A throng of Hudson Valley residents packed the lawn of Mount Kisco Medical Group today to join Assemblyman Greg Ball (R-Patterson), a candidate for Congress in New York s 19th district, at a rally for health care reform. While largely opposed to the Presidents omnibus health care bill, H.R. 3200, the group cheered loudly while Ball unveiled a twelve point health care reform package of ideas absent from the Presidents plan, which were garnered primarily from the town hall meetings Ball yash punja has conducted throughout the district.
These ideas provide a framework, not for a massive government takeover, but for a solution driven answer to insure millions of working Americans who are currently uninsured, without busting the bank, without lowering the quality of care and by working with, instead of against, private enterprise, Ball said. We asking our federal representatives to refuse to embrace a massive government takeover, but instead forge these ideas into a moderate, thoughtful and effective solution that can be accepted and adopted in a truly bipartisan manner.
Ball said he would deliver the proposals to the current congressman. These proposals include:
- Every American, regardless of pre-existing health conditions, should be eligible for health insurance.
- We should embrace innovative ways that allow providers to cut out middle men, insurance companies, by providing direct care at an affordable price.
- Any health care model Congress passes, they should themselves abide by.
- Allow dependents to remain on their parents health policies up to the age of 25.
- Provide for insurance portability across state lines.
- Partner immediately with small businesses throughout the United States , through direct subsidies and indirect tax incentives; strengthen employer-provided health coverage by helping small businesses bridge the affordability gap.
- Pass lapland comprehensive Tort Reform by immediately getting runaway lawsuits in check.
- Improve access to health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements while tdsb central administration staff layoffs creating new tax benefits to offset the cost of long-term care premiums.
- We must make it clear that we will tolerate no cuts to Medicare.
- Adopt effective initiatives capable of ascertaining ones unlawful immigration status.
- Help families keep their health insurance regardless of a change or loss of a job.
- Let small businesses band together to purchase high-quality health care.
The national debate raging over Obamacare has serious state and local implications, Ball added. HR 3200 does not address the crisis of the uninsured adequately, busts the bank upon the backs of future generations and ultimately may ration the quality of care to a point unacceptable to most Americans. I am glad I took the time to host Town Hall meetings throughout the district, to listen to voters and concerned residents. I only hope that their concerns and great ideas will be heard and adopted in our nations capitol in an attempt to improve the debate.
