Editor's Note: With President Obama’s prime time health care address on Wednesday evening, American Morning’s Thursday audience intently scrutinized the health care segments. Bill Bennett was ardently rejected as an appropriate spokesman on the topic, as his statistics and credibility were called into question. Others remarked that conservatives were against health care because they can afford coverage.
- Ralph: I could care less what those ignorant rednecks on the right "think". These fools are the same ones who want to deny me access to health care. That makes it a personal attack on me as far as I'm concerned. To hell with them.
- Bernadette: Where in the world does Bill Bennett get his statistics and 'facts'? Certainly it is not what the majority of the American public wants! 80 percent indeed. He is living in a delusional world and hopes that we are too stupid to challenge his skewed figures. Insurance companies must be pressuring him and others in his party to come on air on tout their praises. He should realize that those days are over.
- Shag: I don't understand how your are giving a fair hearing to the healthcare issue when you've got Bill Bennett and the former head of the American Red Cross on, back-to-back. I have Aetna, and the cost of my premiums and deductible eats about half of one of my paychecks. Most of my co-workers are unhappy with the insurance we've had for years. I listen to your host and they deliver softballs to the people they interview. You need to give this issue a fair hearing. We have "the best healthcare in world," for the wealthy who can afford it. Lastly, how does a man who was found to have gambled 1 million dollars quarterly, get to be an arbiter of "values."
How do you feel about Mr. Bennett’s comment regarding health care? Do you believe that health care quality will suffer under the universal plan being proposed by the Obama Administration?
- Nancy: Health Care - the wrong question is asked or it is misinterpreted. The "quality" of health care in the US is superb. The medical services are not in question. It is the "cost" of the health care that troubles most people. Insurance companies' administrative costs are higher than the medical services provided. The double digit yearly increases in coverage is the problem.
- Marti: Fix healthcare now. My doctor gets paid less than half for his billable services. He has 10 minutes to talk with me (his own words). I have coverage but am finding the co-pays combined with my reoccurring monthly medications more than my budget to handle.
- Edna: Good morning. I am watching on CNN what some people are saying about the President's proposed plan to help people without healthcare. I don't think people that have private health plans will lose them. Here in Puerto Rico, former Governor Dr. Rossello instituted a health reform that offers indigent people healthcare plans contracted with the same companies that offer private plans to companies. Another idea can be public hospitals for indigent people. It's appalling to hear the selfishness of those who are not in need. I think the Republicans are misleading the American people. God bless President Obama who cares for the needy!
- Brian: Although we have universal health coverage in Canada, it does not cover everything, and monthly fees vary from province to province. Private companies like Blue Cross provide extended coverage for both medical and dental for those who can afford it and employee plans. Private insurers are part of the equation.
What are your biggest concerns about health care in general, and about universal health care, in particular?