Congressman, State Representative covers health care with Democrats in Port Angeles

By Lois Krafsky-Perry
 
Port Angeles, WA August 14, 2009  - Clallam County Democrats gathered to hear a health panel, State Representative Lyn Kessler, and Congressman Norm Dicks about the proposed healthcare bill HR3200. Meanwhile, about 200 citizens held signs in protest of the congressman's refusal to hold open townhall meetings, with other signs about healthcare and govt spending issues. Although approximately 80 people bought dinner tickets, approximately 100 people filled one section of the meeting room at the Red Lion Convention room.
 
“Health care is eating the state budget…” said Washington State 24th District Representative Lyn Kessler (D), of Grays Harbor.  “Health care does not make health care decisions---care givers make decisions,” she related to attendees, and several media, who represented a variety of news outlets.

Although some news broadcasters announced the meeting earlier in the week, it was later billed as “by invitation only” by Clallam County Democrats.  Kessler spoke and answered questions as the crowd waited for Congressman Norm Dicks (D) of Bremerton, who was late for the event.

The meeting was facilitated by John Marrs, chair for the Democrat Party. Kessler stated that many people contacting her office have had health care denied for services such as cancer.  If real problems their doctors should know what can happen. “This is really all the bill says,” said Kessler, who continued, “your physician can advise you at end of life.”

The long time Representative discussed spending in the legislature this past year. Health care in Washington State ran $7.5 billion, and education almost doubled that, she said at $15.1 billion in K-12 education. Higher education was higher, at $2.8 billion, “and is growing all the time”, she announced.

“Eyman’s [initiative] is so much more dangerous, I call it the duh initiative,” she said. She encouraged people not to vote for the initiative. She stated it will limit our revenue to growth population and 14 percent increase to Peninsula College (Port Angeles). “Medicaid is going up: in tough times, people turn to the government for help,” warned Kessler.

She mentioned tribal concerns, as many tribal members representing several tribes, were seated throughout the room. She said it is an oxymoron to say they do not need more money.  She said some money was put into a rainy day fund with a lid. 

Then to owners of property tax rebate, “$9 billion was a hole in the budget this year,” said Kessler, while discussing the state budget.

As Norm Dicks arrived, Kessler was encouraged to speak longer, so he could eat lunch.  She continued by explaining how some of the revenue was saved.  Early savings budget was frozen, and travel purchases saved $400 million, she said.  A couple of initiatives suspended  teachers $800 million.
Approximately $3.2 billion was actually reductions, “not true spending, as the Republicans say,” offered Kessler.

Budget stabilization account  $3 billion in education. Medicaid was a one time shot.  8.9 billion dollars.

A former employee of Labor and Industries said he got a raise. “Makes no sense,” he announced.  “If you suspend two initiatives, why not all of Eyman’s,” asked a gentleman.

She said we could individually said raise taxes---polling ---no appetite for education….collectively not a good idea, said Kessler.

….“We are political animals, be willing to spend capital to overturn the one now, detrimental to our state,” she remarked.

A gentleman in the room, hollered to send him [Eyman] somewhere.

“China is too close,” remarked Kessler.

Kessler said we have the largest transportation budget in the states.
…$32 million to Peninsula College,  she stated.

Kessler said George Bush started the stimulus package. In answer to one question as to how much is projected in cost revenue for the state, she said $200 million is projected.  The leadership met a couple days ago, she stated, and a precipitous fall has slowed substantially.  The budget cycle is July 1 to July 2011.

A gentleman asked when 101 [highway] would be done.  There is a big push this year, he said. In the next three biennia, all the money will be spent.

Kessler discussed the early completion of Hood Canal Bridge.

Norm Dicks, who was seated nearby and not noticed until now by Kessler, made a comment, and then Kessler said, “I am the warm up act.” 

“The majority leader is never a warm up act,” he answered, with a smile.

Congressman, Norm Dicks (D), from Bremerton,  was introduced by Clallam County Democrat Chair, John Marrs, who facilitated the meeting.
 
 As Dicks approached the podium about a dozen people, each
 presented one red rose to the Congressman.
 
“Lots of people wanted to be at this meeting.  Is the chair of the Republican Party here?” asked Dicks.  Someone in the meeting said, “he left earlier!”
 
“HR 3200 is online,” announced  Dicks, as he referred to the handout, including other literature.  He referred to a  New York Times article and read several  accounts.
 
 “I was invited by Clallam County Democrats to be here to discuss health care---this is a serious debate in Congress,” announced the Congressman.
“For 33 years, always hoped to get to grips with this debate,” he said.
He referred to the article in the NY Times, in the handout literature.  Art Gawandee notes in the article, Gildo Romero “how to know essentials.”  He mentioned concerns about ultra sound and gall bladders in the article. Dicks related that the most expensive…  “is the doctors’ pen.”

He mentioned the name Obama and said, “We have to get the cost down, the current system is unsustainable.” It will cover 97 percent.  “I am not a blue dog, They are more conservative. I am a regular Democrat,” announced Dicks. He mentioned the National Exchange Program.  Phased in a period of time---- medical reimbursement.

Eric Lewis, [Olympic Memorial Hospital, Chief Executive],  understands this program,”  he said.  Many are overusing the system and unnecessary cutback. Need ways other than political to their rates.

“We formed a coalition in Ways and Means,” he said.  Eight billion dollars, was true reform, he said.

The Institute of Medicine - Obama’s group - develops a plan for reimbursement.  On geographic and focus on quality. Dartmuth health care. One hundred thousand people died due to complications in surgery, he said. “Have to reform it, not sustainable,” announced Dicks.
“I told Pelosi I cannot support it,” he said. Pelosi brings in chair of Ways and Means from New York----argument---then speaker comes on our side.” He stated.

Dicks mentioned Jay Enslee from Washington State.  “I appreciate as our representative,” said Dicks.  He stated, “their study will be done. “ He said that the Representative from Kansas will submit to Congress and they have 30 days to get away from political basis. Forty years this system advances.  “This is the only time we have to fix it,” he declared. He said we have the merits on our side for this long stretch. 

Cost of $350,000, “most will come from these people,” he said as he explained a surcharge to those making over that amount. Someone in the crowd said, “that is the Republicans,” which brought laughter.

He referred to the numbers 1.2 to 2.5 people, who do not sign up for insurance.
“The National Exchange” under $500,000 for businesses, they are not included,” he stated.

Ed Boyle, retired as Chief petty officer and Washington State Ferries, said he is an activist. He stated that medical devices are big bucks. 

Another gentleman encouraged Dicks to stop the abuse of Medicare. “Single care is not on the table.  Obama ran to keep yours, if you like it. He laid out the playing field. There are 47 million not signed up.”

“It is hard to do something the President is not for,” was the answer.  

“Is benefit of private insurer in the picture?” asked another person .  Path of less resistance. Pre- existing conditions.  We have to overcome in this bill was the answer. “It is a political calculation.”

Another person said,  “Obama is cutting a deal for $80 billion--- no negotiations of medicine?”

Dicks stated there is discussion of medicines and the abuse of it, as well. He mentioned a Wellness Program in the Bill. “Anything to reduce cost meds to seniors, a good idea,” he said.

A nurse mentioned ---disconnection of insurance from employer.” Distorted difficulties because of this disconnection, “ she said.

An electrician and heat installer who works with energy said, “the corporations are driving the trucks---on you guys” He asked, “when are you going to pull the plugs on this?”

Dicks said we have free enterprise.  We are not a Socialist country.”  He said that some fail. 

“We passed an energy bill in the House of Representatives”  ...biomass,   wood waste, etc. he said.

Dicks offered, “pharmacies have overcharged----government could do better.”

Dicks said there would be four different options.

More comprehensive more beneficial system, no pre-existing limits. Small business, also competition…public options still in the House,” he said.  

A man named Nathan mentioned National Coop. “Some state by state is being discussed,” he stated.   “Lots of opposition in the Senate to that,” said Dicks.

Sylvia Hancock said, “we are at a crossroads. Listen to the people and have courage,” she remarked to the Congressman.
 
A gentleman from Sequim asked “are medical ads on TV illegal?” 
“No,” was the answer.

“Feds have disclosure, “ said Dicks, and continued, “We have the First Amendment.”

John Pollack of Sequim mentioned bringing the costs down. He shared we need exercise and  commented about proper nutrition.

“We in this Bill (sic), have wellness in there,” stated Dicks. “Also for Native Americans.” Dicks said he was the chair of that state committee to deal with diabetes.

A representative of the Makah Tribal Council spoke about premium concerns. “Some are paying for non Tribal’s.  My concerns insurance agents are making doctors decision for saving lives.” He was also concerned about eligibility for Tribal sovereignty.

Dicks shared his concern also for the Tribal spokesperson.
Hank Warren said five countries have this (U health care) “All these countries love their programs,” he announced.” Some people don’t want to be informed. 

Some say this could be Obama’s Waterloo, one person said.
Debra Sharp said, “We are underinsured with huge deductible.”

Peggy Hanna said that having insurance does not mean to see a doctor. “We will need more primary health doctors,” was the answer.

Wendy Nelson, representing a local Tribal group said, “Tribals need incentive and also dentists.”
“National Health Servce Corps--- rebuild it up.” was the answer.

Anna Berry, a retired pharmacist asked, “health care under one system---why not?”  She was answered by Dicks, who said he was not sure they did the right thing when he supported it on the past committee.  Reduce cost.  He referred to 47 million.

Francis Charles, Chairwoman of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe offered thanks from tribal folks to the Congressman. Charles was concerned about Treaty responsibility. “We lack dollars. Two more tribal members with cancer…It could wipe out your balance for the year. We are no different for services,” she said.

Dicks---in the 2010 budget, we have increased. We are bi-partisan.” We all support….” he said.

Someone asked if there are alternate choices and Dicks said there is already Medicare.

“Are there any provisions?” asked another person.  Dicks answered in the negative. 

Linda Middleton has a non-profit.  “We need health insurance,” she announced.

Norma Turner asked if they are rescinding some old legislation in past... “going to revisit the bankruptcy bill?”

“Always will be under consideration,” answered Dicks.

A nurse wanted to know if chronic diseases is in the Bill.

“Wellness Prevention with funding,” was the answer. “We have to be personally responsible,” announced  Dicks as the meeting came to a close.