Obama's Health Care Team Pumps Message

Washington Post: Tom Daschle Hits Indiana For Grass Roots Forum

(Washingtonpost.com)  This story was written by Ceci Connolly.

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Dolly Sweet, 77, has battled cancer more than once. She's a fighter. But when her doctor recently prescribed a medication that cost $35,000 a year, she felt she had no choice.

"I canceled the medicine," she said matter-of-factly to former senator Thomas A. Daschle, President-elect Barack Obama's top health adviser, who had come to the fire station here on a quest for "fresh ideas" on improving U.S. medical care.

"I wonder if you could talk to the drug companies," Sweet asked Daschle. "That's more than my Social Security."

Daschle, seated on a metal folding chair with pen in hand and videographer in tow, symbolically kicked off the incoming administration's effort to revamp health care with a grass-roots event that not-so-coincidentally mimicked the types of gatherings that Obama drew on to build support for his presidential candidacy.

"It's stories like that that can make a huge difference as we try to persuade members of Congress and others about the importance of trying to make the system better," Daschle told Sweet.

Even before taking office or introducing concrete policy proposals, the administration-in-waiting is moving to build public support around the broad notion that the U.S. health system needs an overhaul. To Washington veterans, the approach may seem backward, or even naive, but Obama is betting that the energetic, technology-savvy supporters who fueled his candidacy will act as a potent counterbalance to the traditionally powerful special interests that have defeated similar reform efforts.

Daschle told the 35 people at the open meeting in Dublin -- one of 8,500 that will be held nationwide -- that it was "designed really to engage the public, to get out of Washington and hear directly from you about your concerns, about your recommendations, about ways you think our system can be made to work better." Aides said Daschle plans to attend another health-care forum today, at the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center in Southeast Washington.

Travis Ulerick, an emergency medical technician in this town of 700, organized the session out of what he called frustration over the hardships he sees every day on the job. His ambulance recently picked up a woman who, after suffering a seizure, begged to be let out of the vehicle because she could not afford the $300 fee for transportation to the hospital.

"We have one of the best health-care systems in the world if you have money," said Ulerick, 25. "It's one of the worst if you're poor."

Local doctors complained that insurers dictate medical decisions and that Medicare rates do not cover the cost of services. Low fees, coupled with higher education loans, are forcing many physicians to quit primary care for more lucrative specialties, they added.

Jill King had her own theory about why her friend's cancer medicine was so expensive: Drug companies spend too much money buying meals for doctors.
"When we combine the stories of Dublin and multiply that times 300 million people, we begin to appreciate the magnitude of the problem," said Daschle, who has been nominated secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Through its Web site, the Obama transition team invited Americans to host health-care forums over the holidays. It provided "kits" that included a sample agenda, tips for a moderator and a plea for "particularly poignant stories to illustrate the need for healthcare reform."

A videographer documented Daschle's trip -- complete with footage of him walking through Indianapolis International Airport -- to post on the transition Web site. Other groups were encouraged to send photos, videos and reports.

Chip Kahn, president of the Federation of American Hospitals, which represents the for-profit sector of the health-care industry, compared the early outreach campaign to military maneuvers before an assault. Kahn marveled at how Obama had mobilized millions on behalf of his candidacy and said the grand experiment in high-tech, participatory democracy will either fizzle in six months or "change the nature of American politics."

It also appears that this month's sessions are geared mainly toward Obama's core supporters, a group predisposed to embrace the effort, Kahn said. "The Obama playbook is to engage everyone as long as they can, try to avoid getting into the details as long as they can," he said. "But in health care, details matter."

Industry groups, such as insurers, are objecting to Obama's idea to create a public insurance program for people who cannot buy private coverage. They have encouraged employees and allies to attend the sessions, though Obama supporters such as AARP, MoveOn.org and the Service Employees International Union have mobilized tens of thousands on the other side.

At a hospice in Sarasota, Fla., patients and providers alike spoke of the need for more primary care doctors and preventive services. The group that met in the Las Vegas home of Ruby Waller concluded that a single-payer system similar to the Canadian approach might make better sense. "There's too much profit in health care," said Waller, 53, who has diabetes.

Just before Christmas, Sreedhar Potarazu hosted a group in McLean, where participants complained that they do not know how to evaluate the quality of their care. "They don't feel like they are getting information needed to make better decisions," said Potarazu, a physician and entrepreneur. Half of the 40 people at the session said they were satisfied with their physicians; several reported being hounded by collection agencies for unpaid medical bills; and six knew about standard screening measures, such as when women ought to have mammograms.

"That's worrisome," Potarazu said.

In Dublin, Penny Sitler said the Obama administration should follow the lead of her employer, Draper Inc., in devising incentives. The shade and equipment manufacturer opened an on-site clinic where she, her husband and their two children get checkups, flu shots, lab tests and even minor surgery -- all free. "It's a real nice benefit for employees, and I'm told the company is saving money, too," said Sitler, who did not vote for Obama.

For Obama loyalists, however, the gatherings are less about concrete policy solutions and more a demonstration that "we're here, and we're ready to work," Ulerick said.

"I have faith Barack is true to his word," Waller said. "He listens to the grass roots."

[Marie Zarankevich]

Given all the revelations in the business world lately, and medicine is big business, should we not be more concerned that any funds blindly assigned to medicine will end up in the pockets of a few people, and not really invested in our health care systems??? -- That is not even accounting for the fact that the medical INDUSTRY needs to be scrutinized carefully in the first place. -- We spend a HUGE amount of money on medical care, and what we get for it is becoming quite debatable. -- Much modern medicine is devoted to curing us from the side-effects of other medicine, and all of THAT really should be looked into. -- Allowing anyone to turn our bodies into a chemical stew is probably not the height of wisdom, and should be carefully thought out, the same way we are rethinking how we are handling the environment. -- We need to be a lot smarter than we have been in the past. -- Thank you.

[sardoc31]

I have an Idea for health care for all that we have already paid for though our taxes. The U.S. has already trained mid level practitioners that can alleviate the massive health care needs of Americans, they just need to be utilized.
Thousands of former U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen and U.S. Army combat medics, who have received considerable medical training during their military service and gained valuable experience during Operation enduring freedom and Operation Iraqi freedom. These well trained men and women can immediately create access to quality, affordable, cost-effective health care for all Americans; the use of evidence-based medicine; physician-directed teams of health care providers; optimal utilization of primary care; emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.

[taxed01]

We need a health care system that is %u201Cdictionary%u201D affordable %u2013 meaning costs are low enough for companies and people to afford. We do not need the %u201CLiberal%u201D affordable %u2013 meaning some people get healthcare for nothing or below actual cost and somebody else gets taxed to death to pay for it.
That is not change; it is just bigger Medicaid %u2013 a giveaway of somebody else hard-earned money to somebody. Not fair.
I have always worked hard, tried to make responsible decisions and carried my own weight in society. All the while I have been taxed to pay for other peoples bills %u2013 food, housing, medical care, etc%u2026
Get the cost down and stop punishing me for paying my own bills and keeping out of other peoples wallets.

[jodigirl1000]

Yes, wfrontguy, we do have socialized medicine in those programs. And they are perfect examples of socialized medicine in this country is a waste.

BTWE, sorry for all of the identical posts. The goofy "Publish" button told me to "try again." Where is the accountability there?

http://advocateyourself.blogspot.com

[jodigirl1000]

I pray that, for once, the government does not rely up the lobbying organizations and people with agendas in formulating necessary changes.

Some people, such as myself, have been a part of the system by circumstance (not choice). But I am an educated woman (law degree) and I have a sense of an aspect of the problem --- lack of accountability.

1. Bad doctors must be disciplined. State agencies are not getting it done. The AMA intimidates doctors from testifying for hurt plaintiffs.

2. The current hospitalist program model must be revised (esp in teaching hospitals)

3. Doctors must learn to say "no" to patients who demand useless DME.

http://advocateyourself.blogspot.com

[jodigirl1000]

I pray that, for once, the government does not rely up the lobbying organizations and people with agendas in formulating necessary changes.

Some people, such as myself, have been a part of the system by circumstance (not choice). But I am an educated woman (law degree) and I have a sense of an aspect of the problem --- lack of accountability.

1. Bad doctors must be disciplined. State agencies are not getting it done. The AMA intimidates doctors from testifying for hurt plaintiffs.

2. The current hospitalist program model must be revised (esp in teaching hospitals)

3. Doctors must learn to say "no" to patients who demand useless DME.

http://advocateyourself.blogspot.com

[jodigirl1000]

I pray that, for once, the government does not rely up the lobbying organizations and people with agendas in formulating necessary changes.

Some people, such as myself, have been a part of the system by circumstance (not choice). But I am an educated woman (law degree) and I have a sense of an aspect of the problem --- lack of accountability.

1. Bad doctors must be disciplined. State agencies are not getting it done. The AMA intimidates doctors from testifying for hurt plaintiffs.

2. The current hospitalist program model must be revised (esp in teaching hospitals)

3. Doctors must learn to say "no" to patients who demand useless DME.

http://advocateyourself.blogspot.com

[jodigirl1000]

I pray that, for once, the government does not rely up the lobbying organizations and people with agendas in formulating necessary changes.

Some people, such as myself, have been a part of the system by circumstance (not choice). But I am an educated woman (law degree) and I have a sense of an aspect of the problem --- lack of accountability.

1. Bad doctors must be disciplined. State agencies are not getting it done. The AMA intimidates doctors from testifying for hurt plaintiffs.

2. The current hospitalist program model must be revised (esp in teaching hospitals)

3. Doctors must learn to say "no" to patients who demand useless DME.

http://advocateyourself.blogspot.com

[jodigirl1000]

I pray that, for once, the government does not rely up the lobbying organizations and people with agendas in formulating necessary changes.

Some people, such as myself, have been a part of the system by circumstance (not choice). But I am an educated woman (law degree) and I have a sense of an aspect of the problem --- lack of accountability.

1. Bad doctors must be disciplined. State agencies are not getting it done. The AMA intimidates doctors from testifying for hurt plaintiffs.

2. The current hospitalist program model must be revised (esp in teaching hospitals)

3. Doctors must learn to say "no" to patients who demand useless DME.

[tibu987]

Just where is all the money coming from to sustain all of Obama''s promises?

More foreign debt?

Like so many politicians that borrow to pay today''s
debts and leave the problem of repayment to their successors, i.e., the U.S. taxpayer, Obama seems to be falling into that trap.

Obama has the opportunity to become a great president,
yet, I foresee the U.S. becoming more indebted to foreign nations to fulfill all the promises he has made.

Our debt to forein countries (Fall, 2008):
Japan, $585.9 billion
China, $541 billion
England, $307.4 billion
OPEC Nations*, $179.8
Caribbean banking centers**, $147.7 billion.

*Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Venezuela.

**Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, British Virgin Islands.

Too bad.

The American Health Care System is a travesty. Driven by profit from synthetic drugs that are foreign to the human body. Finally real Leadership that will turn the tide for all of us.

[RichardThomas]

You should all read The End of Disease, just Google the phrase or look here http://intelegen.com/nutrients/index.htm. It has the actual detail. Also read the Blog one of Obama''s private advisors http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/richardgerber if you want to know what is coming. The disease industry is going to be replaced with a health industry.

[ginger20051]

Keep in mind that whatever is done we, the taxpayers, will pay for it. The only question is how much we are willing to pay.
The democrats mantra "From each according to their ability - To each according to their need."

[wfrontguy]

You already have socialized medicine and you don''t know it!!!!! What the heck is Medicaid and Medicare?
You are paying for a broken system with profit being the number one choice when making decisions about Heathcare and this will continue as you have too many vested "moneyed" interests. You "buy" government policy in the good ole USA.

[brundage3]

I have had family members die because of our medical system. (From local to federal,,, insurance to government decisions.)

There is a difference among Democrats between the Obama idea of making Insurance AFFORDABLE to all to choose to buy and the Clinton idea of making each of us be insured.

The best of both are needed. We need a system which ASSURES the best medical care to each of us. That ASSURANCE should come first as a priority followed by the system of INsurance we can best implement.

[likeitis5050]

Well from the Republican perspective Dolly''''s problem can be negated by the following logic:
1. Blame Dolly for getting cancer
2. Blame Dolly for not making enough to afford her own medication
3. Blame Dolly for not dying younger thus eliminating 1 and 2
Posted by afmca

Great post but I''m sure you meant to say ''from the Bush Administration''s point of view'' because to blanket a statment with ''Republicans'' you imply ALL Republicans think like that....which would make you typical of ALL Democrats who hate the idea of protection for unborn babies but insist on abolishing the death pentalty because ''life is worth rehabilitating and protecting''...now see how stupid that sounds? I happen to know that isn''t true....and neither is the notion that ALL Republicans are not concerned with quality of life issues that we believe our society/government needs to take an active role in providing. Of course if you just want to lash out and have little interest in being fair then feel free...it''s still your right.

[afmca]

Well from the Republican perspective Dolly''s problem can be negated by the following logic:
1. Blame Dolly for getting cancer
2. Blame Dolly for not making enough to afford her own medication
3. Blame Dolly for not dying younger thus eliminating 1 and 2

No Republican ever questions why the CEOs of these pharmaceutical companies make tens of millions in wages when they are neither bright enough to invent the medication or talented enough to actually manufacture it.

Here is a prayer that Obama can finally create a national, universal health care plan that will permit all Americans a healthy life. If done correctly, this could be the greatest economic stimulus as it would even the field between all corporations because it would:
1. eliminate the gap between companies that provide health care and those that don''t. It would free good corporate citizens of the burden of retiree care that gives the newer companies unfair advantages.
2. free workers to go work for good companies instead of staying because of medical benefits. What would poorly run companies do if they truly had to compete for talent?
3. allow for entrepreneurial growth as people would feel free to start their own companies since medical care would already be factored in.