Anita Roman reporting
Saturday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to overhaul the nation’s health care system. But already, the impact of that decision is being debated and questioned.
Now, both lawmakers and valley residents are sharing concerns over what happens next.
The plan passed by the House is meant to extend coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. But it will require many to reach into their pockets and spend money that will either pay for coverage or require them to pay more taxes.
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley received a warm welcome when she arrived at McCarran International Airport Sunday afternoon. She cast one of the 220 “yes” votes on the House floor Saturday night, helping to pass President Obama’s health care reform bill.
“It’s up there at the same level as Social Security, Medicare, the civil rights legislation," she says.
The bill would create a public option and extend coverage to an estimated 96 percent of Americans, including many of the 460,000 Nevadans currently uninsured.
“Personally, its going to get me health insurance for my son,” says Carolyn Essex. “He doesn't qualify for Medicade or Nevada Checkup. I need an option so I will be able to get insurance for him.”
Republican Congressman Dean Heller says he is surprised lawmakers would vote in favor of a bill that will raise taxes and increase debt, premiums, and the cost of health care.
“I had a couple of CEOs in my office - about 50 of them recently within the last week - and they are saying this is the least business-friendly administration in Congress that they have seen in history. (The administration is) continuing to tax these small business, these medium-size businesses that are just struggling right now to keep people employed.”
Both citizens and large businesses would be required to obtain or offer health care or risk facing penalties. The Senate plan also imposes a variety of taxes and fees, including a levy on high-cost insurance plans. The House would pay for the coverage expansion by raising taxes on upper-income earners.
“If you are making $1 million year, anything you make over $1 million there will be a surcharge,” explains Congresswoman Berkley. “But for people that are making under $1 million a year, there is no tax in the House version.”
While many people feel positive that with health care reform, there will be no denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions, some Nevadans are worried that reform will cost them rather than help them.
Tiffany Russell: Yes, I’m scared about what its going to cost. What else are you going to say? Our country is already in world of hurt so go ahead and put the burden on us? We have big shoulders, I guess.
Maureen Youngmayer: The concern that I have is that is it going to be fair for everybody no matter what level of income you have? Sometimes it bothers me that people get insurance that we are paying our taxes for.
But there are those who say that at this point, the strengths of the bill outweigh the weaknesses.
“People lose health insurance, don’t have coverage every day. That’s the biggest concern for Nevadans,” says Jennifer Lopez, State Director for Organizing for America. “This bill will help many, many people.”
What was passed Saturday night is not the definitive piece of legislation but just the first step. Now, the Senate will consider its own legislation. Both versions must be voted on and pass before they are sent to the president.
The House plan costs about $1.2 trillion over ten years; the Senate version is under $900 billion
