TMC’s forum on federal heath reform draws big crowd, mostly of opponents
A livestream of the event on Facebook drew 1,900, organizers added.
"I'm floored," TMC spokesman
Here are five takeaways from the event:
1. The sentiment at the forum was against both the
The audience members were also predominantly either concerned about both bills or had made up their minds against them. A group greeted attendees with information about a single-payer "Medicare for All" alternative. One woman held a sign that said "Healthcare Not Wealthcare."
2. The opposition was not solely partisan.
Dr.
But he also disclosed to audience members that he is a lifelong registered Republican.
3. The
Under both bills, Medicaid as we know it could end. And congressional budget reports on both bills predict that under their provisions, more Americans will be uninsured.
Sharp cuts in federal funding could double the number of uninsured in
The Affordable Care Act passed under
"Access to care and access to insurance doesn't necessarily mean people are healthier and getting better, but it is a fundamental requisite, a kind of component of health and wellbeing."
But changes to the Medicaid program will change everything, Garcia and other panelists said. The legislation would repeal the Social Security Act provision that the federal government cover at least 50 percent of a state Medicaid program and would create a per-person cap, vulnerable to yearly cuts. All of that is bad for
4.
"Health care is a big part of
Panelists estimated upwards of 20,000 health-care jobs could be lost due to the financial impact of the proposed federal changes.
5. Some audience members had moral concerns.
TMC's Rich took written questions from the audience. When one asked about the possibility of a single-payer, universal system in the
Audience member and retired pastor
"The most vital thing I learned tonight is that we're in crisis," Wilkinson said. "There's very little hope for the poor if either of these bills passes."
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