What does health care reform mean to you?
Bakersfield Express is going to Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s townhall meeting on health care on Aug. 26 at CSUB. But, let’s face it, so is every other media outlet in Bakersfield. So you can count on a variety of quotes and some good video of the most outrageous outtakes.
So, what else do you want from our coverage of the meeting, and of health care overall? While we can’t fly to Washington to give you what hundreds of other sites already do, we can look at the health care reform debate from the viewpoint of our community in Bakersfield. We want to hear what it is you’re not hearing. Give us your questions and we will do our best to find the answers.
Also, if you’re in the health care industry and you have some ideas about reform, let us know. The more specific, the better. Describe a particular problem we face, and how that problem can be solved.
Post your comments to this blog, or e-mail longer commentaries to news@bakersfieldexpress.org to be either posted as articles on this site or used as resources in our reporting. Comments will be moderated to keep the conversation civil and on topic.
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Good luck~ just cover the crowd,what McCarthy has to say. I hope he has the courage to say things that may be unpopular. Has he any ideas~ or does he even care to~on how to address the misconceptions people have about the bills under consideration?
I will watch to see if he is fanning or dousing the flames of this debate.
Health Care/Insurance Reform is a important topic that should not be partisan.
Of health care overall, I’d like to see a discussion of the different forms of medical care that is already dispensed at no cost to the individual. I am interested in the total cost of these programs and how these programs are addressed in any of the bills. It is my contention that we, as a nation, provide and pay for many medical services that are not necessarily recognized by most people.
California programs that come to mind:
Mental Health Services
Medi-cal
Minor Consent Medi,cal-this program covers mental health, drug addiction and family planning services for minors. Minors are eligible regardless of the parents’ income.
I’d also like to see a discussion regarding the cost to society when people do not have access to medical care or cannot pay for medical care after it has been received. The effect on credit ratings, which now affects the ability to obtain employment, credit, auto insurance rates and etc.
I agree with Sage that this issue should not be partisan, but since it is, I would love for this to be looked at without so much rage. Nothing will move forward when there is this continued bickering and name calling. Both sides are guilty.
I hope that tonight’s townhall meeting is civil and addresses the concerns and desires of the people of Bakersfield. I want to know why Kevin McCarthy does not support the health care reform bill. I hope that people ask him tough questions and that he has some good answers.
I’d also like to know how people in Bakersfield really feel about their current health care. Is everyone really as satisfied with the care they receive as the local talk show hosts say we are? When I listen to the radio and hear the claim that we have the best health care in the world, it seems to contradict the many horror stories about our health care system that I hear from my family and friends. I am not satisfied with my health care and I have insurance.