Missed chances

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In D.C., state's reps take a stand

U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, Lillington Democrat

His committee (Ways and Means) recently completed its work on the House's version of the health care reform bill, approving a plan on how to pay for reform. Etheridge voted for it.

Q: What is a public option health insurance plan, and would you support it? If we have one, it cannot place any private plans at a disadvantage. ...The government cannot be in a position to disadvantage the private sector, but we have to hold them accountable and drive costs down to the extent we can do it.

Short rations

If the health care reform bill passes, senior citizens beware. When health care rationing comes, who do you think will lose health care first? I hope you said "seniors" because then you would be correct.

If you listen to AARP and the president, you will expect no changes. But if you read the bill, you will find that rationing is a foregone conclusion. Adding millions of people to the rolls without adding medical professionals will force rationing. I am not trying to scare seniors -- I am one. But I do want them to be aware of what this new system could and will do to their health care.

Check with your representative and each of your senators and ask them about rationing. Remember, they will not be covered by this bill. They will continue with their great health care that we are paying for.

Commentary: Kansas congressmen fearmongering on health care reform

In the absence of formal legislation on health care for much of the year, members of Congress and others could itemize grievances about the reform effort freely, without regard to any facts.

The House vote earlier this month finally gave reform a working framework not only for the purposes of Senate consideration but also public debate.

Yet critics, including Republicans in Kansas' congressional delegation, continue to claim things about the legislation that are contradicted by independent sources such as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Illegal aliens may fear to seek care

Doctors around the state say a growing fervor over illegal immigration may scare illegal immigrants away from seeking health care and create a public health threat.

A recent case in Alamance County -- in which medical records may have been used to help prosecute a library worker who was in the country illegally -- has prompted many to speak out about what they see as an unprecedented breach of trust between doctor and patient.

"Whether you're legal or illegal, it's always been assumed that your medical information is private and can't be used against you," said Dr. Christopher Snyder III of Concord, president of the N.C. Academy of Family Physicians. "The doctor-patient relationship is sacred, and I'm not sure that has really been challenged until now. We're in uncharted territory."

How the health overhaul bills could affect you

WASHINGTON — The health care overhaul debate in Congress now centers on two bills: the measure that the House of Representatives passed earlier this month, and the new Senate Democrats' version unveiled Wednesday. They differ in important ways. Here are answers to questions you may have about the bills:

Q: Would the health care bills before Congress require that I obtain health insurance and punish me if I don't?

A: Starting in 2013 or 2014, most Americans would be required to have health insurance coverage or face a financial penalty. Individuals would have to show proof of coverage on their federal income tax returns. Exempt from this requirement would be those with low incomes — many of whom would be covered under an expanded Medicaid program — as well as Native Americans and individuals who claim religious exemptions.