), H.R. 676, The National Health Insurance Program Act.[Truncated]" 21593 6/12/06 1:13 PM IN "* I agree with this comment, I can not afford health care because I have asthma and have been on medication my whole life. I run the risk of getting really sick and not being able to afford the hospital bill. [Truncated]" I believe that all Americans should have health coverage and it is the responsiblity of the government to ensure this. 21602 6/12/06 2:01 PM CA Excellent recommendation - exactly what this country needs. It is fair and will make us competitive again in the world market. "Very important, I agree." I agree. I agree. "Very important, again I agree completely." "Great, has been long needed." "* I believe strongly in this, trillions of dollars are currently spent in a mish mash of ways on health care with no good outcomes.[Truncated]" 21609 6/12/06 2:49 PM OR "* This is better than the system we have now; however, I have always supported a program like the Oregon Health Plan where the plan is paid for out of taxes and all Americans have free basic no-frills health care with reasonable premiums for th[Truncated]" * I would like to see no health insurance companies or drug companies on this committee. They are part of the continuing problem here in this country. People from health fields and citizens from all income levels and interests should be part [Truncated] "* With true universal health care, daily medical needs will be taken care of which may help preclude the need for expensive medical costs. Prevention will be the key here.[Truncated]" * I agree with these concepts. I would ask that members of the advising group have a background check that includes how they have handled any involvement in health care up to this point. No need to let the fox into the henhouse.[Truncated] Looks good as long as the people working on this are ethically up to the challenge. Support quality end-of-life care. * It's about time this became a serious subject in our country. Progressives have been advocating this since the 80's. Now is the time to do something about it.[Truncated] * Allow me to be progressive and say that any health-related company making gross profits can certainly be expected to kick in some of those profits to aid all Americans in their health care needs. And if citizens are not paying ultra high ins[Truncated] 21610 6/12/06 2:53 PM OH I agree. I agree. I agree. "* There are other private and publicly funded health centers other than Federally Qualified Health centers, but increased support for FQHCs is needed.[Truncated]" "* The need for Prevention is understated in Recommendation #5. Prevention will ultimately save much more than treatment, but only a fraction of the health care dollar is spent on prevention. The local public health department system is the be[Truncated]" * This is also an important area for cost saving. Too much is being spent prolonging life functions without regard to improving the quality of life. Prolonging conditions where longterm improvement is unlikely and quality of life is questionab[Truncated] Not at this time. I agree. 21614 6/12/06 3:37 PM FL "* In the process of defining the ""core"" benefit packages for all Americans, I trust the indivdual ""State Plans"" (e.g., Florida Medicaid State Plan) will be a primary source of infomation. It would be a shame to have separate set of core benefi[Truncated]" 21615 6/12/06 3:42 PM ID * First all people who are in the US have access to high quaility health care already. All they have to do is show up at the hospital. Many hospitals have gone out of business because many are taking advantage of this option and not paying fo[Truncated] "* Part of my response is in financing the plan. Primary health care should be paid for my the patient. Wellness exams can include the ones suggested by the national instutite of health, with the doctor and the patient deciding on what the pat[Truncated]" "* Here again, you confuse the difference between health care and health insurance. Everyone has access to health care, not everyone choses to have health insurance. If there are protections for people who have financial challanges, then the i[Truncated]" "* Most of this recommendation does not make sense. If we are trying to set up a system to care for the poor or those who are really sick, we already have a system, it is called Medicare and Medicaid. The plans costs billions each year and pro[Truncated]" "* If the government controlls the amount doctors can earn, where will you get the new doctors? Today many of the doctors who are approaching graudation will not earn enough money to pay off the loans they have aquired with the money they are p[Truncated]" * I agree that patients should be involved in making the decisions about what care they will receive. Provisions should be made to withhold legal action against a health care provider if they follow the wishes of the individual who is sick tha[Truncated] "* As I have gone through the questions, there is no doubt that the intent of the group was to put together as many reasons as possible to promote a national health care single payer plan. We have problems with our health care system, there is [Truncated]" * Nearly every country who has decided to provide universal health insurance and raise taxes to cover the cost have resulted in at at least three negatives: 1) Taxes become prohibitive. It is not unusual for the tax rates to be 60-80% of incom[Truncated] 21621 6/12/06 4:24 PM NY "I would add ""evidence-based"" to last sentence" Members should have demonstrated their interest and experience in this task as a condition of their appointment. Great * I would think it important to say something about why this IS important including any evidence that this produces better outcomes.[Truncated] "* But a lot of this is already happening in private sector - why throw that away? And federal government is already doing a lot through CMS, VA DOD etc. as well as grants to private sector. [Truncated]" On target. * I would think that it would be important to stress that we should seek ways to reduce adminsitrative costs so that the highest percent possible of health care dollars go to direct provision of care and services.[Truncated] 21623 6/12/06 5:11 PM OR "I agree with recommendation #1 " "* This sounds like the Oregon Health Plan of the 1990's. When it was adequately funded and allowed to operate as designed (limiting benefits rather than eligibility) it worked very well. I assume you are speaking of a single core benefit f[Truncated]" "* High deductible ""insurance"" plans do reduce utilization by patients who have not met their deductible, but care is reduced non-selectively. Patients avoid seeking care in general, including needed care under financial pressure. Please consi[Truncated]" "* What exactly do you mean by ""safety net""? Providing support for vulnerable populations is a desireable goal, but you must not ignore the efffect of the ""high end"" part of the health care system. High cost, high tech, concentrated resourc[Truncated]" "* The health care system should look more like a public utility than an entrepreneurial arena. You have made reference to a ""unit with specific responsibility"" for the safety net. This idea needs expansion. Could you specify some accountab[Truncated]" "* This is an admirable goal. Patients cought up in the sweep of a medical crisis lose all control for at least a big part of the time. [Truncated]" "* (You may have received another copy of my comments a few minutes ago.) I sense a reluctance to comment about private insurance, which is a major stakeholder. Public comments reflect hopelessness about influencing so large an industrial power[Truncated]" "* What do you intend to be the role of private insurance under the improved system? I believe the present private insurance model, with many competing companies and a bewildering array of plan options does not serve us well. Specific problems [Truncated]" 21624 6/12/06 5:48 PM OR "* How to Pay for National Health Insurance (with Co-existing Public and Private Systems) To resolve conflicting arguments of opponents and proponents for national health insurance, why not let both Public and Private systems exist. Those tha[Truncated]" 21625 6/12/06 5:54 PM GA "* Many agree that a cost effective yet culturally sensitive solution to palliative care and end-of-life services is an amiable goal. To reach this goal, proactive care planning must be made at an early age and continually developed depending on[Truncated]" 21627 6/12/06 6:21 PM TX * This should not even be a question. I agree 100% that all Americans should have affordable health care. Why does it have to take 6 years?[Truncated] "* This is extremely important. Americans do not trust the politicians to do this. It must be completely transparent and user-friendly. The science on this needs to be objective not political. [Truncated]" * No one in America would be impoverished by health care costs if the health care system were to be a not-for-profit organization. [Truncated] These orgainizations should not operate under top-heavy government control that will defeat the purpose. Efficiency is a must--the system needs to work efficiently and not be burdened by excessive red tape and bureaucracy. "* At the community level, the cost of this type of service may be too high. Some communities have less ability to collect revenue while serving more Americans who need this type of service.[Truncated]" * Maybe we should take look at the Canadian system. They spend less than the United States on health care yet their citizens are healthier than we are. They also have more affordable prices for prescription drugs which Americans are not allo[Truncated] * Our taxes would be very well spent on health insurance. It is about time that the people of this country all benefit from the great resources at our disposal. The cost of prescription drugs needs to be competative so that price-gouging will e[Truncated] 21631 6/12/06 7:48 PM TX "* This is absolutely essential to a healthy society, and to an equitable society. No one should have to go without health care or medicine because they are poor (or not quite rich); personally, I favor SINGLE PAYER similar to Medicare, though [Truncated]" "* Agree. Health care must include mental health and dental services. Lack of care in these two areas inevitably leads to higher direct medical expenses. While I generally believe that medicine must be evidence-based, there are a few areas[Truncated]" * Agree with each of these. Catastrophic protection should be on a sliding scale according to income. A catastrophe for someone earning 30K is a much small dollar amount than for someone with an income of 150K and investment assets.[Truncated] "* Agree in principle with ech of these, though I don't know which Department or Agency can be trusted to do this right. I don't think it is a proper role for Health and Human Services. Perhaps a Congressionally mandated organization not subje[Truncated]" "* Agree, except that I am very suspicious of ""electronic medical records."" There is no way to insure patient privacy once these are in wide use.[Truncated]" "* I think there are presently very serious problems with overzealous chemotherapy and ""salvage"" therapy in the elderly and those with inherently terminal disease. Hospice like organizations and facilities must be expanded. Doing so would redu[Truncated]" "* My son works for an employer who provides no medical insurance. His salary is not quite sufficient for him to buy his own. I purchased insurance for him, but it has a huge deductable, does not cover his pre-existing condition (which is a se[Truncated]" "* Agree. Again, I favor SINGLE PAYER similar to Medicare, though I do find the Massachussetts approach interesting. Employers (company size above some minimal amount, e.g., 7 employees) should be required to pay not less than 5% of payroll in[Truncated]" 21635 6/12/06 11:38 PM CO "* I reject the idea of only ""core health care services"" will be universal. All medically appropriate and necessary care should be covered for everyone. A single tier where all of us have the same coverage-- not a tered system that only cover[Truncated]" "* I reject the idea of ""core benefits."" Every other wealthy nation has comprehensive health insurance for every single one of their citizens, and they pay half of the cost that we do for health care. WE can afford comprehensive benefits for a[Truncated]" * I reject this idea. Two million Americans are bankrupted each year by health care costs and most of them HAD health insurance when they were struck with the illness that bankrupted them. High deductible health insurance is like NO insuranc[Truncated] * I reject this idea. We need comprehensive health insurance and comprehensive health care for ALL Americans. Every other wealthy nation has comprehensive health care for all of their citizens.[Truncated] "* By far the best way to achieve this goal is to switch to a single-payer system. It is by far the best at reducing fraud, reducing waste, and improving efficiency. I reject the idea that the free-market approach of ""smarter"" health care shop[Truncated]" BEst way to handle this is universal comprehensive insurance: single-payer. "I am a physician, and I am a former president of a health care organization." "* A specific funding mechanism is optimal by far compared to any other idea discussed. What the great majority of Americans want including me is the only financing strategy that encompasses principles of fairness, efficiency, and shared respon[Truncated]" 21637 6/12/06 11:52 PM CO "We need universal comprehensive health insurance-- not just a ""core"" of benefits." "We need comprehensive health insurance-- not a ""core benefit." We need single-payer We need single-payer single-payer is by far the best way to approach all of these issues- not what you are recommending We need single-payer "* The testimony from citizens at your hearings overwhelmingly supported single-payer as the best model for our health care system. What you are proposing is to keep our broken and inefficient multipayer, mainly profit-driven system intact. It [Truncated]" there is a specific health care financing mechanism that is optimal: Single-payer is by far the best and only solution. 21644 6/13/06 4:01 AM IN * One of the biggest issues that I see is the problem with Prescription drug costs for the elderly who cannot work due to health issues and yet do not qualify for disability. The amount of prescriptions for this age group alone are enormous and[Truncated] 21645 6/13/06 7:19 AM MI * The federal government should have nothing to do with health care. This should be reserved to the states if desired. I do not need another tax and the wasteful overhead of another federal organization.[Truncated] 21650 6/13/06 9:59 AM MD I agree. "very good," excelent ok very good good "* when Its all said and done,the government is gonna have to come down, on the medical fields,about cost.if that does not work,then nothing good will come out of it.It will be up hill all the way.[Truncated]" "* seamless,smoth transition just copy canadas system, Its a great start.I was told, an american asked a canadian, how do you like the health care system here, he said I don,t, but I sure don,t want what you have.[Truncated]" 21651 6/13/06 10:53 AM IL * Most certainly since most have worked and paid taxes most of their lives. Americans born here should be considered first and foremost and anyone not contributing should not be considered. I know the elderly are having to choose between food[Truncated] I agree absolutely I am adamantly against paying the health care cost of immigrants I agree "I see it often, we need to have more access to hospice and comfort care for all" 21652 6/13/06 10:55 AM NY "* Perhaps the best way to accomplish this swiftly and efficiently is for Congress to Pass H.R. 676 proposed by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. in 2003. It proposes expanding Medicare to cover all Americans.[Truncated]" A private program will be subject to corruption. "* The profit currently being made by HMOs and health insurance companies should be eliminated. To profit at the expense of another human being's health is unethical, immoral and should be illegal.[Truncated]" 21658 6/13/06 11:05 AM OR ENACT INTO TO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS ENACT INTO LAW RIGHT NOW! REP. JOHN CONYER'S HR BILL 676 HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS 21659 6/13/06 11:07 AM KY * No. Because this has never worked and never will work -- think Medicaid and Medicare and the other social programs that are supposed to address this problem.[Truncated] "* Do you really think this group could be non-partisan? Do you think it could identify what was essential? Do you think the members of this group would be in touch -- personally, financially or socially -- with the people who really need health[Truncated]" * Define very high out-of-pocket medical costs. I hear complaints if someone has to pay $15 for a prescription for tonsilitis -- a prescription they more than likely will not need refilled. And don't most of the low-income people already fall u[Truncated] Excuse me. I have to go have hysterics over this one. Okay. Twenty-five minutes later and I still can't stop sniggering. "* Reduction of fraud and waste in administration and clinical practice definitely would help, especially the fraud part. The local hospital has one or two doctors on staff who routinely stop by every patient's room in the morning (whether or no[Truncated]" "* I think hospice is already doing a great job, from the very, very good things I hear from people whose families have used hospice services. Everyone I know who has had hospice to take care of a dying family member have nothing but good things[Truncated]" "* I think, before anyone even starts considering a national health-care system, that there should be a very, very intense look at the policies that are in place and use by insurance companies. And don't let any senators or congressmen who have [Truncated]" "* This will not work with major corporations, because they'll make sure they increase the deductibles on their health insurance policies already in place so their premiums will be lower. It will be very difficult to have enough financial resour[Truncated]" 21660 6/13/06 11:11 AM OR "* I don't quite know where to put these comments so I will place them here in the additional comments area. I was a public school teacher for 40 years and headed up a program for the senior class in my high school for volunteering in the commu[Truncated]" 21663 6/13/06 11:19 AM FL "* What is ""affordable""? I would prefer to see recommendation #1 read: ""All Americans will have access to a set of core health care services."" This is exactly as you state in your first sentence. Please take the idea of cost and/or payment ou[Truncated]" "Rather nicely done, good work." "* ""No one in America...."" is an interesting phrase. The opening in recommendation #1 is ""All Americans..."" The two phrases are problematic. Are we talking about ""All Americans"" or potentially eyery one in America (my wording)?[Truncated]" * My hospital experiences have led me to conclude that Federally Qualified Health Centers are ineffective. In the many communities I have worked there has been no connection between any of these centers and the local hospitals. The centers ha[Truncated] Another one that is nicely done. ok "* Universal coverage, one payer, and a national sales tax. It is easier than you might think. This is not the time for slow incremental steps, our dysfunctional system is in need of a major overhaul. You are on the right track and have dow[Truncated]" "* I disagree that it will take time. The answer is a national sales tax. Please do not discard the idea too quickly. Consider this, we all pay a national sales tax every time we gas up our vehicles. There is no rioting in the streets, rathe[Truncated]" 21665 6/13/06 11:25 AM OR "* Use high school students in private and public schools to aid in this. As a retired h.s. teacher who developed a nationally ranked program in which our senior class (700 students) donated an average of 14,000 hours per year of volunteer time[Truncated]" 21668 6/13/06 12:02 PM MS "* Americans already have access to quality care at affordable pricing through several federal, state and private initatives, community health centers, Medicaid, charity, free clinics, DSH funding and more. How can a set of core health care s[Truncated]" "* Americans enjoy the widest spectrum of health benefits now, with no pre-set care service capp, in most cases. Setting a core package will mean rationing care subject to the whims of politicians and special interest groups. Consumers, who have[Truncated]" "* Even in countires that have universal care system, there are citizens who are not covered and those who do not receive care when needed due to overt or covert rationing. Let's not bring the Stockholm Syndrome to America.[Truncated]" * Central planning doesn't work. Private markets work best when legulations and regulations are not arbitrarily placed upon them. Any economist will tell you that laws and rulations can not repeal the laws of economics.[Truncated] "* We have evidence based medicine now. There is no way to enable every medical provider will be on the same treatment page. Add to this that every individual is unique means ""standardized"" or cook book medicine is not always the best medicine.[Truncated]" "* Another dream that will never come true. You are seeking the ""ideal"" system in an imperfect world. We should be seeking excellence in every encounter, yet providers and consumers are not robots. We have discretions that we act and react upon.[Truncated]" "* Our health systems, yes, plural,are wasteful, inefficient, and bloated with over capacity. There is too much 3rd party money freely flowing into the health system centers & providers. As much as 60% of the health care dollar is wasted on exce[Truncated]" "* There are no ""new"" revenue streams that haven't already been tapped to pay for health care expenditures. What you are suggesting is a more direct collection methodology through taxation and mandated financially able-consumer payments. You [Truncated]" 21670 6/13/06 12:11 PM SD "Health care should be available to everyone, especially those with medical conditions that make them uninsurable." 21672 6/13/06 12:13 PM ID * To mandate coverages for all people would be needlessly cost prohibitive. Coverages should continue to be customizable as consumers see fit.[Truncated] "* Any attempt at defining the benefit plans for the entirety of the population is misguided. For example, I think Mammograms are a very important test for women over the age of 40 and younger with family history. However, is there a need for [Truncated]" "Great, paid by who? Who gets the benefit? They aren't consistent." "* Do you think that governmental programs are going to draw more physicians into underserved areas? It has the reverse effect. Just like medicare has caused the private business to pick up the slack in reimbursement to the physicians, any shi[Truncated]" Stay out of it! ANY increase in governmental coverage is just going to worsen the situation! "* Are you serious? Are you going to concentrate on the end of life? Why not throw money at something that would really help.... How about stem cell research, obesity, diabetes, heart disease. Let's concentrate on programs that can have an[Truncated]" * You really need to be careful with any recomendation to increase the presence of any governmental large group pruchasing program. The end will be that there will be people that do not want to be part of the program who can afford to go out a[Truncated] "* This is ludicrous, you are just taxing the healthy to pay for the unhealthy. Why is it the responsibility of those that choose to live a lifestyle to pay for those that choose to be lazy. If you were to find a way to concentrate on non-l[Truncated]" 21673 6/13/06 12:22 PM WA * This reminds me of the little story about the mice in the castle having a meeting about what to do about the Castle cat (which was finding and killing mice). The mice met and talked about solutions and finally one young mouse shouted out I h[Truncated] 21685 6/13/06 1:42 PM WA "* I can only read this and think YOU DON""T LISTEN! whats in the core? why can't it be inclusive to all medical care? The financial assistance piece bothers me. To hard to regulate if citizens are required to pay a premium then some will go w[Truncated]" * what is outside the core? what if me elderly mother on social security needs this? she expected to pay for it because it was not in a core plan she did not choose? one plan one payer will fix this to.[Truncated] simple one plan one payer will fix this * simple one plan one payer will fix this to. rural communities could then do what they need to do to entice medical practioners to service their communities. The federal government can't possibly take responsibility for every small town in a[Truncated] simple one plan one payer will address this as well * so you want hundreds of people making plans to essentially promote assisted suicide? simple one plan one payer will allow families to review all medical options on the table and the patient will have their dignity and wishes available to the[Truncated] * It appears this committee has looked at making this a very difficult and long (2012) task. Which ultimatly will divide the haves and the have nots. I don't understand. I attended one of the community meetings and I can certainly say what i[Truncated] * The transition can be done overnight with law. cut out the thousands of administrators for the plans and you will have enough money. plan needs to be paid by income taxes on a federal level. no new taxes! one plan one payer will fix this pr[Truncated] 21686 6/13/06 1:56 PM MD test; ignore 21694 6/13/06 2:17 PM ID * Goverment oversight is okay like medicare but leave it in the private world. It must be competitive. Running the intire system from Washington D. C. will be bureacratic and uneffective. [Truncated] "Core yes not goverment run only goverment oversight. The goverment can set bounderies." 21696 6/13/06 2:20 PM OR * I do not see how the committee came up with only providing core benefits when the recommendation was that all Americans should have affordable health care. We need a one payer system with electronic records. The money is currently available i[Truncated] One payer system is the way to go. A one payer system provides end of life care and prevents duplication. * Without a one payer system we are only putting bandaides on our current heath care mess. Americans will accept a one payer system if the health care is good. We can do it! We should not let current stakeholder's profits and greed prevent Amer[Truncated] "* The transition only takes time if one tries to protect the current stakeholders and thier profits. There is no reason we can't have effective, fair health care now. Just apply medicare for all or provide a system like the VA for all. [Truncated]" 21697 6/13/06 2:40 PM IL "* There must be access to the health care system for all Americans, whether they are employed individually, in large corporations and are able to participate in group insurance coverage, or RETIRED BEFORE THE AGE OF 65 when they are eligible fo[Truncated]" Every American should have protection from ruinous healthcare costs. "* Hospice programs should receive addequate reimbursement, and the use of not-for-profit (versus large corporations) providers should be incentivized. [Truncated]" "* Congratulations on the Interim Recommendations of the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group. These are all important, practical recommendations that I look to our government leaders to address now. It is imperative that the implementati[Truncated]" * Significant supply chain efficiencies can be gained in the health care system if the government mandates all medical device manufacturers to utilize a common numbering and nomenclature system (like UPC numbers in the grocery store) for EVERY [Truncated] 21698 6/13/06 2:48 PM PA "* Our INSURANCE overhead to get us healthcare currently stands at about 15-20%. Overhead for government's medical plans stands at about 4%. Since goal is HEALTH CARE - go right to it. Bypass insurance costs and we're basically there. All th[Truncated]" * A preemptive approach to medicine would eliminate the costly end when we have let diseases or illnesses get out of hand due to a lack of financial resource. Many other countries have a great deal of success keeping their populations healthy. [Truncated] * Now this could be a place where insurance on a personal level comes in. It would still be an embarrassment but not as bad as what we currently practice.[Truncated] * YES> YES> YES> We used to have a system like this. There were many doctor's offices. There was no insurance. For a small payment you got healthcare. What a concept. Progress often requires going backward.[Truncated] * Look at the figures for loss of life due to sanitation in the current American system. It is dismal. In some countries Americans are isolated until a bacteria culture can be done before admittance into general hospital population. [Truncated] Yes. Our current elder care is downright abusive. Just get it done. I agree whole heartedly and it can and must be done. 21699 6/13/06 2:48 PM ID "* Yes I agree all should participate through private plans not goverment managed. Those who go without should have an penality through either higher taxes or higher premiums for delaying. [Truncated]" "* Goverment oversight yes not an goverment takeover. Do as much privately as possible. We the people can think and choose the plans that best fit our situations. [Truncated]" 21700 6/13/06 2:57 PM NY "Health care should be a right of citizenship, not a commodity." The quality of care provided must be addressed as well. "Medicare for all, single payer is the answer." This makes alot of sense as long as the planning and alotment of resources is done properly. "* It's not clear to me how we get from federal funding to the worthy goals listed above. These things need to be done in a uniform manner, not as a patchwork quilt.[Truncated]" Keep government out of these decisions. * Medicare for all is the best way. A single payer system eliminates bureaucratic waste and can pay for the uninsured with the savings generated.[Truncated] 21708 6/13/06 3:23 PM IA "* I agree with others that it needs to be a comprehensive plan, not a core plan. Also, you need to be more specific on ""evidence-based"", including alternative/natural treatments out there. These are more cost-effective and often work better t[Truncated]" "* Patient-centered care with an inphasis on health education needs to be the top priority. Patients control their care, not the provider. Remember the terms, ""informed consent/informed refusal."" Patients should receive all of the information[Truncated]" "* No one should have to die alone or in pain. These are wonderful resources and should be availble to everyone, not just those with money![Truncated]" "* We need to be more responsible for our healthcare. Ask questions. Healthcare professionals aren't Gods, they are there to care for you as best they know how and understand that everyone is a unique individual. I am a nurse and I care for [Truncated]" "* Healthcare wouldn't cost so much if we took it out of the control of insurance companies. Healthcare costs raise because insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid won't pay enough to keep the resources available. So, in turn, healthcare [Truncated]" 21713 6/13/06 3:37 PM ID Yes but privately run. * Fine but give individuals options to pay out of pocket highter deductables or higher co-pays and reduce cost of plan through either lower taxes or no penalities. No one sise fits all.[Truncated] "* Done through private industry with goverment oversight. Let americans make there own choice of plans not an goverment take over. [Truncated]" I agree but stay private as much as possible with the least amount of goverment involment possible. "Let those who can afford to pay for it do so and underpin only the most needy with help. " 21715 6/13/06 3:57 PM MO * I am in 100% agreement with the concept of providing coverage for all Americans. As a registered nurse I have worked in both private practice as well as in two university healthcare settings in two very different states. It is very difficul[Truncated] * I applaud these recommendations. In a country as wealthy as the United States in is inexcusable that there are individuals who cannot receive care. Often it is the low middle income individuals who suffer the most. I feel it is wrong that [Truncated] This is what Americans need. They need to know that they can have care when it is needed. "* I believe that community health networks are an excellent idea on the surface. My only fear is that things will become so bogged down in ""beauracracy"" that again people will not receive the care needed. Any oversight needs to be streamlined[Truncated]" "* My comments to this concept are similar to what I expressed with recommendation #4. It has been my experience as a healthcare provider that Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare (which I have dealt with all) are extremely difficult and time consuming [Truncated]" This is an excellent recommendation also. "* I truly feel that this working group has done an excellent job of understanding and capturing the feelings of the American people. I also believe that the recommendations are on target; however, my only concern is that things will be overrun[Truncated]" * I would be happy to contribute additional tax money if I thought it meant that everyone would have access to care and that people would not be financially devastated by a major illness.[Truncated] 21721 6/13/06 4:32 PM OR "* Recommendation does not convey the passion and concern I heard at the meeting I attended. Terms like ""sufficiently comprehensive"" are too vague. They lend themselves to political interpretation that could range from ""take three aspirin and [Truncated]" * This element should include representation with a bias of citizens who are patients and citizens who are in good health and want to maintain that state. Providers and pharmeceutical firms should not have inordinate influence in this process.[Truncated] This statement should convey more of the passion I heard at the meeting for this provision. Say something about prohibiting monopolistic practices that result in unearned profits. 21723 6/13/06 4:37 PM MD "* We need this as soon as possible. A study commissioned by the National Coalition on Health Care indicated that if we had a single payer national health insurance program in 2006, we could provide health care for every single man, woman and c[Truncated]" Core benefits should by definition include anything which is life threatening. Such things are not optional. "* Only a single payer system can adequaely spread the financial risk of illness across all Americans. With universal health care, the matter of catastrophic situations goes away.[Truncated]" * This is important. We need legislation prohibiting for-profit hospitals and court decisions that permit a return to cooperation between non-profit hospitals acting as community welfare agencies acting for the good of all. Turning hospitals [Truncated] "* Eliminating for-profit hospitals and competitiveness between hospitals, except for competitiveness to see who has the best reputation for quality, could help save some of the 100,000 persons each year in the United States who are killed by ho[Truncated]" We need to go to a single payer system as quickly as possible in order to save money ($25 billion in 2006) and cover everyone. 21726 6/13/06 4:58 PM NY "I agree with this, I would like some detail now on how we propose to do it." "* Unfortunately to keep costs down, I think that we should limit some heroic, and extreme measures, especially for the oldest member of our population. For example paying for a heart transplant may be appropriate for a 20 year old, but shouldn[Truncated]" "* Like other government funded programs (taxes) base cost on income. Everyone pays the same % of income (flat tax,with no deductions, etc) for the core package. [Truncated]" "* Give users a choice of plans and providers, with the government paying a set amount, anything above that amount would be the responsibility of the taxpayer.[Truncated]" "A nationwide data bank of medical records, would be a great idea." "* Where ever possible services that allow people to end their lives in their homes, as opposed to nursing facilities would be preferable.[Truncated]" A financing system based on income would seem to be the fairest plan. 21730 6/13/06 5:48 PM ID "* A non-profit single payer pool makes the most sense. That way financial assistance would not be necessary, and access would truly be equal.[Truncated]" * I would hope recommendation would keep in mind that skimping on primary care often results in bigger bills for bigger problems down the road and make demands on patients accordingly.[Truncated] Insurance is often inadequate Well thought I am impressed with your efforts and thank you. Taxes on profits from industries that jeapordize health would be fair. 21731 6/13/06 6:04 PM NM * As an American citizen I absolutelly agree. My husband and our family is a hardworking lower-middleclass family who still cannot afford healthcare coverage. Daily we live with the understanding that if a health crisis were to occure we would [Truncated] I agree. * I agree. My family is a middle-class family and like so many others we live one paycheck away from absolute poverty. People shouldn't have to live in fear of not having adequate healthcare coverage in the event that they should need it. There[Truncated] I agree. I agree. I agree. * I belive that universal healthcare would strengthen our families and communities. Families need safetynets in event of health crisis. A broken bone should not endanger a family's ability to thrive in our economy. Care should be taken to ensur[Truncated] I would be willing fund a universal healthcare system if it means higher taxation. 21734 6/13/06 7:36 PM CA "* This will benefit our country in countless ways; by enhancing productivity, by helping reduce preventable diseases and infectious ones, reducing accidents, illness and destruction caused by alcohol and substance abuse, and more. It will even[Truncated]" "* In addition to Western medicine, we should expand available benefits for traditional Chinese medicine, which has extensive history of proven success.[Truncated]" This is essential! * Our government should also encourage expansion of primary medicine training throughout the USA. We need more residency training programs for new physicians and incentives and/or encouragement for those chosing primary care/family medicine an[Truncated] "* We must eliminate wasteful spending on non science-based, phony health programs like abstinence education and restore physical education, sex education and school clinic options to our children's schools.[Truncated]" Pain management education needs to be improved for the spectrum of clinicians. We have several European models to turn to for structuring universal coverage. Canada is not the only option. 21736 6/13/06 8:45 PM CA See additional comments please. See additional comments please. See additional comments please. See additional comments please. See additional comments please. See additional comments please. * Yes. These six recommendations are what most people come up with if they are not trapped by virulent ideologues in the audience. I have concluded after a lot of listening that there are five successful strategies and five dangerous pitfalls [Truncated] See additional comments please. 21739 6/13/06 9:23 PM PA The word affordable is unnecessary. It should be that all Americans have health care. "* In Pennsylvania, we currently have legislation pending in both the senate and house on Universal Health Care coverage. This is essential. As a social worker, I have seen crises in health care across socioeconomic levels. It doesn't take mu[Truncated]" Support for end-of-life services are barely beginning to be addressed. This is a crucial need in America. 21741 6/13/06 10:10 PM PA "* I do agree with the above made comment in reference to affordable heath care available to all. I feel that these benefits should not cost the insured more money than they can live on. If someone is receiving disability, they should be able [Truncated]" "* A system needs to go into effect to determine the medications that are ""medicately necessary"" and those medications should be allowed for treatment in cases involving the terminally ill or disabled. Cost in obtaining this type of medication [Truncated]" "* Coverage for everyone should not be an option. Everyone needs health care. All costs involved in the area of health care need to be evaluated for efficiency, etc. The purpose of having health care is to have peace of mind in case of an eme[Truncated]" * The public needs to be consistently aware of the issues involving health care and safety. Support groups should be set up in all areas in order to obtain the best possible route in providing health care availability for everyone. [Truncated] "* Programs need to be set up in local areas to get the cities, towns, rural areas, etc. involved. Everyone needs to get involved in this effort to have health care coverage available. Educating the public is a necessity. [Truncated]" * Restructure is not an area to just think about. Restructuring our health care system is needed now. We need to know our options and we need support from our governmental agencies today. We need to make a gigantic change in health care and [Truncated] * I have a hard time standing in line at the pharmacies and watch the elderly people taking out their checkbooks to pay large sums of money for the prescriptions they need to take on a daily basis in order to survive. It breaks my heart that s[Truncated] * Catastrophic health care expenditures and the impoverishment of individuals need to be monitored closely. Finding a system alone just to handle this sector of the financial statement will certainly be a great task.[Truncated] 21742 6/13/06 10:23 PM NY This is a must. It's a sin that we have too many under or uninsured patients in this country. This will be the hardest to adequately define since everyone's perception of important core benefits is quite varied now. Catastrophic coverage should allow for adequate coverage for all. * Good Luck. It will take years to get this population to learn how to get adequate care on a regular basis. The governmment needs to provide an appropriate setting for proper delivery of health care.[Truncated] "* Currently, electronic medical records are unaffordable for the average practitioner and the government needs to do something about that. They want Cadillac medcine for YUGO prices and that just doesn't cut it.[Truncated]" Hospice is a wonderful organization and should be supported as they are already doing it right. "* Prior authorizations, rquired written referrals for specialty care and multitudes of health care plans all with different rules and formularies take away from resources and time neede to provide quality care.[Truncated]" * Health insurance needs to be divorced from employer based systems allowing for portability for employess and affordability for businesses. The waste in administrative costs in the present system could more than adequately cover the cost nece[Truncated] 21743 6/13/06 11:54 PM FL "* National Health services work very well in other countries where I have lived. I do not see why similar systems would not work in the U.S. [Truncated]" 21744 6/14/06 12:03 AM OR * Health care will only be affordable when the private insurance companies are unnecessary for most Americans. Medicare for All with better oversight and cost control would be the most economical. Let's remember than Taiwan in the mid-ninetie[Truncated] A great model already exists in the Oregon Health Plan's priorities list. A single-payer system administered by the states with the backing and oversight of the federal government would be ideal. 21745 6/14/06 12:50 AM NC This should be mandated for all. Strongly Agree. Strongly agree. Strongly agree. Strongly agree. Strongly agree. * I will campaign and vote against any individual that seeks or holds public office that does not recognize and support the desparate need for the formation of a national health insurance program for all American citizens regardless of income.[Truncated] Strongly agree. 21751 6/14/06 1:44 AM CA * 21752 6/14/06 1:56 AM WA * Employment should not be a prerequisite for health care coverage. We don't live in a world where good workers are rewarded with job security. The working poor who cobble together a patchwork of jobs to make ends meet should also not be penali[Truncated] "* I also agree with this recommendation, particularly the inclusion of dental services and coverage of mental health as ""core"" benefits. Prescribed medications for an unrelated illness can undermine both dental and mental health. I hope the g[Truncated]" * I also support this recommendation. The recent (shameful) tightening of bankruptcy laws brought to light the statistic that half are caused by medical bills— and that 75% of those who sought bankruptcy protection because of medical bills ha[Truncated] * I want to contribute my observation that here are community networks and healthcare providers that already serve vulnerable populations successfully. I support this initiative only if the first task is to identify the networks already in plac[Truncated] * I think you'll find that grassroots healthcare providers and small clinics are doing this already. It would be interesting to take lessons learned by the VA— I understand VA Hospitals have done a complete turnaround in the past 10 years. Id[Truncated] "* This should be part of Recommendation 2. We are all born, we all die. Most people who have experienced the benefits of hospice and home nursing care will agree that these options should be a ""core"" health benefit. Options in maternity care l[Truncated]" "* I am a bit shocked that there is no: Recommendation 7: Provide basic, competent convalescent care, nursing facility care, dementia and Alzheimer's care for all who need it. Fund more research into different models of elder care*, with the a[Truncated]" "* Maybe core services health care networks should never be a for-profit venture. Non-profits can earn lots of money and pay employees well, but there is a fundamental shift in priorities: a nonprofit's priority is the mission of the organizatio[Truncated]" 21766 6/14/06 10:05 AM GA "* Every American must have affordable health care before 2012. Most of us will be dead by then. Do it now. Our homes must be protected against hospital and hospice reposition. Single cell research must be started now against alheimers and c[Truncated]" "* Everyone in American must have some form of health care. We pay for the military, we pay for the leaders in congress and Senate, we pay for state employees. The only people left out is the average working person.[Truncated]" * Our homes and cars must be protected health care cost. People cannot afford apartment payments or is everyone going to have to go to a nusrng home on medicad?[Truncated] I think it should be done by the federal government and not the various communities. "I agree with the federal government doing it. Just make sure they don't get fraud involved into it, like they did FEMA." We need transportation for people who cannot drive on the local level. "Financing could be done by an additional sales tax, or done as an extension of medicare and paid by the person applying for it." 21768 6/14/06 10:18 AM PA Everyone should have access to affordable and quality healthcare. No one should lose their homes because of health care issues or live their lives in financial ruin. 21769 6/14/06 10:22 AM VA "* First dollar health insurance coverage will drive a consumption spiral and drive up prices. This will lead to rationing either by making a service unavailable or by waiting lines. Instead the government should subsidize HSAs for everyone, [Truncated]" 21778 6/14/06 11:26 AM WI "* If the USA can provide health care for illegal/undocumented people, then the USA can provide basic health care for its citizens. Let's keep the USA #1 in our hearts and in our health care. thanx.[Truncated]" "* it would be necesssary that the broad spectrum of members be aware of fast paced medical updates. FDA, AMA & drug companies have effective lobbying power. This would need to be considered so universal plan remains non-partisian.[Truncated]" the program must stress 'individual responsiblity' to some extent. Not only financially but physically as well. * Administrative costs with many competing companies are eating up huge portions of the healthcare dollar. Find a system that incorporates ALL US citizens for a reasonable administrative fee such as 3%. I suggest we utilize the social securit[Truncated] 21780 6/14/06 11:58 AM NY "* ""Core"" benefits is code for ""not"" comprehensive and there is no reason why a reformed national health system couldn't provide comprehensive health care for all, inclusive of long-term care. ""Financial assistance"" would not be necessary in a s[Truncated]" "* National and Regional bodies of health experts and providers will be able to guide communities through these decision making processes, including medical necessity determinations and formularies.[Truncated]" "* All coverage, high and low-cost, should be included in a national system, since co-pays and deductibles have been shown to impact negatively on health outcomes and have minimal or no impact on cost savings.[Truncated]" * Undue emphasis on FQHCs diverts attention from the concept that all people should have access to the same high quality health care rather than perpetuating a two-tier system for haves and have-nots. FQHCs are capable of providing excellent ca[Truncated] "* So-called ""Consumer Directed Health Care"" is a diversion by the market forces protecting their special interests - in a nationally financed program the concept that people ""shop"" for health care goes away.[Truncated]" "* We must address the financing of health care before we can possibly fine tune delivery; end of life services, preventive and primary care, all these models must be adjusted to improve outcomes in this country which are seriously behind other [Truncated]" I do not see a report for NYC on the Web site...when will it be posted? I attended and was a facilitator at this location. "* Incrementalism and fragmented solutions have been tried and failed. I facilitated a session in NYC and our group clearly rejected the current administrations focus on HSAs. Saying no financing mechanism is ""optimal"" is a weak and unjustified [Truncated]" 21781 6/14/06 12:00 PM WI I agree. I agree. I agree. I think a single-payer system(medicare for all) is the best approach. I agree. "I think by eliminating the insurance companies we will have the most efficient, quality system." "* As a medical student, I'm heartened by the work of the committee, and I look forward to working for change. I think expanding medicare to all(single-payer) is the most equitable and efficient way to reach the goals outlined in these recommen[Truncated]" I think payroll taxes is the most efficient and workable way to fund the system. 21782 6/14/06 12:10 PM NJ "* Caution, we do not want a system in which the ""middle class bears the burden"" as we have in our tax system. Then you have those who absolutely are unable to afford adequate health care. The playing field must be fair. Therefore, prevention[Truncated]" * The definition of the core health care benefits should be consistent with the definition of health. Health encompasses wellness of the whole person and freedom from disease. The Health care system and its benefits should assure this health [Truncated] "* This is fine as long as the Health Care is affordable to all including those of low, mid and high income/economic status. Loop holes and write offs should not be allowed in proving level of affordability. [Truncated]" "* Caution, we do not want inequality in quality of health care. The health care for the low income, uninsured and all others is to be in every way equal to that of the most affluent. Health Care is to be equal in quality for all United States [Truncated]" Equality of Health Care for all United Citizens is essential and should be in place at all times in the new Health Care System. * People should not be denied quality of health care or forced to accept a No Code or no curative intervention status due to an opinion that they are near the end of their lives. They should have the option to continue to receive quality curat[Truncated] "* Please be careful with any changes because too frequently people who are of the low income/economic status suffer lost and this should not be. People should not be penalized because of their means or lack of. The reality of it all is, that [Truncated]" "* It is my opinion that the American people are extremely financially burdened already from many increases, ie., in local taxes, product taxes, gasoline prices, etc. Increase in gasoline prices have affected many areas even the supermarket pri[Truncated]" 21784 6/14/06 12:46 PM IL * All americans should have complete health care coverage as a mandated right I and my parents lived in Britain under such a system and it is much more equitable than ours. It also does not discriminate against minorities and disabled as does t[Truncated] * The health benefits should be comprehensive and should provide physical mental and dental benefits including any experimental medical care if such is necessary for the health of the patient. [Truncated] * The europeans have provided comprohensive health for their citizens for almost a century without bankrupting their countries. I suggest that you learn from their success. [Truncated] "* If you implement and support the first three recommendations with my suggestions, the fourth recommendation will be superfluous.[Truncated]" You cannot improve the quality of care of comprehensive national health care system until you establish it. * End of life care and proper medical care for the elderly and disabled would be covered under a national and comprehensive system. Care for such persons should not be dumped on the backs of overworked and unqualified family members as it is no[Truncated] * The financial burden should be borne by all americans for the benefit of all americans. There should be no tax loopholes that allow some to pass the tax burden unto others. Such a system would do away with the beauracratic and lagal games pla[Truncated] 21792 6/14/06 2:02 PM TX * The interim recomendations do nothing more than pay lipservice to the issue of health care. What America need is to abolish all forms of health insurance and replace this system with real public health care facilities supported by funds gaine[Truncated] 21794 6/14/06 2:22 PM WA * It takes more than a band aid to fix our ailing health care system. Single payer is the only cure. Anything less will not guarantee and provide every American affordable accessible medical care. [Truncated] 21796 6/14/06 2:46 PM GA * I do not believe that Americans should be required to participate in a government chosen or run plan. I do believe that 'basic' health care services should be made available to all citizens. But to me 'basic' would not include every procedu[Truncated] "* basic health care should be provided in the same sense the basic housing needs should be addressed. However, citizenship does not entitle one to a 5 bedroom, 4 bath house anymore than it should entitle one to any and all health care desired [Truncated]" "* No one should become homeless due to medical expense, but I do not endorse mandatory enrollment for all citizens, nor complete coverage of any and all procedures available. [Truncated]" I agree. I support. "* I agree, as long as decisions made are affordable. End of life care choices should be made with recognition of the reality that extended life is not always best option. [Truncated]" "* As a small business owner I currently fund a personal catastrophic coverage policy with a $5000 deductible. It forces us to plan and save for the expenses one normally expects but protects our assets in case of major medical expense. It is [Truncated]" I question funding from the unlimited pocket of the taxpayer. There is no motivation to be efficient with monies. 21797 6/14/06 2:52 PM IN * I think that Americans should be responsible for providing there own health care in order to keep tax payers from paying for not only themselves but everyone else. But in some circumstances where the person is in desperate need of medical ca[Truncated] 21799 6/14/06 3:06 PM UT "* People should be able to pay all of their own ""core benefits"" out of pocket, rather than be taxed for them. Core benefits would be: dental, vision, routine clinic visits, other clinic visits, medications, etc. People should have protectio[Truncated]" Agree. "* Expensive end-of-life care should be very limited if it is paid for by the taxpayer. People should not be able to choose expensive options, which have little benefit, because these costs are passed on to all. If people want this kind of c[Truncated]" "* I am very concerned about the tax burden of having universal coverage for all. There should be a $1 per hour charge to employers of all (part-time, full-time, etc), that goes into a general fund to pay for ALL Americans (illegals include[Truncated]" 21801 6/14/06 3:13 PM UT "* People should pay all of their own dental care themselves. People should pay routine eye care themselves. People should pay medicines themselves. People should pay for clinic visits themselves. People should be able to have government[Truncated]" 21803 6/14/06 4:24 PM IL "* As a union staff representative trying to negotiate decent health care plans for employees in the direct care industry, I am constantly frustrated. These employees take care of the developmentally disabled 24/7 and yet have terrible health c[Truncated]" * Don't agree to anything that allows pharmaceutical companies or insurance companies to dictate costs. It is a travesty that the Senior Citizen drug program does not allow the government to bargain over prices with the already fat satiated me[Truncated] "* Great. My father recently died at home, with no intervening technology. It was a blessed experience. Let's not waste money and tears on prolonging the inevitable. Death can be a very healing experience when done naturally in the presence o[Truncated]" "* It's not rocket science to know that the tax cuts for the rich are so bogus at a time when the poor are dying disproportionately due to poor health care options. Also, if the federal government would stop wasting money on incompetence (as in[Truncated]" 21804 6/14/06 4:28 PM WI * I agree but the cost of this care should be affordable to the companies people work for. Previous practice with a good company was you did not pay for health insurance now since the cost of insurance is so high we must also bare the burden t[Truncated] I do not have a comment on this yet. This protection should come from doctors and hospitals they should make sacrifices just like the people. "This is something that really needs hard investigation, because some of the current HMO's don't give quality care." No comment at this time No comment on this at this time Not at this time "* We have hospitals closing and still our health care keeps going up. How can we especially the people who are at poverty or below poverty levels pay with more taxes. They don't have any money for financing anything.[Truncated]" 21807 6/14/06 4:40 PM WA "* I think the use of ""expand and accelerate"" along with ""controlling costs accross the entire health care system"" sends mixed messages. Unless there is significant incentives to the health care industry and individuals to cut costs, this will b[Truncated]" "* I am interested in being a part of the discussion as this all plays out. I look forward to seeing more detailed information. Having worked in state government for over 30 years, I have seen the medicaid costs skyrocket, without any plan to ke[Truncated]" 21812 6/14/06 5:55 PM FL * As a recent retiree from a school district I am paying over $400.00 per month more now for health insurance than I was when I was a full-time employee for 24 years with the same district. This time now is when I can afford it the least. Wh[Truncated] 21820 6/14/06 7:55 PM AZ * I absolutely agree. The system will only work when everyone must participate so that the risk is pooled and people with health problems can get the care they need.[Truncated] "Core benefits must include doctor visits, out-of-office tests, medications and hospitalization. " "* Yes. The financial threshold for getting medical care, necessary tests and taking necessary medications should be kept low (after paying your premiums) for everyone. People should not have to weigh paying for medical care against buying groce[Truncated]" Hard for me to evaluate this one. On the face of it it sounds good. "* There should be a group of doctors and epidemiologists formed to decide, for example, how often it is necessary to have pap smears or mammograms per age and risk group and the same for vaccinations. There should be US standards on which scree[Truncated]" "I have luckily no experience of end-of-life issues, but this sounds good to me." I see too little of study of the great European systems that deliver excellent care to their populace. * The system in the Netherlands is such that everyone pays a nominal premium and a percentage of their income. For those who cannot afford the nominal premium there is a system of subsidies.[Truncated] 21822 6/14/06 8:23 PM TN I don't like socialism. Encourage charities to provide these services. The only way to pay for this is to raise taxes. I don't like socialism in any regard. This will just raise taxes. We need some health care cost reform. But don't push that on to tax payers. I don't like socialism. "* The federal government should have no role in health care, overall. Leave it up to the states whether they will socialize this or not. Let local government make the same decisions. [Truncated]" "* Yeah, bigger government! Maybe if we quit suing over every little thing health care would not be so expensive. Government is NOT the answer.[Truncated]" "* This can all be done by charities or a volunteer organization. As long as the federal goverment does not get involved, which it seems you are just joyous to support, I have no problem. [Truncated]" * Yep. Quit the push for socialized medicine. There are many alternatives instead of crying to the government. Try establishing a charity that provides free/reduced cost health care. People can just walk in and get free care anyway...they can't[Truncated] * I don't like socialized medicine. The government is the most wasteful entity around. Let charities handle this. Raise taxes on businesses and they just pass the cost on to the consumer.[Truncated] 21827 6/14/06 10:35 PM NY Access should be to all medically necessary services "* Once there is a private-public collaboration, the wasteful paperwork and profits of the private sector undermine the savings that could be had with a single payer system. Should be publicly financed but privately delivered, as in Medicare for[Truncated]" "* Agree with the statements, but only way it can happen without increasing spending or cutting services is with a single payer system[Truncated]" "* Again, there should be no role for privatization here. Health care is a human right and should be a public good, like education, police protection, roads, etc[Truncated]" * A single payer system makes the most sense to accomplish this goal for EVERYONE. The existing gov't. programs will provide a major funding stream for the new Medicare for All.[Truncated] "* The American people should be informed about H.R. 676 and specifically polled about it. Alternatively, there could be a nat'l. referendum about national health insurance for the U.S. Americans need to know that their hard-earned taxes for pub[Truncated]" "* Single payer national health insurance as outlined in H.R. 676, The U.S. National Health Insurance Act, or Expanded and Improved Medicare for All,is the only way that all the unisured can be covered and better benefits for everyone - i.e. all[Truncated]" 21828 6/14/06 11:07 PM IL "* I think the US should have a single-payer health care system, like most developed countries. I do not have health care currently, because I'm between jobs. The COBRA system does not do enough, because I did not have enough money to keep payin[Truncated]" "* The medical experts ought to be appointed by a medical entity, not the federal government. In other words, the science should be based on facts, not the government's facts.[Truncated]" "Yes, and it should be public." "* As a former employee of a pro-choice clinic, this is somewhat scary. In theory, this is a good idea, but my fear would be that certain clinics would be left out, depending on which political party is in office. It depends on how much say the [Truncated]" "* I think there has to be an outreach aspect in there (maybe that is included in your term of ""health promotion""). The rate of obesity in this country is frightening. Little kids are eating donuts and hot chocolate for breakfast. This is going [Truncated]" "* I've heard so many bad things about hospices and similar places. It's scary that we seem to be locking up our elders. I think there needs to be some oversight, and perhaps a certification process, of hospices and their employees/managers. The[Truncated]" "* My first comment says the jist of what I believe about the American system. I think we could have an amazing system of health care, if we really tried. More power to you all for taking this on - I hope the current federal administration does [Truncated]" "* I agree. I think most Americans would be willing to pay more taxes if it meant complete coverage for everyone. I think you should start with those who are most in need, then go from there. Or perhaps catch people who are currently uninsured. [Truncated]" 21831 6/15/06 12:37 AM WA "* The number one reason for the existence of society is the protection of its people. Even before progress, this is the fundamental responsibility for a culture to protect. This is the reason it exists. We are comforatable with enacting a Bil[Truncated]" 21832 6/15/06 1:01 AM NH Fine with this Fine with this. About Time "* Godd possibly, depending on its structure and placement of these health networks to reach the rural poor, or elderly, who lack transportation in many cases![Truncated]" Fine with this Fine with this "* You didn't address Prescription Drug Costs in this plan specifically, and this is one of the major problems affecting healthcare costs now, and projected to become more costly far into the future![Truncated]" "* A total system of single payer national health care for all citizens should include covering those who are presently served by private plans with employers. We do not want a two tier system, with good care to some, and mediocre to the rest, p[Truncated]" 21835 6/15/06 8:35 AM OH "* It is cheaper to work with people to maintain there health in regards to known illnesses. It amazes me how insurers keep raising copays and deductibles. I have diabetes, and sometimes can't afford all my medicines. Long term, I know this cou[Truncated]" "* Copay expenses for medicines should be capped either monthly or annually. Diabetics, heart patients, and transplant patients all have expensive drug regimens. Even with insurance, medicine copays can drain your savings. Capping medicine exp[Truncated]" "* Major corporations, like WalMart, should pay there fair share. Their workforces use a disproportionate amount of government assistance, and any legislation should level the field.[Truncated]" 21839 6/15/06 9:14 AM MA "* Since the foundation for good health is laid during pregnancy, birth and early childhood, those practitioners who can best facilitate excellent outcomes is imperative. To this end, the inclusion of Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Prof[Truncated]" "* As a parent with 2 children receiving orthodonture, I have found my dental insurance policy very frustrating. My policy is a pretty good one and allows for up to $1000 per year in dental procedures and $1000 (lifetime) for orhodonture. Unfo[Truncated]" 21848 6/15/06 11:00 AM OH Agree "Abandon the notion of health ""insurance"". See my model below." Equity principle applies. See model below Think larger regions. See model below "* Eliminate frictional costs and duplicative institutions. Eliminate Medicare, Medicaid and Workers Compensation medical benefit. Simplify, simplify, simplify.[Truncated]" Certainly. Reallocate care from the terminally ill to preventive care for the young. See equity model below. "* 15 Jun 2006 Dear Ladies & Gentlemen Of the Citizen’s Health Care Working Group, It occurs to me that all of your advice in this matter comes from special interests, which are vested in the status quo. Perhaps you would be willing to [Truncated]" "Principles of equity, transparency and means testing should be applied." 21850 6/15/06 11:04 AM TN * Health insurance is not a God given right and I should not have to pay higher taxes to support thosewho are unwilling to support themselves. I am tired of watching people drive up in brand new SUVs and then demand that i pay for their health[Truncated] * Medicare spends 80% of its resources on 5% of its beneficiaries. This has to change. The amount of money we spend prolonging termanally ill patients life is a crime. [Truncated] * The last thing in the world we need is another Government program that will be saturated with fraud and abuse - just look at the FEMA/Katrina findings and you will see. The government is incompetant and cannot be trusted to implement this pr[Truncated] * Who is supposed to pay for this? I see plenty of comments about the poor person who cant afford health insurance and works so hard they never see their family. So what - now i am supposed to take a second job to pay for your health insuranc[Truncated] * Pie in the sky garbage - the government cannot handle the current programs which are loaded with waste and inefficiencies. The last thing in the world we need is to expand these programs![Truncated] * Now there's an idea - how about limiting end-of-life care to hospice services. People getting chemotherapy the day before they die is sinful and selfish waste of resources.[Truncated] * I am outraed at the comments that i have been reading on this site. How dare these people tell me that i should have to pay for their health insurance. You want insurance - go get a job and leave me alone. Trade in that new SUV and use the[Truncated] NO NEW TAXES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 21851 6/15/06 11:42 AM NY "* Health ins. should be available to everyone and not based on your employement at a cost that fair to everyone. New York state COBRA is a crazy concept. My company's COBRA would cost me about $540.00 for single and $1,240.00 for family if I le[Truncated]" "* I will never understand the way we treat dental and mental health. Good dental care is very important and yet it is treated as a luxury. I have no dental coverage and go to the dentist when I save up the money or when I am in pain and that'[Truncated]" "* SUEING DOCTORS HAS TO CHANGE. FIRST, THE DOCTORS HAVE TO POLICE THEMSELVES BETTER AND STOP COVERING UP FOR ONE ANOTHER. LIMITS HAVE TO BE SET AS TO THE AWARDS PEOPLE SHOULD RECEIVE. WE ARE SCARING DOCTORS AWAY DUE TO MALPRACTICE, WHICH I [Truncated]" "* I,m not sure how to fix the problem, but the way it is now, is not working. People lose their the life's saving if they were to get ill. I would like the health care security that all our congressmen have and that we as taxpayers are paying [Truncated]" 21852 6/15/06 11:59 AM NJ * That sounds great because if you're not working due to lay off or whatever you can't afford even primary care office visits and if you're trying to survive working whatever you can get you may not qualify for help because you're just above th[Truncated] * A discount card which represented significant savings to be used at your doctors or hospitals similiar to Medicare payments but a plan for those who are not disabled or over 65 is what's needed. A plan for people that don't qualify for Medica[Truncated] * This would be better than losing all personal assets or having to declare bankruptcy. Maybe another tax like that taken for Medicare should also be taken out of all paychecks for Medical coverage[Truncated] * This would be better than losing all personal assets or having to declare bankruptcy. Maybe another tax like that taken for Medicare should also be taken out of all paychecks for Medical coverage[Truncated] Community Health Centers are impossible to find. Limited access to available doctors. "* The hospital or primary doctor's office should contact the closest relative, if able to understand, to explain the options available besides being sent home. Social services usually tries to give some information but not trained in specifics.[Truncated]" "* If you were uninsured and were told you had to have $3000.00 in tests, you're working temp jobs, your husband only collects $900 a month in social security, how would you find a way to pay for this? I'd rather ignore a problem and die from it[Truncated]" "* Using ""sin"" taxes, fines or confiscating personal property to use for raising money to help the sick would be the best way. Penalize the drinkers, smokers already get taxed enough, drug dealers, those buying the drugs should be able to afford[Truncated]" 21853 6/15/06 11:59 AM MO Absolutely agree!!!! Agree. "If the plan is developed correctly, there should be no need for this recommendation." Agree. Agree. Agree. * Let's find a way to make this happen. It is ridiculous that the richest country in the world can't provide health care to all of its citizens.[Truncated] "* I am guessing that the statement ""...requires new revenues..."" is true, although I have no way of really knowing this. In any event, I would support this approach to financing.[Truncated]" 21855 6/15/06 12:27 PM KY * Are you going to discriminate against smokers? Possibly higher premiums or co-pay? May as well discriminate against drinkers and people who are obese. They cost the system as much as smokers. May as well discriminate against pre existing [Truncated] People with connections will receive better and faster treatment This sounds as though you are recommending the burden be borne by the rich. This is socialism at its best. * The government at any level can not run anything with the near efficency of private enterprise. The will just take this country into deep socialism[Truncated] Hospice doeas an exceptional job of this now. Looks like this committee was comprised predominantly by socialist. "* It will drive taxes so high it will not benefit the average person to work. This will cost the average person much more than he or she is now paying. Again, you talk of sin taxes. What about ""Fat"" taxes? You can not depend on cigarette tax[Truncated]" 21857 6/15/06 12:45 PM FL "* Why ""affordable"" since we have many people without adequate financial resources for even the most minimal health care? At the community meeting I attended we reached consensus on ""health care for all"" so why doesn't the interim recommendatio[Truncated]" "* As we noted in our community meeting, this ""core"" set of treatments will always be in evolution. New drugs, new treatments for old illnesses, and new wealth and new philosophies will cause a constant re-evaluation process into the foreseeabl[Truncated]" "* A Single Payer financing arrangement makes this easy to achieve on the money side. With such insurance and payments system, then, the Problem is more on the services side (what we promise/contract for) that people will benefit from.[Truncated]" "* This is easier to achieve (in costs and in organizational resources) with a Single Payer system. Why not mention this and use the examples of several countries who have largely already achieved this? This would also benefit health care & me[Truncated]" "* As we discussed at our community meeting, no nation, no matter the health insurance or provider system ever completely finishes with this. Just as with any other goverenment (or for that matter, purely private) system, we need aggressive, in[Truncated]" "* We spend excessively on the last 18 months of life. We do not spend adequately (on average) on the first 18 years of life in the US. The recent research on the effectiveness of this end-of-life health intervention excess seems to show tha[Truncated]" "* Is the Commisssion ideologically averse to using the terms ""Single Payer"" or ""Universal Coverage""? If so, can you please explain why or is it just the same old fixed social philosophical biases?[Truncated]" "* Again. At our community meeting the discussions made clear that the most efficient payment systems in the world rely on some form of SINGLE PAYER arrangements (or for some countries, a mere handful of payment clearing houses/agencies). The [Truncated]" 21859 6/15/06 1:35 PM MD * I agree with the recommendation of access for all persons to health care. I support fully the provision for financial assistance for those who need it. This should definitely include working people who are finding it difficult to meet their[Truncated] "* I support a non-partisan group making recommendations concerning core benefits. I see here the inclusion of ""physical, mental and dental health"". Those are important clarifications. Again, in MD., we see evidence of sign[Truncated]" "* I definitely agree and support guarantee of financial protection so that people have equal opportunities to receive treatment for acute needs, long-term needs, and for prevention/ wellness.[Truncated]" "* I definitely support the recommendation as stated with a special concern for ""vulnerable populations, including low income and uninsured people"". Rural and underserved areas need attention, but urban centers cannot be neglected either. [Truncated]" "* Yes, promote quality care, efficiency, and accountability. But don't tie the hands of local care providers with managed care hoops to jump through that question the judgment of those working directly with patient needs.[Truncated]" "* Yes, this is an area of special need. The Hospice care in our County is great. Every person should have the opportunity to have professional, comprehensive palliative care and support that is in keeping with the individual and family needs.[Truncated]" * The subject of health care for all citizens should be a high priority for all in leadership and authority. Things need to be done to provide expanded support and help as quickly and efficiently as possible. [Truncated] * I fully support the use of new revenues in order to provide for these essential services for all people. Each of us needs to share in responsibility for ourselves to the extent we are able. Each us us needs to share in providing the resourc[Truncated] 21860 6/15/06 1:39 PM GA "* This is a great recommendation. However, i am concerned about the phrase ""set of core health care services"". Most americans already feel like the government dictates a lot in their lives. Why extend that influence into determining which set o[Truncated]" "* Who defines the core benfit package? Already most americans feel big business influences their lives by lobbying and manipulating politicians. To leave the definition of core benefit packages to whomever has the most power and influence, not [Truncated]" * The definintion of high health care costs is too vague. The squeezed middle class are likely going to bear the brunt of this recommendation when all goes bad. [Truncated] 21864 6/15/06 2:41 PM OH * The single most important step that the Federal government could take to reform the health care system would be to mandate system wide standardized measurement and reporting of medical outcomes over the cycle of care for each type of medical [Truncated] 21865 6/15/06 2:43 PM TX * The devil in this work is related to the question: What is basic health care? My fears are that it will be so basis as to be almost meaningless and this will be another way for rich insurance companies and physicians to line their pockets wh[Truncated] 21867 6/15/06 2:49 PM OH * Anyone who tells you that America has poor quality health care as compared to other nations of the world is not well informed. They obviously haven't researched the quality of care abroad and I would be willing to bet they are basing their s[Truncated] 21869 6/15/06 3:43 PM NY "* There is no question that all Americans should have affordable, high quality health care.I gave a talk on health insurance at a hospital Grand Rounds and I listed what I considered to be the desirable features in such universal access: 1. a f[Truncated]" 21873 6/15/06 3:53 PM AZ "* every US citizen should have health care services. These services should be comprehensive and include dental, vision, mental and alternative proceedures.[Truncated]" "* This would be a good vehicle for establishing a universal health plan, and would keep the special interest groups from much influence. The messed up ""system"" we deal with now is due to the special interest groups.[Truncated]" * no US citizen should be impoverished by health care costs. There are too many of us who are indebt for the rest of our lives due to medical expenses. There should be a safety net to protect people from debt. [Truncated] a private/public effort would be needed to ensure that health care quality and efficiecy is uniform across the country * my concern is that a ferdal agency may be slow to change as new proceedures are developed. And the one thing we citizens dont need is a slow to change federal agency.[Truncated] * end of life issues need to be addressed. This has not been dealt with in a satisfactory way. Education and coordination on a community level with support from a central agency would help people deal with end of life.[Truncated] * what you have outlined is a good starting point. Like all the plans before I fear this will not get very far in the Congress. I wish I could be more a part of this effort. I will notify my Congressmen of my interest and ask them to support a [Truncated] * There is over 2 trillion dollars a year spent on health care. These monies would go a long way to provide a universal health plan.[Truncated] 21895 6/15/06 8:49 PM WA "* We need universal health care now. Why wait for the year 2012?? We need to eliminate the employer provided health care system and replace with a government run unified system for all.[Truncated]" 21897 6/15/06 9:35 PM FL "* Recognizing that this cannot be done overnight, suggest that there be immediate access to health care for all children---who will be a relatively inexpensive group to cover. It is ridiculous that I, 74 years old, have excellent coverage even [Truncated]" Agree Agree Very important Medicine does not fit into the free enterprise system. The waste that is built into the present system is immense. Agree "* As a physician, now retired from practice, I would hope to see medical schools and residency programs move away from the concept that we must fight to save every life to the bitter end. This is why approximately 80% of Medicare dollars are sp[Truncated]" "* Recgnize the efficiency of Medicare as opposed to private insurance plans. The insurance companies have the political clout, but they should not be the determining factor.[Truncated]" 21901 6/15/06 11:00 PM NY * I am a certified nurse midwife in Brooklyn NY. Every day I see the effects on under insured and under served women. Many (as young as 40) are crippled by strokes which could have been prevented if they had taken medications to control high bl[Truncated] * Core care needs to include all age appropriate immunizations and screening tests. It should include medications for chronic illnesses. The choice of medications should be based on what works for the patient - not what the insurers want to pay[Truncated] * Hospitals and providers need to get paid for the services they provide. Otherwise they won't be around in the future. However financial ruin is costly. This type of protection is critical. [Truncated] I hope to see this in my life tim * Currently in New York there are dozens of insurace companies which are part of Medicaid managed care. Each company has its policies which providers and their staff must struggle to keep up with. They also employ a large number of people and h[Truncated] 21902 6/16/06 12:06 AM WI "* From the beginning this recommendation is faulty. The government should have only a very minor role in health care. IT should be government policy to not INHIBIT in any way citizens from being able to have access to health care, but it is n[Truncated]" "* Whoa, Health needs to be defined with a spiritual realm as well, first of all. Oen can't deny the spiritual nature of the person. Second, you're trying to put control in the government's hands and claim it wil lbe ""fair and transparent?"" [Truncated]" "* Again, advocating socialized medicine. We can not force people to spend/invest their money in ways we think is best. God had the wisdom to allow free will, knowing the consequences. Why should we think differently. This is coming dangerou[Truncated]" "* Ok, story time. I know a general surgeon who has practiced in ""low income/rural"" areas his entire career. He chose to be an independent physician. Why, so he had the chose to be able to help patients when they couldn't pay. He accepted, c[Truncated]" "* If you recreated independent doctors and clinics, they will make sure their patients have what they need. People are lead to not trust the actual health care providers because the hcps have this ugly monster looming over them called ""groups""[Truncated]" "* This is down-right scary. You want to provide every American with provided health care, and then start meddling with things like end-of-life care at a time when ""euthanasia"" is becoming a problem. Read what doctors have to say about it in t[Truncated]" "* Please, I know my comments aren't well articulated as I dont' have time to do you research. Educate yourselves before you make such dangerous recommendations. As a future doctor, I dread the day when the decisions of how to care of my patie[Truncated]" "* Again, same argument as above. Except now we are adding fancy wording for socialized medicine. If people had the facts, not what is fed to them by interest groups they would cry with a vengence against this proposal. We can't trust the gov[Truncated]" 21903 6/16/06 1:26 AM CA * Our current healthcare system does not work. We end up paying more in the long term for medical problems because we don't provide the most vulnerable with health care and benefits. The answer will be complex. Nobody wants to pay the cost o[Truncated] 21908 6/16/06 10:22 AM VA * Absolutely. Enough with this patchwork coverage that costs everyone more because of the extraordinary amount of effort devoted to cherrypicking the least cost patients. The idea of health insurance is that is spreads risk. I'm not so confi[Truncated] "* Perhaps modeled on the Supreme Court -- appointments if not for life, for long periods to insulate them from political pressures. Just a thought. Appointees could be select much like juries are selected, having partisans ""pick off"" the extr[Truncated]" * Absolutely. Medical costs should not bankrupt anyone. A good society is one that is measured by how well it takes care of its most vulnerable. We don't want health care costs to create more costly societal problems![Truncated] "* Yes, we need to find out more ways to incentivize people/networks to serve rural and/or low income areas. Again, a good society is one that is measured by how well it takes care of its most vulnerable. [Truncated]" "* Ok, this is a big one. We need to develop a National Testing Center to fund independent trials of drugs vs common treatments: 1) placebos, 2) common and sensible folk treatments, 3) one or more drugs that claim to address the problem. We ne[Truncated]" "I know less about this, but your recommendations seems reasonable." Thanks for doing this. How do we generate momentum behind this? We need to get politicians feeling the urgency of this. * I like it. But I'm wondering about the complexity of all these funding streams. Is a simpler sourcing of funds better? Maybe. I'm sympathetic to sin taxes that approximate the costs to the public of individual choices on an aggregate leve[Truncated] 21909 6/16/06 10:37 AM TX We do not have a health care system. We have independant contractors that are in competition with each other. Yes """If you do not have a lawyer, one will be provided for you"" but not a doctor." 21912 6/16/06 11:41 AM OK Excellent. "* The ""proactive"" segment seems an afterthought. It should be number 1. Teach everyone risk factors and REQUIRE that they reduce their risks in order to get in on the freebies.[Truncated]" "* Give $$credits to those who voluntarily exercise, which lowers risk of most disease and physical disability. I spend lots of money to keep in shape and lower my risk of heart disease & cancer, yet, my ins. rates and taxes cover those who do [Truncated]" 21916 6/16/06 1:52 PM IL "* I completely agree! When I moved to this country, I actually couldn't believe that was not the case in the first place. America, the land of opportunity, has thousands of sick people who cannot get the health care nor the medications they nee[Truncated]" Core should certainly have all the things most Americans need in their lives or will run into at some point... "* YES! Isn't it a shame that someone who is unfortunate enough to get cancer manages to stay alive through that ordeal and then they lose their house and everything they own to pay the medical bills ---NOOO. That should never happen, not to any[Truncated]" Excellent Excellent "* YES, but the families of those individuals really need to show how much they love their elderly parents and take some of the responsibility...this is more of a cultural/national issue than a health care one...[Truncated]" Please help Americans get health care! I would be willing to pay an extra tax which should then be used for financing of the free health care for everyone. 21917 6/16/06 2:09 PM KY "* These are typical pie-in-the-sky comments from eggheads who haven't the slightest inkling of ""how-to"" accomplish any of these so-called ""recommendations"". The question isn't ""what should we want from a national health care program?'; instead [Truncated]" 21921 6/16/06 3:34 PM FL "* A COMMENT ON INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS CITIZENS’ HEALTH CARE WORKING GROUP The United States’ health care system should be universal, as it is in most industrialized countries. Its core benefits should extend from the cradle to t[Truncated]" 21924 6/16/06 5:11 PM TN * Healthcare is not a right. Our system is the best in developing new treatments and drugs. The free enterprise system energizes it. Improving the quality and efficiency will result in enough savings to lower the overall cost to consumers and e[Truncated] * Medicaid already provides this service. Expanding Medicaid and children's coverage would be beneficial to the low income families. The fact is a large portion of the uninsured choose to be uninsured. Some are on government programs and pocket[Truncated] * Providing a network of government owned doctors would be a small network. A physician or hospital would have to be owned and operated by the government to survive on government reimbursement.[Truncated] * Here is where a huge difference can be made. The medical errors and inefficiencies must be reduced. The money wasted each year is staggering in correcting these errors. That money could be returned in a more affordable premium for consumers a[Truncated] An emotional issue that no one will ever get right. "* Has anyone given any thought to how the government will afford such a program? When you add to the issue the hundreds of thousands of jobs in healthcare, providers, insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, etc. that will be lost and move to the [Truncated]" * We (taxpayers) cannot afford a single payor system. It is ridiculous to assume otherwise. Everyone wants something for nothing mentality will not work. People want a single payor system....they just don't want to be the payor.[Truncated] 21925 6/16/06 5:26 PM NY * My comments are why isn't some of the bigger lobbying people going after the insurance companies that are out there Blue Choice for example that has been on front page newspapers twice now. (That is a NON PROFIT Organization who has 25 top e[Truncated] * I agree that all americans should be covered equally. You have the people now that have never had insurance and then you have the retired that have had good health insurance and are limited income who now because rising costs are getting swi[Truncated] 21926 6/16/06 5:47 PM OR "* How are you proposing to fund these ""core health care services?"" I suggest we tie all increases in health care services and insurance to the Federal annual cost of living index. That means none of these providers nor insurance agencies can [Truncated]" Staffed with a ratio of at least 5 to 1 actual users of the system would be a great starting point. Who is going to pay? Middle class again? How about big business kicking a truly fair share this time around? * By the time the Federal government has established all these commettees all of the sick people will have already become deceased![Truncated] Too much red tape. What not let the doctor decide what his patients need? "* Too much like Big Brother is deciding who will live and who will not live. Isn't this decision really between the patient, his God and his doctor?[Truncated]" "* I believe the re-vamping of the American health care system must be done by private enterprise and away from the governmental quagmire. If our nation cannot devise a workable solution to combating terrorists, how can they possibly fix the he[Truncated]" 21928 6/16/06 8:36 PM IL "* It is only a matter of time until the productive members of society rebel and refuse to fund this cash grab. I will gladly donate to provide health care for those who can't afford it, but I'll be damned if I will be forced to contribute.[Truncated]" * Disease and death are a natural part of life. What would the population of the Earth be now if all disease had been erradicated 100 years ago.[Truncated] 21930 6/16/06 9:26 PM NC "* If core health care services are annual physicals and vaccines and primary dental and vision care, then I'm ok with that. Eliminate the Pre-existing conditions clauses in all health plan policies. Financial Assistance should ALWAYS be[Truncated]" "I like the definintion you have used to define core benefits. " "* coverage for ALL americans!!!!!!!! my son will not have coverage when he's 19 thru the state health plan and will not be eligible for Medicaid. He has Still's Disease/JRA. Still's sends him to the hospital at least once a year and doctor vis[Truncated]" "* If you want to finance the health care system, here's 2 ideas: 1) tax the wealthy. 2)redirect ""some"" of people's Federal Income tax refund to a Medical Savings Plan.[Truncated]" 21931 6/16/06 9:41 PM WA Everyone should have the right to participate--regardless of funds. "* ""Core"" benefits is an ever changing term to me. As we get older, we need different types of medical treatment and dental treatment. Medicine is also a big thing--Medicine prices are really getting bad with no end in sight. In the end, who d[Truncated]" "This basic principal sounds wonderful, but I am afraid of the ""but"" that seems to be following" "Lead a national initiative? Why not just enforce a new policy? We need this, we should have this." "This sounds like what some of us already have, its just that the cost of this is just prohibitive at this time." "* Could we pay a tax on a sliding scale to get medical/dental/mental/perscription for all? I am a low income older person, but I would sure be willing to do that.[Truncated]" 21932 6/17/06 12:46 AM MO * Everyone should be required to purchase health insurance just as everyone who owns an automobile must be insured. Illegal aliens should be denied any services except if life threatening. [Truncated] "This will drive the costs sky high as the definition of ""core"" evolves. Let the private sector offer choices." * No one should be forced to purchase services they don't need. Why should a 50 year old pay for maternity coverage? Should my son's policy include mamogram coverage? One size doesn't fit all.[Truncated] More unneeded bureaucracy. The government doesn't control costs...It spends money. Hospice care is a death sentence. Either you'll die on your own or they'll kill you to clear bed space. "* There's no reason that health insurance should be tied to employment. I've never had a job that paid for my auto insurance, so why should employers be responsible for health insurance?[Truncated]" The government should garnish wages or withold tax refunds of those who refuse to purchase catastrophic health insurance. 21936 6/17/06 12:46 PM CO Absolutely necessary Not clear as to what would not be covered. See comments on (1). This would be a givenj This would be an integral part of u niversal health care. A given. Good recommendation. I find this analysis again pointing out the need for universal health care. * Believe all should be financed by government and taxes. (Value added tax is certinly an option.) Would not be a burden if insurance and out of pocket medical expences are no longer a fact of life.[Truncated] 21940 6/17/06 1:57 PM MN * My comment on is on the high cost of care. I recently had 3 stitches and a tetnaus shot in the local ER. This cost almost $1000.00. That is total out of control! There should be a cap on costs and a broad board to examine fradulant charges. [Truncated] 21951 6/18/06 6:45 PM MN "* The best and most obvious way to achieve this objective is either a fully-socialized medical system or, as a compromise, a single-payer system.[Truncated]" "* I see no reason why these important decisions should be made by a ""private-public"" group. A fully-public group would be fully accountable to the citizens whose fates it would be deciding.[Truncated]" "* A fully-socialized or single-payer system would distribute costs and responsibilities in a fair and predictable manner. There is no need for any other ""out-of-pocket"" medical costs beyond the taxes needed to finance such a system.[Truncated]" "* A fully-socialized or single-payer system would rid us of the ""safety-net"" concept -- which results in inferior care for less-privileged people -- for good.[Truncated]" "* Every other civilized country in the world has an integrated, national system of health care, either through their Social Security system or a single-payer plan, or some other rational public approach. With appropriate funding levels these s[Truncated]" * The taxes needed for a socialized or single-payer system should be progressive and based on ability to pay. The necessary funds under either of these systems would be substantially less for most people than the current costs of private insur[Truncated] 21953 6/19/06 7:29 AM NY * I agree totally. All Amerians will be served by a universal healthcare system. Affordable health care is a prerequisite to a healthy society. [Truncated] * Citizen represents is a must! Diversity of the group is also imperative to a design of a system that will benefit the most people possible. [Truncated] All three points must be a part of any health care system that serves all Americans. Recommendation 4 shows a true sensitivity to building healthy communities. I agree with the tenets of this recommendation. "* There is no sense in establishing a universal health care system unless it can provide quality care and efficency. Education, reduction of fraud, and a truly user friendly system is necessary for health care to reach all who needed it. [Truncated]" "Absolutely, restructuring how pallative care operates in this country is a must. I agree with the recommendations in number 6." * It is too long in the coming. Healthcare for all Americans must be on the top of the to-do list on a federal level. It should be the basis of the campaign for President next year. [Truncated] I leave it to the experts to decide how to best finance a universal health care system. 21963 6/19/06 4:15 PM CA "* It should be public policy indeed. Yet I am not sure what ""core"" means. What Americans should have a right to is to a comprehensive group of services that covers all medically necessary interventions as defined by experts in different fields,[Truncated]" "I reiterate vision care, just in case somebody forgets that our eyes need care as well." "* the protection should be for all care, not merely for ""high out of pocket medical costs"". that sounds like private insurance talk to me.[Truncated]" "* Community networks are great, but they should not be set up just for the poor. IN an equitable system it should be irrelevant whether one is rich or poor to access all medically necessary services. Community clinics should be supported and tr[Truncated]" "* In a publicly financed system where everybody contributes according to ability to pay, as everywhere else in the developed work, cost-comparison of health services for ""consumers"" would not be necessary, so I am not sure how this ""comparative[Truncated]" "* I can only understand this idea of ""public and private payers"" if a presume that people are not interested in equitable health care, publicly financed and accountable. But again, this is not the message we've heard across our country. [Truncated]" "* I do. We can do a better job of providing equitable heatlh care to all Americans. But of course we may choose not to (or some of us may choose not to). Leaving the private insurance sector untouched will not do it. It never has, and it never [Truncated]" "* It is not true, nor have I heard participating in these discussions, that ""no heath care financing mechanisms is optimal"". There is overwhelming evidence that publicly financed single-payer systems are the most efficient in delivering the goo[Truncated]" 21969 6/19/06 6:44 PM CO "* In talking about things like public health, we need to take a broader view of the ""common good."" The current system ""misses"" a very large number of people. This has consequences for all of us, financial and otherwise, not just for the sick an[Truncated]" "* Wellness and prevention are critically important. People should be given incentives to engage in healthy life styles. School children should all have physical education, nutrition education, and home economics instruction. There should be a v[Truncated]" I agree. "* I may not understand this well enough, but it looks like another bureaucracy. If this network includes economies of scale, efficiencies, sharing of medical files/information, and providing services to underserved populations, without paying a[Truncated]" It makes sense to expand and improve on exisiting systems that work. Agreed. "* Improving our public health should be a high priority. ""Health Care"" needs a broader definition than we are currently using. The emphasis should be on maintaining optimal wellness, not simply on treating disease. The system should reward peop[Truncated]" "* Take the money out of the so-called defense budget. Even before the war in Iraq, the U.S. taxpayers paid astronomical amounts for militarism with no discernable public benefit and many adverse consequences for true security. In 2000 American [Truncated]" 21971 6/19/06 8:30 PM MN "* This sounds wonderful but is laced with abstractions that have no real definition. What does ""affordable"" mean? By whose definition will benefits be judged ""sufficiently comprehensive""? Who determines how much families can afford to pay?[Truncated]" This sounds good; I hope it makes it past the various Congressional committees and their legion of lobbyists. "* This will only be meaningful if stringent oversight is invested in a truly independent committee. Otherwise, it will fall prey to the usual partison bickering.[Truncated]" "* This sounds good but is very complicated. A single-payer program, such as that now used in Canada, would do a more streamlined job of this.[Truncated]" This is fine but will work only with real oversight. And it seems rather cumbersome. At the present time we have such care available. Are you reinventing the wheel? "* Yes. I want the same health care for all citizens that is presently enjoyed by our elected representatives. If such a program is available to them, it should be available to all at a comparable price.[Truncated]" "* This should hsve been addressed years ago. When Bill Clinton first took office, his wife tried to get the Congress to pass a universal coverage package which I believe would have kept us out of the present problems. Now we are trying to pic[Truncated]" 21982 6/20/06 9:51 AM IL I think Health Care Insurance has gotten too costly and we should have a system like Canada's. "* Instead of wasting money on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that money could be used to improve our health care financing problems.[Truncated]" 21983 6/20/06 10:01 AM UT "* Core benefits should NOT include: dental, vision, mental health, routine office visits, clinic visits, etc. People should pay for these themselves in order to keep the cost down to all. People should get help with high cost items like hos[Truncated]" I agree. "* End-of-life services should ONLY be palliative and hospice (at government expense). Also, we need to rethink how we pay for very premature babies. Is it worth trying to save all of them? No. If the child will probably need to be insti[Truncated]" "* Public dollars should not pay for life support for patiens who have little hope of recovery. It a person will likely be bed-bound for the rest of life, then we should give only hospice and palliative care. No life support at government ex[Truncated]" "* I am OPPOSED to forcing people to buy insurance. People should not have to choose between paying insurance and buying food. They should not have to chose between paying insurance and paying college tuition. I am opposed to having the [Truncated]" 21984 6/20/06 10:15 AM UT "* Don't force people to buy insurance. This will increase homelessness, hunger, and make it more difficult to just pay for basic living expenses. Government will tax us for things that I don't think are ""core"". Government should only cov[Truncated]" 21985 6/20/06 10:17 AM FL An excellent recommendation. Just don't let theology interfere with the science. An excellent recommendation. Delete the age requirement for Medicare and voila! You've got a program. Excellent recommendation. Excellent recommendation. * I pay $88.20 per month for Medicare coverage and another $199 for a Medigap insurance policy. So far I have had excellent care from physicians and facilities which I choose. Financing for the new healthcare program could follow the Medicare[Truncated] 21986 6/20/06 10:27 AM UT "Everyone wants benefits as long as ""somebody else"" pays the bill. It doesn't work that way." 21993 6/20/06 12:08 PM FL * This is one of the most important and most talked about issues today. I believe this Recommendation should be adopted as soon as possible.[Truncated] Recommendation 2 should be adopted. Recommendation 3 should be adopted. "* Recommendation 4 does not go far enough. All Americans should have the same coverage as its Federal Representatives/Senators, etc. They are our employees, we pay their salaries, they should not have more than we do.[Truncated]" I would be willing to help finance this recommendation. 21995 6/20/06 12:24 PM UT "* People should pay all of their own bills out-of-pocket except for hospital bills. Hospital bills should be paid, on a basic level, for all, through taxes. Hospital bills should be limited by the government. If peole pay their own bill[Truncated]" "* People should pay their own dental, vision, mental health, clinic visits, etc. Only high costs interventions should be covered by government insurance. This would help keep costs down. However, people should be able to choose coverage[Truncated]" "* Agree. However, middle income persons should not be taxed so heavily, that they struggle to pay for food and college tuition for their kids. We need to limit what hospitals can charge and what procedures they do at government expense.[Truncated]" * We should limit what hospitals can charge. This is the only way to limit their purchasing very expensive equipment. We need to limit what is paid out during end of life care. We need to limit what is paid out for very pre-mature baby [Truncated] "* There should be a $1 per hour charge to employers for every person they hire, either part-time or full-time. This money should go into a general pot which will cover all. However, it would only cover high cost items like very defined cor[Truncated]" 21996 6/20/06 12:32 PM UT "* Health care needs to be affordable. We need to limit high cost use of procedures, and high cost technology. People could pay their own bills, or buy insurance for a reasonable fee, if the high costs items were regulated. Some high cost[Truncated]" 21997 6/20/06 12:36 PM UT Disagree. People should pay their own bills. Not the government. * I am opposed to forcing people to buy health insurance. this does nothing to address the too high costs. It doesn't address whether people can afford to buy this. People should be forced to chose between paying for food and paying for i[Truncated] 22010 6/20/06 6:51 PM CO "* All Americans should be required to participate in a unified single-payer system. If a sufficient population pays into a universal system, then sufficient financial resources will exist to subsidize the catastrophic and chronic illnesses tha[Truncated]" 22014 6/21/06 1:09 AM UT Absolutely right. Cover everyone with affordable health care. "* We can afford to give a fine benefit package to everyone. There is no need to slim down the benefits except to keep the status quo. Quit paying some so much so that they get rich while so many go without health care. The CEO of United Health[Truncated]" "* Have us all in the same risk pool and let us pay for our health care before we get sick, during our sickness and after we get well. Making us pay more while we are sick produces bankruptcy.[Truncated]" * Community health centers are wonderful but they are no substitute for fixing our system. A bandaid is not enough. Everyone should have access to high quality health care because we can afford it. Take the 30% administrative overhead out of th[Truncated] * Good. Improve quality and efficiency. But don't make the patient shop for health care to get the best price while they are sick. They can't know what is wrong. Trained professsionals know what is wrong. They went to school for years to be abl[Truncated] Good. Make end of life mesh with care given during life. It's all one. Single payer health care is not socialized medicine. "* We don't need new revenues, we need to spend the ones we have better. Cut out the wasted administrative overhead that provides for huge CEO salaries, shareholder dividends and brokerage percentages. Make the administration of the health car[Truncated]" 22015 6/21/06 8:31 AM NC "* It should focus on catastrophic, prevention, treatment for non-lifestyle related conditions and end of life if we want to create a cultural shift from the belief that we can live the way we want and the medical system will take care of us whe[Truncated]" "* A core benefit package should include evidence-based measures such as innoculations, basic dental, and as people reach the evidence-based age when screenings should be conducted, those should be covered. [Truncated]" * Not sure people who smoke should have their lung cancer care covered. Not sure people who become morbidly obese should have their various resulting conditions covered.[Truncated] "* While it sounds like letting the fox in the hen house, the various state hospital associations could provide actualy implementation expertise in these areas.[Truncated]" "* Let's not overfund a lot of research to develop evidence to support stuff that isn't working well. If it works, evidence will come on its own and already has. Use caution in deciding what evidence to use.[Truncated]" "* I was appalled to read some of the hospice comments - can't believe people still misunderstand what it is and does. If hospice were perceived as desirable instead of defeatist, under the circumstances of a terminal illness, a significant amou[Truncated]" * People who smoke and are obese should pay more and it should increase every year as their risky behavior continues to put them at higher risk.[Truncated] 22018 6/21/06 9:19 AM IL "Give people incentives for living healthy lifestyles. Increased premiums or charges for smoking, being obese, etc." "I favor ""sin"" taxes and additional taxes for the VERY rich...those with income over $500,000 a year." 22019 6/21/06 9:30 AM CO Thanks for including mental health. "* Right now, family practitioners are fading away. They cannot make enough to sustain the overhead at their offices. Medicare and Medicaid devalue and discount their services untill it costs more to see a patient than the doctor is renumerated [Truncated]" "* This is a great idea. Much of the expense of health care results in the last week or two of life. If someone 97 is going to die, is it necessary to put them in an ICU and intubate them? [Truncated]" Thank you for your work. "* It would seem that many of today's health insurance problems relate to the high price of premiums. As more people (usually young and healthy) dropped out of the system (to buy gas and pay their house payment), the premiums went up and only th[Truncated]" 22022 6/21/06 10:00 AM WI * I agree with this statement completely. All citizens of the US should equal access to health care irregardless of financial situation.[Truncated] * All necessary medical care should be covered. Elective procedures should be the resposibility of the patient requesting the additional care.[Truncated] "By creating a ""Universal Plan"" like the plan currently being proposed in Wisconsin. Health care will be affordable for all." Canada has a health plan that appears to work well. * I beleive a new plan needs to be developed similar to the health care reform plan currently proposed in Wisconsin. Elminate the bureacracy and provide a plan for all with equal access.[Truncated] I believe these services should be part of any plan which will be implemented. * The issue of health care needs to be addressed across the nation as it is currently crippling the nation under the astronomical annual increases in premiums and the increasing number of people who do not have coverage which compounds the prob[Truncated] "* I beleive that all employers should be required to provide health care for their employees and families. By requiring all employers to participate, overall cost will decrease dramatically benefiting everyone.[Truncated]" 22028 6/21/06 12:39 PM CA Some basic level of health care accessible to all regardless of income is essential. Core benefits should include dental and mental health. Agreed. Certain quality of care standards should be mandated. Improved palliative care could help reduce end-of-life health care costs. Everyone should have some type of insurance to spread risk across the entire population. 22034 6/21/06 5:18 PM NY "* I agree..... and emphasis should be placed on the word AMERICAN, especially senior citizen AMERICANS who have paid into the social security system and because their salaries were so low at time of retirement and turning ""golden"" they cannot a[Truncated]" "* Having lay input is a good idea, but the AMERICAN assigned to this panel must be intelligent: ie, able to understand what is being put before the board in order to vote properly. The core benefits must include any ailments due to becoming a [Truncated]" "* Excellent recommendation. Especially since the middle class has all but been run out of America. Most of us, who have worked hard for a living in civil servitude or menial jobs but who struggled to own a home or car, cannot afford to live i[Truncated]" "* Again, good idea; make sure it stays that way. AMERICANS seen by AMERICAN educated doctors with quality education, not the pass through kind of quasi education spoken to in proper english is a great idea for every AMERICAN born in this count[Truncated]" * GREAT as long as it stays an AMERICAN program. Stop giving services away to people whose allegience lies elsewhere; and turns their education and health against us.[Truncated] "* Depends on the kind of support they choose. Families who care for their own should be given a shelter allowance for their dependents, just like medicaire would give a nursing facility. They should not toss the family into the street when th[Truncated]" * Canada has been using socialized medicine for years for their subjects. Perhaps we should find out why their medical plan works so well. Every senior citizen receives free medical and dental care and medicine.[Truncated] * Medical assistance should cost little to nothing to those AMERICANS who cannot afford it. Doctors should be AMERICAN and speak proper English so that we can understand instructions given for health care.[Truncated] 22040 6/21/06 8:56 PM IL "* Yes, I am 72 years old, worked all my life, so i could retire, have insurance, draw S,S, and pension. When i retired the company filed bankcrupcty, lost my insurance. I think every American should have free health care. After all we are the [Truncated]" 22041 6/21/06 9:06 PM SD * Yes! Seamless consistent healthcare independent from your employer or work situation. Care needs to be financially adjusted so all can afford proper care. [Truncated] "* Core medical benefits, drug benefits INCLUDING contraception. Certain alternative care should be paid if substantial benefit of the care is determined by a primary MD. [Truncated]" * Catastrophic care needs to be covered. Financial protection needs to be assured for not only low income but those who can show that costs would be a hardship. Decisions on any qualifications MUST be made faster than agencies such as Soc Secur[Truncated] "Control the prices charged by pharmaceutical, clinics and hospitals." A safety net for the uninsured needs to happen by 2008 "* Most larger employers already pay out to private insurance, have employer pay a healthcare tax instead. Have those who can afford to pay a partial premium or copay to help fund the system. [Truncated]" 22045 6/21/06 9:27 PM MI * The current Health Care Medical Benefits Insurance system for Government Employees could be adapted for all Americans. All the forms are readily available and in most Medical offices. The problems could be work out as things go along. Senator[Truncated] * The current government employee Medical Benefit Insurance can be adapted to include all americans. The forms a already in most Doctor's offices. Senator Ted Kennedy has suggested this.[Truncated] Same as above. 22046 6/21/06 10:02 PM TX "* If this recommendation refers to health CARE, as opposed to health INSURANCE, I agree. If it refers to INSURANCE, I disagree strongly.[Truncated]" "* Because recommendation 2 appears to refer to health INSURANCE, I disagree strongly. If the health CARE providing system is privatized, no ""one size fits all"" system could possibly be just. Every citizen should receive exactly and all the ca[Truncated]" "* I disagree strongly with recommendation 3, as it clearly refers to health INSURANCE. If the health care system is federalized, there would be no costs to any citizen beyond the taxes each citizen pays.[Truncated]" "* All government health insurance programs, such as Medicare, and the others cited in recommendation 5 should be abolished immediately. Therefore, I disagree strongly with recommendation 5.[Truncated]" "* I disagree strongly with recommendation 6, as it clearly refers to health INSURANCE costs. If the health care system is federalized, there would be no costs to any citizen beyond the taxes each citizen pays.[Truncated]" * Please stop confusing health CARE with health INSURANCE. These are not the same. Health INSURANCE creates several layers of beaurocracy and business that do nothing to advance the CARE of our citizens.[Truncated] "* I disagree strongly with this recommendation. If the goal is to provide universal affordable health CARE, the mechanism is simple. Federalize all health CARE. All health care would then be provided by the federal government - not by the in[Truncated]" 22050 6/21/06 11:13 PM IA "* Yes, we need affordable health care for all Americans, I consider myself to be in the lower middle of this situation and have my own story about dealing with not having and not being able to afford needed healthcare coverage. I work in a long[Truncated]" It must encompass all of these needs and services. "* Definately, it is not fair for any of us to be impoverished because of need for health care or turned away from proper care because of in ability to pay.[Truncated]" I hope this can be accomplished without us all being buried in paper work and still not having the right answers. "* How can we make this work without it being so confusing and complex that poeple like me don't where or who to turn to get what they need when they need it? Patient centered care is very important, I work in healthcare, and I know that it is n[Truncated]" * Direct care workers need more continued training and support for the jobs they do so that they will stay in this field and so that we can continue to recruit new workers to the field of caregiving.[Truncated] I support and want help in any way I can find the answers to this great problem! "* I know that this is a very complex problem, and I'm not sure what the answer is, I think it is going to have to be a combination of contributions and tax changes and maybe there are reforms that need to be made in the insurance and legal syst[Truncated]" 22053 6/22/06 10:03 AM AK "* When I was in college in the 1970's I attended a seminar class regarding health care in America. We studied the current system and alternate systems, and without a doubt we saw the wisdom of a national health program. Yet here we are thirty[Truncated]" "* We must prioritize when and how health care costs are incurred. I really like the dental programs that pay 100 per cent of preventative care, and then a per cent of restorative care. I think it is important to promote and pay for prevention[Truncated]" "* There is a relationship between people's physical health and their economic and mental health. All Americans deserve access to our medical resources. As I mentioned above, let their be ways to encourage paying for the prevention first, and [Truncated]" "* Why can't we have a National Health Corp, and encourage youth to volunteer for one or two years in our health system? Personally I think that all American youth should give back to their country. They are provided with free education and th[Truncated]" "* As I mentioned we do have a form of public health, it is just very fragmented. Get those youth out to do prevention education and assist medical staff during immunization clinics! It could even be considered part of their training to go on [Truncated]" * As a nation we must talk about death and end life matters more openly. Promotion of hospice along with education could go a long way in assisting patients and their families to accept when it is time to stop heroic and expensive and wasteful[Truncated] "* I pay my FICA tax. I pay my Medicare tax. I have no problem with these because I know that I may and will benefit from these taxes. It is like putting savings in the bank for when I need to withdraw. While we are at it, we definitely shoul[Truncated]" 22056 6/22/06 11:10 AM FL "* Agree with a core benefit to provide basic needs to all. Addiction treatment needs to be included due to the prevalance in our society. [Truncated]" 22066 6/22/06 12:40 PM MN "* Yes--and this means that Congress, too, must participate--in the same system as applies to ordinary citizens. No more ""fat-cat"" system for legislators, while the rest of the country is excluded.[Truncated]" "* O.K. When we talk about wellness, how much of an investment in time and dedication are we willing to make to convince Americans to take better care of themselves. As an example, we know that if Americans gave up using illegal drugs the cart[Truncated]" "* Good idea. Tough to do. Sounds like the World War II ""cost-plus"" program, in which companies could go to any expense to accomlish a task (the ""cost"") and then add on their profit (the ""plus""). It led to a lot of abuse and expense.[Truncated]" Hmmm--sounds a little bit like practicing medicine in Cuba. "* ""Reduction of fraud"" is key here--there are too many stories about too many medical care practitioners and insurance companies and individuals working in collusion to defraud the government. Policing the industry will be expensive, but--huma[Truncated]" Sounds good. "* One way to improve the efficiency of the system is to stop treating it as if it were part of the Mafia--e.g., everyone getting a ""taste."" Medicare Part D is an excellent example of a program being set up--not to benefit the consumer, but to [Truncated]" Taxes and some private investment would seem to be the only means of financing health care. 22068 6/22/06 1:46 PM PA "Look at the example in Mass. Broad involvement of participation was evident. State, business, and individual responsibility." "* You did as great job defining health care!! Our center serves the medically uninsured and the mental health and dental needs are tremendous in that population. They need basic primary medical and dental care.[Truncated]" agree * Faith based health centers providing care should not be excluded from funding. We are a free health center that provides charitable primary services to the medically uninsured residents in our community with household incomes below 250% FPL.[Truncated] * Stream-line the system so that you don't have multiple payers at the federal/national level. There is no reason acceptable to spend the dollars that we do on admin. and claims management/processing. [Truncated] agree "Value added taxes on luxury items or ""sin taxes"" would not be additinal income or property tax burden." 22071 6/22/06 2:50 PM MI "* The most efficient way to do this is with public financing, Single Payer. Medicare and Medicaid have very low overhead. Better than private sector insurers.[Truncated]" * I don't think the health care problem will be solved until we get over the insane notion that the private sector can do it better.[Truncated] 22072 6/22/06 3:15 PM MA "* It should be for all U.S. citizens and not something so complicated that you can't understand. Your ss# for life and also no matter who you work for you pay into the system by your salary. That means judges congress, wealthy etc. I guess, th[Truncated]" agreed 22073 6/22/06 3:15 PM MA "* It should be for all U.S. citizens and not something so complicated that you can't understand. Your ss# for life and also no matter who you work for you pay into the system by your salary. That means judges congress, wealthy etc. I guess, th[Truncated]" agreed 22077 6/22/06 5:13 PM OH * I fully agree with this. Our ancestors fought not only for freedom but also to defend our way of life. This way of life is called civilization at its finest. It demands that we pool our moneys to help our brothers take advantage of proper med[Truncated] "Again, this is no big deal to take care of this." * THIS IS IT ! This is absolutely necessary. We need to take care of each other ! This is what is called modern civilization and it is high time that we organize towards this end. [Truncated] * Believe me this is the most important thing for anyone in this situation. Anyone who is insensitive to this is merely ignorant and inexperienced. We have to do this for our brothers. [Truncated] I fully agree. 22078 6/22/06 5:13 PM NC "* We should have a system that's the same for everyone, same cost percentage wise. The ones who have Health care now should not be covering the costs of the un-insured. Our current system is out of control, i.e. My wife is totally disabled, sh[Truncated]" "* Like Social Security, it should be based on income levels, but unlike SS no top out. I think this would actually cut our premiums. But you have to put in controls, stop the greed, stop paying the CEO's of this world Millions, no one, absolu[Truncated]" 22081 6/22/06 8:05 PM CA Yes! Including mental and dental is very important. This should be a core provision of the plan. All good. Let's do this! "* There are countries which offer national health care now, based on the above priciples, and their systems work very well. We should try to emulate such existing systems[Truncated]" 22082 6/22/06 9:11 PM CA "* Our current crisis in health care cannot be resolved with incremental fixes that require more money. A comprehensive restructuring of our medical care system is required, providing universal insurance coverage and quality care without spendin[Truncated]" "* In the words of J. Edward Hill, MD, President of the American Medical Association, ""The days of one-size-fits-all health care coverage will be numbered."" Forget the independent non-partisan private-public group. Every patient's primary ca[Truncated]" "* Guaranteed financial protection against very high medical costs needs to be part of COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM. Consider the comprehensive health care reform proposal, Doctor Managed Care--doctormanagedcare.com[Truncated]" * These are all well-meaning but bad ideas. Federal government bureaucratic approaches leading to top down determinations of health care benefits through medical establishment endorsed guidelines has contributed significantly to the current mes[Truncated] "* The federal government's previous efforts in these regards, while well-meaning, have been ineffective at best. The federal government needs to get out of the way and let primary care physicians lead initiatives to accomplish all these worthy [Truncated]" "* I speak from experience since most of my 25 year career as a clinical physician was in palliative care. Futile treatments of people living with advance incurable conditions keeps those people from receiving the palliative care they need. [Truncated]" "* I am seeking feedback on my comprehensive health care reform proposal, Doctor Managed Care. To read about it, go to doctormanagedcare.com[Truncated]" "* By greatly reducing the insurance funding of tests and treatments that are not evidence-based to be safe and effective, additional revenue for health care will not be needed and more medical services (e.g., long term care and preventive medic[Truncated]" 22087 6/23/06 12:02 PM GA "* I agree with all the recommendations....however, as stated they are very broad and need further refinement. For example, you need to define who is being referred to by the expression ""most vulnerable individuals/Americans"" are. Another conc[Truncated]" 22091 6/23/06 12:48 PM MI "The difficulty will be in deciding what services should be made affordable, and which are optional or impractical to cover." "* It is confusing when ""high cost and core benefits"" are together in a sentence. I think you meant that there are two categories: 1) high cost and 2) core benefits, but it is not entirely clear. Are you saying that there are two levels of ben[Truncated]" "* Two facets of modern health care seem to play off each other: 1) the constant advances of the field of medicine, and 2)the nearly ubiquitous drive to do ""everything possible"" to save a life. Today we can give treatments or perform procedures[Truncated]" "* If the government would pay for 30% or more of my medical school costs, I'd enroll tomorrow and promise to work for 10 or more years in a rural area. I'm thinking about a similar program to get nurses trained in WWII or the TeachAmerica prog[Truncated]" "* We should not build EMRs just to build EMRs - only if they will serve the higher purposes of the other recommendations. I think Health Promotion deserves a recommendation of its own, if we are talking about shared responsibility.[Truncated]" Agreed. "* I don't see a higher, overall vision of what you want the future to look like. These recommendations seem more like a list of problems and their proposed solutions. I'd like to see a statement about what a future America looks like, where p[Truncated]" "* As someone who makes an effort to live a healthy lifestyle, I don't want to pay for the quadruple bypass of someone who chose not to live a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps the cost of certain treatments that are most likely the results of unhealt[Truncated]" 22093 6/23/06 3:39 PM MD Heartily support Will require tort reform "* This is crucial. The Dartmouth data suggests wasted resources on aggressive care at the end of life. Please, please include this recommendation[Truncated]" This will probably require tax code changes that over-benefit the rich 22098 6/23/06 5:04 PM MO "This is awfully ambitious-sounding. The ""core"" sounds like a Cadillac." * We don't need and should not aim for first dollar coverage. We need minimal contributions from everyone based on income/ability to pay.[Truncated] This will be superfluous if we have a proper national health care system The only way to reduce fraud and waste is to remove the middle-men from the system. "* It is doubtful if new financing would be needed if the costly ""middle-men"" in the system were eliminated. Medicare operates with a minimal overhead, the rest of the system has administrative, advertising and profit costs that amount to 15 to [Truncated]" 22100 6/23/06 7:47 PM FL "* The System that government and corproate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aimed [Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" "* The System that government and corporate America is advocating is an abomination. It will deny care to patients and allow patients to die waiting for care. It will be a de facto socialized medicine program in America. The agenda aime[Truncated]" 22103 6/23/06 10:50 PM CA * We need single payor health insurance for everyone! Cut out corporate profits and waste! Government workers ARE efficient and cheaper than ultra-rich CEOs!!!!!!!!![Truncated] "* Members should be health care professionals--doctors, nurses, citizens, and government representatives. No corporate interests!!!!!!!!!!![Truncated]" NO PRIVATE PROGRAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO PRIVATE CORPORATE SLEEZEBAGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO PRIVATE CORPORATE SLEEZEBAGS!!!!!!!!!! * We need single payer health insurance provided by government. We have seen the monstrosity that is the MEDICARE DRUG PLAN developed by drug and insurance corporations to rip off the most vulnerable population in our country! Thank you corru[Truncated] * LET THE RICH PAY!!!!!!!!! THE POOR AND MIDDLE CLASSES HAVE PAID ENOUGH! IT IS TIME TO END TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH (CORPORATIONS INCLUDED)!!!!![Truncated] 22108 6/24/06 10:51 AM NY * I am employed by a long term care facility in New York as a registered nurse. I often see individuals in more advanced stages of disease due to the inability to afford routine preventative screening. Aplan that is affordable and available to [Truncated] "* It should be a package that would include all aspects of health care, including mental health and chemical dependency treatment. It should also be specific to a person's personal needs and focus on gender, ethnicity, age group,etc.[Truncated]" * It should include premiums or cost contingent on income or ability to pay with those with the most need being exempt from payment.[Truncated] Eliminate high cost administrative personel and provide more direct care services. "* As a nurse working primarily in geriatrics and end of life situations, I feel there needs to be more awareness of health care at this time of life. The focus should be on when it is and isn't feasible to prolong someone's life.[Truncated]" 22109 6/24/06 11:12 AM CT I agree with this reccommendation. "* I agree with a core of benefits that enhance health, and take care of health problems, including women's health, dental, eye etc. But I would disagree with any ""life style"" benefits.[Truncated]" I completely agree. "This sounds all right, but I would request that the ""buracracy be kept to a minimum." "Again, sounds ok, but keep the buracracy to a minimum." I agree. I do not agree with this statement. We should have a single-payer health insurence system paid for by taxes from all involved. 22113 6/25/06 8:02 AM PA No 22120 6/25/06 9:05 PM TN I could not agree more "* This is the other key and difficult issue. However here, I agree, there are models and data to start with. There is so much public education to do here, so let's get some models out before the public.[Truncated]" I think that remodelling the whole system needs to take priority over this. This can be insured only in a new system. This sounds like top down bureaucracy. Work on bottom-up issues also I couldn't agree more. "I agree, but this does not address the issue of the huge portion of our health care resources that go towards end of life care." Thank you for your work and your genaraslly excellent recommendations "* I agree that financing the first and other recommendations will be the key issue, largely because of the vested interests that control the current revenue stream. Defining the core services and figuring out how to divide up the cost among pay[Truncated]" 22122 6/26/06 1:59 AM WA "* It's impossible to keep up with my ever-increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket expenes. I and others like me will skip visits to the doctor to avoid the $30-$40 dollars it costs each time to go, even for the smallest of reasons. This incr[Truncated]" * It really does come down to keeping ourselves healthy by not fearing to go see a doctor because we can't afford the premiums or skipping medications because they cost too much. Very few people really enjoy taking time out of their lives and [Truncated] "If I lost my job and had a medical emergency, I'd be screwed." "* As a software engineer who typically works in short-term contract situations (less than 1 year), I and the company that hires me wastes hundred, if not thousands per year to sign me up for a new health and dental package every time I change j[Truncated]" Being able to easily port my health care and health history to different doctors would be very useful. "* A clean, simple national health care system would greatly benefit me and all of my peers. As our working lives change from being employed by 1 company for 40 years to working for multiple companies over our lives, our current health care sys[Truncated]" * I personally would much rather pool resources if it means that we are all healthier in the long run. So much money is wasted on health care administration by doctors offices who are forced to deal with hundreds of different kinds of insuranc[Truncated] 22128 6/26/06 11:00 AM NY Preventive medical care such as that practiced in Canada would put our health care dollars to more effective use. I agree entirely. I agree entirely. jWhy not simply expand Medicare? "* If insurance companies are eliminated, efficiency will be promoted. Too much time and money is wasted fighting with business-types who make their living denying medical care to people with bona-fide illnesses.[Truncated]" "* Having watched my beloved mother endure what amounted to torture in various procedures dictated by greedy doctors in Ft. Lauderdale's Holy Cross hospital, I whole-heartedly agree with this recommendation. [Truncated]" "* A system run by the Federal government that includes everyone, such as an expanded Medicare system would not cost much more because the humongous salaries being paid to CEOs would be eliminated. If my neighbors are enabled to be healthier we[Truncated]" 22129 6/26/06 11:08 AM IA "* According to research conducted by the Iowa Better Jobs Better Care Coalition, 25% of Certified Nurse Aides in Iowa's nursing homes have no health care coverage and we don't know how many are underinsured. We know that there are many who pay [Truncated]" "* We are always concerned that efforts to keep costs down may come at the expense of workers in the health care arena. We support choice and consumer directed care, but not when paying workers poorly becomes a means to keep costs down. Doing [Truncated]" Impressive Report. 22132 6/26/06 1:13 PM UT * Opposed. We cannot afford the tax burden to cover all people. The increased taxes would be horrendous for basic core benefits. And there would be a lot of waste. I am also opposed to forcing people to buy insurance. For families [Truncated] People should pay for their own core benefits. Only hospital bills and baby birth should be covered by national coverage. "* Yes, agree. However, we should not cover lots of expensive interventions for the dying, and we should change how very pre-mature babies are paid for. We should change how dying is paid for. (it should only cover hospice and palliative).[Truncated]" "Agree. Also, lets change how very pre-mature babies are paid for." * Let people pay all of their own medical bills except for the high cost items (like hospital or cancer). People should not be taxed for basic care. They can either buy insurance or use health savings plans to pay for their own basic care.[Truncated] 22137 6/26/06 1:25 PM IA All should have health care. 22138 6/26/06 1:26 PM OH "It should be public policy that all Americans have affordable health care " 22139 6/26/06 1:27 PM ME "If not now, then when would be a more-convenient time?" "If not now, then when would be a more-convenient time?" 22143 6/26/06 1:31 PM NJ "Health care should be adequate, affordable and accessible for all Americans." "Socialized medical care works in every country that has it, additional taxes would be worth equal, sufficient care for all" see 3 above "* Instead of diverting vast sums of money to drug and medical companies, Congress should improve health care costs as if it were their own.[Truncated]" 22146 6/26/06 1:32 PM MI Everyone should have health insurance regardless of class or station in life. 22147 6/26/06 1:32 PM WI * As a public school teacher I have daily encounters with children and families who do not have access to quality health care. Families should have access to health care regardlesds of financial status because all have the right to a healthy l[Truncated] * I have no problem supporting a tax to finance health care coverage for all. In the end everyone wiill benefit from lower cost and better access to care.[Truncated] 22153 6/26/06 1:33 PM MN "* AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE SHOULD BE FOR EVERY AMERICAN PERSON, IN AMERICA. WHAT HAPPENED TO AMERICA? WHAT HAPPENED? I NEVER REALIZED THAT BSH WAS SUCH A TROUBLE MAKER. HE SHOULD SEND HIS DAUGHTERS OVER TO IRAQ...AND THEN WE WOULD SEE WHAT BU[Truncated]" 22154 6/26/06 1:34 PM OH If our country can spend money overseas every american is entitled to descent health care. Amen Ifeel it should be Public and not Private. Spend much less overseas and fund programs for US Citizens 22156 6/26/06 1:34 PM PA "* Everybody in - nobody out. We need universal healthcare - just like Medicare. Minimal administration, NOT FOR PROFIT - FOR HEALTH! [Truncated]" Unmarry the FDA and big-business. Marry the FDA to consumer/citizens' health. Government paid. We pay taxes - let's do something CONSTRUCTIVE instead of DESTRUCTIVE with our tax dollars. Health networks at the community level are critical. Neglect of Amercians' healthcare is disgraceful. Take the profit out of healthcare administration. Take the profit out of healthcare administration! "* Take the profit out of healthcare administration! It is disgraceful that the US healthcare dollar returns so little and that so many are neglected or excluded, especially relative to other ""industrialized"" countries. [Truncated]" * Single-payor - US Government. PERIOD. Public-sector works - let it work. Healthcare is too important to be tied to an employer! This isn't 1950. [Truncated] 22162 6/26/06 1:37 PM TX * $800/a month is not affordable for My wife and I. The pressure of making that payment every month is very taxing on us. I am sixty-one years young and retirement is not in my vocabulary.[Truncated] 22163 6/26/06 1:38 PM VA There is no excuse for the US not having high-quality health care for every one of its citizens. Family planning must be part of this core. I am willing to pay a tax that covers high-quality health care for all--better to pay for this than illegal wars. 22167 6/26/06 1:38 PM TX "* It is much more difficult to remove an existing BAD system, than to start up a good one. We need to do this, however, so that all Americans have access to a decent, affordable health care system that covers not only physical and dental care,[Truncated]" "* Even though this plan goes against the existing ""Big Bucks for the insurance companies"" system, it is the only one that is acceptable. [Truncated]" Yes!!! "* This is very important, to set up this kind of broad-based system of care for everyone. Mental health care should also be included as a major part of this program and mental illness should receive equal coverage.[Truncated]" "This sounds so wonderful, I hope I live to see it." This is the way it SHOULD be. How do we get there from here? "* Only that I believe mental health is as important as physical health, and one cannot exist without the other. With the proper care and medication, mentally ill people can lead productive and normal lives, and should have an equal right to al[Truncated]" Makes sense to me. 22168 6/26/06 1:39 PM NY universal health care for Everyone in the USA!!!! "* America already spends more per capita on medicaid, medicare, workman's comp., etc., than any other nation in the world, including those who already have universal health care! universal health care won't cost taxpayers any extra, if we stop[Truncated]" 22169 6/26/06 1:39 PM MI "* I agree all Americans should have benefits.I'm 24 and I haven't had any benefits since I was 18.I can't work because I stay home and take care of my mother who is on disability,my elderly grandma and my 20 month old son,who thank God has heal[Truncated]" I think any health plans should also include optical benefits too.What good is physical health if you can't see to do anything? I hope that everyone gets taken care of regardless of their financial status. 22174 6/26/06 1:40 PM MD "* I totally agree with this principle. I agree with recent comments to the effect that the employment-based model for health care is broken. As we go to a new system intended to provide universal access to quality health coverage, we need to av[Truncated]" Agree Agree agree "* I think it is important that the Citizens Working Group continue to push forward on principles of access, quality and fair distribution of costs. We need to do more to cover all Americans, and figure out ways not to disproportionately saddle [Truncated]" "Yes, this will require new revenues." 22178 6/26/06 1:41 PM OH The most powerfull nation in the free world has far to many uninsured. 22187 6/26/06 1:43 PM NJ Healthcare Costs should be brought down. Let all Americans be able to afford insurance. "* Get all employers to be strict with landlords who fail to offer sloppy conditions provided to workforce. Horrible conditions doesn't promote good business, for employees to want to come to work.[Truncated]" 22188 6/26/06 1:43 PM MI Sounds good so far! Devil in the details? Looks good. Forget private. Overhead eats away premiums. Profit clouds service. Look at Medicare Part D - a travesty! Sounds good. "Sounds good, but again, devil in the details." Don't trust private companies. Track record has been deplorable. "* It all sounds fine, but I worry about ""special interests"" weakening or deluting provisions in order to line their pockets with uncounciencable profits - like the drug companies.[Truncated]" Should be based on the Medicare layout. 22191 6/26/06 1:43 PM NE "* Health care is a right for all. By privatizing health care, all we've proved is that one can make a commodity of health care. We certainly haven't distributed it evenly, and we certainly, as a nation, proved that private health care enhances [Truncated]" 22194 6/26/06 1:44 PM CO "I agree with this statement. Access to quality health care is important. We do not need more insurance, we need health care!" This seems to address the necessary work to establish a quality program. "* I agree. And with Recommendation 2, after the core benefits are determined, those who demand extra services (like surgery to enhance appearance) should have to pay extra for them.[Truncated]" * This is important as well. It should be fully funded. I live in a rural area where access to health care for the poor is a big problem.[Truncated] Good. Good ideas. It is important to place the decisions in the hands of the people who are dealing with death. * This is a thoughtful statement. I am willing to pay my share if it helps all Americans access quality health care. I would prefer to pay more taxes than to pay increased insurance premiums.[Truncated] 22196 6/26/06 1:45 PM MA Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. Universal healthcare in a single payer system makes the best sense. 22197 6/26/06 1:45 PM CA All of the industrialized countries provide access to healthcare. Why doesn't the richest country in the world?? Preventive services should be available to all Americans Citizens should not be forced into poverty or bankruptcy because of medical expenses. * When corporations and their executives are making millions in profits it is a disgrace that millions of ordinary working Americans are not being provided with affordable healthcare and treatment. [Truncated] It now costs the U.S more to care for those who need catastrophic treatment than it would to revamp our present system. 22198 6/26/06 1:45 PM MI Define What constitutes an American. Must be at least a nautralized citizen. Should be open to all who are willing to pay into it. No Free rides. 22199 6/26/06 1:45 PM OR "* I support a publicly Financed Health Care System,That provides Basic HMO stile Health Care For Every Tax Payer. You could Perchass Addition al Insurance On your Own. The Government Would ask Insurance Companys To Bid on A contract to provide[Truncated]" 22203 6/26/06 1:46 PM FL " All American's not just politicians deserve the best health care available." 22210 6/26/06 1:47 PM CA sooner 22215 6/26/06 1:47 PM OR socialized medical coverage for all let's return to the 1970's and look once again at socialized medicine as other countries have 22217 6/26/06 1:48 PM OH "* Every American should have the same access to any and all health care. Not to just a core of health care to any and ALL. The BEST should be given to any and ALL PATIENTS. [Truncated]" "* There should not be a core. All medicines should be accessible to all citizens. Due to no reasons should one person have access and another person not. You are taking God's job away when you do this. Besides he may take your away earlier[Truncated]" Helping the seniors not having to choose between medicines and food. "* OUR country should believe in and treat medically all who need it. It should not matter on cost. We should ALL work together not to see who can make the most money. Working together and believing in one another, trusting in one another sho[Truncated]" 22218 6/26/06 1:48 PM CA We are behind the rest of the developed World in healthcare. Why is America inferior in this way? "Yes, there is no reason not to take care of core health issues." People with health problems do not need to seek bankruptcy. Problems on to top of problems. "Expand the network, make it easy." Make it more efficient! Dying should not mean financial ruin for the dying person and their family. Why should we have an inferior health care system to Canada? 22220 6/26/06 1:49 PM AL "* FULL HEALTH CARE COVERAGES IMMEDIATELY, PATTERNED AFTER MEDICARE AND TRICARE, POSSIBLY THE UK SUCH AS CANADA WITH IMPROVEMENTS ALL ALONG: GET THE GREED OUT OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. [Truncated]" MODERN MEDICINE IS QUITE LIMITED AND IN CASES WHERE MEDICAL HELP COULD BE AVAILABLE IS UNAFFORDABLE. "* IF WE WERE STILL UNDER ENGLAND'S AEGIS, WE WOULDN'T HAVE HAD THIS HEALTH CARE ISSUE/CRISIS. IN THE LONG-RUN, USA HAS NO MEANINGFUL MANAGEMENT EXCEPT RARELY DURING THE LAST YEARS SINCE FDR NAMELY '93 TO 2000 AND CONGRESS WAS A SHAM DURING THAT[Truncated]" "* SOME THINGS UPON WHICH PEOPLE DEPEND CANNOT BE TIED TO DOLLARS. CAPITALISM IS A DEFUNCT SET OF PRINCIPLES WHICH MUST BE REPLACED. USA IS OUT OF CONTROL FOR SOME 80 YEARS BY EISENHOWER, NIXON, REAGAN, BUSH SQUARED, AND MUST BE RE-ESTABLISHED [Truncated]" 22221 6/26/06 1:49 PM WA Everyone should have access to and be able to afford health care! I support this recommendation. MUST be done. I would support this. Seems entirely feasible. Agree. "* Our health care programs should reflect that we are the ""greatest nation"". All there is now is talk and rising costs, depleted services. It's got to stop, or that title will no longer be pertinent.[Truncated]" I agreee with this. 22222 6/26/06 1:49 PM MO "* I am an eligibility specialist for my state's Medicaid program. It is ridiculous how we ""reward"" those who sit back and won't work and support their families by legal means and make those who work minimum wage jobs or who are limited or disa[Truncated]" 22226 6/26/06 1:50 PM CA * Our U.S. health care system is based on supporting an entire extra industry -- insurance carriers. Other developed countries do not have this extra layer of workers who are supported by healthcare dollars. The money spent on health care in ot[Truncated] 22227 6/26/06 1:50 PM PA We need to have a better health care system please.... "* Medication as it stands today is way too expensive. It is like building a furniture a couch and the cost to make it was $40. but you sell the furniture couch for $600. Come on please, man.... that money could have been used for family expense[Truncated]" Yes. Amen. "* Make sure you pay attention to rural areas as much as you do in city areas please? We don't want to have to drive 500 to 1,000 miles which takes time away from our jobs, our families and our lives and it costs money to travel please?[Truncated]" Be serious about this and make sure this comes through and is really a win-win situation. * More people should die in the comfort of their home around familiar faces like their family and medical people should not take advantage of the finanical situation for people with end of life issues. As it stands. It is too expensive right no[Truncated] * Make sure to include Deaf people like me too in the process. I am Deaf and use American Sign Language. Interpreters provided at every hospital and things like that go to http://www.nad.org and they will help coordinate with you. It is a Deaf [Truncated] There needs to be a health care system that is not a burden to either the American citizen or the health insurance companies. 22230 6/26/06 1:51 PM WA "this sounds like Hillary""s ideas. Israel says we- are going to put her in office yis-- coming election. let's do so!" benefits are core. plentiful money. "* --our black market [we sell cocaine] is supporting you-- in public und private about about the psychiatry; the denting aussi also, &c. [Truncated]" "time is plentiful. " * fundamental relationships [such as that of the baptized person to the community whose church s/he was baptized in; am living one now] work out for people who are trying to find a doctor; look for them where the fundamental relationships happe[Truncated] "we're Roman Catholic; in Dignity;" there is plentiful money. 22232 6/26/06 1:51 PM CA "* This country needs a single payer government lead program for medical coverage, like Canada, period! I grew up in a family where two of my subilings had kidney illness resulting in the need for transplants.........it was a terrible burden on [Truncated]" 22233 6/26/06 1:51 PM WI In a nation with the wealth that this country has it is obscene that we do not have a national health care program. All health services should be free It is about time that this country began to care for it's citizens instead of it's corporations. 22234 6/26/06 1:51 PM AK Yes. All americans should have the same health care as our congress and senate have 22235 6/26/06 1:51 PM NY I support this fully and I hope it is implemented soon. I support this fully. I support this fully. I support this fully. "* I support this fully. All medical records should be kept electronically so patients do not have to keep filling out forms repeatedly, which is difficult for older or disabled or very sick people. Forms should be standardized and the same ever[Truncated]" I support this fully. I support this fully. 22237 6/26/06 1:51 PM MT "* Unfortunately I am one of these statistics. Last year I had health insurance and my family ran up a lot of bills. First time in nearly five years did I have any serious medical bills. Of course the insurance came through with very little, [Truncated]" * What is happening now? We are becoming impoverished. Forget about sending our kids to college. Forget about all that we once could afford just seven years ago. There has got to be a better way. It should be done as a National Security is[Truncated] "* IT can be done. The sooner the better for all. The Middle Class is hurting. We have few choices. The poor need just as much help, but they can get on assistance. The well to do, they need to help others. IT is an American problem.[Truncated]" 22241 6/26/06 1:52 PM AR "* Absolutely. I am all for saving money on America's health. That means, bottom line, that prevention and care must be provided to everyone. It costs less than deteriorated conditions, epidemics, increasing poverty, and emergency services. Peri[Truncated]" "Yes, this sounds like sound strategy." "* It is no longer a secret what kind of ACTUAL costs are involved with medical care, vs RETAIL costs. The profit margin is criminal, even monopolizing. There is in fact, no reason whatsoever that medical care should cost what it costs. The VA h[Truncated]" Seems sound to me. "* Please do not forget pain management. Undertreatment of pain costs the country BILLIONS per year. It's criminal, and costly. Pain does not equal character weakness, and currently only the rich get validation of their very real pain, by and la[Truncated]" "* Agreed. Falls under the blanket of pain management also. Pain kills, not just cancer pain, but complex pain, intractable pain. The cost to families who have a member with intractable pain, is enormous. Impoverishing. People should not have to[Truncated]" "* Whatever we do, ""trickle-down"" health care economics is NOT the way to go. The way to go is with the same systems that are shown to work elsewhere, and we have the human resources to plan such a transition and financing, using Anthropologists[Truncated]" 22242 6/26/06 1:52 PM WA "* I have concerns regarding this recommendation. It is imperative to me that 'alternative' treatments, such as chiropractic care, naturopathic/homeopathic care, and acupuncture be covered for those whose beliefs madate this type of medical car[Truncated]" "* I have the same concern with this recommendation as I do with recommendation 2. A treatment that works for one individual may well not be effective for another, regardless of 'scientific' evidence. Medicine is widely touted by its practione[Truncated]" "* I have concerns that this program is set up with a bias toward the AMA/medical establishment model. Further, I am concerned that this will place a burden on those who need or elect alternative medical care. I envision a result, whereby only[Truncated]" 22244 6/26/06 1:52 PM MD Why shouldn't every American get the same health care that Federal employees get? I think it may be time to raise taxes. 22246 6/26/06 1:52 PM TX "* My longtime employer, Eastern Air Lines, went Bankrupt. I lost my heath care coverage. My wife and I started a business, and our private health insurance was our second largest expense, after wages. I applied for, and was granted, VA healt[Truncated]" 22248 6/26/06 1:52 PM WI "good idea, see Wisconsin State AFL-CIO plan" good idea ditto 22249 6/26/06 1:53 PM ND This should be limited ONLY to American citizens--excluding illegal aliens and anyone who is NOT an American citizen Agree! "Yes, All Americans--no illegal aliens or anyone who is NOT an American citizen" Agree Agree! Universal health care is long overdue and nececessary for all americans! Agree! 22250 6/26/06 1:53 PM CA It's the right thing to do. 22251 6/26/06 1:53 PM NJ And be legal !!!! No illegals!!!! Copy the medicare system !!! Only improve and adjust to fit everyone. 22255 6/26/06 1:53 PM CA determining need for financial assistance is an absurd administrative burden and has produced the absurd medicaid system. that should be on an individual basis. no.what do you mean by impoverished? very high?. this a very class-based system. Welcome to Medicare part D. Who wants to sort thru all that? "What about paid family leave so people can care for their families instead of strangers?" I don't support this program. Health care is a right. This is another ill-conceived hodge podge. "single payor is the best way to cut administrative costs. " 22257 6/26/06 1:53 PM TX "* It's ridiculous to have to wait until you're sick enough to go to the emergency room because you have no healthcare. It's ridiculous to live in the greatest country on the planet and not be able to get your preventative checkups.[Truncated]" "Also, homeopathic and alternative medicine should be available." You should not be ruined if you have a catastrophe like cancer * Texas has the worst system in the country. It could be coordinated with other counties in Texas in order to receive matching federal funds from what I understand from a PBS special I watched the other day.[Truncated] Great idea Agree It's ridiculous to live in the greatest country on the planet and not be able to afford to go to the doctor. 22259 6/26/06 1:53 PM VA * I think all americans should be entitled to the same kind of medical treatment no matter the statis to pay we are all living and breath people and everything should be done to help those less fortunate to be able to have the same care and the[Truncated] 22260 6/26/06 1:53 PM NJ i agree with this plan. 22262 6/26/06 1:53 PM AR "* We have the best medical care in the world for people with insurance and money. For those with only one, or neither, we have the worst system in the industrial world. The private sector is failing. We need national health insurance designe[Truncated]" This means national health insurance. It does work in the countries that take it seriously. 22263 6/26/06 1:53 PM FL "* I agree with the cocept, but the wording neds to be changed from ""Americans"" to: ""All LEGAL U.S. Citizens""...LEGAL being the key word.[Truncated]" See above note Should be worded All LEGAL U.S. Citizens OK OK OK No "* Financing is fine as long as workers are earning a LIVING WAGE. Think about it, if they had money to pay for financing they would already have coverage. Low or minimum wage workers can barely afford to eat and pay rent. How can they pay for i[Truncated]" 22266 6/26/06 1:54 PM NY "I'd like to see ""health"" include ocular in the definition." "* This all sounds wonderful, but I'm quite sure that unless and until we address more primary concerns -- such as Peak-Energy, -Population, -Water, and -Food -- such dreams will always be of the pipe variety. Not to mention the fact that our cr[Truncated]" 22267 6/26/06 1:54 PM FL How can we be behind other nations in this very important issue? Definitely! best practises are important. Some of the clinics that I have been to are very impersonal and inefficient. This is long overdue 22268 6/26/06 1:54 PM CA Single-payer program has to come to be. Preventative care is morally and financially imperative. We must do for our brethren. This will save money. This will save money for all. 22270 6/26/06 1:54 PM WI "* 1) A sliding scale for assistance would be a good idea. 2) Currently, the extremely poor have next to no access to health care, and what there is requires long lines with the possibility of not seeing anyone even after waiting, no way to pay[Truncated]" Like the inclusion of dental health and evidence based science. Define financial protection for low income --- "* Considered tieing school grants for the health care professions into a portion of time working with the""underserved and uninsured population""?[Truncated]" * My step-grandmother spent two weeks in a hospice care starving to death. Nothing could be done. The option in such extreme cases to allow the patient not to linger but go to sleep is humane and would save money.[Truncated] "* The only way the so called health care savings accounts would be useful for the majority of the population is if the minimum wage at least doubled, and even that is doubtful. I'm hoping for realistic fixes, please.[Truncated]" "* Should consider using different financing for different areas of health care - say, split into the categories of general care, surgical needs, and long term health care.[Truncated]" 22273 6/26/06 1:55 PM MI * As long as the health care system that will be put in place is the same as the health care system that my U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative have I am sure that it will be fine just for me and my family.[Truncated] 22275 6/26/06 1:55 PM FL This should be implemented by 2008. "* 1. If it's good enough for congress, it's goods enough for all Americans. 2. If All Americans must pay for it, so should congressionals. 3. A minimum income levelshould be established, below which a sliding scale goes into effect, reducing [Truncated]" "A minimum income levelshould be established, below which a sliding scale goes into effect, reducing cost to participants." 22277 6/26/06 1:55 PM FL "* As an American who currently has healthcare insurance, I would be happy to allocate part of my tax dollars toward fellow Americans who cannot afford healthcare. America, in my eyes, is all about shared sacrifice and a common good for all.[Truncated]" "* Even a catastrophic plan for every American will be better than people going into financial ruin for medical emergencies that they can't afford. We don't have to have a ""Cadillac"" health insurance plan, but we should have in place an emergenc[Truncated]" See response to Recommendation 2. Excellent recommendations! Ditto. Ditto. "* We should also institute preventive health education curriculum into our public schools and university systems. This includes reality-based sex education and prevention of pregnancy and STDs, which can be disabling as well as life-threatening[Truncated]" "* As I mentioned before, I have no problem whatsoever with paying additional taxes if it means fewer Americans will be doomed to poverty or bankruptcy as a result of catastrophic healthcare expenses.[Truncated]" 22278 6/26/06 1:55 PM NV As long as the Doctor's make the dicission with the patients and not a HMO or the Goverment. Agree Agree * I think this is a possibility but I also believe it will hold wages down as American people will wave increases to keep their medical coverage.[Truncated] * Concern: Outsourcing medical records to other countries taking jobs out of America again. We need a guarantee that the person transcribing are American based companies.[Truncated] * It is amazing to me that HMO's can decide whether a cure or surgery is viable based on age or condition but in most states we can not decide that for ourselves.[Truncated] * What we really need is health care reform. Big corpratoration in the prescription drug and insurance companies are causing this problem. It is just greed of the CEO's of these companies that are making it impossible. There should be a cap as [Truncated] 22279 6/26/06 1:55 PM MA Go for it. "Yes, of course." "Yes, Yes, Yes." I fully support this. Yes. Yes. Ditto. 22280 6/26/06 1:56 PM PA * AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL. NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT WITHOUT MEDICAL HEALTH CARE. THIS COUNTRY HAS TWO CLASSES FOR HEALTH CARE IF YOUR POOR ENOUGH YOU GET MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND IF YOUR RICH ENOUGH YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT INCLUDING [Truncated] 22282 6/26/06 1:56 PM IA * As a super power there is no excuse for the U.S. not to be able to provide affordable health care for all citizens. Let's make this happen now![Truncated] 22283 6/26/06 1:56 PM IL "Health care is a basic human right and should be treated as such, not as a commodity." "The more emphasis on wellness and preventative care, the better off the nation will be." "Through a universal, tax-funded program, every citizen should be covered." The critical thing is insuring equal access in all parts of the country. "Insure the health care dollars are used for human needs, not making rich drug companies and other providers." Health care should be universal and coverage to all via a federally funded system. 22284 6/26/06 1:56 PM AK "* I am so tired of Americans coming up short, while we finance and care for others all over the world. I would not like anyone to suffer but please take care of the ones you should first and if there is any left over then help the others. Fro[Truncated]" 22285 6/26/06 1:56 PM MD "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" "* All congressmen, State represenative, government officials, while serving in office and retired, shall be required to have the same national care policy as the general public [Truncated]" 22286 6/26/06 1:56 PM IL "* Single payer government run health care should be a birthright of every American regardless of race, creed class or national origin. It is a disgrace that we do not have this in the US, which is supposed to be an ""advanced democracy"". I am 7[Truncated]" Use the Canadian for French models That's a no-brainer - yes to all of those Yes Why not put all the health care under eg Medicare Of course - that'w what a comprehensive system does It's a political question not a bureaucratic question single payer government run health care - sooner rather than later 22292 6/26/06 1:56 PM OH * why can our esteem politicians help finance health care or at least join the health care industry that all other americans have to deal with? I bet things would change then if they had to endure what normal people have to cope with.[Truncated] 22297 6/26/06 1:57 PM OH What about eyes? "* .""Expanding"" --Does this mean there would be some community based health center for the less affluent? If it is to be equal, we should be able to choose our doctors and places for healthcare.[Truncated]" "* Contrary to what many in our gov't. would have you believe, healthcare in Canada is excellent. People choose their own doctors, there is little or no waiting, prescription drugs are from the same companies in the U.S. and I have seen better [Truncated]" * We must remove insurance companies from any control of healthcare. I am not truly in favor of a value-added tax and would like to see figures to support or not support this vs. payroll taxes. [Truncated] 22300 6/26/06 1:57 PM TX "Absolutely! All the lawmakers have the best care our money can buy, why can't I?" Sounds good. Great! Getting Better. All good. * If we drop illegal alliens from the health rolls and not allow them free health care in this country we can have more to care for our own people.[Truncated] "How about we take health care away from the congress and senate, that should about pay for it." 22301 6/26/06 1:58 PM PA "* Restore the health care benefits to Priority 8 Veterans taken away by the Secretary Of Defense in Jan. 2003. Some of us have lost jobs due to plant closings etc and now have no health care and because of some means test we still can,t obtain [Truncated]" 22302 6/26/06 1:58 PM OR "* I lost my wife to cancer this year because we couldn't afford health care during my four years of unemployment. Had we been able to afford the regular screenings, it would have been caught in time. As it was, we nearly bankrupted ourselves an[Truncated]" "* This is a great set of definitions. I think that we need to be careful, though, in making the 'high cost' benefits available anyway - the rich should not be the only ones to get the most modern treatments. Further, a big contributor to hig[Truncated]" This is absolutely necessary. "* Just make sure that the local HMOs don't profiteer from this. I especially want to point out Kaiser, which has become very rapacious lately.[Truncated]" This is going to require more than the currently-damaged Medicare program - Bush has messed that up no small amount. Improving funding for Hospice is absolutely necessary. "* I would be willing to pay more in taxes if they were used wisely. I further think that giving away huge tax cuts to the very wealthy is a wonderful way to send this country into a depression, and a definite barrier to creating realistic fina[Truncated]" 22304 6/26/06 1:58 PM NY "* I support UNIVERSAL healthcare for all Americans 100%. Too long have our citizens suffered because of a lack of health insurance. We are behind many, many countries on this vital, vital human right. [Truncated]" * I support recommendation 3 one hundred percent. These recommendations are a basic human right - please do all you can to make this happen for citizens today and for future generations of Americans.[Truncated] 22305 6/26/06 1:58 PM OH "* In today's society, if free enterprise, competition, and the growth of small business is to occur, people need to know that their families won't suffer healthwise or finantially if they decide to start their own company or use their creative [Truncated]" Vision care and hearing should be included. "Financial protection for those in a transition period as well. For example, between jobs, after graduation etc." * Health education should be taught and physical education and recess needs to be placed back into the schools. One only needs to look at the large numbers of obese children to know that our health care costs will skyrocket if something isn't [Truncated] 22308 6/26/06 1:59 PM GA "* I FEEL EVERY PERSON WHO IS A U.S. CITIZEN WHO HAS EVER WORKED HER SHOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF HEALTH CARE EVEN IF IT ONLY ALLOWS YOU QUARTELY TO BE CHECK BY A DOCOTOR, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE CAN COVER FOLKS WHO HAVEN'T CONTRIUTED ANYTHING ALL THEY D[Truncated]" 22309 6/26/06 1:59 PM MN "* I think it is high time that we get affordable health care. What we pay in for taxes and you look at other countries, it is almost humliating that all of our people are not covered. Expically when people can come into out Country and get he[Truncated]" "* The medical effectiveness for our Senior Citizens with cancer, when they can't get the help they need now because of the cost of some medication's is un-called for.[Truncated]" "* There should be a cap put on what our doctor's have to pay for insurance for malpractice suits, and our people should be protected also.[Truncated]" * When you see what our veterans are getting in benefits after fighting for our county is not fair. Our government agency's should have to fall under the same program.[Truncated] * We in the untied states are paying just about as much in taxes as countries that have health care for all there people. Why is our country so behind????[Truncated] 22310 6/26/06 1:59 PM MN I have always had one or more of my adult children not covered by any health car insurance. It frightens me to death. * I knew a cancer patient who lost her home because she couldn't pay the costs of her medical treatments. That is absurd and should be abolished. This recommendation would prevent that from happening I hope.[Truncated] 22312 6/26/06 1:59 PM WA Lets do it Sounds good I like it Its all great We need this We need good health coverage "* Yes I do. Lets STOP making bombs,tanks, war ships, war planes and everything made to kill and put all the money we spend on war and make one hell of a health paln for every person in the U.S.A. What do you think??[Truncated]" Go for it 22313 6/26/06 1:59 PM IN this works in other countries; why wouldn't it work here? there should be a ceiling on how much doctors and hospitlals can charge for their services. 22315 6/26/06 1:59 PM NY "* One partial way of financing this would be through a ""luxury tax"" on a variety of non-essential medical procedures, including fertility treatment and much cosmetic surgery. [Truncated]" 22316 6/26/06 1:59 PM NM "* This is a good recommendation. We can establish a basic medical coverage plan -such as is provided in France. For those who would like additional coverage, health insurance is available. We need to stop protecting the profits of the insuranc[Truncated]" We would spend less as a nation if we provided preventative and integrated services. * Perhaps we could help patients and families deal better with end-of-life issues in a way that emphasizes comfort; not pulling out all the stops in a fruitless effort to save the patient regardless of cost.[Truncated] "* Before we worry about changing the constitution to forbid gay marriage or provide money for special projects (and war), let's commit to providing for our citizens. Much better education, shelter and food should be the next big push.[Truncated]" * I am a Physician Assistant working in a Unversity Hospital Emergency Dept. I see a disproportionate number of the uninsured. I really feel that it is a disgrace in this country for our citizens to do without healthcare. We manage to come up w[Truncated] 22319 6/26/06 2:00 PM NJ I agree. Let's work to make this a reality. 22320 6/26/06 2:00 PM FL "* I agree. In the long term, cutting people out of the healthcare system, or worse, not allowing them to enter it pre-natally and in infancy, cost more than we can imagine.[Truncated]" * A core benefit system is a great starting point. I believe that making PREVENTATIVE healthcare available from birth is an excellent way to not only improve lives but cut costs.[Truncated] * Absolutely. I live in fear of a major crisis(I have MS)that bankrupts my family. I don't want to see my wife give up everything as I am dying.[Truncated] Agreed agreed "this is of course the humane thing to do and, I believe the best for patients as well as families." i agree 22321 6/26/06 2:00 PM PA Thanks for all you do. 22323 6/26/06 2:00 PM IL "If a criminal can get a government sponsored lawyer, shouldn't a citizen have a right to health care?" Single payer. 22325 6/26/06 2:00 PM WY "* All should be covered, from cradle to grave, by universal, single-payer health coverage. No copays, no premiums. We have the resources. Fund this by cutting military spending by at least half, by ending the wasteful war on drugs, by reinst[Truncated]" 22326 6/26/06 2:00 PM WV Very good. I agree. 22327 6/26/06 2:00 PM GA * If healthcare for Government workers and “Elected Representatives” were eliminated I am certain things would change in a hurry. [Truncated] * They would need to be a “bit more concerned” with the health and welfare of those in need than the current “EXPERTS” who routinely deny legitimate claims of disability for people who have worked 30 and 40 years and have to loose every[Truncated] "* Should have been done YEARS AGO and everyone from the bottom of the totem pole i.e. ""WE THE PEOPLE"" who pay for everything to the top of the totem pole i.e. corporate un-patriotic America and their bed-fellows in Congress, the Senate and the [Truncated]" * Somehow “WE THE PEOPLE” end up PAYING for “Elected Representatives” health care even though they themselves (who are far less financially able) can’t pay for their own. This being the case perhaps we should cut the “Dominate the [Truncated] 22330 6/26/06 2:01 PM MN We ned a national healthcare policy now! 22332 6/26/06 2:01 PM CT "* give everyone in the USA health care, The war in Iraq cost us 250 million dollars a day, Bring our troops home and give us good care with that money spent over there in Iraq.[Truncated]" 22333 6/26/06 2:01 PM MN Good health care should be a right and not a privilege for the financially well-off! "* Let's have all those business who have outsourced American jobs overseas pay a special ""outsourcing"" tax to cover universal health care coverage for everyone person in the USA![Truncated]" 22334 6/26/06 2:02 PM WV I agree whole-heartedly. I would add visual health. "Very good idea. There should be some guarantees against fraudulent claims. This is part of what drives up the costs." Very good ideas. This could have been paid for a hundred times over with what we are spending in Iraq. Very thoughtful ideas. Hospice is going to be the way to go by the time the majority of Boomers are going. "* I am just glad to see that there are some thoughtful people taking this on, people who are not motivated by greed. Consider the health care plank of the Spiritual Covenant with America sponsored by The Network of Spiritual Progressives.[Truncated]" I think you are on the right track with this. 22336 6/26/06 2:02 PM IN "* It's immoral that the richest nation in the world, which spends the most on healthcare, cannot provide care for many of its citizens. Instead of currying favor with pharmaceuticals and insurance companies, the administration should scrape the[Truncated]" 22338 6/26/06 2:02 PM IN I STRONGLY AGREE WITH THIS. EVERYONE SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE COVERAGE. THIS WILL BE A GOOD CORE. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE PLAN. THIS SHOULD OF BEEN DONE A LONG TIME AGO. I THINK THAT IS A GOOD PLAN. BUT TO RAISE TAXES DRASTICALLY WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE. 22339 6/26/06 2:02 PM CO "* Yes, all Americans should have access to affordable health care. We are losing jobs to countries, such as Canada, who have national health care systems. These countries are more appealing to companies because they know they will not have to[Truncated]" "We can get Medicare to work well, why not a national health care too?" 22343 6/26/06 2:03 PM IL "* i believe the main concern is having a population of people who have available affordable health care, and not whether or not the insurance industry is making profits, why not let the entire populatuion have the same health care insurance as [Truncated]" 22344 6/26/06 2:03 PM OH We need Federally backed health care for all people! "* If we can finance an immoral war, we can finance a much, much less expensive health care system. We need to increase taxes on the wealthy!!!!!!!![Truncated]" 22345 6/26/06 2:03 PM CA I agree I agree I agree I agree I agree I agree I agree 22347 6/26/06 2:03 PM MD Yes; I think there should be universal health care coverage for everyone. "* There needs to be coverage for all Americans in a system administerde through the governemtn, just like care for vetarns and programs like Medicare.[Truncated]" We need a single payer health care system. This will eliminate waste in the private sector. 22348 6/26/06 2:03 PM PA "* All Americans should have at least basice health care coverage, and should not have to take out a loan to pay for basic and preventative procedures.[Truncated]" 22350 6/26/06 2:04 PM OH "* Health care for all, rich or poor. It's doable. The main barriers to this are those set up by businesses that are happy to exploit the sick and ill for selfish financial gains under the guise of ""we're just doing business."" It has been done i[Truncated]" Health Care has a high cost as long as exploitation of the sick and ill is allowed to continue. Keep it simple. 22351 6/26/06 2:04 PM CA * I agree. Health care should not be limited to the rich. We are the wealthiest country in the world -- we can afford quality health care for all Americans![Truncated] * I like this idea. We cannot make every procedure available to everyone for free. By agreeing on a set of core benefits we can provide a uniform basic level of health care.[Truncated] Definitely! Too many people are being bankrupted by hospital bills. Illness is nobody's fault. "* I don't know about the public-private partnership. As I said, I am very skeptical about the private sector, especially insurance companies. Private hospitals are OK.[Truncated]" Yes! Expand Medicare and Medicaid to cover EVERYONE! "* Absolutely. I am a big believer in the value of hospice care. Sadly, sometimes it is the most humane treatment available. I think that current end-of-life care can be very inhumane.[Truncated]" * The private sector health insurance companies are making a mess of our health care system. They overcharge and waste billions on administration. Health care management must NOT be left to private companies![Truncated] 22353 6/26/06 2:04 PM CA "* Absolutely needed to bring the United States into the 20th century. Our weapons systems are right here in the 21st of course, but our treatment of our own citizens is in the 19th. Bush is of course trying to push it backwards to the 18th.[Truncated]" * This sounds like an acceptable way to begin. I do kn ow that those who administer the private part of our healthcare system may be a counter-productive part of the process. What we have now testifies to their greed and inability to address th[Truncated] Without this guarantee health is a game of russian roulette for all Americans except the well-to-do. "* As long as homeland security doesn't administer it by using it as an excuse to spy on Americans while handing the contract to Halliburton. Who of course will collect unbelievably large fees and provide really bad service, if any.[Truncated]" "Very good, if well implemented." "Very good, if well implemented." "* Producing this is a very important, and a good, piece of work. It's full and robust implementation will require removing the strangling hand of corporate capital from the throat of our country, and the thieving hand from our pocket. Thanks.[Truncated]" "* The first and biggest efficency will be to remove the profit motive from health care. they are incompatable as the HMO's have proven. With the private sector removed, our health care can easily be underwritten by diverting a small part of our[Truncated]" 22358 6/26/06 2:04 PM HI * It is a disgrace that the United States is the only western country without some kind of national health care. It is a false assumption that national health care does not work elsewhere. I have been a beneficiary of it overseas and it works a[Truncated] Coverage should include all citizens and legal alians who pay taxes. Community based with federal funding no strings attached. * Lets get medicare and medicade costs (fraud and waste) out into the open...Lets talk about how much is charged for a bandage in relationship to costs. We need to have the facts and figures presented. If I am feeding you rice and beans but the[Truncated] "* Let's face it.. IN the US we don't care about our elders, nor do we respect them. All citizens and legal aliens who pay taxes (or did) should have the finest hospice and end of life services on the planet. [Truncated]" "* I do think citizens and legal aliens who are taxpayers should have special rights and priviledges. If I get sick in Italy, should the Italian government and taxpayers cover my expenses just because I am there, or working there? [Truncated]" I prefer the Canandian and Enlish finance systems. 22361 6/26/06 2:04 PM NY "* It is time that America move ahead in our global society and accept the responsibility for caring for all its citizens, not just those who are able to pay for their own health insurance.[Truncated]" We currently have excellent models upon which we can base a universal health care system. 22362 6/26/06 2:05 PM PA * The government needs to be an important player in any health care program. Private health care options are not enough for all Americans. Some need help as it hasd been shown again and again that the working poor are priced out of high quqlity[Truncated] agreed A greater use of teaching hospitals and schools of Medicine and Nursing should be integrated into any community health networks Faith based initiatives can be better utilized for last days care "* I agree wholeheartedly that ""financing strategies should be based on principles of fairness, efficiency and shared responsibility....[Truncated]" 22364 6/26/06 2:05 PM WI Long overdue! 22365 6/26/06 2:05 PM MI "* I think that if the President is pushing for a country that isn't even to our best interest, IRAQ, to have Healthcare for all, we should have it here in the US first and foremost. [Truncated]" "I think that all US Citizens should be offered even a basic benefit package to help their family save money. " Impeach George Bush!!!!!! "* I think that the amount that we have spent on this war in Iraq and Afganistan, we could have saved a lot of money for both Medicare problems and for the financing of the Healthcare issue for all.[Truncated]" 22366 6/26/06 2:05 PM IN " " "* Health Care for all 1. Employeer/Insurance base health care isn't working 2. Employeers should contribute to a system but not directly involved in negoating health care with the providers 3. Insurance companies add an additonal level and [Truncated]" 22367 6/26/06 2:05 PM CA I am in 100% agreement PROVIDED that it is for the LEGAL citizens of our country. Sounds like a plan to staff with special interests that will have the most to gain * Make sure that it if limited to LEGAL American citizens and MUST have lanuage to exclude the 12 million illegals that are taxing our present system.[Truncated] "* I would recommend a study of other countries like Canada that have health care for all and take the best ideas from each, We should not reinvent the wheel, but find out what works and doesn't[Truncated]" "* The federal government can't even get discounts for drugs for Seniors, the medicare cards are a joke, costs are out of control. I want assurances that this will work not more government BS telling us how good it is[Truncated]" "This is one of the first recommendations that I can agree with, like I said the Devil is in the details" "* I will not support any health care if it does not have language EXCLUDING care of illegal aliens. It must be a crime to treat ilegals with out mandatory deportation, only minimum care could be provided to stabelize for deportation.[Truncated]" "The devil is in the details, no way do I give a blank check with the track record of our politicians" 22369 6/26/06 2:05 PM DE We need & deserve this. We need & deserve this. We need & deserve this. We need & deserve this. We need & deserve this. We need & deserve this. "We need & deserve affordable health care. Without us, there IS no America!" We need & deserve this. 22370 6/26/06 2:05 PM ME "* Health care for Congress, the Senate, and federal and state employees should be eliminated and never be better than that provided for every American. [Truncated]" 22371 6/26/06 2:05 PM MI Revoke MEDICARE Program D! This is a disaster for seniors. It's only the insurance and drug companies that benefit. 22374 6/26/06 2:06 PM CA "Separate health care from employment. Employment is no longer reliable and stable." "Charge premiums based on controllable risk factors such as diet and exercise, smokingn and drinking." Bring down the high cost of health care by ending the 30% administratiev costs and profits to rich corporations. "* Rich states can help poor states but the feds should probably do a minimum and states and local have most control, especially in this era of stolen elections and criminal, vicious federal leaders.[Truncated]" * Don't make the doctors give you an x-ray and blood test every time you have an upset stomach. They treat us like lab experiments![Truncated] I think it's cheaper to have visiting nurses than to build nursing homes. Let people stay home and have care come to them. "* I was laid off because of tax cuts, and do not have expensive medical care. But between core hospital insurance and local clinics, I am saving much more money than my $400 a month insurance. Allow people to compare prices and shop around for [Truncated]" Tax the rich who have gotten tax breaks to finance health care. 22375 6/26/06 2:06 PM TX * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] * Companies with over 30 employees should be required to offer medical benefits. Companies with over 50 employees should be required to pay full time wages to its employees instead of part time wages.[Truncated] 22379 6/26/06 2:06 PM WA I 100% support this recommendation! cap allowable chargers. "* If there is not enough money to set this in place: divert money spent for ""democratization"" of Iraq as well cut the military budget!![Truncated]" 22381 6/26/06 2:06 PM IL "Essential healthcare should be considered a human right. " Eye care should be included. The eyes are part of one's body. It's better than the Bush plan. But preventive care should be included. therer should be accountability at all levels. "Educating patients is fine, but basic needs should come first." "Funding should be available at all levels. All caregivers should be well trained and well informed." no "Not only do people have a right to healthcare. They have a righyt to be informed and a right to a voice in their plan." 22382 6/26/06 2:07 PM CA Agree Agree Agree Agree Agree Agree Agree 22384 6/26/06 2:07 PM CA "This seems utterly reasonable, completely achievable, and decidedly necessary. I support this." 22390 6/26/06 2:07 PM AZ I would also like to see alternative treatments such as herbs and acupuncture covered. 22392 6/26/06 2:07 PM NY The system should be universal and easy to navigate. "The benefits should be easily understandable so patients will not get ""caught"" seeking noncovered benefits." "Patients, or their families, should not face going backrupt if they seek needed care" "This sounds like another layer of ""management"" which may not be needed and may cost a lot." "Sounds good, but how much will it cost and will it improve care?" "* Patient choice is the key here. If the patient has not made a choice or cannot make a choice, there should be clear policy for ""resolving"" family disagreements. [Truncated]" "* Currently many people who are receiving SSD because of their medical illness are not eligiable for Medicade or welfare and do not receive enough from the SSD to ""afford"" medical care (drugs) as well as living expenses. Some programs that s[Truncated]" 22393 6/26/06 2:08 PM NY "* This is extremely important and one which there should be no question or opposition..the weathly can afford the health care and the really poor have Medicaid...all others, mostly middle class can't afford medical coverage..especially the youn[Truncated]" Low income families seem to qualify for most programs..what about the Middle Class?????? * I think the government should be financing this..they always vote themselves a hefty pay raise and the hard working Americans are taxed enough..[Truncated] 22395 6/26/06 2:08 PM NY "* I believe everyone is entitled to goodo quality, inexpensive health coverage. My boyfriend had no coverage and fell gravely ill and the system in New York cheated him out of good quality health care - waitng for approval from MEDICAID which [Truncated]" * I agree - nobody should become destitute trying to pay medical costs - most people shy away from going to a doctor or hospital because of this.[Truncated] 22400 6/26/06 2:08 PM MI * Prisoners should not be the only people in the US to have a RIGHT to adequate health care services. That right should be extended to every citizen.[Truncated] 22401 6/26/06 2:08 PM NJ "* We must have a plan that benefits the people, not the drug companies, insurance companies, or for-profit hospitals, etc. Medicare D should be a lesson to all of us that we don't let the lobbyest have anything to do with the writing or impleme[Truncated]" "* Concentrating on educating the public about how to stay healthy, beginning with children, and early intervention would go a long way toward cutting the costs of our health care.[Truncated]" "With a larger and larger percentage of our population the elderly, this will become more important." "* Health care plans in other countries, such as in England, are called socialized medicine as if it were a dirty word. However, a friend who had an appendicitis attack in a plane on his way there, was operated on upon arrival and could only r[Truncated]" "* A major part of the cost of prescription drugs is the overwhelming advertising, which is aimed at consumers, rather than the medical profession. Just one example of why our health care is so expensive. [Truncated]" 22402 6/26/06 2:08 PM NY "* Just throwing money at health care without enforceable standars of quality does not improve health. It just means that more process will be done. [Truncated]" 22403 6/26/06 2:08 PM MA * i agree wholeheartedly with this principle and i think it should be accomplished by establishing a NATIONAL SINGLE-PAYER healthcare system. This would take health coverage out of the employment equation for both workers and employers. The maj[Truncated] Eyecare should be added to the core as well. * This is absolutely critical. i firmly believe that a private program will both in the short term and the long term cost more because of the drive for profit in the private insurance and healthcare industries. Healthcare should not be a for-pr[Truncated] * All of this makes sense. My only objection is that the for-profit private sector (including the pharmaceuticals who recently got that huge giveaway in the Medicare prescription plan) should have little or no influence in this process. They ha[Truncated] "* Any efforts at expanding healthcare coverage must include this effort however the changes made to Medicare in the so-called ""reform"" bill with the prescription drug plan should NOT be a model for going forward. It is antithetical to the osten[Truncated]" "* Addressing this issue is critical. Even before the advent of ""long-term care insurance"" individuals and families have been bled to poverty by the cost of such care, whether in nursing homes or otherwise. The rise of long-term care insurance i[Truncated]" "* As i said in my comments on some of the individual recommendations, i firmly believe that we will not achieve successful reform AND cost containment without ultimately creating a public, single-payer national health system. As long as the for[Truncated]" "* i agree that additional investment is needed but again there was a study showing that for the equivalent of what we spend nationally now on health care coverage including federal government expenditures on employee and military healthcare, wh[Truncated]" 22405 6/26/06 2:09 PM MD Yes! Affordable health care. $20 co-pay is not affordable health care. I am not willing to make financial adjustments on my bring home pay. 22409 6/26/06 2:09 PM IL "I agree that all ""American citizens"" should have access to affordable health insurance.It should be a basic right." This is definitely what should be available This insurance should be separate from your normal benefits This is something that should have been done long ago 22410 6/26/06 2:09 PM TX "* On behalf of the 44 million people in this country who are without health insurance and the other millions upon millions who have inadequate coverage, let's do something. Maybe fewer wars of choice and more concern for middle and lower incom[Truncated]" 22411 6/26/06 2:09 PM NY "* Since early 1970's I have worked for a health care system for all United States citizens. It is an abomination that we have millions of citizens without basic coverage.[Truncated]" "Yes, it's basic." Rich people and poor people get sick. No one should be made poor by getting the healthcare they need. "* Everyone should have access. To me that means either the services in their region that they can access or transportation, housing and food to cover them and their immediate support person (family, friend) to travel to the service.[Truncated]" "* Yes to all. And please stop cutting vetrans benefits. My Dad is a WWII vetran and living on SS. He can not afford any co-payments.[Truncated]" Yes. We do not choose how we are born. We should be allowed to choose how we end our life. "* I will be a cynic here - instead of spending hundreds of million dollars each day on the war in Iraq, let's protect our own citizens. It seems that the President and Congress will put future generations in hock for another countries security,[Truncated]" 22412 6/26/06 2:09 PM TX * It's time to end the corruption of our current system. Stop taking money from Lobbyists to insure that the insurance industry is healthy start worrying about the health of your constituents. [Truncated] "* Stop all the private corporation bs. We should have medicaid available to all citizens and legal residents. Cut out all the pork loaded into legislation and it should be no problem. [Truncated]" 22413 6/26/06 2:09 PM CA "* A huge portion of our healthcare dollars currently go to non-medical costs - this has to be reduced. National healthcare has to also focus attention on the fundamental problems in our country promoting obesity - subsidization for the over-[Truncated]" 22415 6/26/06 2:09 PM CA "We all ready have Medicare and in California, like most states, Medical, we need to extend these benefits to everybody ." 22416 6/26/06 2:09 PM NY I agree I agree I agree I agree I agree I agree I agree 22417 6/26/06 2:09 PM IA * I am strongly in favor of this recommendation with the stipulation that it is for Americans; the hardworking people who have contributed to the health care system & not to illegal immigrants. We have paid long enough for those who have no le[Truncated] I am supportive of this proposal * Right now I am paying out of pocket $526.00 a month for health care coverage. Many Americans cannot afford this & I barely can.[Truncated] "* It's high time that we start taking care of the needs of Americans instead of spending our hard earnedd dollars taking care of foreign nations. To quote my mother, ""Charity begins at home."" America needs to start taking care of its people. [Truncated]" * The baby boomers of which I am one are predominately left with insufficient monies to pay for the rising costs of health care & in the next 10 years the costs will be even higher. Very little has been done to care for this group in their dec[Truncated] 22418 6/26/06 2:09 PM GA * I would go much further than that. Totally socialize medicine but exempth things that are self-inflicted. No lung transplants for smokers or liver transplants for drinkers. Assistance in treating the addictions only.[Truncated] * Stop trying to keep the business men who currently exploit people happy. Focus on supplying health care. We pay enough in taxes to cover these costs. [Truncated] "* Currently we have patients and we have doctors. Between we have a huge group of people who contribute nothing to acutal health care but pay themselves big salaries none the less--insurance company executives, etc. Pay for healthcare by elimin[Truncated]" 22419 6/26/06 2:10 PM TX * Many countries have eleceted to ensure that health care is available to all citizens. None of these countries have the economical resources that the United States has. Let's take the best of the existing models and put the health and wellness[Truncated] 22421 6/26/06 2:10 PM KY "* Any support for Health Care should include the following reforms: 1. A list of all diseases and cures. 2. Medical review boards for hearings about any practice by any physician. 3. Control of the treatments allowed for any disease presicri[Truncated]" "* Health Care should place emphasis on prevention of disease. Regular examination and dietetic supplements would prevent major conditions. A special allowance for the patient who abstains from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine should be made. Pre[Truncated]" To lower health costs there would be regular reviewing of billing and services billed for. * Transportation to medical facilities from remote areas would be provided. Medical students who are willing to work in remote areas would receive grants to complete their education and training.[Truncated] * Interns would have better training without the requirements to work long hours beyond their capacity. Nurses would be encouraged to upgrade their training to a paramedic status and allowedto participate in the treatment and diagnosing of the[Truncated] * Medical care should be removed from the control of the American Medical Association and placed under a Federal government organization which would cover Veterans and all Federal suppoprted treatment facilities.[Truncated] Tax on physicians who have malpractice settlements should be used to pay for the care of any patient who needs care. 22422 6/26/06 2:10 PM MI I strongly agree. Do not skimp on the benefits. I stronbgly agree. I agree. Reduce the waste in privately-financed health care insurance. I agree. I strongly support government-financed universal health care. 22425 6/26/06 2:11 PM NC * I belive everyone is entitled to health care in this great land of ours and no one should be without. Young or old. One hospital stay can bankrupt most everyone.[Truncated] wonderful if this can be done Maybe this great country should look to other countries how they finance health care 22427 6/26/06 2:11 PM CO "* Health care is a human right. Artificial man-made borders have made some people think they are more entitled to health care than others because they have the artificially construed ""citizenship."" We are all citizens of the earth. Health ca[Truncated]" Ending war and diverting money from hurting people to helping people will suffice in covering health care costs. 22429 6/26/06 2:11 PM IN * America is the richest country on earth and it is absolutely a thing that our government must do for the citizens of the United States of America by providing them with outstanding health care. Do not shove the citizens of this great country [Truncated] See recommendation # one See recommendation # one See recommendation # one See recommendation # one See recommendation # one See recommendation # one See recommendation # one. 22430 6/26/06 2:11 PM ME so send momey overseas til every american is taken care of first. what wrong with your own people of this county. use the money that ia sent to other countries stop sending money to other countries use the money use of overseas stop sending money overseas use the money that is sent overseas if the money that is sent to the other countries was kept her no would have to worry about health care use the money we send to other countries 22431 6/26/06 2:11 PM IN HEALTH IS WEALTH!!!!!!! ANY COUNTRY WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE NOT HEALTHY IS A WEAK COUNTRY AND THE COUNTRY WILL NOT SURVIVE>>>>> 22432 6/26/06 2:11 PM PA "This should be a basic right of all people, not just for those who can afford it." 22433 6/26/06 2:11 PM NY "The first question at the emergency room intake should be ""What's wrong with you?"" not ""Do you have insurance coverage?"" !!!" 22437 6/26/06 2:11 PM FL "* Wow! What a concept, health insurance for all American citizens not just those who can afford it. I didn't think it could be possible. At this moment I don't have health care because my husband's company merged and he lost his job. He is now [Truncated]" "* I believe Preventative coverage is so important, some insurance companies understand this but others still don't get it. The old adage is true."" An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.""[Truncated]" * I have read stories where average Americans have become destitute because of serious illness. It only takes one illness to ruin a person financially. There should be some financial protection by our government to prevent this from happenning.[Truncated] * I think your idea is worth a try because surely the trend that is occurring today is costing us more money. Employers across the country are shifting the costs to their employees. Our government should be providing them incentives to provide [Truncated] 22438 6/26/06 2:12 PM CA "Yes, I imagine it to be like Medicare extended to everyone." OK "For people like me, this is a major consideration. I have a health plan (Kaiser) but it doesn't include extended care." "I don't see mention of taxation, like social security." 22442 6/26/06 2:12 PM NM The universal health care plan in Europe works MUCH better than anything else. 22443 6/26/06 2:12 PM CO If all Americans don't have affordable healh care then we all will suffer from a semi-well/semi-ill society. Excellent idea. * No one in America who is salaried and works 40 or more hours per week should be impoverished if living a defined normal lifestyle. Minimum wage earners and street people have lot in common.[Truncated] This will be hard to do but worth it if you can. * The one thing that makes the Medicade/Medicare and other systems expensive is the lack of tight oversight. One sparcely staffed regional office with a lot of computers doesn't seem to be working.[Truncated] "* The least understood portion of medical care is indigent care. The general public has been frightened out of this service and views it as a last resort. Why? the cost, the lack of care, the horror stories. No one wants to end their life a[Truncated]" "* Because of the costs and all the talk and debates, many citizens would prefer to avoid health care. For some people going to see a doctor is a frightening, embarassing, humiliating, and nerve racking experience. In a fifty fifty situation, [Truncated]" * For families who have knowledge of serious illnesses there should be an option for high health care. For families who have knowldge of few illnesses there should be low health care. Each family and/or individual should have the option of ch[Truncated] 22445 6/26/06 2:12 PM CA "* This is the kind of system that all of our foreign competitors have, and it is costing the U.S. dearly in terms of commerce. For example, more than $1,000 of the cost of a new car from Ford, GM or Chrysler goes to cover health insurance for t[Truncated]" "* Package should emphasize preventive health care, such as well-baby care, regular check-ups, etc. It has been shown time and again that spending money on this now will save more money later.[Truncated]" Agree completely. Lack of coordination is one reason costs are out of control. "* Our nation is spending too much on health care. I believe we can provide health care to more people more cheaply with a rational plan to control costs. Leaving health care costs up to the ""marketplace"" doesn't work because health care is ofte[Truncated]" 22450 6/26/06 2:12 PM NH * Sounds good. This plan should beable to have competiton for better services at lower costs and the medicare prescription program should be expanded to all as well as dental and have competiton too![Truncated] Union members should be mandated to be included. Inclulde long term care with this. All populations should receive same core benefits this should go ahead in home care should be available too * Need to have a systems where unions can negotiate better care and costs formemebers and companies can offer better health plans to attract better and loyal employees.[Truncated] 22451 6/26/06 2:13 PM MI "* The patchwork of current coverage would become even more complex and untenable under schemes to further incentivize employer-based or individual health insurance coverage. We need comprehensive, single-payer insurance! I support H.R. 676.[Truncated]" 22454 6/26/06 2:13 PM WI No one should have to pay 10 hrs worth a week of work towards healthcare * All people should and must have equal health coverage. We are a rich nation with poor health but donate all over the world but to our own. [Truncated] 22455 6/26/06 2:13 PM NY ALL American should have access to affordable health-care. It is the ONE MAJOR FLAW in this country 22456 6/26/06 2:13 PM AK "* Health care has become unaffordable, even for those with health insurance. Deductibles are beyond the ability of many people to pay. It is time for free national health insurance. If we can afford the war in Iraq, we can afford free national [Truncated]" * Keep the insurance companies OUT of the process. They are money grabbing ghouls and are the current cause of our health payment problems.[Truncated] Health care should be free. "* National health insurance will cost much less when we figure what we will not need to spend on accounting for thousands of insurance systems, all with differing requirements. End the war and use the funds for health care.[Truncated]" 22457 6/26/06 2:13 PM OK I agree with this recommendation. This group should be free from political persuasion. I agree. I agree. "I agree, except I don't believe the ""sin taxes"" are fair. Everyone should pay equally. " 22464 6/26/06 2:13 PM NJ "* For the money we are spending with private insurance companies, we could have a Cadilac system of health care. Examples would be those of France and Germany.[Truncated]" "* If this health care system is going to be affordabel, we must be able to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs and big business lobbys must be kept out of the equation.[Truncated]" 22466 6/26/06 2:13 PM NY Universal payor health insurance is desperately needed. Agreed Agreed "Everyone should get the same health care, no exceptions." "* Everyone pays the same. Congress cnnot legislate superior coverage without sharing that same coverage with all Americans. When Americans travel abroad, we must pay for our own insurance. this standard must be applied to foreign nationals here[Truncated]" 22467 6/26/06 2:13 PM PA "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA, do i nead to say more ?" "canada cares about there people , Why Not The USA" 22468 6/26/06 2:13 PM WA "* Most plans so far particularly miss the single, childless, disabled, but with ""too much"" income by $100-400 to meet the income test. Too high drug needs, must either do without or let other necessary payments fall into arrears. A huge black[Truncated]" "Would meet most needs, if needs-base subtracts electricity, water, sewer, food costs, etc. before determining eligiblility." See above Agree "Fraud is all too prevalent in all fedrally funded systems, it seems. Not sure how to get around that." All is needed. I agree 22471 6/26/06 2:14 PM NY "* No one should not be given a program of care (drugs, surgery, or other) due to an inabilty to pay for it. They will be allowed to pay it off on no interest lay-a-way. Not for elective (cosmtic surgery excluded).[Truncated]" 22472 6/26/06 2:14 PM OH "* This should include competative bidding on prescriptions, not taking the ridiculously high prices of the prescription drug companies and paying for that. Other large groups, such as Medical Mutual have lower prices for their ""insureds"" than t[Truncated]" "* Ditto what I said above. Less to finance if the government had not given into the drug companies campaigning for the high prices. Also, as in Canada, drug companies should not be allowed to advertise their products. Much of the expense of the[Truncated]" 22474 6/26/06 2:14 PM IA "* We need more than ""access to"" health care. That term is at the crux of the problem that most low and middle income families face when deciding whether to take care of themselves or not. Universal health care means that if you need to see a [Truncated]" "* Contain medical costs by eliminating the profit for insurance and drug companies. Doctors should make a living wage,reflective of their training and experience, especially those who work in family practice, and life saving aspects of medici[Truncated]" 22476 6/26/06 2:14 PM NY "* If we can send billions of dollars to other countries for everything under the sun , than we should be able to give our people here food, clothing and health care when needed.[Truncated]" "* AGAIN:If we can send billions of dollars to other countries for everything under the sun , than we should be able to give our people here food, clothing and health care when needed.And we certainly need to take care of our vetrans, whether th[Truncated]" "* If we can send billions of dollars to other countries for everything under the sun , than we should be able to give our people here food, clothing and health care when needed.And we certainly need to take care of our vetrans, whether they act[Truncated]" 22481 6/26/06 2:14 PM KY * I support the above recommendations. Quality healthcare should be an inalienable right. It should be a given for everyone. And we can afford it.[Truncated] 22487 6/26/06 2:14 PM CT "* We are the only nation in the developed worl without health coverage. We spend billions destroying young American lives in vile and criminal ventures like Iraq, yet find it somehow threatening to see to it that our ciotizens have health care.[Truncated]" all this is obvious of course it us time we come out of the 19th century 22489 6/26/06 2:14 PM CA I see it as a birthrite. And the system is already in effect: both the Veteran's Admin. and Medicare are terrific models. Absolutely! "* Switch a few priorities like our military spending which grown to absolutely insane leves and the money for ""Universal"" health care will be there.[Truncated]" 22490 6/26/06 2:15 PM NC * All people should access to good health care. The US government is supposed to be the best and strongest in the world and we should be ashamed of our health care.[Truncated] It is a shame to lose your assets to illness. "* I retired in 2000 and my insurance is eroding fast, higher deductibles, higher insurance premimus and higher prescription costs.[Truncated]" "The working people (middle Class) are burdened with the cost of oll health care now, there should be some relief for them." 22494 6/26/06 2:15 PM CA "* THE INSURANCE AND MEDICAL CORPORATIONS SHOULD BE PENALIZED FOR SOARING MEDICAL COST, CAUSING ANYONE TO GO INTO DEBT TO PAY FOR THEIR MEDICAL BILLS (WHICH MANY OF US FEEL IS SIMPLE RIPOFF OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, BY BIG BUSINESS - INSURANCE/MED[Truncated]" "* THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TENDS TO HIDE, CURES FOR VARIOUS ILLNESSES. THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO INFORM AMERICA OF CURES FOUND AND HIDDEN. FINED FOR THE LIVES THEY HAVE TORTURED WITH KNOWN MEDICINES THAT CAUSE ILLNESS. [Truncated]" "EVERYONE SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM INSANE COST OF HOSPITAL STAYS, WHETHER THEY ARE SHORT TERM OR LONG TERM." FINE THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY FOR EACH YEAR THIS FAILS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED. HESITATE TO ENCOURAGE THIS. IT SIMPLE ENCOURAGES HIGH PAYMENTS TO THE INSURANCE AND MEDICAL INDUSTRIES. ABOUT TIME THIS IS CONSIDERED. TIME IS ONE THING MANY SENIOR AMERICANS DONT HAVE !!! 22496 6/26/06 2:15 PM MI "* Protection from Bankrupting doctor bills that look like mortgages. Figure out why medical costs rise at fifteen percent per year, and fix it.It seems to me that the whole cost thing is based on what doctors and hospitals TRY to charge and NOT[Truncated]" "* No PACKAGES. Either,you need it and it's covered or THIS will turn out to be another program that burns funds at the administrative level at a higher rate than it does paying claims. The ""Too Many Cooks"" syndrome. [Truncated]" "* Cut foreign aide to countries to disaster relief or, I the case of Africa, famine relief. Repeal all of Bush's sweetheart deals for companies that move jobs out of the U.S. and/or eliminate jobs and pay higher bonuses to executives. [Truncated]" 22498 6/26/06 2:15 PM IL "* Absolutely! It is a disgrace that people who have worked hard all their lives can find themselves penniless in just a few months due to a health issue, unless they know how to game the system to hide their assets. SINGLE PAYER is the best [Truncated]" "* WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS SINCE THE CLINTON PLAN? They had it right. So much waste and suffering has taken place since then. Why were the Clintons attacked mercilessly for trying to do what you are doing after so much more [Truncated]" "* 2012 is ridiculously late. How about 2007! It's not thatcomplicated! SINGLE PAYER - UNIVESAL HEALTH CARE. THERE ARE numerous example in many countries you can refer to. Ask Canada.[Truncated]" Are you going to allow madicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies or are you going to keep it a federal crime? "* Am I supposed to believe that my government really cares about this issue. Last time I remember this issue was when Hilary Clinton was crucified for bringing it up and called a socialist. I'll believe it when I see it, if I live long enough[Truncated]" "* Single Payer - Universal health care will save money, not cost more. SINGLE PAYER is far cheaper and efficient! Ellimate 10,000 insurance and HMo's and PPO's. Elimate huge beaurocracy and administrative redundancy.[Truncated]" 22499 6/26/06 2:16 PM OH "* America will truely say to the world,""we are a true democracy in which all citizens are entitled to equal health benefits and opportunity.[Truncated]" A national health plan would allivate some of these concerns. Income should not be a discriminating factor in rendering health services. 22501 6/26/06 2:16 PM FL America needs a single payer health system 22502 6/26/06 2:16 PM MD * im about to go on cobra because my company is retiring me because ive been out of a year because of 4 surgeries.........i need affordable health care...what do i do[Truncated] 22503 6/26/06 2:16 PM CA Good work! many thanks for making a start at dealing with the health care crisis in our country. 22504 6/26/06 2:16 PM MN same as above same as above * Cuba and Canada can make it affordable and free so why cant the U.S.A.Iread in the paper were young adults dont have insurance as they are not making enough money. For me thats a couple hundred a month and my wife took a pay cut from N.W.A. a[Truncated] 22509 6/26/06 2:17 PM WI * It is a travesty that the most affluent nation in the world has no national health program that would solve the problems for average Americans. WE need to defeat Bush again.[Truncated] 22510 6/26/06 2:17 PM PA "* I agree with all of the above. It's appalling that the most advanced country in the world treats their low income citizens in the same manner as citizens of Third World countries. In many instances, they are treated worse. While I admire w[Truncated]" 22511 6/26/06 2:17 PM MI "* Health promotion and disease prevention should be key goals. Things that could be done to improve the health of Americans are to prohibit the use of antibiotics and growth hormones in foods, remove flouride from our water systems, promote pr[Truncated]" 22513 6/26/06 2:17 PM TX "* If the US government can afford $4 billion a week to wage war in Iraq, we can also afford to provide our US CITIZENS quality health care without question or red tape.[Truncated]" What about VISUAL health??? "Health care providers should have to think ONLY about the PATIENTS. They should not have to worry about the ""bottom line.""" "* You should look at Comal County, Texas and the McKenna Health Care System for a model. They have not perfected their services, but they are on target. [Truncated]" "* Make forms using SIMPLE language to convey necessary information to patients. Do not use legalize, medicalize, or, even worse, FEDERALIZE terms. Keep it simple. [Truncated]" "* Physicians do not want to recommend Hospice Care for their older, frailer patients. Conseqeuntly, many older patients die miserably deaths because the families don't understand how to care for these individuals. Patients deserve the right t[Truncated]" * Big business and individuals who make more than a specified amount of profit from their businesses should have to pay into a health care fund. Quit pussyfooting around with big corporations and multi-millionaires who are shirking their duty [Truncated] See comment above. 22514 6/26/06 2:17 PM MN "* I can barely afford my HSA/Medical health plan and I make a decent living. Premiums continue to rise yearly, and at this rate, I will be unable to afford health care altogether. Some people are concerned that the qualtiy of health care will b[Truncated]" 22517 6/26/06 2:17 PM IL I agree. "* I agree. And fully support PREVENTATIVE healthcare and ALTERNATIVE healthcare. Ultimately, these two issues would substantially reduce the overall cost of healthcare in this country!!![Truncated]" i agree i agree i agree i agree "* As a formerly high income person now self-employed, I cannot afford health insurance despite having no pre-existing conditions, am 5'3"", 110# and eat a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle. I am 53 but that is over the hill to insurance[Truncated]" I agree. 22520 6/26/06 2:17 PM PA "* It is incomprehensible that The United States, supposedly one of the richest countries in the world, would allow so many of it's people go without basic health care. The health and well being of our citizens should be treated as the most impo[Truncated]" "* Health care must include mental health. With the numbers of our citizens seeking help for mental illness increasing drastically, it's imparative that they receive the treatment that they need. Without it we will continue to lose our people to[Truncated]" * Last year I had to begin paying for my own health coverage. I am a relatively healthy person and still pay over $300 a month which I can sorely afford. It's impossible for an average American making a minimum wage to afford health care. Add t[Truncated] * One of the most important things we can do is to promote preventative health care. disease prevention and community education would be an immeasurable aid in this.[Truncated] "* Health care must include end of life care. If you want to know about a society and it's people, observe how it treats it's elderly. We are sorely lacking in the care we provide for our older, more vulnerable citizens.They deserve much much be[Truncated]" * The health of all Americans should and must be our number one priority. We are closing in on a population of 300 million citizens. The fact that close to half of these citizens will not recieve the needed health care and medicines that we giv[Truncated] 22522 6/26/06 2:17 PM NY "* Self-employed, I pay for my own health insurance. My monthly premiums have gone from $42-per-month in 1980 to $740-per-month today. This is obscene. Health care in the U.S., as in every other major Western nation, should be a basic right[Truncated]" 22523 6/26/06 2:17 PM OK "* Millions of us CHOOSE not to have ""health insurance"" because it is a disease prolongation and disease creation welfare system. We choose individual resposibility and no one seems to be listening up there. Yes we all should have financially ap[Truncated]" * Your definitions of the words leaves much to be decoded. Public-private group? Do you mean NGO's (i.e.fascist government?) What so you mean by wellness; more checkups to push drugs and test that make tons f money for the physicians? What do y[Truncated] DOOMED. This is just wording that leads to insuring drug company profits. "* This is not a power given to the federal government and is therfore unconstitutional, and just plain stupid economically for reasons already given and at least 30 more.[Truncated]" See comment #4 "* Evidence based science means no innovation, no using anything that is not existing and accepted by the ""club"" approved by PHARMA. You only mention culturally sensitive when they are on their death bed, not when they could be helped by alterna[Truncated]" "* Quit being the drug industry's mouthpeice and take a look at the facts. ""Modern medicaine"" in this country admits to killing over 786,000 people in the United States. However, the reporting percentage for adverse events (including death) is v[Truncated]" "* I do not want any of my taxes paying for any more of the posionous medical system we have in place in this country. Until there is sincere promotion of self responsibility and access to unadulterated food, there is no hope of a solution to th[Truncated]" 22525 6/26/06 2:18 PM WI I whole heartedly agree with Recommendation 3. I completely agree with this recommendation. 22526 6/26/06 2:18 PM IN "* In addition to endorsing it completely, I want to note that health care not only affects physical health of our citizens, but seriously impacts their economic welfare, as well, which, if bad, affects their health. It is a vicious circle.[Truncated]" "* The group must be inclusive and carefully chosen for their ability to be fair, open-minded and without a mind to personal gain. It is essential to include the spectrum of services described, including physical, mental and dental health.[Truncated]" "* Totally agree. Again, one of the driving forces creating poverty and reducing the middle class in this country is the cost of health care.[Truncated]" "* This has got to be done with an understanding that many communities are woefully lacking in any sort of coherent ""system"" even when providers are many. In my experience local providers including hospitals especially find it difficult to part[Truncated]" "* Presumably this would include negotiating with pharmaceutical companies for the best possible prices on, let's say, drugs. Not to mention other items.[Truncated]" I would hope this would mean that people would get help even if their deaths were not immediately imminent. "* This is undoubtedly one of, if not THE, most urgent issues facing our country, and has been for years. Having managed health insurance programs for a number of large and small employers I would not find acceptable a program that includes th[Truncated]" "* REducing the administrative costs of a health program seems a very important goal, and eliminating the ""middle-man"" ie insurance companies would be an excellent place to start. Medicare is a single digit administrative program; private insu[Truncated]" 22530 6/26/06 2:18 PM PA * I agree that all Americans should have access to basic health care. Someone should not have to die or suffer debilitating pain because their job doesn't offer benefits (which is true for more and more workers) and they don't make enough to p[Truncated] * Providing universal coverage saves lives and protects the health if all Americans while reducing the high costs we already pay in taxes because of waste and inefficiency. Countries that have universal coverage pay much less for it than we al[Truncated] * The time for universal coverage is long overdue; even many businesses want government to absorb the cost of health care because they can't compete globally when they have such high costs to cover their employees.[Truncated] 22534 6/26/06 2:19 PM AZ "* Since the working stiffs that are supporting this country are having our health care benefits cut, maybe its time those in Congress took a hit. Afterall, they are giving themselves a raise at our expense, so who is more financially able to a[Truncated]" "* We should settle for nothing less than what our Congressional Representatives have. After all they work for us, or should be representing our interests. Let them take the hit! [Truncated]" 22536 6/26/06 2:19 PM NY "* In addition I suggest that health care workers (e.g. doctors, nursess, etc.) be fairly and prommptly reemboursed for their services.[Truncated]" "* Medical liablity insurance should be scaled back, whether through tort reform or lowering the ceiling of liability insurance pay-outs.[Truncated]" * I am convinced that the savings achieved by a universal health plan will be more than adequate to offset the cost since medical providers will need only one form to obtain reemboursement rather than the many forms required by each health insu[Truncated] 22538 6/26/06 2:19 PM NY * We need more emphasis on healthy lifestyles and prevention of disease and debility. Public education campaigns in this vein should be started.[Truncated] "* If we think of the entire population of the US as a ""group"" in the sense of ""group insurance"", we can better understand the concept of spreading the risk so that we get insurance that we all can afford. To avoid a ""two-tier (private-public[Truncated]" 22539 6/26/06 2:19 PM CA MOST EUROPEAN AND ASIAN PLUS CANADA AND OTHERS HAVE NATIONAL HELATH CARE. americans should too true true tho remember for the poor and homeless getting to see a doctor or pay for meds is high cost just vote in national health insurance and quit giving money away to other countries "investigate how other countries do it and use them as a model. don't reinvent the wheel, its wasteful" "true, switzerland and canada allow euthanasia. if the us won't help the poor, they could at least allow them a dignified death" "* i have a lump in my breast and cant walk well but have gotten noi help. my son had a bone infection, it took 11 months & they have billed us more than 100,000 dollars (ucla and harbor and olive view for substandard care. national health insur[Truncated]" korean health care costs 42$ each. other countries are happy with their health care systems 22544 6/26/06 2:20 PM NY 2010 is not soon enough for this to go into effect. * removal of the finincing from employers will benefit both the employer and the worker. the money spent by employers for health care should be channeled into a fund for universal care; likewise the premium contributions (an increasingly highe[Truncated] 22547 6/26/06 2:20 PM MT * I agree with this recommendation and would like to add that there should be a choice of coverage for options such as birth control (including abortion). I would hope also that the cost of health care under this system accounts for the fact t[Truncated] "* I agree with this recommendation, and hope that it will not include discrimination based on sexual orientation or choices regarding birth control, including abortion.[Truncated]" Strongly agree with this recommendation. "* I would hope that this recommendation continues to allow insurance enrollees a choice in healthcare providers, and to encourage the equal distribution of professional health care providers, including increasing the number in underserved areas[Truncated]" "Again, I would be concerned about data security/privacy, and the possibility of ethical conflicts." Strongly agree with this recommendation. "* I would hope that the cost of health care under this system accounts for the fact that the average salary (especially the minimum wage) often is not a ""living wage"". I also agree that investing in health information technology is great, but [Truncated]" 22553 6/26/06 2:20 PM NY "* It is incument upon this nation not to neglect the needs of some of its citizens while trying to give health care to all. Universal Health Care is NOT complete unless there is parity in funding for and access to appropriate, community based [Truncated]" "* People who suffer from mental health probably are allowed the least say in what shape their treatment takes. I believe that it is most important that any non-partisan group includes persons with disabilities, both mental and physical.[Truncated]" * How about ending the requirement that one be impovershed and continue to be so in order to continue to access the very services that keep people working and living in the community--so many can't contribute to society because they risk losing[Truncated] * Community Based--these are the two key words. Trying to find a doctor when all you have is medicaid is next to impossible and the managed care debacle has only made that worse.[Truncated] "* I am delighted to see all of these reccomendations. It would be great to see it happen, but only if it serves all people with all types of illnesses equally.[Truncated]" 22554 6/26/06 2:21 PM CA "Yes, this is absolutely essential." Good. This is excellent! Yes. Yes. Yes. This must be done. The present system for medical is failing. 22557 6/26/06 2:21 PM CA I think this should be a given in the richest nation in the world ... Health care should never be a for-profit system--it should pay for itself and no more . . . 22558 6/26/06 2:21 PM KS "* we need to take care of all usa citizen,s before any country, we the people come first,no one in this country should go with out health care because of money, we are the greatest nation, then lets take care of all of we the people.thanks terr[Truncated]" "* if you have health care, the hospital reduces the bill by at least half or more, if you have no ins, guess what no discount, then they sue you, garenshee your wage,s, come on wake up, this is the usa,[Truncated]" 22559 6/26/06 2:21 PM NY "* The use of the word ""core"" scares me. Does this mean that some people may not get the best available care solely due to their economic/social status?[Truncated]" see concerns above "* Out-of-pocket expenses should be means tested. A minimum wage worker should not be paying the same out of pocket as some making $100,000 or more.[Truncated]" "As stated above, the best way to improve waste is to expand the medicare model and cut administrative costs significantly" "* A sound financing strategy has to include the removal of outrageous executive compensation and the profit motive from healthcare. The most efficient health care system in the US is Medicare, where there are no multi-million dollar bonuses et[Truncated]" 22561 6/26/06 2:21 PM TX Medicare now for everyone. Dump the GOP perscription drug rip off and allow the Government to negotiate for lower prices. Graduating twice the number of new doctors will help lower costs. 22563 6/26/06 2:21 PM IN * but - there must be a responsibility clause - if - for instance - someone doesn't take prescribed medication correctly or fails to get needed treatment - then - they should bear the maxium expense for the treatment that is now going to be mor[Truncated] let's make sure that core benefits are broad in scope & specific to genetic & heridetary factors (ex: sicle cell) still think we need to establish a pay for what you use plan like utilities! * We need to be careful what we wish for - when I hear that Viagra is a covered expense but Birth Control isn't - it makes me want to scream for some sanity in the program. And - allowing pharmacists to say NO to prescriptions for birth contro[Truncated] 22565 6/26/06 2:21 PM IL "All recommendations sound good. If there was less paperwork involved, health care costs would decrease." 22567 6/26/06 2:21 PM MA "* We need to figure out how to reduce the cost of health care. Health care facilities, providers, and insurance agencies need to become more efficient. People who work in the health care environment need to become computer savy and be more re[Truncated]" 22570 6/26/06 2:21 PM MD YES! YES! YES! This is vital. "There are significant savings to be realized, but commerical forces will fight against this fiercely." "This is also essential, and a very important point that is not broadly understood." This is complex but you are making a solid and vital statement about the need to work it through. Congratulations! 22571 6/26/06 2:21 PM IL * iT'S IMPORTANT THAT THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED AMD NOT THE INSURERS MAKE TE DECISIONS AS TO WHAT HEALTH CARE SERVICES ARE NEEDED REGARDLESS OF THE INSURANCE POLICY.[Truncated] 22572 6/26/06 2:21 PM VA I stand with the statement above. "Health care needs to be affordable. " I go with the statement above. I go with the statement above. I go with the statement above. I go with the statement above. none I stand with the statement above. 22573 6/26/06 2:21 PM NY "* This approach will not only help working Americans, but could help many corporations like General Motors to become more competitive.[Truncated]" 22574 6/26/06 2:21 PM MI "* The only comment I have is that: We spend billions of dollars helping other countries and have forever, it's about time we spend some of that money on those in this country who are less fortunate and cannot affiord health care or go without i[Truncated]" 22575 6/26/06 2:22 PM NY * I agree totally. It is unconscionable that the wealthiest country in the world does not provide health care for its citizens. Some things should just not be left up to profit/business/politics etc. It's time -let's do it![Truncated] Wonderful! Throw out the vested interests completely. Operate with fairness and common sense. "* I have heard that socialized medicine can never work. My question is, why? It has to be set up properly and maintained and I believe it can work. Leave politicians out of it and don't give them control over it.[Truncated]" * It is always scary to let the federal government run anything! People who work on this have to be bi-partisan and not political appointees.[Truncated] It seems the bigger the process the greater chance for fraud and waste. What safeguards would be set up? Agree. "This is long overdue. We must ""bite the bullet"" and get it done before things get any worse. It is a prioity issue." "* The Bush administration and conservative Republicans have systematically depleted the treasury and therefore have starved many programs. We take in an incredible amount of money in taxes, we do not use it wisely. Enough with the pork barrel[Truncated]" 22577 6/26/06 2:22 PM IN * All Americans should and need health care services. Some people are dyeing because of they cannot afford it. There is no reason this has not already been done.[Truncated] Most of that sounds good "* You really need to take in mind who would get what. I make $25,000 a year and have myself, wife , two grandkids and my 91 year old Mom living with us. It is all we can do to servive.[Truncated]" Sounds good but all tis may not be cost efficative. Fraud and waste are always a problem and it is not checked enough now. * I see this in my Mom as she is 91 and if she had not of worked all her life she would be dead now as she would have no healthcare.[Truncated] "* All the people who are going to be a part of this would be very smart as it all sounds good, but the ones like me who only have a high school education are left out as what is needed. Why not let us who struggle be a part of this.[Truncated]" * It can be funded if Washington DC and the people in Congress and the Senate and all others who draw all our hard earned money would stop wasting it the way they do. A lot of pork could be stopped. They just will not stop with the waste.[Truncated] 22579 6/26/06 2:22 PM TX We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. We need a national healthcare system like Canada. 22580 6/26/06 2:22 PM RI "* I agree with Recommendation 1. and would go further to assert that core health services include preventive care, dental and mental health.[Truncated]" I agree with Recommendation 2. I agree with Recommendation 3. I agree with Recommendation 4. * I agree with Recommendation 5. as long as there are adequate asfeguards for privacy and/or if current punitive actions or unfair limitations on care due to pre-existing conditions are eliminated. [Truncated] I agree with Recommendation 6. * I endorse this work and wish that some leadership on this issue could be found in congress or the White House - sad to say we are without didection when it comes to dealing with real issues of human safety and security. [Truncated] * I agree with the logic of the financing statement with the addition of an objective for limiting profits in the health care industry. Rationalizing care also means rationalizing resources and profit taking by investors and coporations. [Truncated] 22582 6/26/06 2:22 PM CA right on 22586 6/26/06 2:22 PM OR "Universal health care for all, publicly funded, everyone pays, everyone has access." * We did this in Oregon to create the Oregon Health plan. This should be science and evidence based. Acess for all to preventive and basic care will improve the health of all.[Truncated] "Universal care, ,publicly funded, like the rest of the modern world." "* Very important to universal access is the location of a medical home for all in the community, with cultural competence training staffing by providers. [Truncated]" "* Require all providers to report uniform data on admitting conditions, and rewsults, like Pennsylvania does through the Health Care Cost Containment Commission. Use this to publicly and openly report quality and define evidence based practice [Truncated]" * Everyone will die. Let's give people a chance at dignity instead of forced picking and probing and isolation in a hospital when the end is near and clear. [Truncated] "* Do it right. Keep the for-profit providers and insurance carriers out of the discussion until the end. This should be designed by customers and payers, not the industry. Use docs, nurses and other front line providers to advise, but not contr[Truncated]" "* THis is not as complicated as you make out. Every other modern nation has done it. A fair tax structure that includes corporations and the wealthy, and a reasonable income tax base should cover it. And, the inefficienncies of the current syst[Truncated]" 22587 6/26/06 2:22 PM IL "* All Americans should have as good a health care program as the members of Congress and their family member. If we cannot then congressmen should no longer be allowed to have lifetime coverage. When they leave their office, they need to find[Truncated]" 22590 6/26/06 2:23 PM MN "* Other countries provide prenatal, child, and preventative care for less money than the US. We need access for all people to preventative care and medicines to help prevent the over use of emergency rooms.[Truncated]" "* Too many people lose their assets along with their health, and the new laws are not helping anyone. Make the credit card companies take responsibility for their reckless selling of credit to people who can't handle it.[Truncated]" "* Making more care systems non profit would be a step in the right direction. If the administrators make hundreds of times more than the nurses and aides who work with patients, we will not get much more hands on care for those who need it. [Truncated]" 22592 6/26/06 2:23 PM MN "* Other countries provide prenatal, child, and preventative care for less money than the US. We need access for all people to preventative care and medicines to help prevent the over use of emergency rooms.[Truncated]" "* Too many people lose their assets along with their health, and the new laws are not helping anyone. Make the credit card companies take responsibility for their reckless selling of credit to people who can't handle it.[Truncated]" "* Making more care systems non profit would be a step in the right direction. If the administrators make hundreds of times more than the nurses and aides who work with patients, we will not get much more hands on care for those who need it. [Truncated]" 22594 6/26/06 2:23 PM MI "* Other Countries in the World have Universal Health Care. Why should America be so far behind that Her people are going without? We try to be an advanced Nation, but when it comes to taking care of the People, we lack. It's time for Health [Truncated]" 22595 6/26/06 2:23 PM OH "* I feel that this is true because people who fit into the ""middle class"" don't qualify for medicaid and can't afford to pay for their own insurance! What are we supposed to do?![Truncated]" 22597 6/26/06 2:23 PM NV "* All of the above is fine, however, the fact remains that we need universal health care for two reasons (actually three). Number one for our businesses to be competetive. I am a small business owner and the high cost of health care makes me un[Truncated]" 22600 6/26/06 2:23 PM MI * These are bad times and I don't know if we can afford any more things to pay for out of our earnings and retirements. Every aspect of life has become a way of living for some and destruction for others.No one person has all the answers.[Truncated] 22601 6/26/06 2:23 PM IL * It's not a matter of guns or butter; its guns or health. Every country with national health coverage is peaceful and safe compared the US. The real fear for most older people is affordable health care without the risk of losing your house. Wi[Truncated] "* For those who are especially wealthy, there will also be an alternative private health system, lest they be fear being treated like ordinary citizens![Truncated]" Amen! "* Under the current Bush government regulatory groups have been castrated by political appointees whose goal is to demolish public services, in order to turn the country into a rich-pool slave state. Good luck in trying to find a fair Federal o[Truncated]" "I pray that it is possible. First, who is going to halt our lucrative government bribery industry?" "* The way the current system works, the last days of life are 24/7 cash cows for the health industry. Citizens should have some choice in this circumstance. Some may choose euthanasia, that should be allowed in spite of the medical industry man[Truncated]" "* As long as individual profiteering and greed remain the dominant virtue in our culture, anyone who is not a rich person, a good-looking yuppie, or an armed policeman, will continue to be treated like scum. That is why a single-payer-system is[Truncated]" * Obviously taxes will have to be raised--the ultimate sin for the wealthy people of this nation. It is so much cheaper to bribe our politicians and guarantee them 100% health coverage that to make affordable health care for all citizens a real[Truncated] 22605 6/26/06 2:24 PM GA Eliminate all these bureacracys and create a nation health care department. People should be allowed to die with dignity and without worry about finances. Just socialize the thing. 22606 6/26/06 2:24 PM CA "* I am a 75 year old retired nurse. I went into nursing to HELP alleviate suffering. Nursing & health care providers in the past were concerned about their fellow Americans. Now, as I look back and forward I see nothing but $$$$$signs surrou[Truncated]" Not at the moment. I agree. agree "* Keep iimmediate government out of it,completely as far as negotiations are being discussed. Government should be the last to know.[Truncated]" ok "not now, I feel i said enough at this time." "* Private, not govermental panels must sit and allow the public to have a voice in how it will be financed. Afterall, it is from the pockets of every American citizen who will basicall be paying for the service. Keep congress, the senate and[Truncated]" 22607 6/26/06 2:24 PM IL "* Health care costs are crazy.....if I don't have insurance,I have to pay full price on treatment, where insurance companies can have a ""negotiated""rate.....why can't WE negotiate[Truncated]" 22609 6/26/06 2:24 PM NY I support these progressive recommendations and want to see health care provided for all Americans. 22613 6/26/06 2:25 PM NJ TOTALLY SUPPORT THIS IDEA "* YES TO COVERING PHYSICAL, MENTAL, and DENTAL HEALTH. EVIDENCE BASED SCIENCE AS IT CURRENTLY STANDS IS SKEWED IN FAVOR OF DRUG AND TECHNOLOGY BASED TREATMENTS; THESE ALWAYS BENEFIT THEIR MANUFACTURERS, BUT NOT ALWAYS THE PATIENTS. MORE RES[Truncated]" "* DEFINITIONS OF ""LOW INCOME"" ARE HISTORICALLY UNREALISTIC, ESPECIALLY AS INCOME HAS RISEN MUCH MORE SLOWLY THAN HEALTH CARE COSTS. BASICALLY COVERAGE SHOULD INCLUDE EVERYONE; MOST MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES COULD BE WIPED OUT BY SERIOUS HEALTH CAR[Truncated]" "* WE ARE LONG OVERDUE TO COME INTO THE 20TH CENTURY (NOT A TYPO, I KNOW WE'RE IN THE 21ST),ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE ""DEVELOPED WORLD."" WE ALSO REALLY NEED TO BE OPEN TO NEW PARADIGMS IN ADDRESSING THE HEALTH CARE SITUATION: AS LONG AS WE CON[Truncated]" * MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT APPROX. 30% OF CURRENT HEALTH CARE COSTS ARE BUREAUCRATIC--IT WOULD PROBABLY BE EVEN HIGHER IF IT TOOK INTO ACCOUNT WHAT DOCTORS HAVE HAD TO INVEST IN TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF VARIOUS INSURERS. ULTIMATELY STREAMLINING [Truncated] 22614 6/26/06 2:25 PM VT * This is basic and obvious. It is ridiculous that the richest nation on earth is too stingy to provide its people with basic health care.[Truncated] "* Birth control must be included. It should be universally available, free, and without anyone having to pass a moral/religious criteria.[Truncated]" I agree with this. It should be obvious. I would like to see a system that worked the same for everyone regardless of wealth or religious beliefs. 22615 6/26/06 2:25 PM WI The United States is the only Industrialized nation that does not offer it's citizens the benefit of healthcare "* The program cuold potentially take the burden off all businesses to supply healthcare to theri employees, maybe the business could then afford higher wages...[Truncated]" So far this sounds great 22616 6/26/06 2:25 PM IN I am in total agreement with Recommendation 1. "* ""Health is not merely the absence of disease, rather it is the social and economic (and I would add, spiritual) well-being of it's society members""---paraphrase.[Truncated]" I concur. I concur. "* Can't legislate morality, but beefing-up community programs that educate the public on ALL of their choices and the principles and philosophies of how healthcare institutions work, will go a long way at helping the lay community make BETTER, [Truncated]" I concur. "Yes, were in Indianapolis, Indiana can I find employment as an advocate, or other human/social services worker?????" Quality h/c ins should not deplete one's life savings! 22617 6/26/06 2:25 PM NV "* It should be public policy that all Americans have affordable health care. All Americans will have access to a set of core health care services. Financial assistance will be available to those who need it. Across every venue we explored, we h[Truncated]" "* Define a “core” benefit package for all Americans. Establish an independent non-partisan private-public group to identify and update recommendations for what would be covered under high-cost protection and core benefits. Members will [Truncated]" "* Guarantee financial protection against very high health care costs. No one in America should be impoverished by health care costs. Establish a national program (private or public) that ensures: Coverage for all Americans; Protection agai[Truncated]" "* Support integrated community health networks. The federal government will lead a national initiative to develop and expand integrated public/private community networks of health care providers aimed at providing vulnerable populations, inc[Truncated]" "* The federal government will expand and accelerate its use of the resources of its public programs for advancing the development and implementation of strategies to improve quality and efficiency while controlling costs across the entire hea[Truncated]" "* Fundamentally restructure the way that palliative care, hospice care and other end-of-life services are financed and provided, so that people living with advanced incurable conditions have increased access to these services in the environment[Truncated]" "* Financing Health Care that Works for All Americans The recommendations will require new revenues to provide some health care security for Americans who are now at great risk. Most people we heard from were willing to make additional f[Truncated]" 22618 6/26/06 2:25 PM OH * The cost of health care is rising beyond the ability of most American to pay for it. This and a living wage are the rights of every American worker. [Truncated] We need to begin this process immediately because it will required many steps to complete the journey to universal health care. 22619 6/26/06 2:25 PM CA To leave any segment of the population festering in untreated illness is to imperil us all. That is where epidemics begin. * Emphasize early diagnosis and treatment and prevention. Don't make people wait until they need catastrophic care. Then it's too late and too expensive.[Truncated] * For-profit health care should be discouraged. Health care should not be about how much we can charge and how little we can provide.[Truncated] "* Sharing of expensive state-of-the-art equipment should be required. If such equipment is acquired regionally, and made portable, duplicative purchases can be avoided and costs held down at each facility.[Truncated]" Provide health advocates for patients to make certain their needs are given due consideration and attention. "* Making heroic efforts to prolong life when that is clearly impossible raises unrealistic expectations and costs. While they might want to urge loved ones to ""rage against the dieing of the light,"" an effort to say farewells and settle with th[Truncated]" "* Polluters and those who provide goods that imperil life and limb should pay taxes to mitigate the negative impact their products have upon health. Automakers and alcoholic beverage purveyors, anyone who makes an internal combustion engine or [Truncated]" 22620 6/26/06 2:25 PM MN "* I believe a way to ease a universal, single-payer health plan into being that will eventually envelop every American is to begin with a 'pilot project'. Only those people who are not covered would be in this project. If a person has health [Truncated]" 22622 6/26/06 2:25 PM OH "* I have lived in a country with a national health care system. As a legal resident of Taiwan, R.O.C., I had complete medical and dental coverage. It seems to me if a small country can figure out a way to provide its citizens and legal resident[Truncated]" 22625 6/26/06 2:25 PM TX * Our neighbors to the North seem to have a reasonbly workable plan. Perhaps we could learn from Canada. This is an immensely complex issue but the nation with the world's finest medical technology should have universal access to basic wellness[Truncated] 22626 6/26/06 2:25 PM OH "* I don't need to comment on anything listed above. BOTTON LINE IS HERE:"" Who are we kidding? We all know the REAL reason health care is out of controll. GREED!!! Get greed under controll and the problem is solved. One problem: ""The golden rule[Truncated]" 22627 6/26/06 2:25 PM MI "* I very much want to see affordable health care for all Americans. But, do not forget the last sentence when implementation begins, ""comprehensive benefits that provide access to appropriate, high quality care.[Truncated]" "* If is of paramount importance that people be afforded assistance to be able to stay in their own homes if that is what they wish.[Truncated]" 22628 6/26/06 2:25 PM WI I agree 100% I agree 100% 22629 6/26/06 2:26 PM NY I agree. "* I believe that out of pocket medical costs should also include a sliding scale formula based on an individuals' ability to pay, income, and overall financial worth.[Truncated]" "Sounds a bit cumbersome, with too much government/federal input/participation." Oversight is also needed regarding fraud and waste at the federal level. I agree. Not without having access to more detailed information and alternatives to the above recommendations. "* I believe the recommendation should also address prescription drug costs with regards to ""shopping"" for l