The Visor

Health care bill sparks debate

September 4, 2009

Lindsay Huth

       With rising health care costs and many uninsured Americans, the current healthcare bill is at the forefront of many political debates.  As it makes its way through Congress, liberals and conservatives alike are speaking out and voicing their opinions. 

        “Meaningful health insurance reform should include a public option [that] will keep insurers honest and lower costs.  Americans seeking affordable, quality health care deserve no less,” Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown said.

       The plan proposes government-funded care for those who cannot afford health care, as well as provides competition for the insurance companies that forces them to lower costs.

       “If you don’t have insurance, you will finally have access to quality coverage you can afford.  If you do have coverage, you will benefit from more security and more stability when it comes to your insurance,” President Obama said in his weekly address.   “If you move, lose your job, or change jobs, you will not have to worry about losing health coverage.”

       The bill also protects citizens from insurance companies taking advantage of them and allows the to keep their current coverage if they choose.

       “As I’ve said from the beginning, under the reform we seek, if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.  If you like your private health insurance plan, you can keep your plan,” Obama said.

       Conservatives, however, are not so sure that that will be the case.

       “As described by its supporters, a public insurance option would simply compete with private insurance providers, presenting no threat to the millions of Americans who are happy with their present health coverage,” Republican Senator Roger Wicker said in his weekly column.  “The reality is that a government-run insurance provider- one subsidized by our tax dollars- would eventually run private insurers out of business.”

       Some suggest that government-run health care could have detrimental effects, as it has in Canada and Great Britain, where many patients wait over a year to see a specialist.  Many are also concerned that government care would cause a multitude of other problems.

       “Americans aren’t being fooled and are discovering the truth about his [Obama’s] plan which includes rationed care, trillions in new costs, high taxes and penalties that will destroy jobs, and even government-funded abortions,” Republican Senator Jim DeMint said.

       “I support universal health care,” history teacher Robert Yanko said.  “Though, I agree with people who think that government involvement should be minimal.”

       Regardless of differing political views, Catholic bishops emphasize that the plan must cover all people and protect all human life.

       “I know it is a sin that we do not value life enough to provide health care for all people,” history teacher Greg Milo said.

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