Top of the Bill: Health Care

What is the number-one issue that you want your representatives in Congress to focus on this year? Do they know how you feel? How would changes to this life issue impact you?

For many, health care is a top concern, and Democrats have been concentrating their messaging in that area. But what are their health care ideas?

In their campaign speeches and press conferences, Democrats are saying that they can improve many facets of health care, including drug coverage for seniors and health insurance for children. Also on the list, enhancing stem cell research and veterans’ health care.

Drug coverage for seniors

Democrats say that they want to change the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 to allow the government to negotiate directly with drug companies, a practice that is currently outlawed. Direct negotiations would bring down prices for Medicare beneficiaries. Currently, private insurers bargain for drug discounts.

Drug companies stand to lose a lot of money if Democrats make the change, which would require a Democratic majority in the House and Senate.

For more on Medicare prescription drug coverage, click here.

Health insurance for kids

Democrats also want to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a plan created in 1997 that both parties support. But Democrats want more funding to go to SCHIP; they say that more money is needed just to continue coverage for the four million children who are already enrolled.

Further, Democrats want to expand the program to cover even more kids, since two-thirds of uninsured children are eligible.

Democrats have not said how they plan to pay for the expanded program should they take control of Congress.

For more on SCHIP, click here.

Stem Cell Research

Democrats and a growing number of Republicans are in favor of stem cell research, which President Bush banned in 2001.

Stem cell research is relatively new; only since 1998 have scientists been able to grow and isolate stem cells, which have the unique potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. When a stem cell divides, each "daughter" cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function. Stem cells, therefore, could serve as a repair system for tissues and organs, replenishing damaged or diseased cells, including red blood cells, brain cells, or muscle cells. They have the potential to cure life-threatening diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Harvesting stem cells always kills the days-old embryos; so some are opposed to the practice. The argument over stem cell research often mimics the abortion debate, centering on religious definitions about when human life begins. However, the issue is not a partisan one; in fact, the issue has split the Republican Party. On July 29, 2005, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist broke with President Bush and announced his support for a bill that would expand federally-funded stem cell research.

For more on this, click here.

Veteran’s Health Care

Democrats recently commissioned a study on Veterans’ Services to see how the Iraq war is affecting health care for veterans.

Demand has increased dramatically since 2005, with one in three returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan in need of mental health services.

The study found that 40 percent of veterans’ readjustment centers are unable to meet the new demand for services. Many Iraq veterans who need one-on-one therapy are making do with group therapy. And 17 percent of centers are turning away veterans and have long waiting lists.

Again, Democrats see lack of funding as the main issue, but candidates have not explained how they would increase financial support for vets.

VA officials have questioned the authority of the survey, saying it was not scientific.

What do you think?

Are these health care issues urgent for you? If not, which life issues are of concern? Do you agree with the Democrats’ approaches to health care? What else would you like to see happen in health and healthcare?

Your input matters

Your representatives in Congress DO care what you think. Especially now -- 2006 is an election year and many representatives will be looking to reconnect with their constituents. Let your congressmen and women know what you think! Give your senators a piece of your mind! To get to your reps, click here.

To explore our archive of past Health Issue updates, click here.

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