Delaware Dem and I are here. There’s a big turnout of pro-reform people. No one looks angry yet. Plus, Mike Protack is here.
Castle speaking…
Why are people so excited?
Because everyone has an interest in health care. Castle says this is his third live townhall + 3 telephone townhalls. Lots of police here – are they worried?
Problem with American health care: 46M uninsured.
Statistics 7M families earn >$80K
9M are not U.S. citizens
12M are eligible for existing programs – Medicaid eligible but not enrolled, children not in S-CHIP
100K uninsured in Delaware, 27K are eligible for these programs.
Caring for uninsured is expensive for hospitals. ER care is very expensive, treats minor problems.
2nd issue: cost of health care
Costs are rising very fast, second only to college tuition costs.
$2.2T spent last year on health care, 16% of GDP, scheduled to rise to 25% of GDP by 2025. To me he sounds pro-reform!
President Obama didn’t write the legislation – House and Senate have written it. Castle is on one of the committees (he voted no). Republicans have not been supportive, Castle says (that’s an understatement). Castle has not seen the final bill. Castle says the HELP committee bill won’t be considered in the Senate. Castle says the bill isn’t paid for and then talks about how it’s paid for. He says it will be a job-killer. Castle says the assurances aren’t incorporated, thinks the ways of paying for are weak. Castle says individual mandate is controversial. Castle says Obama’s proposal doesn’t have savings.
Castle says we need health care reform. Supports Medicare and Medicaid reform – sustain these programs. Pre-existing conditions and portability issues, Castle supports reforms for these. Supports one form for all reimbursement claims. Favors medical malpractice reform, but not eliminating it. Malpractice reform is a state issue, according to Castle. New ways for individuals and businesses to purchase insurance. Wants to be able to cross state lines. Outreach to get people to enroll in existing programs. Addition of wellness – annual physicals, reduction in obesity and smoking. Wants to make sure we have more physicians, especially primary care physicians.
Concern that people will be forced into the public plan. Wants to make sure you retain your insurance. Next steps – SFC done in mid-September. Votes in House in mid-September. Talking about budget reconciliation. Castle says filibuster is not good for America.